You ruined my life! My life is ruined! They’re ruining my life! People use the word ruin a lot, I do not think it means what they think it means. Your life can be altered, sometimes in extremely negative ways, perhaps even screwed up royally, but your life can’t be ruined… technically.
So what if you:
1. Shared a picture, tweet, post, status update etc. that has offended, disturbed, cost you a job, relationship, friendship, and/or caused massive backlash? Learn from it. People are complex, multidimensional, social media tends to be flat, a moment frozen in time which you have no idea how people are viewing or why, what their filter is, what their life experiences are, etc. It’s so easy to offend on social media, if I haven’t done so already, keep reading, odds are someone will be offended by this.
2. Stayed too long and put too much into trying to save a toxic relationship, whether with a partner, friend, family member? ‘Bad’ relationships can lead to low self-esteem, depression, resentment, fatigue – a waste of time and energy. You’ve got to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em, that isn’t just in poker.
3. Ate too much over the holidays? Spent too much over the holidays? Exercised too little? No use beating yourself up, accept responsibility and change.
4. Fell in love and fell hard…with stuff. It’s easy to do, shopping in stores, online, it’s exciting, it’s cool, it’s fun, everyone praises and envies your stuff; like any addiction you can choose what you feed it. Is the gratification worth the consequences?
5. Believed things you heard or read or watched. We’ve all done it, but there’s a lot of bad or just plain wrong information, especially on the internet. Take things with a hefty truckload of salt.
6. Been complacent. You hoped governments and corporations had your best interests at heart. They don’t. They should. But they don’t.
7. Forgot gratitude and took things for granted. I’m sure we’ve all done this, you get comfortable with people, things and you forget – they can all disappear. It’s so easy to accept, expect, and forget to be thankful. Broken record here, but learn from it.
8. Worried too much about what you say or do. Being yourself is so last year and what if you offend someone or they don’t like something you said or did? You can’t please everyone, so unless you’re hurting someone, this too shall pass. If they don’t like you when you’re really you, move on.
9. Gave up on dreams, decided to settle? It may not be too late, at least to have a modified version of those dreams. Keep trying.
10. You’ve fallen and you stayed there…There’s no time limit on getting back up. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, get up, dust off, you’re back!
I like that idea that your life is never “ruined” but that it is only “altered.” That makes dealing with tough situations a lot easier because you can put a positive spin on it. There is always a chance to fix things and improve your life.
And you as well, DP. Hope the holidays were nice and can’t recall if I have already, so I’ll wish you a wonderful 2015.
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Can never have enough well wishes. 🙂 Thank you and all the best to you and yours today and everyday! 🙂
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The new year isn’t a clean slate, but how fortunate that we have the ability to change the ending, to rewrite the script and to walk a different path! Great post!
When my son was little, we bought him a winter coat that was a size too big – because kids grow so fast and, you know, money doesn’t. He fell down in the snow one day and couldn’t get up; it was like seeing a turtle flipped over on his back. But what disturbed him more than falling, apparently, was that he couldn’t see, because he called out “Help! Help! I’ve fallen, and I don’t know where!”
Thanks Lucy for the mention/link in your post http://visualfling.com/2015/01/01/in-the-mid-lands/ 🙂
I’m honoured and frankly a little blushy, but I’m glad I could inspire. 🙂
Hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
I really liked the reminder in #8 to be grateful for the progress I have made this year. I am in the mid-lands between where I was and where I am going, and feeling the sacrifices along the way. Taking stock helped me be less dissatisfied and keep on course.
You’re welcome. Your article filled in the gaps of some voids I couldn’t figure out. 🙂
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Thank you so much Lucy, I’m so happy to hear that. 🙂
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Totally relating to this title! Why did i ever leave Albuquerque??? It gets cold there too, but it warms up as the sun rises. Sunshine super hugs to you D. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this post. In my past there has been a toxic friendship, binge shopping in stores and on-line, and failure to express gratitude. Today, I am proud to have “let go” of the negative and to “express” gratitude daily,
For number one – I’m only offended I haven’t seen that Office Space meme before. I love number 10 – that there’s no time limit on getting back up.
