April 11, 2013 · 6:58 am

On Birthdays, Socks and Underwear

faywray

Not another birthday!

I often hear people moan about birthdays. Don’t you? It is s conundrum. If you want to live a long life, you have to weather milestones and put up with a few gray hairs. I tell people to suck it up! Smile! Be glad that you’re around for another year. Many don’t have that luxury.

And then mine comes around.

When I was a child, my special day was celebrated with family, a few friends, cake and ice cream and bubbles. Adriaen_Hanneman_Two_Boys_Blowing_Bubbles

When I became an adult it meant going out at night and partying at the bars, shots of tequila and morning-after headaches.

When I became a parent, it meant a night on the town with my husband while we paid someone to watch the kids.

Now, the trick is to take responsibility for my own birthday. But what does that mean?

How about splurging?

Hmm. I could schedule a massage, get a facial or go shopping. Sheesh! I have a shirt to return from Christmas! I do need basics. We are talking socks and underwear people.

How about relaxing for a day without the internet?

I shudder to think about avoiding my blog, Facebook or Twitter. I don’t think I could do it. That wouldn’t make me happy and this is all about me, right?

How about taking a day off from work?

With a lot of professions, you leave your work behind when you leave the office. As writers, we take our job everywhere we go. Forget the computer. While in a traffic jam yesterday, I jotted down notes for this post on the back of a scrap of paper! I’m always on the clock. Writing is my passion and an obsession. I…can’t…stop…myself…

How about engaging in a crazy adventure?

Cold weather will prevent me from hot air ballooning, learning how to fly an airplane or jumping out of one. I will wait for a warmer day…

hot air balloon

Now that my kids are in college, my birthday has come full circle.

I look forward to a day spent with family, cake and ice cream and bubbles. I have already heard from a few old friends through Facebook. I’ll share a meal with my family and order dessert. Then I’ll poke around my favorite shops and purchase a few pair of socks and some cute panties. Afterward, I’ll slip into a tub full of bubbles. I’ll look back on this year’s accomplishments and smile.

hot tubbing

 

A Colorado bubble bath

It will be a perfect day after another wild year. You have come to expect no less from this Wild Rider, right?

What would your perfect day include?

Do you look forward to your birthday?

Wikimedia Commons

Soap Bubble – Wikipedia

Fay Wray photo copyright-free

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April 7, 2013 · 11:43 am

I Will Follow You!

There are a lot of reasons why I follow blogs. I subscribe to those that exhibit excellent writing or inspiring photographs which take me along on adventures around the world. Other times, because I can relate to the writer, the posts are informative or I want to make a connection with one of my own followers.

I just checked and have subscribed to 270 blogs. That is crazy! I seldom follow those that blog every day or more than once a day since that is a lot to read. I try to comment or at least “Like” everyone’s blog sometime during the week. It’s how I get to know everyone!

So I have to ask the question. Why do so many subscribe, but never come by to read again? I am not getting a thousand views every time I post a story. I realize that some accounts are no longer active, but where are the majority of you guys? (((ECHO))) ((Echo)) (echo)

It's a long way to the top

It’s a long way to the top

Some sly bloggers comment consistently and as soon as I follow back, they never stop by again… “Hey! Where did you go???”

Do the beginner bloggers freak out when email alerts start coming and they suddenly realize the consequence of hitting the follow button on 100 blogs in one day?

Do they follow and then turn off the email alerts? I know. Why bother.

Are they trolling for followers?

Do they think numbers are the most important part of blogging?

I have never followed random people with the hope of having them reciprocate just to build my numbers. To me, that is such a strange way to build a community.

A few bloggers stand on mountaintops built on their accomplishments. They expound knowledge or give us a slice of their life with very little interaction and good on them. I may always trudge along the rocky path.

The Bloggess

Jenny Lawson – AKA – The Bloggess 

She sneezes and gets 1000′s of views.

If I ever reach the summit, I wouldn’t want my own voice to echo back to me from the empty abyss. Everyone wants their voice to be heard. Right?

across the abyss

Hello out there! (((Out There))) ((out there))

Lecturing keeps distance between a writer and their readers. Many have a small clique of those to which they will respond. I HATE CLIQUES. Hate is a pretty strong word. Okay. Dislike… 

There are many types of readers. I have family and friends who click over from Facebook or email. Many loyal bloggers stop by and comment almost every time I post. There are the skimmers who may be in a hurry and hit, “Like” to let me know they stopped by my place and those who press “Like, Like, Like,” on all the blogs they follow through the reader and hopefully click over to read once in a while.  I love all of you! Really!

