Z is for Zephyr. Healing with words. Day 26. #quickerthanarayoflight #atozchallenge

zephyr |ˈzefər|
noun1 poetic/literary a soft gentle breeze.2 historical a fine cotton gingham.• a very light article of clothing.ORIGIN 1369 from Gk. Zephyros "the west wind" 
(sometimes personified as a god), probably related to zophos "the west, the dark region, darkness, gloom." 
Sense of "mild breeze" is c.1610.

Zephyr in the sky at night - I wonder Do my tears of mourning Sink beneath the sun She's got herself a universe -Gone quickly For the call of thunder Threatens everyone CHORUS: And I feel Like I just got home Faster than the speeding light - She's flying Trying to remember Where it all began She's got herself a little piece of heaven Waiting for the time when Earth shall be as one CHORUS Quicker than a ray of light  And I feel Quicker than a ray of light - Then gone for Someone else shall be there Through the endless years She's got herself a universe And I feel Like I just got home  And I feel Quicker than a ray of light - She's flying Quicker than a ray of light - I'm flying  Madonna's song Ray of light is the reason I thought Zephyr was none other, than a ray of light. Today I realise it's not even confirmed in the lyrics and google also proves that I was wrong. It's a breeze or a fine cloth so that's how I'm going to wrap up this challenge. Gently and a bit all over the place. In Perth Australia, an ocean breeze comes in almost every afternoon and provides relief from the stifling heat in Summer called the Freemantle Doctor.  Today I feel a breeze marking the end of this challenge.  I will reflect on each post in the reflections post later in the week, but for now it is enough to say that my greatest reward was the healing of some old wounds, that were a direct result of the power of words. When I arrive home and walk through the doors of Melbourne's Tullamarine airport the first thing I notice is the familiar winds.  Which direction is it coming from and where is it headed?  It foretells of things to come, but it is also unpredictable.  One thing is for sure the winds keep blowing, and though today's breeze is a gentle one, I've landed in a slip stream and I can feel myself rising into a new ether. With this in mind I will say I'm here to stay for as long as it takes to get to where I am going.  Pop in let me know what you are up to, I have enjoyed visiting other blogs as much as I have enjoyed creating my own little universe. Once upon a time Zephyr referred to western winds full of darkness and gloom, my experience of the winds in Australia, and here in Denmark, prove that sometimes the West winds provide the most comfort for the land and it's people - and what we once believed may not always hold true - but there is always a story to be found in every lesson. I am in the process of writing my first novel and I am ready to tackle editing the first draft now.  There are other blog challenges I have seen that I might participate in too.  I like the idea of prompts or even constraints in writing because I have discovered a new form of creativity that lies within their boundaries.  Thank you to everyone that has joined me on the journey so far, particularly if you allowed me the opportunity to discover insights into your lives through your blogs, and a special thank you to my new e-quaintances. I want to salute Arlee Bird who created this challenge, and all of his helpers that offered great insights through their posts too. I have learnt so much and I am grateful. I know my job here is to teach and be taught as well as heal the healers, whatever their methods are. I have two reflexology clients this afternoon to prepare for, but right now I have some housework to catch up on. The dust didn't stop dropping, though I have ignored it well over the last month.  Maybe if I open a window a helpful Zephyr will blow it all away, and so it is with wishful thinking I sign off for now, bid you well and go forth. Just like the song says - I feel like I just got home. *** I have added a link to a May blogging challenge in the side panel to the left (the other left, on the right)  that I am considering doing parts of. Have you discovered any new blog challenges that you might consider doing? *** Find out how I chose my theme by reading my intro blog A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  You are welcome to add more words to the list in the comments - that I'll link back to you.

