60 year young dabbler in writing, gushing mom of a professional ballerina, contented wife of 40 years, “kept” woman of 1 dog, 3 cats and an overgrown garden (all needing, and deserving, my undivided attention 24/7).
Jettisoned into blogging to defy spinmeisters who claimed to speak for me during the 2008 presidential campaign, and those who hammered away at Michael Jackson, even in death. Wanted to be a voice for reason, common sense, compassion and a positive attitude even though I might not be heard above the din in the blogosphere.
Would like humankind to follow the lead of the Venetians who have built a uniquely vibrant and colorful country with an eclectic mix of people, by connecting hundreds of small islands with bridges.
People the world over are connected by the ordinariness of our lives. We awake, we eat, we work, we play, we poop (TMI, but true) and we sleep. Oprah may do it in a billion dollar way, but she’d agree that the big stuff comes and goes while the small stuff remains with us.
And so I write about the minutiae of daily living with an ATTENTION TO DETAIL. I tend to be anal about it, but I accept that that’s a part of who I am.
lots of hugs…hugmamma
Wonderful and amazing. I love that you are using your blog to bring more compassion, reason and positivity to the blogsphere.
Oh, and I love the photo of the tulips at the top of your page.
I hope you have a lovely day,
Currie
Hello_____,
Your writing is an art; it’s beautiful. I think if you keep doing what you’re doing now, you will have good future. So keep it up my friend!
I have a joyful ride in your blog, and now I’d like to invite you to visit mine. Thank you and have a wonderful day, my friend!
Subhan Zein
Loved reading your blog!! Hope you knock on my blog too!
Mis Experiencias Personales has been nominated YOU for The Versatile Blogger Award. Congratulations!!!
http://misexperienciaspersonales.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Just a curious question why do all of your cats have names from Alaskan cities?
Only 2 do…Sitka and Juneau. I adopted them from a shelter the day after 9/11…so they were special. I chose Alaskan cities which our family had visited on a cruise. I loved Sitka best, with Juneau a close second. As for the cats…siblings…I love them…tons…equally. Great question!…hugs for asking…
Thank you for visiting my blog! You have a new fan in me. I enjoyed visiting yours!
That is amazing that your daughter is a professional ballerina. I grew up in the Philippines and my grandparents and later on my Dad’s sister and her daughter were big patrons of ballet. There was even a ballet studio in my Grandparents old home.
My cousin, who is much older now and teaches, danced with Baryshnikov.
I hope you have a wonderful 2012.
Cheers,
Louise
I am touched by your words…the admiration is mutual.
Fate has introduced us it seems…because of our having relatives associated with ballet. It’s always wonderful to hear of patrons of the art…especially in this economy where the arts are always impacted negatively. I will have to tell my daughter of your cousin’s dancing with Baryshnikov. I’m sure she’ll be awestruck. After all…Baryshnikov…a heartbeat away from the master himself…Balanchine.
You’ll hear me speak often about my daughter if you continue to read my blog. She is my “heartbeat,” after all…
huge hugs and blessings for 2012…and beyond…hugmamma.
You are right. We are more alike than we’re different. Once people realize that then they might start building more bridges. Enjoy your blog. Thanks for visiting mine.
Bridges that connect…that’s what we should strive for, not walls…that separate.
The feeling’s mutual…I’ve enjoyed visiting your blog as well. Let’s do it more often…
hugs…hugmamma.
You are such a living inspiration to us hugmamma. Live life to the fullest as always! Well done! Cheers!
You are very generous in your praise of me. Sixty-two years on this earth gives me a lot to talk about. If what I say can help others, then my life will have fulfilled its mission, I think. Sharing compassion and giving hope to others are in themselves my greatest rewards.
hugs…for letting me know…i make a difference.
and have a wonderful holiday season…with the hope that the years ahead will bring you peace, comfort and joy…hugmamma. 
I too am 60 years young..My thankfulness for life keeps my heart young..bd in February.. I was too busy messing up in many years of my youth but now I am free and each day is a gift..Roberta
We all let wisdom bypass us when we’re young. We’re too busy living life to its materially fullest. Only decades later do we step on the brakes…slow down…and take notice of what’s really important. As the saying goes…
always better late…than never…
The small stuff is what everyone can relate in a more personal level. it is this very stuff that connects us all in a unique way. it’s this stuff that makes like beautiful in a more meaningful way. thank you.
