Gratitude
Ass Kicking, Friends, Nova Scotia | Posted by Jannie on 2 February 2010 @ 5:19 PM 77 Comments
Kelly & Alyssa — Chester, Nova Scotia, 2008
Gratitude – this month’s R.A.O.K.A. theme. Where do I even begin?!?! I have nothing but GREAT things in my life.
I am so grateful for my Awesome Wordpress Consultant friend, Kim Woodbridge, who made my blog vision of Big Photos come to life, yay!! Thank you so so much, Kim! People — if you want someone you can absolutely trust 100% to help develop your Wordpress blog, Kim is it!! She’s been tweaking my blog for over a year now. And it’s no wonder she’s now got close to 5000 Twitter followers — she adds value to lives!!
Summer Cousins On A Beach At Sunset,2008
Speaking of photos, I am grateful that when my laptop’s power recently died, I didn’t lose any files on my hard drive!! Whoo-super-hoo!! I have experienced the heart-break of lost digital photos before, but not this time.
So so grateful, People.
(All pictures in this post are ones I thought were gone forever.)
Austin & Alyssa, (niece and nephew)2008
Yes, I know in the grand scheme, losing one’s digital photos is pretty far down on the list, but still — I’m so happily grateful I recovered them. And all the new songs I’ve been writing!!
First Time Roller Skating — age 5
And lastly but very very far from leastly, I am grateful for bloggers like Happy Lotus Nadia, whose following comment to someone recently helped cement my decision to stop blogging on a set schedule.
“So often people fence themselves in by rules that they created and then forget that the boundaries can be broken at any time.” Nadia — Happy Lotus
It’s only been 3 weeks, but I already feel so stifled by my self-imposed MWF blogging schedule, an experiment to see how it might affect my Google Analytics stats. But what do I care about stats if I feel hemmed-in while blogging?! Where’s the spontaneity, joy and fun in that?!?? Duh, Jannie. As of today I’m back to posting when I’m ready to, (whoo-hoo) and stats will take care of themselves.
And if I ever get to the point where I occasionally close comments because I’ve got a lot going on in life, I guess I’ll just have to take my blogging lumps. 
ALRIGHT!!!
Oh, wait — another wonderful Gratitude Thing today!! Jeanne’s in town!!! Jeanne, who’s been rambling this great country in a 30′ motor home for the last 4 months — is finally swinging our way. I’ll be meeting her in a few hours and we’ll hang out hopefully a lot until she has to leave Monday. How great is that!?! I’m even going to wash my hair after I post this and don a pair of matched socks in Jeanne’s honor!!
As to R.O.A.K.A, I am not quite sure who is still in, but check here with Sami for the gratitude posts.
And of course, I am wondering, what are you grateful for today?
xoxoxoxoxoxxoxo
On 3 February 2010 at 7:17 am Lance said,
Jannie!
The roller skating picture looks like me every time I don skates (well…except for the blond hair and pink outfit). Life is pretty awesome, isn’t it…if we just stop and realize all we have to be thankful for.
Me? I’m grateful today for chickens. They make a delicious egg! Which I enjoyed omelet-style with my daughter today! Woohoo!!! (actually…woo-super-hoo!!)
On 3 February 2010 at 7:41 am Adrenalynn said,
LOVELY post! And awesome photos! Thank you for helping me to remember the things I’m grateful for; like my wonderful family who will be coming home any minute!
On 3 February 2010 at 8:39 am Glenn Buttkus said,
B I G P H O T O S !!! Man, that is intimidating, like turning the pages of the old LIFE magazine, or those great photos in National Geographic, enit?
It is wonderful to have a computer guru on the Funster team, and we odd funsters out here have the benefit of seeing your results. I am still chuckling at the commentor on the previous post who asked, “Is it always Christmas at the Funster house?” Most of us were able master those old shoe skates that clipped onto your Keds, but for me the ass buster was ice skating. I had bruises on my bumm for weeks, and oh those sore ankles. Somehow I imagine Lance is a whizz on the ice, wearing a pink speedo and fright wig, beer in one hand and hocky stick in the other! Remember when Roseanne on her old TV series used to call herself a “domestic goddess”? Well, Miss Jannie, that’s what you are for all of us, leading the way for how to carpe diem. Grateful? Yeah, I’m grateful to open my eyes and still be in this world. I always double check the obits to make sure my name is not in them. If it is one day, I will go back to bed and pull the covers way up over my head. Is is possible to just be grateful for the internet, for blogging, for all the cyber friends we continue to make daily, for all the creativity and culture and fun we find out there? The world has shrunk up to a more accessible size now, and we can text on our phones, and do all kinds of things with gadgets. I am grateful for poetry, and my wife, and my three daughters, and my departed dog, and my 10 pound cat, and my 92′ Izusu pick up that just keeps rolling me to and from work with 200,000 miles on it, and my actual friends whom I can hug and reach out to whenever I need it, and holidays at the ocean–one of which Melva and I will do Feb 19-20, and forays into the Cascade mountains, and road trips, and Texas which is Melva’s first home and chock full of in-laws and good groceries for me….and of course for Funsterland, with Miss Jannie at the helm, flanked by Daddy Jim, little miss Kelly, and hi-jinks galore. Probably more stuff too.
On 3 February 2010 at 9:01 am Hilary said,
Hi Jannie .. for you m’dear .. and many thanks for the prezzie .. see my blog everyone!! For Blue Bunny .. for the smiles, for the laughter .. for everyone’s friendship .. for reminding me of my roller skate days – so wonderful .. I managed to pull the drain pipe down from the garage area … it was a good holding point to stop as I swirled expertly round and didn’t fall over!!
Just enjoy your weekend with Jeanne – sounds as though that’s much more important in life .. great pics though .. and lots more behind the scenes to make everyone laugh and say .. oh no .. what did we do then .. etc etc .. wonderful ..
Have loads a fun .. hugs to all Hilary xxxoooxxxooo
On 3 February 2010 at 9:43 am Mike Goad said,
Great pictures! Glad you didn’t lose any.
All of my pictures reside on three external hard drives, except for recent photos or photos that I am currently working with. That way I don’t have to worry about the computer hard drive and, if one of the external drives die, I still have two good backups.
On 3 February 2010 at 11:23 am Tess The Bold Life said,
Jannie,
This is all so cool! Your unschedule Kelly and the skates and your friend and change of socks.