Y is for Yield. Healing with words. Day 25. #atozchallenge.

yield |yēld|verb1 produce or provide • produce or deliver (a result or gain)• generate 2  give way to arguments, demands, or pressure :• relinquish possession of (something); give (something) up • cease to argue about • allow another the right to speak in a debate • give right of way to other traffic.• give way under force or pressure nounthe full amount of an agricultural or industrial product DERIVATIVESyielder noun (usu. in sense 1)


I had to choose my own Y word because there isn't one in the deck. I like the word youthful but I recently started a relationship with the word yield after I read a post last month from Writercize, on the A to Z blogging challenge page.

It was an alphabet challenge of a different variety, using the 26 letters of the alphabet consecutively to create a story that makes sense.

This was my very poor in comparison to others, attempt:

A bothersome child didn't empty Father George's holy Italian jar. Knowing luck manifests nicely on prayer. Quietly, requesting solemnity, tactfully undo vexation with Xavier, yeilding zilch.

It even included the spelling mistake.  In my mind it meant that the priest was annoyed, but had faith that the boy would learn so he didn't succumb to his frustration.  Later that day I saw the word yield in a sentence that made sense. I looked it up and discovered more.

In short it means to either produce, or to give in to.  Which got me thinking about that yielding can be yielding, or in order to yield we must yield.

Perhaps I should have just stuck to youthful.  I've always wondered why people worry about ageing, the closest I have come to knowing what it feels like - is the exact opposite. I have only ever yearned to be older.  Maybe it comes from only being 5 foot tall.

As a child I was 7 going on 70.  I counselled adults with relationship problems, attitudes about themselves and the people around them. As a teenager, I longed to be older so I could wear what I wanted and not feel pressured to conform to fashions trends.  As a young woman, I desired acknowledgment, which only seems to come with experience and rarely for insight.  Now I have my heart set on wearing comfortable old lady shoes, all the time.

I don't want to be young again I plan to yield to the laws of nature and marvel at things like new chin hairs as blooming buds in spring, Yield a youthful spirit by playing with children, listening to young people and celebrating passing years with people older than me. 

I yield to ageing and yield youthful  

If yield was in my deck of cards, I am sure it would only come up at times that I needed to be more like grass, blow around in the wind, get mowed down, keep growing and spread some new seeds. A yielded yielder.

Thanks Google images yield quotes search

 Can you use the 26 letters of the alphabet consecutively to create a story that makes sense?

***

Find out how I chose my theme by reading my intro blog A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  You are welcome to add more words to the list in the comments - that I'll link back to you.

X is for XOXO. Healing with words. Day 24. #atozchallenge

xoxo  - hugs and kisses
- From wikipedia - 

The common custom of placing X's on envelopes, notes and at the bottom of letters to mean kisses dates back to the Middle Ages, when a Christian cross was drawn on documents or letters to mean sincerity, faith, and honesty....[also]...which was then kissed in this tradition of displaying a sacred oath.

The 'O' is of North American descent; no one really seems to know how it was started. Perhaps now it is used as the 'O' being rounded represents arms encircling another, as in an embrace.



Dear Beverley,

It's been so long since we talked, I miss you.  I was in Copenhagen last week and you know how whenever I go to a big city I always see people I recognise, even though it's not really them, just their look-a-likes, and how that makes me feel convinced that we have doppelgangers or perhaps even alternate/parallel lives (who knows right?).

Anyway, all I do know for sure, is that every city smells the same and they all have similar looking characters wandering around.  I know it's wrong to judge, but it's not just the clothes they wear, or their hairstyles, it's the lines marked on their faces, the shape and angle of their teeth, their smile and their gait and the exact shape of a fist their hand makes.  Sometimes it's just a slight similarity other times it really is an identical image. Well, you'll never believe it (well of course you will though others might not) this time I saw you. And my dear dear Beverley, you were so wonderful, so happy, so strong.

