What’s with the 404s?! Yesterday, the whole site was gone & today there’s another missing post. Who’s running this site anyway!? Oh yeah, that’d be me; you know, the one typing this. Of course, I’m done typing now as it’s been published & is being read by you — thanx, btw!

My weekly[ish] tweet posts require editing to turn into the beautiful plethora of pics, videos, quotes & links they’re meant to offer. Otherwise, you could just peruse my Twitter profile.

The good news is, I’ll be editing through the week & have spiffy new posts to share soon as they’ve just been waylaid by that infernal editing department. The better news is that the site itself is changing up.. not in content or design, mind you, just presentation. I’ll be making it easier to find the various offerings. In the mood for quotes — & when aren’t you? — voila, the most recent quotable post right there up front. But wait, there’s more.. The most recent goodies tweeted will still be front & center but so will the latest holiday post & life-tweaking post.

That’s right, accessibility baby! I’ll keep the coffee hot & the tea out so come on back now, y’hear??

UPDATE: Time flies even when you’re not having fun. No worries tho’, the editing continues & the revitalized posts WILL start appearing this week. Your patience is so appreciated & I’d like to show my appreciation. Leave a comment or use the contact form to let me know how I can make my blog’s downtime up to you.. What do you miss? What would you like me to write about? How can I make Drinking Deeply a better experience for you? THANX! (&, yes, by all means, let me know what you don’t like as well)

PS: For those concerned, while my health did slow my progress down, it was also other projects. I run my best friend’s blog & he started posting regularly so fell free to check out Nothing is Impossible Ministries. Whatever your take on Christianity, his perspective’s refreshing, his travels interesting & his insights honest. Meanwhile, I’m also building a new site for a dear friend at LornaInWonderland.net & there’s much to be done yet but I hope to have something worthy up by her 5th anniversary of blogging in 10 days. Wish me luck & wish her a happy 5th!

(|_|*cheers*|_|)
“The never-ending task of [blog] improvement.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

• Happy 4th of July! May Independence Day bring about new states of mind.. explore it, the possibilities & a #quote or 5; “Independence is a State of Mind” #
• Send this e-card in appreciation of our veterans, service members & their families who protect our independence http://ff.im/-4MsGu #July4th #


“If you can’t do what you want, do what you can.”
-– Lois McMaster Bujold –
(independence comes in degrees & is ours to create)
from my TwitWall, as tweeted below

• Happy Independence Day! http://bit.ly/ScLbF #
• faved "Perfect Summer eve: Fireworks popping & fanning sky, fireflies, sounds of frogs & locusts, the moon high & bright" from @stargardener #

THX @susanreynolds 4RTingME: People don't change w/the times-they change the times. -PKShaw (in challenging ourselves-we challenge the status quo) #

• retweet of @klamach: i would rather die on my feet in peaceful dissidence than live on my knees in oppression #iranelection (via @Killandra) #
• Iranian Women & The Uprising: Culture, Rights & Roundhouse Kicks @bust_magazine http://tinyurl.com/klaugd #iranelection (via @EmpressNorton) #
• This fantastic "Fireworks 2009" slideshow.. http://ff.im/-4Thik ..is by @Karoli who is also fantastic! ^_^ #July4th @paulbritphoto @1Paisley #

watch the very slideshow, tweeted above, right here
• Building a Positive Life – @PeacefulWmn9 http://ff.im/-4Qvld #
• "Love to play in the sun, dance in the rain & walk in the moonlight, yet coming back home is the best!"-@arlenesg's bio (|_|*hear, hear*|_|) #

Uncertainty & expectation are the joys of life. William Congreve (stray from the known path-round corners-discover new possibilities) #quote #

• retweet of @hochmann: new post on bits of buddhism: More Rumi Ruminations: Be your note! Blend with the Divine. http://post.ly/17Ns (<3 Rumi) #
• retwt of @arlenesg: I have a new #twitter sister who luvs #coffee as I do. She's fun. [YAY & THANX (|_|*to my new twitter-coffeesister*|_|)] #

"A lifestyle is what you pay for; a life is what pays you."-Thomas Leonard (tis the little things that build the most rewarding life) #quote #

• coffeesister here / testing #plurk via IM / shall "plurkus" return? (aka bad #haiku 0_0) http://plurk.com/p/17ad73 #
• retweet of @Killandra: Our cause on @Facebook is now over 3000!! Support Blue Ribbon Campaign for #ME/CFS – http://ow.ly/dehk (Just joined!) #
• tis a fuzzy world but all the better for it when that fuzziness comes in the form of @PaganPuppycat http://flic.kr/p/6CDA6q #


this is @PaganPuppycat, as tweeted above

• my @RhodesTer used his few tips to bring me a muffin! having it now w/hot mango #tea as he recuperates from work (aka sleep -_-) *nuts, YUM* #

Dori’s Muffin
by RhodesTer on July 6, 2009

Yesterday, I brought a muffin home for Dori.

