abitosunshine

Get ready to rumble with HeyMonkeyBrain debates of Pinterest

2012-02-07T12:22:00.001-05:00

Most of us enjoy a good debate. Squidoo has the great debate forum for you to voice your point of view. Join Squidoo, then head on over to HeyMonkeyBrain.com headquarters to pick a fight of your own!

In the meantime, I have created a Pinterest Board just for Hey MonkeyBrain Debate. Here are a few of my ready to rumble pins of interest:

Shocking...

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Blondes pick a fight and this
Redhead is ready to rumble!

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Be a Mean Machine at Work

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Bloggers can join Crazy About My Baybah, Mommy Head Adventures and Crazy Cool with a Side of Crafty for PIN IT TUESDAY!

Just link up your post of your favorite Pinterest pins. (Remember to add the badge and hop link site to your blog post, too.)

So, what are you ready to rumble about?

And, what have you shared on Pinterest this week?

If you have a Squidoo Hey MonkeyBrain page,

Share the link in your comment here,

And you may see your lens pinned by me!

Have you been pinned?

2012-01-31T23:04:00.000-05:00

Here is a refresher course on the art of being pinned...

If you missed out on that special fellow of yours placing his school pin upon you designating you as his item of interest... Well, cry no more, for we have a whole new meaning to being pinned to share with you.

You can pin all your loves and interests on Pinterest and, of course, you are sure to be pinned yourself, as long as you share items of interest to the community at large.

And now, there is even a blog hop for Pinterest addicts!

Bloggers can join Crazy About My Baybah, Mommy Head Adventures and Crazy Cool with a Side of Crafty for PIN IT TUESDAY!

Just link up your post of your favorite Pinterest pins. (Remember to add the badge and hop link site to your blog post, too.)

With Valentine's Day coming soon, I am going to share a few love pins with you ... enJOY!

Valentine's Day Party Ideas for Singles...

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Up In The Air For Valentine's Day...

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Mother and Son Love Story...

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Addicted to Pinterest in 1 Day

2012-01-10T16:54:00.002-05:00

It has taken me only one day on Pinterest to become a PIN addict!

Pinterest is a community for sharing all the amazing people, places, and things you have discovered online. Yes, self promotion is permitted, so it is also a backlink resource. However, don't over-do the "look at me" mentality. Promoting others is a much more enjoyable and fruitful thing to do.

There is even a blog hop for Pinterest addicts!

You can join Crazy About My Baybah, Mommy Head Adventures and Crazy Cool with a Side of Crafty for PIN IT TUESDAY!

Just link up your post of your favorite Pinterest pins. Remember to add the badge and hop link site to your post, too.

My Pinterests of Interests

Applause for kids who make a difference...

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Johnny Marzetti recipe...

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

And one of my own...

Source: squidoo.com via Ruth on Pinterest

Have you been bitten by the Pinterest bug?

Old and New Year

2012-01-01T19:19:00.001-05:00

Wishing each of you a happy new year filled with nuttin' but sunshine! I hold to the memories of 2011 as I reach for the future to be cast in 2012.

And for your listening pleasure, a treasure...

Traditions

2011-12-26T15:41:00.000-05:00

Over the years, for one reason or another, I seem to have lost hold of those customary rituals that escorted me through seasonal festivities and celebrations. At times it seems as though decades of love and of loss have me reminiscing traditions more than giving life to them.

The loss of my pea in a pod, my Aunt Martha Bell, this past year had me wondering what on earth I would do with myself over the winter season, which I had spent mostly with her the past couple of years. Today, I saw a white poinsettia and I knew my aunt wouldn't be happy knowing I am sad, so only loving thoughts of her and a promise to do more than just reminisce in the coming year.

Of course, I had the pleasure of taking part in somewhat of a new holiday tradition this year. I spent Christmas day with my son and his family. Hugging and holding my son and grandson, watching wee ones delighted by anything and everything, new life was breathed unto me.

Most of us have time-honored traditions that spirit us through special holidays and events of our lives. I invite you to share a tradition or two. You never know, you may give me an idea for a new way to celebrate too.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T10:13:00.001-05:00

May the light of Love burn bright for you and your loved ones today and every day...

Visit Tumbleweed Christmas Tree for more seasonal spirit.

Swagbucks Holiday Fun Starts Today

2011-12-19T10:24:00.001-05:00

"Swagbucks is going crazy today, with more ways for you to earn reward points towards free stuff. First, they're having a Swag Code Extravaganza, which means a fun day where you can earn up to 70 Swag Bucks from 8 different codes throughout the day!

Second, there's a new set of Holiday Collector's Bills which you can only earn through search - get all five and you'll receive an instant 12 Swag Bucks bonus! The set starts at noon on Monday.

Finally, for any referral you bring in through the 19th, you'll not only get up to 1000 matching Swag Bucks from Search, but 1000 Matching Swag Bucks from everything they earn (not including codes) all day Monday - they're calling it Mega Match Monday!

Three big reasons to visit Swagbucks this Monday!"

Not yet a member of the Swagbucks rewards program? You can sign up now! Here's my referral link and banner... And... Here's a 100 Swag Buck Registration code that you can use through December 31st and it's worth 100 additional Swag Bucks for new users when applied during registration only. Insert the code HOLIDAYSWAG when registering for Swagbucks.

Have a Happy Search and Earn Holiday!

Sticking it to my Car

2011-12-13T17:06:00.001-05:00

I have been a hardworking gal, at my J-O-B and online, to earn the money needed to pay for my car repairs and or a new used car, whichever the case may be.

I have faith my new mechanic can get my car back on the road. So ... in good faith ... today, I created a bumber sticker and plan to stick it to my car as soon as I get back in the driver's seat!

In keeping with my goals to spread a bit o' sunshine into the lives of others, I think this bumper sticker will do the trick. What do you think? Would seeing this on my car, or your car, or any car, put a smile on your face?

Sunshine Blessings Bumper Sticker by abitosunshine
Browse other Sunshine Bumper Stickers

Sunny Giveaway

2011-12-09T09:45:00.000-05:00

It's time to put on your sunglasses and head on over to Such Fun To Give! There's a whole lot of sunshine beaming the blogosphere in A Sunny Holiday Giveaway!

Win $20 to spend at any of 6 fun shops! And yes, my abitosunshine shops at CafePress and Zazzle are included in this sunny giveaway!

All you'll have to do to enter is complete 1 mandatory entry. Of course there are many ways to earn extra entries in the giveaway to increase your odds of winning the $20 for your sunshine shopping spree.

Have you entered A Sunny Holiday Giveaway?

Giving Thanks for You

2011-11-24T16:04:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

On this day of Thanksgiving,
I give thanks for each of you.
I give thanks for...
each person
each family member
each pet
each friend
and yes...
for each foe.
Every one of you have left your footprints
in the grains of sand of my lifetime.

Giving Thanks Challenge

Thanksgiving Day, November 24th, 2011

Week of Giving Thanks

2011-11-22T11:21:00.001-05:00

TODAY: I give thanks for today ... I give thanks for each sunrise being the blessing of a fresh start in the race of life and for each sunset holding the promise of sweet dreams to be fulfilled ... tomorrow.

WORK: Job-related, my schedule slimmed down to 3 days off, leaving me more time to concentrate on making money with my creative endeavors, online and offline. And, since I won't be working early Sunday mornings, I'll now be able to attend Church services on Saturday evenings. Looking forward to attending the healing and recovery service offered at a local church--invited by a regular customer from work, who is pastor of the church.

HOUSEMATE: Grateful to Scott for all he does to encourage and support me in all that I do. He's a great friend, one whom I give thanks for every day. He has taught me so much about friendship and compassion for others.

FAMILY: My cousin Marsha and her husband, Larry, were thinking of me and how I would be spending my Thanksgiving this year since my Aunt Martha Bell (Marsha's mom) passed away. They stopped by my job to visit me to let me know I was on their mind. How kind!

WEATHER: Still no first snow! There's an autumn chill in the air, as well as a few raindrops falling, but no white stuff is sweet sunshine to me!

LOVE: I am thankful for the gift of loving and being loved. Thankful even for lost loves of my life, for without the love each shared with me a different person I might be.

SLEEP: Insomnia attacks allowed me extra time for creativity this past week. But, a good night of sleep last night has me energized for a day of productivity, too. Dreams being fulfilled with or without sleep!

Giving Thanks Challenge

Day 16 through Day 22

I Give Thanks for the WWW and for the Child Within

2011-11-15T14:53:00.000-05:00

Earlier today, I began searching online for posters on the topic of traditional poetry. From website to website I searched. I found quite a few that applied. More importantly, I was once again reminded to enjoy the journey moreso than the destination.

My topic search landed me on the Child's Heart poster by Peter Frederick. Upon further investigation, I learned the quote on the art print was by one of my favorite authors, Kahlil Gibran.

Child's Heart 20x24 Framed Art Print by Frederick, Peter

Giving Thanks Challenge
Day 15

I am ever so thankful for this computer that allows a wide world to be accessed by my fingertips.

And today, I give thanks for childhood memories of people, places, and things; for the knowledge today's world wide web brings.

I give thanks, for I have enjoyed the journey.

The spirit of the child within lives on in the places of the past where I have found joy. And I avow to create more places of enjoyment upon which my soul shall land.

Motivational Floral Trio

2011-11-14T09:56:00.000-05:00

Giving Thanks Challenge
Days 12, 13, and 14

I ran across this lovely trio of florals and knew I would share them with you, giving thanks for 3 days, their beauty to behold. These posters will make a great grouping on the wall in my office library.

(Unframed posters are 8" by 20")

Webmasters Make $$$

Salute of Thanks for Veterans

2011-11-11T07:11:00.001-05:00

Regardless of my thoughts and feelings of war (that which I abhor) today is Veterans Day in the USA, and it is the veterans of yore for whom my salute soars...

Nature - American Eagle
Buy This Allposters.com

Sharing with you a poem I wrote years ago, inspired by a painting I saw online of a mother and child opening a trunk at the foot of a bed which held the memory of a veteran of war...

I Salute

©Ruth Cox

You were there the wondrous day

Upon which I was born,

But you weren’t able to stay,

And from my life you were torn.

