about

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

125 thoughts on “about”

  2. Hey Hugmamma!

    I was wondering if you would be willing to help me out with something. Recently, you liked my post, “How to Know You’re Enough!” …on my blog, begintobelieve.com.

    It really seemed to resonate with a lot of women; I guess we can all relate to the overwhelming-ness of being female in todays’ society.

    Well anyway, back to the favor I was asking.

    Because this post resonated with so many, I’ve decide to write an ebook entitled “How to Know You’re Enough!” – The Manual- The Female Edition.

    It will be a comprehensive, funny and honest list of everything we do, every day, for everyone, more or less!

    Would you be interested in making your list of everything you do, every day, for everyone, more or less, to possibly be included in the book? And If I use any “unique” items on your list, I will include your name as a contributor to the book!

    Your list can be anything that takes you time, mind and effort!

    So if you’re interested and have questions, you can contact me at rdavis4848@gmail.com or you can just send over your list to the same email address along with your full name and email.

    And if you know any other wonderful females that might like to be a part of this event, please feel free to pass it along!

    I know you have a lot on your list, so I really appreciate you taking the time. Thanks so much for considering it!

    Robin Oxford-Davis-
    Begintobelieve.com

    Like

    • Sorry I’ve not responded earlier. A bit busy. Haven’t been on WordPress much lately. I’m delighted to be asked. Would participate if life would allow. Not sure when you need my list. Might take me until later this summer to get back to you. If that’s alright, I’ll do it. hugs, meanwhile…

      Like

  10. “kept woman”?Lol-you are a cool young girl,i must say!Great meeting you HM and I hope we continue to visit each other whenever we can-lots of love to your beautiful Ballerina and may she dance her way into all the lives she touches!Tc & God Bless!((hugs))

    Liked by 1 person

    • Visitors only see what’s on the surface…locals know what lies beneath. That’s true everywhere. Still, the charm persists no matter what people have done to dilute it. 🙂

      Like

      • Visual seems the trend. Most blogs seem to be photographic journals. I love to enhance my posts with photos, but writing is my passion. So I’ll have to content myself with folks who like a bit of both…pictures and words.

        hugs for visiting…and commenting…hugmamma. 🙂

        Like

  21. Hi there.
    I’ve been nominated for the BookerAward and in turn I’ve nominated you too. I’m not too sure of its legitimacy, or where it came from, but I pass it on to you in the spirit of friendship. The details are on my blog
    Dee

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I am thankful to have come across this blog of yours, you are truly an amazing person with the knowledge of life behind you so I look forward to following you and reading all of the great lessons that God has taught you. Thank you for being true to yourself and for sharing your life and your thoughts with all of us!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Very kind words from someone who is obviously attuned to humankind’s better side. Better to uplift than to wallow in the muck that threatens to swallow us up.

      hugs for understanding…me. 🙂

      Like

  24. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  25. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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… 🙂

      Like

  29. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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. 😉

      Like

    • 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. 🙂

      Like

    • 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. 😉

      Like

  32. 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

    Like

    • 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… 🙂

      Like

  34. 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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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! 🙂

      Like

  35. 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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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. 😉

      Like

  36. 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. 🙂

    Like

    • 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. 😉

      Like

  37. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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. 🙂

      Like

  38. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Like

  39. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

  40. 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!

    Like

    • 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. 🙂

      Like

  41. 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 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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. 😉

      Like

    • 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. 😉

      Like

    • 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.

      Like

    • 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. 🙂

      Like

    • 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.

      Like

  52. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Like

  53. 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

    Like

  54. 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

    Liked by 1 person

hugs for sharing some brief thoughts...and keeping them positive