Tuesday, February 2, 2021

IWSG: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 ~ Flashy Pants, Wood Ticks, and Blogging Friends

 




It's the first Wednesday of the month,
the day that members of the
Insecure Writer's Support Group
share their writing struggles
and writing successes
and offer their encouragement
and support to fellow writers.






To visit the IWSG website, click here.

To become a member of the IWSG, click here.

Our wonderful co-hosts who are volunteering today,
along with IWSG Founder Alex J. Cavanaugh are Louise - Fundy Blue (That's me!), Jennifer LaneMary AalgaardPatsy Collins at Womagwriter, and Nancy Gideon

I hope you have a chance to visit today's hosts and thank them for co-hosting.
I'm sure they would appreciate a visit and an encouraging comment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every month the IWSG announces a question that members can answer
with advice, insight, a personal experience, or a story in their IWSG posts.

Or, the question can inspire members
if they aren't sure what to write about on IWSG Day.

Remember the question is optional.
This month's featured question is: 
Blogging is often more than just sharing stories. It’s often the start of special friendships and relationships. Have you made any friends through the blogosphere?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy February, Everyone!
Wishing you valentines and love.  💖💖💖💖💖 

When I started blogging over eleven years ago, I had no idea what blogging was. 
I actually set up my blog with my first post Retirement on August 14, 2012.
Then I lost it and couldn't find it for two months.
Neophyte is an understatement!

I discovered blogging through an old friend from junior high
with whom I had reconnected via FaceBook.
Some of you may remember Ron, his blog from sophie's view,
and his delightful four-legged companion Sophie.
Ron commented on my first post and supports me to this day.

Ron
Near Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
August 5, 2016
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved




Sophie
Near Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia, Canada
August 5, 2016
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved




When I found my blog and posted again, Surprise! on October 19, 2012, 
Ron prodded his husband Jim to check out my blog,
and I had two commenters and two followers!
I worked up the courage to follow Jim.

Worked up the courage sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?
But I was shy and intimidated because Jim was a photographer,
and I was considering posting some "photography" of mine.

Jim and I
Point Pleasant Park,  Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
July 30, 2015
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved




Silly me!  Within a few posts, I realized
that exchanging comments with other bloggers was like having penpals,
but without airmail stamps and long waits between letters.
And photographer Jim and hubby Ron championed my photos. 

With four months I had connected with Noushka, Jean, Martha,
Kay, Debra, Peggy, Pat, and Alex.  Over the years,
these people have become my friends and are extra special to me.

This funny rhyming cat guy Pat was an author
who had published about twenty books (at the time ~ LOL!).
I couldn't believe he bothered to consistently comment on my blog.

Then in early January, 2014, Pat featured a cover reveal
for his blogging buddy Alex for a book called CassaThunder.
Clueless, I visited Alex's blog and left a comment,
and OMG this science fiction writer visited my blog in return!




I was a neophyte, okay?
I didn't know that there has never been a comment Pat didn't reply to,
and I didn't know that Alex was the founder of the Insecure Writer's Support Group.
(And I still don't know where CassaThunder is.
Perhaps Pat, err, the Cat was messing with our minds.  He likes to do that).

These friendly, encouraging authors were rubbing off on me,
and three weeks later I changed my profile on LinkedIn
from elementary teacher to writer and posted 
to announce I was a writer with a memoir to write.

My blogging friends cheered me on, and Pat said, 
"haha got it out there
Now all know near and far
Writer at your lair
Can give a har har."

And Alex said,
"You took the plunge! Now you are officially a writer. Believe it.
And believe you will be an author just like your sister."

In early April, 2014, I worked up the courage and joined the IWSG.
Alex said, 
"Yeah!!! Glad you finally joined us. One can never be too insecure
for the group.  Trust me. You are in the right place."

And Pat followed up with,
"that cat joined and he isn't insecure at all,
just be crazy and you are safe haha."

I opted for crazy, and a few days later posted 

I've been jumping in ever since: 
whether baring my soul, engaging with my blogging buddies,
writing about controversial topics, sharing pieces of my memoir,
reviewing books, co-hosting for the IWSG, or entering IWSG anthology contests. 