The blogosphere and specifically WordPress is an amazing community of people from around the world. I have made a lot of real friendships through the interaction of comments. I plan to meet up with more of you over the summer! Get ready!

Two years ago, I was told that if I planned to publish a book, I needed to blog in order to build a writer’s platform. I wondered what the heck that was. It is the group of people that follow you over a period of time that will be interested in buying your book (crosses fingers) when it is published (crosses fingers again). I learned that a rickety platform built with straw-like hits or views and can be worthless. One created through communication, connection, and relationships built with mutual respect is rock solid or at least a lot more solid than straw. Cue wind machine…

Once a month, my blog becomes a house party. Readers have the opportunity to meet my friends and  build their own community. The next Use Me and Abuse Me Party starts April 25th. Yep. It’s official. It is no longer one day. The last one was a rager and lasted nearly a week!

I will continue to construct my community brick by brick and hope that others will keep stopping by my Wild Ride, if not to comment or like a post, at least to peruse my latest adventures for a few minutes.

It’s my dream that someday, I’ll shout from my own mountaintop and a crowd will respond, “FOR GOD’S SAKE, WE’RE RIGHT HERE. STOP SHOUTING!”

Where are all you guys

Now that’s what I call a following!  Woo! Woo! Woo!

Are you selective when subscribing to blogs? Do numbers matter to you? 

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April 4, 2013 · 6:42 am

Scarred for Life

Katniss_Everdeen

In the book The Hunger Games, the protagonist, Katniss, wakes up and finds all of her scars have been removed. My reaction surprised me. Parting with some of mine, would be like losing old friends.

I want to keep my scars.

What?

The other side of me relishes the thought of having perfect skin, especially as I approach another birthday. Having an unblemished epidermis does appeal to me, for a fleeting moment.

Susie Lindau self-portrait

Somehow, scars are different. They have meaning. History left its mark upon my flesh and with history there is a story to tell. Believe me, this Wild Rider has more than a few. Continue reading →

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April 1, 2013 · 6:33 am

Do You Know What Day This Is?

It was a sunny Wisconsin morning the first time it happened. My mother screamed and ran into our bedroom waking my sister Patty and me from a sound slumber. I thought my small heart would explode. I bolted from our shared bed and followed her to the picture window of our apartment.

“There’s a purple polka-dotted elephant walking down the street!” she shouted.

“What? Where?”

When my little sister joined me in squinting through the glaring window, she said, “April Fools,” and then laughed. I didn’t think it was very funny at the time.

Through the years, I have played tricks on friends and family. My children ran to the window searching for purple giraffes, along with other strange colored creatures. I know. I am so mean. It must be genetic. Every year, I have tried to come up with new ways to trick my husband, such as, “By the way, we’re having company for dinner, so if you could stop and pick up some wine and a few things at the grocery store and then come home early to help me clean, that would be great. (Wait for it…) APRIL FOOLS!” The relief on his face is always worth it!

Yesterday, I checked my phone’s April calendar and noticed little lines under the some of the dates.  I didn’t remember saving any appointments, so I checked them out. April 22nd is Earth Day. The 15th is dreaded Tax Day. And the 1st is… April Fools’ Day!

Wait a minute… It occurred to me that if phones list April Fools’ as a holiday, everyone will know and no one will be fooled. That could begin the extinction of the holiday!

Ugh. That would be terrible. I have always looked forward to a day of pranking.

Aprilsnar_2001

April Fools in Denmark. No. A subway car did not crash through the ground…

How did it begin anyway? There are conflicting reports which is no surprise since this is April Fools we are talking about. The following explanation gets my vote. During the Middle Ages, the first of the year was celebrated at the end of March. Then in the 1500′s, Pope Gregory XIII changed the Gregorian Calendar to start on January 1st.  Bells would toll across the land to “fool” other fools into thinking the 1st of the year still began in April.

I never noticed that the Pope named the calendar after himself! He died on April 10th. Irony or coincidence???

During the 1800’s in France, the first of the year changed to January 1st. People who celebrated on April 1st were ridiculed in that country as well.

“Ha. You peasants are such idiots…”

Today, in Italy, France, and Belgium, pranksters will stick a picture of a fish on their unsuspecting target’s back and then shout, “April Fish!”

April Fish

WHAT? That is so lame! How did that one start? Were they fed up with being called fools and substituted fish? And did they originally use real fish back in the day? Did they use minnows or mackerels? Apparently, that variation has something to do with the astrological sign Pisces.