I’m grateful you are free and show us all we don’t have to stiffle ourselves!
That’s me as soon as I make a rule I break it. I always tell my hubby we need a budget not for him…for ME!
Have fun with your friend today. Luv T.
On 3 February 2010 at 11:27 am Talon said,
I’m grateful I get to read your blog, Jannie! xxx
On 3 February 2010 at 12:07 pm K said,
I’m a big believer in posting whenever the mood hits. Otherwise blogging starts to feel like work – which is no fun.
Great photos. Sounds like you’re one very lucky lady.
On 3 February 2010 at 1:35 pm Anne said,
Simplicity, is that even something to be grateful for? I am, though. Life, family, breathing [it's always good to wake up and find I can still breathe]. Chickens, the Ivy dog, graduation [woo hoo], and anything else one could possibly grateful for!
On 3 February 2010 at 2:20 pm Kim Woodbridge said,
I’m so glad you’re happy with the wider column and one sidebar – really big photos, which look awesome.
Post scheduling works better for me – I know I post on certain days and I get it done. If I’m inspired to write something, I write it and schedule it later or move things around. But what’s the most important is doing what works best for us.
On 3 February 2010 at 2:57 pm Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord said,
Jannie, I’m grateful for fun blogs like yours, having eyes to see them with, knowing how to read, and having a heart that just soaks up all the love floating out in the ethers among the beautiful bloggers in this community. Nadia ROCKS! What a perfect comment she left; has a way with words, that one does!
And I’m with you — stats shmats. What’s most important is how I feel at any given time, and if I’m stressed because I feel I “should” post more, shame on me. I’ll post when I’m good & ready, darnit! And I trust the Universe to send good readers my way regardless.
Be well & have a superbly fun day!
On 3 February 2010 at 3:49 pm vered | blogger for hire said,
I couldn’t agree more about Kim and I love the big photos!
Blogging schedules can be good if they encourage you to blog more, but they can be very bad if they feel artificial and take away from the fun. You should totally do what works for you.
On 3 February 2010 at 5:03 pm Sami - Life, Laughs & Lemmings said,
Fantastic RAOKA post Jannie! So awesome to have you part of the crusade.
I can relate to the losing photos thing AND the blogging schedule thing so I know where you’re coming from sista!
I’m grateful for a lot of things but today I’m grateful for bloggers like you who have taken a concept like RAOKA and run with it. I’m also grateful for the laughs and fun I always find when I visit here. Thanks Jannie, you rock!
On 3 February 2010 at 5:57 pm Mama Zen said,
I adore that last picture!
On 3 February 2010 at 6:26 pm Fatibony said,
Love the Pics Jannie, its seems as if the bigger the better and there are sooo clear .And I am happy /grateful for you..
*** 
On 3 February 2010 at 8:43 pm Jannie said,
…
Hey, Wonderful People, just popping in to say thanks, and hi. I’ll be back tomorrow to speak to each comment.
Whoo hoo!
On 3 February 2010 at 9:00 pm Thomma Lyn said,
Wow, Jannie! I love your Big Photos. So awesome that Kim could help you with that — she sounds wonderful. I, too, am thankful for you, your friendship, and your delightful blog. I’m grateful for love and friendship and mountains and Ballicai (purr). And writing and music and drawing and beauty. And gratitude!
xoxoxo
On 3 February 2010 at 10:48 pm Jeanne said,
Jannie,
What awesome pictures… every last one of them! That last picture of Kelly is totally awesome! She looks like she’s meditating. Is she? I love it! I also love the big pictures… awesome!
I’m glad you didn’t lose the pictures as you had feared!
That roller skating picture is classic. You’d think you’d hired a pro photographer to capture that one.
I’m glad Nadia inspired to you break out of your “stifling” MWF blogging cage. I was wondering how that was going to work for you.
I know I could never pin myself down to set days of the week for blogging like that. I need to write my blog when the mood/inspiration strikes and when I have the time. Those are not things I can really plan ahead for. I’m glad you’re feeling better about blogging when it works for you. (The heck with Google stats).
Oh, Jannie! I am in “Jeanne envy”. What I would give to be THE JEANNE who is going to hang out in offline Funsterland with you! To be clear, I’m happy for you and the Jeanne who is visiting you, of course! I just can’t hide my envy.
On a more pleasant note, I am grateful for far too many things to dream of naming them here but here’s a sampler:
My family, a roof over my head, food to eat, friends who are awesome/amazing/thoughtful/brave/funny (online & off), health insurance (we won’t talk about how much it costs us
or how many times we almost lost our house over medical bills… I’m choosing to just focus on the fact that we are fortunate enough to have insurance), music (especially Jannie Funster and Tori Amos), the report card my daughter just brought home that made me so very proud, acupuncture (which kicks ass!!), and the fact that my house is nice and warm despite the fact that the temperature dropped to -6 Fahrenheit here last Saturday.
There’s lots more where that came from but I don’t want to hijack your blog. However, I will add that I am VERY grateful that our friend Alicia (aka Yaya) will soon be an adoptive mom… I just wish to heaven that her adoptive agency would stop playing games with money (!!) when there is a child’s life involved and get the contract signed once and for all! But I am very grateful that it’s just a matter of timing now and she & her husband WILL soon be a mother and father… just as they have dreamed of being for so long!!!
Great post, Jannie!!
Jeanne
xoxo
On 3 February 2010 at 11:11 pm Chris said,
The big pictures are fantastic! The last picture of Kelly and Alyssa is adorable, particularly of Kelly. I love Nadia’s comment. I’m glad you’re taking heed. XO
On 3 February 2010 at 11:40 pm Davina said,
Hi Jannie. I love the lighting in these pictures. In the first one the sky looks low enough that you could reach up and touch the clouds. I know what you mean about “making” a schedule and sticking to it. Blogging is a tough beast to schedule.
On 4 February 2010 at 12:22 am cinderkeys said,
Did you take all those pictures yourself? If so, add “takes good photos of people” to your list.
My big gratitude item for today: I had an unexpected block of time to do some creative work … and I took advantage of it.