Momma holds me ever so tight

As we open up the trunk.

We read the letter every night

About how the ship was sunk.

Your photo catches the tears

Fallen from a loved one’s eye.

Etched into glass are the fears

Of loss we’ll forever cry.

Momma reads aloud by my side

Old news of the war at end,

I wear your jacket with pride,

Life and liberty you did defend.

I listen to what I am told

Of honor held in your heart,

For me the stories are gold,

And from them I’ll never part.

I celebrate the day of my birth,

My moment in time with you.

For all that to me you are worth

I salute our red, white and blue.

Salute a Soldier today.

And pray...

God Bless the USA!

Giving Thanks Challenge
Veterans Day

Art and Sol

2011-11-10T17:52:00.002-05:00

Giving Thanks Challenge
Day 9 and Day 10

I am thankful for...

ART and SOL

the heART and SOuL of LOVE

Design on ceramic tile, framed in cherrywood.

Created by and available for purchase at abitosunshine.

And I am thankful for my online friendship with artist Billy Frank Alexander and the use of his "heartwork".

Happy 2nd Anniversary to my Son

2011-11-08T12:49:00.001-05:00

Giving Thanks Challenge
Day 8
Dedicated to my Son

You see, yesterday my son celebrated 2 years clean and sober! And for that, this momma stands tall and proud as she whispers praises to the sun above ... Thank you, God!

I share with you a poetic creation, first posted in August of 2009 ... and now, my son's "spray o' tomorrows beckon forevermore" ... One day at a time!

William…
I pray that whatever in life you seek you shall find
I pray that wherever you go, whatever you do,
That you'll never doubt that you are always on my mind
And you'll never forget that your mother loves you.
…Mom

Serendipity and Relaxation

2011-11-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

Giving Thanks Challenge
Day 6 and Day 7
I have a ritual of a statement I speak aloud immediately upon arising on Sunday mornings: Good morning, Lord. Today is YOUR day, as well as SUNday ... and always, I make it a day blessed with a bit o' sunshine!

These days, Mondays are a day off from my job. I force myself to remember to enJOY the day by adding relaxation into the mix of things to do.

Relax, Lilac
Buy This Allposters.com

Health and Happiness

2011-11-05T07:01:00.000-04:00

Giving Thanks Challenge
Day 4 and Day 5
Both health and happiness are but a state of being, just as is the gift of thanksgiving. I give thanks for the fact that I hold my future in my hands and I can always find a moment of happiness to be thankful for and I can always do that which is necessary to maintain a healthy attitude of gratitude.

Health & Happiness
Emily Farish
Buy This Allposters.com

Join the Giving Thanks Challenge

Giving Thanks Day 3

2011-11-03T16:53:00.003-04:00

Giving Thanks Challenge - Day 3

I give thanks for my Avon lady friend!

She made my day when she dropped off my order at work today. I love little gifts just for me that I purchase from my Avon lady.

Today's gift to myself was the Avon Holiday Spice Hand Gift Set. It's pretty, practical, and scented deliciously!

It makes good sense to spend a few good cents on good scents just for me!

i love avon square by beautydiva
Make buttons on Zazzle

Giving Thanks Day 2

2011-11-02T18:23:00.005-04:00

I am giving thanks to the wee guest who made my day when she used ketchup (as a wee one would say) to leave me a note on her plate...

As a server, this is one of the best tips I could receive from a guest! And, it means I must have performed my part in the company's mission statement quite well... "Constantly to serve our patrons the highest quality burgers and shakes along with extending them great service at the lowest possible prices."

Giving Thanks Challenge - Day 2

Giving Thanks Day 1

2011-11-01T13:20:00.004-04:00

Giving Thanks Challenge — Day 1

Today, I give thanks to Leah of South Breeze Farm, the inspiration for a month of giving thanks daily. I look forward to showing my appreciation for all things, big and small, throughout the month of November.

Leah, I would also like to snailmail you my card of appreciation, so please email me with your snailmail address.

Thank You Greeting Card by abitosunshine

Accept the Giving Thanks Challenge 2011

2011-11-01T12:14:00.002-04:00

It is the 1st of November, 2011 and once again I have been given the opportunity to give thanks each day in November by accepting the Giving Thanks Challenge hosted by Leah of South Breeze Farm. This is my second year of participating in the challenge, although this is the 5th year Leah has offered up the challenge.

Last year I posted my daily thankfulness in one blog post, just adding to my Giving Thanks Challenge post each day. This year, I am going to share my gratitude in daily blog posts, so that I may discuss in greater detail the object of my thankfulness, if I feel the need to do so.

As Leah says, "I'd like to encourage all of you to join me for the 5th Annual Giving Thanks Challenge! All you have to do is post one thing you're thankful for each day somewhere on your blog. It doesn't even have to be an actual thought-out post. Just start making a list on your sidebar if you want - somewhere you can see it every day to encourage an attitude of thankfulness."

Of course, snag the button and link from Leah, and remember to link your blog up with Leah's Let The Challenge Begin post. I plan to show my gratitude for the challenge by doing my part in visiting those bloggers who link up with the challenge, as well as to those of you who leave comments on my daily giving thanks posts.

Are you up for the Giving Thanks Challenge? There are thirty (30) days in the month of November, giving us thirty (30) ways to share our gratitude. Let us know if you have accepted the challenge!

I will be posting my Day 1 of giving thanks shortly. For those who don't want to miss my daily posts, I encourage you to...

Follow abitosunshine via Email

Thank You!

Footloose and Fancy Free Contest

2011-10-29T18:07:00.002-04:00

I am footloose and fancy-free!

(That's my six words for Saturday.)

I am just having a bit of after work fun and frivolity before I hunker down and busy myself with a long list of things I need to get done online today.

Head on over to Finger Click $aver and hop along in the Footloose and Fancy-Free Weekend Hop! It's a fun way to meet new friends while sharing your favorite links.

Then be sure to head over to Show My Face to link up your own Six Word Saturday post.

Both of these sites have a good thing going on for a bit of weekend fun!

Footloose and Fancy Free Query Contest

(Yes, that is another six words.)

Rod Stewart-Footloose And Fancy Free
Buy This Allposters.com

Can you guess what my favorite song is on the Rod Stewart album Footloose & Fancy Free?

First person to answer the contest question correctly wins...

Sunshine Blessings Magnet by abitosunshine

Become a graphic design affiliate at zazzle.com

Note: Be sure to leave your email address in your comment so I can notify you when you guess correctly and win my magnet!

Soon to Expire

2011-10-20T18:59:00.009-04:00

SuperPoints invites, that is, not me!

I have two invitations to The SuperPoints Network rewards program that will expire on November 1st! Also, each invite is good for only one friend, so grab it quickly!

INVITE #1

http://superpoints.com/wrpgs/hjc903

INVITE #2

http://superpoints.com/wrpgs/hgxcce

NOTE: 500 superpoints equals $5!
(towards cash in PayPal or gift cards)

You can read all the super simple details about the SuperPoints rewards program here on my previous blog post "Word of Mouth Marketing".

Happy Birthday Party

2011-10-10T10:54:00.002-04:00

Another year, not just another day. I'm having a party and you're invited to my celebration of the day of my birth! And from my heart I say, "Thank you, Mom, for giving me life on this day."

Ralph Steadman - OK! Let’s Party
Ralph Steadman
24 in. x 36 in.
Buy This Allposters.com

First thing this morning, I received a gift from The Swag Guy at SwagBucks!

You can get your sweet birthday swagbucks, too! Join me at SwagBucks!

Word of Mouth Marketing

2011-10-02T12:53:00.011-04:00

Word-of-mouth is by far one of the best promotional techniques used in referral marketing. Ok, so you can't hear me, but you can sure read me, loud and clear!

SuperPoints is, in my opinion, one of the best rewards programs online today for earning extra income. You are paid in points that can be redeemed for cash and gift card rewards. You earn by clicking on the SuperLucky button daily. You may also earn by daily Lucky Mail and by completing offers and surveys.

Share SuperPoints invitation links with your friends! They will earn while you also increase your earning potentional.

Two (2) friend referrals increases your membership to Gold, giving you 50 daily clicks on the SuperLucky Button. Five (5) friend referrals increases your membership to Platinum, and you receive 100 daily clicks on that button!

Gold and Platinum members also receive superpoints equal to those of which their friend referrals are clicking and earning on the button!

Superpoints Redemption Example:

500 points equals $5 in PayPal cash.
1000 points equals $10 in PayPal cash.
2500 points equals $25 in PayPal cash.

SuperPoints pays weekly! Payment is made every Monday! (Sometimes on Tuesday, if they are back-logged.)

I joined the SuperPoints Network in August of 2011. I have redeemed superpoints for (at least) $5 cash in my PayPal account every week since signing up!

I do have a few friends who are helping me earn this extra income. That's the beauty of referral marketing -- share a money making opportunity with a friend -- everybody wins!

Join the SuperPoints Network rewards opportunity with my invitation link and you will begin earning points towards cash and prizes -- once you SIGN UP, VERIFY your email, AND COMPLETE your profile to 100%:

Invitation =====> http://superpoints.com/wrpgs/hgxcce

Invitation link is good for 1 friend only. (You can only sign up once, so please don't use this link if you're already a member of the SuperPoints Network.)

NOTE: You can also always find a current invitation link from me in my blog post Making $$$ Online.

Your SuperPoints earnings are up to you...

=====> Get Clicking!

SOS Saturday

2011-10-01T12:02:00.000-04:00

DON'T
MISS
SUNSHINE
SHOT
GLASS
GIVEAWAY

Enter my giveaway for a chance to win a shot of sunshine!

Head on over to Six Word Saturday and blog hop along with us today while we tell you a bit about our lives in just six words.

Sunshine Giveaway

2011-09-24T18:52:00.001-04:00

I am sharing a bit of sunshine in a giveaway over at my Poetic Creations by abitosunshine blog! Head on over to enter to win my...

SOS Sunshine Shot Glass Giveaway!

DearFoam Slippers Winner

2011-09-08T11:42:00.002-04:00

I wish to thank Networking Witches for hosting the DearFoam Slippers giveaway -- I am a WINNER!

colorblock clog

Just in time for cool weather and a winner to warm my tootsies!