I was in Copenhagen to see the new Wallmans show in the old circus building.  I know you would have loved it. I remember all the stories you used to tell me about your mothers family being travelling circus folk.  I know you were young when she died, but there was a lady on stage that looked so much like you, I am sure you would have recognised your mum in her.  I literally gasped when she came out, and then when she began to sing I cried.  She was a star, there was even a Marilyn Munroesque performer that was a show stealer right beside you, but you were smoother, sexier and your voice was amazing. Every song was you and every memory we shared together, or should have shared together, was in every single word of every song she sang.

When she sung Adele's 'Someone like you', I understood everything.  I understood why you couldn't stay, I understood that line that never made sense to me before.  I understand this letter is the first of many to you. I also understand why your little dog Mishka still has my name and number recorded on her microchip, as her emergency contact... and why I got a call from Australia last week to let me know that she ran away but she is back home safe and sound now.

I wanted to meet the amazing singer after the show and tell her that she had touched a part of me that had long ago been buried with you.  Maybe I was there for her as much as she was there for me, or maybe she would have just thought I was a stone cold crazy.  I left without saying goodbye.

Forever a part of me.
xoxo

***

Find out how I chose my theme by reading my intro blog A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  You are welcome to add more words to the list in the comments - that I'll link back to you.

W is for Wonderful wonderful Copenhagen. Healing with words. Day 23. #atozchallenge

wonderful |ˈwəndərfəl|
adjectiveinspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration; extremely good;marvelous 

I wasn't sure if I would make it back in time from my trip to Copenhagen to post for W, and there is no W card in my deck so Wonderful wonderful Copenhagen it is, just because that's where I'm at, and it's a cute song. 

Here's some things about this Royal city you may not know. It is the home of Hans Christian Anderson, (even though many New Yorkers seem to think he was American).  There is no gate around The Royal palaces, you can stand within meters of their front doors.  There are bikes everywhere

Most Danes believe there is no such things as bad weather only bad clothing, and nearly everyone speaks English (or at least understands it).  Some Danes I have met, say 'it's better to sit in a bar and think about church than it is to sit in a church and think about going to a bar.

While I was in Copenhagen there was the usual delights of any Europeen city, I will tell you more about it soon. A peculiar thing was that there were lots of teenagers and children wandering around town, because this month they have had no school, and it wasn't holiday time.

The teachers in Denmark were on a forced lock out for 4 weeks. Approximately 70,000 wonderful teachers were locked out of their schools because they wouldn't agree to working up to an extra 3-4 hours per day.

It was unprecedented and fascinating.  Mid term exams are drawing near and there have been no lessons for a month, students will have to repeat levels, there are many people training that will lose job opportunities. Some students will have to make up time after hours and on weekends, affecting families even further. Here's more information from Workers World here.

As of yesterday, the lock out has been called off.  A new law is expected to be passed soon, in reality the problem is still not over, and a lot of people want to know what is going to happen to the money, over 100 million dollars, the government has saved in teachers wages.

Today is a public holiday in Denmark, called big prayer day, (created to roll many religious holidays into one public holiday) so school resumes Monday, after 4 weeks off. The first feedback I saw from a student on my schools facebook page was 'finally the lock out is over, now we are locked in again."  A lot of students referred to the extended break as a luck in, my youngest bonus child missed his teacher but others are praying they never have to go back.

Check out Copenhagen's top 10 attractions here.

Here's a short clip of the song Wonderful Wonderful Copenhagen from the cast of Wallman's, a theatre restaurant in a century old circus building, where we are celebrating an annual family tradition, I will share some photos and tell you more about the trip soon.

What would you do if the government banned teaching in your country for a month (or more)?
How many hours a day do you think children should be at school?

***

Find out how I chose my theme by reading the intro blog at A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  Please add more words to the list in the comments - and I'll gratefully link your words back to you.

V is for Valid. Healing with words. Day 22. #atozchallenge

valid |ˈvalid|adjectiveactually supporting the intended point or claim;

My reasons for choosing valid  require no validation, but allow me to explain.    