On 4 February 2010 at 2:01 am robbi said,
Frusspot, Oh the sea, the sky, now I know why one should never work with animals and small children,’cos they both bite? Perhaps, but more so where the blue of the sky meets the blue of their pork pies or stuff.Kids are just so darn cute,one is hard put to admire the sailboats etc and or the pristine weather/harbour. W.C Fields might have been brave enough to start talking about the sharpness of your photography or the strength and solidness of the wharf, us mere mortals just nod sagely and tell you something that you (Jim) already know, your child is cute and will have inherited your musical ability ,Jims good looks, commonsense,brains and all the sensible things one needs to get through life.
On 4 February 2010 at 3:57 am LL Cool Joe said,
I totally agree with that quote. I used to feel pressure to blog almost every day whether I had something to say or not, which of course didn’t make for great reading. Now I blog when I want to, and yes it is more fun and less like I have a gun to my head.
On 4 February 2010 at 6:07 am Jannie said,
…
Ahhhh, these many more comments to thoroughly warm my heart! I’ll be back, of course a bit later to answer each and every one. Gotta get going on my day to get The Child to school. And there is that commute, but one I do not begrudge whatsoever, as hers is a school where she is blossoming.
See you all soon!
xo
How sweet
On 4 February 2010 at 6:31 am Natalia said,
I’m grateful for you!
You make me smile every time I visit your blog. I also enjoy Lance’s comments on your blog and yours back to him. I personally think Lance has a pink outfit and wears it regularly while roller skating! 
On 4 February 2010 at 8:10 am Heather Kephart said,
Jannie, I love your big pictures! I want to do the same with my blog, but I’m addicted to two sidebars. But they really are so much more satisfying to view. Good for you!
I am glad to see you backed down from your decision to blog on a schedule. I’ve been thinking about schedules lately too, and they don’t work for me either. I read an article recently, I think by Darren Rowse, where he said to not blog on a schedule, but only when you had something to say and could make a more substantial post. That went against my way of thinking formed by everything else I’ve read (except for Holly Jahangiri), but it finally hit home. Good for you! I think if we work hard to focus on what’s important to us & feeds our goals & at least for now let the rest slide, scheduling is not as critical. Because we won’t be killing time, we will have more of it.
And I’m SO GLAD you did not lose even one of those precious, irreplaceable moments. I love the one of Kelly learning to skate, and all the others. You’re actually a really good photographer.
What am I grateful for? YOU! (((((((Jannie)))))))))
On 4 February 2010 at 9:58 am Jannie said,
…
Yay! I made it back here!!
Lance!! Why do I think you’re pulling both my legs, and my arms about not being able to roller skate — I bet you were born ice staking and soon transferred that over to wheels. And wait. You have blond hair! And we’ve definitely seen you in pink! Oh, maybe that was just your wig. Life being awesome ??? You know it!! And mine is all the more awesome for having you and omelettes in it too, altho I really haven’t had an omelette in 3 years. Maybe 4.
Adrenalynn!! Thanks. Where was your family coming home from?? See you soon on your blog, you mothering, singing, black-bra-photographing kind of gal in Norway! Oh, I last read your blog from my IPhone, but couldn’t find a way to comment from it. Because of your lay-out, I think? As I said, see you in Rainy Day land. And boy is it rainy here today. Nice, tho. Cozy.
GLENN!! NO!!! Intimidated???! Please say it ain’t so. My photos are meant not delight, amuse, enlighten, and educate you — never intimidate. Beautiful comment, for all you are grateful for. The ocean holiday sounds super-great! And the Cascades, I should love to see the Cascades. And your Redwood Forest. You have a lot to be grateful for and your gratitude shows, my friend.
But my mind is wandering a bit now, so off I go now.
But I did answer 3 whole comments!!!
Love you all.
xoxo
On 4 February 2010 at 10:17 am Jannie said,
…
Actually, I’m going now to work on a few letters, the kind with paper and pen and stamps and such.
xoxo again!
On 4 February 2010 at 1:30 pm Nadia - Happy Lotus said,
Hi Jannie,
The gratitude goes both ways, sunshine!
Thank you so much for mentioning me and I am thrilled that my comment spoke to you.
You always have such wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us and have lots of fun meeting Jeanne!
Love and hugs!
And Megan….you rock too!
On 4 February 2010 at 2:19 pm jingle said,
wow,
U Rock,
I Am out of breath,
what heavenly photos,
kids are priceless at their best moments,
On 4 February 2010 at 2:28 pm Dot said,
Love the big pictures. I may have to do something similar.
I’m grateful for good news from the doctor, my dogs while I had them, my near friends and my blog friends, my fantastic, incredible therapist, and Blue Bunny and Jannie.
On 4 February 2010 at 4:37 pm Jannie said,
…
Ahhhh, great to be back here. And I promise I’ll stick around for a bit longer this comment-time! maybe for a whole hour, or so.
Raining, 3rd or 4th day in a row. I got that cozy feeling, who-aoh, that cozy feeling…
But enough of that!
Dear Hilary, who are no doubt sleeping now, I think it’s almost midnight your time. (Currently it’s 3:47 Texas time, in the afternoon.) Thank YOU!! Blue Bunny and I were so so humbled and happy with your post, and I am going to add it as a link to my CD Reviews, actually a page I’ll be re-vamping soon. And Hilary!!! You are YOU in your gravatar!! No longer Blue Bunny! Wow, how lovely. Are you happy with your gravatar?? I’d seen that pic over on Blogger, of course, but now on Wordpress? Bravo! Thank God for drain pipes, eh?? I did have a lovely lovely day with Jeanne yesterday. What a wonderful soul!!! She is with her family today, and going to San Antonia tomorrow. But Kelly and I will spend time with her again Saturday, whoo-hoo!!! Have loads of fun too, Beautiful Friend!!
Dear Mike, what a wonderful surprise to see you here again!! Always a highlight when you pop in! So you have 2 extra back-ups — very smart for the quantity and scope of your photography. I find my computer fills up so fast, especially with MPegs from my iPhone. Need more gigs these days, for sure. I do have a flash drive I recently got and aim to use that to store pix on, I have put some on, but want to perhaps put aside time each day to work on my old photos, deleting the ones I’ll never use. I’ll have all tided up in jig time!
Dear Shining Tess, I remember the first part of your comment when I announced 3 weeks ago my new schedule, “I hate schedules!!”