I love giveaways!

Share a giveaway:

Share a BOOK giveaway:

Happy Labor of Love Day Weekend

2011-09-03T17:47:00.009-04:00

Happy Labor {of Love} Day Weekend

In reading The History of Labor Day, found on the United States Department of Labor website, I found the first sentence and the last sentence of the article its most meaningful.

The First: Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

The Last: It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

A challenge to an American worker:

You have a huge heart. Use it to hug a heart. Wear that heart on your work shirt sleeve and use it to hug the heart of the unemployed. That will be your social and economic achievement to celebrate this weekend. You will be the living strength, freedom, and leadership of a...

Happy Labor {of Love} Day Weekend

Buy This Allposters.com

For my friends in Australia, I found Labour Day in Australia. It seems we celebrate on different days, but for similar reasons. I find it interesting that different territories within Australia celebrate Labour Day on different dates of the year.

Head on over to Six Word Saturday and hop along with us while we tell you a bit about our lives in just six words.

I am not a Jerk! I love Jerky!

2011-09-01T17:40:00.003-04:00

When my friend Marsha (of Marsha's Spot) told me about the Jerky Direct business opportunity, I told her that one day I would join her on the jerky journey. That was a year or so ago. This past week I signed on, finally!

Today I received my first automatic shipment of jerky -- from my own company -- abitosunshine Jerky Direct.

I received 2 bags of PEPPERED BEEF STEAK STICKS.

This stuff is yummy! Why on earth did I wait so long to join the Jerky Direct journey?

I'm truly excited about this network marketing opportunity and being able to share it with others. And, I'm really excited about getting a new flavor each month for only $12 plus $1.97 shipping! That's all it costs to join in this money making opportunity.

You're welcome to take the tour to find out more!

Now, my dog Tidbit is begging for another beef steak stick, so I better hide that 2nd bag before it, too, disappears! And, again, a bow-wow of thanks to you, Marsha!

If you saw money in the middle of the street, would you go pick it up?

2011-09-01T10:50:00.006-04:00

Imagine you're walking along, nearing the end of your daily ten-minute walk. You glance to your right and see money - green - bills blowing around in the middle of the street. Would you brave the traffic to get to those bills? Would you pick them up, pocket them, and later spend that newfound green? Would you take a walk tomorrow in hopes of finding another bill or two or three? Would you invite a friend or two or more to join you on your daily walk?

I would!

Imagine me telling you where and how to find a few bills just as simply. I did not say easily, I said simply. Yes, you may have to dodge a bit of traffic congestion, it may be a single green instead of a five or ten of green; but, it is there for the taking and the making, if you're willing to go out there and do what it takes to make it.

And, remember, if you take that ten-minute walk every day, a single green becomes several single greens, and so forth. If you take a friend along with you on your daily walk, you both find more green!

Making money online is that simple. It's extra money earned by spending a little bit of time each day doing what it takes to earn the cash and/or prizes. And the best part is sharing the money making opportunity with others -- everybody wins, everybody earns!

A Point to Ponder: When a friend invites you along and you accept -- you are not just "supporting your friend" -- your friend is also supporting YOU by inviting you! It's a people helping people opportunity for the both of you.

For your information, I found three five dollar bills in my daily walks in August. And this was just the beginning of my taking a walk each day.

Where did this walk take me? Straight to the SuperPoints Network!

Once you receive my invitation, just accept the invite by signing up, then you'll receive a confirmation email. Once you receive your confirmation link, fill out your Basic Information on your member profile.

NOTE: You MUST validate your email and complete your basic information on your profile to earn superpoints.

You will then have access to 30 daily clicks on the SuperLucky Button at Superpoints! To increase your number of daily clicks, invite friends. As you refer friends to Superpoints, you increase your random point clicks and earnings.

There are many reward prizes available, gift cards and my personal favorite: PayPal cash! Example:

500 superpoints equals $5 via PayPal
1,000 superpoints equals $10 via PayPal
2,500 superpoints equals $25 via PayPal

Joining SuperPoints is by invitation only, and, invites are good for only 1 person. Here's an invitation for you to accept ASAP (before another friend beats you to it!):

http://superpoints.com/wrpgs/jsjzkt

Please leave a comment if you accept the invite so I can insert a new one for others. Thank you!

WINNER of UPrinting Labels GIVEAWAY

2011-08-25T12:39:00.000-04:00

We have a WINNER!

Giveaway: 250 Print Labels by UPrinting

CONGRATULATIONS

RENEE HUTCHINSON!

Renee, I am delighted to announce you as the winner of this giveaway! I have a feeling you will utilize these print labels from UPrinting.com in your Baby James Foundation. You may, of course, use them for anything you wish.

Again, congratulations! And, thank you for participating in the giveaway.

I also wish to thank UPrinting.com and GiveawayBlogs.com for making this giveaway possible here at abitosunshine!

Timestamp: 2011-08-25 16:06:48 UTC
Random Sequence Generator

Twitter Tweet Status Link

2011-08-23T17:15:00.003-04:00

Entering a giveaway? As in my current UPrinting Print Label Giveaway, an additional entry may be had if you Twitter tweet the giveaway post and then leave your Twitter tweet Status link in the comment section.

For those of you who do not yet know what a status link is, here is a step-by-step how to find it:

Log in to Twitter.
Click Profile.
Click Your Tweets (top right).
Find the tweet you are looking for.
Click on the "time" tweet was tweeted, for example: 10 hours ago
The URL for that specific tweet is now in the browser address bar and is the "twitter status" link needed.

You can try it out by entering my giveaway:
Giveaway: 250 Print Labels by UPrinting

And...Here is my latest Twitter tweet status link:
http://twitter.com/#!/abitosunshine/status/106116888253304832

CLOSED Giveaway: 250 Print Labels by UPrinting

2011-08-19T22:13:00.006-04:00

With Summer soon over, children are going back to school and our home and/or community gardens are ready for fall harvest.

Back-to-school books and bags may need labels to identify their rightful owner. Home grown tomatoes and green beans need your uniquely designed personal labels on the jars. Or, maybe now that the youngsters will be away for the better part of the day and your gardening is canned and on the pantry shelf, you may just have time to get back to creating your craft products for sale and now you will need shipping labels.

We have just what you need! Thanks to UPrinting.com, we are offering a great giveaway of fully customizable Print Labels for whatever purpose you may find for them.

GIVEAWAY PRIZE DETAILS:

250 Print Labels for One (1) Winner

2" x 3.5"

70lb Label Matte, Front Only Printing

4 Business Days Turnaround
(free shipping included for this giveaway)

As stated above, the Print Labels are customizable to your needs. You will be able to design them online with the UPrinting design Product Template, uploading your own images and text.

RESTRICTIONS: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only and giveaway is limited to USA residents only. Winners are allowed to win an UPrinting sponsored giveaway only once over a six-month period. Please do NOT enter if you do not meet these restrictions.

GIVEAWAY WILL END August 25th at NOON EST. Winner will be notified by email and on a giveaway winner post on this blog. Winner will have 24 hours to reply to the email AND comment on the winner post as proof of receipt of notification. If these requirements are not met, a new winner will be selected.

***ENTER THE GIVEAWAY***

MANDATORY WITH EACH ENTRY is your email address. Entries without an email address will NOT be counted.

Enter once, twice, or enter up to nine times by following the optional entries below. Please post a separate comment for each entry.

Google Friend Connect with abitosunshine (in right side panel of this blog).

Email Subscribe to abitosunshine (in right side panel of this blog).

Follow @abitosunshine on Twitter and post your Twitter name here on this giveaway post.

Follow @uprinting on Twitter and post your Twitter name here on this giveaway post.

Follow @Giveaway_Blogs on Twitter and post your Twitter name here on this giveaway post.

Twitter tweet this giveaway and leave the Twitter status link in a comment on this giveaway post.

Like abitosunshine on Facebook and post your Facebook name here on this giveaway post.

Like UPrinting on Facebook and leave a wall comment telling them abitosunshine sent you. Then leave the comment status link here on this giveaway post.

Leave a comment on another post on this blog and leave the post title in a comment on this giveaway post.

DISCLAIMER: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given, and I will receive labels for hosting this giveaway. Check out product templates on UPrinting.com.

Gourmet Gift Basket Winner

2011-08-03T20:48:00.008-04:00

Are you a busy as a bee blogger entering gieveaways on blogs on a regular basis? I am!

On July 4th I entered Tammylyne's Gourmet Gift Baskets the perfect gift-Snack Basket Giveaway. On July 28th, I received this email from Tammylyne:

"Congratulations you won The Gourmet Gift Basket giveaway on Tales from Tammylyne!

Please send me your name address and phone number and I will send it off to the sponsor ASAP.

Thanks for being a Tales from Tammylyne reader, I appreciate you!

Tammylyne"

And, today, August 3rd, Mr. FedEx Man delivered my...

Snack Gift Basket - Classic

Thank you, Tammylyne!

Thank you, GourmetGiftBaskets.com!

Note:

Now munching on a

Brent & Sam's

Key Lime White Chocolate Gourmet Cookie

found in my Snack Basket -- yummylicious!

You can visit GourmetGiftBaskets.com to see the variety of yummy baskets available for purchase as gifts or for yourself.

You can follow Tales from Tammylyne for all her current and upcoming giveaways, reviews, and more tales!

Of course, you will also want to visit the GIVEAWAY Linky List right here at abitosunshine on a regular basis to find more great giveaways to enter and win!

59 Swag Bucks!

2011-08-02T17:18:00.000-04:00

WoW!

I just won my largest SwagBucks.com search and earn ever!

59 Swag Bucks!

WoW!

Jump right on in for a swagbucks win!

Swag Flag

2011-08-01T20:16:00.001-04:00

Have you been participating in the Swagbucks Swag Code Extravaganza today? I have, on and off this afternoon, as I dodge thunderstorms here in Ohio, once again. And ... I'm delighted to report that I just got the big 20 swagbucks for the code hunt!

Have you seen the new swag flag for Swagbucks? If not, you can read all about it in today's Swagbucks Blog post "Salute The Flag!"

Applicable to both questions above: I just used my Swagbucks toolbar to search this query: how many swagbucks did you win in the extravaganza today

For that search I earned my first swag flag eleven swagbucks!

