Hello. It's Me.

It's funny how things that you thought were never-ending suddenly just run out of steam and... end.  For me, that's been my blog.  For me, that's been time spent reading blogs.  Life just has a way of re-prioritizing itself sometimes.  This past school year, I got so busy with other things in life.  Blogging just felt like a way of "keeping up with the Joneses," so to speak.  I didn't have time for the latest home decor.  I didn't have money for hanging out needlessly at Target.  I didn't care to read "sales pitches" in my blogroll.  Nothing wrong with any of those things.  I've subscribed to all of them at one time or another.  I just haven't had time lately.  The blogging world sort of came to a screeching halt for me.

Today, I was hanging out HERE, and trying to see my blog with fresh eyes.  I removed a few things, and consolidated some others, and well... we'll see what happens next.  I want to stay true to myself, and not get carried away trying things that I know darn well will never work for me and my blog.

I do love writing.  I do love sharing pictures.  I think it's time to just get back to basics.

After school's out today, there are only eight more days left for our girl.  Then, our summer gets turned upside down as she has a part-time job helping out with a summer Bible Club called "Summer XP."  I will be the chauffeur (gladly), and I have a feeling that we will be in the car a lot.

We have some plans for other fun stuff, though - so, it's all good.

Come along for the ride, as I "go with the flow" this summer.

K.I.S.S.

Have you heard of the K.I.S.S. principle?  Of course you probably have.  When we were kids, we used to say, "Keep It Simple, Stupid!"  Of course, I always taught my kids not to say "stupid" to people -- so let's change it up and say, "Keep It Simple, Sweetie!"

Read on...

Jen posted a thought-provoking post HERE -- which, I'm not afraid to say, stopped me dead in my tracks. Me.  The one wishing for bigger and better and more well-known.  The one who contemplates pushing the "monetize" button, but so far hasn't been able to muster it because I'm such a visual person, that it will mess with my head to see ads when I look at my blog.

I read Jen's post, and I heard brakes screeeeeech in my head.

Slow down.

Stay simple.

Stop looking at numbers.

Enjoy the people who come regularly to chat and share.

Speak to the people who can hear what it is I have to say.

Be true to myself.

Make this something I will always feel proud to look back on.

Journal life.

You get the idea.

So, I did the only thing I knew to do... I dropped the bigger is better notion, and "cleaned house" a little -- meaning I tidied up my blog.  Moved some things UP the sidebar.  Moved some things DOWN the sidebar. Removed some things that were sort of a duplication of themselves.  Moved some more things around a little bit.  Removed my button... because, really?  It's not like there's a really a purpose for ME to have one.  ("Wow, Sally, thanks for that button.  I really NEEDED that" -- said nobody EVER - LOL.  Of course, as a new blogger, I thought everyone had to have one.  Now I see... they are handy for people to use to link to a party on your blog... but other than that, not so much.)

In my "housecleaning", you'll never guess what I noticed?  My little twitter button over in my sidebar no longer linked to my twitter.  (gasp!)  That happens sometimes when I change things around, and don't follow a breadcrumb trail all the way to the end.  So, my best tip to you?  If you have various social media buttons on your sidebar, click on them from time to time to make sure that they still lead where you want them to lead. Blog-tidying 101.  You're welcome.

Also, in the spirit of sharing my favorite beautifully uncomplicated blogs, I have added a blog-roll.  I purposely did not automatically add all of the blogs that I read.  Instead, the list is a work in progress.  I'll add new blogs as I go, remembering how they speak to me, and helping to promote some of my absolute favorite places to curl up.  I hope you'll find some new spots to curl up too -- and tell 'em Sally sent you!

And don't forget, Keep It Simple... SWEETIE!

'13 Gratefulness

* grateful for a co-worker traveling with my hubby to share the driving on a long trip -- and for safe arrival

* grateful that my girl is feeling better today, and back to school

Feel free to chime in with a comment!  What are you grateful for today?

Bloggers: Show Your Face!

I am by no means a blogging expert.  In fact, I am totally self-taught in this whole blogging thing... so, I love it when someone shares something with me that is so helpful -- even just on a basic level.

So, in the spirit of being helpful, here is a bit of advice, given from my humble perspective.  I know you didn't ask, but bear with me.

