"friday five" ... love-in !

I think I am most thankful for Texas Wahine, in which I have acquired a dear friend. I do not trust easily or give easily, but she inspired me to break down that barrier.

Several others mentioned on the list....which I was instructed to try not to repeat. I hope you know who you are.

Danny Bassett-He always has kind, caring, thoughtful comments on everyone's blog. Often he is the only one, but he never leaves anyone out. If I write an article, I can always depend on him to be one of the first to comment, even if no one else does. He has been a true delight for me, and I hope he sticks around for a long time.

Deadzombie-Because he is the greatest man on the planet and my best friend. His love provides my next breath and the strength to fight another day.

Daiwa-He is a reasonable Republican. I always agree with his articles and comments. I try to emulate the compassion and kindness he exhibits as he tells "sets them straight." May I learn to be so articulate and knowledgable.

Grim Xiozan-Because he always cracks me up. Plinko!

Dr. Guy-For his sound advice and logic. I love his ability to go into a heated conversation and stick with it.

Oops I did more than five. Sorry. Please forgive.

For my “Thanksgiving Friday Five", I would like to give thanks to ...

1/ MasonM - the first person who ever replyed to one of my blogs (my 7th) (Also to BlueDev and Dharma who respnded as parents when I needed help one day)


2/ SallyJ for having a 13 comment conversion with me about Neighbours which was my biggest article for months. Plus she's a very groovy girl and an excellent writer what's not to love!


3/ Mignuna for being funny, crazy, Australian, for reading and liking my nonsense and for leaving notes to my daughter in "her own language"


4/ Brad/Draginol for allowing me to participate in his community - I almost died when I saw his response on one of my articles


5/ Tegan for being my best friend and making me come to view her blog and not allowing anonymous users to respond - I had to become a member to reply to one of her articles and since I had a blog I may as well use it.
Special mention to Wayne who went back and read all my old blogs and even responded to some months later.

Thanking 5 people was hard Mig - I missed Dharma who became such a great off JU email friend

Jamie Burnside who was the first person to add me to his favourites list

And Janders who always has a kind word to say and who never fails to make me have some kind of emaotional reaction - whether it be laughter or tears.

Not to mention Shades, Texas, LW, Gideon, Champas, Muggaz, Phoenix Boi -- these bloggers and more have enriched my blogging experience.

Too many people, can't decide, bad Mignuna makes us pick just five The why's I'm thankful for these people really all boils down to the same thing, because they write good/fun/silly/entertaining/insigtful/etc blogs/comments. But I'll add extra reasons all the same
iamheather: Because shes brave enough to call herself crazy, and was thankful for me in her list
Hamster 311: Because hamsters are cute and furry, and this one cuts hair
EmperorofIceCream: Because he rules over the ice cream, and everyone likes to scream for ice cream
Rod Brock: Because he made Texas Wahine go mad and pull out all her hair, and now lets us comment on his blogs
island_gurl12: Because she sticks her tongue out at us, while taking the time to blog with us from work

This is rough... because I have so many!

Hmmm....

Little Whip - because she has the balls and eloquence, and because she's the most honest person I know.

Dylan Zimmerman - because she's a brilliant writer and I feel quite an affinity to her

Miggy - because she's intelligent, and again a brilliant writer.

Phoenix - because he's courageous and kind.  He's there with kleenex when I'm sad, a smile when I'm happy, and a heavy handbag when I'm being a dumb ass.  He's probably my best friend...there's not much about me he doesn't know.

Texas - because she's funny, smart, and strong....she's a perfect example of what a military spouse should be.

That's 5, but I'd also like to include Blue Dev, greywar, Pseudo, Jill, Karma, iamheather, deadzombie, chiprj, trina, his empness, suspected, macky, brad, citahellion......there are just too many to number.

We are incredibly lucky to have such a great community here. 

We are incredibly lucky to have such a great community here.

That we are! I too was stifled by the "5 only" rule. I tried to be good, but I keep wanting to go back and list some more. It's wrong, I say, just plain wrong.

I am thankful for you too Dharma...and chip, brad....oops, better stop now! Gonna get in trouble.

1. chip -- because he's a talented writer who always makes me laugh; he is a caring and compassionate person who looks for the best in everyone; he is a credit to the US Army, and serves with dignity, pride, and passion.

2. lobsterhunter -- because she is a beautiful human being who is ever searching for ways to better herself; she has the strength to endure things that are scary, humiliating, and painful; she is dedicated to helping and loving others.

