E is for Evening's Endeavours

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As I went through my day, entertaining ideas for Friday’s E post, all sorts of exciting and enticing thoughts entered and exited my mind subconsciously.

As the evening wore on I stopped to eat an egg salad sandwich made with extra mayo; the energizing food of this late night erudite egomaniacal writer whose enthusiasm for the letter of the day had swiftly eroded.

Unable to elicit a response from my fingers, hovering over my keyboard, my evening’s endeavours suddenly changed.

I elected to escape, without leaving my cozy environment, by transporting myself electronically into your world.

Excited to see what you’ve been up to I enjoyed, with great enthusiasm, the words and pictures exposed to me on my computer screen. 

I was exceedingly well entertained and thoroughly enjoyed myself; to which I say “thank you”.

Satisfied that I had spent my remaining energy effectively I ended my day with a smile.

☀  ☀  ☀  ☀  ☀

How many “e” words did I manage to use in this post? 

Do you have a favourite “e” word?

Cheers, Jenny

D is for Definitely Different

I’m having fun winging it with these A-Z posts! 

Since I write these posts the night before each letter is due I do have the whole day to toss around ideas - the trick is to write them down before I forget them! 

I had the idea for this post back at B but was diverted by Big Buts, so shelved it hoping another opportunity to post it would come.

This post idea resurfaced this morning when I was blowdrying my hair - this seems to be the time when ideas take shape and I attribute that to the heat of the blowdryer warming up my few remaining brain cells.

But as the day progressed, and I was Doing Dishes, I thought, "hey that’s what I want to write about because I love Doing Dishes"; I can hear the whispers, something about a Daft Ding-a-ling (had to look up the spelling; I’m in butter knife mode) and you're wondering who in their right mind likes Doing Dishes. 

Anyway, after Dinner, Dishes and a bit of Daydreaming I decided to go with my first thought - which is usually my best thought. 

And, I think you will agree this would have made a brilliant B post too! 

Do you know who wrote this? Because I do!

Something DEFINITELY DIFFERENT can be found HERE.

When you get there...tell me what you read...in the post title.

Is that not definitely different...I thought so too. How clever; how inventive...and what fun!

If you're at all interested in gardening this is a blog you cannot miss! My brown thumbs are starting to turn green because of all the great tips and wisdom I've gleaned from this amazing gardener. And, to top it all off...he is a masterful storyteller.

Bushman, and his blog The High Cost of this Low Living have been one of my best finds out here in this vast web of blogs!

So, what about you...are you a passionate gardener too? 

How green are your thumbs? 

Also, do you know why this would have made a great B post?

Cheers, Jenny

C is for Cute and Cuddly

Due to lots of unexpected “stuff”, mostly from outer space, bogging me down I will regale you with the help of someone cute and cuddly. (remember, I did say I was winging this A-Z)

Please welcome Lucky, my little Jack Russell/Shih Tzu who turned thirteen this year. She looks young for her age; in human years she is ninety-one.

Besides Lucky I call her Lucy, Luce and Lucyfur when she’s being a little devil which is lots of the time.

I love her...and she loves me. 

I get help when I’m working on my posts.

Sometimes I get attitude.

And I get smiles; yes, Lucky smiles!

And other times I get this "please stop typing and play with me" look.

So that's what I did today...

Lucky and I went for a long walk in our neighbourhood. While I was breathing in the beauty of this glorious Spring day Miss Lucy was doing the same...well, maybe she was breathing in a little deeper at times than me!

Lately I've noticed she's lost her hearing; she moves a little slower; she sleeps a little longer...I want to make deeper memories...just in case.

We had fun today - she’s cute and cuddly - I think I’m the “lucky” one!

Are you taking the time to breathe in deeply and love the one you’re with?

Cheers, Jenny

B is for Big Buts

No Al, I did not forget the other “ t ”…

I know, Mr. Penwasser, it sounds the same but it’s not what you think, trust me this is a very clean and appropriate post! Seriously, ask my little pal Al, over Daily Bark, he’ll vouch for me, scouts honour!

But, I digress…

Is it okay to use the big “But” at the start of a sentence? 

Well, I decided not to go in search of an answer because I think it’s okay! 

And, if I think it’s okay to use the big “But” at the start of a sentence then I also think it’s okay to use his best friend “And” out there in front of the troops also.

Ah... I hear the rumblings of those that are all about writing it correctly and accurately and with all the right punctuation in all the right places.

Yes, indeed there is a place for correctness in the world of the written word. 

Particularly if you want readers to think you’re at least as sharp as a regular knife - not as daft as the butter knife, nor as sharp as my new Henckels Twins - but, you know, smart enough to know better.

How sharp are you?
But nothing...it's a simple question!

In places like this, the world of random thoughts and impulsive ramblings, (aka our blogs) I do think certain liberties can, and must, be taken. Unless, of course, your blog is about correct word usage and proper punctuation placement then you had best know what you're doing.

With all the “rules” and “wagging fingers” I think we must unite and band together; rising above the din of naysayers to have our voices heard... with the likes of:

"But, it’s just a blog... what’s the issue with my typos, overuse of those three little dots (yes, yes, I know they’re called ellipsis) or where I put my semicolons... really; it’s just a blog!"