You have the best posts! And memes 🙂
lol Thanks so much Ariel. 🙂
Number 10 really does sum it all up. 🙂
Office Space, I smile even thinking about that movie. 🙂
Hope this week is treating you kindly so far. 🙂
Excellent. Make sure you wave a flag and get me out of my cave when you do. I’d love to read it.
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lol I’ll wave it high! 😉
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Thanks for following my blog! I enjoyed this post and the ensuing discussion. A couple of your pieces of advice reminded me that it’s hard work being a good friend, but worth the effort.
Fun post and great memes. I’m always making extremely dramatic announcements about how I’m going to be zen like. But I’m not quite there yet! And even more ironically, I’ll get impatient with people for not being more chill. Thanks for letting me poke fun at myself a bit there with that last meme.
Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
I think it’s a journey for all of us, I know my best intentions sometimes stay as intentions. 😉
Hope this week is treating you kindly. 🙂
Love this and it’s so true. Why if I said that after all the mistakes I have made in my life, how could I get up in the morning and go on. But I must confess, I know I’ve said those very words. But I did recover!!!
We’ve all probably thought or said them, but life goes on and I’m glad you recovered! 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, so pleased you found me so I could find you, well, guess we found each other. 🙂
Hope this week is being good to you. 🙂
Great post, Donna… Thankful (#8) for the reminder in #10…feel like I’ve been stumbling/muddling through forever ATM…it’s been a tough year (my toughest ever having lost Dad during it), but, all the time I’m muddling through, stumbling forward, (if baby steps count) kinda feel I’m getting back up…half way up at least…:) x
Baby steps totally count, at least I hope so.
Take your time, the important part is you’re getting up, be gentle with yourself, a terrible loss (I’m so sorry) takes time and care. 🙂
Hope this weekend treats you kindly and big hugs. 🙂
I especially love the wisdom of #10. I don’t think most of us take the time we need,.or do what we need to recover and so the feeling of failure goes on and on.
You’re so right. :)The world is so rushed and hurry, hurry, but many things take time and we need to make that time.
Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂
Hi Donna…just jumped over from #blogsharelearn and saw that I must have read your mind because my most recent post is sorta similar. I offer about 10 ways we can all make ourselves unhappy. And yeah, even though I’ve probably thought about all of these, I NEVER let myself stay there. Thanks for the reminders! ~Kathy
Kathy, thanks for popping over. 🙂
Well, great minds think alike (my grandpa used to add, fools seldom differ, but we’ll ignore that last part lol). 😉
I read your post, loved it and you’re right, there’s too much in the world to make us unhappy, to make others happy we need to be happy…or at least content. 🙂
Hope this weekend is treating you kindly. 🙂
It’s all about taking responsibility for your own life. I run into assholes daily. I don’t let them determine how I react or change who I am. I have two words I use often, “f*ck ’em.” I always tell people they should cuss more. 😉 – Great post.
Wow – very wise words. I too really do agree with #7 as well. I believe if we would all just come together and let the government, corporations know we don’t agree with the things they are doing things, we could make changes. Just kind of seems like we are all on separate islands, surviving. Makes me think of an abuse victim, so desperate to get out of a situation, but without the energy or the resources to do so.
Great post!!!!!!
(PS. Came over from #SundayBlogShare on Twitter)
Thank you kindly. I think you’re right, we’re all so busy surviving and being distracted we forget the strength we’d have if we worked together.
Love #SundayBlogShare Suzie is awesome, isn’t she? 🙂
Thanks for popping by, hope this new year is treating you well so far. 🙂
Yes, I just discovered it as I stumbled onto Twitter this morning. Suzie seems to do a great deal in the blogging community. The new year is off to a good start. Hope all is well with you too!!!!!!!
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So far, so good. 🙂
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I’ve come to realize that life comes in cycles—in ebbs and flows. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down; sometimes life is exciting, other times it’s slow. I remind myself of that when I feel bad for not being “successful.”