She likes it when I do that.

I haven’t been able to do it for a long time, because it was always after an overnight shift at the hotel where I worked in downtown Palm Springs. I was laid-off in December and haven’t been in downtown Palm Springs during the morning since then.

But this weekend they called me back to work a couple of overnight shifts for the 4th of July holiday.

When I got off Sunday morning, I went down to The Coffeebean and got Dori’s muffin. I got one for myself too, and consumed it on the premises with a mocha ice-blended while watching people come in and out.

Then, after finishing mine, I had them put Dori’s muffin into a little brown bag..

CLICK to read the whole story & see a great video!

• as ordered by Thomas @Hochmann – "awesomeness" – check: the balance of yin & yang, peace, love, the moon & stars; ALL awesome in reply to hochmann #
• ATTN: #Twitter – @hochmann's wife (aka Suzy) is awesome! [after all, she puts up w/him.. er, *check* ..for that matter, @RhodesTer too!] in reply to hochmann #

Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. -Sarah Bernhardt (there are no limits when we open our souls) #quote #

• 8-Year-Old With Tourettes Wants Others to Learn Tolerance | theledger.com | The Ledger | Lakeland, FL http://ff.im/-4W4hy #
• A selection of photos of Spain.. http://bit.ly/Ip3Au ..well worth a few minutes of your time. (via @grahunt) [THANX for the new wallpapers!] #


a new addition to my wallpaper collection, as tweeted above

• not sure why, nor am I sure why I think there's a why, but my #brain fog's thick today; actions slow, tho'ts disjointed.. nothing new #fibro #
• as I deal w/multiple issues daily, <3 #Chronic #Pain Warriors: Responding to the Pile-Up of Challenges; http://is.gd/1rBlJ @ Dancing w/ Pain® #

Leonard:You're some piece of work. Jack:We all are, Leonard. I recommend it. L:What? J:Life.-"Mental" (to live's a piece of work) #TV #quote #

• A day without laughter is a day wasted. -Charlie Chaplin #quote @hochmann here to aMUSE.. case in point & more #Chaplin http://bit.ly/14jepC in reply to hochmann #

"A warrior of light has no regrets, because regrets can kill. He humbles himself and undoes the wrong he has done." – #quote by @PauloCoelho #

• an "Inventory of normality" by @PauloCoelho – http://bit.ly/x8rCB – a few favorites are #s 1, 8, 12a, 23, 27, 39, 42, 44 & 47; PLEASE read!? #
• Buffy vs Edward: Twilight Remixed — [original version] http://ff.im/-4Z4ba #


What Would Buffy Do? Notes on Dusting Edward Cullen

• We are indeed in good company so not alone. We also enjoy small blessings & life pleasures w/new appreciation. (from @stargardener) [BINGO!] #
• Desktop wallpaper | Social Wallpapering http://ff.im/-51ywD #


another new wallpaper addition, from the site tweeted above

• the spiritual healing by the fine arts starts as we recognize ourselves in others. http://ff.im/-51IuG #
• hope all is well.. tis a scary time @ the Rhodes' home; determined to keep our wee apt, trusting we ARE where we belong & working on funding #
• How Giving Changes Everything; http://bit.ly/MW2gw by @jonathanmead @zen_habits (via @FairyBlogMother) "[we're] most fulfilled when serving" #

"My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here." -Jim Henson (empathy & generosity have the greatest impact) #quote #

• THX for the #quote retweet, @uppington making a positive difference is indeed the best we can hope for; a little effort creates huge ripples #
• from @jeanneendo: "FOXY FRIDAY!" Applicable to most any #chronic condition. http://bit.ly/iHhp2 (now to eventually get a #health care pro..) #
• #pain takes over / determination pushing back / détente .. #chronic #haiku >_< !haiku http://ff.im/-545HU #

my blog post agreeing w/ @SueInge-"Be sure to get the sleep you need. Stay rested, stay well"-To rest, perchance to live: http://ub0.cc/3s/W #