Even thought my intent was to try to keep my comment reply minimal on the Wednesday photo-only posts, it actually seemed more time was required in blogging, overall, to keep up with reading everyone else’s blogs. Ahhh, breathing sighs of gratitude and relief for my realization. And Tess — MATCHING socks, at that!! Yes, I’m free Tess. Free! Free! Free! Free! Freeeeeee. Wheee. 
We did have fun. Jeanne is a gem!
Dear Talon, ahhhhhhhhhh. Could you please come back here and say that again?? I’m greedy for the sweet words you just said. Thanks! So grateful for YOU and your blog too, more than you’ll ever know.
Dear K, yep, when the mood hits we post. And it is good. And that’s not to say I may be working on future Post Extravaganzas, but it’s SO NICE NOT TO BE HEMMED IN BY A SCHEDULE!!! Geez, took 3 weeks for that little lightbulb top finally pop on. Yet, I am growing and testing my wings.
I am learning a lot as I go. Oh, yes I am truly a very lucky lady. Very. And I better appreciate it!
Dear Anne, I think simplicity is something to not only be grateful for, but to embrace and skip through the daisied fields of one’s life with!!! One new song I’m writing and may or may not record is called “Keepin’ It Simple.” Seriously!! Breathing — love breathing too, what a cooincidence!
Do you raise your own chickens, Anne? (Forgive me if I’ve neglected to know that about you.) Graduation!! Whoo-hoo, indeed, oh BIG yah on that!
Dear Kim, oh yeah, those large photos I have yearned for and you coded to make a dream come true? The ones here all about 670px wide?? I LOVE THEM! (And add about 1000 exclamation marks onto that last sentence.) And yes, every blogger is so unique, once we find what works best for us, we are lucky.
Dear Megan, what a perfectly beautifully stated comment — it’s so, so, ahh, so YOU!! Sweet and funny and smart and delightfully deep, all while floating on love out in the ethers. And what you say “knowing how to read.” boy is that something I take for granted, and forget there are those who cannot and struggle every day with not knowing how. “And I trust the Universe to send good readers my way regardless.” Megan — you’ve got one of those readers in me — for as long as you are blogging!!
Dear Vered, you know, when I saw all those gorgeous photos of your home in your uncluttering post, it think it served as a great impetus to act on my already present and burning desire to have big bouncing gorgeous photos too! I’m so glad I did it. I do miss the “Recent Commments” near the top, but I may have a new plan to work with that… hmmnnn… we’ll see if it can work.
Dear Sami, your raoka is a big hoot, all ’round. Look! I even made it a household name now with my lowercase spelling — raoka! Kind of like snafu — but pretty-much 180 degrees in meaning. Yes, I think a lot of us, the longer we blog, at some point do struggle with schedules (or not to,) to keep up with and try to enjoy such an amazingly wonderful hobby to its fullest. Dittoes to the nth degree on laughs, I always find them on your site too, from your naturally fun and bubbling with love and mirth self! So glad we’ve “met”!!!
Dear Mama Z, And that last picture you mention is quite akin to what baby Puppy is doing on your blog header photo! Our girls, what characters, eh!?
Dear Fatibony, I know on teh bigger pix — LOVE them!! And I am so so so so so so grateful for you too!!! What a joy to have “met” and hang out like this.
Dear Thomma Lyn, yes, love these big pix!! You could have them too, as I know you recently talked about having bigger ones. Since you only have one side-bar you could push things out to your margins a little farther on each side, lessen your padding. then widen your blog area a bit — and presto!!! And your photos are so very very very great, we would be lucky to see them bigger. I too am thankful for you and your dear friendship! For for all else you mention, I know you live each day in gratitude, that’s just who you are.
I gotta go, guys. To pick up Kelly. Raining hard here now, gonna leave a bit early to drive extra carefully.
So Jeanne!! Yahh, you in the purple blazer!! I’ll see you next when I continue this fabulous comment response system.
xoxoxox
On 4 February 2010 at 9:21 pm Barbara Swafford said,
Hi Jannie,
I see you, too, also had a (blog) facelift. Isn’t it grand?
And, you’re visiting with our blogging friend Jeanne. How fun. Tell her I said “Hello”
And like everyone else, I also love the big photos.
Looking gooooood!
On 4 February 2010 at 9:39 pm Patricia said,
Love the photos…and your freedom facelift post…
Grateful for my life and especially my children and partner, wow and Jannie!
Hope you had a great visit
On 4 February 2010 at 9:53 pm Karyn said,
Love the pics. How did you get them so big?
On 4 February 2010 at 10:55 pm Katie West/The Levity Coach said,
First LOVE the PHOTOS…BIG is the new small. Ahem, you know what I mean.
Here is what I am grateful for: ice cream, cookies, my kids, my cute hubby, summertime, cookies, ice cream, good music, FLOGGERS like yourself, vacations, laughter, cool people, dishwashers, washing machines, crafting, our health, minivans(shhh I never said that), how beautiful Maine is, my upcoming trip to Florida, cookies, ice cream, the upcoming FLOGGER CONFERENCE>Jannie…really, we must all play together.
you asked….lots of love.
On 5 February 2010 at 6:53 am Jannie said,
…
whoo-hoo
Dear Jeanne, you made me laugh right out loud, of course, with your “Jeanne envy.” Jeanne from Dream A happy Life is a wonderful person, but you are both special, unique and loved much by me. And soemday you and I will hang!!! Yes, so lucky on not losing the pix. I lost all the ones of Kelly from when she was 2, because I was a dufus. Yeah, posting MWF without fail was a LOT more work than it looked, plus so confining, and confining is NOT what I am about. Yeah to heck with stats, Baby! If we are posting things we ar3e passionate about and having a ball with our blogging buds – what more could we possibly want?? Your gratitude list is beautiful, I know you are a very thankful person. And Alicia — soooo in my thoughts and prayers. Have a super day!!! (Oh — and hijack my blog any time, okay!?!)
Dear Dear Chris, yes, I just LOVE the big pix too!! And you. But Chris!! You did not mention Kelly’s knees in this?? And they are in their cute little glory here.
Yes, sooo glad to have come to my senses and out of that confining schedule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Davina, yes the sky in that first one, is so so gorgeous, just put there for my camera and everyone’s enjoyment. And I love how it looks like it could be an extension of my big-eye sky. Schedule-schmedule. Glad that little 3-2week experiment is well behind me. WHOO-HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Cinderkeys, yes I taked those fotos all by my little self!!! It’s easy.