That’s so very true. And the word ‘successful’ is so subjective, I’ve seen pictures on your blog of how happy your adorable little ones are – you are successful. 🙂
Hope this week treats you kindly. 🙂
EXCELLENT post – great to keep in mind the week after New Year’s for those who’ve already slipped up on their resolutions!!! Found you through #WeekendBlogShare on Twitter!
Thank you kindly. 🙂
Love #WeekendBlogShare Vicky is lovely, isn’t she, so generous to bloggers. 🙂
Hope to see you on Suzie’s #SundayBlogShare – it can get busy, but it’s fun too. 🙂
Glad we found each other, hope to virtually visit often.
Hi Donna,
Great post– supportive and inspirational. Great that you brought this to Blogger’s Pit Stop. Thanks for all the support you give me on Twitter and Facebook. Much appreciated!
I love seeing so many people here. You are a nice, supportive and helpful (do those mean nice? =)) and you deserve your success.
Janice
Hi Janice, always lovely to ‘see’ you, virtually visiting is fun.
Your Blogger’s Pit Stops are awesome, talk about supportive – it’s certainly an amazing way to wind down, take a break, and meet and greet other bloggers. Can’t wait for the next one!!! 🙂
I’m lucky so many people come to visit, including you. 🙂
Hope this week is treating you kindly. 🙂
Awesome, Donna. I love #10 ‘You’ve fallen and you stayed there…There’s no time limit on getting back up. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, get up, dust off, you’re back!’ I think I should frame this with your name on it.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
Ok this was really great girl. I liked all the points and a lot of them hit home. Such truth. So happy to be blessed today by your blog via the Bloggers Pit Stop today.
Glad you liked it. Isn’t #BloggersPitStop awesome, I don’t know how they do it every week, they are wonderful. I hope you can stop by my blog party https://yadadarcyyada.com/2017/04/06/the-wonder-of-you-blog-party/ and leave some links to your blog posts and/or social media links, etc. Pop over as often as you want, leave as many as you want, the more the merrier.
Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂
Thank you so much so sharing the #bloglove, Ian. I hope this weekend is treating you well and have a magnificent week ahead. 🙂 I appreciate the reblog, the sharing and all the kind support. Big bloggy hugs xox
Thank you so much, Ian, I’m behind on my comments, but my sentiment remains the same, I am very grateful so this reblog and your kindness. I hope this weekend is treating you well so far. Any ideas for a new title for my bio? 😉
Best wishes today and every single day. xox
You ruined my life!
Hey, these are rather good thoughts! Number 7 struck a deep, bass, resonating chord for me. 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that #7 struck a chord. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, hope this day is treating you kindly. 🙂
I like that idea that your life is never “ruined” but that it is only “altered.” That makes dealing with tough situations a lot easier because you can put a positive spin on it. There is always a chance to fix things and improve your life.
Exactly, there’s always a way. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, hope this day is treating you kindly. 🙂
You’re welcome. And thanks, same to you. 🙂
🙂
Great post, thank you! Good stuff. 😉
Thank you. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, hope this day is treating you kindly. 🙂
Happy 2015! Thank you for being you, and for your inspiring, fun and always interesting posts!
Best wishes
Inese
Thank you so much Inese, that is so sweet of you to say. 🙂
Thank you for dropping by and all the best to you and yours in 2015!!! 🙂
Wise words! Thank you.
Thank you kindly. Hope this week treats you well. 🙂
What a terrific post, Donna! Talk about chock full of awesomeness! This is a great reminder for the beginning of a New Year! Thanks, dear! cher xo
Thank you so much Cher, you’re too kind. 🙂
Hope your Blog Anniversary went well!!! 🙂
Thanks for dropping by! 🙂 Big hugs, Donna xo
Love it – bang on post once again. Great advice that everyone should heed.
Thank you so much Norm. 🙂
Hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
A good shake up for the new year. I’m probably guilty of all of them, except #1, and 5 and 6 and…7. Wait a minute. I’m just plain g.u.i.l.t.y. 😀
We all are, at various times. 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, hope your have a wonderful day! 🙂
And you as well, DP. Hope the holidays were nice and can’t recall if I have already, so I’ll wish you a wonderful 2015.