3. SPC Nobody Special -- because he's freaking hilarious; he's very witty and great with the limericks; he has strong convictions, and he is faithful to them.

4. History is here -- because he knows every Simpsons episode by heart and is able to apply his Simpsons wisdom; he makes me laugh; he is quite the diplomat, and is very skilled in dealing with people.

5. Kingbee -- because he uses funny words that make me laugh; he is completely brilliant and his knowledge base is HUGE; he's so insanely creative and funny.

Of course, I am thankful for sooo many others, but I tried to stick to the rule of only doing people that hadn't yet been done. I also want to give a shout out to iamheather (one of the most loving, caring people I've come across), sallyjacobs (a cutie pie), dharma (an inspiration to me, and a very good friend), citahellion (I enjoy his brilliance), little whip (another one of the many women on here that I admire -- a wise woman who has shown me great kindness), LadyCleve (a wonderful woman), mig (so talented, and such a kind, gentle soul), myrrander (naughty and funny), Jill (a loving mother who captures family life so well), stevendedalus (so smart, and has always been so encouraging to me), BlueDev (a good man who is mild-mannered and kind to everyone), Raven (I adore her, she's funny and so very real about herself), Janders (a real sweetie), xtine (great writer, and a neat woman), islandgurl (a cutie who is sweet and encouraging to all) . . . gosh, I could keep going, but I guess I'd better stop.

This is tough so many of you have touched me in ways you will never know. Thankyou Trina you are a complete sweetheart *hugz*

1) Suz the floozie. Me and her have so much in common its worrying. She is a true friend to me, whenever I have problems or anything she is there for me. She offers advice to anyone who needs it, and is always making me smile. She made me realise there are people here can call true friends, and I can never thank her enough for that.

2) Dylan. She is super sweet, and super talented. Her writing amazes me and leaves me in awe. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and is totally honest. She is also a really good friend. She is just a complete sweetheart.

3) Mig. This list wouldn't be complete without my Mumsy. You have made me smile on days when I didn't think it was possible. You truely are an angel. The place wouldn't be the same without you chick.

4) Marco. Marco is the sweetest, most thoughtful guy. His writing is amazing, and he's really nice and genuine.

5) Mugz. From my start on JU Mugz has been a great inspiration, and real support.

There are many other people here who I think are amazing. Texas is wonderful, I can't say enough good things about her. I really respect LW, and her ability to fight for her views, yet she is also willing to listen, and agree to disagree. I read alot of dharma's blog, and JU wouldn't be the place it is today without her. Raven, I always feel like I want to give a big hug, just so real. M-post, is a sweetheart, and a really genuine guy. Brad and kharma, I haven't had much interation with them, but I think they do a great job here, and it's not always easy. Whenever Brad leaves me a comment...I get all excited...lol...I'm such a baby! This was a great blog Mig, I like these feel good ones!

hm...to avoid repeats as much as possible, I'd list the following as features for five.

I think as a whole, they cheer me up with their presense and their supportive words. I am very grateful for that.

1) Mignuna - because she adopted me when I was a newbie blogger here and that really encouraged me.

2) Angloesque - regular vistor to my blog and I to hers. I love her wit.

3) Chiprj - there's something about him that seems to cheer up the room - he cheers me up. Especially his "BWAHAHAHAHA!".

4) Brenda Holiday - I just think she's awesome. Talented writer too.

5) BlueDev - he's the first medical doctor I actually like. I realise I only know him on the web and only for a few months, but so far, but I love his honesty and down to earthness.

I really want to express my appreciation to the following people too:

Sally Jacobs - one of the first people who were really encouraging to me when I was new. I think she's real and really wonderful.
Gideon MacLeish - is someone I respect when I read his blogs. Wish he's around more these days.
Texas W. - we joined about the same time, I think. She's an angel.
Historyishere - interesting topics, websites, and a fellow gamester
Danny - funny guy. His comments on my blog always brings a smile on my face.
SSG Geezer - There are times he makes me think.
KarmaGirl - for doing such a great job at moderating this place.

Of course, mustn't forget to thank Brad for the place.

I am thankful for the others too, all the regulars of JU who continue to share their life, their thoughts and their insight. Thank you!

I apologise in advance to anyone i miss and for the um..length .