They are vindicated by virtue of these variable developments:

• I have no V card in my deck of Magic Spirit Cards so there was a vacancy for valid.
• I wrote this two weeks ago in preparation for, and in case I came up with nothing better, while  I'm venturing through Copenhagen, and you are all celebrating V day.
• I have various valuable reasons for wanting to complete this challenge, and a 3 day offline sojourn didn't seem like a valid excuse, because I learnt to schedule posts about 2 weeks ago.

I'm going to miss reading your V blogs today, but I'm back tomorrow to read/respond to any valid comments or criticisms, because I value them very, very much.

If your making a valid point, make sure it's logical or at least tell the truth.  

***

Find out how I chose my theme by reading my intro blog A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  You are welcome to add more words to the list in the comments - and I'll link them back to you.

U is for Universal. Healing with words. Day 21 #atozchallenge

universal |ˌyoōnəˈvərsəl|

nouna person or thing having universal effect, currency, or application, in particular

The Universe is unimaginable, impossible to measure. Just close your eyes and try to picture it.

When you have reached to the furthest reaches of your mind and locked in your image, double it, then look up then down and all around, double it again, keep doubling it.....  

I typed Universal into google and found it utterly amusing that a film studio is the very first listing, it unequivocally reminds me that our universe is an unfounded illusion. Just energy that keeps changing from one form to another, we can't prove if there is one world or billions.

From quarrels to quantums, universal laws keep being re-written, a quick check reveals there's twelve, twenty or seven, (one site lists almost a hundred with little explanation) there's also legal believable logic and some guy called Newton and all of his physics. Every society has their own modifications, but they all have two things in common, do nothing and nothing will happen, changing or breaking them causes unique things to happen.

It's undoubtedly daunting but understanding is simple. Promises are not meant to be broken, cheating a little is still cheating, be true to yourself and honest to everyone else, sometimes that means betraying other people. If you feel the world has turned it's back on you, try facing a different direction, really true, really honest. Remember every living thing is conceived from a mother and a father, every left has a right, and every right has it's equal.

***

Thanks quoteswave.com

Find out how I chose my theme by reading my intro blog  A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  You are welcome to add more words to the list in the comments - and I'll link them back to you.

***

I'm visiting the city of Copenhagen right now, so the next 3 posts are scheduled, leave a comment or just say Hi, I'll be online again for W day - I'm going to miss reading your posts

T is for transmute. Healing with words. Day 20. #atozchallenge.

transmute |transˈmyoōt; tranz-|verbchange in form, nature, or substance

It happened yesterday afternoon when I saw the solar panels on some old houses on the hill. My reflex reaction 'they look shiny and ugly. They don't fit.' Too modern in an environment where roofs were once thatched on houses that inspire fairytales. It will look like a scene from a regulated and uniform future.

My reaction grew into a story, about a man who once thought those same brick and wood beam houses with high pitched roofs, were just modern and ugly. Those same ugly houses that make this city one of the most charming sites in Denmark

Those same ugly houses with windows shining like stage lights when the sun reflects off them. Those same ugly houses that capture imaginations, when every hillside is covered in snow, mini havens with christmas lights twinkling, during long Northern winters.

Carved into the hillside on the most beautiful Fjord in Denmark, opposite one of the prettiest (and only) forests, on a land that has been savagely reaped. It is progress, all the houses have a view and every house can be seen, what was once hideous, soon becomes adorable.

The last time I wanted to write a story based on a simple reaction was over 12,000 days ago.  Last night before I fell asleep I met some new characters, this morning they were gone, but something has shifted.

I'm a reader and a writer, about 6000 days ago I stopped writing a journal, old thoughts became repetitive, new thoughts were venom to my ego, so I stopped thinking them.  

Maybe it's the the inspiring lessons and creations, from the hundreds of blogs I have been reading, or maybe it's just the right time.  All I know for now, is that I have some posts to finish before this April, AtoZ blogging challenge is over. I don't know what to expect, come what may, a passion has awakened.

