David M. Brown's Blog, page 90

Join the Celebrating Womanhood Event – Open to All!

Hosted by Living, Learning, and Loving Life, Cabin Goddess, CrazyLadyx5, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave, Tea With Dee, alchemyofscrawl, and Retro Housewife Goes Green.

About Celebrating Womanhood

For one day, we want to drown out negativity and celebrate the beauty and pride of women.

These days it seems that some people want us to be ashamed of being women. They want us to believe that we’re less: less intelligent, less important, less human. There is so much negativity out there. For one day, we want to flood the internet with positive messages about women. On September 16, 2012 we’re going to write positive blog posts about women, and we invite you to join us.

You can write about anything:

• Motherhood

• Sexuality

• Being a wife

• Being single

• Being a female in the armed forces

• Being a military wife

• Being a woman who works full-time

• Being a daughter

• Friendships

• A specific woman in your life or women in general

• Absolutely anything else you can think of that is something postitive about being a woman or celebrates women

This isn’t about ranting about the stupid remarks cavemen make. This is all about positive posts about women. Guys, you can participate, too. You can write about your mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, or women in general. You don’t have to be mushy (although you certainly can if you want) but you do have to be respectful. This event is all about loving, respecting, and celebrating women.

Add your blog to the linky below so we can send you a reminder before the event. Then go tell your friends. Blog about it, tweet it, post it on Facebook and Google+. Join the Celebrating Womanhood Facebook page and share it. Use the hashtag #womenrock to help spread the word. Let’s make such a positive statement that we drown out the negative remarks.

Grab a button:

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#FlashFiveFriday – Myths

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This month Mr B and I are taking part in #FlashFiveFriday run by The Indie Exchange.

#FlashFiveFriday is a weekly flash fiction / flash blogging prompt.

The rules are very simple if you’d like to take part:

1) Write for no longer than five minutes

2) No upper or lower word limits

3) You must write something new

4) You can prepare your post ahead of time but the 5 minute limit still applies

5) If you add your blog post to the weekly linky you must visit five other blogs that week too to show your support

This week’s #FlashFiveFriday post

I am also taking part in NaBloPoMo August.

 

#FlashFiveFriday – Myths

Dave

Growing up, myths and legends for me meant either the Greek tales or the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Such stories have stayed with me into adulthood – I’ve even read all the stories in Thomas Malory’s Le Morte A’Arthur (about 500!), but since attending college my interests have broadened somewhat.

My first foray into writing was partly due to the discovery of the Norse myths of the Vikings. I’d never imagined that mythology could be so gritty yet so brilliant in equal measure. There was more realism to the Viking stories than the Greek tales for me.

My interest went even further towards the Icelandic sagas which were full of action, adventure, romance and intrigue. I finally braved the legendary poem Beowulf as well, though I was assisted somewhat by a translation from the poet, Seamus Heaney. For its age, Beowulf is a remarkable piece of literature and will stand up to many contemporary writers for centuries to come.

There is something forever fascinating about myths and legends. They helped inspire me to become a writer myself and in some ways I am building a mythology and legends myself, though it will never come to rival that of the past masters, I know that for certain.

 

 

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Donna

I can’t say I’ve ever been a huge fan of myths and legends. When I read how passionate Mr B is about them, I know I’ll never quite embrace them with quite the same fervour. Nonetheless, there are stories that you hear in childhood that stay with you for a long time. The minotaur. Medusa.

When I was idly Googling to get a little inspiration for this piece (as you do!) I came across this site, which has amazing resources to encourage children to learn about myths and legends. Everything from a myth map to a story creator. I remember when I was at school and we did something ‘interactive’ – usually involving those little bean-filled cushions for some reason – it would fill me with delight. Do children still feel the same now? Or have computers and interactive programs become the norm?

It makes me wonder if the days of story time and bean-filled sacks will soon be the stuff of myth and legend. I hope not!

 

NaBloPoMo
Which is better — ice cream on a hot day or hot chocolate in winter?

Definitely hot chocolate in winter! There’s something wonderful about snuggling up with a good book and a hot drink, all toasty warm even when it’s bitter cold outside.!

 

Related articles (external)

#FlashFiveFriday: #4 – Myths
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#blogflash2012 Day 30 Winning #FlashFiveFriday
FlashFiveFriday: Graveyard

#FlashFiveFriday – Myths | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #30 Winning

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This month Mr B and I are taking part in #BlogFlash2012, run by Terri Giuliano Long, and – every Friday – #FlashFiveFriday at The Indie Exchange.