1) Mig- for being ridiculously talented, inspirational, intelligent, witty, kind, compassionate, and hella cool. Vanessa, you're so wonderful, thankyou for everything.>
2)Sally - one of the first bloggers I "met" here. She has been so supportive of me, and I value her advice so much. She's warm, and funny,caring and genuine, a talented writer and a real friend to me, she's an awesome person. I can't thank her enough.

this is wonderful !. i've just woken up (it's 8.40am) to this amazing outpouring of luuurrrve !.

thankyou everyone so much for answering - i agree it's hard to choose just five (and i don't blame you at all, sabrina, i even cheated myself by adding that 6th one, it's just too hard to choose).

heather, trina, danny, dharma, texas, sal, raven & sabrina (in order of appearance hehe): kudos to you for adding some cheer to those who bring joy to your blogging world, and thankyou for sharing your thoughts with me yet again

mig XXXXX

 

4) Brenda Holiday - I just think she's awesome. Talented writer too.

Aw thanks raven. *blushing* Right back at cha sister:)

Mack and Suspeckted... amazing poets, and simply interesting men. Mugs for being himself, all the time. Dylan for writing the most gorgeous, moving stuff. I rarely comment, often because I am just unable to at the time. JeremyG, who, while he hasn't blogged for awhile, really showed me about writing with not just style but as a personal challenge. Little Whip because she is so complex. All of my favorite bloggers are amazing writers, and like everyone else has said, there's just not enough room to list absolutely everyone that moves me.
For purely personal reasons, Dharma, Jill, Karma, Migs and Shades are all women that I admire, and, in many ways, strive to emulate. I have truly learned a lot.
Lastly, for Brad, because he's made the last year thoroughly enjoyable for providing me with this opportunity to sort my brain, meet some decent people, and continue to challege myself as a writer, and a reader.

Feel the love, everyone.

Hmm....5 users. Very difficult since I have so many anonymous visitors I should thank...Nobody Important and WildLooseComma specifically. As for users...

1) Trinitie (new-age nomad) - no one has been so supportive of my poetry as this fine young woman has. Try as I might to try to be supportive myself, nothing compares to the praise from complete strangers.

2) Mig - possibly JU's busiest blogger. No matter how many quality posts she makes herself she always seems to be able to find time to share her thoughts with me on a particular article.

3) NickyG - another loyal reader and a fantastic writer.

4) Johnny Masuda - the one who challenges me the most with what he writes both emotionally and as a writer.

5) Unfairman - though he is away from his blogging post while he's working for the Peace Corps. He is the one that first began blogging with me when he and I both got fed up with our previous forum outlets. I loved his blog and wish dearly that he was able to write about his adventures in the Cook Islands near Fiji.

Special mention to newbies SameOldRat, LeapingLizard, and Reddirty who I'd like to claim I corrupted into creating blogs...man, shouldn't I get some kind of bonus for referrals? Also, I gotta plug Philomedy...that dude can rhyme like no one I've seen in a long while.....Check this shit out.......Link


Thanks JU!

Suspeckted

PS - hooray, I recently made it past the 10,000 pt. mark

Mug
Mig
Anglo
Trin
& Dan K. 

I haven't taken the time required to get to know very many of the bloggers that came on board while I was deployed.  I'm always worried about falling back into my old habits of spending way too much time here, so I've taken on the role of "that guy that's standing on the outside looking in."  and I'm o.k. with that.  Angloesque is a longtime friend & has been way cool about coming outside to say hi to me, and for that I'm thankful.  Truth be told, I'm thankful for all of y'all here at JU, but the 5 I listed are some of my favs, even if we haven't hung out much lately.  

Wow, I'm honored to be included on your list, Mig! And I have to join in the plaint that choosing only 5 is a hard, hard thing to do. But I'll try....

1/ Mignuna. An endlessly fascinating, wonderfully entertaining, unfailingly kind and thoughtful person.
2/ Texas Wahine. Honest, empathic, caring, and open. You can't help but feel like you're involved in her life just by reading her stuff.
3/ Gideon MacLeish. Interesting, thought-provoking, prolific (when possible), and libertarian. A lot of the time I find myself thinking "that's exactly what I would have decided if I'd ever considered that subject."
4/ ChipRJ. Great storytelling, lots of great stories to tell, dedicated serviceman.
5/ Dharmagrl and little_whip. Yeah, I'm cheating, but I like 'em both for the same reasons. Honest, strong, direct. They both prefer to tell it like it is instead of pussyfooting around an issue. Makes for some heated exchanges, but also for a lot of interesting reading and thoughtful discussion of tough topics.

