Monday, June 23, 2014

Tag...I'm it!

And now for something a little different...


So a couple of weeks ago, my sweet friend, Poppy from w-a-y across the sea, invited me to follow her on this blog tour. I have to admit I was a tad nervous but after I pondered it for a bit, I said yes. I mean, who could say no to that sweet girl, right?? Seriously, I am truly humbled and honored that she asked me to follow her. You can read all about her writing process on her beautiful blog, Poppy View. Anyone who follows her, knows that that girl can rock a Point & Shoot and has a wonderful way with words. Her blog is filled to the brim with fabulous photos of her lovely home and surroundings on the island of Crete, Greece. If you have never visited her blog, I highly recommend it!


Thank you, Poppy for choosing me to follow you...
you are a tough act to follow!

WARNING: The following post is a little long and wordy. 
If you choose to leave me now, I completely understand =[

Let me start out by saying that the girl in the cartoon above (actually, she looks more like a teenager) doesn't resemble me in the least. For one thing, my hair is not the color of a carrot, although I have had recurring dreams of becoming a redhead one day. I promised myself that I had to lose 50 pounds first so that's probably not going to happen! Secondly, I haven't worn my hair in a ponytail since I was in the fourth grade. But the one thing that I can relate to is the distance between her face and the computer screen! The only thing missing is the magnifying glass that I was also using in combination with the most powerful reading glasses that you could buy at Walmart!

It seems my eye doc (perhaps I should say former eye doc) had a little problem finding the cataracts that had been wreaking havoc with my vision for almost two years. They are gone now, praise God! No more looking at the world through waxed paper! (Have you ever tried that?) So, that's kind of how my journey into the Land of Blog began. Not because I couldn't see well, but because I could see... everything!  I know I heard the Hallelujah Chorus the moment I took that first step outside and was able see every leaf on every tree. I went and got out my little Sony point & shoot, removed the cobwebs and started snapping everything I saw! It seemed that I needed a creative outlet...a way to share God's the beauty and to celebrate my own re-discovered world. That was the beginning of My Favorite Things and I had  my one year bloggiversary last week! 

I am truly in awe of the many talented bloggers out there. But me...a writer? No, not really. Especially after reading some of the other's posts who have preceded me on this tour! Oh my gosh, I am w-a-y out of their league...or are they out of mine?? Regardless of how you look at it, I realize we are all different and have our own unique ways of putting our thoughts into words and our words onto "digital paper." So...let's get this show on the road, shall we? Now, according to the rules of this blog tour, I will need to answer these four questions... 

#1. 
What am I playing with working on?

As usual, I am working on a little bit of everything or nothing at all...and not getting much done. That's the way I roll, unfortunately. I am not one to post a lot of crafty, cooking or decorating projects, although I do enjoy all of these things. You can find a few if you scroll through my old posts but it really isn't what my blog is all about. Since we are on the subject, I will share a recent one with you. A couple of weeks ago I was looking for a red floral-ish print fabric for new window treatments for my great room. After a trip to the Goodwill Store, I found what I knew would work just perfectly. It was a new, crisp bed ruffle (Ralph Lauren to boot!) in the perfect print and color. I carefully photographed the project from beginning to end in preparation for a post, including a full tutorial. The beginning of it still sits in my drafts. It will probably never see the light of  Blogland.



#2. 
How does my work differ from others in it's genre?

Now this is kind of a confusing question I think. Anyone can look at my blog and tell right away that it is not about decorating or crafting, it's not a cooking blog, and although I usually like to put a spiritual spin to most of my posts, it is definitely not where you would come for your daily devotions. I really don't think my blog has a genre, but if it did, I think it would fall under the category of a photography, not that I compare myself in any way to some of the real photographer's blogs that I follow.

#3.
Why do I write what I do?
I write pretty much the way I talk—as far as my thoughts and feelings go—but if I really need to say what is on my heart, I sometimes struggle with the spoken word. Writing down my thoughts, my dreams or my deepest emotions is a form of prayer for me much of the time. Writing this blog has put me in touch with my own soul's desire to be more like Jesus, as I have gleaned so much truth from others. I write only what I think would be pleasing to Him because I want to encourage anyone who clicks on.

There have been a couple of different times since I started this last summer when I asked myself "What do you think you're doing...having a blog?" In the beginning it was taking up way too much time and I could hardly get to sleep at night—my brain would not shut down because I was worrying about my next post. After a time, it did calm down a bit but I still questioned, not just myself, but mostly the Lord if I should continue. I got my answer when I started receiving comments here and there from several fellow bloggers—about how either a photo or something I had written or shared had blessed them in some way—that it was just what they needed at that moment. I decided right then that I wanted no glory for myself for anything I put on this blog. My soul purpose is to encourage, provide hope and bless anyone who reads it.
#4.
 How does my writing process work?

