What’s it take to get an “A”?

Interesting question posed on the WordPress Daily Prompt last weekend:  “What would it take for you to consider yourself a successful blogger?  Is that something you strive for?”

I guess, until you answer the second part of the question, there’s no point in answering the first.  So.  When you decided to blog, did you have a goal?  An objective?  A desired outcome?  Do you want your blog to provide you with some income at some point?

Here’s what I wanted; and still want, for that matter.  And, also, what I’m not expecting:

Right off the top I never, not even for a moment, thought of my blog as a way to earn money.  At least not directly, through ads.   If, on the other hand, a client, or even a prospective client, was to read my blog and like my writing enough to give me an assignment, I’d be delighted.  If my blog opens a door to my writing articles for either on-or-offline publications, it would be amazing.

That would certainly result in a gold star.

It’s not the only reason I began blogging, though.

Look for me under the bed

No, I’m not looking for one of my cats.  Not looking for a pair of missing shoes.  Not hiding from my cleaning lady, or anyone else.  And I’m definitely not dusting thoroughly, either.

I’m just responding to a recent WordPress Daily Prompt:  “When the full moon happens, you turn into a person who’s the opposite of who you normally are.  Describe this new you.”

It’s not that I’m so different.  It’s not like I turn into a werewolf or anything.  It’s not like I get drunk after only one glass of wine, when the moon’s full.  Or start behaving like Linda Blair in The Exorcist.

No, it’s nothing like that.  I am just aware of its presence.  Even if I don’t look up and see it.  I just know it’s there.  Hanging over me like a curtain.  A weight.  A pressure.  A weirdness.  A nuisance.  A trouble-maker.  A

Celebrating a couple of great gals …

Leo believe in themselves and manage to move forward.  The people born under the sign of Leo have the inclination to be romantic, idealists, ambitious, faithful, powerful, devoted, generous, honourable, fair and sometimes too brave.  The interests of Leo are aimed at entertainment, children (especially their own).  Leo zodiac sign generosity attracts the friendship of people.

This morning a Facebook friend posted a happy birthday wish to her twin daughters.  As I ‘liked’ it I realized, with a start, that today is also my late mother’s birthday.  Interestingly enough, she was also a twin.  Today is also my friend, Karen’s birthday.

Seems I’m surrounded by Leos.  Not a hardship, by any means.  They’re wonderful people.  Warm and loving and kind.  Always upbeat and smiling.  Totally outgoing.  The description above is certainly accurate — at least as far as the Leos in my life are concerned.

Sadly, neither my mother or aunt are around to celebrate with me, today.  But hopefully, wherever

No ducking this one …

Hahahahaha!!  If ever there was a PERFECT WordPress Daily Post for me, this has to be it.  Today’s.  “What have you been putting off doing?  Why?”  I laughed out loud when I read it.   What haven’t I been putting off doing?

Yeah.  I’ve been caught in the act.  Red handed.  With my pants down, so to speak.

Yeah.  I, am a procrastinator.

Not something I’m particularly proud of, but it is what it is.  I am what I am.  And that, my friends, is someone who does precisely what you’re not supposed to do:  I DO put off until tomorrow what I could do today.

Whew!  I must admit I feel better now I’ve said it out loud.  You know, confessed.

A burden’s been lifted off my shoulders.  (sigh).  Feels SO good.

Who am I?

I love brands. I should. I’ve spent most of my adult life creating them, nurturing them, massaging them, positioning them and selling them. That’s what we do in advertising. It’s been my life’s work; and passion.

Brands are emotional. They’re what consumers connect to. So when people like me do our jobs properly, we’re putting a face and a personality on to the products and services companies produce and market. The strongest brands are authentic. Folks believe them. And they believe IN them. They (the brands) stand for something. Something we want and need and value.

So you’ll understand why I was intrigued by yesterday’s WordPress Daily Prompt.

“Think of your blog as a mirror: What does it reveal? Consider your blog name, theme choice, design, bio, posts … what does every element tell you about yourself?

