Ya' ever notice how fear is like this living, breathing thing that somehow manages to invade a person's thoughts an' purposes?  I've been fighting that dreadful little demon for such a long time.  'Course, I didn't recognize that I was doin' battle.  It just sorta' eased in an' made itself comfortable, all the while, keeping me from doin' those things that I enjoy an' wanted to do.

     Take, for instance, Blogging.  I really loved blogging when I used to write on my blog, a long time ago.  Then, I started tryin' to run a bit faster than my legs wanted to carry me an', pretty soon, I realized that I had lost control, somewhere along the way.  Did I pick myself up, dust myself off an' jump back into the race?  Well... yes an' no, actually.

     I mean, here I am, trying to set the pace an' go again, but it took me awhile to face the fears of whatever it was I was afraid of.  Hopefully, ya'll can find it in your hearts to forgive me for bein' away for so long?  I hope so, anyway.  I've really missed our chats an' such.  I look forward to gettin' comfortable, again, an' settling back in.

     Ya'll have a good day, y'hear?  Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya


    

          


Hi there!
     If you haven't seen me for awhile, it's on accounta' I haven't been very 'see-able'.  I apologize for my lack of visibility.  Learning computer stuff is haaaaarrrd!  I don't think I'm much further along in my knowledge of 'techie-related' gadgets than I was the last time you saw me, but if you'll bear with me, I'll continue to try learning all I can.  It seems that technology is here to stay an', like it or not, if I don't figure summa' this stuff out, well...

     *Sigh*    

     If you happen to see me out there, somewhere, floundering around in 'Internet Space', could you jus' take 'hold of my hand an' lead me to whatever it is I'm struggling to find?  I'm really trying to hang on in this internet void an' I could sure use some help an' guidance.

     Thanks for your help.  I'm looking forward to connecting with ya'll again an' re-igniting old friendships an' maybe, making even more friends.  I have a kinda' "Love/Hate" relationship with my computer; if it's doin' what I love ~ ~ ~ yeah, you guessed it ~ ~ ~ I love it.  On the other hand, when my 'puter throws me curves an' doesn't wanna' jump through the hoops I like... *Sigh*... I Almost hate it.  Can't quite bring myself to hate it, though.  Not really. 

     You know how it is... If I were to actually Hate my 'puter, well... you know... her feelings would be hurt an' I don't like to hurt anyone's feelings, even my computer's feelings, don'tcha' know?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on. 

 ~ Yaya

Hugs for Everyone!

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Clker

Back Home to Stay

     A few years ago, when I first started blogging, I was totally entranced with the whole idea of blogging.  I love the fact that we can meet people from around the country an' around the world an' actually develop friendships with those new people.  Having traveled much in my life, I can completely embrace that whole concept.

     Then on January 26, 2012, I made a major change which simply did not work for me.  I chose to write on a different website an', for me, the results were nuthin' short of devastating.  I realize that others have made that same change, with great success, but I feel more comfortable here... at my home on Blogspot.

     Now that I am back, I feel as if I am tryin' to clean up after some great destruction; a hurricane or a tornado or some other disaster.  No, nuthin' has changed internally; my home on the web is still intact.  However, I have been away for a long time an' everything feels so strange.

     There's the last post I wrote in 2012, where I thought I was sayin' goodbye forever to this blog.  It looks so lonely as I gently run my hand over its surface.  I turn a few pages an' see pictures of my physical home; inside an' out.  It's like living in a park, where I am.  Then, there's the interview I did with Donna Nordmark Aviles, where we talked about her books an' the Orphan Trains that her daddy traveled on.

     Oh!  I almost forgot the post where I showed you the bats that were living in my basement an' attic an' other parts of my house.  I'm sure glad my good hubby-buddy was able to take control of THAT situation.  B'lieve me, I did NOT like knowing that we had "Bats in the Belfry".