1. Get great lighting!
2. Insert cute kids.
3. Snap photo. (Or 20 until kids are in right spot!)
So glad to hear you got to work on creative things, yay!!! Song-writing? We are all such creative beings, made to do so. Whoo-hoo!!!
Dear Robbi, those kids are so so so so darn cute, indeed! And I love all 3 madly. And you are right — if we didn’t have Jim’s commonsense and sensible touch I don’t know what this family would do? Probably live in a box on the corner, taking coins in exchange for our songs and dance.
Dear LL Cool Joe of super-bling, and now new gardening fame!! Yeah, who needs the pressure of any kind in blogging — especially when it is meant to be such a fun, relaxing and gun-to-the-head-free sport!? I’m freeeeeeeee. Free, I tell ya! Freeeeeeeee!!!
Whooo-hoo!!!
Dearest Natalia of green smoothie and soon-to-be canning fame, I love YOUR visits here so much! And your blog! And your sweet shining spirit. And that you take delight in Lance and my silly exchange to each other! And you know what?? I think Lance wears bright pink long johns in winter and bright pink boxers in summer! Don’t you think??
Dear Heather, breaking the 2 sidebar addiction is a very tough one, indeed. I can almost manage it, except my Recent comments with all your lovely gravatars must now be down on the page a little further, but I’m displaying 70 now, so that will hopefully get the point across that Friends Make This Blog!! Schedule-schmedule, as I said above. It works great for some. It made less time for me to enjoy blogging as I have come to. And not enjoying blogging is right up there on my list with shaving my head. (I am too vain about my hair. I like having it, all naturally blonde and such!) And Heather, I am really very-much-extra-grateful for YOU TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Nadia. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,thanks. THAT was a super-kick-ass comment and deserved to be made known. I even forget whose blog you wrote that on now. But it is beautiful and applies to so much of life, if not ALL of life. had a ball with Jeanne and going to hang out with her again tomorrow, whoo-hoo!!! Love and hugs to you too!
Dear Jingle, aren’t those photos just THE BEST!!! (I do so humbly say, of course.) And an you imagine when I get a really good camera — I’m talking maybe even a $300.00 photographing system!! Wow. As I said to Cinderkeys above… lighting makes the pictures.
Dear Dot, yeah, I love those BIG pix too (as you may be able to tell from my excessive raving here.) have you been toying with the idea of larger pix for a while? So glad I took the plunge. And I like how the bigger pix now balances out my imposing eye much better, whoo-hoo!!! I’ve never had a therapist, but I think blogging is it for me. Blue Bunny loves YOU too!!
Dear Barbara, whoo-hoo on blog face-lifts!! I’m so happy with my new look too, I’ve been dreaming about big pix for a while now. Oh, I will TOTALLY tell Jeanne hello She is SO WONDERFUL!!! Which is really no surprise — one can tell from her blog just how special she is. Kelly and I get to hang with her again tomorrow. For beer and donuts. Well no beer for the young ‘un, of course!! (Jim will be working — that Jim of mine.)
Dear Patricia, I am so grateful for You too!!! More than you could ever know. Facelifts! Freedom!! Big pix!!! Wonderful friends!!!! BLOGGING!!!!! I really don’t think it gets any better than this, does it? Can it?
Dear Karyn, well to get the big pic, I went from 2 sidebars to one and widened the blog area, kind of “kit-bashed” my theme. Before I could only put in pix 500 pixels wide, but now I can go all the way to 670 wide. I’m sure you can do it on Blogger too, if you know what code to tweak. Do you think you might try it??
Dear Katie, “Big is the new small!” I LOVE that. Whoo-hoo. Whoo-hoo. Whoo-hoo, on the new BIG pix, yay!!! I know you are one walking talking beautiful lump of gratitude!! And guess what?? For the first time ever I have a new (used) mini van and I freaking LOVE it!! Kelly says she is finally driving in luxury. Flogger conference? Okay, when and where????? And I absolutely ADORE cookies too. Oatmeal chocolate chip my best favs in the whole world. Lots of love to you too!!!
And there I am — all caught up with my comments. Have I died and gone to heaven?? WHOO-HOO!!!!!
On 5 February 2010 at 11:36 am sheila said,
I’m grateful for an opportunity that came our way in our putting green business. Too much to explain…but the universe understands what I’m talking about, lol!
Love this post Jannie! ANd the pics too!
On 5 February 2010 at 2:18 pm jingle said,
Happy Friday,
Are U going to watch Super Bowl game?
On 5 February 2010 at 3:06 pm Lynn said,
I am grateful for my blog friends and you were my very first one, so how lucky was I to score a friend like you?
Good health, improved vision, cute kitty, loving family. So many things, I can’t count.
Love those beautiful photos. xoxoxo
On 5 February 2010 at 3:21 pm MiaHysteria said,
Love the photos. I am thinking of returning to blogger. Just seems simpler in so many ways…but not sure that they allow you to put paid advertising ….Did I just digress. LOL.
I’m grateful for the wisdom to see what changes I need to make to be a better mother.
Have a good weekend.
On 5 February 2010 at 7:27 pm BK said,
All these photos are treasure; I couldn’t imagine losing any of these.
I believe you must be having a great time with Jeanne now. Have a great weekend.
On 5 February 2010 at 10:55 pm Momisodes said,
I am so glad you didn’t lose these photos. They are gorgeous! And how cute is that last one?
I can definitely relate to the self-imposed pressures of blogging *ahem….Blog365 insanity..* After 2008 I aimed for the MWF postings, too. Now? I try not to beat myself up for not posting often. Life comes first
On 5 February 2010 at 10:57 pm Jeanne said,
Psssssssssssssst Jannie…
It’s me. You know. The Jeanne in the purple blazer. Yeah. The Jeanne who is suffering “Jeanne envy” because I am not the Jeanne who got to visit with you this week?
I’m glad I made you laugh out loud. After all, that is what you should be doing over there in Funsterland, no? I really didn’t think you needed me to make you LOL. I really figured you have it down to a science on how to crack yourself up. I mean… You are La Funstress. At least that’s how you label your return address when giving the U.S. Postal service business.