I was just surfing through a bunch of new blogs that someone recommended, and I realized something.  One of the first things that I look for when visiting a blog is a photo of the blogger.  Not because it matters what a blogger LOOKS like -- but because it makes our visit much more personal.  If your photo is on your blog, I feel like I'm making a connection with a new friend  -- like visiting over a cup of coffee or tea.  If there's no photo... well, the visit isn't quite the same.

Also, I am much more likely (I've noticed) to leave a comment on a blog when I've "met" the blogger via a photo and an "about" paragraph or page -- as opposed to a generic bio with limited information and no photo.  I guess I just like to see who I'm "talking" to.

C'mon.  Don't be shy.

Lots of the big bloggers have really professional-looking pictures.  Mine is just cropped from a family vacation photo.  Some bloggers use "selfies."

A profile picture.  It's a good thing (as you-know-who would say).

By the way... I'll be by for tea tomorrow, okay?  *wink

p.s.  Also my opinion, but if you have a FB "page" or any kind of social media account for your blog... your picture should be there too!  It's a great way to connect with your readers, and using the same photo from account to account provides continuity!

All Is Not Lost... YET.

Friends,

Don't forget that tomorrow (Monday - 7/1), Google Reader will be going away.  If that is where you read this or other blogs, you'll be out of luck.  TODAY is the last day to grab your Google Reader list, and transfer it elsewhere so that you don't miss any posts from your favorite blogs.

I'm not really sure what's going to happen to that nice little box of 143 "Google Friend Connect" friends over there in my sidebar.  Perhaps it will self-destruct at 12:01a.m. on July 1.  We'll see.

I hope you'll stick with me to find out... and by stick with me, I mean... following me in any other way, shape, or form -- and if you'll look in my sidebar, you'll see that there are many.

Thanks for hanging in there, and following along -- come what may.

Tie a String Around Your Finger...

Did you ever do that to help you remember something?  I can't say that I ever remember actually doing it, but sometimes even the mental imagery of tying that string around your finger can help you remember something... I think.  Or not.  I forget.

Anyways... I just wanted you to REMEMBER that [from all reports] Google Reader will be going away at the end of this month.  If you're like me, you've already figured out a new place to receive all your blog subscriptions for reading!

You can see all the ways to follow my blog over there --> in the right sidebar.

So, it's like the end of a school year... Please don't forget about me over the summer!!! {Will you sign my yearbook?}

2013 Ultimate Blog Party

Hello party-goers!  Welcome!  

I'm Sally.  Wife to one amazing husband, and mom to two awesome teens -- a son, and a daughter.  I am a Christian -- a believer in Christ, a sinner saved by grace.  I love the Lord, and often write here about faith, but I also share a lot about family, our adventures in schooling (home and public), and life's adventures in general.  I like to share recipes -- nothing gourmet, mind you... just family favorites.  When inspired, I might even share a craft, an organizational project, or some ideas about home.

Nope.  I'm not one of those bloggers who has a specific niche.

I dabble in the Etsy world a little.  You'll find my shop tab at the top of the page (or in my sidebar).  I LOVE the blogging world.  In addition to this blog, you can also find some of my photos on my second blog: Sally's Shots.  I love to take pictures.  Sometimes the photos that I share relate to the post, and sometimes, they are just a pretty place to rest your eyes -- like the one below!  (Go ahead rest!)

I turned 50 in 2012, and if you really want to learn more about ME, you can read 50 things that you never wanted to know about me in these posts.

I try to be positive in my blogging, and I love to add a bit of humor.  Don't ever think I'm taking myself too seriously!  I will never claim to know it all.

Most of all, I'm good at being ME.  I hope you'll hang around and get to know me.  You can look at the bottom of each post or in my sidebar for some additional reading ideas.  Make yourself at home!

Please feel free to leave a comment introducing yourself.  Afterall, this is a PARTY, right?  I look forward to meeting you.  I read all of your comments, and respond as well.

Thanks for stopping by!

Enjoy the party, and have a great weekend!

From a Reader's Viewpoint

You've heard the rumors, no doubt.  Google Reader is going away.  I'm not jumping on [or off] any bandwagons just yet though, because they said that about Google Friend Connect a long while back too -- and I got my knickers all in a twist... for naught.  WhatEVer.

But, I do like to read my favorite blogs, and so, I'm checking out other options.  (Not burning any bridges, mind you!)  So far, I have joined Bloglovin' -- which gives me access to the Bloglovin' reader.  This particular reader is only a picture and an excerpt though -- not full posts.  If you're into reading exclusively from your reader, this is not the option for you.  [If you are a blogger, you must follow the steps to get your blog "recognized" -- and then your posts will be updated automatically for your followers.]

