Umm... Huh? #FunnyFriday July 20016

Today’s post is this month’s Funny Friday, a regular feature published on the last Friday of every month. Funny Friday is a collaborative project. Each month one of the participants submits a picture, then we all write five captions or thoughts inspired by that month’s picture. Links to the other bloggers’ posts are below, click on them and see what they’ve come up with. I hope we bring a smile to your face as you start your weekend.

Here’s today’s picture. It was submitted by Spatulas on Parade (http://spatulasonparade.blogspot.com/)

1. What in the sweet world is it? Anyone?

2. When none of the nearby animals wanted her lunch leftovers, she realized she should probably consider a new hobby. Cooking was not working out as well as she had hoped it would.

3. Owner to dog: We really need to discuss what is acceptable to bring to me.
Dog: Ahhhh c'mon. You know you love it.

4. She suddenly realized, she probably should have asked what her date meant by "fresh crab dinner".

5. Crab in Heaven, looking down: Take a walk on the beach, they said. It will be fun, they said.

I hope you enjoyed this, as much as I enjoyed writing it. What would you caption this picture!?

Click on the links below and let some other bloggers make you smile:

http://notthatsarahmichelle.blogspot.com                Not That Sarah Michelle

http://www.southernbellecharm.com                Southern Belle Charm

http://mybrainonkids.net                                  My Brain on Kids

http://mollyritterbeck.com/                                Molly Ritterbeck

http://www.BakingInATornado.com          Baking In A Tornado

http://spatulasonparade.blogspot.com/               Spatulas on Parade

http://berghamchronicles.blogspot.com/     The Bergham Chronicles

http://measurementsofmerriment.blogspot.com     Measurements of Merriment

http://dinoheromommy.com/                            Dinosaur Superhero Mommy

Obsession #BookReview

If you follow my Facebook page, you probably saw me talk about Shantel Tessier's new release "Obsession". Well, in case you missed it, I read and LOVED the book. So, I decided to write a quick post, letting you all know, that you should read it!! 

It is the second book in a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. That being said, I loved it so much, I immediately read the first book "Addiction". So, if you wanted to, you could easily read them both in order. I highly recommend them both. 

So, how it all began... I noticed a post on Facebook about the impending release, and it caught my eye. So, of course I investigated. I added it to my to read list, and moved on. As luck would have it, I got the opportunity to sign up to request an ARC, and was chosen. I was a smidgen nervous, because I am an honest person. So, I said a prayer that I'd like the book, and dove in. 

I not only liked it, but I loved it. The characters totally won me over, not just the main characters (Skye and Brecken), but all the characters. I was excited to learn, a future book will be released, to tell me the story of one of my other favorite characters. I was overjoyed to know I had the first book to read, to learn about Case and Taylor, whom I'd fallen in love with. That's one way I knew I was reading a fantastic book. The characters were so well developed, you found yourself drawn to the secondary characters, who barely got page time. 

I don't want to give away the plot. I really want you guys to read it, and enjoy the journey, just as I did. I do want to give my thoughts though. It is a well written book. As I said, the characters are well developed. The plot is interesting, intriguing, entertaining, and well written. It's a romance, but not a typical, overly sexual romance. Yes, there is hot, steamy sex, but it doesn't overpower the plot. It's more of an enhancement. I often find that romance novels include plenty of sex, and not enough storyline. That definitely isn't the case with this book. 

The storyline itself is wonderful. It takes you on an interesting journey, full of twists and turns. It will make you feel a full gamut of emotions. It will entertain, confuse, frustrate, excite, upset, and tease you. It is a lovely journey. Some of it will be anticipated, and other parts will come as a shock. I was blindsided by a few plot details, and others I had expected. It's not a shallow romance novel, but not so deep you cannot enjoy it. 

It was a book I found myself not wanting to put down. I wanted to know what happened next. I also felt sad when it was over. It was a complete story. You will feel complete closure, and satisfaction. It's just that I was so entertained, and had become invested to the point, I wanted more. I'm secretly hoping for a short story accompaniment or a full part two, in the future. I was comforted, by the fact I had book 1 "Addiction" to read, and knowing book 3 will be coming. 

