After publishing my neighbour from hell post last Friday, heading down to Sussex to spend the weekend with my family proved to be the perfect remedy.
Getting my post out was a challenge in other ways due to mounting frustrations with WordPress and its resident gremlins stealing my comments away from other blogs. It’s like typing through mud and zaps my blogging energy.
Yet, when blogging goes smoothly, it’s great. I’m on a roll, I zoom through everything, energy buzzing through me.
The ebb and flow of conversation as it networks across the vast plain of this ether neighbourhood oozes fresh inspiration, keeping us motivated and encouraged to keep going, to keep writing.
The connections, community, and friendships gained through blogging also bring sweet surprises: Sometimes, we get to meet our fellow bloggers as I did last weekend when I met up with my lovely blogging friend Denise.
Denise & Sherri in coffee shop, Lewes
(C) copyright Sherri Matthews 2014
She very kindly offered to give me a couple of books and since she lives in the same area as my boys, we arranged to meet up for a quick coffee!
This was the first time either of us had met a blogging pal before and it was really wonderful.
We chatted away as if we already knew each other (which we do, thanks to blogging!) and I could have sat with her all day as we talked about our favourite subject – writing, of course!
Denise writes fantastic book reviews, among other things, and I am in awe of the way she cuts right to the core of every book she reads. We hope to meet up again and I certainly look forward to it. Thanks again for the books Denise!
Once back home and glued to my laptop, the joy of blogging came into its own, greeted as I was by the wealth of loving and supportive messages left by so many of you in response to Friday’s post.
I shed a tear or two, overcome by the kindness shown me. Thank you so much.
It happened a long time ago but now, more than ever, I see that in fact that madman didn’t steal our dreams, though he tried, hard; our dreams lived on and although some of them might not have worked out as I hoped, the most important ones did and here we are.
Here you are.
We are vulnerable when we cast out a private and painful piece of ourselves across any medium in the public domain and in today’s world, so many are quick to judge, condemn, and vilify.
I was especially challenged in this way when I started sharing stories about my dad.
Again, you showed me compassion and understanding. You also showed me that I had a story to tell and so I shall, as time goes by.
With Father’s Day fast approaching, I have been thinking about what to write about my dear, 81 year-old jail-bird dad.
Resolved, then, to start the week afresh with verve and vigour, I fell at the first hurdle when I returned home to a message he had left on my answer machine.
His health is declining and the news wasn’t good.
As the days unfolded this week, while struggling to absorb all that he told me , I sought help and liaison with prison staff as they try to help me make arrangements to visit my dad.
But this father of mine is all at once stubborn and proud, a loner.
He will do things his way.
He doesn’t want to see me in his present state. What about me wanting to see him? I am not exactly au fait with having a sick father in prison. Who is?
I hold out my arms for my father and words form in my heart. When I am troubled, I deviate from the things I plan to write and revert to darker expression. It helps.
I breathe in the trust and safety of the privilege of having the freedom to do so.
Now I wait each day for news of my father with a heavy heart and I can assure you that I am in no mood for WordPress gremlins.
All at once, as the week unfolded, I witnessed first hand that outside the realm of WordPress, our blogs, our ‘author platforms’ are noticed.
Opportunities are sent our way when we least expect it.
It happened to me.
Then it didn’t.
As quickly as my excitement took flight, so was it grounded with a sudden, hard landing. I didn’t even have time to grab the oxygen mask on the way down.
I am left with the chance for further opportunity down the line and if it happens, that will be wonderful.
Meanwhile, I would like to get off this roller coaster ride. Please. For the record, I never have liked them.
My boy Eddie (c) copyright Sherri Matthews 2014
Sometimes I wish I could swap places with my cat Eddie. He’s got the right idea and I think I need to take a page out of his book.
A View From My Summerhouse 
Wow Sherri where to begin with this great post.
It’s fantastic to year you’ve been blessed and met up with a fellow blogger! There is a lovely coffee here in Epsom if ever you’re in the area! 🙂
I’ll be praying for the situation with your Dad (as soon as i’ve finished typing, lol) I really hope that healing and peace can be brought to you and your Dad. I always look forwards to your posts and love hearing how a dear sister travels this often unexpected journey!
Love the pic of your Cat! 😀
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Ahh…thanks so much Steve! It’s always so great to see you here and read your lovely comments and you better believe that if I’m ever in the Epsom area I will be sure to come by for coffee (especially since I’m originally from Surrey – Horley! ) 🙂 Wouldn’t that be great?!