With Bloglovin', I see one photo and only a truncated post from my friend Patty.

I have also added my favorite blogs to The Old Reader -- which ends up being very similar to Google Reader. If a blogger allows us to see their entire post (vs. a truncated version), you can read it in it's entirety here without clicking through to the blog.  There are many schools of thought on whether or not to click all the way through to the actual blog for reading.  I won't comment on those here.  [Again, if you are a blogger, and someone subscribes to your posts via The Old Reader, your posts are updated automatically.]

With The Old Reader, I can choose to read Patty's post in it's entirety right here, or click through to her blog.

In addition, I subscribed (a while back) to Linky Followers.  I confess that I know the least about this "system" -- and I would guess that is true for most users.  There is no "feed" -- you have to click on each blog manually.  [If you're using Linky Followers to promote your blog, you have to enter each new post as an update in order to show that you've added new content.]  I'm thankful for those of you that follow me this way -- but, as I said, I'm a little sketchy on how this system really works effectively.

Many people subscribe to blogs via e-mail as well.  I read a lot of blogs, and... I think it would be overwhelming to try and keep up in that way.  It works for others, though.  Individual tastes, habits, and reading styles have a lot to do with it, I guess.  Personally, I don't like the idea of opening up a different e-mail for every blog that I follow.  That's just me.  That said, I should mention that Bloglovin' does offer to send a daily e-mail summary of the blogs you follow.  You can "opt in" for that under "settings."

Some "reader" options have lots of bells and whistles, and ways to sort what you're reading (i.e. home decor blogs, food blogs, vintage blogs).  Personally, I like a good mix.  I would never read through a whole folder filled with recipes.  Oh, I like a good recipe as much as the next person... but not in bulk.  All that to say that, I don't need bells and whistles.  Just let me read my blogs.

Also, I am not a technology-toter.  I use a desktop computer here... at (big surprise) my desk, and therefore don't use any "apps" that are appropriate for mobile devices -- but there are many of those out there as well. Obviously, I am not prepared to address those.

I'd love to hear what reader or reading-system YOU use.  There are no rights or wrongs -- only preferences.  Let's hear yours.  Maybe you'll be able to share something that the rest of us aren't familiar with -- who knows?

If there are any reading options or "reader" features that I haven't mentioned, perhaps I haven't learned about them yet.  If you know about them, or they're working for you... feel free to share about those too!  We all bring a different viewpoint to the discussion!  Can't wait to hear from you all.  (HINT, HINT.)

In the meantime, HAPPY READING!

Downton Distraction

It's been a frustrating "can't believe it's this cold and snowing" week around here.  The weathermen say spring is still weeks away.  We've all been a little down.  The kids have been bundling up to walk to the bus-stop as much this week as any week all winter long.  Depressing.  I'll leave it at that, but that's the state of mind around here.  Not great for blog-post writing.

Our around-the-corner friends lent us(me) Seasons One and Two of Downton Abbey, and so I've been catching up, and doing my thinking in a British vernacular, so to speak.  A bit of this, and a bit of that, and out of sorts, and oh, Lady Violet -- do you really not know what a weekEND is?  I actually pulled my ironing board up to Season One yesterday, and got quite a lot of ironing done -- and quicker than they get it done in the laundry room at Downton, I daresay.

This stew that I've been in has put me in such a state that I am laughing out loud one minute, and sobbing the next as life unfolds at Downton Abbey.  But, as Lady Violet would say, "Sally dear, you're a woman with a brain and reasonable ability.  Stop whining and find something to do."  (Is Maggie Smith not BRILLIANT in that role?  Brilliant, I say!)

my daughter spotted these at Anthropologie and snapped a picture

In other business, the Time has come to stop accepting "anonymous" comments.

I hate to do it because some of my family and friends use anonymous commenting.

However, in the last week or so, I have fielded several comments... some of them leaving links to ?business? websites or blogs.  I don't click on them because they seem a bit sketchy.  Others are wildly inappropriate and link to things that I wouldn't click on in a million-trillion years EVER.  Nor would I want any of my dear readers to be subjected to them.  Some of these comments have gotten through the s*am-guard, and that's what really worries me.  This type of comment does not come from a blog-follower, but rather from somebody who is posting things for ?personal gain? -- things that don't have anything to do with my blog or the subject matter. It's a warped sort of thing -- and I'll just leave it at that.