If you've been paying attention to my Facebook page, you have probably figured out that I LOVE author K.S. Thomas, and I'm constantly searching for another author with books I can enjoy, just as much as her books. Well, I've finally found it. Yes, I enjoy other books I read, just not on this deep of a level. The best way I can think to explain it... I love the writing so much, I want to read everything she has written. The writing is just that good. 

I hope you read the books. If you do, please let me know. I would LOVE to discuss them with you. 

Here is some information for you:

Obsession (Seven Deadly Sins) by Shantel Tessier is #LIVE!!

#OneClick NOW --> https://goo.gl/bZbh63 

Don't forget to join the HUGE three day #ReleaseParty 

--> https://www.facebook.com/events/551976534988593/

=BUY NOW=

AMAZON US - https://goo.gl/bZbh63 

AMAZON UK - https://goo.gl/TrhKUT 

AMAZON CA - https://goo.gl/Thius1 

B&N - http://goo.gl/2aH5pU

KOBO - http://goo.gl/2C8L9z

iBooks - https://itun.es/us/TcFecb.l

#STAuthor #Standalone #AbsoBreckenlutely #NewRelease

My 80s Favorites #TopTenThursday

Welcome to this week's #TopTenThursday. This is a fun writing challenge, that is hosted by Tamara of Confessions of a part-time working mom. Her, myself, and other bloggers, come together and post Top Ten lists, which we create based on a chosen topic. I hope you enjoy reading my list, as much as I loved creating it.

Last week, we made a list of our Top Ten Happy Places. This week, we are revealing our Top Ten 80's Songs. I don't know how you guys feel, but I definitely love music from the 80's. I am a total 80's baby! Music is a huge part of my life, and many of my favorite songs are from the 80's and earlier. 

Without further ado, in random order, I present my top ten 80's tunes. Be sure to check out the other Blogger's favorite tunes, using the links at the bottom. 

1. (This is technically a cheat. It was released in 1977, but it was HUGE in the 1980's, and I was told it was acceptable) 'One Love' by Bob Marley. This song is probably my theme song. I so believe in it. I believe in peace and unity. I believe in loving everyone. I believe in not judging. I am against racism, sexism, etc I feel like we should all live together in peace and harmony and acceptance. Love over hate,  every day.

2. (I am slipping this 1977 song in under the same technicality) 'Waiting in Vain' by Bob Marley. This is MY song. My absolute favorite song. This is my ultimate favorite song, and it has been since I was a kid. I have just always loved it. I can feel it in my soul. It is amazing. Amazing.

3. (1983) 'Islands in the Stream' by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Absolutely LOVE this song. I always have. I always will. Dolly is my girl. LOL Well, I would like to think, if we ever met, we would be instant best friends. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE her. 

4. (1989) 'Janie's Got a Gun' by Aerosmith. I am a massive Aerosmith fan(atic). I love 80's hair bands, and Aerosmith was my absolute favorite of them. This song is my favorite of their's. I love so many of their songs, but this will forever be my favorite. It just speaks to me on a deep level. Some songs you can just feel. Add to that the vocals and the instruments.... WOW! I just LOVE this song. In fact, I am putting it on RIGHT NOW. Just talking about it, makes me need to hear it. 

(cue break to totally rock out to #4)

5. (1986) 'Walk This Way' by Aerosmith and Run DMC. Now, I do love Aerosmith's version that was released in 1975, but the Run DMC collaboration, will always be my favorite version. It was so mind blowing to me. As a kid, and once I got older, to hear rock and rap combined. It really opened my eyes to how universal music is, and how artists can cross boundaries and genres. Seriously. Now, Steven Tyler even has a country album. This song was just groundbreaking, and it is truly a wonderful song.

6. (1980) 'Sailing' by Christopher Cross. This was probably my first every favorite song. I absolutely LOVED it. I could not get enough of it, and to this day, I still love it. Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it. 