Thanks so much too for your prayers for my dad, such a comfort. This journey is indeed unexpected and having the love and support from dear friends and family means the world. Blessings to you my dear friend and brother 🙂
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Oh, he’s a cutie. I am sorry for your troubles, both with your dad and with WP. I have my own issues with it. It seems to revert my posts to drafts continuously, no matter how many times I press publish. Eventually, it rights itself, but not before a lot of frustration on my part, and probably some missed typos because I just want to get the darn thing published and give up on spell check. It sounds like your snafoo was more meaningful than frustration. I hope you can get it back soon.
On your dad, I can tell you to shrug him off, but that’s so much easier said than done, esp. with a health crisis looming. Take care of yourself. Make sure you are your first priority.
I love the get together story and photo. Someday, I hope that happens to me. Would love to meet you and all of the other wonderful people I have met through blogging.
Fondly,
Elizabeth
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Hi Elizabeth, and thank you so much for your kind and loving concern. I do very much appreciate it and yes, it would be wonderful to meet you and all the other amazing friends I’ve made here. I never expected to make friends through blogging, never mind maybe meet one (or some!) one day so a wonderful surprise indeed.
I’m so sorry about your troubles with WP too, I do hope they resolve and that we can blog away without all the hassle and problems. I find it so time consuming and I too make more mistakes when I get stressed.
Let’s hope for a calmer, smoother week ahead…
Bless you Elizabeth… ❤
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Dear Sherri. My heart goes out to both you and your dad. What an awful situation he’s in and I’m sure you’re at your wit’s end to know what you can do to help him. How long has he still to go? He must be constantly in your thoughts.
What a lovely meeting you had with Denise. She looks gorgeous and so smiley.
Eddie is the coolest cat I ever saw. 😎 Hugs to you.
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Ahh…you are very kind Sylvia, thank you so much for your concern and loving thoughts. It is extremely frustrating trying to find out what is happening with my dad and I’m hoping to know more this coming week. We are trying to organise a private visit but it’s hard when we don’t know what treatment he is having at the moment. Not an easy situation to say the least.
It was so lovely to meet Denise, she is really lovely and yes, Eddie is pretty cool, I have to admit…and he knows it… 😉
Thank you for your hugs Sylvia, they help, and I’m hugging right back… ❤
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Sherri, I sympathise with your nightmare ‘roller coaster ride’. I have been dragged onto that train too – being driven by one who is out of control. I know that feeling of impending doom – you don’t know where you’re going, but you do know that it’s not in your control, you don’t want to go there, and it’s not going to be good.
It’s an exhausting ride.
But it’s not you. A horrid part of your life that you’ll never be free of, maybe – but it’s there because you are being loyal and supportive. You are so much bigger that just that ride, though. Do your best to stay supportive, but above all, try not to let it get you down – as Elizabeth says, take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.
And I hope your technical challenges with WordPress soon clear – I’m so glad that WordPress do what they do, and am so grateful for the many inspirational people I’ve met through blogging.
Emma x.
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Oh Emma, you describe just what it’s like. It really is so exhausting isn’t it? I know it’s not going to be easy, far from it, but thank you so much for your kind concern and support.
WordPress has provided an amazing world filled with incredible people that I had no idea existed and I will be eternally grateful for it, gremlins or not! Hopefully things will be smoother in the coming week…
You are a lovely blogging friend Emma…thank you 🙂 xx
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Dear Sherri,
Wow what an amazing post! So excited you got to meet a fellow blogger – how cool is that?! It’s awesome the connections we can make through writing.
I’m so sorry to hear about you dad and his declining health. I can only imagine the toll it takes on you, a loving and supportive daughter. I’m sending you big hugs!
WordPress gremlins? Oh no what happened? Hope you are ok 😦
Take care and know I’m sending wishes for peace and blessings your way.
Big love – Allison xox
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Allison, you are such a dear to me and yes, the connections we make through blogging are amazing! We share so much of ourselves in our writing that when we meet another blogger we already know so much that we hardly have to say anything! It’s an incredible experience. I would love to meet you and all my blogging friends, how incredible would that be?
Ahh…thank you so much for your loving and kind concern for my dad and for your lovely hugs and blessings…I need them and I feel them 🙂
So far as WP, I’ve been having problems commenting on other blogs, receiving notifications, spam coming into my blog and a few other things. I’m hoping that it’s sorted out now… it gets very frustrating to say the least…
Much love and blessings to you dear Allison… xoxo
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It must be exciting to meet a blogger-friend in person. Will it be like meting an old friend?