I made more wonderful friends within the IWSG and without,
among them Geo, Yvonne, Joylene, Baili, Stacy, Sage, and Rain.
I shouldn't be listing names;
I know I'm leaving out people I truly care about, my apologies,
but these special friends have been with me for a long time. 
 
I've lost a few too, people I truly miss,
but that sadly is the nature of blogging.

This is what I've learned:
There is a whole wonderful world of people in the blogosphere.
If you put yourself out there,
jump in and engage with other bloggers,
you will make special friends.
Some will be with you from the beginning, more come, some go,
but they touch your heart and become part of you.

*  *  *  *  *

So what's with the flashy pants and wood ticks?
Those flashy pants are vibrant neon green,
making it easier for Jack, the friendly meter-reading
protagonist in Pat Hat's recent thriller Zero Usage,
to spot the Lyme-Disease-carrying wood ticks crawling up his legs.   

Since Pat roams Nova Scotia's South Shore,
perhaps the worst place in Canada for wood ticks, 
here's a photo of the ugly little bastards that drive Pat and his protagonist Jack crazy.

Enjoy, Pat ~ LOL!


When I frequented Nova Scotian woods a long time ago, they weren't nearly as scary.
As part of the first female geology field team working in the province,
I only had to worry about moose, bears, and startled logging crews.
Jack must contend with psycho murdering drug dealers, a cannibal or three,
some alien wannabes, and way too much nasty nature.
No, in my time, nature was nice and the aliens were real.


Camaraderie at Its Best
Me, Lynn, and Elsie in the field (and a story for another day) 
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved




Jack is not having a good day as he falls flat on his face
in the mud while fleeing ominously snapping branches:
"Stupid tree root.  Stupid mud.  Stupid people with their stupid cottages
in the middle of nowhere.  Stupid wood ticks.  Stupid nature."

Quitting for the day, Jack hops into his two-wheel drive fair-weather vehicle
heading for home and plunges into a fight for survival instead.

As he reflects later:
"I could never have guessed the sheer level of crap I would have to go through just from setting out to read crummy meters.  And as much as I think about the what ifs, there are a few reasons I'm glad it happened.  Those reasons stayed by my side through it all.  Without those reasons I never would have survived to share this tale.  And survive we did and will. No matter the crap thrown at us by something like a simple read of zero usage."

What an intense escapade!
I'll never go into the woods again, any woods, without thinking of Jack and his battles!

Zero Usage by Patrick Hat
Google Search



I keep saying these two things when reviewing Pat's novels, 
but they continue to be true:
They are a guaranteed wild and crazy ride, and his writing is improving.

Pat's imagination has never grown up, and I mean that in the best way.
It is as unfettered, playful, curious, and creative as a boy's.  
As a result, his books are an exercise in the willing suspension of disbelief.

As Pat's writing matures, his character development deepens,
especially in his adult novels.
His protagonists may be unconventional,
but there is no confusion about where they stand.
They stand for good and fight against evil
while helping and protecting those they care for and love.

Jack is an unassuming, and pragmatic hero.
Once he makes up his mind to help people in trouble,
he'll willingly lay down his life for them.
Says Jack, " We hardly get anything we want... .  
But we live with what we have and what we've done
and we find a way to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
If not for ourselves, then we do it for those that need us."

And, as anyone who reads Pat's adult novels knows, his protagonists like Jack
will do anything within their powers, anything, to protect a  defenseless child.
I'll take Jack as my hero anytime.
Zero Usage was definitely a fun and satisfying read.

Pat and Cohort Orlin
Google Search


I wonder what Pat, egged on by his cohort Orlin, is dreaming up next?

*  *  *  *  *

Happy IWSG Day, everyone! 




Till next time ~
Fundy Blue 








Notes:
1.  Willing Suspension of Disbelief:
      This literary concept originated with Aristotle in Greek theater:  "The intentional avoidance of 
      critical thinking or logic in examining something surreal, such as a work of speculative fiction, 
      in order to believe it for the sake of enjoyment."  Wikipedia


123 comments:

  1. You're so right, Louise! The blogosphere is a wonderful place and I too have met so many great people on it over the years, you included, of course! And it IS just like having pen pals, LOL. Now, on the topic of wood ticks -- I hated them so much as a kid! June was wood tick season in Manitoba and I remember so well getting ticks on me and my Mom burning their bums with a hot blown-out match or heated needle to get them to back out of my skin. Because you never, EVER, just pull a wood tick off -- its head will stay buried in your skin and then you'll get sick. Those damn ticks. Now I feel itchy just thinking about them.