From now on, you will have to be signed in with Google (or one of the other accounts listed) in order to comment.  Most of those who know me and comment regularly have my e-mail address anyway, but if you don't know it, it can be accessed by clicking on the "Contact Me" tab near the top of the blog, or by clicking the envelope icon in the sidebar under "Visit Me Here."

Thank you for your understanding.

And now, for Season Two.

My Blog Makes Me Happy

A post on keeping up with the Joneses... or not.

I love my blog.  It makes me happy.  I'm a very "visual" person -- so I come here often, and re-read things (like a diary), or look at my photos (like a photo album).

I've contemplated the conundrum of a new header, a new background, changing my template, and etc.  I have another "test" blog where I play with different features to see if I'd like a different look.  But every time I've tried a new look, it leaves me cold.  Even when I've tried mimicking some of my favorite features from favorite blogs. Because... that's them, and not me.

How great is it that God made us all different?  How boring would it be if we were all the same -- with all the same thoughts, interests, hobbies, fashion senses, talents, blogging styles.... oh, you know... I could go on and on.  You know what they say: variety is the spice of life!  Our differences are what make us interesting to one another, right?

So, while many people are starting the new year with a new look, I'll be sporting the same one.  For now, it's just the look I'm going for.  I'm not saying change won't come some day, but for now... I'll just keep on keepin' on.

How about you?  Are you sporting a new look for 2013?  On your blog?  Or your hairstyle?  Got a new work-out that's paying off?  Trying out some new styles?  Whatever you do... stay true to you.

My New Favorite Commercial

is for a fast food establishment... and their new fruity oatmeal -- or whatever it's called. You know the two ladies -- seemingly not together, but sitting next to one another inside the restaurant?  The older lady raises questions about the oatmeal that the younger lady is eating, and says "in my day..."  And then, proceeds to snap a photo of said oatmeal, commenting that she's gonna hafta blog about THIS!

It makes me laugh.  Every.  Time.  So, I did an on-line search for it, thinking I would show it to you -- you know, in case you haven't seen it.  But, the remarks on the video-page were so disparaging that... I didn't even want it linked to my blog.  The negative comments were all kinds of things that I had not even stopped to consider (gosh, how ignorant and/or innocent am I?)

But one comment in particular really cracked me up.  In essence, it said, "who on earth would blog about a cup of oatmeal?"  Yep.  THIS was the comment that stopped me in my tracks because...

HELLO?  Can we safely say that not everyone understands the concept of blogging?

Isn't it fair to say {fellow bloggers} that inspiration comes from everywhere?   -- even our morning oatmeal? Also, that we {as bloggers} share from the overflow of our lives?  The happy, the sad, the overwhelming, the "in-search-of" moments?

Suffice it to say, that I had no cause to wonder why the lady in the commercial might have wanted to blog about the oatmeal.  There could've been a million different reasons.

I mean, that may have been one rootin'-tootin' good oatmeal recipe that I found on Pinterest, and really wanted to share.  Or it could have been served in some aMAzing bowl that I NEEDED to find the manufacturer of.  OR (wonder of wonders) it could've been the first time I've ever EATEN oatmeal, and I just had to share the joy of the moment.

So what about you?

What inspires you to write a blog post?

Life events?  Great finds?

-- or just your favorite bowl of something delicious?

Dinner is Served...

A few weeks ago on a Saturday, I ran a bunch of errands with my son.  He was to start a new job the following day, so one of the things we did was drive there to make sure we knew the route, and to make sure that there wasn't any construction along the way.  I gave him $20 to help fill his gas tank, and he treated me to a chocolate milkshake at McDonalds (oh how we love those!)  On the way home, we hit the grocery store, and I let him decide what we should make for dinner.  He decided on sloppy joes.

When we got home, I said, "how 'bout you make the sloppy joes?" -- and he agreed.  So, I coached him through the making of sloppy joes.  Not rocket science, I know -- but he had never done it before.

As we sat at dinner, I noticed that he wasn't eating with his usual gusto.  "Tastes good..."  I said.  "Does it taste good to you?"  He paused and said, "It's not the same when you make it yourself."

And I said, (say it with me, moms) "Welcome to my life!"

I love to cook for my family, but I always enjoy a meal more when someone else makes it, don't you?"  Somehow being removed from the process allows me to appreciate the end result more.  To linger over each bite... and enjoy.