I am happy for you and Jeanne that you got to meet “in real life”, as they say. Yes, someday we WILL hang!!
Your post had me quizzing Hubby about how well we’ve backed up our photos. Thank you for making me think about that.
Yes, I would find the MWF posting very confining too. True, you are not one to be confined. You are “Funster Free”!
Yes, Alicia is constantly in my thoughts and prayers these days!
OK. I will hijack your blog whenever I feel like it… now that you have provided me with blanket permission to do so.
Jeanne
On 6 February 2010 at 1:06 am Sean said,
Wow, those are some ultra cute pictures. I am grateful that it isn’t snowing yet.
On 6 February 2010 at 1:49 am SnaggleTooth said,
I’m grateful I can even load these huge pics to see them today! they ARE great!
I hate that you can’t see digipics without a machine… Those battery frames that slideshow are great tho- of course I don’t have one yet!
Glad you didn’t lose your treasures!
I’d need alot of cds to back my projects up! I’m starting back-ups soon, will also cut out more bloggy time! Read BB’s note on ESR… am singing “Anticipation”
Hope you’re having a blast with Jeanne- Lucky you!
On 6 February 2010 at 2:39 am SnaggleTooth said,
Also I again wish to thank Glenn for making me laugh like crazy at another Lance discriptionL
“…Somehow I imagine Lance is a whizz on the ice, wearing a pink speedo and fright wig, beer in one hand and hocky stick in the other! …”
On 6 February 2010 at 5:18 am Lance said,
Jannie,
I am not pulling your legs or your arms! (maybe your nose) (I wonder, would that hurt?) And I don’t recall EVER wearing pink! Have I?? Or am I just forgetting?? Yikes!! We really have to do this Flogger conference Katie is dreaming up! It shall include a roller skating contest – and you and I will do the inaugural race. Scary! Scary for me, anyway!
If you promise to be there, I’ll wear that pink speedo and fright wig that Glenn is sure I have! Actually, that will just make you go faster – to escape that *ahem* sight! Skip the speedo, I’m going with the pink long johns! Deal?
Natalia,
I expect you at this Flogger’s (Fun Bloggers) conference too! If I’m out there on roller skates, so are YOU!!
Glenn and SnaggleTooth,
I wonder if the beer will help with pain management? Or if I’ll just end up spilling it on myself?? Okay…I’m off to practice on the pond next to our house – wish me luck! I shall master the art of the fall, while saving the beer. (fyi – since it’s a bit chilly here in Wisconsin today, I’m skipping the pink speedo)
Katie West,
Are you out there someplace?? Hello!! That Flogger’s conference! Woohoo! (actually – woo-super-hoo!!) I’m starting to plan some fun activities, and I expect YOU to PARTICIPATE too!
Jannie,
Wow, I think I’ve just written a book here in the comments. Happy Saturday!!
On 6 February 2010 at 9:36 am Jannie said,
…
Morning has broken, like the first morning. Don’t you just love that song??
Dear Sheila, that sounds so so so great! Are you talking about Aventine Hill, or another green company? Oh, I know it its a new one you will be letting us all know. And I LOVED your post the other day on the strollers through the years — how sweet. You love your family so much, and it shows.
Dear Jingle, I am not a football person but i might just have to check out the game this Sunday, historical!! Oh will the Saints, come marching in???
Dear Lynn, but my love it is I who is lucky to have scored a friend like YOU!! Of all the million blogs out there (2 million blogs now? More???) and I stumbled on yours and for that I am more than and will forever be grateful. God loves me Grrrreat indeed. And yes, your kitty is soooo cute!! Glad about your eyes too. I guess you wear glasses??
Dear Mia, with the new gravatar, and as lovely as ever. Really thinking or returning to Blogger?? What seems to be the problem, my dear prettie? Spams? Yes, I’ve seen Google ads on Blogger blogs, but not sure if that’s the ads you mean. Ahhh, being a better mother, I think we can always improve, all of us, being humans and all. But Mia — from everything I know of you, YOU are doing a wonderful wonderful loving job of Mom. I know it!! IT shows in your words.
BK!! Well, I had kind of forgotten about some of the pix on the hard-drive so it was full of nice surprises when I hooked the drive up to see what-all was on there! Precious memories!! I had BLAST with Jeanne. And we’ll be seeing her again today in a little while.
Dear Sweet Momisodes, I just love that you’re not on a schedule! I always look forward to your WONDERFUL creative posts, your writing and photos are so great! Hey, did you actually make it through the 365 days of posting? Everyday? Wow, I’d go nuts doing that, not so much on the posts themselves, maybe.
But on trying to keep up with all the commenters. ‘Life comes first,” Beautiful! That statement and you.
Dear Jeanne of purple blazer and “Jeanne Envy!”
Yes, my dear, we will indeed meet in the flesh — I know it!!! I I’ll pull a Jeanne (the “other” Jeanne,) and ride with Jim and Kelly in a motor home all across this great land of ours meeting the whole 400 of you! had your hubby backed pix up? I be he has, that whiz-bang guy. No confines — yay!!!! Jannie’s on the loose like a rabid moose. 
Yes, hijack my blog, Baby! 
And after I post this comment I’m going to go over to Alicia’s and see if there is any news.
Dear Sean, are ye a bit of an Irishman, there, Sean?! I’m of 100% Irish descent, mesilf! And I’ve been to the Old Country one lovely time! Welcome. What brought you over to Funsterville??
Dear Snaggle, sounds like you have a little ‘puter space-releasing challenge ahead of you. Hmmn, one of those batter-operated computer frames… Hmmn, that would indeed be good for you to have!! Hmnnn. I’ve never had one of those, but it would be lovely for favorite pix indeed! Yes, had a lovely time with Jeanne on Wednesday and will hand out with her again today, she is as nice as I thought she would be from her blog. As to Glen’s description of Lance, I bet he is 100% right!! And I want to see the photographic evidence of it!!! Lance, have Lora snap a pic of you in that garb, okay??
SPEAKING OF THAT LANCE CHARACTER!!!…
Dear Lance, welcome back. Charmed to see you again, I’m sure.
I don’t know if pulling my nose would have any effect — I’m kind of a “hard-nosed” person. 