What a poetic way of expressing your appreciation. We’re all storytellers…with beautiful tales to tell…
Hi.. Reached at your blog via your guest post on Arnab’s blog. When I read the First line: “I … 60 years young.” — got suprised.. And later when I completed reading this page.. I’ve only one thing to say: “wowsome. You’re friskier than me.” Keep coming your posts on. I’m engaged with your blog.
Not sure how I’m “friskier” than you. Definitely don’t feel that way at 62. Enthusiastic, energetic, full of joie de vivre…maybe. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for your comment. Thanks lots!
My deepest apologies. A slip of my finger on my iPhone led to the deletion of my descriptions of the blogs I follow. I apologize to any of your readers who looked for you under “Other Cool People” on my blog. The descriptions have been painstakingly rewritten.
Thanks for the heads up…not a problem…all things are fixable. Life continues to mosey on, even when we think it’s stopped.
you’ve more pressing matters…like your family.
I thought you might be interested to know that I have added a description of your blog to my list under, “Other Cool People”. You might want to check it out, and let me know if you take issue with anything I say.
Wow! The height of compliments…to be cool at my age. Haven’t yet seen what you’ve written, but if I’m self-deprecating, I don’t think there’s much you could say I haven’t already said of myself. Will definitely stop by for a “look-see” after I’ve gotten myself ready to welcome the day. I’m a night owl who has no stomach for catching the worm…way, way too early for my liking.
With havin so a lot content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My weblog has many unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced however it seems many it truly is popping it up all over the net without my agreement. Do you know any procedures to help avoid content from becoming stolen? I’d truly appreciate it.
Every so often I google my blog to see what kind of activity is occurring out on the internet with my posts. I do see bits and pieces of my info tucked into other websites. It would drive me berserk to try and chase down the perpetrators. Moreover, some may be trying to help to send my info further out into the internet, while others are, of course, trying to claim my info for their own. I don’t warn of copyright infringement on my blog, because I don’t want to discourage people from reading what I write. Much of what I include is already out there in other sources, like newspapers, magazines, on TV, and in books. I like to bring the information to my readers who may not have been aware of it before.
I also feel those who read my writing will know when it’s stolen. As with others who are passionate about writing well, I don’t think someone can duplicate my writing style exactly. Good writing is good writing; junk writing is junk writing. Readers who care about what they’re reading, won’t read junk. And truthfully, I’m grateful to have readers of good writing visit my site.
Hope I’ve answered your questions. Sorry I can’t give you copyrighting information.
Excellent article and easy to understand explanation. How do I go about getting permission to post part of the article in my upcoming news letter? Giving proper credit to you the author and link to the site would not be a problem.
Thank you for your comment, but I’m not sure what part of my “about” posting you want to reproduce with my permission.Perhaps you can enlighten me further…thanks.
Whats up, cheers for the terrific write-up. Actually, just around ten weeks ago I began using the web and became an web user and came on-line for the first time, and I have found that a lot of poor quality information out there. I value that you have produced fantastic material that is sharp and well-written. All the best and thanks for the terrific tips.
Thanks so much for leaving such a nice comment. Glad you find my posts valuable. Hope you return to read more in the future.
many thanks…hugmamma.
Hi! I’m a new follower! I found ya through “My English Thoughts.” You’re daughter is a professional ballet dancer?! WoW…That’s truely awesome! I took lessons for 3yrs.! Loved it! Wish I kept up with it! Have you ever heard of Dulce Anaya? I took lessons from her! Truely an amazing woman! As I’m very sure your daughter is!
Thanks so much for the wonderful comment! I’ll have to thank “My EnglishThoughts,” a darling, young woman.
I’ve not heard of Dulce Anaya, but I’m not thoroughly versed on the ballet world and all its famous people. My daughter is passionate about her career, and that makes her an amazing dancer, and woman. Again, heartfelt thanks for your generosity.
I wasn’t subscribed to your blog by e-mail, so I’ve missed a lot of posts because I don’t remember to check my subscriptions at WordPress.com. I’ve got that all fixed now.
I have a tip I want to share with you. I found that a lot of people don’t have their blog linked to their gravatar (the little square picture that shows up by your comments).
You can link your blog to your gravatar. When I click on your gravatar I see your picture but no link. I don’t know if it makes a big difference, because your name links to your blog (at least on my blog they do, but I don’t know if this is true outside of WordPress blogs).