The idea behind #BlogFlash2012 is simple: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts. Every day there’s a new visual prompt and you have to produce 50-100 words on the theme. The beauty of it is, you can produce anything from a simple anecdote to a piece of flash fiction.

There’s also a Facebook page so you can follow along and swap links.

I am also taking part in NaBloPoMo August.

 

#BlogFlash2012: #30 Winning

Dave

I can’t help but think of sport here. My favourite sport is football and my home town team Barnsley FC are not often winners. We won the FA Cup in 1912 but that’s about it for us. Sometimes we enjoy memorable victories.

In 2008 we reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating Premiership giants Liverpool and Chelsea. I was in the stands when we beat Chelsea 1-0 and rare moments like that make it worth supporting such a small team as Barnsley. Thinking back, that game still gives me shivers.

 

 

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Donna

I used to think “I never win anything”. You know the conversations: “You lucky thing – I never win anything” and so on. Thinking about ‘Winning’ for this post and what it means to me, I realise that I have had quite the winning streak.

I have a husband I’m crazy about, six beautiful cats who I adore, family I care deeply for, a job I love, a blog I’m proud of, a house that – despite it’s many and growing faults! – keeps me warm and dry, food in my belly, bills mostly paid. Yes, I think I’m winning.

 

NaBloPoMo
Do you eat dessert first or last?

Always save the best ’til last – so yes!

 

Related articles (external)

#BlogFlash2012: Day Thirty – Winning
#blogflash2012 Day 30 Winning #FlashFiveFriday
Winning #BlogFlash2012 Day 30
DAY 30- WINNING- #BlogFlash2012

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #30 Winning | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #29 Masquerade

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This month Mr B and I are taking part in #BlogFlash2012, run by Terri Giuliano Long, and – every Friday – #FlashFiveFriday at The Indie Exchange.

The idea behind #BlogFlash2012 is simple: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts. Every day there’s a new visual prompt and you have to produce 50-100 words on the theme. The beauty of it is, you can produce anything from a simple anecdote to a piece of flash fiction.

There’s also a Facebook page so you can follow along and swap links.

I am also taking part in NaBloPoMo August.

 

#BlogFlash2012: #29 Masquerade

Dave

Masquerade, paper faces on parade. Hide your face so the world will never find you. Amazing lines from The Phantom of the Opera and true of so many of us. We are capable of putting on our own masks to keep others from our true selves.

Many of us will only be who we really are with select family and friends, the rest talk to a person in an invisible mask but I think it’s better to live like that, to have a minority of people you can be true to yourself with.

 

 

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Donna

Make a face

And use it briefly.

So many faces needed,

Quite the array of personas

Underscoring the myriad,

Ever-shifting parts of life.

Racing to keep up with

All the charades.

Doesn’t it ever

Exhaust you?

 

NaBloPoMo
Do you sweeten your coffee/tea or drink it black?

Sometimes I love my coffee black but if it’s going to be milky, it needs to be very very milky. I don’t sweeten it but I quite enjoy a vanilla latte. My favourite is gingerbread! I like sweet tea but only have a teaspoon of sugar – very exact!

 

Related articles (external)

DAY 29- MASQUERADE- Haiku #BlogFlash2012
Masquerade #BlogFlash2012 Day 29
#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Nine – Masquerade
A Change of Pace: Flash Fiction ~ #BlogFlash2012 Masquerade

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #29 Masquerade | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #28 Frog

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This month Mr B and I are taking part in #BlogFlash2012, run by Terri Giuliano Long, and – every Friday – #FlashFiveFriday at The Indie Exchange.

The idea behind #BlogFlash2012 is simple: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts. Every day there’s a new visual prompt and you have to produce 50-100 words on the theme. The beauty of it is, you can produce anything from a simple anecdote to a piece of flash fiction.

There’s also a Facebook page so you can follow along and swap links.

I am also taking part in NaBloPoMo August.

 

#BlogFlash2012: #28 Frog

Dave

I remember when we first built a pond in my mother’s back garden and always wanted frogs to appear in it one day. It seemed the perfect paradise with few predators and plenty of places for them to hide.

It took a few years but the frogs eventually did come and as far as I know they are still appearing in the garden to this day. It seems they not only found the pond ideal for breeding but the surrounding garden turned out to be a great haven for them.

