Trick or Treat? You Decide.

Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year. To begin with, its Halloween and that opens the way for so much fun.  In my house, Halloween has another special meaning, though. My good hubby-buddy will be celebrating another birthday. This makes this particular holiday quite special to all of us.

I've often wondered if he ever felt left out because of the holidays, but when I watch him handing out candy and visiting with all the trick or treaters, my heart tells me that this is what he lives for. Does he feel that his birthday is special? I think he does. He told me one time that he loves the fact that the whole nation celebrates his birthday by visiting each other in full-costume.

Do you share your birthday with a holiday? How do you feel about it? Is is something you wish were different? Do you enjoy it? I'd love to hear your feelings about something that most of us will never comprehend, first-hand.

Are we havin' fun, yet?

Okay, I don't know about any of you, but this is as much fun as Christmas. I love, Love, LOVE blogging. How about you? Have you ever had so much fun in your life? I have loved my computer for years, but that was waaaaaay before it learned how to chew its food. Now, look at it; not a baby anymore, no sir! Our baby's out of diapers and learnin' to crawl. And ain't I just the proud mama? You bet your sweet Bippy, I am.


Now that I've said alla' that, here's what I was leadin' up to: if you're not havin' fun with your blog, well... no disrespect intended, but you're not doin' it right. hahahahaha
No, I don't mean you're not doing the graphics right. I just mean ya' gotta' get in there and get some paint on your clothes and yer nose. Can't ya' just imagine if you were Bloggin' Paint and no one cared enough to splatter a little bit around? Why, if that were me, I would go into a deep depression.
Come on, bloggin' buddies, let's have some FUN !!!
By the way, if you click on any of my 'Blinkies,' you'll be directed to The Cutest Blog On The Block, a place that is just chock full of fun paints and all kinds of tools for doing all the remodeling you could possibly wanna' do. Now, let's get in there and spill some paint.
Oh, I hope no one minded how much paint I splattered around. hehe. Don't worry; a couple of clicks will clean that right up.

Share and Share, Alike

Don't you just love to share? I do. I think that's why I love writing so much. In the twentieth century, we are very blessed, indeed, to be able to write and have people from 'Virtually' anywhere read what we have written. By the way, that pun was intended. Fun pun, huh?
Today, I'd like to share my other blog with you and ask if you would mind sharing my blog with two other people. But I'm not asking without offering. Every person who comments or joins my blog in the next seven days will be rewarded. I will be sure to go to your blog and comment, as well as linking to your blog so others can find you, too. If you join or comment on both sites, I will link to your blog from both here and Red Wagon Flights.
I love shouting to the masses, as I mentioned in an earlier post, but I'm finding that I'm a real 'Word Hog' and would love to make even more friends. Thank you all for reading Yaya's Changing World. I didn't realize how much you would change me by your kindness.

Re-arranging the blog furniture

Do you like the new look? When I was young and healthy, I always enjoyed moving the furniture around for a new look, much to the consternation of my good hubby-buddy.

In fact, there were a couple of times when re-arranged furniture actually caused some near-disasters, but then I grew... not young, hehe, and my newly-acquired body-kinks and groans prevented me from having so much fun.  Until now. Now, there are all kinds of things I can move around on my blog.  Isn't this fun?

Paper Should Not Be Work

I promised I would share a trick I learned about how to stay on top of paperwork.  I only recently learned about this, but I was so impressed by the way it was explained that I had to try it out for myself.  And you know what?  It works.  I am not always so lucky.

Here's how it goes: first, make a file for whatever you are doing. No, not a whole filing cabinet full of folders. Just one simple folder for, say, your blog. In that folder, you will put anything relating to your blog, but it doesn't stop there. Let's say you post one comment per week and while you are thinking about what you want to post next, you have several thoughts on the subject. There's a way to stay on top of that, but it will come in a future post.