     Tee-Hee.  I jus' saw the post where I shared "Why the Cow Jumped Over the Moon".  There it is; that feeling of bein' home, again.  I jus' knew if I looked around long enough, I would start to feel that warmth that can only come when you go back home.  I don't think I'll be leaving here again.  In fact, I plan on hanging around for a long, l-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-n-g time.  I sure hope you will stop in for a visit, from time to time.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Photo courtesy of Clkr

Back to School to Learn to Blog

     So... it turns out that learning how to blog is actually somethin' that can be learned at a college an' I've decided to learn how to do this thing the right way.  So it's back to school for me.  Be sure to lemme' know what you think, okay?  If you think I'm actually learning anything ~ ~ ~ or that I'm goin' downhill in my efforts, well... I'd sure appreciate your input.  At the moment, I feel as if I'm somewhere out in space, without any kinda' support or recognition of any kind.  'Course, I have been away for quite a while an' I haven't figured out how to let anyone know I'm back... but it doesn't take away from the feeling that I'm all alone.  I sure wish someone would stop by an' say hullo or somethin'.  Also, any words of advice would be very much appreciated, don'tcha' know.

     We've been very fortunate this winter with all that's been goin' on.  Although it has been incredibly cold, we've had a relatively small amount of snow an' this year, my good hubby-buddy did manage to insulate the house so well that we've actually hadda' turn the heat Off, a couple 'uh times.  SO much better than that first year we were here, when snow found liberal routes Into the house an' we nearly froze our toes off.  I also recall one winter when things did get a little much an' I was ready for it (winter) to go on home.  D'you remember that year?  Truly, it was a year of 'Too Much Winter', if you ask me.

     How is the weather treating you, this year?  Lemme' know in the comments, won'tcha'?  Thanks.
     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya
Photo courtesy of Clkr.com By OCAL

Ridin' the Blogger Bull

 

Yaya's Home Log Entry:     Friday ~ January 17, 2014 ~ 7:36 AM

     Well... THAT didn't work.  Somehow, I never quite felt at home when I tried to fit-in to my new home on the web.  For starters, I missed all my old friends an' how you used to come an' visit an' have hot cocoa an' homemade virtual cookies with me.  Then, there was the whole thing of how I couldn't seem to find anything.  You know; things like the towels, the washcloths, the linens or, even... the Linen Closet!!!

     So, I am back an' I hope you all have not forgotten me.  I have a new focus... or, nine... an' I'm ready to take this ol' world by the horns an' see if I can't tame it.  Won't you come along an' see which one of us survives?  Me... or the bull?  I live in 'Cowboy Country' an' after watching so many of those bull riders enter the pen an' walk away with most of their body parts, still intact... well, I think I jus' might be able to DO this thing!

     That said, ya'll grab yer hat an' boots an' let's tame this virtual rodeo; aka, bloggin' world.  Whaddya' say?  Wanna' join me?  I sure hope so.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.
 ~ Yaya

It's Time to Say Goodby, It's Time to Say Hello

     This post comes after much deliberation, for it's time to say Goodbye and it's time to say Hello.  So much of my heart has gone into this blog, as I've been introduced to the world outside my home and my own little dot on the map.  When I started blogging, I never thought I would travel so far an' grow attached to so many of you.

     Recent changes make it necessary for me to move to a new home on the World Wide Web because trying to figure out summa' the strange new quirks about Blogger has kept me from being able to stay up-to-date with tasks that I used to find simple.  I have learned much here, but in the process of learning, I've also come to realize that sometimes change is necessary for improvement.

     I'll be packing up soon an' carrying alla' my blogging paraphernalia to my big, new spacious home across the way.  Please come with me an' join in the fun as I stretch my legs an' allow for even more growth.  I have loved blogging.  It has been... an' always will be a way for me to share summa' the high's an' low's 'bout life an' I'd love to finally get back to sharing it with you.  After all, everything is more fun with friends an' I feel that you are my friends.

     In a couple 'uh weeks, I'll be closing the door on Blogger an' gettin' comfortable in my new 'Digs' over at Yaya's Home at WordPress.  I do hope you will be there to help me feel as at home an' loved as you have made me feel here.  Thank you all for the many ways you've contributed to my life an' my joy.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya















Photo Credit:  http://mrg.bz/XjpsoK Goodbye Birds By Elemenoperica at morguefile.com

Photo Credit:  http://mrg.bz/PG5KqZGoodbye World By AnitaPatterson at morguefile.com

I'm almost not ready for Christmas

     Ho!  Ho!  Ho!  Christmas is coming an' I am soooo ready for the fun.  Oh... what?  No, no; I'm not Santa Claus.  Sorry; I didn't mean to confuse you.  I'm just in a jolly holiday spirit an' thought I'd borrow Santa's famous line.  Is my voice getting that deep?  hahahaha.  I guess you couldn't see me when I called out, "Ho!  Ho!  Ho!"  I can un'erstan' how you might've gotten me mixed up with Ol' Saint Nick, but no... it's jus' me... Yaya.