(cue break for me to sing #6 at the top of my lungs)

I would now like to take a moment to say, I think making someone create a top ten list of favorite 80's songs, is kinda cruel. How on Earth can I just pick ten?!? I only have four spots left, and I have like a million songs left to list. *sigh*

7. (1985) 'Take On Me' by a-ha. I do not care who you are... You know this song and most likely know the video as well. How could I not put this song on my list?! I have spent HOURS dancing to this song. HOURS. Like hundreds of hours. Great memories with my cousins. 

8. (1984) 'What's Love Got to do With It' by Tina Turner. This song was magic for me. I loved it. I loved it so much, I would stand in my living room for hours, singing it on my dad's microphone. (My dad is a musician.) I love it so much I choreographed a dance to it. Her voice. The music. So much perfection.

(cue break for me to dance my dance to #8)

9. (1986) 'Diggin' Up Bones' by Randy Travis. Have mercy on my soul... Randy Travis has one of the most amazing voices EVER. I love basically every single one of his songs, but this one will probably always hold a very special place for me.

10. (1987) 'She's Like the Wind' by Patrick Swayze feat. Wendy Fraser. Y'all.... Listen... Patrick Swayze was my first crush. Dirty Dancing was my first ever favorite movie, and to this day, it remains my favorite movie. This song, Patrick, that movie... So much a part of my childhood. I could not put this song on the list. It was an instrumental part of my childhood. I never stopped loving Patrick. I guess you never really forget your first crush. Plus, let's face it, he was always a handsome man. 

11. 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' by Bonnie Tyler. I am giving eleven on my list, since my first two, were technically songs of the 1970's, and should technically count as just one entry. Even though this is not my actual favorite song, I think that it is one of the greatest songs ever recorded, hands down. It is absolutely amazing. Bonnie put her whole being into this song. She gave it her everything, and it showed. It is one of those songs that I could listen to on repeat for hours, and not get tired of it. I could not make a list of 1980's songs, and not list this one. 

I am sorry, but I have to make a list of honorable mentions... I really could not just do ten eleven.

Honorable Mentions: 

(1980) 'The Rose' by Bette Midler (the movie came out in 1979, but the song was not officially released until 1980.) 

(1986) 'Master of Puppets' by Metallica

(1988) 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman

(1985) 'You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)' by Dead or Alive

(1987) 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now' by Starship

(1987) 'When I See You Again' by Fleetwood Mac

(1983) 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police

(1983) 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' by Eurythmics

(1984) 'When Doves Cry' by Prince

(1981) 'Don't Stop Believin'' by Journey

(1989) 'Like a Prayer' by Madonna

(1983) 'Time After Time' by Cyndi Lauper

(1986) 'West End Girls' by Pet Shop Boys

(1982) 'Slow Hand' by Conway Twitty (cover of the The Pointer Sisters' 1981 hit)

I could go on and on and on. I won't. I just want to list one more. (1985) 'Greatest Love of All' by Whitney Houston. This song will forever and always be very special to me. Growing up, my mom was obsessed with Whitney and she played this song on repeat. My actual first ever memory of music, is this song, and that is special. I was obsessed with it. I loved her voice. I loved everything about it. I remember wanting to be a singer one day. Her voice was that amazing to me. I became obsessed with this song, and eventually obsessed with music in general. This was my gateway song. 

What is your favorite song from the 1980's?!

Chad was not impressed by my list, so he has given me the following list, which includes songs he feels I am ridiculous for not including them in mine.

1. (1987) 'Welcome to the Jungle' by Guns N' Roses

2. (1980) 'Ace of Spades' by Motorhead

3. (1980) 'Crazy Train' by Ozzy

4. (1989) '18 and Life' by Skid Row

5. (1980) 'Back in Black' by AC/DC

6. (1984) 'Fade to Black' by Metallica

7. (1982) 'Beat It' by Michael Jackson (this one ALMOST made my list)

8. (1989) 'Love Song' by Tesla

9. (1982) 'Run to the Hills' by Iron Maiden

10. (1988) 'Cult of Personality' by Living Colour

Let's just agree... The 1980's gave us some AMAZING songs! 

Okay, okay. I have kept you all far too long. Now, go and see what songs from the 80's these other bloggers LOVE! 