“I am sorry you feel that way. But, from now on it’s going to be like this, that’s all there is to it!” 

“And that’s that.”

But, before I go... I was wondering... how do you feel about seeing the big “But” at the front of a sentence? 

Are you a fan of the big "But"?  

(Seriously, Al...stop laughing and answer the question)

And, as a little extra, I want to say thank you for understanding, and respecting, my usage of big Buts here at Pearson Report.

Cheers, Jenny

A is for Awesome Alfie

Who better to jump the first A-Z hurdle
than

Awesome Alfie.

Al is a mixed breed dog rescued from a puppy mill in the States. 

Our best guess is that he is a Chinese Crested/Border Terrier mix; he weighs in at a whopping six pounds. Al was rescued with his brother, Fogel, and spent six months at the Dhana Metta Rescue Society. 

The folks at Dhana Metta Rescue Society were having a tough time finding a home for little Al because he looked like a malnourished waif that could barely stand. Those that thought of adopting him couldn't see beyond his exterior appearance thereby overlooking his incredible potential.

My daughter, Courtney, stepped up to the plate and took in this little sweetie giving him lots of love, to the point where he now feels safe and well cared for. 

Alfie has filled out, as much as a little waif can, and just loves to run...and I mean run! This little guy outruns the big dogs when they head over to a neighbourhood park.

Courtney takes Al to Agility Classes where he shines! In fact, his recent class is full of girl doggies. As the only boy he loves showing off for the girls; they in turn just adore him as they vie for his attention. 

However, the girl doggie that remains his favourite is Lucky - they love hanging out together.

You can find Alfie hanging out at Daily Bark, his really cool website.

Alfie and his Ma, Miss Courtney, are taking part in the A-Z Challenge with some really awesome posts - so drop by and give Al a big High Five!  (he loves giving the High Five for treats too)

What do you think about rescuing pets? 

Is it something you would do?

Cheers, Jenny

Me an' Al - we're doing it...oh yeah...you betcha!

Heads up folks…

I decided to...you know...like - um...cough, cough...you know...sorta like...

ENTER APRIL WITH ATTITUDE!

Me and my awesome pal, Al, have decided to do it...and we both signed up for the 2013 Blogging from A-Z April Challenge.

Al, from Daily Bark, is #1382 

and

I'm #1383...as good a number as any, eh Al!

Now, I'm going to do this one on the fly - see what hits me between the eyes and go with it...but, you never know with me, do you, I could have all twenty-six done and be messin' with that wee head of yours...eh, Alfie. Tell 'em...it's been known to happen.

And...I do have a few surprises too...okay...lots of surprises 'cause didn't I just say I'm wingin' it! Really, pay attention...or you'll miss the juicy bits!

Here's a juicy bit or two...

This is my third year going for the gold, well, okay, no gold - but definitely the "going for" bit is real.

This will be my second time posting by the seat of my pants...well, not true I'll be posting by the usual manner of write it, proof it, publish it and then drink! 

Okay, that's not quite true, I'll be drinking while writing, proofing and publishing so I'm not really going to do much of the proofing, eh! 

Write and publish...that's where it's gonna start and stop for me. And, if it ain't up to snuff...tuff, eh Al - you with me on that buddy?!

Yup...now, I have to head out and buy a new blender...I'm going to be drinking plenty of protein shakes during this Challenge.

Oster Stainless Steel 12 Speed Blender - I'm in with the big boys now!

Well...

What about you?

You in or out? To do or not to do...this is the question?

Whatever you decide I do hope to see you around my neck of the woods.

AND, DON'T FORGET TO VISIT MY PAL, AL...DO IT...NOW! (a hint of Arnie creeping in there...hahahahaha)

Cheers, Jenny

NOTE: our Participation numbers will change due to the weeding out process by the A-Z team!

The hands extended may very well be your own.

The quiet of the night was punctuated by her heart beating in unison with the wall clock down the hall. Save these two sounds silence closed tightly around her and cloaked her in peace and contentment.

The momentary lull in the turbulence she had been experiencing these past months gave way to thoughts of a time long passed; of simpler days when only her needs where the issue of the day.

The steady pull of the orbit she now found herself in was reassuring as it required no effort on her part to stay the course - other than breathing. At times she found herself testing the gods; how long could she hold her breath before the ticking stopped and the wall clock stood still. She smiled.

It would take much more than a strong orbital pull to break her determination; she would complete this intergalactic journey with or without the help of the gods. In fact, she was finding them a hinderance and at times cast them a stern look from behind darkened glasses - they need not see the tears - but she knew they could feel the burn and the anger and the rage.

The storm had abated, for now; she would relish in the calm knowing it was just a matter of time before all hell broke loose with its demons in full pursuit once again. 

She had outrun hell’s wrath before; this evening, tightly wrapped and cloaked in a modicum of peace and contentment, she would let the gentle ticking lull her into a deep and restful sleep. 

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick... 

“She who helps herself is in good hands.” 

Jenny Pearson 

Whose hands are you in?

Artwork: © Jenny Pearson, Indian Ink, circa 1977