Thank you Angelbaby !

I have received yet another honor. This one coming fromAngelbaby. She is so very kind. Thank you so much for this award. You brightened my day. It's times like this that I feel motivated to continue writing.



These are the instructions that came with it:
1) Add the logo of the award to your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you thinking of me. Now I am passing the award to:

1. Yoga, Pranayam, Meditation

2. Wishing On A Falling Star

3. Revellian Dot Com

4. The Big Bald Blog

5. Daily Blissings

6. Texas Medical Freak

7. Space Of Reality

Alittle Link Love to New Friends...

Just wanted to say "thank you" to some new Blog Catalog friends here at A Circle of Women.
I appreciate your visits and kind words...

Reflections by Mariz

Projection Word Drops

Think Simple Now

WickedWidow Fantasy Art Blog

wooHome

Just a Girl in Short Shorts Talking About Whatever

Daily Blessings

Real Women...Real Life

Ashe.Selah

My Spiritual Journey

mindsights by lynda lehmann





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Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.

Leaving Comments on Blogs

I'm feeling a bit odd over something that happened this week. Over at myspace, a fellow friend posted on his blog how he sold his home priced at 20% below market value because he was in a rush to sell. He also used a realtor to sell his house, which means he paid commission.That in turn means he not only took a loss of 20%, but even more with the money paid for the realtor's commission. He was stating the best way and the only way to sell a home was through a real estate agency. He ended his post stating he wanted to bring his success to his readers, so they are aware of his method. He said he wanted to make a difference in someones life.

I commented on his post in an attempt to bring about awareness of another sales method to home sellers that is often overlooked (I happen to teach this method to those who call my office and ask for help/support or who buy my e-book). This was my attempt in 'making a difference'. Just informing people of the choices they have. This method would have allowed him to sell at market value and not pay commission. In my eyes, I was thinking in terms of saving someone money and keeping more money in their pocket. I did not use my comment to advertise my e-book or leave a link to my site. I merely mentioned this other sales method.

Times are rough these days and every little bit helps. I am in no way, shape or form against Realtors or using one if that is your choice.In fact, Realtors even use the sales method I mentioned when properties are hard to sell or want to sell them quickly. I have a few friends who are Realtors. That is their job and what pays their bills.

The blog author commented back in a negative way, so I responded with just a simple, honest answer. He then had a realtor comment to me, which felt like an attack and threw me.

I wasn't being negative or attacking him personally. I was just being nice.

To my surprise, he deleted me from his page and his next blog post is titled SCAMS AND CROOKS ALL AROUND US....LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS, OH MY!!!!

Hmmmm...

This world is made up of all different types of people, some with the same views, some not. We are all entitled to our opinions, actions and decisions. I guess I shouldn't have offered my two cents since it was different than his opinion.

I have received comments here and at my other blogs that differ than my thoughts and I have come in contact with people who have different opinions, but I don't judge them based on that nor do I stop viewing them as my friend because they offered another way of thinking or had a different opinion. That is how we learn and grow...

What do you think? Was I wrong?

I welcome all comments here...you can comment without worrying if you criticize or do not agree, I will no longer allow you on my blog...

I have also read other blogs and the comments received. The comments do not always agree with the author. How do you feel if or when someone leaves a comment that differs than your opinion?

Mandy from Texas Medical Freak has so graciously included me in her list of favorites and presented me the Excellant Blogger Award.




This is what she wrote about this blog:

A Circle of Women: Another really well written blog, this has been on my daily read list since discovering Entrecard. A Circle Of Women has a great variety of topics, I am never disappointed.


I am still surprised when I receive such awards, thank you's and compliments. Thank you to all who have been the wind beneath my wings.

Check out Mandy's Texas Medical Freak blog. She provides much information on a variety of topics and one may be a help to you.

An Invite To Qassia

Have you heard about the next big thing? I’m talking about Qassia.

While over at Roxxymetal's, she introduced me to this new program that is launching. After checking it out, I decided to join.