Can never have enough well wishes. 🙂 Thank you and all the best to you and yours today and everyday! 🙂
The new year isn’t a clean slate, but how fortunate that we have the ability to change the ending, to rewrite the script and to walk a different path! Great post!
Thanks Kate, you’re right, it’s never too late (oh no, I’m rhyming!). 🙂
Hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
Love this. Noticed you’ve read and liked posts on Nutsrok. Thanks
Glad you loved this, so sweet of you to say. 🙂
Yes, I’ve popped by and intent to keep doing so, great posts. 🙂
Hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
When my son was little, we bought him a winter coat that was a size too big – because kids grow so fast and, you know, money doesn’t. He fell down in the snow one day and couldn’t get up; it was like seeing a turtle flipped over on his back. But what disturbed him more than falling, apparently, was that he couldn’t see, because he called out “Help! Help! I’ve fallen, and I don’t know where!”
The kid had it right. Where was more important.
Oh my goodness. That’s quite a picture. Yes, I suppose where is very important. 🙂
Thanks Lucy for the mention/link in your post http://visualfling.com/2015/01/01/in-the-mid-lands/ 🙂
I’m honoured and frankly a little blushy, but I’m glad I could inspire. 🙂
Hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
I really liked the reminder in #8 to be grateful for the progress I have made this year. I am in the mid-lands between where I was and where I am going, and feeling the sacrifices along the way. Taking stock helped me be less dissatisfied and keep on course.
Thank you Lucy, very kind of you to include me in your post http://visualfling.com/2015/01/01/in-the-mid-lands/ 🙂
So pleased I could help in any way. 🙂
You’re welcome. Your article filled in the gaps of some voids I couldn’t figure out. 🙂
Thank you so much Lucy, I’m so happy to hear that. 🙂
Totally relating to this title! Why did i ever leave Albuquerque??? It gets cold there too, but it warms up as the sun rises. Sunshine super hugs to you D. 🙂
lol Thanks Teagan, right back at you. 🙂
Once again well stated FACTS!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Thanks for dropping by and all the best! 🙂
Big deal if you really mess up. Eveni If only you’ve got an hour left you can at least die with a good attitude. This minute is all anybody has.
Yes, we need to find wonder in the here and now. 🙂
Every day is good!
🙂
#10 sums it all up nicely! Thanks for the reminder.
It’s something I tell my son (and remind myself). 🙂
You’re welcome and thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Hope this day is treating you kindly. 🙂
#4 and so I write or play my guitar and it’s enough 🙂
You also share your work, for which we are thankful, Bill. 🙂
Hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
I like the part about it never being too late to go after your dreams 🙂
It never is… 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, hope this day is treating you kindly. 🙂
Great blog – and you are so right!
Thank you so much for the kind words Jane and thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this post. In my past there has been a toxic friendship, binge shopping in stores and on-line, and failure to express gratitude. Today, I am proud to have “let go” of the negative and to “express” gratitude daily,
You’re welcome. 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that…I feel that in your posts. 🙂
Hope this day is treating you kindly. 🙂
For number one – I’m only offended I haven’t seen that Office Space meme before. I love number 10 – that there’s no time limit on getting back up.
You have the best posts! And memes 🙂
lol Thanks so much Ariel. 🙂
Number 10 really does sum it all up. 🙂
Office Space, I smile even thinking about that movie. 🙂
Hope this week is treating you kindly so far. 🙂
I’d love to see you do a post and expound on the toxic relationship angle. Just sayin’ 🙂
I’ve been working on one actually, but am struggling with the wording. 🙂
Thank you dropping by, the suggestion and hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
Excellent. Make sure you wave a flag and get me out of my cave when you do. I’d love to read it.
lol I’ll wave it high! 😉
Thanks for following my blog! I enjoyed this post and the ensuing discussion. A couple of your pieces of advice reminded me that it’s hard work being a good friend, but worth the effort.
You’re welcome and thanks for the follow back. I’m glad we found each other in this virtual haystack. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words. 🙂
Got to remember that – virtual haystack. Very cool.