Confessions of a Part-time Working Mom

Measurements of Merriment

The Last Rain Girl

The Wrights' Days of Fun

Happiness in Place #TopTenThursday

Welcome to this week's #TopTenThursday. This is a fun writing challenge, that is hosted by Tamara of Confessions of a part-time working mom. Her, myself, and other bloggers, come together and post Top Ten lists, which we create based on a chosen topic. I hope you enjoy reading my list, as much as I loved creating it.

Last week, we made a list of the top ten things we love/hate about blogging challenges. This week, we are revealing our top ten happy places. I don't know how you guys feel, but I definitely have places that make me happy. Other places, like my oncologist's office and being stuck in traffic, will never make this list. 

Without further ado, in random order, I present my top ten happy places. Be sure to check out the other Blogger's happy places, using the links at the bottom. 

1. Starbucks. Truthfully, any place with coffee, is a happy place for me. I have other coffees I like just as much, and possibly even more than Starbucks, but my favorite coffee place, is definitely Starbucks. I have always found the atmosphere to be warm and welcoming. I can easily relax. I love to sit and write, or simply relax, while enjoying my coffee. The friendly baristas, delicious coffee, and free refills only add to my happiness.

2. Bed with a book. It doesn't matter if I'm curled up with a reading book, or a coloring book, I'm happy. I am a total bookworm, who devours book after book. I'll happily give up sleep, to read.

3. Bed asleep. When I'm not reading, I do love to sleep. I don't get nearly enough sleep, but the sleep I do get, I love and appreciate.

4. In Gigi's embrace. Gigi gives the absolute best hugs. Hands down. Those moments are some of my favorites. I especially enjoy them, now that she's three, and the hugs usually follow or precede an outburst of defiantly expressing her independence. Three is hard, y'all. So very, very hard. So, I soak up all the hugs I can get.

5. The beach. Sand, sun, and ocean. Yes, yes, yes. Admittedly, I prefer the warm Atlantic Ocean, over the colder Pacific Ocean, but either way... If I'm at the beach, I'm happy.

6. Hanging with my besties. I don't have an abundance of friends, but I cherish the ones I have. Most live a billion miles away, which does not make keeping in touch easy. I'm definitely grateful for Facebook. Even if it's just a message/text/call/conversation in a comment section, spending time interacting with my friends, makes me happy. I'm especially grateful for the few friends I have, who I'm able to hang with in person. Lately, I've been blessed with a lot of girl time, with my bestie Jade. This has led to laughs, shenanigans, and me now sporting blonde hair. If you follow my Facebook page, you've already seen my new do. It's a big change from the green/teal hair, I've had for months now. I am loving being a blonde, it reminds me of my (much) younger years.

7. Swimming in a pool. Yes, the beach is definitely a happy place for me, but the ocean really isn't. I'm not the biggest fan of swimming in water that's not enclosed within a well-maintained pool. I'm a total fish, and love swimming, but I'm definitely a pool water swimmer. I have friends who prefer salt water, and ones who prefer fresh (Lake/river/pond/etc) water, but I'm team chlorinated water.

8. In the sunshine. I can be in my yard, at the park, walking, at a friend's house, in the car... As long as I'm being warmed by the rays of the sun, I'm happy. Admittedly, I LOVE dancing in the rain, and it does make me happy, just not as thoroughly happy as sunshine does.

9. Tattoo shop. If you don't already know, consider this me formally informing you, I'm addicted to tattoos. I have seven of my own (two are works in progress), and hope to add at least five more. If you need someone to sit with you, while you get inked, I'm your girl. I've accompanied many of my friends, and I'm not ashamed to admit, I'm the best tattoo shop wingman. Speaking of tattoo shops, I'm way overdue for new ink. I'm hoping to change that soon. My right arm tattoo is begging to be worked on.

10. Nail salon. Listen, put me in a massage chair, with my feet soaking, and I am HAPPY. Getting pedicures is one of my most favorite things ever. I'd get one every week, if I could afford it. They say if you ever win the lottery, you should have two priorities... Making your life better and making the world better. You should also spend some of it with frivolity, so as to give yourself instant happiness. Well, my frivolous spending, will be in a nail salon (every week) and a tattoo shop.