 

 

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Donna

For this prompt Terri Giuliano Long talked about the fairy tale dream of the frog who turns into a prince. I must admit, I’ve met a couple of frogs who really weren’t for changing. I don’t think they could have been prince-like for anyone! Then there’s the prince who just wasn’t my prince – or perhaps I was the frog that wasn’t for changing in that case. Either way, we’re good friends now and he has found his own princess.

I can’t imagine my prince being a frog in anyone’s eyes. He’s the perfect gentleman and the one who made me believe that fairy tales can come true. Sometimes you just have to stop trying so hard.

 

NaBloPoMo
Do you think solitude is sweet?

Absolutely. As much as I love my husband and our cats, there are times I just need to remove myself from them for a while and have some quiet time. My husband certainly gets that. He encourages lengthy baths with a good book and a glass of wine. Not because we want to be apart but sometimes the solitude can make the company all the sweeter.

 

Related articles (external)

#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Eight – Frog
Frog #BlogFlash2012 Day 28
DAY 29- MASQUERADE- Haiku #BlogFlash2012
Masquerade #BlogFlash2012 Day 29
#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Nine – Masquerade

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #28 Frog | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #27 History

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This month Mr B and I are taking part in #BlogFlash2012, run by Terri Giuliano Long, and – every Friday – #FlashFiveFriday at The Indie Exchange.

The idea behind #BlogFlash2012 is simple: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts. Every day there’s a new visual prompt and you have to produce 50-100 words on the theme. The beauty of it is, you can produce anything from a simple anecdote to a piece of flash fiction.

There’s also a Facebook page so you can follow along and swap links.

I am also taking part in NaBloPoMo August.

 

#BlogFlash2012: #27 History

Dave

My favourite subject at school, history continues to be one of my key interests today. I tend to prefer Ancient and Medieval history but I will happily read just about any history book. It’s fascinating to see how the world has changed throughout the centuries and how it has shaped the lives that we have today.

History has also played a big part in my own writing, helping me shape the timelines of my own fictitious world, which I believe would have been a lot more difficult if this subject wasn’t such a passion of mine.

 

 

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Donna

I have always loved history but I have no memory for dates or facts. Instead I love the stories, whether it be of Elizabethan court life or early twentieth century flappers.

Since I married a history buff, my love of history has only grown. It’s wonderful to have such a great shared interest and know we’ll always have hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of years of history to discuss over the dinner table.

 

NaBloPoMo
Do you think you need to experience sour things to appreciate the sweet?

I think so. I’m sure you can appreciate sweet things even if you haven’t seen the sour side but it’s never quite the same. The sour always makes the sweet seem so much sweeter.

 

Related articles (external)

#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Seven – History
History #BlogFlash2012 Day 27
Day 26&27: Seeing history #BlogFlash2012
History: My Literary Family History Flows with Words & Images #blogflash2012 Day 27
All mankind’s history is greed #BlogFlash2012

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #27 History | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Giveaway: Wayman Publishing’s Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway

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In order to honor Melynda Fleury and her close call with potentially losing her sight to diabetes, Wayman Publishing is throwing a Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway during Labor Day week. All entrants will have unlimited access to download any of Wayman Publishing’s Top 10 Books between the following dates:  Sept 2 through Sept 4 (direct link will be provided to all entrants on Sept 1st).

In addition, Mommy Blog Designs, has also agreed to contribute one of her Premade Designs with full package ($269 Value) for FREE to one lucky winner!  Mommy Blog Designs has an amazing reputation for her service and blog designs throughout the blogosphere, so this is a great prize! PLUS, Wayman Publishing are also giving away $200 paypal cash!

Tweet about the giveaway

Wayman Publishing  and our other hosts who’ve helped organize this giveaway (voiceBoks, Linkie’s Contest Linkies,Mommy Blog Designs, and Terri’s Little Haven) thanks you for your participation!

Please note, this giveaway is being run by Wayman Publishing and not Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: Wayman Publishing’s Blogfest and Book Fair Giveaway | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Pinazon Giveaway – $60 Amazon Gift Card (Worldwide)

Because we love Pinterest so, we’re taking part in a fun Pinterest “Pinazon Giveaway”, with ten other blogs. The event is open internationally and the prize is a fantastic $60 Amazon gift card.  Thank you so much to Callista’s Ramblings and Newlywed Survival for hosting this great event! Follow the post down for more details.