Process?
There's supposed to be a PROCESS???

I have no idea how to answer this question, but I will try. I don't really have a certain process that I follow. Every post starts with inspiration that can come from anywhere—a song I might hear in my car on the radio, a storm cloud brewing in the sky, the birds I see from my window, a pink sky, a calm lake glistening in the sun, a beautiful rural scene with cows and fences...oh yes, the fences—and the list goes on and on. Sometimes a random thought will prompt me to take certain photos, other times it's the random photos that will inspire a thought or scripture. I most always have my camera with me, where ever I go, whether I am going to work, Walmart...wherever. There you have it...that's my process...the three W's! :) My dashboard is lined with many unwritten posts. Sometimes they materialize and get posted and sometimes not. Then there are those times when I really do have a plan and take photos on purpose to go along with my anticipated post! So, that's pretty much what I have to say about that. Well.... I guess I'm done here except for introducing you to the next VICTIM! Some of you know her already as that Crazy Chicken Lady! Let me introduce my, sweet friend...

Lisa Tucker
from

Lisa has been my buddy from the get-go and I just love her! She helped me through those "why am I even doing this?" moments that were so frequent when I first started out. As you can see, she's a country girl, also from the south who raises chickens...along with her husband and two grown sons. Lisa has a very special gift of translating her incomparable wit into humorous, often hysterical posts, many times about those crazy chickens of hers, Rod Stewart and the Kardashi-hens! Here are just a few examples:



Fairy Godmother was here...



All About the Chicken Coop (again)


Lisa's post will be up next Monday, June 30.
I for one, will be looking forward to it! 
And for any of you who actually stayed with me,
THANK YOU!
Well, that's it for this chick...I'm flyin' the coop! 
But there's just one last thing I want you to see. Just one.

(scroll down please)


Should I go red or not?
Thanks to Picmonkey, 
I didn't even have to diet!!
Whatcha think???


27 comments:

  1. What a fun and interesting post. I learned more about you and your blog. I always enjoy your encouragement in your posts and how you share your faith. It blesses me! Have a wonderful week Debby! Blessings, Pam

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  2. So fun, and I love your red hair! I so enjoy your blog, such a blessing!
    Have a great week...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  3. Fun post, Debby! and I think many of us automatically see a spiritual 'spin' on our posts because we are aware of God's love every day. Nice to know that someone else doesn't have a 'process' for writing their blog. Have a wonderful day, Debby.

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  4. Hi Debby! I think we all ask that question: Who do you think you're doing...having a blog? And it's a great question really. I known that a lot of self-help bloggers say you should have a 'theme' so readers will be able to identify with you. I guess that's true, but if our writing doesn't speak it loud enough, what good is a theme?
    Process? Yeah, that's a good one! Lol! Who knows. God is a wind that blows where he wills, so it's not always consistent.
    Red hair? If you like it, don't wait. Have fun :)
    Very thoughtful and reflective post. It was great to read more about you!
    Ceil

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    1. Thanks Ceil...I am so glad I have this behind me...getting this post together has been a bit stressful! I'm still not sure if I will ever go red though...it would be fun to give it try sometime :)

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  5. The red would look very cute on you...fiery FUN! I always wanted to dye mine a really dark maroon red! lol But my blond roots would have been hard to hide. I love your blog...I always have FUN here! Enjoy your week my friend! Happy blogging! Hugs, Diane

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  6. This was great fun to read and I enjoyed every word! I know blogger Poppy and she is very sweet, too.
    Love the red - how fun!
    Back when I colored my hair, the brown dye would always look maroon on me!

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  7. Hi Debby,

    You know, whenever I visit you, I always leave feeling refreshed, and a little happier, both in my heart and in my head! Your way with words is fun, other times more serious and reflective and others, still, full of faith. Whatever your mood, the end result is the same: a connection is created both by your words and your beautiful images.

    Thanks so much for the sweet intro and I look forward to reading Lisa's 'take' on 'the process', next Monday! But, I won't wait until then to visit her, as your little taste of her blog here today has certainly whet my appetite to pop on over and indulge in some country style fun! After all, we chic(k)s gotta stick together!;))

    Now, let's keep our partners in crime, ( those Point and Shoots), on their toes, shall we, and keep clicking away, otherwise, they'll get rusty, we'll forget how to use them, and blogger 'blur' will definitely occur!

    Have a wonderful first week of summer, my friend!