     Are you ready for Christmas?  Am I ready?  Nah!  Well, I guess I am an' I'm not.  I'm as anxious as a kid an' pro'lly twice as annoying in my anticipation.  But there are still so many things to take care of.  We don't even have our tree up, yet.  No decorations.  Hardly any 'uh the shopping is done.  I haven't been blogging as much as I'd like to.  An' on top 'uh alla' that, I dunno' where to start in my efforts to get ready.

     Oh!  My!  Goodness!  Lookie there.  Your house looks so fine, all decorated up for the holidays.  Don'tcha' wanna' come on over here an' give me some pointers?  On the plus side, I do think we will be warm this winter.  Last year, we hadda' deal with an Attitude from the forces of nature, so you might say we were climate-ally challenged.  However, I married the right dude 'cause my good hubby-buddy has been a reg'lar 'Mr. Fix-it' an' I think Ol' Man Winter is gonna' have a hard time pushing snow into our house, this year.  In fact, I think even the cold is gonna' have a hard time finding a path into our house, this year.

     Now, about that request for you to come on over an' help me decorate... how soon do ya' think I can expect you to be here?  Shall I make us some hot cocoa an' store-bought homemade cookies?  I'm really good at making those.  At least, I know how to put 'em on my own plate or in my cookie jar.  I tell the grandies they're homemade oreos.  I'm not sure they still b'lieve me, but they've learned to keep it to themselves so as not to hurt my feelings.


     Now, as they say in that one commercial... I'll leave the light on for you.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

~ Yaya

Who is your best friend?

     Who is your best friend?  Do you have a best friend?  I do.  I used to think I was like the third thumb in most groups; never quite fit in with anyone else, ya' know?  There were times when I felt so lonely 'cause I truly felt like a nut in a world full of hammers an' nails.  Not much worth there.

     For awhile, I convinced myself that my best friend was my good hubby-buddy.  An' he certainly is my dearest an' closest companion.  I was even s'prised when I realized that he is not the very best friend I ever had.  Now, you may be thinking that I'm gonna' go off on some kinda' preaching thing an' tell you that my best friend is Jesus, but you'd be wrong.

     Don't get me wrong.  I am a Christian an' I do love my Heavenly Father an' Jesus very much.  In fact, it was through that closeness with my Heavenly Father that I began to know the importance of knowing who your best friend is an' truly an' sincerely knowing your best friend's heart.

      I've learned in my long life that having a best friend begins at home.  If you can't be friends with yourself an' appreciate your own fine qualities you'll find that all other friendships fall short of feeling complete.  My personal feeling is that you must first make friends with yourself before you can truly embrace the love an' friendship that anyone else can offer.  I really hope that we can all learn to love ourselves so's we can sincerely love each other.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Are you Following Dear Crissy?

     Are you Following Dear Crissy?  If not, you're missing out on a great opportunity.  Check out Crissy's amazing giveaway.  Have you entered?  'Course, I'm hoping jus' a little more strongly that I will win the free Kindle Fire from Dear Crissy than I am for you to win it.  That's not to say I wouldn't be thrilled if you won, but you know... I'd sure love one 'uh those awesome Kindle Fires.

     Will you be entering to win the Kindle Fire?  Leave a message an' lemme' know if one of us is gonna' win, k?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya
Photo Credit:  Amazon

How Embarrassing!

     Well, that's embarrassing.  I must've done this drawing wrong.  Now, I'm gonna' hafta' go back an' see how I can do it better the next time.  I'm sorry that I did not post properly so someone coulda' won the prize.  Please bear with me.  I haven't done so many contests, so I kinda' in foreign territory here.