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    1. Hi, Debra! Your tick memories remind me of leech memories and my mom getting them off my legs. Heebie Jeebies! I never worried about ticks or had one until I went on a dig with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Wyoming. I saw one crawling up my shirt and freaked out. A quick-thinking friend knocked it off me. Fortunately that was my first and only encounter with a tick. I never go out in nature with bare arms and legs, even in the desert. I may get a neon green onesie ~ LOL! Have a good one!

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  2. I agree Louise blogging is wonderful and one can never be entirely lonely if you're a blogger. It has helped me through the years. Great post.

    Yvonne.

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    1. Thanks, Yvonne! I hope you are having a fun day. Hugs to you!

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  3. Wow, your words came straight to my heart, I know I have friends all over from a humble start with my blog, and although I do not post so often now, read every blog of my friends, comment when I can, and know the difference it has made to my life. Loved every word you wrote today, and guess what, I hope that, too, I can call Jim and Ron my friends as well. We shared, we cared, through good and sad, I miss their blog , "From Sophie's View" and know the huge gap Sophie has left in their lives.I have read of your Mum and Dad, the changes they both made, the sacrifices, and it made me realise the same with my Mum and Dad, in those days parents didn't let on any financial struggle, personal hardship or sadness, so much was hidden from younger eyes, but I have both my Mum and Dad to thank for my love of books and the written word, from others or myself.Ticks, hope you stay well c lear. XXX from NZ as we ease out of summer, the leaves are slowly changing colour already, cool mornings but daytime temperatures are still hot.XXX to you both.

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    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Jean! Your words touched my heart. Tomorrow we head into nine cold, cold days here. Winter wants to remind us that it's still here and not to get excited about the coming of spring prematurely. Hugs and love to you and Hugh! Stay safe!

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  4. I really enjoyed reading about how you made friends on the blogosphere having undergone a similar journey myself. The book sounds great btw. I hope I can find an e-book version of it.

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    1. Thanks, Kalpana! We all figure out how to make blogging work when we're motivated by friendship and special relationships. The blogosphere is a godsend during this difficult time. Happy IWSG Day!

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  5. Hi,
    It is so nice to find true friends like you have. It changes your way of looking at others.
    Thank you also for co-hosting today.

    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Pat! Where would we be without friends in this troubled world? Shalom aleichem to you!

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  6. Thank you for co-hosting! What a wonderful writing journey. I am currently reading Cassa Star, so I will have to come read your review when I finish making mine! Alex's kindness has been so wonderful for me as well. I remember rushing to tell my husband that an actual author was visiting my blog! Now there are so many :) I love and appreciate every visit!

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    1. Alex is special, isn't he? I remember running to tell Terry a real science fiction writer had visited my blog. I too love and appreciate every visit! Have fun visiting around today.

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  7. Yep, I've made lots of friends through blogging.

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  8. Pat and I were not going to let you quit once you got started. And now look, you are a published author.
    And yes, the cat was pulling your leg. There is no CassaThunder. Good title, though!
    Thanks for co-hosting today.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Alex! You're the best. Look at all the good you've spread in this world. All the hope and excitement you've created!

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  9. I loved reading how you started blogging and became friends with everyone here. I was afraid to ask my former blog partner if I could join her blog and then she magically asked for someone to help her. The rest is history. Thanks so much for co-hosting.

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    1. Thanks, Natalie! Blogging looked so intimidating from the outside. And, wow, look what you have accomplished! I am in awe of your blog and all you do to help people in the writing/publishing world. Have a great day, my friend!

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  10. Blogging friends are like penpals. What great connections you've made!
    Thanks for co-hosting this month!
    Mary at Play off the Page

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    1. Thanks, Mary! I hope you have fun today. I'm looking forward to visiting your blog today.

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  11. What a great blogging story! This community is the best. Thank you for hosting today!