 

hi dyl (my muse of sorts), brenda (a humble lady for such a talent), nic (a poet and a sister), alphonse (the lean, mean, poetry machine hehe), mj (the best brother a girl could have) & citahellion (the mind with a man of its' own) ... thanks for visiting my thanksgiving friday five.

i agree again that choosing just 5 is a big ask - thanks for doing your best everyone (i hereby formally excuse any 'rants' or long posts) ... i loved them all, and feel i honoured to have shared in all of the positive praise.

i mean it most sincerely when i say i'm thrilled to bits to have been named. i'm no calm, cool, collected character (as we all know) and i get very excited when i get positive comments. they mean a great deal to me, and the ones on this blog are certain to become amongst my most cherished.

oooh. i ranted too. i have to go now. there is a wasp in my curtain.

mig XXXXXXXXX

Well, I'm late to the party a lot lately...

We only get five? Ok, let's see here -

greywar - I'm here because of him

Draginol - I get to be here because of him

Texas Wahine - Few blogs make me laugh like hers

Oleteach - She writes about her spirituality and it makes me think hard about my own

Mignuna - Not just for this post. Around the time I first started here at JU, she wrote a poem that is still, to this day, my favorite post here. I think I'll go bump it right now.

There are so many more. My Blogs I Read list on my page is only the start. I have about twice that many feeding into my blogroll folder in Blog Navigator.

I definitely forgot to plug Mack, how silly of me, but it's Sunday so no one can really be held accountable for anything today.

Ooh... I like this migs. Nothing like a bit of virtual free love to get the community going!

Where to start?

1) Sally J - Sal has been such a wonderful friend to me. From asking me one simple question, we've somehow managed to forge this awesome relationship. She's been there for me and listened to me prattle on for hours on end - and still wants me to come and visit her in Manchester (January, baby!) I had been around JU for a while, but never really connected to it or the people here. Sal's the one who made that all change for me. Thanks hon!

2) Dylan - Dyl makes the most ordinary things seem extraordinary. I love her descriptions of everything - it makes me feel like I'm reading a fairy tale, not just the details of someone's life. I love how she can make the most ugly, gritty, dirty subjects seem to sparkle - yet without glorifying them. If there is one person I'd love to be able to write like, it's her. Also, Dyl has been a great friend, listening to boring clap trap about boys and other unimportant things. She has kickarse taste in music, too!

3) Marco - Marco's writing is so deep and beautiful that I always have to read it a couple of times before I even slightly understand it. I never know how to comment, but I always feel a little bit wiser (even if I'm not sure how) after reading him. Marco also leaves the most insightful comments. Where as I will say something like 'Great article!', he'll find some tangent to travel down which opens up the original article even more. A true modern day thinker.

4) Migs - Where would we be without you, honey? The Friday Fives, the poetry, your funny takes on modern life, your jabs at being Australian (all in good fun, of course... how is the Big Banana, by the way?) your support, your kindness, you care and concern for everyone in this lovely community. You write beautifully and honestly in a way that shows your beauty as a person. Thank you for all you've done for me in the time I've been here.

5)I've got to cheat on this one, as I don't know who to single out here... so, in no particular order - Muggaz, Little Whip, Dharma, Teegstar, Powderfinger007, MasonM, Trina_p, and all the other people who I cannot remember now and will kick myself for not mentioning later.

Thanks for another great Friday Five, migs.

Suz xxx

Well, I'm late but I'll add my two cents:

Mig - you always come up with the darndest things! Keep up the good work.

Draginol - First for having JU and giving me a forum to rant and add my two cents; and second, your capacity for details in your articles, wow, amzing.

LW - one interesting lady who always have a lot to say - and such a fighter, despite all those crazy people who keep messing w/you - you keep on blogging - you go girl!

Bluedev - always something interesting to say.

Texas - I like your style.

Well, there are others too, whose blogs are always so interesting, Dharma, Trina, Anglo, JillU, Raven...the list is endless.

I suppose I am very late as well, but wanted to add mine as well...all people I know in real life...

OG San: for unknowingly introducing me to blogging and for not killing me when I didn't tell you who I was...
Soupy: for giving me OG's blog address during your trip to NYC which allowed me to be sneaky and devious for several months...
Itgirl: for keeping me informed of all the ongoings of the Belfast gang

I'm late too, but I figure I'll have fun anyway...