I'm looking forward (in the not-so-distant future) to a great get-away dinner here:

                                                                      Source: mavericksouthernkitchens.com via Sally on Pinterest

Our oldest nephew is a chef at S.N.O.B., and I am excited to see him in his element.  I hope to be able to tell you all about it -- in delicious detail.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the way... are you a "no-reply" blogger?  Do you know what this means?  It means that your e-mail is not linked to your blogger profile.  This is kind of a big deal if you leave comments on blogs, and enjoy receiving a response!

Amanda at Royal Daughter Designs recently did a post about this very subject.  You can find it HERE.  It's very informative, and contains a tutorial for just how to link your e-mail to your blogger profile.  If you follow through and do this, bloggers will be able to respond to your comments easily via e-mail.

I can tell you that I've had my e-mail linked since the beginning of my blog, and it has never been abused.  It's just another way for us bloggers to connect.  Think about it.  There's nothing more frustrating to me (blog-wise) than not being able to respond to a great comment.  Just sayin', friends...

Here's to New Friends!

I have a new friend... The Blog Guidebook.  Oh, we've been introduced before, but... never really taken the time to get to know one another.  Recently, I was re-introduced, and in a "duh" moment I thought, "Why didn't I make The Blog Guidebook my instant best friend the first time we were introduced?"




Okay, seriously though... if you are a blogger, there is SO MUCH INFORMATION at this site.

One thing that I just read was that every three or four months, the average blogger gets a new set of readers.  And who knows, today might be the day that you are stopping by for the first time.

So, let me introduce myself.  I am Sally - a sinner, saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  I've been married to my sweet hubby for almost 20 years, and we have two awesome kids.  Our son is almost 18, and finishing his first (junior) year in public school. Prior to that, we homeschooled, and in fact -- still homeschool our daughter(14), who will attend public school next year.

You can read about some of my interests over there to the left in the sidebar.  I've been blogging for just over a year-and-a-half, and LOVE the blogging community!  Also in the sidebar, you'll see all the places you can "follow" me.

If you really want to get to know me, you might be interested in some of these ABOUT ME  posts.

I confess, I am not a "follow me and I'll follow you" kind of blogger.  I just don't think that's the right way to go about things.  I follow blogs because they interest me - and that's the only reason I'd want you to follow along here.  Also -- I'm not in this for the ratings.  I do have to admit, though, it IS fascinating to see all the STATS and realize what it is that people like to read about, or what they have searched for that has led them to my blog.

I try to reply to most comments, either via e-mail -- or by commenting back-atcha on your blog. People who stop here are the sweetest, and I love to hear what's on their minds!  If you're stopping by for the first time, I'd love to know what brought you here.

I got the idea for the name of my blog from a poem that I was given at a Mother-Daughter Tea.  I understand that there is also a song by the same name - though I've never heard it. Have you?

I try to be honest about things I'm thinking or feeling when I write about them here.  The better bloggers will tell you that it's important to be "real", and not just present a perfect little life.  Life around here isn't perfect, but it is pretty great, and I do believe a positive attitude counts for a LOT!

By the way, are you a collector?  Really?  Of what?  I collect bowls -- but I've heard that some people collect BUTTONS (as in Blog Buttons.)  So, wanting to accommodate my new friends, of course, I just want to let you know about my blog button.  It's also on the sidebar, but I've included it here in this post as well.  If you like the things you read here, feel free to post my button on your blog to let other's know what they're missing.  (chuckle).

I'm glad you stopped by.  Have a great day!
~Sally


<a border="0" href="http://sally-drinkingfrommysaucer.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j479/sallykelly1/200x140.jpg"/></a>

Just copy the code into an HTML "gadget" on your blog, and the button will appear.
And thank you... for spreading the word!

Google+ Update (& stuff)

You might remember THIS POST and THIS POST where I talked about the end of Google Friend Connect and the beginning of Google+.

Well, let me update you on a few things around here.

1.  First of all WELCOME, Linky friends and NetworkedBlogs friends!  Glad you're here.

2.  My intention was to totally remove my Google Friend Connect box - I thought people would stop using it.  Wrong.  Blogger people are still using it.  So, I've moved it back up from the end of my blog-page to the sidebar.  WELCOME, new Google Friend Connect friends!