April Fools’ Day will be celebrated in many countries today. Thanks Wikipedia for that specific information. How will we play any practical jokes if everyone knows and is already suspicious? My advice is to strike early before your friends and family have their first cup of coffee.

“Roxy! Look at that pink coyote trotting down the street!”

Purple spotted Roxy1

Consider this heads up, my gift to you. Now get out there and prank someone!

Do you plan to fool anyone?

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March 28, 2013 · 6:39 am

Use Me and Abuse Me Day – March Wild Hare with Much Madness Edition

Alice_par_John_Tenniel_02.svg

Has this month been especially wild or what? With Saint Patrick’s Day, the spring equinox, a week-long break for many, March Madness Basketball, and Easter could we pack in another event?

Of course we can! It’s another Use Me and Abuse Me Day here at the Wild Ride. Welcome to all the new partiers!

Do you feel like the March Hare in Alice in Wonderland, as crazy as they come or the White Rabbit? ”I’m Late! I’m Late for a very important date!” Hold on there. Put your watch back in your pocket. You’re right on time. Here’s your chance to sit back, relax and party down!

March-hare

Apparently, the Victorians believed running around with straw in your hair meant you were a lunatic, deranged or as Mad as Hatter. Wait that’s from the same story!

MadlHatterByTenniel.svg

Mad Hatter Susie Lindau

Yep. I’m as Mad as a Hatter. Just ask the bear! Continue reading →

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March 24, 2013 · 3:58 pm

When You Wish Upon a Blog – What?

One of my blog posts has transformed into a wishing well.  Young people from around the world stop by daily. A few have thrown their proverbial coin into my comment section with the hope their dreams will come true.

400px-Trevi_Fountain,_Rome,_Italy_2_-_May_2007

The ultimate wishing well – The Trevi Fountain

The search engine term, How to make a wish come true overnight Linda, brings the majority of them to my blog. Linda. Lindau. It must be close enough.

Why Linda?

After recalling fairy godmothers who granted wishes, I Googled a list of fairy names. Of the ninety-five listed, not one was Linda. Then I remembered the good witch in the Wizard of Oz who was named Glinda. Hmm. Maybe they didn’t remember the G!

Writing down your affirmation or prayer can be a great way to send it into the universe. If you read The Help, you may remember Aibileen who compiled a book of prayers for others in need from her community. So why not type them in a comment on a blog post?

I can understand how children may search on the computer. Kids have grown up with instant answers. Some are not any receiving religious education and don’t know how to go about wishing or praying.

When readers began leaving their wishes in my comment section, I wished on their wishes. Maybe not for the iPhone 5, but the rest were so sweet.

One of the commenters seemed very vulnerable.

Anonymous:

errm so i know this is a massive favour but i want to be pretty and like everyone else please stop the bullying and give me a best friend….

My reply:

I think it’s great that you made your wish. Writing about them is a wonderful way to reinforce your hopes and dreams. I write down mine all the time!

Sometimes people can be mean. Looking back, if I would have laughed at myself when I was younger and not taken myself so seriously, life would have been a lot easier.

Keep your chin up and be sure to smile. Others around you will reflect your energy, so send out positive vibes. Everyone’s smile is beautiful and yours is too!

Good luck and may all of your wishes come true!

I love the idea that one my posts has become a virtual wishing well. I hope that readers will continue to stop by to toss them into my comment section. If it gives someone a little hope, how can that be a bad thing? Hope goes a long way in making our aspirations reality.

Do you believe your wishes can come true?

Do you ever write them down?

 

Trevi Fountain photo by Wikipedia

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March 21, 2013 · 6:43 am

I am Roaming!

Roam on over to Roam About Mike’s place. I am guest posting! His blog is all about travel hence the roaming. Sometimes he doesn’t have to go very far to blog about his latest escapade. Along with his amazing photographs, he always includes a little snarky humor which I love!

To make him more comfortable while roaming about Asia, I’ve transformed him.

Here’s a hint…

Mike 2

Look familiar? Yep. I became a fly on the wall while Hanging Out with the Saturdays.

a fly on the wall 1

If you roamed over here from Mike’s, here are a couple of my favorite links:

Do You Curse Brightly?

You Know You’re in Trouble When...

Prepare to be Typealyzed!

Once a month, I host a Use Me and Abuse Me Day. This is an invitation to bring a link from your blog and party down in the comment section. The next one is Thursday, March 28th!

