Analyze This - Your Blog - What Type of a Blogger R U

I found this great blog analyzer over at Rachelle Gardner's Twitter post via typealyzer: click here.


I ran the analyzer on my blog and it said my blog was:

An "ISFP - The Artists"
[ISFP]
"The gentle and compassionate type. They are especially attuned their inner values and what other people need. They are not friends of many words and tend to take the worries of the world on their shoulders. They tend to follow the path of least resistance and have to look out not to be taken advantage of.

They often prefer working quietly, behind the scene as a part of a team. They tend to value their friends and family above what they do for a living."

So what kind of a blogger are you?

THAT FOUR-LETTER WORD

Rules are meant to be followed – right?

WRONG! (Or at least "not always".) Now, I'm not saying to write a 300,000 word manuscript and then send it willy-nilly all around to every agent, editor and publisher in the world. And if you want to read one agent's spin on following the rules, click here.

We’ve all heard, “Write what you know” and “Become an Expert in Your Field.”

Maybe I’m just a wannabe rebel—or imagining myself following in the footsteps of James Dean, Brando and Elvis. But one thing all these men had in common was stepping outside the box, breaking the mold and making their own way (okay three things they had in common, but it really all boils down to one thing). We all have to make our own way, direct our own path, and travel our own road to publication.

These icons (Elvis, Brando and Dean) weren’t satisfied when others set limits for them. And, they weren’t willing to accept random restrictions.

And, I see some things, like dieting: putting up boundaries isn’t always the best approach; especially when it comes to the printed page. Sometimes it’s better to eat that chocolate-dipped cherry, or indulge in that jelly-filled donut. Because it's difficult to live in denial. Resentment grows--like a wicked weed, and people begin to feel deprived—or atleast I feel deprived, and then I end up binging.

Oh, wait I was talking about writing, not food..., or was I?

I say: write about whatever it is that interests you – if it whets your creative whistle, we'll want to read it.

When we follow all the rules, writing becomes a four-letter word: W.O.R.K. And writers should think writing is fun.

If writing isn’t fun, for me, I won’t want to do it, late at night, when most sane people are fast asleep, while visions of sugarplums (there’s the food again) dance in their heads.

Life should be full of flavor and writers should follow their own rules to make writing [a]muse[ing].

GOD IS STILL WORKING ON ME

Some of you know, 2008 was a rough year. I suffered a lot of loss.

January rolled past in a blur and I was thinking how fast time flies and remembering...

But, this is 2009, and a new year. Plus, February is a month to celebrate love! And, by writing poetry, we share our love and, sometimes, a bit of our lives.

I thought I'd share a poem I wrote, and read, at my brother's funeral. This was for Jeff.

GOD IS STILL WORKING ON ME
by: Kim Kasch

So many questions left in my head
So many words remain unsaid
So much in life I'd hoped to be
So much on Earth I'd planned to see

But don’t worry,
God is still working on me.

Beyond this Earth – in time and space
waits a calm realm – a peaceful place,
where souls live on - in warmth and light
here, life continues to burn bright.

It’s here, you see,
God is still working on me.

Life burns fast as a candle’s flame,
when it goes out – no one’s to blame
bodies fail but souls do not die –
love will live on – and so do I.

So don’t worry
God is still working on me.

I was so tired – I closed my eyes
Then God whispered, “No one really dies.”
As he guided me through Heaven’s Gate,
He explained, “There’s more – just wait . . .”

It’s here, you see,
God is still working on me.

National Seed Swap Day

Today is National Seed Swap Day. I don't know how you're celebrating but, if you live in Arizona, here's one way you can enjoy the day: how 'bout a hike?

The Washington Gardener is hosting a seed swap this year and some local Civic Gardens offer seed exchanges, here's a little info about one from last year.

If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll send you some seeds from my garden. I love sharing nature's beauty. And, spreading the blooms is one way to pay-it-forward.

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY AND EARTH-FRIENDLY FRIDAY

ANSWER TO THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY: Palmistry traces its roots back to Indian (Hindu) astrology. It is thought to have started more than 5000 years ago.

Now for Earth-Friendly Friday:

One of the ways I live green is by not using any pesticides in my garden. Of course it can be a pain when I watch neighbors come out with Roundup and spray their weeds - instant results. But that's not the way to go. Those poisons destroy so much more than the weeds.

I'm trying to create a habitat for the wild things: birds, bugs, toads, and YES even snakes.


And, even though I don't use any pesticides, some of my plants grow over 3 feet tall. (Cute neighbor-kid model :)


My Mom always used to say, "Money doesn't grow on trees."

But paper is made out of trees - and money is made on paper - right?

Oh...well, if you're going to grow anything - it might as well be moneyplant - that's my motto. :)


Of course here in the city we don't get many toads or snakes but we DO get some. And I don't want to have them arrive, just in time to kill them. These creatures are good for the garden and good for the environment. So, I garden organically. The process may take more time but the results are worth it - don't you agree?

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY

QUESTION: Do you know where palm reading originated? And, if you do, in what year?

ANSWER TO WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

ANSWER: Shypod

Someone who doesn't want to share the contents of his or her iPod.