    Poppy

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    1. Aww...Poppy...thanks so much for your kind words! Oh my gosh...you're gonna make me cry! This was fun putting together but I will have to admit it was a little stressful...as I'm sure would agree! It is always fun getting to know more about our blogging buds. I do have plans to get a nicer camera some day but as long as my little Sony keeps keeping on, I will never let her go. I really don't relish the thought of lugging around a big ol' camera, do you? Oh, yeah...it IS summer, isn't it? It already feels like August here...happy summer to you too!!

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  8. I loved this post, Debby! You know that I adore your photos, but your writing is really great, too! It was fun learning more about you. Congratulations on your one-year blogoversary! Keep up the good work.

    Process?? There's supposed to be a process? Who knew? Maybe it's this:

    P ondering
    R ethinking
    O bsessing
    C ontemplating
    E verything
    S illy
    S ubmit it all!

    And, I kinda like you as a blonde. But, if you decide to go *red* - I'll be the Ethel to your Lucy!

    GOD BLESS!

    (I'll think about the weight loss this afternoon over a dish of M & M's...)

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    1. Oh...you are good, girl! I LOVE your acrostic... YOU, my dear are the one with a way with words! It was fun but the pressure of a deadline not so much. I doubt I'll be going red but if I ever do lose those 50 pounds, who knows what I might do?!! Are those M&M's plain or peanut??????

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  9. I so enjoyed this post! I say go red. If you don't like it, change it back. If you don't try, you will never know.

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    1. Hi...I don't remember if I sent a response through email or not, so forgive me if you get one twice. I think I will ponder the red hair a little longer, though :) I enjoy your blog too...with all those great old things. I have recently come across a few cool things to share on Rubbish Tuesday but the pics are still in my camera!

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  10. So cute! What a fun post. You've given far more thought to blogging than I ever have and it shows!

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  11. Enjoyed reading your post and got inspired by the words in it.

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    1. Thank you for your visit! Have a great week!

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  12. Hi Debby, I always enjoy visiting your blog! This was a great post. And you are a cutie no matter what hair color you go with. Have a nice day!

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  13. I also enjoyed your post. Your words hit home with me. I think the red in the hair is also a great, fun thing to try!

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  14. This was a fun way to learn more about you. Glad you decided to keep on blogging. Now I need to check out your friend's link.

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  15. Oh my, Debby Ray, you are priceless! I think this might be one of my favorite posts from you - I was literally grinning from ear-to-ear and a giggle may have slipped out once. . . .or twice :)

    First of all, you are a great writer and I'm totally serious! You have a way with words that just flow together. You remind me of my mom - people like you can just make words come to life. Me on the other hand. . .I have to work at what I want to say and half the time it doesn't even come out right.

    And those curtains!!! I was in the dark about your other amazing talents such as transforming a bed ruffle into fabulous window covers. I love them!

    As for the red hair. . .go for it, baby! :) I had a lovely time here today. Hugs to you!

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  16. You are the cutest thing ever!!! You would look precious no matter the hair color....but us blondes need to stick together...:) Thank you so much for promoting my blog!! I knew from the very first moment I read your blog and saw THAT FABULOUS HEADER that I still think was my favorite of all time that you were a natural for blogging. Your photos and your sweet heartfelt words are a beautiful match. You have touched so many in so little time.....I can't wait to see how far you go!!!! Love you!!

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  17. This was fun, Deb. I enjoyed every word!
    I love the honesty of your post and the way
    you don't take yourself overly serious.
    Keep up the good blogging!

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    1. Aww...thanks you so much...I appreciate your sweet comments! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  18. Well I'd never think of window curtains from a bed ruffle! How creative is that! :)

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    1. Thanks, Deb... bed ruffles are great for many projects. Check out my old post from June or July of last year on repurposed linens...I made aprons too! Now, THAT's being frugal!! :) Have a blessed weekend!

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  19. I was just about ready to call it a night, but your post was calling me instead.
    What a delightful way to end the day by reading this terrific post! You are just precious Debby!! :-) Even in red.
    You are too hard on yourself with your writing. I feel as if I'm with you when I visit your beautiful place here, because listening to you speak sounds real.
    As far as your camera, keep the little one if its doing the job, and it appears to be doing the job well.
    You are a blessing to my heart, and I am thankful to have met you.
    Now after learning a little bit about you, I can so relate to you. I cannot tell you how many times I have questioned myself as to what am I doing blogging! I continue to press on because I believe I am right where God wants me. :-)
    Thank you, for blessing us through your beautiful blog.
    Much love to you, Debbie

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Thank you for stopping by today! Your sweet comments are such an encouragement to me.