3.  Google+ was a bust as far as I was concerned.  At this point, it doesn't seem to be of any value to me.  I was  only using it to note new blog posts.  People don't really seem to communicate much there -- of course, the other possibility is that I don't really "get it" yet. Nevertheless, not worth my time.  I have deleted my account.  The button is gone from my sidebar.  Perhaps in the future, they will knock my socks off, and I'll try again.  For now... not so much.

But let's face it:

The only thing constant is CHANGE.

UPDATE:  Wow, here I go again.  This is so un-worthy of another post, so I thought I'd just add an update here.  I've received some comments about not being on Google+, and so... months later, I went back to check it out, signed on again, and realized that MANY more people are on it now than when I started.  So, I'm trying it again.  Truly not expecting much -- but I'm just going to hang in there this time and see what happens.  It doesn't hurt anything to HAVE an account.  So, if you're into the Google+ thing... c'mon over and join me.  New button on my sidebar.  So embarrassed.  Let's not talk about this anymore, k?  K!

Now I Know

My Great Aunt used to always say, "I think I'm losing my mind!"  She said it a lot.  Really a lot.  Even as a kid, I remember that we just used to laugh along with her when she said it because... she wasn't losing her mind any more than the rest of us were.  Well, this story is dedicated to her.  She was very prim and proper, wore pearls to Family Summer Camp, and baked Potato Chip Cookies for us once.  Those are the things I remember about her.  As I write this, I am feeling especially close to her somehow.  Read on, and perhaps you'll understand why.

1976 ~ with my family, and the Greats.

My hope is that you will read this story, and laugh and laugh and laugh -- WITH me of course, not AT me.  And then, please leave me sweet comments telling me you know JUST how I feel because you do crazy things like this ALL the time.  (If you don't do crazy things like this all the time, please leave me those sweet comments anyways, kay?)

My Story

On Wednesday, I had to take some paperwork to the high school to begin the fall enrollment process for my daughter. I caught the guidance counselor as she was making her way out of the office, but she sweetly stopped to accept the paperwork, and to make a copy of my driver's license for their files.  She was in a hurry to get to a class, and I was trying to get out of her way in speedy-like fashion.  We finished quickly, and therefore, I had time to grab two things at the grocery store before heading home to meet with a lady who was coming to my house to purchase homeschool curriculum.  Oy.  Got all that?

Well, I was at the grocery store when I realized that I didn't have my driver's license. Panicked, I drove home (because that homeschooling lady was due to arrive), and called the school to tell them that I thought it was still in their copy machine.  Everyone in the guidance office was out, and so I left a voice mail.  While I waited for a callback, I searched through all of my paperwork, my purse, and my wallet.  No driver's license.

When the secretary called back, it was to say that they had NOT found it.  I started to mentally retrace my steps and remembered that the guidance counselor had indeed handed it back to me. Near as I could recall, I had laid it down on the paperwork which I then grabbed up in a hurry.  I suspected I'd find it on the floor at the school.

So, after the nice homeschooling lady bought a few things and left, I headed back to the high school to actually retrace my steps.  I searched everywhere.  Nothing.  Nothing.  and Nothing. What on earth???  I even stopped at the grocery store (where I knew it wasn't) just so I could say I'd checked there as well.

I came home feeling defeated, and yet ?sure? it would show up SOMEplace eventually...  I started thinking that I knew how my Great Aunt must've felt when she uttered those words, "I think I'm losing my mind!"

My sweet daughter headed out to the van to do a search.  Nothing.

I searched my paperwork, purse, and wallet again.  Nothing.

Then, my sweet daughter searched my purse and wallet again and I head her say, "Is this it?"  HUH?  Yes! Are you kidding me?

In my hurry to grab all my stuff and go, I had shoved it into a wallet slot NEXT to the spot for my driver's license.  (Don't ask me why!!!  Remember, I'm the one with the compromised mental state!!!)

So, I was at the high school twice on Wednesday, and I had to go back on Thursday to wrap up some final details.  Anyway, I was SO grateful that my daughter found my driver's license!!!  I teasingly said to her, "By the time you're at the high school, hopefully I won't have to go there so often!"  Her response?  "When I get to the high school, I'll be known as SALLY'S DAUGHTER rather than Tyler's sister!"  LOL Love that girl.  She calls it like she sees it.

So... now I know how my dear Great Aunt felt.

This is where you leave sweet comments.  Me?  I'm going to take a nap.