This program is currently in beta and is only available through invite only so hurry and sign up now!! Just go HERE to sign up: and it is so easy and takes less than a minute to sign up so what are you waiting for?!They give you credit for sharing your intelligence, and the more credit you earn, the better your websites will rank. Qassia claims to have the best, most generous, and most reliable ad revenue sharing program on the web. So if you have a blog or website then by all means get on the bandwagon now.

You get credit for sharing your intelligence and you get a backlink to your website for every intel you add. And the more people that join,the more everyone benefits. This program is very new but it looks to have some serious potential.

Don’t Wait…Join Now at http://ac2369.qassia.com

Angels Among Us

Angelbaby from Your Caring Angels passed on an award to me today. What a great day!

I truly love her blog because I have a fondness for the angels. I believe in angels and they have touched my life many times over.

There are angels among us...listen carefully, watch for the small signs and you will see they surround you too.

I pass on this award to the following angels:


New England Lighthouse Treasures

Inspirations

The Spirit Knows Best

A Week In The Life of a Redhead

My Life is Murphys Law

Feel Happy

Revellian.com

Acquire Wisdom & Live With Passion

The Big Bald Blog

VisionWiz

The Views of the All Seeing Eye

A Linky Love Thank You ~ Round 2

A Blog Catalog Thank you for all who stop for a visit. Thank you so much for being a part of my community.

Texas Medical Freak
Elle Eatist
My Chic Things
Toast & Egg & Me
Hydropathy
Dreams Are Yours To Share
Zero RC
Prince of Wall Street
Barbara's Journey Toward Justice
Jude's Blog
Poetry Through The Years
Your Caring Angels
Tips, Observations & More
For Koloured Grrls Only
Life on a Southern Farm
Magic & Moments at Dragonfly Cottage
Olga, The Traveling Bra
My Big Fat Losing Blog
Dog Lover
Nature Shows & Dreams
A Moment to Remember
Daily Adventures in a Semi-Boring Life
Keeping The Dream
Thai Massage
Positive Communication
Stop Apathy Now
Purple Wren
Just a Thought
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Amusingly Random
Paula's Poetry
Mommy Loves Diamonds
Mental Stimulation
Revellian

Welcoming The New Year

As the old year changes into the New Year, I want to wish you all a year filled with good health, prosperity, love that surrounds you, happiness, peace and light.

As 2007 began, I had decided to make this year one of positive change, put ideas into motion, accomplish goals, continue with self improvement and grow as a person.

The year had it's ups and downs. Days filled with good/bad and happy/sad times, successful experiences, mistakes made and many lessons learned. Those who are regular readers here, know that God called home loved ones which saddened me greatly, but working through the grieving process.

I have welcomed some wonderful people into my life and that has been an enriching experience. I have a special someone in my life who has brought more to me than he realizes. I have experienced pleasure in teaching others how to be successful and believe in themselves. This was one goal accomplished that I am proud of, along with having articles published.

Overall, I have to say, 2007 was a good year as far as my personal endevours and am thankful with what I have accomplished so far. My circle of friends, acquaintances and associates slightly changed. This was a necessary change for me to be successful within myself, business and in life in general. Sometimes change is a positive.

I had begun blogging in March (AC Associates Blog) which has brought so many positives into my life. Another blog emerged in May (A Circle of Women) which only brought more pleasurable experiences. Through support, friendship and others sharing their knowledge, I have gained inspiration, confidence, and motivation.

So many bloggers have touched my life and am grateful for their impact on my life.

I look forward to 2008 with optimism and just as I started 2007, I will continue on my quest to grow, learn, accomplish and improve.

We all have the ability to be successful. Create the life you wish for beginning with this New Year. You may want to review the Your Heart's Desire 9 part series I posted at AC Associates that began in August.