Okay, so your file is simply labeled Blog. Now, lets suppose your blog is about writing. So far, you have posted an average of once a week on your blog, for an average of four times per month for three years. Cool.

If you had made paper copies of each of your posts, you would now have a file full of papers containing copies of all of your posts.  That's awesome. Would you be able to go to your file and pull out a post that you wanted to refer back to? Possibly. But what happens if you are still posting on your blog fifteen years from now? Would you still be able to access the paper you want without spending a lot of time, shuffling?  Maybe not.

Here's what I've found helps: inside the hanging file marked Blog, slip another, smaller file marked 2006. In that file, place the copies of all of your posts from 2006.

Did you have several topics you discussed on your blog? Okay. Then all you have to do is put still another file in the hanging file and mark this new file Writing, if that is something you have posted about several times and if you plan to write more about it. Make copies of those posts which discuss writing and put those copies into the file marked Writing. Don't worry if you have several folders within your hanging folder. There's a way to take care of that and we'll be discussing that at a later date. I hope this helps you as much as it has helped me in gaining some degree of control over my many and varied types of paperwork.

Welcome To My World

I've been very blessed of late to see several new people visit my blog and some of you have even become followers.  Thank you.  Although this thrills me more than I can say, I would like to ask a favor.  When I try to find some of your homes on the web, I can't seem to figure out how toget to your house.  I'm sure this is one of my own technical flaws, but I was wondering if you would mind making sure that there is some way for me to find your blog?
I've found that the best way to make sure others can find me is by adding my web address whenever I comment on someone's blog.  That way, even when I can't figure out how to make it a hotlink (is that the right term?), anyone reading can at least copy/paste my address into a search engine and find me.
Now, I know that some people have an automatic link on their picture when you hold your mouse over the picture, but I haven't really figured out how to do this.  Sometimes, my picture shows up when I click to follow and other times, it shows me all dressed in gray.   I don't seem to have any choice in the matter, most of the time.
Also, on occasion my picture will allow you to click and fly right on over here to visit.  While this is not always the case, I have chosen to write my address on every comment.
I would so love to visit with each of you.  If I have not visited your home in 'Blog World' and you have commented on one of my posts or have become a follower, please forgive me.  I just can't seem to find my way to your house.  I would just be thrilled if you would invite me by giving me your address.
Thank you all for the wonderful comments and support you have shown.  I am really beginning to love this whole 'Home On The Web' thing and I think I'm gonna' settle in for the long haul.  Please come in, sit down, make yourself at home and let's chat.  I look forward to getting to know you better and hope that you find ever visit worthwhile and enjoyable.
Tomorrow, I have some exciting news about how to make paperwork easier to control.  This has already helped me tremendously and I've only recently begun using it.
Would you like some hot cocoa and cookies while you visit?

My Thanks and Support of Other Bloggers

Well, I do believe today is Christmas. I know, I know. Its only October 21st and you think that means that it can't POSSIBLY be Christmas, yet. But you are wrong. I know today is Christmas because I got a present. Wanna' see it? Lookie, lookie ~ ~ ~ over there on the side. See it? I already unwrapped it and everything. Set it on my shelf for all to admire. Doesn't it look purdy?

::Yaya dusts unnecessarily at the new award she received from Kristi:: 

Don't you just looooooove the way its shines... all bright and sparklin' and everything? I'm so proud of my award. Thank you so much, Kristi. You are a real treasure... again.

