I’ve read a lot of good blogs lately. Good because they got me thinking. Good because they answered some questions I didn’t even know I had. Good because they made me laugh or cry. Or both.
Recognition and kudos and a big thank you to:
Andrea Read America for 8 Great Literary, Book Nerd, and Storytelling Podcasts. I’ve wanted to learn more about podcasts and how to get started listening to them. While her blog didn’t go into the bare basics that I needed, it inspired me to finally get it figured out. Plus, she was helpful in answering my questions and steering me in the right direction. Since starting to blog, I’ve struggled with balancing my time between reading, writing, and exercise. After reading her blog, I feel like I can perhaps combine exercise with the intake of information.
The Belle Jar for When Getting Better Is No Longer An Option. My daughter has struggled a lot lately with her depression. I’ve written a couple posts about it and have been overwhelmed with the support I’ve gotten from family, local friends, online friends, and the blogging community. The Clocktower Sunset referred me to this particular post at The Belle Jar and, wow, what she wrote really resonates with my current understanding of what depression is and what it means to have it. And so beautifully written to boot.
We were also referred to The Bloggess, specifically her post where she talks about how depression lies. My daughter and I watched the video on this post together and, like almost everything we hear or read about this condition, it furthered our understanding.
And speaking of depression, Nerd in the Brain, who writes all sorts of fun nerdy stuff, was kind enough, with The Spectacular Blog Award: A String of Pearls, to help spread the understanding about this frustrating disorder by bringing more attention and traffic to my posts.
On a happier note, while I was in the middle of a 12-day road trip with my teenage daughters, Daniel at National Parks [and More] somehow found my blog and casually mentioned that, if possible, we should try to incorporate Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada into our trip. I looked him up and found 40 Places to See in the Western United States That Will Blow Your Mind and because of his obvious knowledge of amazingly cool places, I trusted him and we went to Valley of Fire. Now, I just need to write about the day we spent there.
So, thank you all, and keep up the good work!
With love,
Your fellow blogger,
Randee
A String of Pearls 
Apr 28, 2014 @ 07:38:58
I’m so glad you enjoyed my podcast post, Randee. Did you figure out how to download and listen to them?
Apr 28, 2014 @ 07:41:10
I did! It wasn’t a very easy process and I’m not sure I’m organizing them on my phone or accessing them in the best way, but I’ll get it figured out. Now, I’m just hoping they motivate me to dust and vacuum more, like they do you. 🙂
Apr 28, 2014 @ 07:42:22
I can’t make any promises 😉 it did work for me though.
Apr 28, 2014 @ 07:54:22
A very nice tribute, Randee!
Apr 28, 2014 @ 08:22:00
Thanks! I need to do that more often and hope to make the time to.
Apr 28, 2014 @ 08:22:59
Thank you for the shout-out Randee. I’m happy to be of any help in spreading the blog love around the community. It really felt like there needed to be a bridge between your post and the one at The Belle Jar, I’m just glad they were so close in time I could help make the connection.
Apr 28, 2014 @ 12:37:52
Yes, they were close in time, which is weird because she’s written a lot and I’m sure she could have written about her depression at any point. And you are super about spreading the love. Much appreciated!
Apr 30, 2014 @ 08:16:12
Thanks for the shout out! I hope that you had a great time out at the Valley of Fire and am looking forward to reading your post!
Apr 30, 2014 @ 12:32:47
You are more than welcome! We loved it there. I want to go again and do more hiking. Will write about it soon.
May 04, 2014 @ 19:00:28
You’re welcome! Well deserved. Still can’t believe you found me and made that timely suggestion.
Sep 06, 2014 @ 22:35:57
Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave
it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go
back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!