Here's to 2008 ~

And, Natalie (Hippie)...you aren't here to 'clink' glasses and toast with me as we did last year, but I will raise my glass and toast to friendship...later 'gator

While You Read, You Learn

One of my many favorites listed at Technorati is the AdesBlog. He provides great tips and resources about several topics and I have learned a thing or two from reading his posts. One post, EntreCard Performance brought my attention to the EntreCard site. Maybe I'm last in learning about this site, but after checking it out, I joined on 12/23.

I have to say, since joining, I have come across some great blogs that I otherwise might not have known about. This site offers you your business card to network with other bloggers, while bringing traffic to your blog. Mind you, this is all free. Go to EntreCard to learn more and how it all works. Additionally, I am noticing a change in my stats for Alexa, Real Rank, MBL and BC all for the better due to the new traffic which is definitely there.

Since 12/23, here are my stats for my blogs. As you can see, additional traffic is noted. Hopefully, I have gained some readers while bloggers are dropping their card at my blog.

A Circle of Women:
Quickstats
203 credits in your account
53 credits to advertise on your blog
150 cards you dropped
133 cards dropped on you
21 clicks via ads you placed
42 clicks from your blog to others
9 ads you bought
9 ads bought from you
150 clicks from entrecard.com to you


AC Associates Blog
Quickstats
34 credits in your account
46 credits to advertise on your blog
152 cards you dropped 117 cards dropped on you
82 clicks via ads you placed
37 clicks from your blog to others
10 ads you bought 8 ads bought from you
123 clicks from entrecard.com to you


A Contest You Should Consider:

While dropping my card on other blogs, I came across Big Pappa at The Big Bald Blog. I was immediately drawn to his blog. I like his style, humor, the information he provides...he's got soul.
Anyone who can admit in a post not knowing how to pronounce 'meme', is okay in my book. I was laughing out loud for I thought I was the only one that didn't know. Ok, there...I admitted it too. And, thanks to Big Pappa, I now know how to pronounce meme.

Big Pappa is running a contest and offering some cool prizes:
An 8 Gig iPod Touch
500 Entrecard Credits
A total blog review from Mike over at Bloggin-Ads
Some cool Big Pappa Worldwide gear

Check out his site for the rules. If you decide not to enter the contest, check out his blog anyway. You'll enjoy your visit.

After having said all that I did, last but not least,I want to thank all who have paid with their credits to spotlight their blog on my sites. I also want to express my appreciation for those bloggers who have allowed my advertisement on their blogs. I think I found a new fun addiction...

Receiving Special Gifts

My friend and inspiration, Zubli has presented me with two awards. I feel overwhelmed at his thoughtfullness and constant wind beneath my wings.

As Thanksgiving passes, I continue to be thankful for him and so many others that have believed in me and encouraged me through their friendship, comments and help that I have become addicted to writing on my blog and try to do my best.

I guess I should have listened to my teacher back in high school who told me that I should pursue writing and one day will enjoy it. Who would of thought that many, many years later, I would be doing just that. Writing not only one blog, but two.


Wow! This is a such a nice award. I salute Mark the initiator of this Be The Blog award badge.

According to Mark:

"This badge is for bloggers who make their blog their own, stay with it, interact with their readers, and have fun!"

That desription is very fitting for I do try to have fun while presenting some useful information and share my thoughts and ideas.

The other award Zubli presented to me is called 'Winning attitude'



The acknowledment of a Winning Attitude makes this award the best yet. Through my lifes journey of ups and downs, I have continued to (try) and keep a positive attitude. It takes work sometimes, but it is so worth it. I have made up my mind to be happy and optimistic.

The creator of this award, Mel from Attitude, The ultimate Power states "this award is based on positive thinking and is meant for those blogs who base their existence, in part or in whole, on Positive Winning Attitudes".

I have tried to pass along my positive attitude by way of my posts here and when my readers leave comments thanking me for the inspiration, for the ways I have touched them, I can't begin to tell you how surreal that is for me. That I, ME can make a difference by sharing a positive attitude.