Well, to me, they’re talking about a brand.

Blogs aside, I think we’re all brands. All of us, no matter what we do for a living. The way we conduct ourselves speaks to our personal brand. How we dress, how our homes our furnished, our interests, our personalities, our principles … it all contributes to the ‘persona’ we present to the world; and, in turn, how

I’ve certainly shed a few …

Years ago, when I was working with the Canadian fashion designer, Leo Chevalier, one of Canada’s better known broadcast icons (at the time) showed up at our offices one day.  She wanted to know if we’d consider ‘dressing’ her, in exchange for on-air credits.  Providing her with a wardrobe, in other words.

I can’t remember exactly what we were talking about — once the business portion of our meeting was over — but I do remember my response:  “I cry as easily as I laugh.”

It happened so long ago I’d forgotten all about it.  Or so I thought.  Guess it was just buried in my sub-conscious; and all it took to bring it back to the surface was a recent WordPress Daily Prompt:  “Describe the last time you were moved to tears by something beautiful.”  

Actually, I can’t recall a time when something beautiful made me cry.

Not the sight of a dew-moistened rose, at the point in its short life when it’s at its best, and most perfect.  Despite knowing it can’t last.  Not standing in the Vatican, staring up, with awe and wonder, at the glory of that ceiling.  Pinching

Blame it on the drugs

I’m not one to pass the buck. We all mess up from time to time. When I do, I like to own up to it, get it off my chest, so to speak. What can I say? I have a conscience. Well, this past Friday was my day. Not the only time I’ve ever screwed up, by a long shot. Let’s just say it was the most recent.

It wasn’t a mistake, per say. It was an oversight. Make that two oversights. I just realized it, so I’m here to set the record straight.

What I’m referring to is the blog I wrote, about receiving the “Versatile Blogger Award”. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling all that great; and I wasn’t my usual thorough self. There are two bloggers whose blogs I really enjoy, whose blogs I follow; and, had I been thinking clearly, I would have included them on my list of nominees.

Did you miss me?

Just kidding.  Couldn’t resist.  I know it’s only been two days.  I’ve enjoyed my two days off, I must say.  It did give me a chance to clear my head.  I didn’t realize I needed it until Wednesday, when I had no blog post to worry about.  It was very nice to be able to roll over and go back to sleep for a little while.  Without having to think.

By yesterday, though, I couldn’t help myself.  Ideas for blogs started permeating my thoughts.  And now, here I am, back at it.  And very happy to be here.

You may, or may not, have noticed there’s something missing.  I’m not keeping track of days.  No need to now.  The other difference is, this story does NOT have a 2-word headline.  That was another challenge I gave myself with the original 365.  I proved I could do

Day 365. Drumroll Please … !

365 days in all.  The better part of 350,000 words, give or take.  I started counting, but a hundred days in I could feel myself starting to lose my already tenuous grip on sanity.  A few M.I.T. graduate-worthy calculations had me netting out here.

At a shit load of words.  How many pages is War and Peace?

May be off by a few, but it’s close enough, trust me.  22,359 of you have read my blog, NOT including today.  5,074 comments have been left (and conversations started), NOT including today.  And I’m read in 114 countries, NOT including today.

Staggering.  Mind-blowing.  Unbelievable.  Yet true.

Day 364. Pure Joy …

Yesterday I was reminded of how much I love the very early hours of the morning.  It made me wonder why I don’t get up earlier than I do each day.  Right then and there,  I resolved to do so.  And all that happened before I was even out of bed.

It was Pete Armetta who inspired me.  It was his blog post.  A  lovely poem about how unusually quiet the streets were; and how it was a moment to be enjoyed and savoured, while it lasted.

Can you identify with it?  I can.  It’s so tranquil and lovely.

The sun’s up, but the city hasn’t woken up yet.  No voices.  No car doors slamming shut.  No engines.  No trucks back firing.  No dogs barking.  No footsteps.  No sirens.  No horns.  No tires screeching.  No sounds of life.  Not a sound. It’s absolutely still.