***

Thanks shop and fun

The book, Animal medicine teaches that snake represents transmutation: There are other sources that I have long since given away or forgotten. I suggest if you are drawn to animals, or a particular animal, learn what you can about their behaviour - Are you more of a night owl or springbok?

- Snake is the symbol of modern medicine, it is equally worshiped and demonised throughout the world, a hunter and the hunted.

- Shedding skin is symbolic of transmutation.  As the skin starts to shift, snakes eyes become cloudy and they can't see properly. They attack their own shadows (and people they come into contact with). As their skin sheds their vision becomes clearer, energy re-kindled. It's still the same snake with a new outer casing, more room to grow and a whole new perspective.

- Antidote for a venomous snake bite is made from the same venom, we are our own antidote.

***

Has your passion been ignited lately? What do you do if a story comes to you, while your falling asleep? 

***

Find out how I chose my theme by reading the intro blog at A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  Please add more words to the list in the comments - and with gratitude, I'll link your words back to you.

S is for Ss or S's. Healing with words. Day 19. #atozchallenge

Thanks Inspiration boost and Bernard

S 1 |es| (also s)

noun ( pl. Ss or S's)1 the nineteenth letter of the alphabet.2 a shape like that of a capital S S 2abbreviation• Saint• siemens.• small• South or Southern • Biochemistry Svedberg unit(s).

S is the winner. S has more words starting with it than any other. That's a significant achievement for a word lover and it's reflected in my deck of Magic Spirit Cards.  The more choices I have the harder it is to for me to decide, so in honour of S's superiority, and my *checks thesaurus for an S word* shilly-shallying, I settled on S.  

The definition of S is somewhat long, which reminded me that Ruth Howard once said 'sometimes a few words are better than a long explanation.' So like a game of flash cards, here's a brief assessment for each of my seven S cards.

• Spirit - it's the energy inside you, it's in everything, everywhere, and all connected. If you need to find a connection take a birds eye view of your situation and look within. 
• Sexuality - It's a choice...Do I sense controversy? ... because someone, somewhere is deciding whether to keep a part of them secret or not, do it or not, hurt or heal with it, control or succumb.  It's nature and/or nurture. If you do it right it can be a whole lot of fun - drugs/alcohol are the only thing that can compare, when I say it's something that can take you closer within, but only takes you further away if you abuse it.
• Surrender - It's the secret to a good nights sleep. Quit, give up, let go of control, be free.
• Serenity - morning or night it's in every dawn I've ever seen, and my pseudonym, Lola Serene.   
• Sensuality - It's sight, smell, sound taste and touch. Used together it's the difference between sultry or smoking hot sexy and processed junk food versus fine dining. Enjoy and absorb every detail.
• Success - Today, I will feel it the moment I press publish. If your intention is to hurt others while achieving your splendour - you can't rightfully claim it.
• Simplicity - back to basics, straightforward and easy.

Just in case you think my effort today is slightly slack.  I'll try and use my seven S words in a little story.

My Spirit needs to Surrender to the Serenity, and rediscover the sun's Sensuality, so I'm heading outside to do my first spot of spring gardening. My back will begin to ache but the Simplicity of a long soak in the spa tonight will ease muscles that have been dormant all winter. Just the thought of bathing is starting to awaken the desires of Sexuality.  Soon I will read this to the Captain and seeing his smile, will mark this Sunday a Success.  

***

Sometimes an S bend is the straightest road we are given.

***

Find out how I chose my theme by reading the intro blog at A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  Please add more words to the list in the comments - and with gratitude, I'll link your words back to you.

R is for Receive. Healing with words. Day 18. #atozchallenge

Receive |riˈsēv|verb [ trans. ]1 be given, presented with, or paid 

Receive was another card that always felt like a gift. Unlike the word embrace which is similar, receive always made me feel I just had to stand still and accept what was being given to me, let them be generous, kind, caring -  it is not a commitment or an obligation to give something in return, whether it's unexpected or sought after you are being honoured and your efforts rewarded, just accept it with gratitude and without fuss. I was nominated for 2 Leibster awards this week. So clearly Receive is the obvious choice for today's word.