Mel dedicates his entire blog to the development of one's attitude. I was immediately drawn to him and his blog for that very reason. The same holds true with Zubli and his dedication to bring happiness and share his winning attitude towards helping others.
Both Mel and Zubli possess a giving nature that you don't find too often and am very grateful that I met them through blogging.

Receiving More Awards...

At Speedcat Hollydale's Page....I found a record breaking event for he gave an award to each of his community members at mybloglog.

Such an act of kindness! Thank you so much for including me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I also received an award from Skipper who authors my life starts at forty-two. I enjoy her blog so much and love how real, open and honest she is.
This award is to celebrate people who reach out and make the blogger community a better one. I love this award and I thank you so much for including me.

Such an honor to be part of these two commuities. I look forward eachday when I return from working, to relax and read posts that I can loose myself in. Such a feeling to know that at a moments notice, I can turn to any one of my community friends and reach out if I so choose and they will be there.

What my community means to me:

...lends a hand in times of need
...puts others' needs before their own
...makes a positive impact on the community
...brings warmth to everyday
...takes the time to listen
...creates energetic spirit
...rallies around a cause
...reaches out to make a difference
...acting with your heart

I would like to give both these awards to the my community friends:

feel happy
jackal
Wonderland or Not
Your Wisdom of Total Happiness
My Life is Murphys Law
Revellian.com
A Week in the Life of a Redhead
Jeanine's Bits and Pieces
NAFASG-United and Dedicated Behind You
The Painted Veil
visionwiz
Mariuca
A worn out woman's journey
Outta the Coop: A day in the life of The Chick
Heavenly Inclinations
The Spirit Knows
Feeling Flirty

You Learn Something New Everyday

Well as the saying goes..."you learn something new everyday".

Something came to light that I didn't even give thought to. Something that I now feel embarrassed about.

While reading a post from Bobby which explained that Powerful Content Is In The Eye Of The Beholder and gave ways to have a "... high standard of integrity and ethical coolness...", a couple thoughts and questions came to mind with regard to one of his suggestions.

An excerpt from his post:
Read your reader’s blogs and sites. If I read a blog and the author never ever comes to read mine, I am much more likely to stop reading theirs. We are all guilty of that. No one can read every blog. You should really make an effort to read your top commentators blogs regularly.

Well, Bobby spends about 2-3 hours each day reading and commenting on blogs. I on the other hand, really do not have that kind of time. With working full time, tending to my business, working on my own two blogs, plus the household chores and my personal life, I just don't have the hours for much else.

I have subscribed to most of my favorite blogs and/or included these blogs in my favorites at Technorati. Doing this, I can keep up on the posts and read daily. It was brought to my attention that although I read through these posts, the authors may not know I am actually interested and know that I am reading their posts.
Because I do not actually 'visit' each blog, I think I have left an unfavorable impression.

I wanted to apologize if I have indeed caused the authors to feel this way. I never gave this thought before and didn't realize I might be coming across this way. Believe me, this was so unintentional. I was trying to get my full of the many blogs I read, the easiest way I knew. I didn't subscribe to any one's blogs or add to favorites to help in their rankings, I truly was interested in their blogs.

I guess I am still a bit naive to the blogging world and ethical coolness (as Bobby puts it).

The many blogs I have found are not only wonderful, but food for thought, filled with humor and inspiration and the people behind the blogs are very important to me.
I have been enlightened by Bobby and due to his posting, he made me 'think' about this a great deal. Thank you Bobby!

So...as I make small goals for myself, I will include this...I will make an effort to actually 'visit' my favorite blogs and/or comment more often. This is well, actually two small goals. One: visit often and Two: comment more.

The Spirit of Christmas

I found this waiting for me one night upon arriving home.
Santa's Community Blog presented me with the Spirit of Christmas award. Truly a great present. Thank you SO much!

What is the Spirit of Christmas you ask?

Quite simply it is those that have a generous and giving nature. Those who care about others. Those who have a kind word to say or a broad shoulder to lean on in the times that others need that. Those who display the "Spirit of Christmas".

