"Special Times"

I don't have any special topic that I wish to write about. I have "itchy palms" tonight. I've been playing with some small art projects for the past few days and needed a break. But apparently my palms don't know when the mind needs a nap. So, I'm gonna "scribble" a few lines instead.

I'm frustrated. No, not the sexy kind, gutter brains! I am having one heck of a time trying to figure out some of the intricacies of this damn blog. I've been having a ball on the OWOH ride but there are so many blogs that I can't leave a comment on. The funny thing: MY stupid blog has the same kind of response "box" as those I can't access. How stupid is that? I make certain I'm signed in, I post the comment, and I get a response that tells me that I am not inputting the "visual verification" correctly. Now, I know what the visual verification is. It's the jumbled up letters that you have to type in. Well, I am not receiving any jumbled up letters to begin with. Can't put in what you're not given.

Now, the real reason this irks me is that there are people out there who's blogs are so cool, or their personality is really amazing and I want to keep in touch. Some of these folks have left comments on this blog. But, I can't get in touch with them because I can't leave a comment and there isn't an email address in their profile. I am going to try to figure out how to get a third party to intervene. Isn't this just the crappiest way to become friends? It reminds me of when I was in grade school: "Hey Brenda! I don't want to talk to Victor myself, would you tell him that I really like him?" I am almost 50 years old, wouldn't go back to grade school if you paid me and I just don't have time to go "blog-spelunking". IWANTABEAGROWNUP. (Foot stamping sounds inserted here) OK, OK. I promise not to act like such a baby, any more tonight.

It took a long time to get to this point and I guess I just wanted one technological thing to be easy. When, in truth, I don't usually trust that which comes....easy. I've found that the things I have to work hardest at are those which mean the most to me in the end. Yep, even this computer stuff. Most of the time, I don't know what I'm doing. I just click away merrily. Believing that things will be okay. Now, there have been, oh let's call them "special times" when stuff just goes poof. Really, poof. Leaving little smoke trails behind. Those "special times" eat up my writing, disappear my artwork, turn blues to greens, post photos upside down or lay them on their sides. Yep, having a computer is just freakin' grand. Truth? Still having a blast with it.

So, in the next week or so, I promise to have artwork posted on this site. Now, there aren't any guarantees that they won't be upside down. And I can promise that the photography will probably be crap-o-la. Or the scans will be itty bitty teeny tiny little pics. Cuz, that's what seems to happen. OR, everything will turn out just fabulous and will possibly elicit an "oooh" or an "aaaw" from some of you. And, if you're able to post a comment to my blog, in the stupid box that won't let ME post comments on others' blogs, well go ahead. Or if anyone has any tips or tricks to pass on......PLEASE, PLEASE do so. I promise to be very grateful although I may not be able to tell you so on your blog!

Kindness is never a weakness.
redopal

Big Ol' Honkin' Thanx

Still in disbelief.

I am dumbfounded that so many folks have stopped by to say hello. Some of you have left very inspiring messages that make me feel there's hope for this big "chunk" o' rock we congregate on. It takes an event like OWOH to put things in perspective. We don't take time to stop and consider that our days of complexity are intertwined. That the persons on the opposite side of the "chunk" aren't affiliated with us except possibly through an email or two, once in a great while. In fact, we are all part of the whole. It's the connections we make with each other that assist the "chunk" in healing itself. All those little things we do to clean up after ourselves are the catalysts. Those catalysts create the intersections that bring us together.

This "intersection" is very proud of all those who take time to become catalysts for connection.

Much love and adoration to all,
redopal

Meandering

I honestly thought it would be too busy for anyone participating in the One World One Heart extravaganza to have time to actually respond to comments. I am awestruck by the genuine attempt by so many to reach out, with appreciation, to any who came by for a short visit.

For many, we are caught up in the moment and may not take the time to slow down, browse, snoop (!) and wander around an artist's world. Getting to know someone is a slow and thought provoking process. We are drawn by the art or graphics or colorful background. But, we stay when we "hear" the artist. Their words which illuminate, educate or enlighten. By standing still in their world you bring that artist into your own. Through the miraculous WWW, we get to visit in our own homes. We don't have to search high and low for a catalog, book or magazine. It comes neatly packaged via our monitor.

In the case of this event, we all have until February 15th to sign up for any of the lovely gifts being offered with joy, kindness and love. I know that I am so caught up in each blog site that I visit, that moving on at the speed of light just doesn't work. I like the meandering. Finding out a bit about the person behind the art. Taking time to smell the roses they paint. Petting the lovable creatures crafted with clay. Trying on those hats with swirling plumes. Pouring a cup of tea at a table set with treasures from yesteryear. Yucking it up with their families. Handing them a tissue when life is difficult. This is why I visit. These folks are real. I am real.

You aren't seeing any of my own art on display here. It isn't that I don't wish to share, but I am not technilogically educated and am having difficulty with putting all the graphics stuff together. If it isn't the poor photographic ability, then it's the mechanics of this blog that hinder. For some reason, you can't click on an image and have it enlarge. Naw, I don't know why. Today. This information comes to me when it does. I'm not pushing. It'll probably stick with me longer if it comes creeping in and not by innundation. I'm ok with that.

So, without anything flashy or shiny I give you time. If you want to know me than you will need to slow down and snoop. Read what I have to share. Little thoughts about life's big moments. Big thoughts about life's little moments. Cuz let me tell you: I'm gonna snoop into your world. I'm going to read about the kitties and puppies. I will laugh when you spill the cake batter on the floor. There'll be a high-five when the kids catch their first fish. And I'll cry when all falls apart. This is the gift of time.

To any and all who come by. Thanks for snooping. Come by anytime. Don't worry about leaving a post. Do if you want, or don't. But thank you anyway. This has always been a hit-or-miss with me. Together we'll watch for developements as I get savvy with my blog. Cuz, I will.

Bright Blessings to All,
redopal

OWOH One World One Heart

January 25th was the kickoff date for this amazing event. I kept seeing this one icon on different blogs but didn't really think about clicking on to see what it meant. While looking at one blog that I visit every so often, I clicked. Imagine my surprise. I am in awe of one person putting together an event of such magnitude. It's true: One person can make a difference.

Now, I don't know how to put little icons on this blog so you won't see any graphics telling you where to go. I'll spell it out though: http://awhimsicalbohemian.blogspot.com or maybe you can google search for One World One Heart. It's up to you. Do or Don't.

I have had a blast jetting around all the different blogs. It's mind-boggling. The shear diversity is amazing. I have found some that I put myself as a follower because they resonate with me. I find some that are not necessarily my "thing". Others have art that I can't connect too but the blogging itself is great. I've bookmarked many so that I can return and delve a bit deeper.

I sense that some of the comments are being left by "treasure hunters". I am much more interested in finding like minded people who are as interesting as they are creative. And, I refuse to be a hypocrit by not admitting that I have signed up for some of the giveaways. What a smorgasbord of art being offered. Incredible.

I had no idea this was going to take place before I posted my previous message. I just knew I wanted to share with the ladies in my two Yahoo groups. They have enriched my journey. Or maybe I should say journies. For it's not just my art journey that has seen enlightenment, but the journey of my current life has as well.

I know that next year I want to participate in this event. It is truly a remarkable endeavor.

To any who visit this: Thank you and welcome.

redopal