Jump right on in for a swagbucks win!

Six Word Saturday on Sunday

2011-07-31T18:45:00.006-04:00

Friday thunderstorm halted my Saturday hopping!

Zeus Holding Lightning Bolts
Buy This Allposters.com

Zapped by Zeus

An overabundant downpour

Blown in by an outburst of god,

Coupled with a striking flasher

Pounding lines with thunderous roar;

These, the bane of my subsistence,

Offing my hopes for connecting

In timely manner of speaking.

Imagine my charged resistance!

Head on over to Six Word Saturday and hop along with us while we tell you a bit about our lives in just six words.

MSBD and Extravaganza

2011-07-29T14:14:00.000-04:00

Ya just gotta love MSBD!

Check out my Mega Swag Bucks Day 28 swagbucks win as I searched for "Disrupted Lives Blog Tour"...

What MSBD wins have you had today?

What's Mega Swag Bucks Day?

Sign Up and Read all About it!

Jump right on in for your MSBD win!

While I've got your attention...

On Monday Swagbucks is having a Swag Code Extravaganza - that means multiple Swag Codes throughout the day - if someone were to get all of them, they'd pocket an extra 50 Swag Bucks!

What are Swag Codes?

Sign Up and Read all About it!

Jump right on in for your Swag Codes win!

Swagbucks Book Club News

2011-07-28T11:54:00.000-04:00

Have you heard the latest book club news from Swagbucks? Yes, that's right, Swagbucks now has a book club. Swaggernauts meet up in the Swagbucks blog on Fridays at 10am PT (that's 1pm EST for me).

Delightedly, I usually have Fridays off of my job, so maybe I will be around to participate in the book discussions. (And maybe even add my two cents worth and maybe even earn swagbucks for doing so!) If not available at the specified time, I can certainly read all about it in the blog post at my convenience.

You can check out last week's book selection in the Swagbucks blog post "Southern Cooking with The Help". You'll see my comment on the post.

If you're not already part of the Swagbucks nation, just sign yourself up right here (as my referral) and get started earning cash and prizes! Personally, I prefer and elect cash deposited directly into my Paypal account for my swagbucks, but there are many prizes available in the Swagstore on which to spend your Swagbucks digital dollars. Reminder: be sure to download the Swagbucks toolbar so you can search and win swagbucks and more.

Six Words to Share with You

2011-07-28T08:45:00.002-04:00

Hop along with Six Word Saturday!

The Six Word Saturday blog hop hosted by ShowMyFace.com promises to be a wee bit o' fun! Being a writer, I may have trouble sticking to just six words, so I guess it will be best to at least begin my weekly post with a line of six words, then ramble on. I look forward to meeting other bloggers in this hop. Are you one of the bloggers hopping along?

The Sunshine Girls

2011-07-21T09:29:00.002-04:00

Have you met the Sunshine Girls? We've been just about everywhere in the world, via the internet, over the past decade and more.

Our latest claim to fame is the joy of being awarded the coveted Purple Star from the Squidoo community. We would like to invite you to stop by and visit the Sunshine Girls lens and we do hope you'll leave your pawprints in our guestbook while visiting.

And ... another invitation ... If you are not yet a member of Squidoo, you can Sign Up Now via our referral link. This way, you can share lenses of your own interests and it enables you to take part in all the friendship, fun, and money-making activities via Squidoo.

Perhaps you're already a Squidoo Lensmaster. If so, please leave your Squidoo link here in the comments so we can come visit you, too!

GFC Postcard Winner

2011-07-13T21:00:00.003-04:00

A while back, I posted Ninety-Nine Bottles stating I had 99 Google Friend Connect followers to Bloggin' by abitosunshine and announcing that number 100 would receive my personalized postcard from Ruthi in Ohio!

We have a postcard Winner!

Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews!

I will be contacting Elizabeth via email and then snailmail!

Fantastic Four Tire Giveaway

2011-07-06T11:23:00.000-04:00

Fast track it to make tracks at this fabulous four tire giveaway sponsored by She Scribes and Cooper Tire!

Dirt Field with Tire Tracks
Buy This Allposters.com

What? You haven't entered this giveaway yet?

Drive on over to She Scribes!

Don't forget to check out my Giveaway Linky List here at abitosunshine for more great giveaways and if you're hosting a giveaway, feel free to add it to the list.

Swagbucks PayPal Sale - Updated 7/5

2011-07-02T05:32:00.002-04:00

Swagbucks PayPal gift cards have been slashed! One week only! Read all about it in the Swagbucks blog!

I know I'll be cashing in for at least a $5 PayPal gift card from Swagbucks this week!

Not yet a part of the Swag Nation?

Sign up for Swagbucks

Search & Earn with Swagbucks!

abitosunshine just cashed out for $5 PayPal for 599 swagbucks during the Cash for Bucks sale!

(as posted on Facebook)

Email Blog Subscriptions

2011-06-30T14:13:00.004-04:00

Due to popular demand by you, my blog readers, on all four of my blogs I now offer an email subscription sign-up. Yes, I'm one of those who listens when others speak (eventually, and if they speak loudly enough).
Of course, you're at Bloggin' by abitosunshine! And, here are the links to my other three blogs:

How about you? Do you offer email subscription to your blog? Do you feel having done so that this is increasing your reader participation on your blog posts?

Diary and Blog
Buy This Allposters.com

Webmasters Make $$$

Mega Swagbucks Day

2011-06-24T12:35:00.000-04:00

And I just won 24 Swag Bucks, hooRAYo! Here's the screen capture proof:

You can too! Sign up as my referral NOW!

Sign of the Times

2011-06-18T11:41:00.001-04:00

Working on a Squidoo lens creation I ran across this sign and I just had to share it with you. It is a sure sign of the times...

Beer now cheaper than gas . Drink, don't drive

Buy This Allposters.com

Actually, this past week, gas prices went from $3.99 a gallon to $3.42 here in rural central Ohio. What are the gas prices where you live?

Riding a Few Waves

2011-06-15T18:05:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I've taken the time to cruise the coastline of Catch a Wave Wednesday, so today I've given myself a break from ToDo's to catch a few waves.

Of course, first stop is Blogging Hints to wave to the blog hop host, Cindy. I always glean wonderful tidbits of information when visiting Cindy and today was no exception. I highly recommend you visit "Don't Miss Out on Opportunities" for some inportant contact information for bloggers. You'll also not want to miss the "3 Reasons Why Your Blog Needs Video". It looks like I've just added to my blogging to-do list!

Next wave to ride: Say hello to A Creative Princess, Terri, this weeks co-hostess for Catch a Wave Wednesday. Terri is a party animal! Seriously, she's got all kinds of creative party stuff going on over there that you'll not want to miss.

Tootsie's link on the hop list caught my eye so I wandered over to give her a shout, but decided to just whisper when I realized almost immediately that someone was sleeping at Tootsie Time!

Last wave to catch was the Dragonfly Sweetnest. I immediately discovered Amber is a Buckeye, just like me ... sweet! Oh, speaking of being sweet -- if you're a chocolate lover, you'll for sure want to fly over there to find out about and enter the Endangered Species chocolate Giveaway.

I've had a great time riding the waves this Wednesday! How about you?

Freedom Footprints

2011-06-11T13:47:00.000-04:00

I published a new Squidoo lens on a topic near and dear to my spirit, entitled "Arise Against Abuse". For the occasion, I created several products, and I share one of them with you here...

Freedom Footprints by abitosunshine
sell my posters online at Zazzle.

The Spotlight's On

2011-06-07T17:57:00.001-04:00

...me! I'm delighted to share this post with you. I'm in the Tuesday Spotlight at:

Fiction With A Purpose.

Again ... Thank you, Brenda!

Patience Post

2011-06-02T09:02:00.001-04:00

abitosunshine Love and Writing: Dare to Ruffle my Feathers: "Do you often find yourself in the company of someone who dares to ruffle your feathers? Do you find yourself lacking in the patience departm..."

You can Help in a United Way

2011-05-17T17:30:00.001-04:00

Swagbucks.com will be collecting Swag Buck donations throughout the month of May and you can help in a united way!

As of this afternoon, as noted in the blog post, Tornado Relief Update, members of the Swagbucks community have donated 173,485 of their swagbucks toward The Tornado Relief Fund, supporting the United Way of Western Alabama. 100% of donations go directly to local tornado relief.

To those who are already part of the Swagbucks community and have donated to this worthy cause -- I thank you.

To those of you who are not yet members of Swagbucks, you can JOIN NOW via my referral link to begin earning your swagbucks and donating a portion of them to the fund.

I'm an Album Winner -- UPDATE

2011-05-15T04:21:00.001-04:00

Sweet treat! I awoke to discover I am the Yael naim Album Winner in the giveaway at Marsha's Spot! Marsha has more giveaways going on, so get on over there to enter and become a winner yourself.

Update 5/20: I just received the Yael naim CD today and have listened to the entire playlist, maybe two or three times over! Excellent tunes! Great voice with an emotional mix of verse and attitude. Highly recommend this artist.

Again ... thanks, Marsha!

Another Swagbucks Payday

2011-05-06T18:14:00.000-04:00

Hello abitosunshine,Just thought you'd like to know THE SWAG STORE sent you $5.00 USD.

Gotta love my Swagbucks!
http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/abitosunshine

In The News

2011-05-05T19:15:00.000-04:00

You can watch this video at Swagbucks.com of Swagbucks on the news in Green Bay. If you don't trust the news, then trust me -- this news is believable! SIGN UP at Swagbucks NOW to earn and be rewarded, just as I am!

Teacher Appreciation Week

2011-05-04T04:29:00.000-04:00

Here in the USA, May 2nd through May 6th is Teacher Appreciation Week. Do you have memories of a favorite teacher to share?

Teacher Appreciation by abitosunshine
Design custom steins at Zazzle

7 New Giveaways

2011-04-24T18:31:00.000-04:00

Seven new giveaways just added to the GIVEAWAY linky list at abitosunshine!

Congratulations!

2011-04-08T16:08:00.001-04:00

I just won 32 mega Swagbucks and you can too!