It’s easy to fix.
Go to en.gravatar.com (you might be able to get there by clicking on the small picture beside your comments).
Then “my account”
“Edit profile”
“my links” and put in your blog url
Am going to do that. Wondered when I saw that other blogs’ gravatars linked back to the blog. Tried it just now, but seemed to take a while. Will try again after I get a few chores done.
so grateful to have friends willing to share tech tips…hugs…hugmamma.
Thanks lots for the tip. Added the link. Wish I’d done it a while ago because of a post I authored for Scriptor Obscura. She gave my gravatar as the link, and of course it led to nowhere. Oh well…we live and learn.
huge thanks again…hugmamma.
Is the header image one of your daughter the ballerina?
Yes. Now that she’s a professional, I have so few dance pictures of her. This one was in a tourist magazine for the city where she lives. I ripped out the page, and carry it around with me, all folded up to fit in my purse. I don’t always whip it out to show people, but once in awhile…I can’t help myself. I’ve included the entire photo in earlier posts, but I’ll include it again in a future post…just for you.
hugs…hugmamma.
You have won an award! Stop by to pick it up
http://scriptorobscura.wordpress.com/2011/03/03/the-stylish-blogger-award/
Enjoy!
Scriptor Obscura
I’m blown away with the new things I’m learning from you and others. I’m beginning to venture out of my hovel, and love what I’m seeing. Thanks for being my guide…hugmamma.
I’m going to put my award where it’s safe…in my heart. 
Nice HOMEPAGE – we totally love it!!!!
Thanks for sharing your love…hugmamma.
I’m sure this could be greater suited to an e mail, but do you thoughts if I ask what WordPress theme you’re using for this internet site? With the best modifications (colors, banners, etc.) it could be best for my weblog.
The theme is Twenty Ten by the WordPress team. Good luck!…hugmamma.
It had been some time since I visited website with such quality information. Thansk so much for the helpful info
You’re very welcome. I like to be of help when I can.
enjoy your day…hugmamma.
I discovered your blog site on google and checked a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the good work. I just hooked up your RSS feed to my google reader. Looking forward to reading more from you later on!…
Thanks for your comment! It’s always great to know when someone enjoys my writing…hugmamma.
nice job on this one!
Thanks…hugmamma.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site by accident, I bookmarked it.
Thanks for your comment. Hope you continue to enjoy reading…hugmamma.
I found your blog using Yahoo and I must say this is one of the most informative blogs I have read in a while. I will make sure I come back to read your future posts.
Thanks. Hope you continue to enjoy…hugmamma.
found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later
Thanks for liking my blog, and letting me know that you found it on del.icio.us. I’ll have to check out that site. Hope you do return to read, and enjoy my posts. Glad to have you on board.
hugs…hugmamma.
Great post & Fantastic blog! I would definitely love to begin a blog too but I have no clue where to begin. I possess the ability to do it (not that challenging on the technical part) but I really feel like I am too lazy to post regularly. That is the problem, if you start you have to go all the way. However blogs like yours inspire me to have a go at it.
Glad I’ve inspired you. The next step’s up to you. If you pick a subject you’re passionate about, or if you’re a natural born talker like me, the task might not be as daunting. But as you say, applying yourself to post regularly is the secret to longevity and readership.
I can offer one other piece of advice taught me by my Blogging 101 instructor, Cat Rambo, and that is to blog about something of value. Value = blog power.
good luck, and let me know how you do…hugmamma.
You can do anything you set your mind to doing, Ben. Nothing has ever been impossible for you once you’ve made up your mind; and therein lies the rub. But I know you’d find your niche in the blogosphere. I’ve been doing it long enough to know that there are discussion groups that keep a topic going for days, if not longer. Go get ‘em!
may the force be with you…hugmamma
Sorry for being so short on my first post but, still need to get used to this blogging thing. Anyway, I can see where we can get into some pretty heavy topics here. I belonged to a chart forum in the Honolulu Advertiser (Mainly politics and religion). Did that for about 4 years. Unfortunately, the Advertiser merged with the Honolulu Star Bulletin and dropped their forum. Now I’m bummed out. Made a lot of friends (and some detractors). God, I miss it . . . . . Aloha
Hey Sis! Fantastic! Can I do this, too?