     I'm not allowed to run another contest for awhile, but hopefully, I'll be able to learn a little more before the next time so's someone will actually win the prize.

     I hope you all are doing well.  Are you ready for the holidays?  No?  Me, neither.  We sure did enjoy walking around our small town for Halloween, though.  I was amazed at how many kids were out an' about.  I think there must have been at least 200 kids going from door to door.

     You may not think that is so many, if you live in a big city.  But consider this; I live in a town of fewer than 200 people, according to the last census.  If there were more than 200 kids, uhm... where do the adults live?  Jus' wondering...

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Image Credit: Morguefile.com   http://mrg.bz/HPCqaw

Is the world really getting smaller?

     Do you blog?  Do you Tweet?  Facebook?  Digg, etc?  I'm realizing that life has become one round of learning an' keeping in touch.  There's a saying that 'The world is getting smaller.'  When I was a kid, I thought that meant that parts of the earth were disappearing an' maybe traveling to new an' exciting planets.  When I studied 'bout the 'Dust Bowl' years I was even more convinced that the world was getting smaller... literally.  After all, if that much dust was being relocated didn't that mean that it hadda' have someplace else to go?  Surely, the state of South Dakota was not simply relocating to say, Kansas, right?

     Kids comprehend things differently, but I think I was especially vulnerable to getting comments like that confused.  Since I traveled around so much, I seldom finished any school year within the same state.  That much moving carries with it a whole set of circumstances that make learning very difficult.  Today, we meet many more people than in the past an' we are able to stay in touch more easily.  Or, so I'm told, anyway.  At the same time, our lives have become more transparent because of the internet an' social networks.

     You may have noticed that I've been peeking my nose around corners in summa' the different places like Facebook an' Twitter.  This is where you will get a glimpse of my 'Shy Attacks.'  I like to think I am a very outgoing person, but in truth, I tend to be quite shy in crowds of more than, oh, say... three people.  If you happen to see me peeking around a corner at some big function like Facebook or one 'uh those famous party places like Twitter, then please don't hesitate to come an' take my hand.  I promise you I will be forever grateful for any ways you can show me around.  An' in case you haven't guessed by now, I may be in the room on summa' those sites, but believe me... I have no clue what I'm doing there.

     So if you see a little red-haired girl in a Little Red Wagon who looks especially confused, please stop an' lemme' know if I'm among friends.  Although the world is supposedly getting smaller, it's still a very big marble an' I have a habit of getting lost in small buildings.  You can imagine how lost I am in this great big world.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya          Don't forget to enter the drawing for a free copy of MyMemoriesSuite.com.  The rules are in the previous post.

Planet With Stars Photo Credit: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Shy Lady Looking Behind Card Photo Credit:

A Gift and a Giveaway

Now, look at this

     I'm here!  I'm here!  An' look what I have.  Here; lemme' set it down so's you can see inside the box.  There!  Whaddya' think of THAT?!?  Wouldn't you like one of those?  Well, guess what?  I have one to give away an' you could be the lucky winner.  First, though, I think I'd like to show it off a little on accounta' I'm really proud of what I've been doing.

     I dunno' if you realize it or not, but I have never tried using any of the software for making a scrapbook, before.  That is, I've checked out summa' the things that s'posedly lemme' do pictures an' all, but I've never had much luck with any of 'em.  It's been like trying to learn a foreign language, whenever I go into those programs, ya' know?  My brain just wouldn't wrap around what needed to be done to make my pictures at least 'Keepable,' ya' know?  To say the least, it has been very frustrating, beyond belief.  An' jus' for the record, tears have no effect on making software programs listen to reason.  Jus' thought you might like to know...

     Recently, I was invited to try a whole new kinda' scrapbook software to see if I would like it.  An' ya' know what?  I DO like it!  I'm still playing with this amazing software, but I wanna' give the software away, too.