So, where are your happy places?! Do we have any in common?! Are any of mine a sad place for you?!

Don't forget to check out these other awesome happy places top ten lists:

Confessions of a part-time working mom

An American in Basel

Measurements of Merriment

The Last Rain Girl

Little Zurich Kitchen

Stable Layne #UseYourWords July 2016

Welcome to this month's Use Your Words post! This is how it works: participating bloggers picked four to six words or short phrases for someone else to craft into a post. All words must be used at least once and all the posts will be unique as each writer has received their own set of words. That is the challenge, here is a fun twist; no one who is participating knows who got their words and in what direction the writer will take them. Until now.

My words are:

horse ~ umbrella ~ accident ~ silver ~ red

They were submitted by: http://batteredhope.blogspot.com (Thank you for such awesome words!)

Layne stood outside holding her red umbrella, watching the rain pour down from the gray sky, and couldn't help but wish it were sunny. She was having a horrible day, and a long ride on her beloved horse Stable, would go a long way toward cheering her up. It had been three days since her cast had been removed, and it had rained every single day. The last time she had ridden Stable, was the day before her accident, and that was nearly four months ago.

Of course, her doctor didn't want her riding yet. He wanted her to wait until she had at least three weeks of physical therapy under her belt. Obviously, Doctor Wainwright was not a horse person. If he were, there is no way he'd ask her to wait even another day before riding. It was rare she went a full forty-eight hours without riding, let alone three weeks. Correction four months and three weeks. She sighed as she saw her brother's silver F150 coming up the driveway. As if not being able to ride weren't bad enough, she also couldn't drive. She hated being dependent upon others, so hopefully the driving restriction would be lifted sooner rather than later.

As she climbed up into the passenger seat, she smiled warmly at her brother. Her smile grew even bigger when she saw he was holding out a cup of coffee for her to take. 

"Chauffeur and coffee deliverer?! I really trained you right, little brother!" she said, as she took the warm cup into her hand. She quickly took a sip. Perfect. He knew just how she loved her coffee.

"You did not train me, I just pay attention" he replied with an annoyed tone. "Now, hurry up and buckle up. I don't want you to keep Gwyn waiting!"

"Gwyn?" she asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "How is it that you are on a first name basis with my physical therapist?" she wiggled her eyebrows, as she sat her coffee down and quickly buckled up, before picking back up her liquid life source.

"Don't use that tone with me," he shot back defensively. "There is no juicy gossip. I just know Doc W set you up with Gwyn Mallek. She and I went to school together. Then after I fell off that horse I was training for Denni a couple Summers back, Doc W sent me to see her too."

"Hmmmm" she responded, sipping her coffee quietly. She wasn't going to push the matter further, but she knew her brother, and she knew there was more to this story. She could see it in his eyes. She settled back in her seat, as a comfortable silence fell between them. She looked out her window, as they drove down the long driveway leading up to the road. She could see Stable off in the distance, grazing in lower field. She sighed, wishing she were in the field with him, all saddled up and going for a leisurely ride. At this point, she would probably settle for just sitting on him, not even moving. 

As they turned onto the road that led into town, she let her thoughts wander. She wondered how physical therapy was going to go. Hopefully, quick and easy, but somehow she doubted that would be the case. She had broken her right leg in three places and her left arm in two places. She had also dislocated her right shoulder and bruised her ribs badly, but those injuries had been the least of her worries. She shivered, thinking back on the accident that had hurt her so badly. A drunk driver had hit her head on. In reality, she was lucky to have only had the few injuries she did. She could have been hurt a lot worse, or even died, but she has been lucky. 

As if he could sense the negative turn of her thoughts, Zayne's voice broke through her thoughts. "Have you spoken to Blayne yet?" he was asking her.

"Not in a few days," she answered, looking over at him. "Why?"

"She is planning a big shindig this weekend," he replied. "She said she was going to talk to you, and see if you wanted to invite anyone. Apparently, she is going all out. She wants it to be a big to-do. Something about wanting to cheer up her mopey little sister, who is being a real downer lately."