🙂
Good lessons of life!!! I like the 1,2,3 style of your thoughts. Christine
Thank you Christine.
Hope this day treats you kindly. 🙂
Great post. I love your point: we all make mistakes and none of them have to result in our complete destruction.
Thank you kindly. 🙂
Fun post and great memes. I’m always making extremely dramatic announcements about how I’m going to be zen like. But I’m not quite there yet! And even more ironically, I’ll get impatient with people for not being more chill. Thanks for letting me poke fun at myself a bit there with that last meme.
Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
I think it’s a journey for all of us, I know my best intentions sometimes stay as intentions. 😉
Hope this week is treating you kindly. 🙂
Love this and it’s so true. Why if I said that after all the mistakes I have made in my life, how could I get up in the morning and go on. But I must confess, I know I’ve said those very words. But I did recover!!!
We’ve all probably thought or said them, but life goes on and I’m glad you recovered! 🙂
Thanks for dropping by, so pleased you found me so I could find you, well, guess we found each other. 🙂
Hope this week is being good to you. 🙂
Great post, Donna… Thankful (#8) for the reminder in #10…feel like I’ve been stumbling/muddling through forever ATM…it’s been a tough year (my toughest ever having lost Dad during it), but, all the time I’m muddling through, stumbling forward, (if baby steps count) kinda feel I’m getting back up…half way up at least…:) x
Baby steps totally count, at least I hope so.
Take your time, the important part is you’re getting up, be gentle with yourself, a terrible loss (I’m so sorry) takes time and care. 🙂
Hope this weekend treats you kindly and big hugs. 🙂
Ooops…forgot to mention… #blogsharelearn.. shhh, don’t tell Elena 😉
lol I won’t tell and Elena’s too sweet to care. 😉
I especially love the wisdom of #10. I don’t think most of us take the time we need,.or do what we need to recover and so the feeling of failure goes on and on.
You’re so right. :)The world is so rushed and hurry, hurry, but many things take time and we need to make that time.
Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂
Hi Donna…just jumped over from #blogsharelearn and saw that I must have read your mind because my most recent post is sorta similar. I offer about 10 ways we can all make ourselves unhappy. And yeah, even though I’ve probably thought about all of these, I NEVER let myself stay there. Thanks for the reminders! ~Kathy
Kathy, thanks for popping over. 🙂
Well, great minds think alike (my grandpa used to add, fools seldom differ, but we’ll ignore that last part lol). 😉
I read your post, loved it and you’re right, there’s too much in the world to make us unhappy, to make others happy we need to be happy…or at least content. 🙂
Hope this weekend is treating you kindly. 🙂
All very true. Good sense of perspective. Visiting from #weekendblogshare
Lovely to have you pop by, hope this weekend is treating you kindly. 🙂
It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it. So easy to wallow in guilt or play the victim. Been there, done that and realized it’s hell!
Exactly Corinne…and what’s that quote about hell, when you’re there just keeping going – the other side’s much better. 😉
It’s all about taking responsibility for your own life. I run into assholes daily. I don’t let them determine how I react or change who I am. I have two words I use often, “f*ck ’em.” I always tell people they should cuss more. 😉 – Great post.
lol That’s certainly the best way to think, you be you, they can’t take that away. 🙂
Wow – very wise words. I too really do agree with #7 as well. I believe if we would all just come together and let the government, corporations know we don’t agree with the things they are doing things, we could make changes. Just kind of seems like we are all on separate islands, surviving. Makes me think of an abuse victim, so desperate to get out of a situation, but without the energy or the resources to do so.
Great post!!!!!!
(PS. Came over from #SundayBlogShare on Twitter)
Thank you kindly. I think you’re right, we’re all so busy surviving and being distracted we forget the strength we’d have if we worked together.
Love #SundayBlogShare Suzie is awesome, isn’t she? 🙂
Thanks for popping by, hope this new year is treating you well so far. 🙂
Yes, I just discovered it as I stumbled onto Twitter this morning. Suzie seems to do a great deal in the blogging community. The new year is off to a good start. Hope all is well with you too!!!!!!!