I hope you find a way to visit your father. It’s silly how parents call their children stubborn and not wonder where that trait came from. 🙂
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It is like meeting an old friend Imelda because of what we’ve shared on our blogs. This blogging community is an amazing thing.
Thank you so much for your kind concern and I had to smile wryly at your last comment because it is so very true… 😉
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Sherri, so sorry to hear about your troubles, but it was great that you got to meet a blogging friend in person. I have a fantasy that some day I’ll fly across the pond to England and meet you, too!
Back down to Earth: I hope you gain strength from the blogging community that loves you and your work. You have blossomed into a beautiful writer and you continuously amaze me with your stories. I feel for you during this difficult time with your dad. I hope it helps, even just a little, to know that you are not alone.
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Hi Bev, and how wonderful it would be to meet you too! I would love a trip to New England and who knows? Never say never…
I am so blessed by the incredible strength and support given me here through this amazing blogging community and it helps so much knowing I’m not alone. Your kindness warms and blesses my heart so much…
Thank you too so much for your support of my writing, you are a big part of my writing journey, always there, always encouraging and I’ll never forget it… ❤
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Sherri, thinking about you and sending good wishes your way so that you can find a way to see your dad, or if not, then to cope with the situation. There’s a reason you find so much support from us other bloggers and that’s because your warmth and kindness comes through in each post. Hope you have an easier weekend.
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Thank you so much Andrea, I am very comforted by your kind and caring words which mean so much to me. This weekend has been calm and I hope that next week I ‘ll be able to find out more about my dad. I hope things are well with you and you are enjoying the sunshine 😎
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Sherri, knowing the behind the scenes of the “opportunity” I have to say, you’re a class act. The way you expressed your emotions without pointing fingers or going into the gory details is admirable. You obviously know when to hold your tongue…you’re an example to be followed.
Praying for you and your father. I hope you’re able to find peace with him and your relationship. Follow your heart…there’s so much love inside, it will never misguide you.
Hugs…xoxoxo
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Oh Jill, you are a dear friend to me, thank you so much for your beautiful, comforting and loving words. Your prayers mean the world.
I hope you are enjoying a lovely weekend…your hugs helped mine… ❤ xoxo
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Like old friends already because you’re blogging buddies. So exciting. Life IS full of surprises. To think Denise is so close in proximity that a coffee meet has been possible. Exciting stuff.
Sorry to hear about your father. It may be his character or his illness talking. You know him best, but try not to take it personally. Hope you get to work things out between you. I’ll say no more.
I blamed a lot on WP lately but it turns out my laptop processor is failing. Still WP is acting up.
Good days ahead. ❤ ❤
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It is amazing how we have this incredible blogging community and then to think that we might get to meet one or two ‘old friends’ is a great surprise! I would never have thought it possible once upon a time ago…
I appreciate your insight and your kind concern for my dad Tess and you are right…I will see what the days ahead bring…
Sorry for your WP/laptop problems, I hope you got them sorted and thanks so much my friend…let’s look to the good days ahead… ❤ ~(* – *)~~~ ❤
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Must always think positive.
I can’t recall the exact words but I read some time ago something about life being painful, but suffering being optional. *smile*
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I love that…’suffering being optional’… life ‘happens’, we were certainly never promised a rose garden as we all know, but it’s how we choose how to deal with the crap that matters…you’re a star Tess… *smiling back from ear to ear* 😀
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Yikes, what a week.
How wonderful that you met Denise, and that you of course got on so famously. I’ve never met anyone from the blogosphere before, I can imagine it’s quite exciting, especially when you’re already like old friends!
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s illness. What a blow. There’s nothing much I can say in the face of such a trial, but of course I wish you and he all the very best.
Hopefully the WordPress issues all resolve themselves soon enough. I have been unable to use my Reader today, for some reason. I know how annoying Spamgate can be from last time around, and on top of all this I can see how it’s probably the final straw in your frustrations. Let’s keep everything crossed!
The response and support you get on here is incredible, and just goes to show that as much as Jennifer and I are joking about you and your brolly, it’s not a mistruth! You are incredible and keep us all out of the rain so often; it’s the least we can do to hold the brolly for you now and again.