She gasped, reaching over to poke him in his side. "That mopey little sister better be Rayne! I know you guys have not been calling me names behind my back!"

He laughed softly, feeling good that he had put some spark into his big sister. "Well, you know Rayne is all goo goo ga ga over David, so she obviously isn't mopey." he said stealing a glance at her. "We aren't upset that you have been mopey. Anyone in your shoes would be, in fact you have probably handled this better than most people would. We are just sad that you are sad. You know, empathy."

"Well, still, I don't go around calling any of you names or talking behind your backs," she said, smiling softly, to show she wasn't truly upset. "At least not since high school."

"Yeah," he said. "Let's not bring up any names you may have used for your loving siblings back then" He frowned slightly thinking back on how she used to call him Dorkus Maximus. It would be best to let those memories stay forgotten.

"I'll call Blayne later," she replied. "I'll see what she needs me to do, to help make this shindig extra awesome."

Zayne smiled at her, and they finished the drive in a comfortable silence. After they had parked and gotten out at the office building that housed the physical therapy office, Zayne wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulder, and they walked into the building together. He was a little sad they were cutting it so close to his sister's appointment time, but was excited that he was about to see Gwyn. He hoped his sister couldn't tell that Gwyn meant something to him. It wasn't something he wanted his sisters to bug him about. Sometimes, it really stunk being the younger brother to three older sisters. 

Layne checked in and took a seat, waiting for her name to be called. She didn't have to wait long. She was anxious to see the elusive Gwyn. She knew she meant something to her brother, and she was hoping to find out. A few minutes later, a smooth, deep voice penetrated her thoughts. "Layne Chambers"

Hearing her named called, she headed for the open door, walking around to walk through, looking up and seeing the most gorgeous man she had even laid eyes on. Gorgeous. Were men gorgeous? Handsome is the manly word, right? Not this man. He was gorgeous. Her eyes transfixed on the most gorgeous blue eyes she had ever seen. She felt almost faint. 

((to be continued))

I hope you liked my contribution to this month's collection of Use Your Word posts! Do yourself a huge favor, and visit the links below, to see what words everyone else received, and in what magnificent ways they used them! 

Links to the other “Use Your Words” posts:

Baking In A Tornado

Southern Belle Charm                  

Not That Sarah Michelle             

Spatulas on Parade               

Dinosaur Superhero Mommy

My Brain on Kids

Never Ever Give Up Hope

Confessions of a part time working mom

The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Molly Ritterbeck

Juicebox Confession

Climaxed

When I Grow Up

Sparkly Poetic Weirdo

On the Border

The Love Hates of Blogging #TopTenThursday

Hello! Welcome to Top Ten Thursday! When Tamara of Confessions of a Part-Time Working Mom told me about this Top Ten Thursday blogging challenge, I knew I just had to participate, at least once. A group of bloggers get together and create a top ten list, based on a topic chosen beforehand. It just so happens that this week's topic is "Top Ten Things I Love/Hate About Blog Challenges".  Very appropriate eh? Make sure you check out the other top ten lists at the end!!

I participate in several blogging challenges each month. An amazing blogger friend (Karen of Baking in a Tornado) of mine organizes them. If you have followed my blog for any length of time, I am sure you have read at least one of my challenge posts. I participate in the Secret Subject Swap and Funny Friday and Use Your Words and Poetry challenges. So, you can imagine I definitely love blogging challenges. Here is my top ten list about what I love/hate about blogging challenges.

1 (love). The bloggers that I have developed friendships with. Long before I started my own public blog (I had a semi-private blog previous, with posts that I really never promoted, though they were available to the public), I followed quite a few blogs. I have an obsession with recipes. I slowly try new recipes. The main reason my blog is not about cooking, is because I am not even remotely good in the kitchen. One of the blogs I followed closely was Karen's blog. She has some amazing recipes at Baking in a Tornado. I really fell in love with her monthly challenge posts. When I reached out to her about joining in, I really expected to be turned down. To be told to come back once I was a real blogger. Much to my surprise, I was welcomed into the group, and I have been grateful every day since. I have met some amazing, wonderful, kind bloggers. I still don't consider myself to be a blogger on their level, but they all accept me regardless. I now count them among my closest friends. 