So far, so good. 🙂
I’ve come to realize that life comes in cycles—in ebbs and flows. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down; sometimes life is exciting, other times it’s slow. I remind myself of that when I feel bad for not being “successful.”
That’s so very true. And the word ‘successful’ is so subjective, I’ve seen pictures on your blog of how happy your adorable little ones are – you are successful. 🙂
Hope this week treats you kindly. 🙂
EXCELLENT post – great to keep in mind the week after New Year’s for those who’ve already slipped up on their resolutions!!! Found you through #WeekendBlogShare on Twitter!
Thank you kindly. 🙂
Love #WeekendBlogShare Vicky is lovely, isn’t she, so generous to bloggers. 🙂
Hope to see you on Suzie’s #SundayBlogShare – it can get busy, but it’s fun too. 🙂
Glad we found each other, hope to virtually visit often.
learn from it and move on! great advice. life is full of lessons to be learned. don’t dwell on them.
Thank you kindly. Glad you could drop by, comment and glad we found each other – I don’t drink coffee, but I do love, love, love tea!!! 🙂
I follow, like, leave comments….I can follow directions. Love your style. I read all your posts in my own voice because I relate to them so much.
So pleased you could drop by, Bryce, hope your week is going well and that you have an awesome weekend. 🙂
Visiting from Blogger’s Pit Stop at Mostly Blogging.
When things look really dark, I just tell myself, “Put one foot in front of the other.” It’s worked so far. :O)
Here’s my Blogger’s Pit Stop.
That’s an awesome attitude. Thanks for dropping by, the ladies over at the Blogger’s Pit Stop are awesome, aren’t they? 🙂
Hi Donna,
Great post– supportive and inspirational. Great that you brought this to Blogger’s Pit Stop. Thanks for all the support you give me on Twitter and Facebook. Much appreciated!
I love seeing so many people here. You are a nice, supportive and helpful (do those mean nice? =)) and you deserve your success.
Janice
Hi Janice, always lovely to ‘see’ you, virtually visiting is fun.
Your Blogger’s Pit Stops are awesome, talk about supportive – it’s certainly an amazing way to wind down, take a break, and meet and greet other bloggers. Can’t wait for the next one!!! 🙂
I’m lucky so many people come to visit, including you. 🙂
Hope this week is treating you kindly. 🙂
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
THIS IS…THE LAND OF THE LIVING!!!
Thank you so much, Jonathan, very kind of you. 🙂
Hope this week is treating you well and an even better weekend. 🙂
Awesome, Donna. I love #10 ‘You’ve fallen and you stayed there…There’s no time limit on getting back up. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, get up, dust off, you’re back!’ I think I should frame this with your name on it.
Kathleen
Blogger’s Pit Stop
It’s so true, Kathleen, in this rushing world we too often put a time limit on things.
Hope this weekend is treating you kindly.
Ok this was really great girl. I liked all the points and a lot of them hit home. Such truth. So happy to be blessed today by your blog via the Bloggers Pit Stop today.
Glad you liked it. Isn’t #BloggersPitStop awesome, I don’t know how they do it every week, they are wonderful. I hope you can stop by my blog party https://yadadarcyyada.com/2017/04/06/the-wonder-of-you-blog-party/ and leave some links to your blog posts and/or social media links, etc. Pop over as often as you want, leave as many as you want, the more the merrier.
Hope this weekend treats you kindly. 🙂
I’m soo relating to this today, Donna. I hope you’re having a satisfying Saturday. Hugs!
It’s something to keep remembering, isn’t it, dear friend….Mega even ruins have a beauty to them hugs xoxoxx
Thank you so much so sharing the #bloglove, Ian. I hope this weekend is treating you well and have a magnificent week ahead. 🙂 I appreciate the reblog, the sharing and all the kind support. Big bloggy hugs xox
Thank you so much, Ian, I’m behind on my comments, but my sentiment remains the same, I am very grateful so this reblog and your kindness. I hope this weekend is treating you well so far. Any ideas for a new title for my bio? 😉
Best wishes today and every single day. xox