Ninety-Nine Bottles

2011-03-29T12:32:00.001-04:00

OOPs! Actually, that should say 99 bloggers now follow Bloggin' by abitosunshine! I'd like to hit 100 today. And, my 100th blogger to follow me on Google Friend Connect, I'll snailmail you my personalized postcard! (If you give me your snailmail address, of course.)

Postcards for a Purpose by abitosunshine

So ... who shall it be? Shall it be YOU to receive this picture postcard from Ohio?

We can Help Japan with Swagbucks

2011-03-24T16:05:00.000-04:00

We in the Swagbucks.com nation are doing our part to Help Japan. Saddened by the loss of life and property due to the March 11th earthquake and tsunami, we have voluntarily contibuted a portion of our Swag Bucks earnings toward the Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund. You can read more about it at Swagbucks on the main donation post, Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund Donation.

If you are not yet a member of Swagbucks.com, I invite you to JOIN NOW via my referral link, and be sure when you sign up to enter (copy and paste) this code - HelpJapan - on your registration form. With this code you will earn an additional 50 swagbucks immediately for signing up. This code and contibution drive is good now through 11am PDT on Friday, April 8th.

WE THANK YOU!

Gotta love Swagbucks!

2011-03-18T14:13:00.002-04:00

Hello abitosunshine,
Just thought you'd like to know
THE SWAG STORE sent you $5.00 USD.

SIGN UP NOW to Search & Earn via Swagbucks.com!

March Jitterbug

2011-03-17T05:26:00.000-04:00

May the luck o' the Irish bless you today...

Day off and the sun is Shining

2011-03-07T11:14:00.000-05:00

Good morning blogging friends! I'm off work today and wanted to share a bit o' sunshine with all of you...enJOY!

I've lots on my ToDo List today, but most of all I'm going to enJOY a slow-paced time of crossing these things off my list amidst enJOYin' the sunshine.

Spring Cleaning my Office with Fellowes

2011-03-05T16:29:00.001-05:00

The arrival of Spring with fresh air and sunshine is always a pleasure, but it also rings in the reminder of that old cliche that it's time for a bit of spring cleaning. With that thought always comes to mind -- tax time! For me, that means time for my home office, desk, and computer to get a serious clean-up, too, as I filter through the file cabinests and desktops for all items pertinent to filing my personal and online business taxes.

All winter long I've been huddled up at the desk doing indoor things and have managed to pile upon piles little notes to myself about seemingly important tasks and ideas. Now is the time to go through them all, saving that which is truly necessary, filing and/or transposing into specified journals, and send the remains through the paper shredder.

The greatest task has always been having to take several boxes of paperwork somewhere to have it shredded, and trusting that nobody's looking at what they're shredding. This year, however, I hope to use the Fellowes P-12C Cross-Cut Shredder for this task.

Before I continue to tell you all about the Fellowes P-12C shredder, I want to disclose that I am an active member of One2One Network and I am blogging about this product in the hopes of winning one of nine of the Fellowes P-12C shredders being given away to One2One member bloggers. I also will say that I don't blog about a product or service unless I am confident it is worthy of my opinion. The One2One Network is definitely held in high regard by me and not only do I trust the brands they choose to work with, I investigate the brand and product a bit myself before giving my honest opinion of the product. I am impressed with all I've read online regarding Fellowes and their office equipment. I'm certainly delighted to have the opportunity to win one of these paper shredders.

That stated, let me continue with describing the Fellowes P-12C Cross-Cut Shredder. Part of securing your identity means disposing of any printed material you wouldn't wish anyone else to see. So, you shred the paperwork you no longer need but don't wish others to have access to; however, not all paper shredders are equal. I like that the P-12C uses cross-cut shredding, which is much more difficult for someone to pick up and put all the pieces back together to get the information you didn't want them to see.

The Fellowes P-12C can shred paper, credit cards, staples, and even paper clips. Now, that's a handy dandy gadget, if you ask me.

The dimensions of the shredder are slimline -- 16"x8.75"x17" -- meaning it will tuck neatly on a shelf or under my desk for convenience. With a P-12C, maybe I can start shredding year round instead of saving all the paper shredding for Spring cleaning. By eliminating that chore I could get out and enjoy the sunshine more.

The Fellowes P-12C has SafeSense technology, which means when my hands touch the paper opening -- it stops! Safe and secure; I couldn't ask for anything more.

You can browse online at Fellowes P-12C Cross-Cut Shredder for product details and you can even do an affordable price check at Target. Get yourself one, too, and join me out of doors in the fresh air and Spring sunshine!

I Won and Then Some

2011-03-03T13:50:00.001-05:00

I'm a WINNER!

I'm the CSN $50 Giveaway Winner!

I'm ever so delighted to be able to go shopping and I'll be sure to let you all know what I purchase with my winnings right here in a blog post. And again, I thank Brenda for the winning opportunity!

I also just received $5 in my PayPal account from SWAGBUCKS! It's quite a day, hooRAYo!

While I've got your attention, let me also point you in the direction of Brenda's book giveaway: In Dreams by author Deanna Lee Warren (ends 3/16/11).

OK, I'm now headed to Squidoo and hope to see you there, too! You'll find my latest adventure on my Squidformation Highway!

Sunshine Blessings

2011-02-25T13:03:00.001-05:00

Along with my blessing of sunshine comes a couple of other things...

First, a special Thank you! to a special Gather Friend (you know who you are) for a private "I Miss You" message.

I've been extremely busy, online and offline. I am writing and creating, just spreading it around a bit at many different venues, (again, online and offline). My newest online forum is Squidoo, where I have high hopes of earning an income one day, as well as creating for charity!

I've also spent the last few weeks job hunting again, since there have actually been job listings in our area for a change. With that, I'm happy to announce that...

I am no longer among the unemployed!

As of Monday morning at 6 am my schedule will be quite different and will take some serious getting used to. I am not a morning person! And I'll be a breakfast server at a family-style restaurant. Nothing glamorous, but it is work and I'll be feeling much more useful; being unemployed has not been good for my sense of self-worth.

I'm also spending a lot of time at the nursing home with my aunt. But, she may be going home next week. She'd just a couple weeks ago been moved from the therapy section of the home to the long-term section, but Aunt Martha Bell has decided she wants to go home.

For me, this means I'll be leaving work and heading to her place for a few hours. So, I may not be online as much for awhile. And when I am, I'll be concentrating on being as productive as I can be, need to be, for me.

As for today, I have a few errands to run, however, with a nasty winter storm arriving overnight that dropped rain and ice and now is dropping snow, I may just stay home today. I need the rest and I'd like to do some serious catching up online.

Swagbucks Happy Birthday Bonus

2011-02-21T18:57:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWAGBUCKS!

Now through February 28th, enter this code -- BirthdayFun -- when you sign up at Swagbucks. You'll get an extra 25 swagbucks on top of your 30 for signup! And here's my referral link to get you started: http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/abitosunshine

Why a referral link? Because...when you get a referral on Swagbucks you earn matching bucks from them for search until the cap of 1000 Swag Bucks is reached. So once you get signed up, use your own referral link to share the Swagbucks birthday fun with all your friends!

Now, don't forget... use the code BirthdayFun when you sign up at Swagbucks. And be sure to watch your email for your verification instructions from Swagbucks to make your registration official.

Whether you sign up as my referral or with another friend, I wish you success in Swagbucks search and earn program.

Wave the White far Away

2011-02-09T13:17:00.000-05:00

It's time for the Catch A Wave Wednesday blog hop hosted by Cindy of Blogging Hints. I'm hoping by riding the Waves for a bit that I can wave all this winter white fluff on the ground to a faraway place!

I really appreciate Cindy hosting Catch a Wave Wednesday. I've met and made a few good blog friends through this blog hop and I always look forward to hopping around to wave to new bloggers each week. So ... Thank you, Cindy!

Cindy featured Riding the Roller Coaster this week, so I stopped by and waved to her. She's got a Battle of the Baggage being fought on the homefront, so I signed up to follow her, as I wouldn't want to miss who ends up packing, er, unpacking!

And now I'm headed to ride a few Waves! See you next week!

What's Love Got To Do With It?

2011-02-03T18:15:00.002-05:00

I find it interesting that Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated by most with their lovers, spouses, significant others, yet the very martyred saints which the holiday is attributed to honor were not of a romantic martyrdom.

Do you reserve Valentine's Day only for lovers? Or do you send greeting cards, flowers, and (don't forget) chocolates to others you may love, such as friends, siblings, or co-workers?

Have you ever thought about giving a greeting card on Valentine's Day to someone you do not love? Or to a total stranger, say, the homeless person under the nearest bridge?

Seriously, what's love got to do with it? Think about it. Valentine's Day could be our greatest holiday opportunity to spread the Love throughout all of Humanity!

Valentine's Day Note Cards ---> BUY NOW

Paypal Payday

2011-01-27T13:55:00.005-05:00

I get so excited when I receive an email that says "You've Got Money!" in the subject line! I got these this month, so far, hooRAYo for paypal payday!

Payment From
THE SWAG STORE
$5.00
(2nd time this month)

Payment From
Sidetick
$25.00

Payment From
Gather
$10USD

Payment From
SendEarnings
$30.31 (check)

Payment From
Sponsored Tweets
$8.72

Catch A Wave Time

2011-01-19T12:32:00.003-05:00

It's time for Catch A Wave Wednesday! I so enJOY this blog hop of Cindy's, hosted at Blogging Hints. Each week I make a new blog friend or two or three or more!

Cindy has great ideas to help you increase your blog activity, this blog hop being one of them, so be sure to spend a bit o' time with her.

Each week Cindy features a blog hopper of Catch A Wave Wednesday. This week's featured blog is Create With Joy. What a fabulous fun time I had visiting there with the Paper Princess and her friend Legend! Truly an inspirational place to visit, so be sure to stop by with a wave and bask in the creativity.

Now I'm headed to hop the linky list and wave at a few old and new friends. I'll update this post with a couple of my wanderings, so you might want to check back here later to see if I waved you into this post!

Update Waves...

I couldn't resist a blog titled Wave of Life Surf Studio--how appropriate for this blog hop! Full of all forms of life and beauty, I had a great visit. I even stopped by The Wave of Life Studio Store and found a Skinny Dipping Necklace I so adore!