• my post "To rest, perchance to live:" has great comments by @Tojosan @TheCharmQuark @JeannetteNL & @prosario_2000 – http://ub0.cc/3s/W – THX #
• from @worldprayr: Pray for those that are experiencing emotional stress due to job loss or other financial issues. (via @marrangee) [THANX!] #

Every moment is a golden 1 for him who has the vision to recognize it as such. -Henry Miller (if not golden, there's a silver lining) #quote #

• I've created my own #quote w/thanx to @quotegarden: "Under every full moon, our hopes & dreams travel its beams." http://tinyurl.com/qg-c001 #
• "Something's Coming (somethin' good)" so unleash the unknown & prepare for the possible; http://bit.ly/ugSXB @Killandra @jeanneendo video 4U in reply to Killandra #
"Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life."
– William Congreve –
(rather than stay on the path you know,
round some corners & discover new possibilities)
from my TwitWall, as tweeted above, click thru for the lyrics

Powered by Twitter Tools.

• retweet of @hochmann: been thinking about that lately. thinking about the “whats” of my dreams, trying to get past the “why nots” (YAY you!) #


the quotationary Thomas replied to, as tweeted above

• retwt of @Pistachio: #Twitter is; Newspapers in a Blender… Pulped up, turned inside-out & pouring out as liquid streams. (which we create) #
• retweet of @ursulas: OMG! DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS ARE NOW LEGAL IN NEVADA!!! Legislature just finished overriding Governor Gibbons’ veto! YAY! #

from the keys of one of Twitter’s founders, @Ev:

retwt of @evskeys: Even I know love’s not based on the hardware you’re born with. No one can tell you the shape of the key that opens your <3

retwt of @evskeys: The internet’s like the human brain; vast power arising from millions of interconnections yet we use less than 10% of it.

• so glad you retweeted @onlinedesign & @EnLieux aren’t those great? @evskeys -the keys belonging to #Twitter founder @Ev- are pretty smart ~_^ in reply to onlinedesign #
• reading “The George #Tiller I Knew” – http://bit.ly/oi047 – (via @QueenofSpain) on The Daily Kos (@markosm) [short yet important read] #tcot #
• via @blogdiva RT @BiancaLaureano: for the record, “pro-life” isn’t something pro-choice folk argue, we argue anti-choice..there’s a BIG diff #

POTUS #quote “However profound our differences over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.” #

• I, w/@EmperorNorton, respect those who seek to reduce the incidence of abortion by helping single mothers. That is productive and Christian. #
• from @EmperorNorton-[Social conservatism] is miseducating its followers. It must say that in civil matters, there’s to be no violence. Ever. #


the quotationary that prompted the quote shared below

my friend provided the perfect #quote to complement y.day’s quotationary: “Don’t let your fear grow bigger than your faith.” – Josie Bissett #

• retwt of @Serene_Balance-What about YOU? Do you Dare to Care? http://bit.ly/jvWyI (caring’s incomplete if not active & every action matters) #
• retwt of @QueenRania-Factoid: There are half a billion women around the world that can’t read or write. That’s the same as population of EU! #
• Welcome to June, dear Tweeps.. many a new beginning lined up, incl. our 19th wedding anniversary tomorrow & @RhodesTer‘s 50th b-day the 9th! #

wrt those new beginnings, to #quote my dear @RhodesTer “I don’t want to have a boss anymore. Bosses are overrated.” http://rhodester.net/hey #

• retweet of @HiroBoga-The myth of job security, & a great post on the fine art of self-employment from @havi: Also, hummus. http://is.gd/LHDd #
• retweet of @mlvalentine-Bloggers didn’t kill journalism, journalists who stopped reporting the news and starting spewing rhetoric killed it. #
• so.. @Rhodester‘s been drinking some Bud Light we got stuck with & keeps offering to share!? if I wouldn’t drink it @ 14, why would I @ 40?! #


1 of the “18 Beautiful Rainbows” tweeted below

• retweet of @spreadingjoy: RT @Jason_Pollock: 18 Beautiful Rainbows from Around the World – http://cli.gs/ZBJ9Jy (I love rainbows!) [so do I] #
• Friar John Cor recorded the creation of the 1st known batch of scotch whiskey 1 June 1495-time to get our whiskey drink on then @goingglocal #

THX @BeMeaningful-“Just as u can’t steer an anchored ship u cant create change until u make changes.” Inspiring interview http://bit.ly/yghkr #

Coping with Someday in Constant Pain:
Dorian (aka coffeesister) Interview
by Alex Fayle on 18 May 2009

Who: Dorian is coffee for the soul; brewing up help, health & happiness from a simple, stimulating & sustainable life while offering life lessons, potential perspectives & empathetic encouragement to all takers for that’s why we’re here: we’ve all been lent to each other.