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    1. Yes, it is the best, Bish! One of the special things about landing in Voyagers was getting to know you and our fellow authors. You have had a unique journey through this world, and I appreciate how you shared it!

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  12. Ah, Louise, I'm on your list! You have no idea how proud that makes me. Meeting you and reading your blog has been and continues to be a huge honour. You are a dear dear friend.

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    1. Oh my, I forgot to say thanks for co-hosting, Louise! Love the photos. Peggy's Cove is difficult to put into words. Your photo shows the isolation and beauty.

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    2. Thank you, Joylene! I felt a special connection with you right away. As you can see, I'm still making my co-hosting rounds today. I know I should be faster at reading and commenting, but it's so interesting to read the posts, think about what people are saying, and connect with them. What thoughtful, engaging, and knowledgeable people are members in the IWSG. I'm looking forward to reading your post today. Please stay safe and healthy. Sending you a big hug!

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  13. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your early neophyte days to pro. As they say, you've come a long way, baby! LOL Yes, blogging and penpals are the same, only faster. I'm good friends with one of those you mentioned. Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month.

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    1. Thanks, Lynn! I always enjoy co-hosting, and if Alex needs someone I generally volunteer. Stay safe, healthy and happy this month!

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  14. There is a bunch of wonderful people out here and most are more than happy to offer advice and encouragement.

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    1. Not the least of whom is you, Diane! All the best to you!

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  15. Thanks for co-hosting this month. It's great that Ron and his dog have been such great supporters. Nice photos too.
    Where is CassaThunder? Pretty sure I need that in my life.
    Thanks for sharing Zero Usage. Sometimes I feel like I'm Willing Suspension of Disbelief just to get through the day, but I guess that's why I read a lot.

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    1. LOL, Toi! I get what you mean about "Willing Suspension of Disbelief just to get through the day." I sometimes wonder if I have slipped into an alternate universe. Ron is a special friend, very dear to me. As is his husband Jim. We all grieve the loss of Sophie Doodle. Alex filled me in in his comment on the fact that Pat was messing with us. There is no "CassaThunder." 😓 Have a safe and healthy February!

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  16. Thanks for being a fellow co-host this month. Always a delight to read your blog and it's one of the reasons I keep coming back!

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! You made my day with your lovely comment! All my best to you!

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  17. I don’t remember how I came across your blog stories about your father but right from the very start I was hooked and couldn’t wait until Fridays for a new story to come out. Soon you and I were blogging friends and I always enjoy your adventures. You are so kind to visit me on the blog even though lately there isn’t a lot to write about.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Peggy! I'm always thinking of you and Don. I have more Northern adventures to share. They will come back. I've got to quit wallowing in the muskeg, crawl out, and get moving again. Hugs to you, my friend!

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  18. What a great story, Louise. I had to click through to your first commenters. I'm a sucker for dogs. I share your experience. Penpals is the perfect word for this.

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  19. Replies
    1. Thanks, Sadira! May you have a happy and productive February! Take care!

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  20. Wow, you've had quite the journey! Welcome to the blogosphere, and I know what you mean by neophyte. I too made many mistakes learning the ropes but it looks like we've both graduated!
    Nice to meet you, Fundy Blue!

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    1. Thanks, Yolanda! "Need to Know" is a great motivator when learning to navigate the blogosphere! all my best to you!

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  21. Yeh for blogging buddies! Definitely agree about how they're like penpals. :)

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  22. Great story, and I really like the part about your losing your first blog. The learning curve takes us on quite the journey, but you've done very well. Your blog is a delight to read.

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    1. Thank you, Lee! You filled my heart! Take care!

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  23. I probably wouldn't have anyone visit my blog if I hadn't come across the IWSG and Alex. Many fabulous bloggers here. Great Story, Fundy.

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    1. Thanks, Cathrina! Alex certainly created something special! Have a safe and healthy February!

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  24. Hi Louise. Yes, there have been many wonderful bloggers here — yourself included. I think Alex and Arlee Bird were instrumental in helping bring so many of us together. Nice shout-out to Pat. He's also been a great blogger friend.

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    1. Thanks, Sherry! That means so much to me! I get such a kick out of Pat. Have a great February, my friend!