I surfed on over to wave at Sara at Our Breezy Beach Life. I met the family and picked up a new recipe! Visiting also made me miss living in sunny south Florida!

Next, I wandered over to meet Michelle at Wandering Still. I hopped with her through the thrift stores and to Brussels and everywhere in between! This gal knows how to enJOY life! Wander on over and join the adventures!

Valentine's Day - It's Thoughtful

2011-01-18T15:08:00.000-05:00

Let's make Valentine's Day an It's Thoughtful Day!

My friend Ann introduced me to itsThoughtful.com, a social gift shopping network. Thanks, Ann!

And there are currently 2 Valentine's promotions going on!

$20 Amazon Gift Card
Receive a $20 Amazon gift card for EVERY 15 friends you refer! Here's my INVITATION LINK

FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS!
Sign up, submit and vote on gift ideas! VOTE for my GIFT IDEA

Thank YOU!

Thanks Swagbucks and Marsha

2011-01-15T14:43:00.000-05:00

I'm always tickled when I'm headed to visit a blogger friend and earn SwagBucks doing so! I was headed to visit my friend Marsha and earned 8 swagbucks for doing so. Thanks, Swagbucks and thanks, Marsha! I even snapped a screen shot to share with you:

You can earn while you search for friends, too. Here's my referral link to SwagBucks ... if you sign up through my link, I earn when you earn. It's a win/win way to spend part of a computer day!

Now that I've shared this bit o' fun and $$$ making, I'm headed to Marsha's Spot!

Waving Through the White Fluff

2011-01-12T11:41:00.000-05:00

I'm waving through the falling flakes outside my window this morning! Mother Nature is still dumping her white fluff. I say, Enough!

It's time for my weekly blog post for the Catch A Wave Wednesday blog hop hosted by Cindy of Blogging Hints.

My first Wave was to Cindy and I spent a bit o' time reading and commenting on a few of her posts today as she always has something interesting to share via her blogging hints and tips.

I really appreciate Cindy hosting Catch a Wave Wednesday. I've met and made a few good blog friends through this blog hop and I always look forward to hopping around to wave to new bloggers each week. So ... Thank you, Cindy!

Cindy featured Karissa of With Our Best, so I stopped by and waved to her. She's got some great giveaways and product info on her site, so I signed up to follow her, as I wouldn't want to miss where she's flying to next!

Next, I waved to Colleen of the ART of decorating, a Mural Maker & More, for sure! Oh my, her artwork is fabulous and in her posts she often shares the design process. Just lovely! I'd met Colleen last week, via the hop, at her other blog, Feng Shui Savvy. And I do need to get back there for her hints on getting organized!

Well, I'm off to see who else on the blog hop linky list I can wave to ... hop on by via Catch a Wave Wednesday and it may just be you!

Join Me for Coffee On The Patio

2011-01-11T14:59:00.000-05:00

This may well be the best cup of coffee you'll ever drink!

As you sip upon your warm mug of your finest java, join me over at Coffee On The Patio to enter to...

Win $300 Target Gift Card!

And, If you know of any good giveaways, please share them by adding them to my Giveaway Linky List here at abitosunshine ... thank you!

Giveaway Linky List

2011-01-10T09:13:00.001-05:00

It's a bright and beautiful Monday! For all you bloggers that are giveaway-addicted (I am!) I've got the Giveaway Linky List each week here at abitosunshine! If you're hosting a giveaway, or know of a good giveaway, add it to the linky list!

Please add only the direct link to the giveaway post! (Not the main blog URL) If you are hosting more than one giveaway, feel free to add them all, individually!

Please add the End Date of your giveaway in your description.

Please add the Giveaway button to your blog so others can find the list, too; thank you!

Please become a Google Friend Connect Follower of abitosunshine...thank you!

And please leave a comment so I know you've visited the list and/or added to the list...I thank you!

I also have a monthly linky list for BOOK GIVEAWAYS ONLY at my other blog, Ruthi Reads! Here's the link for book giveaways: B-Y-G-B January End Dates

SwagBucks Shipped my way Today

2011-01-06T14:30:00.000-05:00

Snailmail and Email are brightening my day! I just received an email and am sharing it with you...

What's great is that you can search and earn this, too, as well as many other prizes! By clicking my referral link and signing up, we both earn!

Send Earnings my way Today

2011-01-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

"Thank you for earning Cash with SendEarnings®!"

I so enJOY Making $$$ Online! And today a check for $30.41 arrived in my snailmail box, hooRAYo! You can earn money via SendEarnings, too! By clicking my referral link, we both will earn!

Waving -- Catch A Wave Wednesday

2011-01-05T15:52:00.001-05:00

In keeping with the Catch A Wave Wednesday guidelines I first waved hello to the hop hostess, Cindy, over at BloggingHints.com.

Next wave is to the site before me on the linky list this week: Jodi of jodishomebiz.com, Helping Moms Work From Home. I need to plan for some time there checking out all the knowledge Jodi's sharing with those of us working from home. Of course, I signed up to follow with Google Friend Connect and waved a Happy 2011 while visiting.

Next, I headed to the wave following me on the list: Stephanie with Beauty Brite. I'll be headed right back there, too, as I need to finish up my entries in her Soy Candle Giveaway!

Another wave link caught my eye, so I just had to wave and follow Colleen's Feng Shui Savvy site! So much to learn and fun as well. I'm thinking I'll be spending a lot of time there with Colleen.

I'll be wavin' at ya next week, if not before!

Giveaways Glow in abitosunshine!

2011-01-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

Good news from abitosunshine this bright and beautiful Monday for all you bloggers that are giveaway-addicted (I am!). I've decided to add a Giveaway Linky List each week here at abitosunshine! If you're hosting a giveaway, add it to the linky list! Of course, if I'm hosting a giveaway, I'll add it to this list, too.

Please add only the direct link to your giveaway post! (Not your main blog URL) All other links will be deleted. If you are hosting more than one giveaway, feel free to add them all, individually!

Please add the End Date of your giveaway in your description.

Please add the Giveaway button to your blog so others can find the list, too; thank you!

Please become a Google Friend Connect Follower of abitosunshine...thank you!

Please leave a comment so I know you've visited the list and/or added to the list...I thank you!

I do have a monthly linky list for BOOK GIVEAWAYS ONLY at my other blog, Ruthi Reads! So if you're hosting a book giveaway, add it there, too. Here's the link for book giveaways: B-Y-G-B January End Dates

the Sum of Ten and One

2010-12-31T23:43:00.003-05:00

On this day, the eve of a new year, I am lucky, as Mother Nature saw fit to give up a day of spring-like weather. How fortunate I feel I am for the opportunity to ready myself to begin anew. As I say goodbye, on this eve of an old year, my mind is bubbling over in dreams of rebirth for 2011.

I wish you, one and all, a Happy New Year! And may your 2011 be blessed with nuttin' but sweet sunshine!

Sun Sails the Snow

2010-12-29T13:23:00.000-05:00

Outside my office window is an open field covered with a few waves of winter white. Today it's a beautiful view as I watch the sun sail the snow, setting the mood for Catch a Wave Wednesday!

In keeping with the Wave guidelines, the wave before me took me to visit Mommy Katie. I'll be headed back there after I finish this post, as Katie's kids are sharing a great storytime giveaway!

Followed by Living Like the Kings, I rode the Wave to meet the Kings and read Kat and Jon's sweet and spicy love story. And I also picked up the recipe for a great slow-cooker pot roast!

Next, I'm going to head back over and see what our Catch A Wave Wednesday hostess, Cindy, has been up to this week and see if I can pick up any new blogging hints.

Hop on and I'll be wavin' at ya!

Fabulous Ring In The New Year Giveaway

2010-12-28T11:39:00.003-05:00

Sharing with you a fabulous giveaway over at Bargain Mom's blog:

RITNY: $500 Visa Gift Card + $1500 in Prizes!
U.S./Canada) and Weekly Drawings!
Ends 12/31

And just so you know, I discovered this giveaway over at PicketFenceBlogs.com! By clicking on the link, you can add your blog, find out about more giveaways, and, of course, vote for my blog on the Fence...thank you!

Fifty Dollar Giveaway

2010-12-27T14:28:00.004-05:00

As much as I'd like to keep this one all to myself I'm still sharing this fifty dollar giveaway with you! Head on over to Real Mom Reviews for your chance(s) to win:
$50 Cash Giveaway!

And just so you know, I discovered this giveaway over at PicketFenceBlogs.com! By clicking on the link, you can add your blog, find out about more giveaways, and, of course, vote for my blog on the Fence...thank you!

Florida's Natural With A Smile

2010-12-24T17:32:00.006-05:00

I currently reside in the Buckeye State, but my spirit resides in the Sunshine State. I lived in sunny Florida for twenty-plus years and one day soon I'll live there again, at least that's my dream. And I smile just thinking about it, especially this time of year when I peer out my home office window at the winter white covering the ground.

I sure need some of that pure southern sunshine to be found in Florida. Since I can't soak any of that up right now, I'll treat myself to the next best thing -- a tall tropical glass filled with Florida’s Natural® Orange Juice!

I do enjoy the fresh-squeezed flavor of Florida’s Natural® Orange Juice and I like knowing I'm drinking up a bit of that vitamin C that's found in Florida oranges. The fact that Florida’s Natural® uses only Florida-grown oranges in their juice suits me just fine, for as I drink it up I feel like I'm soaking in pure and sweet Florida sunshine!

I've tested my knowledge of orange juice and you can too: Click Here to Visit Florida's Natural

And be sure to "Like" Florida's Natural® on Facebook for all the latest news and offers.

As a member of Smile.ly, I received a coupon good for a free carton, 59-ounce or larger, of Florida’s Natural® Orange Juice. I also received ten $1.00 off coupons for same, to be redeemed at Meijer stores. I've given a few away, although the greedy sun-lover in me has kept a couple for my own use.

I plan to make myself a pitcher of mimosas to ring in the new year! My recipe consists of about a half gallon of Florida’s Natural® Orange Juice, a bottle of sparkling white wine, and about a cup of peach schnapps. Blend together, chill or serve over ice -- dreamy!