Name one moment in your life when you threw a pity party for yourself and the reasons why you felt you weren’t able to achieve your goals:
I’ve had chronic pain, in one form or another, throughout my life but that didn’t prepare me for being bed-ridden by my late-20s. I’d gallantly pushed on despite migraines, chronic daily headaches, tendinitis, mild scoliosis & asthma for over a quarter of a century — even keeping a job through what was presumably mono, despite having to drop out of college. Then.. No amount of willpower nor sense of urgency nor the strongest determination could make up for the fact that I was debilitatingly weak, constantly tired, painfully sore & cognitively spent.

CLICK to read the entire interview,
there’s something for EVERYone ~_~

• GO Jeanne! @jeanneendo celebrated her 1yr blogiversary by moving to her own domain; http://chronichealing.com #chronic #endo #fibro #ME #MCS #
• via @charitywater RT @TheWaterProject-Every day we don’t learn how we could do better is a wasted day. The ppl we serve demand our humility. #
• retwt of @spreadingjoy: Here are the results of our month of giving; http://bit.ly/20KF5B Thank you! [(|_|*to joy being created/shared*|_|)] #
• from @RhodesTer: 19 yrs of wedded bliss. Happy Annual-versary to US http://tinyurl.com/o74hz6 [his post's worth reading, my comment too] #
• btw, the “Annual-versary” post I tweeted of is of course @ http://rhodester.net so hope to see you there ~_^ @no1lefthere thanx Chris *mwah* in reply to no1lefthere #

“I <3 being married. It’s so great to find that 1 special person u want to annoy the rest of ur life.”-Rita Rudner http://bit.ly/9EwjV #quote #

• What @EmperorNorton said to an anti-abortion activist & other tho’ts.. http://cli.gs/UNjWh9 ..tho’ts I tend to agree with-esp wrt conscience #
• from @RhodesTer-My coffeesister’s sitting here quoting Roger Rabbit to someone in chat. (of course, he can only be quoted “when it’s funny”) #
• here’s @RhodesTer‘s latest blog post-A Visit From Father Phil- http://bit.ly/KZNNf -in which I use the word “exactly” exactly too many times #

It’s good to have an end to journey towards but it’s the journey that matters in the end. Ursula LeGuin (our means-not ends-define us) #quote #

• as we start our 20th year of marriage & @RhodesTer wraps up his 50th yr of life, w/so much in jeopardy, the contentment means that much more #
• retwt of @TIME: See pictures of Obama’s trip to Saudi Arabia | http://tr.im/njJh -via @rkref- (I particularly like the 6th photo in the set) #

great #quote via @motivational: “Other people & things can stop you temporarily. You’re the only one who can do it permanently.” -Zig Ziglar #

• retwt of @amyderby: I’m checking myself into Scrabble rehab. Word is, free Thorazine drip will be provided. (“Word is”-double meaning score) #
• via @Pistachio & @kitson-New Hampshire 6th state to legalize gay marriage; http://sn.im/nh0603 @BBC-joining Iowa, Conn, Mass, Maine, Vermont #
• officially blessing @deafmom‘s efforts “to pester @RhodesTer from now until Tuesday so all of Twitterville knows his birthday is coming up.” #
• Get clean water to 100 million people. Ask senators to cosponsor the Water for the World Act, sign the petition.. http://twitclicks.com/ks8j #

via TheONECampaign, wrt the tweet above
• came across the idea that being poor is only a frame of mind & all I can think is that the person being quoted has never experienced poverty #
• a must-see collection of gorgeous & amazing photographs at their own aptly named blog.. “Industrial Decay” http://ff.im/-3BZ0t (THX @Karoli) #


from the “Industrial Decay” blog, as tweeted above

YES @hochmann could NOT agree more ^_^ purity is pointless & unappreciated w/out a little wickedness to spice it up ~_^ (|_|*to balance*|_|) in reply to hochmann #

• retwt of @liveonpurpose: I need my supplements 2 function in my busy life (they ARE crucial tho’ need to be liquid or chewable to work best) #
• THANX for the stumbles on my interview by @AlexFayle, @kimota & @MrJWells as well as the reviews; OMG, @ndpthepoetress – http://bit.ly/1UKr1 #

from @EmperorNorton: [who] stops himself from wondering “what if”. There’s only What is. (which leads to What’s possible, “what if” doesn’t) #

Powered by Twitter Tools.