     In fact, I wanna' show you how much fun I've been having with it.  Lookie here:  First, take a look at me flying around in my Little Red Wagon.  Don't I look like I'm having so much fun?  I am!
      I'm not exactly sure how to use this new Blogger page.  The nice thing is that even though Blogger is confusing to me, the My Memories digital scrapbooking software program was pretty easy to use, even for me.  My pages turned out pretty nice, don'tcha' think?  Up on the left, that's me, flying in my Little Red Wagon. Next is one 'uh the bats we hadda' evict.  There in the center is my Foyer, my Dining Room an' my Living Room an' over to the right is another shot of my Living Room an' still another shot of my Foyer.  Can you b'lieve it?!?  We have a FOYER!  I never in my whoooole life thought I would have a foyer. 

I was able to write notes on or next to the pictures an' I re-sized an' moved the pictures all around the place before finally deciding to accept the arrangements I did.  I really love this program.

     This is my house an' it's hiding secrets.  See the guy with the big, scary teeth?  That's the kinda' secrets my house is hiding.  I can tell you, I do not like secrets with teeth.


     Now, here's how you can own your very own My Memory Suite software:  The first thing you wanna' do is go to the MyMemories.com website an' check out all the awesome scrapbooking papers an' outstanding designers there.  Next, come back here an', in an email to me (yayashome [at] gmail [dot] come), lemme' know which is your favorite designer.  Just one more step an' you'll be entered to win your very own My Memories Suite 2 software program.  In the comments to this post, lemme' know that you emailed me so's I can be sure to enter your name in the drawing.

Here are some more pictures of my house.  I did this all by myself.

     Be sure to comment in this post that you sent an email to me.  That way, if for some reason I did not get your email, I can let you know.  I will be watching for your email an' hoping like EVERYTHING that you are the winner.  Oh, yeah; I almost forgot to tell you when the drawing will  be held.  Guess when? HALLOWEEN ! ! !  How cool is that?

     Okay; just to be sure I said it right, here's the rules:
1)   Go to MyMemories.com an' check out the cool papers an' the amazing designers
2)   Send me an email at yayashome [at] gmail [dot] com to lemme' know who your favorite designer is
3)   Come back here an' in the comment section of this post, tell me that you emailed me.  Do not post your favorites in the comments; only tell me that you emailed me an' if you'd like to say anything else.
4)  Tell your friends, tell your family... tell EVERYBODY 'cause guess what?  I also have a coupon for anyone who reads my blog.  Wait a minute!  Wait a minute!  Here's exactly what you can have:
We want to reward you - This is the best part!

As a special for all of my readers,you can have your very own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!)  Use this coupon:  STMMMS25902 code an' that's all there is to it.  Be sure to check back often an' see how things are going.  But always comment in this post for the MyMemories.com drawing.  Okie-dokie?

     Wait!  Wait!  One more thing!  If you'd like to earn some extra entries for the drawing here's how you can:
1)  Become a Follower on the My Memories Blog
2)  Like My Memories Suite on Facebook
3)  Follow My Memories Suite on Twitter
4)  Check out my Halloween page an' +1 me on that page at the top of the page

     In your email, tell me who your favorite designer is an' what else you did from this last list.   Whilst you’re there, if you are anxious to get started with your own My Memories Suite fun, grab this coupon for your Big discounts an’ start shopping:  STMMMS25902

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

a

An EARTHQUAKE in the midwest?!?

"Ground's nervous.  Got milk?'

If I were living in California, I could un'erstan' yesterday's news.  I even 'Get It' that in the area of the New Madrid fault, tremors were felt in the recent past.  The land shakes in places such as Japan an' it's not a real shocker.  That's not to say I am lacking in compassion.  I'm only stating that some areas tend to get what I sometimes call "Nervous Jitters" on a somewhat regular basis.  Naturally, when reports of nervous jitters come from those a'ready jittery states an' countries, it does take a bit of the edge off the 'surprise factor,' .

     I live in the Dakotas; an area where we've learned  to trust the stability of things an' kinda' expect 'em to sit still an' remain calm.  Nothing nervous around here... usually.  Yesterday, that changed in the blink of an eye.  No injuries or damage of any kind, but all at once, there was a loud 'BOOM!'  Evidently, the ground became frightened because it began to tremble an' shake.  Not for long, to be sure.  Still, it makes a person a little uneasy to know that solid ground is showing signs of fear.  It also makes me wonder what I'm s'posed to do with alla' this quivering that has begun in my tummy an' seems to be extending throughout my whole being.  Any suggestions for making the land feel calm?  I wonder if a nice glass of milk poured over the 'epicenter' would ease the tension?