Afterall, I think I'm losing my mind!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Troubleshooting: Here's something you should know:  If you have previously used any cute buttons or backgrounds from ShabbyBlogs.com, please read this post. Right now, this site is listed as "suspicious", and going to the site may (according to the warning on my screen) be harmful to your computer.  My tech-guy (my sweet hubby) checked it out with me, and said that the issue seems to be any LINK to their site.  I just finished editing posts that included links to the site.

Here's a quick "blogger" way to do that.  Go to POSTING, and then to EDIT POSTS.  In the search field, type "shabby" and any post with that word in it will come up.  You can check out the posts and remove links. That should clean up the problem.

Why I Blog

The whole hullabaloo with Pinterest and "ownership" has caused me to think about why I blog.  I blog to share.  As my blog title suggests, my cup really does runneth over, and from that overflow (even if it's only fresh thoughts in my own mind) I will share.

"Everyone likes to see their name in lights."

You know it's true.  So, I won't lie and say that it doesn't tickle me when ya'll get an idea here, and pin it, giving credit back to me... the original sharer.

 

On the other hand, I'm not going to police the internet for "my stuff."  (This statement is in no way meant to be derogatory towards those who have copyrighted merchandise and/or ideas that are being stolen.)

But me?  I started this blog as a creative outlet... A way for me to share:

• my recipes (which are nothing fabulous, just family favorites)
• my crafts (which are usually inspired by someone else)
• my thoughts (which are usually my own - ha!)
• and my life (which is uniquely mine)

I'm so thankful for each one who has joined me along the journey, and for the gracious way in which you share your thoughts in the comment section.  I treasure each and every one of them.

You are why I blog. True story.

"What a great idea!  I am new to your blog and am so glad that I found it!"

"Ohhh I just got a new crock pot last weekend & this is perfect to break it in!  Thanks." 

"I am loving this album.  I have four trips worth of photos, I'm thinking maybe I could combine them in one album.  It's a fantastic idea!  Keep on sharing!"

"I enjoyed reading your post.. I would love to live what I believe!!!

and put all my trust in God."

"Thank you for reminding me to turn my concerns to God....

You're right, he has never let me down!"

"That's a lesson I need to keep in mind every single day & it sure puts things into perspective, doesn't it?  ...thanks for this, I needed it!"

If you're a blogger, why do YOU blog?

A Little Help For My Friends...

You've probably heard by now that Google Friend Connect is scheduled to become unavailable to nonBlogger blogs on March 1st of this year.  If you blog on a blog platform other than Blogger, this means you.  I wanted to provide other ways for you to connect here in the future.  It seems that's the best way we BLOGGER bloggers can be of help to you.

So...

I've recently added some "connect tools" to my sidebar and footer.

In the sidebar, you'll see that I've added Networked Blogs. [UPDATE:  Now, also Linky Followers!]

In addition, you can now subscribe by e-mail, or through RSS feed.  You'll find these connection points in the sidebar of my blog as well.

I hope these new tools will prove helpful.  I don't want to lose any friends!!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

If you don't know what I'm talking about (and you KNOW who you are!) -- no worries.  Just keep on keeping on.

Most of all,

remember that I'm glad you're here...

each and every one of you.

UPDATE:  I've also taken the plunge, and signed up for Google+ recently.  I'll be the first one to tell you that as a blogger, I do not necessarily understand all of the ramifications of this loss of Google Friend Connect.  However, if Google+ will allow me to grow my blog by making it more convenient for people to hook up here, then I'm for it.  Soooo... it's a lazy Saturday around here, and I've just figured out how to add the Google+ button to my sidebar.  See it over there?  If you're one of those wanna-be-connected type people... go ahead & click.  You'll see my familiar header artwork, and know you've landed in the right spot.

For the time being, I don't spend any time over there other than to link to my posts.

Are You Dying to Say Something???

It occurred to me that sometimes people don't comment on a blog post (mine or others) because they're not certain how to go about it.  They're worried that they have to be "signed up" or be some kind of "member" in order to comment.  No, no, no!  Not at all.  

I just signed out of my blog, and paid a visit like... well, like a visitor.  Like YOU.  Know what I found out? 

It is super-easy to comment on my blog!!!

Super easy, I tell you.

You don't have to be "hooked up" to my blog, or your blog, or Google, or Facebook, or Twitter.  You don't even have to have an e-mail account!  Really!

Just be yourself!