Lookin’ for a little link love?! You may not have thought so but who can resist alliteration? Not I! Nor can I resist some well-placed love. The link lovin’ has been widespread lately, from Carolyn’s ingenious ‘Once Upon a Bloggy Night’ link meme through Harry’s excellent response to Bob’s thoughtful consideration of how best to do link posts. From the standpoint that there can never be enough love, I’m continuing the trend. This here first link post o’ mine will contain the blogs I read consistently via my personalized link aggregator; to wit, Twitter.

Failing to find the link from one “Found Fridays” post to the next? With a splash more alliteration & while speaking of linkage, I’m also taking this chance to reconsider my series of “Friday Finds.” The series/category was established to share each week’s found moments, either within or online. Although I am sharing my finds from week to week, there’s no consistency to the type of post it creates. I’d love feedback from those of you who’ve read more than one as I will be changing things up & will also be making Drink Deeply more interactive over time.

Take a tour of bloggers I follow on Twitter via the text links & discover the Twitterers behind the blogs via the avatars..

failing and vikings
Brett meets challenges bravely
6 Weeks at a time

tweets, family, peeps
Carolyn Bahm‘s a dot com
reader, writer, friend

Brian and his quotes
Copyblogger gives good guest
advice worth reading

fictional finesse
expressing How Not To Write
Jamie keeps it real

Gail highlights our best
to Inspire Me Today™
with more to explore

Naomi’s got game
telling insanity off
IttyBiz or not

positive ripples
Life’s Little Inspirations
Wendi’s finding them

Jim, René, Jerry
Live.Work.Dream. to love.laugh.teach.
all on seven legs

randomly helpful
Elle’s observations and finds
reveal Lolo’s Way

pens wielded, blogs saved
front-man James trades barbs and wit
half the Men with Pens

balanced by Harry
both wise and fantasy-filled
he lends mirth, reason

MindTweaks sought then shared
curious and questioning
Tori explores self

Omyword! she’s fun
honest and hilarious
Lisa’s journeying

quotes, queries, insights
Paulo Coelho’s blogging
ready to connect

Darren’s instructive
ProBlogger experience
humanly offered

Remarkablogger!
Michael considers details
reaching past the page

tho’ poignant at times
he couldn’t be funnier
that RhodesTer o’ mine

Dave’ll Rock Your Day
no holds barred nor punches pulled
just self-improvement

swordplay, grammar, drinks
straight-shootin’ Tei saves the day
with Rogue Ink to spare

interests galore
Scott’s Spiritual Tramping
brought his own angels

SwanShadow reflects
commentary, comic art
wry sense of humor

writers are dreaming
via Bob’s Writing Journey
dreamers are writing

(|_|*cheers*|_|)
great people sharing
I’m found in and by these sites
ideas opened

Adaptation takes time. There are early adopters who try everything, hangers-on who let others do the testing & those of us always on the lookout for our next endeavor. Being poised to pounce is not about moving from one thing to another as early adopters tend to do nor is the intent to take on everything found worthy as the hangers-on often fear. The reason we’re always ready for something new is, while we fully embrace what we know so far, we also understand there’s more to every story. Lookouts are looking for pieces of the puzzle as the big picture emerges while keeping key elements in place. If our state of being is to always question then our faith is in the whole being greater than its parts. By-standers, on the other hand, aren’t adapting but are in between; just as their moniker implies, they’re standing still. Fortunately, if you find yourself standing by — hesitating to ask too many questions, try new things or upset the status quo — all it takes is a singular effort to break free.

Get ready to hit pause 46 seconds in!
Thanx to Darren of ProBlogger for the video.