Now, I would like to choose some very special people to pass this award on to.
No, wait! Maybe you'd like to know what the 'Kreative Blogger Gotta'-Do's' are, huh? Okay. Here are the 'Gotta'-Do's' so you'll know what to do when your turn comes:
Ok-Here are the seven suggestions ('Gotta'-Do's') for this lovely award. Recipients-You are charged with completing certain guidelines once receiving this award.
1) Copy the pretty picture and post it on your blog. This is the fun and easy part.
2) Thank the person that gave it to you and link to their blog. This is the fun and easy part. I've done this already, but there can never be too many thanks. THANK YOU KRISTI!!
3) Write 7 things about yourself we don't know. This is the fun and not so easy part.
4) Choose 7 other bloggers you would like to pass the award to. This is not so easy, either!
5) Link to those 7 other bloggers: Easy!
6) Notify your 7 bloggers: Easy!
Now, I don't know about you, but I had to ask how to do some of the things above, so if you don't know how to do something, don't be afraid to ask me. If I don't know how, I have learned who to ask. For the record, I also saved the instructions.
So, here are my choices:
For her contribution to the writing world and her determination and compassion in saving the Baby Rhino's, I pass this award to Lynn. The uniquely creative methods she implemented and the clever ways she found to recognize the talents of those around her were magical. If you've ever thought you'd like to be a witness to the enchantment of fairies, go to Lynn's site and read about the Baby Rhino's.


I give to Angelia, whose quiet faith that everyone around her can achieve greatness has helped many of us to 'keep 'a-going' when we might otherwise have quit, this award to proudly display. She shares her wisdom with the sweet confidence that lets us know we are, each and everyone of us, important and special.
Angelia loves horses and if that is your passion, you will want to learn from her. She takes great joy in sharing her expertise and you will thrill when you realize the depth of her knowledge and love for what she does.
How thrilled I am by Donna's words of inspiration. She is always there to offer assistance, teaching by example those lessons she has struggled so hard to learn, herself. She has built several places on the web where she gives instruction and advice, and you would do well to follow her guidance. I so admire her tenacity of spirit.  To you, Donna, I give this award for greatness.


Do you want to excel in what you do? Then, you must go to Mikki's site, where you can learn so many remarkable lessons, both in life and in her capacity as a writer. Mikki amazes me in her knowledge. But more than that; she is willing to guide others by applying simple, not simplistic, methods, mixed with concern. You will be better in what you do by going to Mikki's site and applying the techniques she shares.  Thank you, Mikki, for all you do.


For her ability to lovingly show those who trust in her leadership when they have gone beyond the limits of acceptance, I want to send this award to dear, dear Terrie, a gem in anyone's eyes. Her life holds so many challenges, yet she smiles and continues to help others. I am in awe of Terri and the love she shows through it all.  And Terrie's knowledge shines through in the words she shares on her website.  You will want to go there.
 
Quiet, believing Amy has long been an inspiration in my life. I wonder if I would have continued blogging if Amy had not stopped by my first blog and offered her sweet words of encouragement and kindness. For a very, very long time, I could not figure out how to find Amy on the web, but only recently was I able to recognize how to travel to her wonderful home on the internet. Thank you, Amy, for believing in me.
 
My heart goes out to Claudsy for her kindness and generosity in sharing what she knows. For this and the marvelous blog she maintains, I want to present this award to her.  Thank you, Claudsy, for the many times you have helped and encouraged so many of us in our endeavors for greatness. You are great in my eyes.
 
I can't tell you how much it means to me to not only receive this award, but to be able to pass it on to others whom I have admired for the kind of people they are. There are more, of course, but I will wait to find out if it is breaking any rules if I add them to my list of appreciated people.
 
And may I just say that I want to thank Kristi for honoring me with this Kreative Blogger's award. I so admire her ability to stand tall in the face of adversity. She is truly an inspiration to all whose lives she touches.
 
Now, I s'pose I hafta' tell something about myself. Hmmmm. It seems that I've told everything there is to know about me. Let's see; 7 things that you may not know about me:
 
1. I would be a very shy person if I thought I could get away with it. Trouble is, I had to learn at an early age that if I didn't make friends quickly, I may not get another chance because I moved around so much.
2. If I thought I wouldn't break my neck, I would still enjoy climbing trees.
3. I love watching cartoons, especially the older ones... Heckle and Jeckle are a particular favorite.
4. For the most part, I am a nightowl.
5. I am four years old.
6. I love playing with my grandies.
7. On the day my hubby-buddy proposed to me, he asked how I wanted to celebrate and I said I wanted to climb some trees... and we did. 
Well, now you know; I have many layers. Perhaps you'll wanna' come back and watch for another level. Ya' just never know what to expect from me. :-)

THE QUILTING CAT: Last Giveaway in Birthday Celebration!