Some people comment anonymously, but you know what THAT means.  I don't know who you are!!!  That makes me sad.  I want to know who my readers are!!

So, here's whatcha do!

Click on "comments" at the end of the post that you'd like to comment on.  It may have a number next to it.  Not a problem!  That just means somebody commented before you.

Type your comment in the white box that appears.  It can be short like "Hey, Sally!!! Where did you find that dehydrated orange peel so cheap?" -- or it can be lengthy like you want to straighten me out about a bad recipe. Whatever.  Type it.

Click on the arrow next to "Select profile."

Click on "Name/URL"

Type your name in the appropriate box.

IGNORE the URL - because you're just YOU, and you don't care about linking to anything.

Click "Publish"  Your comment will post, and your name will show up in black at the top. Black is a dead end, and cannot be linked back to anything.  Rest assured.

THE END.  See?  Easy.

And now... I know who you are.  Because... we're all friends, right?

There's no better way to make bloggy-friendships than to leave a comment!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sally

Picture Perfect?

Pictures.

They are a big part of a blog post.  Admit it, we all like a little visual prettiness in the middle of our reading.  There are all kinds of blog posts that admonish you about the use of pictures.  Most of all -- to USE them.

I've always taken my own pictures, and enjoy doing so.  But sometimes... well, you know - the well runs dry.  Like... in January.

From my archives.  (Thank you for asking - ha!)

Now, mind you, I've been known to ask someone if I can use an image from their blog or website.  In that case, it's someone else's image, used with permission.  This is usually only the case if I want to talk about something in particular, like a giveaway, for example.

Well, one day, in desperation, I used a photo from the Flickr "Free Use Photos" on an ordinary post of mine.  It felt strange.  Even though the photos in this particular Flickr group are available for use by anyone, it felt odd to be using someone else's work to "embellish" my own post.

Personally, I don't think I'll do it again.

Do you use all of your own images?

Are they always current - or do you sometimes pull them out of your archives?

Do you have another source that you draw from?

C'mon.  Spill the beans.

A 2011 Rewind and a Thank You!

I've probably been craftier in the past year than I have been in a long time.  I've been so inspired by great bloggers, and all of the wonderful ideas that they share.  Obviously, Pinterest has also been a HUGE part of my inspiration as well.  I don't really consider myself a "major crafter," so it makes me smile to think that my craft posts have been some of the most-visited on my blog!  Here's a look at some of the big ones from the past year.  (Click on the link below each photo to see more.)

Ribbon-tied Brag Book

Inspiration for Spring

Decoupage 101 ~ No Rules

Vintage Paper Chain

Winter Scarf Wreath

(It's not too late for this one!  If you're worried about it looking too Christmasy,

just change out the scarf for a different color!)

Were you crafty in 2011?

What was your biggest source of inspiration?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Recipes were also big around here -- especially as the holidays approached.

Three of my most recent recipe posts bypassed all of the others to date.  They were:

1. Holiday Cheese Ball

2.  Sweet Pepper Poppers

3.  Crescent Pepperoni Roll-ups

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Big THANK YOU!

I so appreciate my top referring sites for 2011.

Thanks for sending new friends my way!!

aliedwards.com

www.lifeingraceblog.com

gooseberrypatch.typepad.com

www.abeachcottage.com

theinspiredroom.net

kellisblessings.blogspot.com
hookedonhouses.net

[I'm tipping my hat to google and twitter as well!]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's to a great 2012!

God bless us, every one!

~Sally

One Year, & Thoughts on Slowing Down...

Thanks for stopping by from time to time,

and for listening to my ramblings.

I'm not sure what I thought I'd have to say

that anyone would want to listen to,

but I've rambled just the same

--and you've listened.

That's no small thing.

{group hug}

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

How ironic (or not ironic at all...) that on the same day I posted THIS, I later read these words from Ann Voskamp:

"In a world addicted to speed, I blur the moments into one unholy smear,"

-AND-

"Hurry always empties a soul."

I guess I was on the right track.  Slowing down is good.  Better.  BEST.

What tricks have you found that help you slow down, making you more aware of all that there is to be thankful for?

21.  just enough water in the boiled tea kettle to make that first cup of tea
22.  the tick of the clock which reminds me of my aloneness
23.  frosty grass - another indicator of the changing seasons
24.  our kids have good friends and are discerning about friendships
25.  pumpkin seeds, roasting in the oven
26.  oh how I love to bake -- thankful for each ingredient