The first nomination was from Me, that's her user name but we can call her Sheethal,  and here is her blog Scribblings, she's been keeping a journal since the fifth grade, and I'm thrilled she answered my secret wish to get one of these awards, please pop over and see what she's been up to.

For those of you that don't know Leibster is a German word meaning favourite or lovely.

If you are nominated to receive the award you nominate 11 other bloggers (with fewer than 200 followers) and ask them 11 questions, as well as post 11 random facts about yourself and finally, answer the 11 questions asked by the person that nominated you.. (don't worry it's long but it gets easier to understand as you scroll down.)

That's a lot of 11's - but somehow I messed it up and thought it was 15 of everything, and I just can't bare to delete any of the nominees so I stuck with original draft   - If you have been nominated by me you can just choose 11.  If you decide to do the post let me know when you have posted so I can read all of your answers too.

The second one I received was from Brandy at Brandy's bustlings, but I will accept hers after the challenge, which means I get to nominate 11 more people that I couldn't fit on the list this time, there are so many of you that have made my adventure into blogging an amazing experience,  I wish I could have chosen many more.

Answer 15 questions from the person who nominated you.

1. What was your childhood ambition?

Apart from winning everything, I wanted to be an Actress, Teacher, Writer, Olympian, Prime-minister and loved.

2. Did you ever wish to have a different name? If, then what's that?

I used to say Lola Serene would be my stage or pen name, the older I get the more I enjoy my name.

3. If you were the most powerful person in the world, what could you do?

World peace of course (the no weapons kind) - teach awareness and kindness

4. Who's your favourite author?

... whoever I'm reading at the time

5. Sea or mountains? Day or Night? 
The easy answer to this question is all of the above in any combination

6. If you could trade place with anyone for a day, who could it be?

Anyone flying first class when I'm in economy

7. What's your most precious childhood memory?

Nailing that back flip in one smooth move.

8. Tell me something which you could like to share with me?

A feeling of great appreciation for nominating me, and all the words on my blog  

9. What three words best describes you?

In a random survey in nursing school my fellow students described me as knowledgeable (twice) and funny, I would add empathic for number 3

10. What made you start blogging?

Because I finally had the time to write, to share and discover something new, and the #atozchallenge

11. If you could three wishes, what would they be?

One wish. Grant me the power to grant wishes.

15 things you didn't know about me...

1) I spelt knowledgeable wrong the first time I typed it 

2) I have dreams of celebrities and presidents, two of them happened the night before they died and I have had conversations with dead people. 

3)  I was so nervous at my sisters wedding, that I nearly had laughing fit while I was doing the gospel reading.

4)  I have nursed families while there loved one's died, have been present when a death is announced, bathed and dressed dead bodies, called for help after someone died and watched them be revived. I've also seen a fatal bus accident, but I have never been with a person when they die.

5) Everybody should learn basic First Aid. I have used back slapping and/or the Heimlich manoeuvre on 3 people that were choking, one was a child (scariest minutes of my life)...all survived, and knowing that I could help a 4 year old that was crushed and passed out, a long way from a hospital -  felt a lot better than being helpless.  I spelt resuscitating wrong too

6) My mother says our name means; A key to the mind. The only other Italian definition I can find  One who (Chi a), Launches (varo) 

7) I've seen a bowling ball sized fire ball/comet(?) flying through the sky about 200 meters above my head, a perfect rainbow around the moon, a dark red moon, a green sunset, a triple rainbow and many other stunning vistas.

8) I think limerence is a great word to describe my behaviour in two of my past relationships.

9) I have been a bridesmaid and a best man at friends weddings.

10) I have the open ends of pillow cases facing each other, because I like to think they represent mouths, and that it encourages communication (quirky)

11) The dog that helped save my life, died in my arms, I still dream about him too.