Imajinit - Thanks for all the horse help and responses to my articles!
Trin - You dare to be different. To be bold. You dare to be a "non-mainstream", if you will, Christian. You choose to face your problems and use them to better you. You choose to look at the world as beautiful and make the best of everything around you.
Mack - Your poetry is so heartfelt and passionate. You're an awesome guy. There aren't enough romantics to go around for all us emotional chicks.
Muggaz - Just for being 100% sanguine and making me laugh
Anne - You are SUCH a passionate person. It's so cool how passionate you are about so many things. I actually feel when I read your blogs. I feel like I can relate. Sometimes I just wish I could give you a huge hug when you're hurting because your writing portrays it so well and makes me feel what you're feeling.

~Sarah

hi chip, suz, shades, foreverserenity and sarah ... it's never too late ! welcome and thanks for adding your favourite bloggers. this post got a lot of views, so i'm hoping that those that were named will come by to see their praise.

big love & smoochies,

mig XXX

ps: suz, the banana is good. it still awaits our 'joint' visit bwaaa haaaaa !. ahem. nice to see you chicky

 

Mig:

I have one more--good thing I only used three last time, eh?

As I've been wandering the forums today, I realized how thankful I am for Marco. His intellect and creativity far surpass any that I should hope to attain. His skill with language is simply remarkable. But more than both of these, I love to watch him debate on the political forums. He's one of the few bloggers around here that can put forth a position without being rude or resorting to namecalling--but he's also not afraid to call someone out when they are out of line. Honestly, if someone wants to learn how to debate issues rather than people, they only need to follow Marco's example. Thanks, Marco!

My first instinct was to keep walking, hand over my face and hope no one would notice, but like a fatal car crash this is strangely fascinating. I guess I have to add my blood to an already messy scene.

Mig: Without her I wouldn't be here.

How I begged her to allow me just mere glimpses of her written work before JU and then, like a hussy, she started showing whole groups of people.

Thanks to this shameless and perverse act on her part I have seen her produce work that would never have been written in private and how thankful I have been.

She writes with an effortlessness that is impossible to emulate, a grace that is almost audible, like the hems of debutant gowns, swishing to a waltz. If you've ever had a grandmother than can take whatever you have in the pantry after two weeks without grocery shopping and make you drool with the meal thereafter, you know what Mig's like as a writer. You read for a little bit and you suddenly realise - damn, if that was any other writer, I would have stopped reading. Sometimes it's the subject that keeps you there, but Mig keeps you there all the time.

Her poetry...forgedaboudit! While we play in the minor league, she's playing in a stadium. by herself. unopposed. untouchable.

Dyl: What can i say. I have never seen the space that exists in between objects taken in the palm of a hand and gently placed on paper or the screen.

When we touch snowflakes they melt, when Dyl catches them, and then gives them to us, they remain perfect.

Floozie: This girl is my JU fix of Sex in the City. I love that show dearly, as I do the Floozie. Sophisticated, sharp, cosmopolitan - you kinda have to clamp your feet down so you don't get swept off them. She talks about heartbreak and you so want to get your heart broken...preferably by her (Please Fluz, laugh... PLEEEEEASE!)

Did i mention she writes like a columnist from one of those stylish-as-fuck magazines, the one's you usually can't afford and they usually make a point of highlighting their writers because they're actually good.

Sally: Talking to, and reading, Sally is like sitting next to a fireplace in the dead of winter, in a cabin, in the woods and a wolf is howling outside. You love that fireplace. You cherish it.

Whenever I have felt like I should be wearing black skivvies, black pants, black rimmed glasses and slicked back hair - she's made me feel like i should be wearing a Hawaiian shirt and drinking cocktails at a tropical bar, chatting someone up. If you know me at all you would know that this is a freakin' impossibility.

First person that made me feel like people lived here. Thank you Sally.

Hamster 311: A recent addition to JU and her mark is already being felt. I like her in that strangely perverse kind of way in that she reminds me of the me i would like to be. I know that could be construed as an insult, but more than anything else it's the tone. She writes the way I would like to sound - even tempered, effortlessly intelligent and solid, like you could hold onto her in a storm.

emperoroficecream: This guy intimidated the hell out of me...and I liked it. If i was to use the word respect in that heavy handed, Sicilian kind of way, it would be now. RESPECT.

As a cheat, seeing as everyone else seems to be doing it, i would like to add Little_Whip under emperor (hell, maybe she would even like it ) She is someone that is just really substantial if you know what I mean. You get the feeling that you should be reading her, like it would do you some good, and it almost always does. This universe is populated with millions of little (ha!) black holes that exert a disproportionate amount of gravitational pull for their size, Little_whip should be classified as one of these.

Too many to list. The regret and kicking of self is inevitable.

Marco