The true holiday spirit is about love, kindness, peace and goodwill to all. Although I am a summer person, Christmas is my favorite time of year. I absolutely love the feeling as the season approaches. I get nostalgic thinking about my childhood and when my son was young. I feel more love for everyone and everything. I think my heart actually glows.

I think everyone should have the spirit of christmas. Wouldn't that be amazing?! I do try to keep my Christmas spirit alive all year long.

I want to present the Spirit of Christmas to:

and to think
outfit inspirations
Midlife Perspective
daily blessings
Voice of Bragg
Faith Christian Counseling

More Honors? How Overwhelming...

In my experiences with the highs and lows of life, I feel this year has been tremendous. I found my faith has deepened. My heart has grown larger and allowed so many people to tattoo themselves within. My understanding of others has increased and wanting to give and help others has reached a new high. I am developing more as a person and I can only thank the good and bad experiences, the wonderful and not so generous people to help shape who I am becoming.

I am grateful that I have become part of the mybloglog community and been allowed the opportunity to share a bit of each person who reside there. I am learning through the eyes of others, feel the generous spirit of people that have chosen to honor me with awards and have come across people that openly share their disabilities, faults, insecurities, hopes, humor, dreams, inspiration, motivation, knowledge and success. I believe we are all successful and have special qualities within us. Sometimes we need to tap into ourselves deeper to realize this, but it is there.

I have found friendship, support and much inspiration and motivation from our community. With each award received I feel (as I steal Zubli's words) much blogging enthusiasm, excitement, and enjoyment.

I have been honored yet again from fabulous people I have met and I thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart.


Outfit Inspirations
Tools to lift your spirits and help focus your future.

She says...Every month I am going to pay tribute to the eight bloggers who inspired me the most.The first list is an impressive one. All of the bloggers below wrote a post in the month of August that really made me sit up and cheer.

And...she included my blog:

A Circle of Women
Andrea’s post, “The Ladies Room” (19th August 2007), focusing on a universal, female experience, made me howl with laughter, just as her post dedicated to her friend Natalie “God Wanted Her More” (26th August 2007) moved me to tears. Entering the world of a “circle of women” is like entering a group hug. Join in.

Another Honor comes from:

In Shinade and Zubli Zainordin's words: we have been reviewing again and this time we review bloggers whose blogs contain vital and valuable information to continuously raising us within the Blog World onto the next level of blogging enthusiasm, excitement, and enjoyment.

We place this award as a responsibility to the following bloggers:
The Zubli and Shinade Silver Award Badge

A Circle Of Women

Congratulations! We have benefited tremendously from your blogs. We invite others to benefit more as you proceed with your blogging at your now Recommended Read blogs.

As all of us go on building our e-Communities, when we discover you-your blog-and-your blogging up to a standard we both strongly agree, then we shall to present you The Zubli and Shinade Silver *Recommended Read* Badge.

Once you have received the badge, please place it at your blog site. Please link with us:

Shinade at The Painted Veil
and Zubli Zainordin in Total Happiness organizes the Book Project blog

Next, you form a Jury of your own, a minimum of two equally excellent bloggers, who are Silver badge recipients, and please proceed to present the badge to those as many as you prefer who rank a deserving *Recommended Read.* Do as we do.

Point each of them to this post

Add your name to this growing list:
* Shinade
* Zubli Zainordin
* Andrea

Then, please inform us, whom you have given The Zubli and Shinade Silver *Recommended Read* Badge to.

There are so many people who have blogs that I believe are Recommended Reads.
I will add to this list as time goes by.

Having said that:

I would like to pass on the Recommended Read award to:

1. Acquire Wisdom and Live With Passion

You will gain wisdom, learn how to use knowledge and find out how to live your life better

2. My Life Starts at Forty-two

A truly strong women who has found her way after the many struggles she has faced in her life. She is an inspiration. Starting over at 42 is certainly hard, as is any age, but this honest and revealing woman shows you it is definitely worth it.