12) I have helped two women through long labours and have cut an umbilical cord.

13) Sometimes I manage to look good, but I am guilty of more fashion faux pas than almost anyone I know.

14) My mother taught me to stay close to teachers, my father taught me that every problem can be solved with a walk through a garden or writing. 

15) ... and in keeping with the theme of receive - the nicest thing anyone ever taught me is that when you receive a compliment just say thank you and receive it with out any fuss, just because it gives that person permission to keep being kind.

15 questions for the people I have nominated are:

1) What is the nicest thing anyone ever said to you?

2) Something your parents taught you? 

3) Have you  ever dreamed of celebrities or famous people?

4) Do you have any quirks, rituals or superstitions?

5)  What's the most amazing thing you have seen in the sky?

6) What's the craziest thing you have done with your hair?

7) Have you ever seen a baby being born?

8) Have you ever been with someone when they died?

9) Have you ever had a strange experience that you just can't explain?

10) Are you an excellent speller, bad speller, or thought you were good but use spell check a lot?

11) Do you have/have had any pet('s), pick a favourite. 

13) What was the last thing you said out loud?

14) Where are you sitting while writing this?

15) What does your name/names mean?

drum roll please... the people I have nominated are:

Miss Bates at embrace.yourself  is alliterating her way through the alphabet, her posts are short and nothing short of genius and you will probably need a dictionary.

The guide to everything Tash Bing - An inspiring real life story of coming from nothing to something, and one to watch in the near future

Pass the sour cream Bradley made a video, after seeing a comment on one of my posts, to teach me how to do links, he writes everyday and his posts are genuine and sweet. You'll find it under his B for Benevolent post

Melch at Mental Indigestion - If I have 20 blogs in my email to read I will read this one first, her creative writing is some of the best I have seen since this challenge began.

Mel at the drafty garret Ok so she's not doing the challenge any more but I met her through it and she has one of the prettiest pages I have ever seen. She is also thoughtful, a great writer and artist

Zoe at rewritten I love this woman's comments on my blog and she has practically been on the ride with me since day 1 of the challenge.

Susan Scott at the Garden of Eden -  who is so wise and a master of the written word and tackles some heavy subjects with a fine perception

Susan Taylor at siouxsiesmusings - Witty, well written thought provoking posts and also a great contributor to the comments on my blog

Short story ideas  If you are writer this theme gives you lots of activities to do, and I really want to go back after the challenge is over and tackle a few of them.

Heidi Mann at the enchanted pen If you want to learn how to write here she is.

Write backwards  If you visit LadyJai's post everyday of the challenge, and you will find a little post it note of positivity and inspiration

BudhaKat and her amazing fractal works of art that make me go wow, every time I see them. 

Sweet tea and sunshine, she's a happy foodie that has left some great comments on my posts we both did Q for quotes, she really is sunny.

Another clean slate - another great writer who lives in Boston and actually had two crappy days this week so I'd just love to give her something.   Ok I am deleting her because she has received 7 but she is amazing.

Ermie - on the run from the google police in Abroad, this is another example of creative writing that has made me laugh a lot.

Emilie Hardy  Just reading her posts makes me a better writer - just reading her titles makes me a better writer.  There's a wealth of knowledge right there for everyone to see.

I hope you get a chance to visit their blogs. If I nominated you it's not a requirement that you do this, it's a choice.

If you made it all the way to here I thank you and commend you.  The Leibster award is perfect example of receiving in blog land, not only do I feel honoured to be chosen, I hope that the spirit of sharing, giving and receiving continues long after the challenge.

If you want to leave a comment but don't know what to say, just say Hi.

'Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it' - thanks brainy quote

Just say thank you.

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Find out how I chose my theme by reading the intro blog A-Z challenge list. Words of change.  Please add more words to the list in the comments - and with gratitude, I'll link your words back to you.