Note: If you'd like to sign on with smile.ly, please let me know, and I'd be delighted to share My smile.ly referral invitation with you! Smile!

Chex and Kroger Team Up to Giveaway

2010-12-23T18:24:00.002-05:00

I'm just a hungry blogger always hunting for a great giveaway to share and I found a good one!

Chex and Kroger team up to giveaway

Chex and a $25 Kroger Gift Card!

Ends January 3, 2011

So hurry on over to enter the giveaway:

Giveaway - Always a Party with Chex Party Mixes

Be sure to let Owen's Mom know abitosunshine sent you!

Riding the Wave

2010-12-22T17:46:00.002-05:00

Today has truly been a ride-the-wave kind of day for me, emotionally! It's one of those mother/son things that's troubled me, but all will be set right, eventually.

In the wake of the familial tide, I decided to surf a bit through the Catch a Wave Wednesday linky list. This began with my Swagbucks toolbar search for our hostess and I snagged 11 holiday SwagBucks, hooRAYo!

First wave was over at The Globetrotting Gamine, where I heard all about Snoopy love. Seriously, a phone call of pure sweet stuffed-animal sunshine!

Next wave: bassgiraffe's Thoughts, where I learned that BFS is Bored Fish Syndrome, oh my! Check out the Funky Fish for yourself! Perfect! I think I'll stay right here for awhile and swim the ocean blue with the friendly fishes.

Catch you next week!

Places Ruthi aka abitosunshine can always be found!

2010-12-21T18:56:00.000-05:00

First, I wish to thank Nikki McLean for creating the Gather group, The Linking Circle, where we are all encouraged to share our outside links. Great supportive idea, Nikki!

GATHER is by far my favorite place to be online! Here is where I post just about everything I write, where I do most of my social networking with friends and peer groups. It's a great place to share your interests with others, get quality feedback for your efforts, build relationships, and make friends along the way; whatever your interests are, at Gather you can meet up with others who share same. And, get paid while doing so!

Poetic Creations by abitosunshine at Cafepress -- my poetry and design combined to bring you poetic creations, decorative and/or functional. Many of the items I sell are created with a message in mind, such as my ever-growing line of Pillow Fights for a Cause and Postcards for a Purpose.

Poetic Creations by abitosunshine! Visit my business blog to keep yourself updated on my latest products, where I also share the purpose for each of my poetic creations as I add them to my shop. Be sure to Google Friend Connect with me there, and if you have a shop or products or services of your own that you blog about, I'm happy to swap blog buttons there with you and advertise your business too!

And right now on this blog, ending December 26th, I am having a "Let My Spirit Live" Giveaway! Your opportunity to win, and help someone else win, a poetic poster print to aid in keeping the spirit of Christmas alive year 'round!

I've a few other personal blogs to tell you about, too:

Bloggin' by abitosunshine! (You are here.) My original and eclectic blog, a catch-all of sorts. Some of my poetic creations land here, as well as personal uplifting tales, and I share a lot of sunshine found elsewhere on the net. On this blog are also posted money-making and product affiliations. There's a bit of easy cash and products to be made through blogging and I'm busy learning how to do it!

abitosunshine Love and Writing is the blog where I share my passion for writing and where I share those persons and things of life that I love.

Ruthi Reads! This is strictly a book blog, anything authors and books. I promote authors and the books I read and review, as well as a myriad of fun book blogging stuff. Book bloggers are fabulous fun. And I'm becoming addicted to the book giveaways; for instance, this past month I've won 6 books, free!

abitosunshine.net: My personal website which has been online for over a decade. Here you'll find nuttin' but pure sweet sunshine! I'm giving the site a major overhaul in the coming year; a huge job, as there are over 5000 pages to the site...yipes! This site consists of personal, poetry, business, and pleasure...a bit of everything sunshine!

abitosunshine...hosting and design -- I'm delighted to offer you website hosting and web design, offering services that meet with your personal website needs and dreams, be it a personal site, an author website, or a web home for your business. I offer the full package of hosting, design, and maintenance or any portion thereof. For an example of my website design and maintenance work, you can visit Reviews4Reviews.com.

Yahoo! Contributor Network, formerly Associated Content--so far, I mostly post here what I've posted elsewhere. This could be a money-maker, but I'm not into the celebrity news scene, and have yet to take this type of writing seriously. Still, I make a few dollars here.

SWAGBUCKS is the greatest way to search the web and be rewarded for doing so! Earn prizes, including my choice -- cash in my PayPal account! I've downloaded the toolbar and I don't go anywhere online without sending it through the swag search first. It's fun to earn swagbucks that convert to real $$$ for searching the web and it's especially fun to search for "myself" on one of my daily excursions and get paid to do so. For instance, I just received 7 swagbucks for searching "Ruthi C Gather" so I could post this list. Not bad to get paid twice for the post!

SIDETICK is another social networking site that pays you to share your interests and interact with others. Watch your friendships and your tickbucks grow with daily participation. Pays right into your PayPal account! I just wish Sidetick was more "social" rather than just about the almighty dollar. There seems to be little relationship building here; most being interested in clicking for tickbucks. Personally, I prefer a strong social base, with a lot of interaction and friendship and networking, while getting paid to do so.

MyLot is a site that pays for your posting and commenting on the posts of others. Discussions are generally posted in the form of a question in order to encourage conversation. Another site I just don't take too seriously, but I know if I worked at it, my opinion of it might change for the better.

Also, of course, there are Facebook and Twitter. No games for me, strictly keeping in touch with friends and business networking. And I belong to quite a few friendship and networking web groups and some of these I've been a participating member of for years.

That's about it for me to share, at this point. If you're to be found in any of these places, look me up! I'm a pretty good follower; one who believes in as much participation and reciprocation as time allows. Occasionally, I get busy and fall behind, but for the most part I'm a loyal supporter of others. However, I don't "collect" friends and will quickly disengage from "me-me-me" personalities. And lately, I've been too busy to continue to visit and comment on the posts/work of others when they do not return the effort. Yes--relationships of any kind require effort--relationships are not built on a one-way street; though I've come to realize many live on one-way streets. Guess what--I know how to make a sharp U-turn!

Progresso Giveaway by Lori

2010-12-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

Sharing a great giveaway!

Lori/Learning to be thrifty is hosting a great giveaway that ends on December 28th, so hop on over to her blog and enter to win this Progresso Panko Gift Pak!

Season's Greetings/Merry Christmas

2010-12-17T13:48:00.000-05:00

I chose an Acrostic poetry form to share the year 'round spirit of the season...

Wave for Wednesday 12/15/2010

2010-12-15T16:03:00.001-05:00

With winter here and an end of year near, I just couldn't resist riding this wave when the opportunity presented itself. So, I signed on to Catch A Wave Wednesday Blog Hop, hosted by Cindy over at Blogging Hints.

What a fabulous and fun idea! Sure, it's one way of increasing blog traffic and it's another thing added to my ToDo list, but oh, what fun it is to swim the sea of knowledge shared from one blogger to the next! I enJOY sharing myself with new friends, as well as old ... how about you?

Come, catch a wave!

Today, I am, of course, now signed up to follow Cindy the hostess and have gleaned quite a few blogging tips from her already. The great thing is that blog hops help in the success of a blog by adding post consistency; so hop along! And Cindy shared great tips to aid in posting consistency: Scheduling Posts Maintains Blog Consistency.

I spent too much time wavin' at A Little Bit of Everything--oh my gosh, everything is yummy in her world! So much so, that I'm now headed for the kitchen to fix myself something to eat.

Next wave, next Wednesday, if not before!

Trusting Sol

2010-12-15T10:39:00.001-05:00

I planned as a today to-do to share a bit o' sunshine with you, but I was blinded by the light of wintry white. However, I heard the promise of golden tresses of tomorrow whispered within the wind...

Origami Santa

2010-12-07T01:06:00.000-05:00

A friend shared this Origami Santa with me earlier and I just had to pass it forward to you! It's an adorable Christmas craft and the kid in me is planning on making one or two or more!

The main link to the website is below, with plenty more delightful things for the season and year 'round as well. Have fun!

Marcel's Kid Crafts Ideas
Take a look at the coolest selection of kid crafts ideas on the Web. You'll find here lots of craft ideas, free patterns, tips and techniques and many more...

For As Long As I Can Remember

2010-12-03T21:39:00.005-05:00

For as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. And trust me, Tom Turkey has blessed me with many a memory.
Not one Thanksgiving has passed by in the last thirty-five years without me thinking of, and sharing with another, my last conversation with my mother. Oh, so many suns ago. In fact, a few years ago I finally put it to writing. In case I lose my memory?

Here's the link to my Thanksgiving memory of the year 1975, when my mother was still alive: Practice What Is Preached: Better yet -- practice peaches.

Fast forward with Tom Turkey and me to our Thanksgiving memories of the past decade. The year 2004 stands out in my mind as another I shall never not remember. I was temporarily living with family, trying to get my feet on the ground having recently escaped a domestic violence marriage. I'd "come home" seeking comfort in the arms of the known.

However, the holiday plans of the house didn't allow for my drug-addicted adult son to be present, so I accepted an invitation to spend this Thanksgiving with my boss and her family and friends. Cynda welcomed my son with open arms, as she would again on Christmas.

Cynda was a treasure. Here she is Thanksgiving 2005, her last Thanksgiving alive, making a round of her eggnog specialties for patrons of the bar. She owned Rafters Bar and Grill and I was her favorite bartender. I smile. For the few years I worked with Cynda, I would always bartend Thanksgiving day, and she would have me close up in time for dinner at her home, bringing any of my customers with me who had no place else to go. She was a lady with a whole lot of class and a wee bit of sass to her spirit.

Added to my memories is another Thanksgiving spent with family-by-choice. I'd met Mark and Terry at Rafters and we immediately became good friends. They fell in love with a bartender named Sunshine!

Anyway, Thanksgiving 2007, Mark's mate, Terry, had to work, so Mark invited me to tag along with him to his family get-together. We had a fabulous time! Mark's entire family is wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed the spirit of thanksgiving shared with southern Ohio style and comfort. Good food, good friend, good fun -- I couldn't have been more thankful for the day.