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Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave (well, admittedly Dee more than Dave) are becoming quite the Pinterest addicts. We love this visual social media tool and the chance to see at a glance what’s new and fun. For Tweedle Dee it’s books, games, food and cats. For Tweedle Dave it’s films, travel and humour.  What’s your Pinterest passion?

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Giveaway


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Enter using the rafflecopter form below. You only have to do the first entry to win but the more you do, the better your chances of winning. It may take a few moments to load. Click on Do It for more instructions and then after you do it, click the green button. Make sure you read instructions carefully.

If you have any questions or problems, email Kathleen.

A copy of the giveaway rules are below and on the rafflecopter form. Entering the giveaway means you have read and agree to the rules.

Giveaway open Worldwide 18+. Giveaway open until Sep 10, 2012 @ 11:59 PM EST. Odds of winning depend on number of valid entries received. Duplicate (accidental or not) entries will be deleted before a winner is picked and winner’s entries WILL BE verified. Winners will be selected using rafflecopter’s random.org on September 11, 2012 and will be contacted by email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize or their prize is forfeit and another winner will be chosen. Contest Void Where Prohibited. This giveaway is not associated, nor sponsored by Pinterest, Twitter or Amazon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pinazon Giveaway – $60 Amazon Gift Card (Worldwide) | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #26 Seeing

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This month Mr B and I are taking part in #BlogFlash2012, run by Terri Giuliano Long, and – every Friday – #FlashFiveFriday at The Indie Exchange.

The idea behind #BlogFlash2012 is simple: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts. Every day there’s a new visual prompt and you have to produce 50-100 words on the theme. The beauty of it is, you can produce anything from a simple anecdote to a piece of flash fiction.

There’s also a Facebook page so you can follow along and swap links.

I am also taking part in NaBloPoMo August.

 

#BlogFlash2012: #26 Seeing

Dave

Though we see the same things our perceptions are always different. That’s what makes us unique as individuals. I do appreciate art, for instance, but there is a lot of work I could look at and it would have no meaning to me.

Other art lovers could look at the same work and it would evoke feelings and interpretations in their minds. The same is true of books and even films. We see the same images but at the same time we do not. I’m grateful that we are all so different.

 

 

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Donna

Sight is a gift

Easily overlooked in its

Everyday ordinariness.

If we take the time to look,

Nothing about it is ordinary.

Great is the gift.

 

 

Related articles (external)

#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Six – Seeing
#BlogFlash2012 – Blue as in Blue Eyes
Blue #BlogFlash2012 Day 25
#blogflash2012 Day 3
Once Upon A Time, I spent fifteen seconds of my life without feeling completely uncoordinated

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #26 Seeing | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#BlogFlash2012: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts: #25 Blue

[image error] This month Mr B and I are taking part in #BlogFlash2012, run by Terri Giuliano Long, and – every Friday – #FlashFiveFriday at The Indie Exchange.

The idea behind #BlogFlash2012 is simple: 30 Days, 30 Prompts, 30 Posts. Every day there’s a new visual prompt and you have to produce 50-100 words on the theme. The beauty of it is, you can produce anything from a simple anecdote to a piece of flash fiction.

There’s also a Facebook page so you can follow along and swap links.

I am also taking part in NaBloPoMo August.

 

#BlogFlash2012: #25 Blue

Dave

So many possibilities here but I thought I would take a journey back to May 2008 and my time in Australia. Heading out of Sydney on a coach trip we ascended into the heights of the Blue Mountains. From the various vantage points layers of cloud and mist were visible beneath us and the view was phenomenal.

The name “Blue Mountains” refers to blue haze said to come from mie scattering from the abundant eucalyptus trees. Whatever the reason, the Blue Mountains were yet another example of Mother Nature’s vast gallery of masterpieces.

 

 

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Donna

I love the colour blue. It comes a very close second to my favourite colour, green. I actually have more blue around the house, wear more blue. I think it’s the number of shades available. I read once that green is the most calming colour because so many things in nature are green. I find blue calming in a different way. It is a refreshing calm, rather than a soothing calm. It reminds me that sometimes it’s okay to feel a little at odds with the world, sometimes there’s a different kind of calm, where you choose your own path. Sometimes it’s okay to be blue.

 

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Related articles (external)

#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Five – Blue
#BlogFlash2012 – Blue as in Blue Eyes
Blue #BlogFlash2012 Day 25