I'm "It" Again

I got tagged again. This time it was by Jason. That's okay. I tagged him first and turnabout is fair play. I sure have been playing a lot of tag this week. That's okay. I love tag. I always did when I was a kid, especially when I played it in the dark with my buddies. My favorite tag memories are of playing with my cousins on sticky summer nights at grandma M's house. It didn't happen very often because they all lived several hours away from us and grandma. Occasionally, they came to visit during the summer though. Zeke had seven brothers and sisters and they all had lots of kids. That means I have a lot (and I mean a LOT) of cousins. They were all older than me, so I thought it was really cool when they let me play with them. We would cover half a block with our tag games, chasing each other silly until we collapsed on the front porch in need of a water break. I was so much younger than the rest of my cousins that I did pretty well during those games. It's hard to catch small, wirey people. When we got too tired to chase each other, we chased lightening bugs. I didn't get too many of those summers because my cousins all grew up before I did and turned to more mature interests like cars and dates. It was fun while it lasted.

I have digressed, but all of this talk about tag stirred up some old memories and they just came bubbling out. Thanks for your patience. Off to the real purpose of this post. I'm not tagging anyone with this one. I'm a little tired now and could use a tall glass of cold water. Anyone want to chase lightening bugs later? Oh yeah, I forgot. It's too cold for lightening bugs. Reason #998 that I don't like winter.

How long have you been blogging?
One year. I can't believe it's been a whole year. It feels like I just got in a groove with this blog thing about three months ago.

What inspired you to start your blog, and who are your mentors?
I was looking for a way to develop the habit of writing each day. I would like to write a novel and have a file full of various ideas, notes & newspaper clippings. I was searching for a way to get started and thought developing a daily writing habit would be the first step. After reading janjanmom's blog a few times, I started investigating the blogging world and decided it would be a good way to start writing on a regular basis. It has really fullfilled its purpose. Mentors? Hmmm. I have to give janjanmom credit for exposing me to this world and planting the seed. I read many blogs and am always looking for new ones. I find inspiration in reading posts from all kinds of folks from all over the world. Hearing about their daily struggles when it comes to relationships, child rearing and personal growth gives me insight, hope and and education. Some blogs, like the Pioneer Woman's, are just fun because of the recipes and name that photo contests. I don't know how long I will blog. At some point I will have to jump out there and start that novel, and I'm not sure I'll have time for both. I hope so, though.

Are you trying to make money online or are you doing it just for fun?
Heaven's no. I'm not savvy enough about personal webpages to make it pay for me. Besides, that would require more maintenance and time than I currently have.

What 3 things do you love about being online?
Meeting new friends from different places like Jason in California or Oreneta in Spain. I think it's pretty dadgum cool that someone living on the coast or in another country would take the time to stop by my little corner of the web to see what I'm up to. I love having a forum in which I can talk about anything I like. I'm a big lover of the First Amendment, and am grateful for the opportunity to use it. Also, I like that friends of mine who live many miles away (shout out to Louisiana and Cruise Mom) can stop by here and stay in touch with me.

Chat and IM?
Goodness, no. I just don't have the time. I barely have time to do this.