Last year, I discovered my Aunt Martha Bell would be alone for Thanksgiving. And my roommate would be going to his family get-together, which would have left me alone, too. Even though I was invited to go along with Scott, I chose not to let my aunt spend the day without family. She was ever so happy to have me spend half the day and half the night with her. And I was, I think, even more delighted than she, for it did my heart good to know how happy I had made her on what should be the happiest day of thanksgiving of the year.

Last week, I again spent Thanksgiving with my Aunt Martha Bell so she wouldn't be alone. This year, though, my roommate Scott joined us, as his family gathering would be in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had a wonderful time reminiscing, mostly listening to my aunt's homespun stories and looking through hundreds of old family photos, each with a story of its own.

Here are a few photos taken Thanksgiving 2010:

Thanksgiving will always be my favorite holiday, for as long as I can remember.

Submitted 12/05/2010
iWriteiBlogiWin

Turkey Talks

2010-11-16T18:38:00.003-05:00

My turkey hen climbs atop the table with a bit of internal rhyme just in time for Thanksgiving...

First posted as a Yahoo! Contributor Network assignment.

Also, for those who would like to keep up with my November gratitude list, you may read and comment on my blog post -- Giving Thanks Challenge

Swagbucks Spoof Surprise

2010-11-12T09:05:00.000-05:00

Blogger,

I recently ran a search for your name--Blogger Friend--on Swagbucks.com, the search engine which rewards users with free stuff, like Amazon Gift Cards. You should check out the results, I never knew you were so well known! Be sure to read all the results, it's very impressive!

http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=co-sf&t=w&p=28762&q=Blogger+Friends

Disclaimer: This Swagbucks Spoof created for entertainment and referral purposes. Follow abitosunshine to Join the Swagbucks search and earn fun by clicking the banner below:

Giving Thanks Challenge

2010-11-09T10:20:00.032-05:00

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I can always find something to be thankful for, no matter the life storms I or my loved ones may be experiencing. It is also one of the few holidays that hasn't been bitten by total commercialization. Best of all, it is a time of family and friends gathering together to share their life blessings one with another, face-to-face or from afar. It is in this spirit that I accept the Giving Thanks Challenge.

The Challenge is an opportunity for me to show my gratitude for living and for me there is no better time to do that than during the season of Thanksgiving. Leah from South Breeze Farm is hosting this challenge, but I actually learned of this challenge from Diane at Bibliophile By the Sea.

The challenge is quite simple...There are (30) days in November, (30) reasons to feel thankful--add (1) to the list each day of the month. If you decide to join a few days into the month like I have, just catch up. And be sure to add the 2010 Giving Thanks Challenge Button to your blog so others can join in our sharing of thankfulness.

What things tug at your gratitude heartstrings? I do hope you'll share that which you are thankful for this November in a Giving Thanks Challenge post of your own.

GIVING THANKS:

1...I GIVE THANKS for the dawn of each new day, each new sunrise that opens up my eyes.

2...I GIVE THANKS for a special friend and roommate who has kept a roof over my head while I've been unemployed and while doing so has encouraged me to write and build my online businesses, Poetic Creations by abitosunshine! and abitosunshine Hosting and Design.

3...I GIVE THANKS for the love and devotion from my dog, Tidbit. She is my canine companion and soulmate, has been for a decade now.

4...I GIVE THANKS for the 9 years of silly sunshine my dog Scratch (Tidbit's daughter) gave me. Even though I lost her this past year, I carry her JOY within my spirit.

5...I GIVE THANKS for those family members who care to share their lives with me, even if only occasionally.

6...I GIVE THANKS for each day of life my son is granted, for each step he takes in the wake of his battle over addiction.

7...I GIVE THANKS for a few good friends who have stood by me through life trials and tumbles. Without them I would surely have crumbled.

8...I GIVE THANKS for those who inspire me to reach higher, for those who aMUSE and challenge me to attain my writing goals and share the gift I've been given.

9...I GIVE THANKS for each good memory of the past I can pull out of the rumble of my life storms.

10...I GIVE THANKS for Diane, her Giving Thanks Challenge post, which inspired me to want to do same. I awoke this morning with the sun shining and immediately whispered, "Thank you," and my next thought was of the many things a new day brings, beginning with my morning coffee at the computer with my writing ToDo List--first thing first ... Giving Thanks.

11...I GIVE THANKS for the military men and women of this nation, and for their families, all of whom sacrifice their very lives for me and mine.

12...I GIVE THANKS for afternoons such as yesterday's--spending time with my son and grandson, holding JOY in my arms; moments that will ever be held in my heart. Can you tell I am a first-time Grandmother?

13...I GIVE THANKS for the strength of hope found in my faith; sight unseen, yet known to me, the God of the heavens and of the earth shines bright, even in the darkest hour of the night. The power is held in the belief of Goodness, for I believe there is plenty good that grows in the earth beneath the sun in the sky.

14...I GIVE THANKS for the quiet of a Sunday morning--Serenity. Even though I live in a rural area, the road out front is the main road into town and is a highly traveled road. But on Sunday mornings there is very little traffic as I sit at my computer sipping my coffee. Perfect peace is the feeling I get as I surf the net and glance out the window at the busy birds, scurrying squirrels, and country kitty cats. For the moment, all is well with my world.

15...I GIVE THANKS for the many friends I have met over the internet in the past decade. Many have been saviors of my sanity, in more ways than one. I am thankful for those social networks wherein I share my poetry, my writings, my thoughts, and my life.

16...I GIVE THANKS for having good sense--sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. And for the sixth sense--the hunch, the gut instinct, the intuition, the feeling--that innate instinct of right and wrong.

17...I GIVE THANKS for the houseplants that have survived my lack of a green thumb. I am at my computer surrounded in greenery ... Life!

18...I GIVE THANKS for Making $$$ Online! I've made enough this week to keep my car on the road for another month, hooRAYo!

19...I GIVE THANKS for chatting on the phone with a loved one. Now, you need to understand, I am NOT a phone person - send me an email! But, that occasional phone call, hearing a friend's voice, catching up, chatting about our lives, sharing a bit o' gossip - I do love it. Last night, I chatted with my brother Randy for an hour and right at this moment - I'm on the phone with my friend Karen. I am filled with glee and gratitude for the phone.

20...I GIVE THANKS for a good night of sleep, which I had last night! I have suffered insomnia most of my life, generally sleeping only four or fives hours a night, some night's not at all. So when I get in a good eight hours like last night, I'm floating on cloud nine.

21...I GIVE THANKS for my faith in God and my faith in the power of the Sun. I'm thankful for my beliefs and I am also thankful for my unbridled acceptance of the beliefs of others. Through my God and the Sun I have learned lessons of love.

22...I GIVE THANKS for my Aunt Martha Bell and the stories she tells. Tales of her past, my mother's past, my grandparents' past - my past, from whence we all came. I do hope to get her to record them so the stories live on, in her own voice, long after she is gone. I'm thinking we better get it done, for as she said last night, "I'm tired, Ruthi." And I know that she is and has every right to be so.

23...I GIVE THANKS for the lessons I've learned along my life pathway. Some of these life lessons were learned in a hard way; some were learned while I was hard at play; either way, I'm grateful for them all for they have made me the person I am today.

24...I GIVE THANKS for all net friends, near and far, who take the time and effort to share themselves online through the sharing of personalized emails, comments, stories, writings, talents -- the internet is a true blessing of friendship for me!

25...I GIVE THANKS for yet another day to just "be" -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING

26...I GIVE THANKS for the blessing of spending (yesterday) Thanksgiving with my Aunt Martha Bell and my roommate, Scott, who joined us. It was another special day of sharing memories and creating new ones to be remembered. I love my Aunt Martha Bell.

Now, if I can just figure out how to use this camera my friend Renda gave me, I'd be even more thankful, hahaha! I do thank you, Renda!

27...I GIVE THANKS for having known unconditional love here on earth. Of the canine kind with my dogs, Scratch and Tidbit, and of the human kind with my friends, Scott, Joe, Mark, and Terry. How I wish all relationships, whether romantic, family, friends, were all of this special quality of loving each other just the way that we are.

28...I GIVE THANKS for jigsaw puzzles. I always have one on the table being worked upon. Putting puzzles together reminds me a lot of living life, with each piece a part of the whole. Sometimes I glue them together to be framed for hanging on a wall; other times, back into the box the pieces go.

29...I GIVE THANKS for second chances; a third chance; and more. As the sun rises each day to start life anew, I, too, am given another chance at life renewal. Rebirthed each day--what a thing to be thankful for!

30...I GIVE THANKS for the Giving Thanks Challenge of 2010's month of November and all the things I am thankful for; I will remember.

I'm A Grandmother!

2010-10-20T22:22:00.007-04:00

Thirty-eight suns ago, life chose to give me a bundle of sunshine when I birthed my only child, my son William -- Billy, to me, to this day. (Unless I'm in the official Mother role, and then it's William!) Nothing could have prepared me for the instant love I would hold in my arms, in every ounce of my being. It is a forever love, a no matter what kind of love.

Yesterday, life chose to give my son a bundle of sunshine when his gal birthed him a son, Liam. As Billy says, "He's the second half of William." Billy and Christina did good, life blessed them with a healthy bundle of boy joy.
Today on the phone with my son, he described how he felt when his child was born: It's instant love. He got it right!

Life isn't always perfect, but a new baby feeling is as close to perfect as it gets. And I'm blessed to have shared this day with my son -- a day of perfection, as close as a day can be.

Holding my son's child for the first time was pure joy. It also reminded me of something my mother had said when my Billy, her first grandchild, was born: I hope he gives you back tenfold what you've given me!

I have to tell you that this nagged me from the moment she said it, right up until yesterday. You see, I was far from the perfect daughter and I really thought in her statement she was wishing a whole lot of pain on me, as I know I'd done a lot of things which had caused my mother pain.

My mother also referred to my Billy as her Miracle Baby and she made sure to shout it to the world. I never fully understood -- until yesterday, when I held my first grandchild.

Yesterday, as I held this new bundle of joy, I received the miracle of life and love, tenfold. Life has blessed me with a whole lot of sunshine. And I could wish for nothing more at this moment in time.

I welcome Liam Anthony to my world!

Entered November 07/2010