Another giveaway! But you'd better hurry. The deadline is October 21st at noon. Hurry. And tell 'em Yaya sent you.

THE QUILTING CAT: Last Giveaway in Birthday Celebration!

This one was Free!

What a thrill I had last night when I finally figured out how to post a picture on my blog. I've had enough difficulty just trying to put my picture and title on here. Whenever I thought I wanted to post a picture, my mind went blank and my eyes began to see stars; no pressure, right?

When I checked my blog this evening, I was overjoyed to see that some of you had responded to my last two posts with positive input. THANK YOU! You can't begin to know how that made me feel. Well, on second thought, maybe you can. After all, you're bloggers, too. Silly me.

You might enjoy knowing that you made my little ol' heart go 'Pit-A-Pat' when I saw that so many of you had responded. I do so much appreciate all of you who have replied to previous messages and these new words of encouragement and advice just have me 'Flying High.' Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I thought you might like to see another of my favorite finds. This one is not from a flea market or any other kind of market, actually. We found it in a forest, years after the fact. Trees had grown back and grass was tall and lush and this treasure was hidden behind bushes that had obviously grown for a long, long time around our prize.

Actually, I say that we found this, but really I must give my good husband credit for such a great find. Sometime, I'll tell you the longer version of how this became such a valued treasure in our family. For now, I hope you enjoy looking at what we have come to love.

Antique Double-desk ~ What a find!

Well, this is a first. I just learned of a blogger who is having an "I'm A Flea Marketeer Party" and I just wanted to spread the word. I'd also love to win the prize; a bag (as in, purse, I believe) made from coffee bean bags.  Now, could there be anything more charming?  I ask you.
If you'd like a chance to win this lovely bag, scoot on over there and post a picture of your blog entry about your favorite flea-market find. Mine is an 'Old English Double-desk' that we found for $7 shortly after we got married. In my home, it is now 37 years old. I wonder how old it was before I got it. It has stood up through my husband's college, all of my children's schooling and asundry neighboring children and business deals. All in all, I'd say we have gotten our money's worth, wouldn't you?
Here's the link to the party:  http://fleamarketstylemag.blogspot.com/2009/10/join-im-flea-marketeer-party.html

Let's Get Organized, Together...One Idea At A Time

There is much to be said for living in one area for many years. Its something I never experienced, until I married. Then, it was as if my life came to a sudden, screeching halt. Well, as far as moving around, anyway.
Naturally, with all that moving, there wasn't a lot of opportunity for figuring out the finer workings of a smooth-running home. Just about the time I felt we were beginning to put down roots, whooooop! Another move.
We were a military family and I have lived in more towns than I could count. Now, however, it would seem that we are in one place to stay and I love it. Time for a new strategy.
Thus, I have decided to dedicate this blog to the care and feeding of Dust Bunnies and Sock Orphans. Do you have hints and tricks that you are willing to share?
For the most part, our home is comfortable. There are many of the finer details, however, that I would love to know more about.
Perhaps you have a particular way of staying on top of the laundry? Or, your sock drawer is free of orphans and you'd like to share how you've managed that?
Maybe... and here's the big one in my life; you have learned some secrets to making notes, then being able to recove those notes later?
I know of no one who has absolute control in their lives. In fact, I would go so far as to say, I doubt that there is such a person living. So if you know of some way to help the rest of us do something a little better, I'd love to hear it. Just think of it as your way of helping to clean up the earth.
Thanks for your input.