I know you’ll probably beat me in any roller skate race, ’cause of your long legs and all, but I’m up for the fun!! Can I use my in-lines? Dude, I promise to be there for the flogger fest!! Katie??!! Tess??!! Snaggle is not a beer woman, but she does like an occasional cocktail, rum and coke is it, Snag? Lance, your looks And BOOKS!! are always welcome here. Even small pamphlets. Outlines. Headlines. Or any combination of the above.
xoxoxox
xoxoxox
On 6 February 2010 at 2:51 pm debbie said,
I am so glad you didn’t lose any photos either. And these are wonderful ones. So vivid.
On 6 February 2010 at 9:42 pm Tammy said,
Jannie you are such a nut. You feel penned in by blogging huh? Well, it’s your party sister, cry when you want to. It is all up to you. We are just along for the ride.
On 7 February 2010 at 4:07 am jingle said,
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/02/07/sundays-forecast-sunny-100-sunshine/
a sunshine award 4 u,
On 7 February 2010 at 6:49 am Lynn said,
I should have explained – I had eye surgery last Thursday to remove a non-age related cataract. My vision is so much better – pretty exciting.
On 7 February 2010 at 8:35 am Steven | The Emotion Machine said,
Haha – I love Kelly’s meditative pose in that last photo, she looks so intent and it is absolutely adorable. You have a lot to be grateful for Jannie! Thanks for giving us a peak!
On 7 February 2010 at 9:19 am Jannie said,
…
Dear Debbie, I am so thankful too!! And I love the word vivid for these photos. The Maritime summer does pack a lot of beauty into it’s few short month of warmth.
Dear Tammy, hi! How’s the studying going? I love blogging and always will — but it was that Monday, Wednesday, Friday posting I out myself on that was sapping my time and joy- energy. But no more, Baby!!! Yay.
Dear Jingle, a sunshine award? For me?? Thanks!
Dear Lynn, I didn’t know about your cataract. So glad you got it removed! Vision is truly an amazing gift and something to be grateful indeed.
Dear Steven, hi and welcome! I do indeed have a great deal to be thankful for. And Kelly is high, high on that list!!
On 7 February 2010 at 11:09 am william said,
many congratulations on your “sunshine award, much deserved and congratulations to the nominees, a great sunshine day
On 7 February 2010 at 12:29 pm Tammy said,
Studying?? ummmm, the most aggravating thing so far is that blasted statistics class, as you have heard me say for the 100th time. Even using a scientific calculator, it still takes hours to sort through some of this crap. You know you are in deep doo doo when the math lab tutors roll their eyes when you mention statistics. So far my instructor has said, “this is a hard course.” AND if that was not encouraging enough, one of the lab instructors, said “my condolences.” Shouldn’t that be on a “things not to say to a student” list?
Oh, I am sure that MWF thing got out of hand because you have so many admirers. Honestly, that might drive me nuts.
You know blue bunny is starting to become a little too real. Do you remember Knight Rider and how that car had a personality? I am starting to get attached to blue bunny. It is creepy jannie, creepy. I forget he is stuffed sometimes. Don’t let him read this. It might hurt his feelings.
We will put BB up against Santa Clause. Who doesn’t believe in Santa, right?
On 7 February 2010 at 1:48 pm J.D. Meier said,
Take your blogging lumps reminds me of the Bugs Bunny episode where Pete Puma can’t figure out whether to ask for 1 lump or 2 (and I think he gets 3 or 4.)
Perfect pics. I didn’t know they still make roller skates with 4 wheels, since I’m so used to roller blades.
On 7 February 2010 at 2:00 pm Sara said,
Jannie — I love the big pictures!!! I agree with Lance about the roller skate pictures. I never have learned to roller skate:~)
Good for you about deciding to blog when you want to, rather than on a schedule. Blogging is supposed to be fun…so do your way:~)
On 7 February 2010 at 2:50 pm Chris Edgar said,
I’m glad to hear you have “de-jobified” your blogging schedule — I know that giving notice to my inner cigar-chomping magazine executive was a hugely liberating experience for me.
On 7 February 2010 at 3:50 pm Wilma Ham said,
Oh Jannie
I have ‘watched’ you in cyberspace but never commented as to pace myself. Laughed at bunny’s comment and heard you singing at Christmas. But now we have such aligned posts I have to say; “I have loved you from a distance, but no mre.”
Yes, you got it in one, oh creative clever one. Forget the built-in slave driver, slavery is actually long gone and it is time we catch up!
You go and play and what is that about matching socks????
Love Wilma
On 7 February 2010 at 4:17 pm Jannie said,
..
Whoo-hoo!!
Dear William, I’m just pleased as a pork pie hat on a pudding pop (whatever I mean by that,)
about the Sunshine Award, whoo-hoo!! Especially since today is so overcast and chilly.
Dear Tammy, you need a Dan Arseneau — he was my friend in school when I needed stats help. He was also the guy who let me ride shotgun on his bicycle down hills, steep hills, so maybe that daredevil aspect you might want to avoid. Is this your only stats class you will have to take? i hope so! i only eer had to take one. No, never watched Knight Rider, but I did read Stephen King’s “Christine.” BB is stuffed yes, with with sugar, spice, puppy dog’s tails and lots of karrits.
Dear J.D. I remember those cartoon lumps episodes, so ridiculous, but funny as all get-out. Yep, they indeed do still have the 4-wheel skates, but I think they’re the same ones the rink bought in the early 70s. They tend to be easier for beginners.
Dear Sara, Yay!! Big pics!! Big pics!! Heaven, I’m in heaven… If you ant to learn to roller skate I suggest buying a pair and making yourself get around on your tile at home — you’ll catch on! Yesssssssssssssssssss, I have had a blogging epiphany. Post when I want to. What a concept, eh?? Yet, there was a great lesson, in that I know how I do NOT want to blog. Whoo-hoooooooo.
Dear Chris, yes, sometimes we just have to know when to go with our hearts (and guts.) They cannot be ignored. ; And if we do, we lose. inner cigar-chomping, eh? A short fat stogie in grubby fingers, pictures I. perpetual 5 o’clock shadow on him took right?
Dear Wilma, it will be such an honor getting to know you too! No more loving looks from afar, indeed!!
Matching socks — um, I don’t keep up with my laundry sorting and putting away as much as some folks do. But I’m working with an open-hearted mind on that! And dish doing. Why — just this past week I’ve done dishes twice!