I hope you are able to have a pleasant weekend. Thinking of you.
Oh, and Eddie is still gorgeous. Right idea, indeed.
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Ahh…thank you so much JG…I really do appreciate your kind words about my dad. It’s worse because of where he is and it’s frustrating to say the least finding out just what is going on. Still, I will do what I can…
So far as meeting Denise, yes, it was amazing! I never expected to meet any bloggers, so a lovely surprise indeed!
And yes, WP has been playing up for a lot of people, also having problems with their readers. Let’s hope that things sort themselves out the this week sees those pesky gremlins on the run…
What a lovely, sweet thing to say…sometimes I do need help with my brolly and please, joke away…what would Sherri P & The Summerhouse Crew (and its secrets) be without you and Jenny Jen Jen keeping the rain out?
A calm weekend thanks, hope with you too. I know you’ve seen that pic of Eddie before but couldn’t resist…seemed the perfect solution to me!
Hope your weekend is going well and see you in the week 🙂
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Okay, what’s a “brolly”, Steven? Is it slang for an umbrella? 😉
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Yes Patsy, it is 🙂 (butting in here…haha!!)
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Haha, yes it is!
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Well, I figured that by the context you used it in. So I guess I’m just going to be learning all kinds of new words now! 🙂
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Nasty rollercoasters that pitch up sometimes and strap us in against our will – I understand so well. The thing that stands out though, is how you always do what is right for others, no matter that most people would do what is easy for them. You’re an amazingly strong, and lovely soul Sherri – and life always throws the biggest challenges at them. If it’s not your choice, don’t let it hurt you. Hugs and Loves. ❤ XXXX
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Yes, that darn strap which doesn’t loosen up but is pretty tight right now…and I wonder if I’m not strong at all…your last sentence.. ‘if it’s not your choice, don’t let it hurt you’…is empowering. I need to learn this. Thank you so much dear Jo, dear friend. Feeling your hugs and love and sending the same right back to you… ❤ xxxxxxx ❤
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Sherri, get off the rollercoaster but not when its at the top (would hate to have to pick up the pieces.) A great post. I think that we are often closer to those that have read our work than those we know as we’ve revealed our heart and soul through our writing. I sometimes wish I was close enough to have a conversation rather than this typed attempt.
I’m sorry to hear about your Dad. No matter what he’s done he is still your Dad. I hope that you do get to see him but if you don’t you know and he knows you tried. Sending lots of hugs ❤ 🐻
You know I am overcome with curiosity re your on then off opportunity, but I guess you aren't going to divulge. A hidden agenda for the cat in the post perhaps? He looks very relaxed.
Don't let the gremlins get you. You know you are loved in the world of bloggers. Have a great weekend my friend. Cheers Irene 🙂
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You have hit the nail on the head Irene, as you always do. We do share so much of our hearts here through writing that we get to know one another in ways we otherwise wouldn’t. Oh how I wish we could have a proper conversation too…our ‘walks’ will have to do in the meantime…
Thank you so much my friend for your kindness about my dad and your hugs mean a lot during a frustrating time. I’m hoping that this week will bring more news and that I can see him soon…
I’ll email you…which email is the better? Nothing to do with my cat…but I wish I could be just like him… 😉
I’ll try not to let the gremlins get me down…it was just one of those weeks and hoping that next week is better after a calm weekend, which I hope was the same for you.
The love and support here is incredible and I never take that for granted. Hugs back to you… ❤ 😀
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I’m glad you had a calm weekend. You’ll be ready to bear the next week having rested and recuperated and as you know and have commented on you have a huge amount of support and love behind you hopefully giving you the strength to tell the gremlins to disappear. I’ll send you my email address on linkedin. ❤ XD
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Thanks so much Irene…definitely feeling refreshed as I start typing away this Monday morning, and hoping your Monday is being good to you too. Will look out for your email address… 🙂
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What a wonderful time you had with Denise. Now THAT would be a coffee date to cherish!
Gremlins have a way of fading away and hiding under their rocks when you ignore them, Sherri. They’re a small number compared to those who love and appreciate and encourage you.
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Yes, it was so lovely to meet Denise, I never expected to meet another blogger so a wonderful surprise! I wish I could meet you and all my lovely blogging friends too…how amazing would that be?
