A Reflection of Spring Quarter..........

English 98 has come to a close, summer quarter is just around the corner. I really enjoyed all that I learned in my English 98 class, learning how to write effective essays being the most challenging of all lessons learned. Learning about blogging was a surprise to me, as I never expected that to be a part of the curriculum. At first I wasn't all that excited about the idea, but it eventually grew on me. Since I have always enjoyed writing, starting a blog provided another way for me to express myself, and share it with others. I may not get many comments, but that is OK, this has been a great outlet for me. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue with this blog, but after having so much fun doing an e-portfolio, I decided to continue with blogging. Since then I have become interested in reading other blogs and leaving comments. I have added links to some of the blogs I found interesting to read to share with you. I also decided to keep the link to my e-portfolio for anyone interested in seeing some of my work done in my English 98 class. I still have a way's to go in perfecting my writing techniques, but ever willing to continue learning more. Moving on, with summer quarter around the corner, I will be sharing my new learning adventures, stay tuned............

Check out Everest 2007!!!

Come check out my newest favorite blog!!! I was checking out the blogs of note and found this most interesting blog. The pictures are incredible!! It is the journey's of Samantha and her father as they attempt to climb Mt Everest, one of the 'Seven Summits'. The blog also features pics from the other summit climbs her father and her have accomplished. Together they have sucessfully climbed the 'Seven Summits'.
Impressive!!! She is only 18, the youngest known climber. I have to say that I feel such a deep respect for those who brave such climbs. It has been a great read, I encourage you to check it out!!!!
Impressive!!

The Uknown Awaits...........

Seems like just yesterday I was feeling the excitement of starting spring quarter at the local college.
Finally the day arrived, the first day of spring quarter!!! With each new day, I began to realize that the anticipated excitement of spring quarter was slowly beginning to fade, gradually being replaced with the stress of deadlines, and final exams.
It amazes me when feelings of sadness occasionally overwhelm me, leaving me to wonder why they have come, only to realize that another chapter in the book of 'life' has come to a close. Excitement and anticipation will once again replace the feelings of sadness as I wait to see how the next chapter unfolds.
New faces, and friends, and 'old' ones I hope to see again. I take with me many pleasant experiences and memories along in my bag of tools as I continue to chisel a place to call my own. Even with my keen sense of direction.......the unknown awaits.

It's a GREAT day!!!!!

It's a GREAT day, even though the sun isn't out
It's a GREAT day, and I am out of money.
It's a GREAT day, though my car is running like crap
It's a GREAT day, and I have nothing to wear.
It's a GREAT day, my hair needs cutting, house needs cleaning, yard needs mowing, and the world is falling apart all around me in s l o w motion.
Yet it is still a GREAT day..................
It's a GREAT day, because I have a roof over my head
It's a GREAT day, and I have enough food in my cupboards
It's a GREAT day, to enjoy my pets, and be thankful they are still alive and with me
It's a Great day......... to know that I have been blessed with another 'beautiful' day to enjoy life, all that I have, my parents who are still with me, and most of all my five precious children who I adore and love with every part of my being. They are my world, they are what makes each day a GREAT day!!!

The concept of Blogging

Had it not been for taking a College Writing class at EVCC, I often wonder if I ever would have taken the time to learn about this new concept called blogging. I had seen it, but never took the time to find out more. So, when we were required to start our own blog, I was so lost. Not to mention, trying to decide what to focus my blog on since the concept of blogging was so new to me, made it a bit of a challenge. I wasn't even quite sure I knew what I was doing, or if there is a wrong way or right way to go about this. After lots of thought, and since I have always loved to write, I thought focusing on journeling could be a start.
For years I have written many journal entries that have been for my own personal use. I also would write letters to people, ones I never intended to send. It was almost like it was some sort of rehearsal before the big conversation. Usually I would just write letters to help get things off my chest, and clear my head of the many thoughts racing thru it. The thought never occurred to me to incorporate this into a blog.
In my opinion, blogging can be a creative outlet for writing and sharing with others, who also enjoy writing. It is my belief that feedback in the way of comments is an excellent tool to help improve my writing skills. It is my hope that through blogging and my writing class, I can learn to keep my entries reader friendly, and maybe even attempt to write a book someday.
Overall, blogging has been a positive experience. I don't know if I will continue with this blog, or continue with blogging in general after I complete this class, that is yet to be decided.

Just be Connected

Just be connected blog is a place where those who wish to create and share their personal stories and experiences with other's through blogs, can feel the freedom to do so. The host of this blog is Melba McMullin. She had reached a point of healing in her own life, when she began to read the journals she had written over the years, and decided to start this blog. Now she holds scheduled activities for those who share this blog, in an effort to bring out the creative side of many, and to make available the opportunity to meet those who have shared with her in the blogging experience.
I have found this a wonderful site for those who enjoy the creative side of writing and for the many rewards it has to offer. I like the fact that Melba has taken it a step further by putting together activities for those who have shared their comments and interests, to meet together, not just via online, but face to face.

A New Day

A new day a new blog. Another day to explore the benefits of writing. Another to day to share thoughts with others. Does writing help you? If not, what does? What helps you when life throws you a curve ball? Throw it back??

Writing Therapy

Writing can be very therapeutic.
Ever had one of those day's where there is just so much going on, your mind is spinning like a top, and it feels like your head is going to explode?? Unfortunately that seems to be the norm for most. With our fast paced lives, it just seems like there is never enough time to unwind and re-group. That is when I make time, even if it is only 10 minutes. It really is amazing that even 10 minutes away from the hectic situation, can make a difference. Once the 'dust' settles around me, I like to find a nice quiet place and write. It has been helpful for me as a way to get these trapped spinning thoughts out of my head.
A quiet place can be anywhere. My personal favorite is at the beach, weather permitting of course. The beach seems to have a calming effect all of its own. Evenings, just before bed is another time that is helpful. Ever lay there in bed, trying to go to sleep, but the daily events just keep replaying themselves over and over in your head?? Try writing before bed. It is a great way to clear your head. Not only can it help you fall asleep sooner, but it can help with a better nights sleep.
If you are having trouble with sleep, or just trying to unwind, give these tips a try, see if they help you. You have nothing to loose, but everything to gain.
I invite you to share any tips that may have helped you. Maybe you have a totally different reason why you enjoy writing, that you would like to share with others.
Please feel free to share your thoughts, tips or ideas!
Happy writing!!

Welcome to my Blog

Journaling is just one of the many ways to escape the every day stresses of life. We all have different ways in which we de-stress. It can be thru music, reading, writing, walking along the beach, just to name a few. I invite you to share what helps you cope when life gets tough. Feel free to share your tips, favorite links, and ideas that have helped you. It is my hope that through this blog, those who are looking for way's to get through life's toughest day's, will find this blog useful. All are welcome!!!!