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  25. I enjoyed reading your post and about your journey in blogosphere. Thankyou for co-hosting.
    Sonia from https://soniadogra.com

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    1. Thank you, Sonia! It's always fun to co-host because I visit old friends and meet new ones. Wishing you the best of Februaries!

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  26. Blogging was a learning experience for me from the outset. I have other bloggers to thank for helping me figure out what was going on in the world of blogging. Thank goodness for community!

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. You said it, Arlee! Thank goodness for community! I love that you and Yvonne met in person and that you showed her around LA. Ron and Jim helped me a great deal when I started blogging ~ I had so many questions once I found my lost blog. Have a good one tossing it out!

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  27. What a journey! I'm glad you decided to jump in and join. It really is like having penpals, without all the hassle of stamps, haha. Thanks for co-hosting this month!

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    1. Thanks, SE! It has been a journey, a wonderful ride! Have a safe and healthy month!

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  28. Thanks for sharing your shaky start on blogging and how it has developed to this day into an amazing read for us. I didn't know Pat writes books for adults. Love your review with bits and pieces taken from the book. Lots of friends here on IWSG to keep up with. I have probably mentioned this before how much we loved our get-away to Nova Scotia. Love Peggy's Cove and Cape Breton. When we go again, I'll knock on your front door.

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    1. Thanks, JQ! What hasn't Pat written? A memoir, although I think there is a lot of his heart in his books. Peggy's Cove is beautiful, although the rocks can be deadly. And Cape Breton! I have traipsed over so much of its woods and shores, especially in the Margaree(s) area. I should like make it clearer in my posts, but I now live in Colorado, but I'd be happy to answer my front door to you anywhere! All the best to you!

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  29. Wowsers! That was quite a blogging journey. I'm glad you made it :)

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    1. Thanks, Jemima. I may be slow, but I'm dogged, and I eventually figure it out. Now I'm working on making tabs like an actual author ~ LOL! Happy February!

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  30. What a history! What a path! What a friend you've made in the blogosphere, Louise - write on!

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    1. Thanks, PJ! I'm having a blast as I do. Take care!

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  31. What a great post! What a great recounting of your internet friends and beyond. I hope one day to go to Nova Scotia, and if I do, I'll avoid that area! I really don't care for ticks!

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    1. Thank's Lisa! Every time I see your header with "Evangeline's Story" I think of Nova Scotia and the expulsion of the Acadians. Please don't let the ticks stop you from seeing some beautiful areas if you make it to NS. Just wear flashy neon green pants!

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  32. Forgot to thank you for co-hosting today! You're awesome!

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  33. LOVED this story and the chance to "meet" some of your blogging friends. @samanthabwriter from
    Balancing Act

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    1. Thanks, Samantha! "Meeting" blogging friend buddies has been such a pleasure this month. Have a great one!

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  34. What? It's not believable that one would freak out about ticks? You have to suspend belief? Blah. Nasty little things need to go extinct. Them and porcupines pretending to be bears lol

    Thankfully no moose or bears yet, but I have run into drug dealers, nudist, and cougars(the human kind) lol almost as bad as wood ticks. hahaha

    My blog stunk when I started. Changed it a bunch and then finally found my groove. But it stunk. I cringe when I looked back a bit. Stuck those posts in draft. If one puts in the effort you sure can make some great friends indeed. Forget how I hopped over here, but found you and then kept on a coming. Crazy sure is the best way. haha CassaThunder may be fake or it may be a future prediction. Hmmmmm.

    Thanks for the shout. Glad it was enjoyed. You're probably my biggest fan and all from a rhyming cat lol

    Now I have to go check for wood ticks again after that picture. Blah. Soon have to break out my flashy pants too if it keeps getting so mild. You can definitely see me coming in those hahaha

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    1. Oh, Lord, Pat! I met a whole lot of porcupines in the NS woods, but fortunately nobody naked! I ran into drug dealers on the Z trail on the island of Hawaii. Fortunately they didn't give Terry and me any grief. If I'm in the woods and see flashy neon green pants coming my way, I'll know who it is! Have a great month, my rhyming friend!