Twitter makes my point. I’d been ready & waiting to tweet long before my own computer gave me the ability. In turn, it took a full decade from first wanting a computer to finally being able to get one & I’m now on my 7th. What tempers how anxious a lookout is for what’s been seen on the horizon is patience; we know what we want & are willing to wait for it. By sorting an exact need then biding my time til I find or can afford it, the seeming quick adoption that results usually comes across as impulsive. For that reason, it can be difficult to tell the early adopters from the lookouts & the difference can admittedly be slight. Aside from intent — s/he who tries the most toys wins — the real difference is recognition. Not only the ability to recognize needs & how they can be met but waiting for what meets them as much as not hesitating when it’s found.

As mentioned in the video, René wisely asked how much of my time Twitter’s taking. Therein lies the rest of the story.. The discernment used to track down whatever new nifty nicely finds its way into your niche also needs to not take over. An n to the nth power rule? This is exactly where many a hanger-on may get stuck, even coming precariously close to  joining the by-standers. Either feeling overwhelmed or the fear of soon being overwhelmed can slow adaptation. As important as it is to not let anything take precedence since balance really is all it’s cracked up to be, not acting on new ideas will send things out of balance over time too. Most of us have been to a circus so have a visual memory confirming that balance is not a static thing. To watch for what might aid your own balancing act, the only real mistake that can be made is to stand idly by.

Had I stood still this week — or sat still — or not clicked those links of interest found on Twitter, I wouldn’t know BlogHer had partnered with GlobalGiving. (Proving just how effective blogging can be, while they’re at it.) I wouldn’t have discovered the ultimate coffeemaker. I certainly wouldn’t have guessed, although I’m not surprised, Firefox usage is literally written in the stars. Thus, I wouldn’t be changing the world one page view at a time via my Firefox browser as predicted long before I existed in the hope of one day having a wall of coffee. I might instead be bogged down by my own blog, wondering if I had any reach through it &.. No, nevermind, I’d still be using Firefox. However, were I to spend my time wondering, much less worrying, what I should be doing with it; I wouldn’t be doing whatever I could &, in the process, sorting how anything new works into the puzzle.

With all there is to discover, if we remember to apply our adventurous spirit — whether robust or waning — within as well as without, we’ll not only find better puzzle pieces but enlarge the picture they’re forming. No differently than you should explore an external discovery, try out one of your ideas just to see where it leads. Trust one of your abilities or pursue an interest; be your own beta tester. Finding outlets like blogging & tools like Twitter may help us zero in on choices just waiting to be made. Using the approach that’s right for you, a willingness to try new things with the understanding that discovering something’s not for you is just as valuable & trusting your instincts as well as your doubts, take on the next new thing. As we find our individual journeys, our paths are bound to cross. We can barter our discoveries at those crossroads.

(|_|*cheers*|_|)
“Keep on the lookout for novel ideas that others have used successfully.
Your idea has to be original only in its adaptation to the problem
you’re working on.”
~ Thomas Edison ~

Twitter asked me to “Share my story” & share I did. Of course, the story they wanted was why I use Twitter. Having recently answered how I use it on two different sites, the basis for my response was already written but I could have answered why with one word. I’d imagine most of the stories submitted will share that underlying reason yet with all the varied approaches found from blog to blog. Even those who seldom add to the ready flow of communication the internet makes possible are taking part in turning their share of monologues into dialogs.

The reason I blog is to communicate with a wide range of people & Twitter is by far the most natural extension of that. With the flexibility to follow only those of my choosing via Google Chat & an ongoing tweet stream awaiting me whenever I decide to take a dip, it fits my life & online habits even as they fluctuate from day to day. I’m always sure to find excellent advice, article/post recommendations, breaking news & — of course — a good balance of entertainment. Thus, my Twitter stream has replaced the “Digg’s Top Stories” feed I’d used for so long.

Through Twitter, I’ve had a blog post listed on ProBlogger, received a compliment from the founder of eBay & been provided an opportunity to communicate with people I’ve been following through other mediums for ages. Given who you choose to follow, it can be a mini-mentoring experience or simply an interesting influx of information (not to mention both ^_^). Like most Web 2.0 innovations, Twitter can be used in whatever way fits each user’s needs & the benefits are only starting to be realized.

|_|) “Communication–the human connection–is the key to personal and career success.” ~ Paul J. Meyer

PS: It doesn’t hurt that both my hunny & my cat are tweeting too. ~_^

While there are those blogging, & therefore being pseudo-social, with no other intention than making money; even they have to communicate something to have a lasting shot at profitability. There are also many entrepreneurs communicating so effectively that money proved the result. The difference between communicating to earn & earning from communicating is vast though. Gary Vaynerchuk puts it best with his encouragement to prioritize legacy over currency. It may seem ironic that I relate to that SO strongly since both appear equally lacking.