Blogging Star Award

I have overlooked sending out my appreciation and thanks to a new friend in my circle of blog friends. I have received from Attitude, The Ultimate Power the Blogging Star Award.


This award is said to be for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogoshere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures.

I'd like to pass this award on to some people that have touched me with their friendship,kindness,talent and great posts that inspire and help others.

MyLifeStartsatFortytwo

A Writer's woolgatherings

Revellian

Book Project

A Week in the Life of a Redhead

Acquire Wisdom & Live with Passion

Jackal

Laketrees

Work at Home Mom Revolution

Proudly display the award on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
Mention that it originated at Skittles' Place so Barb can follow it's journey.

Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.

More Blogging Awards ~ Thank you

Here I am again writing a post to thank a special blogging friend for not one, but TWO awards she has given me.

This is what Feel Happy said about me:

"One of the new blogs I met this month actually I loved it from the very first sight coz I felt the posts and what was written full of passion , honesty and I liked her style.
Acknowledging her blogs and appreciating her sharing of vital and valuable information in her postings, I hereby present her…"




This has warmed my heart and I am speechless. Never in a million years would I expect to receive this kind of acknowledgement. It has given me inspiration and motivation to continue to find my way in the blogging world. I keep learning from others and I am enjoying this adventure I am on. Sharing experiences, learning from others, reading other great blogs and meeting wonderful people is something I look forward to each day.
There really are good people in this world and when you find them, it's like winning the lottery!

Thank you again for thinking of me. Now I want to pass on a few awards myself. Each one of the people below have left an impression on me. They all are unique and have blogs that provide information, provoke thought and share heartfelt feelings.


Interesting Observations


jackal


Miss quotes


Attitude: The Ultimate Power


Bowrag's blog


You can find the complete details and meanings of the awards here

Zubli Strikes Again!

This time, He has given me an award. What did I do to get this, I asked him...are you sure it's me? I was actually blushing after he made me aware of this award....what a surprise.



For those of you who are not aware of or know Zubli, you are missing out. He is most generous, kind, has a huge heart and offers unconditional friendship.

From the very beginning on mybloglog, Zubli has encouraged and shared with me all aspects of blogging , life and happiness. He has been in my corner and I feel secure in knowing that if I ever need someone to go to with a problem or have a question, he WILL be there to help.

It's just amazing how even though we are miles apart, we are close. That in itself is a wonderful feeling.

He and I share at least one thing in common....we give. We give and want to help others with the intention of not getting anything back.

Thank you for honoring me.

I know I am not alone when I say....Bless you Zubli

Zubli strikes again... read what he posted about me

I've been Tagged !!

I have been tagged by Lyn at Remarkable Bloggers
Thanks Lyn...you are my first...tag that is!

Her other incredible blogs are:
lynda's loft
writing for the hell of it
heavenly inclinations
it's a woman's world
life line 101
the G(gentleman's)spot


It is the 8 Random Facts meme, and, goes as follows....I have to post these rules;
1: Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves which others do not know about them.
2: People who are tagged need to write in their own blog and post these rules.
3: At the end of your 8 random facts post, you must select 8 more people and leave a message at their site that they have been tagged....

Ok, here goes: 8 random facts about me, Andrea
1. I used to work in the music industry: 6 yrs in security, then 5 yrs with a promoter
2. I am friends with a few major celebrities
3. I am afraid of heights
4. I have one son who is 29 1/2 yrs old
5. I'm like a sponge...reading everything, thirsty for knowledge
6. My baby is actually my 3 yr old, 120 lb black lab/shepherd
7. My nicknames are: Sunshine, Ang, Polly and Trouble
8. My 'calming' place is the beach

Well, there you have some facts about me...I choose the following people to be tagged:

Cris Zimermann virtual entrepreneur

Bo bowrag's blog

Sindy and to think

Debojit Chowdhury Free Life Coaching Course

Robert Revellian

Dorid the radula

Mike New2Blog.com

Halil peopleized