See ya over there, I’m number 399!!!  Wow — I have lots of new blogs to read & learn about :-).  Have a nice Monday.

The post A Networking Blog Hop appeared first on Flowers&Rust Co..

Ironically – in my mind don’t put blogs in the same classification – even though they are a virtual relationship as well.  I guess because you can’t fake it as long and posts are more deliberately thought out.  You see a more real side of a person through their blog – what drives them to write, how they write about life’s experiences, etc.  As time goes on – readers can sense the writer’s heart, whether they are insincere, down, or encouraged about something.

So, on that note….  Donna from Funky Junk Interiors put out a challenge last week – pick out a scary thing in life that we’ve been wanting to do but have numerous reasons {excuses} not to do, and do it within the week.   I wouldn’t classify this in the status of a dream want to do…but of necessity.  And it scares me.

What is that big, scary thing that I’ve been putting off & needed the nudge to do? It’s actually pretty simple…facebook for my blog – I have had a personal facebook account for several years, I just don’t use it.  I got it when I was a youth group leader to communicate with my kids, since they’ve all graduated I login when I want to message someone, or they message me.  So basically, I’m dead weight on facebook.  Is that too weird?  Are there others of you who understand what I’m saying?

However, because I blog (and in general spend way too much time online) I see the benifits, and so many people having fun and enjoying more day-to-day life friendships/relationships with their blog friends.  I tend to sit on the outskirts, the sidelines, and watch &/or listen in crowds in real life – no different really in blogging.  I’ve been on the sidelines for a while.  To me, posting a status update on facebook is too much like getting up on stage and commanding attention (how is this different on a blog?  I don’t know, other than you choose to come see me rather than me forcing conversation).  I guess I extend that “okay’ness” to a blog related facebook.  Again, only those who really want to be there will.

So, I started a facebook for my blog a while back….but didn’t make it public.  I got frustrated trying to figure out if when I post on the blog facebook will everyone on my other facebook account see it — I don’t want them too.  I feel as if I’ve intruded into others’ privacy when I see every article, you tube, pin to pinterest, or a conversation between people that should be private on facebook.  But I see so many other blogs’ talk about facebook – you guys have made it all look so enticing, I want to join the fun……{can you tell I’m scared to death here?}…. I’m stalling.and rambling.big time.  *deep breathe*

Okay, keep breathing…I’m trying to talk myself into writing this – committing myself to it.  Honestly, this is stupid, I’m teary from fear! Ugh…


This is the thing — I want to participate with other blogs, with like minded blogger-friends.  Not broadcast everything I’m doing, looking at, or reading to everyone who knows me (or my family) personally — so many of my real-life friends don’t blog or homeschool, so they don’t want to necessarily see/read the things I do.  To do it anyway was too much like standing up in the middle of a seated crowd and screaming to get attention – for me.

So – my facebook & pinterest are now “public”.  *phew*  I did it.

Actually, I can not lie – in the end I accidentally published the facebook page.  I clicked on what I thought was a ‘learn more’ link, but it published the page. — so ha! the joke’s on me.  All that and no computer melt down or large crashing sound to signal it’s published, or I did something wrong.  Now what do I do?

I have to explain about the pinterest account – for some reason when I originally tried to sign up it kept rejecting my facebook login…so I had to start a Twitter account so I could have Pinterest.  Every variation of my name I could think of was already in use, so I’m Alaskamom.  I just tried changing the username of my Pinerest, but it can only be 15 characters and my blog name is 17.  I didn’t want to re-start with new pin boards, so I am linking to my existing account.  You, my reader-friends, please, if you’re so inclined – go find me, so I can know who you are.

Next on my list…get this blog moved over to my new domain, and figure out those cute buttons I see everywhere for facebook & Pinterest.  …okay, here goes.  I’m going to hit publish…maybe.

Well, if you’re actually reading this – I finally did it! {sigh}, why are some simple things, so incredibly difficult?  Thank you for walking with me through this.

The post My ‘One Scary Thing’… appeared first on Flowers&Rust Co..

• You tend to be relaxed throughout the day.You are naturally at peace.
• You tend to be relaxed but alert.You keep your eye out for anything unusual.
• You are a high mainentance person.You feel lost outside of your normal environment.
• You are practical and down to earth.You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person.

While my mom has a purse addiction, mine tends to lean more towards tote bags. Currently, I don’t really even have a purse, but use the Vera Bradly pleated tote in Blue Rhapsody. I don’t like this solution, and I have been really frustrated with my purse situation, but I bought it so I’ve made myself use it. (I love this bag as a tote!) Because the pleated tote is actually a bag and not a purse – I put WAY too much into it and it is forever too heavy (my shoulder/neck lets me know)! Because I had recently cleaned it out, the picture portrays what is not normal :-D. I usually have my Nook Color; full-size notebook(s); files with papers needing to be read; a magazine or two; and if I’m out for all day – lunch and maybe even my camera.

Here is my picture of what it looks like now though. I am waiting for a purse to come in the mail, so this may change before the day is out :-):

So, for a little bit of explanation…

In the pleated tote there are three pockets on one side and a zipper pocket on the other.

– Basically, I’ve organized them to be phone, mouth, hands – what I mean by this is my phone gets its own pocket; then the mouth: lip gloss, chapstick, and gum; then hands: hand sanitizer and pens.
– The other side has a zipper pocket that has the things I don’t want to accidentally fall out: a pocket knife, tape measure, and when needed – certain supplies. Yes, I know – a strange combo, but it works.

The post “What’s in YOUR Purse?” appeared first on Flowers&Rust Co..

The post still looking for Christmas ideas? appeared first on Flowers&Rust Co..

I’m finding myself drawn to pictures with green (and I’m not talking dark green but springy, fresh, yellowy greens) – green dishes, green floors, green chairs, green pillows, green blankets, green curtains… quilts with springy colors & lots of green variations. Yesterday I was working on getting a Creative Memories order in & the colors of paper I was looking at all followed the springy colors – not my normal choices. My latest addiction has been reading quilt/craft blogs, so many quilters are using all these bright colors & I wonder how much my addiction is in looking at all the colors. Of course all these quilters live in states where spring has sprung & I think secretly I’m looking for a glimpse of their yard with green grass & flowers poking up. 🙂

I’m so thankful God doesn’t rate me by the color I emit. A lot of what I’m reading & studying these days has shown & reinforced to me I’m not a very colorful person – I’m the steady, boring, introverted personality (I know, this is no surprise to anyone who knows me!). But, this is the way God made me. I’m thankful the whole world isn’t like me, but I do have my place ‘cuz we can’t all be the colorful ones either, then there wouldn’t be anyone to enjoy the color. I’m learning there are some things in life I don’t have to learn to like, but I do need to learn to not let fear overcome me. I’m so glad God is patient & willing to keep working on me!

I take so much comfort in knowing … “there is nothing I can do to make Him love me more, there is nothing I can do to make Him love me less.” A song, but I don’t remember who sings it. I think it comes from a verse too, but I’m not positive. I will have to check this out, but I need to go to hold a sick kiddo who is now ready to snuggle.

The post April Fool’s or not? appeared first on Flowers&Rust Co..