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  35. Your blogging journey sounds a lot like my own. But you seem to have it figured out now! Thanks for co-hosting.

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    1. Thanks, Loni! I may be slow, but I eventually get there ~ with a little help from my friends! Have a good one!

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  36. Paypals - what a wonderful concept! Your blogging journey is fascinating.

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    1. Thanks, Olga! Wishing you all the best this month (and year too!).

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  37. We were all neophytes in the beginning. I went months before I got any regular type comments. I didn't quite understand the give and take part of blogging. It still amazes me how it is such a connection developer. The more we give, the more we receive in return. Thanks for hosting again!

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    1. Thanks, Liza! "The more we give, the more we receive in return" is true of so many things in life. Yes, I hosted for two months in a row ~ If Alex requests co-host, I answer. It's one way that I can return when he gives so much! Take care!

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  38. I love your blogging story and the connections you've made over the years :)

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    1. Thanks, Lynda! You're the best and you give so much! 🥰

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  39. So lovely to hear about your blogger friends and see pictures. Loved it.

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    1. Thanks, Denise! As I continue to make the rounds, I've seen some lovely comments about what a good friend you have been. 🥰 Isn't the IWSG just awesome?

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  40. Wow...you may have started out slow...but you've definitely picked up steam and...wow again. You really have connected. I admire that especially how you have honored those who have followed and befriended you. I loved your story you put on my blog. I suffer from 'mind wandering' Don't know if that's ADD but sometimes while I was on-camera my mind would leave the script and add in words that weren't there. CUT! Take 2! The crew and director were always kind and patient. With writing, my only oops now are spelling errors...after...I've hit the send/publish button. *sigh*

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    1. LOL! What a fun story. I think kind and patient people may be guardian angels. Finding spelling errors after hitting send/publish makes me crazy! My brother loves to push my buttons to this day. All the best to you, Leigh.

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  41. Replies
    1. Thank you, Beverly! I hope you had lots of fun visiting around yesterday. As you can see, I'm still at it. 😱 Slow but steady. Take care!

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  42. You have gotten a lot out of blogging. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Kim! Blogging has been a rewarding experience for me! Have a good one!

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  43. Blogging has been good to you, Louise! Thanks for co-hosting and visiting my blog and commenting. :-)

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    1. You bet, Roland! You've been through so much, and your fortitude and persistence is inspiring!

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  44. Great review of Pat's new book. Ticks have become more and more of a thing... I seem to have become a tick magnet and have been bitten a dozen times this fall and ended up having to be treated with antibiotics. In my 16+ years of blogging on three main blogs, I have made a lot of friends. Sadly, some have dropped out and more than I'd like to remember have died.

    https://fromarockyhillside.com

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    1. It's heartbreaking when friends die, Sage, in-person or virtual. I'm so sorry that you've been bitten so much by ticks. Yikes! And speaking of" yikes," I forgot to add your name as a special friend to my post. I went back and edited it in, because you are very special to me. Perhaps you should get a neon green onesie to wear in the woods, one with a hood! Take care!

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  45. Great post! Inspiring. Happy IWSG Day<3 Thank you for co-hosting.

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    1. Thanks, Adrienne! It's always fun to co-host, and it is a way to give back to the IWSG! Wishing you the best of Februaries!

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  46. What a fun walk along memory lane! I don't remember how I got involved in or discovered each thing I found in the beginning of blogging, but I'm delighted it happened.

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    1. Thanks, Shannon! I'm glad that you enjoyed it. I definitely remembered how I began because it was traumatic for me ~ LOL! Take care!

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  47. Great post! That's great that you remember every original comment and have kept those friends for so long.

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    1. Thanks, J Lenni! I'm a little OCD. I went down a rabbit hole and looked up my journey on my posts. I have made wonderful friends. Wishing you many wonderful, long-lasting friends too!

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  48. Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thanks, Luciana! I'm an open book ~ LOL! Have fun with the IWSG! 🥰

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  49. You had me at Peggy's Cove! I'm an Albertan with an Atlantic Coast love. Halifax is one of my most favourite cities in Canada (Niagara-on-the-Lake being one other). It's such a blessing how a community can help share our words. I'm glad you took those first steps to connect.