"Hmmmm; this doesn't seem to belong here ..."

    Until the next calm, keep a hug on.
 ~ Yaya

Are You Blog-Busy?

     Are you really busy with your blog?  Believe it or not, even though you may not see me around, I have been so busy with my blog.  That is to say, I've been researching ways to do a better job.  In the process I'm learning so much about so many different things.  P'rhaps you a'ready know 'bout things like Facebook an' Twitter an' such, but even though I've had a presence on those social sites, I haven't really known quite what I was s'posed to do with 'em until lately.  No; I still dunno what I'm s'posed to do... not really.  But if you happen to see me on Facebook or Twitter or something else I haven't pro'lly heard about yet, maybe you could reach a hand out for me an' offer a bit of assistance?

     I've had a little more activity on those two social sites than I've had in the past.  To be sure, I'm confused.  In fact, I used to think I was confused about a lotta' things.  By comparison to my current state of mind, I'd say that any sense of frustration in the past was pretty much genius in disguise.  If you squint an' look real hard you might even notice the sparkle in my eyes.  That's pride.  Yeah; I know... pride goes before a fall.  However, I've been struggling to learn all I can.  I will learn what I need to know.  I know I will.  As they say, "Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise... "

     Well, the creek did rise, but I know that Heavenly Father helps those who help themselves.  Still, it sure wouln't hurt my feelings if you kept me in your prayers.  In awhile, when I've begun to un'nerstan' a little more of what I'm trying to learn, I'll invite you in for a peek.  I think you'll be pleasantly surprised... an' maybe even a little proud of my efforts, eh?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.


 ~ Yaya

I Ain't Down, Yet!

     It is unbelievably hazy, outside.  The weather can't seem to decide whether to rain, shine or roll over an' die.  To mention the humidity is basically to almost admit defeat, myself.  However, since I don't easily give up, I can still peek through an' realize the sun is tryin' it's best to work it's way through the many barriers that would, otherwise, keep it from doin' it's job.

     I haven't quite re-established my new schedule, since finally acquiring my new... NEW computer.  I am back, though, an' I WILL get my groove on.  Don't give up on me 'cause I'll keep tryin' to get back to what I enjoy... blogging an' visiting with you all.

     Now, 'bout that hot, hazy, humid weather I mentioned ~ ~ ~ I LOVE me some beautiful days like today!

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Doin' the Two-Step 'Un-Dance'

     If you are in the same category with me you may recall the days when you thought of a project an' set out to accomplish it... successfully.  Lately, I've noticed that it only takes two steps to save time.  Here's how it goes:

     Preparation:  grow old.
     Step One:  Think of a project.  P'rhaps you jus' wanna' mail a letter.
     Step Two:  Take two steps an' your project is effectively forgotten.  The time you save is now available so you can think of a new project.

     If I were younger I might remember to finish my various tasks.  I have heard it said that, after a while, a person goes into a second childhood.  That is not quite correct.  Actually, a person starts doin' the 'Two-Step Un-Dance' before the second childhood phase kicks in.

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

I'm HOME!!! I'm finally an' really HOME!

     How have you been?  It's been so long since I last visited with you that I can't help wondering if you've forgotten what I look like.  Or sound like.  If you'll recall from our last visit I had finally received my new computer.  At last word, I was trying to figure out all the ins an' outs an' what-fors about making it respond as I felt it should.  Finally, I talked with my techie-dude an' the consensus was that I should return what essentially turned out to be not such a great deal, after all.  I could go into a long, drawn-out story an' tell you all the nasties, the bads an' the uglies, but it wouldn't really do either of us any good to travel down that road, would it?  Instead, lemme' jus' say I am glad to finally have acquired a new... an' working computer.  It makes all the difference in the world to touch a key an' have it respond as it's s'posed to.