Without a clear path to either, goals still have to be made & intentions declared. My goal when it comes to blogging has always been communication which flows from the fact that I seek out opportunities to communicate in everything I do & everywhere I go. The result has been a full spectrum of observations; with all the extreme viewpoints, hard realities & reassuring wonder of the human condition as my guide. This acute awareness of all that we are, all we are capable of — good as well as  bad — & all we can be to each other is ultimately why I blog.

I’ve been expressing myself online hither & thither for nearly 15 years but not til six months ago was I able to start this blog &, not until this one, was I able to maintain one. Determination & circumstance finally somewhat in sync, an ongoing effort became possible which is why it was time to leave free forums behind. Having established that I’m here simply in the hope of creating a dialog & that I’m no expert in anything, merely an observer of everything, leaves the question; “Why am I willing to pay for a presence online amidst continued poverty?”

The potential answers — Is it ego, am I insane or desperate for friends?! — are why my Twitter story prompted me to tell my blog story. Although I impart much of myself in every post, I’ve yet to actually introduce myself. *flashback to 8th-grade cheerleading* “Dorian,” “Yeah,” “Introduce yourself,” “YEAH,” “Introduce Yourself,” “RIGHT ON, my name is DORIAN!” (flashback dedicated to Tony Northrip whose merciless teasing is why I still remember the degrading chant) As this is an introduction, before you draw any conclusions, allow me to point out cheerleading was the only way to be excused from P.E.

Biographically speaking, in six months I turn 40 & I’m proud of my upcoming milestone. Ever young at heart, I can thoroughly enjoy an age with which my life experience is not so incongruous. My life journey thus far has been one of heath problems, money issues & the mandatory family dysfunction. It has, however, been punctuated by irrefutable hope, miraculous comebacks & unconditional love. I met Rhodester 19 years ago & a relationship of some longevity is training ground enough but I’d already run a bit of a gamut before meeting him. He caught up with me during our first few years of marriage.

I had father issues & had been raped [more than once], fortunately unrelated, was an alcoholic with other addictions as well, very related, a runaway that couldn’t stay away, for love of my mum, & a Unitarian who’d come to believe the Trinity while still questioning Religion. “May you live in interesting times” proved both my curse & my wish; I felt trapped in small-town, middle-class mediocrity & found my escape to be ‘thinking interesting thoughts’ instead. My vices have finally mellowed, even I seem to have along the way, yet not only am I still addicted to interesting thoughts but thinking them isn’t enough; they must be shared.

That’s where you come in. I want to listen & consider, as much as offer contemplation. It’s with the understanding that we have an inevitable impact in every moment of every day that I want even the simplest ones to count. From the difference we can make with a smile to the apathy we contribute to with inaction, our ripples are being felt. In seeking to create good ripples, it just makes sense that it’s equally good — if not better — to impact other ripples along the way. Thus, I seem to inexplicably be offering advice & you don’t really know me; why should you care what I have to say & who do I think I am anyway??

That’s just it, I don’t think I’m any different from any of you. I believe that what affects one of us effects us all, whether we’re aware of it or not, & that we all share shortcomings alongside infinite potential. I hated that word growing up as much because I’d heard it too many times as it coming off oxymoronic. It’s typically used in reference to someone else’s expectation, at worst, or a specific goal, at marginal best, but would be far more encouraging were it to be left appropriately open-ended. Never should we limit ourselves, nor should we forget the potential of unending possibilities & unexpected blessings we all offer each other.

LOL cat found via a tweet from Pete Cashmore of Mashable

While I feel I should promptly start pooping rainbows on that note, life experience & my personal dictate to doubt everything have always kept me a realist so my capacity for optimism is merely a balancing force. Part of my innate balance is an avid interest in almost everything which in no way qualifies me to have opinions about all of it but I do anyway. The next balancing force at work is that there’s little I haven’t come across thus I know there are no right or wrong answers. There is only truth & our individual experiences. So, I’m offering up my own varied thoughts in a way that hopefully makes sense & perhaps even helps, with the single goal of prompting more thought. Therefore, pour yourself another hot beverage & add to the brew..

(|_|*cheers*|_|)
“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him
to find it in himself.”
~ Galileo Galilei ~