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    1. Thanks, Lynn! A lot of my family and extended family lives in Calgary, and I've lived there myself a long time ago. Halifax is a wonderful city, but it can be a very raw cold in the winter. I'm spoiled by decades of sunny winters in Colorado. I feel like blogging opened the world up to me. Have a good one!

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  50. I loved your story about your 1st blog posts. Been there. I had no idea what a blog was when I started back in 2011. It's been fun. Thanks for cohosting this month.

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    1. Thanks, always, Diane! I love to learn, and with computers, technology, and blogging I have a lifelong opportunity ~ LOL Have a happy and productive February, my friend!

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  51. Oh my goodness, such a great post. I remember when I got my first comments as well. My daughter noticed before I did. LOL. I was so excited. I had started a running blog to try and get healthy, then serendipitously found the writing community. Such a huge blessing <3

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    1. Thanks, Gwen! Getting comments the first few times was terribly exciting. Actually it still is! The connections, relationships, friendships keep us going! Here's to serendipity!

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  52. Love this post! Alex is such a super encourager, and I remember my first comments, too. IWSG has been awesome.

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    1. Thanks, Tyrean! Yes, the IWSG has been awesome, and so is Alex! Have a happy and productive February!

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  53. Great post! We all started out so clueless--all I knew when I started was that someone said that now I'd published a book, I needed to start a blog. I'm not sure I even knew what that was!

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    1. LOL, Rebecca! It's amazing how motivating necessity can be. You've certainly figured it out, writing and posting from remote areas. You're amazing! I'm looking forward to the release of "Death by Donut!"

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  54. Pat. 20 books? That was awhile ago:)
    Loved your post, Louise;)

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    1. Thanks, Sandra! Yes, 20 books was a long time ago. I think Pat's up to 130 now. Have a great February!

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  55. I enjoyed learning your blogging story, and still get that burst of energy whenever I receive a comment! Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG, Fundy!

    Julie

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    1. Thanks, Julie! After all my comments from co-hosting, I'm buzzing and crackling like northern lights on fire in the sky ~ LOL. Take care, and enjoy February!

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  56. The blogging world is a very special place! You meet amazing people from all over the world that you wouldn't otherwise and connect with them. People like you, Louise! Keep on blogging, my friend!

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    1. Thanks, Martha! You kept me going in the beginning and have continued to do so. I really appreciate you, my friend! XXX

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  57. It's strange to think many of us were reluctant bloggers at the start. Thanks for co-hosting.

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  58. Hey pen pal!!! I love this post so much!!! I have met so many wonderful people through blog land! I find it so different from other platforms! I have to admit, I give thanks to all the wonderful people that I have met on here, everyday! Truly wonderful post! Loved all the stories! Keep blogging Louise! Big Hugs!

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    1. Big hugs, Stacy! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the post. I hope that you are in the middle of a great weekend!

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth! Stay healthy and safe, and happy writing!

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  60. your story about blogging and blogging friends is fascinating dear Louise !

    you know how to put thing in such a mesmerizing way that captivate reader's mind deeply ,i feel hard to find fitting words to appreciate your brilliance ,the other beauty of you is that you have such a loving and kindred soul and have way to connect with others with astonishing ease ,i am huge fan of your all skills indeed!

    finding my own name in the list of your friends brought tears in my eyes ,this was such an honor ,thank you so much
    i loved the review about Pat's new novel ,sounds an incredible read just like him ,i used to visit his poetry blog while ago and his energy is overwhelming and seems undefeated .i believe he has Hero within that reflects through his works amazingly :)
    thank you for being inspiration and sharing your light with us dear friend!
    hugs andblessings!

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  61. Hi Louise! Sorry I’m late to the party. Thanks for co-hosting this month! You have been VERY busy! Loads of comments and interactions. The beauty of blogging, as you so wonderfully describe in your post. What a lovely read. I had no idea you’d been at this blogging thing for so long. It sounds like you were one of the very first IWSG members. I can’t believe you remember all those initial blogging pals and their comments. Such a supportive group. No wonder you made this many friends and continue to do so! Rock on... :-)

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  62. Thanks for co-hosting in February! I never thought of blogging as pen-palling. Interesting.

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate them very much.