I just got tagged for the “Six Things Meme” by Jodi (www.jodiyork.com), so here are mine:

~ Name six things in your refrigerator.
1. Vanilla Yogurt
2. Apples probably too rotten to eat
3. Grapes I KNOW are too bad to eat
4. A swig of Orange Juice
5. Six-Blend Italian Cheese
6. Three Eggs

~Name six things in your freezer.
1. Two Freezer-burned waffles, I was just contemplating on eating tonight
2. Two Sausage Patties
3. Bag of Sweet Corn
4. Broccoli I had just been wondering how long it'd been in there?
5. Bag of Blueberries from last summer
6. Two definitely freezer-burned Ice Cream Sandwiches (how'd that happen??)

~Name six things under your kitchen sink.
1. Dishwashing detergent
2. Trash Bags
3. Cleaning Supplies
4. Empty vases
5. Flower Pots
6. A plethora of Target bags to be re-used

~Name six things around your computer.
1. Pictures of Family
2. Pictures of Boston
3. Mark Twain book of Quotations
4. Lotion
5. Jotted-in Notepad
6. Blank CD's to be burned

~Name six things in your medicine cabinet.
1. Mousse
2. Hairspray
3. Shea Butter Bar
4. Candle
5. Lotion
6. Thermometer (the only medical thing in there!)

~Name six things on or around your nightstand.
1. Books
2. Bible/Devotional
3. Old Picture of Great-Aunts as little girls
4. Lamp
5. Clock/Radio
6. Sentimental clothes I don't wear, but won't throw out (concert t-shirts...)

The Autobiography of Mark Twain starts with this preface: “In this autobiography, I shall keep in mind the fact that I am speaking from the grave. I am literally speaking from the grave, because I shall be dead when the book issues from the press… It has seemed to me that I could be as frank and free and unembarrassed as a love letter if I knew that what I was writing could be exposed to no eye until I was dead, and unaware and indifferent.”

He did not want people to know the true Samuel L. Clemens until he was dead and gone. And so, the question comes to mind: 'Why then would he even go through all the painstaking work of producing such a heartfelt account of his life?'

Jodi responded in her blog a while back to all those who have inquired ‘Why exactly, do you blog?’ to which she answers: to document the time that passes by so quickly with young children, to ‘vent’ (journaling is very therapeutic), and to better keep in touch with both loved ones and new friends.

Me? I’m sure at many times, I probably seem more elusive like Mr. Twain. An 'enigma', as I’ve been told before. But, honestly, I think my philosophy is best stated in Proverbs 17:28 … “Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent”! And, it is ‘safer’, in my opinion to keep people guessing. After all, they can think whatever they want to… is she smart? Is she clueless? Who can tell?? :)

But, I also believe we all have an innate desire to be known. And it requires a great deal of vulnerability to let yourself be known. But, somehow, it’s easier to put yourself out there, via ‘BLOG’. Just you, the computer, and your thoughts. Maybe if Mr. Twain were around today, he too would find it easier to ‘blog’ in an effort to express his true self. Perhaps he’d still prefer death. Who’s to say.

But, for me personally (although I started my blog by accident), I have found the blog to be quite a therapeutic way to share myself as ‘frank and free and unembarrassed’ as if I had already joined Mr. Twain himself, in heaven!

And I would just like to extend a big heartfelt thanks to any and all who have taken this journey with me and taken any interest in the ramblings of my very own personal web-log. :)

(For more information on Mark Twain, I suggest: www.marktwainhouse.org)

Lemonade

"Come on, pour the glass and tempt me
Either half-full or half-empty
'Cause when it all comes down to flavor
The glass is tipping in my favor!

Life gave me lemonade and I can't imagine why
Born on a sunny day, beneath a tangerine sky
I live life without pretending
I'm a sucker for happy endings
Thanks for the lemonade!

I can hardly breathe while waiting
To see what your heart is saying
And as we're swirling in this flavor
The world is tilting in our favor!

I've got it made
Rest in the shade
And hold my love
While God above
Stirs with a spoon
We share the moon
Smile at the bees
More sugar please
He really loves us after all
We're gonna need another straw!!"

~lyrics by Chris Rice

When thinking how to introduce my blog "Bittersweet", I heard this song on the way to work and thought it was fitting. Life is all about how we view it. Jodi commented once several years ago, that the word bittersweet was very fitting for me. I couldn't disagree. :) But, I think it's a good 'in a nutshell' view on life as a whole. And thankfully, these days, I've found my glass more half-full and 'sweeter than the day before"!

Anyway, this is my Blog (now that I know what one is)...
Hope you like it!