2 (love). The fact that it gives me material to write about, even if I cannot think of anything to write about on my own. 

3 (love). That fact that my little blog has received more attention than it ever would have otherwise. 

4 (love). The fact that it has helped me to stay dedicated to blogging, even when life has been crazy, and I normally would have quit or taken a hiatus.

5 (love/hate). The fact that at times I am assigned subjects/words that push me outside of my comfort zone. They make me dig deep and write things I would not normally write. It has been scary and frustrating at times, but I loved it all the while.

6 (love). Sometimes the blog challenges post on a day that is not a good one for me, but despite whatever is going on, I have this bright happy spot. I can forget my problems/sickness/stress for a while, and lose myself in the wonderful posts my fellow bloggers have written.

7 (love). It has given me the opportunity to read amazing posts from other bloggers, that I may have missed out on reading otherwise. 

8 (love). It has brought some loyal readers to my blog, that I get to interact with on my Facebook page, and I love that. I have enjoyed our conversations and sharing our lives with one another.

9 (love). It has given me an outlet for words, that I may have kept bottled up otherwise.

10 (love/hate). It gives me a commitment that I have to fulfill no matter what. I love this. It keeps me writing regularly. It keeps me blogging. It keeps me going. It keeps me accountable. Sometimes, I hate this. For example, I had a migraine earlier, and thanks to Imitrex, I am feeling much better. Normally, I probably would have ended the night resting and then going to bed. I had this commitment though, so I am here writing. I love and hate this, but mostly love it. 

So, there you have it. As you have probably figured, I definitely LOVE blogging challenges! 

Check out these other top ten lists: 

Top Ten List from Dinosaur Superhero Mommy

Top Ten List from Confessions of a Part-Time Working Mom

Top Ten List from An American in Basel

Top Ten List from Measurements of Merriment

Top Ten List from The Last Rain Girl

Snap, Crackle, Sizzle July 2016 #PoetryCollaboration

Welcome to this month's poetry collaboration! For this month, we chose the theme Sizzle. Hopefully you enjoy my contribution! Don't forget to check out all the other contributions!! 

When I first heard sizzle, I thought of a grill, and then fireworks. It is such a good word. I especially love it that it contains two Zs. Z is my favorite letter. I hope you enjoy...

Poem 1 (BBQ): 

Steaks, burgers, and chicken breasts.

Iced tea and lemonade. 

Zesty marinades, onions, and peppers.

Zealous laughter. 

Lazing around on lawn chairs. 

Eating, laughing, talking, making memories. 

Poem 2:

I miss the nights we spent together. 
I miss our talks and debates. 
I miss the kisses and caresses. 
I miss the steamy intimacy. 
I miss the feel of your body against mine. 
I thought you were so hot. 
I thought you were so intelligent and thoughtful. 
I thought I'd explode from the ecstasy you evoked within me. 
I thought nothing could match the intense passion between us. 
I thought our nights together would never end. 
I felt like together we could conquer the world. 
I felt like I genuinely mattered to you. 
I felt like one day I'd hear a sizzle when I touched you. 
I felt like our passion could set the world on fire. 
I felt like we belonged to each other. 
I wish I had been right about our future. 
I wish I had given you more of my time, and made more memories. 
I wish I didn't miss you so much. 
I wish I had told you about how I truly felt. 
I wish your body were pressed against mine right now. 
I hope you are happy. 
I hope you are loved. 
I hope your dreams come true. 
I hope the music still guides you. 
I  hope you miss me, at least a little. 

Poem 3:

Seven
Intelligently 
Zany
Zebras
Lazily
Eating

Here are links to all the other Sizzle poems!!

Karen of Baking In A Tornado

Summer Sun Sizzle

Candice of Measurements of Merriment

Sizzle, Sizzle, Pop, Boom...BANG!

Dawn of Spatulas On Parade

You Make Me Melt

Diane of On the Border

Sizzle Fizzled

Lydia of Cluttered Genius

Summer Lovin’