     I wanna' apologize to those of you whom I was writing to an' the correspondences jus' stopped all of a sudden.  I really had no control an' I do hope you can unnerstan' an' forgive.  I've thought about you all so much.  Boy!  One thing I have learned is that, having had a computer before, life without that kinda' access leaves a whole lot to the imagination.  Unfortunately, everything has suffered, as a result.  Well, not quite everything.  I did have an extended visit from summa' my kids an' I was able to spend some great times with them.  Remind me to tell you 'bout the awesome new vehicle my good hubby-buddy bought me.  For now, I'm gonna' try an' catch up on alla' the 'puter-related stuff I've been missing out on.  I am SO! happy to be back online!!!  An' I surely hope that's you I see peeking around the door to see if I'm home 'cause I have missed you all soooooo much.  Welcome back to my house.

      An' 'til the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

Yaya Can't Blog ! ! !

     Yaya comes sneaking in, dragging her new computer behind her.  She wonders if anyone will notice her return, embarrassed that it has been so long since she last posted on her blog.  She turns to make sure that her new computer is still following.  There have been waaaaaaay too many pro'lems with computers, of late, so she isn't taking any chances that this one might get away.  Yaya checks the chain and lock that hold the 'puter onto the Little Red Wagon; still secure.  After placing the long-awaited 'puter on her desk, Yaya settles in to begin blogging.

     ::Tap.  Tap.  Tap.  Tap-tappity, tap::

     ::Undo::

     ::Tappity-tap.  Tap. Tap::

     ::Undo::

     Yaya looks long an' hard at her new toy an' wonders if this new computer was ever taught anything 'bout blogging.  It seems apparent that either there was no training in the 'puter factory or, she has been away from Bloggy World for far too long an' may have forgotten all that she thought she knew 'bout posting on her blog.

     In a last-ditch effort, Yaya puts her arm up in the air an' waves an excited an' friendly greeting, on the off-chance that summa' her blogging friends might notice she has returned.  Yaya hopes they all know how much she has missed being here.

     She sends a silent wish for everyone to Keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya

PS ~ I haven't been able to figure out how to post pictures, yet.  Sorry.

Trading On the Black Market

     Have you ever considered how the Black Market got started? It’s something that truly tickles the imagination. I’ve wondered. In fact, I’m curious about a good many things in life an’ when I’m curious I like to quell my fascination by researching until I’m satisfied that I know the why’s, wherefore’s an’ how’s come’s.

     Quite surprisingly the Black Market has been around a lot longer than you may have thought. In fact, it goes alla’ way back to knights an’ castles an’ the pirates of the time. Oh,yeah; we’ve always had pirates. At least, that’s my opinion.

     In the days of the Round Table an’ jousting they looked a little different than the image you might have grown to accept as normal Pirate attire; it’s true. For instance, I don’t believe your common scoundrel would have included an eye patch. In point of fact, all scoundrels don’t, even today, wear eye patches. But for the sake of argument let’s say those good ol’ boys from days of yore had decided to wear eye patches. Wanna’ know what they’d look like? Picture, if you can, a big burly guy in a tin suit with a target on his eye. Yup! That’s what I think the eye patch would act as; a target.

     See? The Black Market started alla’ way back in Medieval Times, when nomadic mercenaries wandered the countryside to sell their services to the highest bidder. Okay; maybe you think I’m using literary license by calling ‘em pirates. Then again, you may change your mind as you read on. As they traversed from town to town an’ castle to castle these men developed some very hard an’ strict lifestyles, fighting when necessary an’ winning in whatever ways they could. Naturally, there weren’t many servants traveling with ‘em (p’rhaps none?), so some jobs were left for later as more prudent choices were made. Such was the case with suits of armor. When there was a choice between hunting for food or polishing the armor, it was common practice to opt for the hunting, over polishing. As a result, armor often developed a blackish hue an’ these knights soon came to be known as Black Knights.

     Sometimes, these nomads would arrive where there was a festival taking place an’ would join in the fun. The locals were many times softened by their relatively easier lifestyles. When it was time for jousting matches the traveling knights could easily win the bout. The prize consisted of the winner being awarded the weapons an’ armor that belonged to the loser. There really was no good reason for a nomad knight to keep more than one set of armor, so immediately following the match, the knight in black armor would sell the owner his own armor back. The markets that followed jousting matches soon became known as Black Markets.

     Now, I ask you… does that not sound like piracy to you?

     Until the next time, keep a hug on.

 ~ Yaya