On 7 February 2010 at 6:47 pm Yaya said,
GREAT pictures!
I gave up blogging on a “schedule” awhile ago. Quite liberating. It had become a chore and I thought, I started blogging for fun, not as another chore in life.
On 7 February 2010 at 7:01 pm kimmi said,
Wonderful post and just beautiful pictures, Jannie!!
x0
On 7 February 2010 at 9:15 pm Evita said,
Hi Jannie
Oh those photos are so cute and what a beautiful piece you have put together on gratitude!
I too love the idea on not getting boxed in by any rules. With each day I feel more and more like freer (than I already am) spirit and any rules or limits I find uncomfortable.
It is beautiful to be free to express ourselves according to our hearts and souls and not be tied by all the things the mind “thinks” we have to do!
And so I am finishing off by saying that I am also grateful for people like you!
(How cool was that I made a rhyme
On 7 February 2010 at 9:33 pm Katie West/The Levity Coach said,
Since when does Lance get to make comments to other bloggers on your site…that guy is so out of line I swear.
On 8 February 2010 at 12:53 am Rose said,
Lovely photos. You have much to be grateful for. I’m grateful for all the blessings of life.
On 8 February 2010 at 4:24 am Zeenat{Positive Provocations} said,
Jannie, I actually thought i left a comment here…and came here to see the reply..and what do you know…my comment is lost in cyberspace
boohooo….
But i am thankful I came here..and am grateful to have met you..in light of our gratitude theme
And the blog looks awesome..pics and all….Just as gorgeous as Jannie herself !
Much love,
Z~
On 8 February 2010 at 6:16 am Jannie said,
…
Dear Yaya, that’s exactly how I felt, posting was feeling like a chore. Silly huh, the things we do to ourselves! Thinking about you!!
Dear Kimmi, hi Sweetie! So great to see you. Yes, I’m so happy to share the big pix! I’ve always been a bit of a shutterbug, so this will be awesome-good for me! Whoo- hoo.
Dear Rhyming Evita, are you a poet and you don’t even know it?!?
ahhh, I am grateful for you, always a treat to see your shining face at my door. Rules-schmules! Boxed in — schmoxed- in. Set it freeeeee. Whoo-hoo. Beautiful wisdom in your comment.
Katie, dear. I swear — that pink long-johned Lance character just swoops in here and flounces around like he owns the place! I don’t know what I’ll do with him. Maybe a blog partnership might be good! He already owns all our hearts, might as well co-own our blogs too! Ahhhhh, is blogging The Best– or what??!!
Dear Rose, ahh thanks. Photos. Life. Laughter. Lemmings. No wait, lemmings are Sami’s thing. Blessings galore. Sunshine at the shore. Blogging rocks!!
Dear Zeenat, I’ll find myself having not commented too, sometimes, when I go back to check what the blog author replied to me. I’ll be like , what?? My comment got munched up by the cyber- thresher!! Well, so very glad to see you here. Ooo, gorgeous, what a nice compliment! How will I be able to fit my head through the door today?! You’re sweet, Zeenat!
xoxoxoxx
On 8 February 2010 at 9:33 am Lance said,
Jannie,
Inlines? Sure, knock yourself out! (well…that’s what would happen with me on inline skates anyway!). And to that thought of me acting like I own the place – hmmm…I suppose I should really fork out some funds for your hosting service, then. Maybe if I come down and scare the fire ants from your neighborhood, that would count for something?? I’m sure I would scare them if I were wearing pink long johns and a wig. Come to think of it, I’m sure I would scare them, even without the long johns! Partner!! Pardn’r! However you say it, that has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it! And speaking of ringing…I think I hear the telephone, I’ll be right back. (break while answering phone) I’m back. It was the Sven. He is not a happy camper (why was he camping, anyway???), I must get back to my question marks. You (and that one called Katie, too!) are super-awesome!!
Dear Katie,
Note that per Jannie’s blogging manual, I am now following her method of addressing commenters here. (that would be the “Dear” part that I have added). I think that puts me all in line (as opposed to out of line!!). And that in-line will NOT include any skates!! I’m going 4-wheels all the way, like a car! And…about your self-proclaimed swearing here…hmmm….I am leaving that one up to the head honcho around here…Ms. Jannie…
Dear Jannie,
Woo-super-hoo!!!!!!!!!
On 8 February 2010 at 2:08 pm Carla said,
Ooh, I love the new look! I love those large sized photos! Awesome.
On 8 February 2010 at 2:57 pm Jannie said,
…
Lance!! You are so funny. And really? You are not an inline skater? I just assumed you grew up ice skating and transferred your skills to asphalt. Oh Sven!! How is he? Did he camp in a tent? What kind of sleeping bag? One guaranteed for -40? Does he wear pink long-johns? Does he have a propane or sterno stove? Or a stove at all? Is his favorite part of camping the morning coffee, as is my favorite part? How is Olga?? Do they miss the Olde Countrie?
Carla!! Yay, another lover of the big pix — whoo-super-hoo!!!!! I liking them too, very very much!! In fact, gotta go line up some pix for future posts! See ya.
xoxo
On 11 February 2010 at 8:08 pm Lucky Lance Lives Life said,
[...] [...]
On 13 February 2010 at 5:28 pm Cheryl from thatgirlisfunny said,
Your over-sized photos are gorgeous and what a fun way to show off the girls. So sweet and cute – especially when “meditating”.
Congratulations on hitting the one year mark! We’re half-way through the “passion” month of February! Happy Valentine’s Day.
On 13 February 2010 at 6:57 pm Jannie said,
…
LUCKY LANCE LIVES LIGHTLY AND WITH LOVE!! You go . Bro!! Dont have a clue who you are but all teh best of this and all worlds to you.
FUNNY CHERYL!! Whoo-hoo!! Whoo-super-hoo, to be exact!! In a way, a very small part of me wants to play small with my photos, but screw that small part!! I loves my photos big. And if I get sued for photo awesomeness, well, I guess I’ll just have to cross that bridge if I ever have to!
Super- Great to see your shining face here again!!
xoxoxo
On 15 February 2010 at 10:45 pm Beauty, Gratitude, and the Open Heart said,
[...] [...]
On 16 February 2010 at 2:17 pm Jannie said,
…
Beauty, Gratitude and Open Heart!! Thanks (I’m sure!)