Now roam on over to Mike’s and check out his fun blog!

You’ll love it!

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March 16, 2013 · 11:30 am

A Jig From Your Irish Lass!

st pattys profile

You know how I love to dance. Join Danny and I in a little Irish Jig!

Here are a few of my own Irish blessings

May you straighten out life’s learning curve, leaving in a few twists for luck.

May your name always be followed with a smile and not a curse.

May you laugh at yourself with others or if not at yourself than at others and hope they can laugh at themselves with you.

May your door always be open to your friends and closed to your enemies with a window nearby just in case.

May someone always catch you when you fall, pick you up when you are down and kick you in the behind if you wallow in the mud.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

How are you celebrating this year?

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March 12, 2013 · 7:24 am

When Form Meets Function and Mustaches Win

There was a time when I couldn’t handle any extra attention. I know. It’s hard to believe. I hid behind my friends in high school, self-conscious about my looks. I used makeup and a curling iron in order to fit in and to prevent standing out.

Something has happened to me. I am not sure when the turning point occurred. Did it happen when investigating a story for a blog post? Have I finally reached the age when I don’t get embarrassed and have no shame? Could I be getting more comfortable in my own skin?

Whatever the reason, after winning Go Jules Go ‘stache glasses giveaway, I had no problem popping them on in the Breckenridge parking lot last weekend. The carload next to us roared with laughter. Young children stared. Middle schoolers rolled their eyes. Okay, I couldn’t see their eyes since it was snowing and everyone wore goggles, but hey, I am sure they were rolling.

stache1

Some checked me out while pursing their lips and then gave me a, “Yeah. I’ve seen those glasses around,” look. Most smiled and a few guffawed.

I had only planned to wear them for one or two photos since the snow came down in buckets. Sunglasses were impractical. Not one person wore them.

After I reached the summit of Peak 8, I gazed down our first double black diamond run of the day. Only a blank white canvas lay beneath me. I had no depth perception. My skis would soon slide over a head wall. I put the shades in my pocket and slipped on my trusty goggles. The amber lens really flattened the light.

imperial bowl

Taking out the glasses again, the dark lenses were just what I needed to define the moguls and choppy heavy snow.

I rocked the shades all day.

When asked about my mustachioed appearance I said, “It’s mustache March! I tried growing my own, but gave up.” Many men sported full facial hair, but very few had gotten the memo about shaving their beards. Others said they were too committed to their facial forest.

stache8

Now I know why guys love growing beards. That plastic placebo kept my face warm. Really!

stache 9

When I first tried them on, my husband Danny said I reminded him of Sony Bono. After skiing a while, he glanced over at me and decided I resembled a young Charles Bronson.

mustache collage

You may think it was easier for me to be outgoing while hiding behind my shades, but I welcomed the knowing smiles.

So a big thank you goes out to Jules and all my blogging friends. Without you, I may still be hiding behind the crowd instead of causing a stir. I am definitely wearing the ‘stache glasses to my tennis match tomorrow. Maybe my opponent will be intimidated by my Charles Bronson sneer.mustache march

mustachemarch

Are you coming out of your shell as you get older?

Click here for a video of my mustached friends CocoRosie

Related Articles:

Go Jules Go

Movember: Top 40 Celebrity Mustaches

Mustache March

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March 8, 2013 · 7:00 am

The Secret to Living a Long and Happy Life

mom and dad1This is a photograph of my parents at their breakfast table. After being married for 56 years and weathering all kinds of storms, they sit quietly and enjoy each other’s company.

My father celebrated his 87th birthday two weeks ago and my mother will be 83 on Saturday. I took this photograph while back in Wisconsin.

Every day they dress and set the table for breakfast. It always includes my mom’s homemade bread made seven loaves at a time. She expresses her love for her family through the meals she serves.

When my dad went on a salt and vitamin K-free diet, at first it was a challenge for my gourmet mom. She had to think outside the box and can, literally. While I was there, she whipped out her splattered, but loved cookbooks and concocted dinners worthy of a fine restaurant: Salmon doused in a fresh tomato ragout and pork chops with apples and cinnamon. Stir-fried fresh vegetables and meatloaf with peppers and onions. More vegetables filled that loaf than meat!

My dad is an artist and still paints. While visiting, I had him sign all of his work. Some dated back to the early 1950’s. His artwork chronicles the passage of a long life from the depictions of his farm while growing up during the depression in Holy Hill outside of Milwaukee, to many of my family while living in Madison and the latest of his beloved Collie. Continue reading →

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