Ahh yes…of course, you are so right about the gremlins Marylin. I am in awe, humbled and greatly blessed by the love shown here and never take it for granted. The gremlin are a small price to pay. Thank you so much for your wisdom, kindness and friendship… ❤
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Lovely pic of you and Denise but I’m so sorry you’ve had such a miserable week since. Not sure I understand all of what you’re saying here although the difficulties with your Dad sound like a continuing problem and one that you will be able to sort out, whether or not you end up seeing him. Maybe he wants to spare you the sadness of seeing him in a frail state? Misplaced, I know, but perhaps he’s being stubborn with the kindest of intentions. Hope you have a more peaceful weekend x
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Thank you so much Jenny, you are a lovely friend. You have great insight, as always. My dad doesn’t like me to see him when he isn’t well and I think he also wants to protect me. The weekend has been peaceful and I hope for you too…here’s to the new week ahead… and I’ve just learnt how to do this so I’m sending you one… ❤ !!
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Well, err, thanks. Not sure what it signifies, though!
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Well, to me it means the heart of friendship… certainly not in the romantic sense so don’t get worried, haha 😉 Am sending you an email… x
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Sherri, I pray your ride come to a calming end. I’m sorry to hear about your situation with your dad. With all of that going on, maybe your opportunities will present themselves in their own perfect timing. Sometimes God gives us a glimpse of what is possible so that we remember to “hold on.” Our year will end on a positive note. Speaking of positive, I’m glad you got to enjoy time with a fellow writer. If I’m ever across the pond, I’ll definitely look you up! Peace to you. Lilka
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Thank you so much Lilka and yes, these opportunities can seem right at the time but then they turn out to be not right at all…yet. I will indeed ‘hold on’. It was difficult at first coming on the heels of my dad’s news but then that’s life isn’t it? Your prayers mean so much.
It was wonderful to meet Denise and yes, you know where to come if you ever take a trip across the pond…plenty of coffee (or tea!) shops I can think of…
Hope you are enjoying a peaceful weekend and all blessings to you… 🙂
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I’m sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope his condition improves. My husband’s father didn’t tell any of us when he got sick. What is it about old men and illness?
What are the WordPress problems you’ve been having?
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Thank you very much Rachel, and yes, I remember your post about your father-in-law. I think you are right…it seems to be a common trait…difficult for the family though.
I’ve been having problems with my comments not showing up on other blogs (going to spam I think) which is the main one. It seems to be intermittent. I emailed Akismet about it and they are looking into it but I thought it was sorted. I hope this week’s blogging will be a lot less stressful…
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Hi Sherri,
Comments disappearing to spam is an annoying issue. Let me know if Akismet can shed any light on the problem for you.
In my experience, comments with links back to your own blog seem more likely to end up in spam. Aksimet learns though so it’s important to request the blogger un-spam your comment.
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Thanks so much Rachel for your advice and I certainly will do. I tend not to put links in my comments, only very rarely, and I do try to let the blogger know to un-spam me if I can contact them. It appears to be very random.
I hardly day say it but so far this week things have been a lot better…so finger’s crossed!
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Oh what a happy moment to meet with Denise! You are both fantastic and I bet you had a great time.
I am sorry to hear about your Dad. This kind of pride he is showing is very common. Dads always want to appear strong, not realizing that hiding is actually hurting the family. A strong spirit is always shining, no matter how weak the body is. I hope you get a chance to talk 🙂
And yes, these Internet gremlins. Grrr! Hope they leave you alone!
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It really was a lovely moment to meet Denise…I could have chatted with her all day!
Thank you so much dear Ilka for your kind concern about my dad and you are so right with your insight…there is a lot of pride there but as you say, it does make it so hard for the family…
Let’s hope the gremlins go away…and a smoother week ahead. Hope you are enjoying a peaceful weekend 🙂
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There is light in darkness in this post. There is light and darkness everywhere in life.
You are so very honest with your readers. It is touching to see.
I am sorry to hear about your father, and I’m sorry the roller coaster is throwing you about a bit too much at the moment. I really hope with all my might that things improve for you soon, for shining stars should do just that – SHINE – and not fade overcome by the night. But I know you won’t be overcome, because you are strong and you have the support of so many 🙂
It’s wonderful you got to meet a blogger friend! Isn’t it just beyond words when you meet someone for the first time but feel as though you’ve known them for a lifetime? It happens rarely, I think, but that makes it all the more special.
That is also such a wonderful picture of your cat. Look at him! Adorable.
Thinking of you this weekend, Sherri. As the Ilimoskus would say: ‘May the light from your heart always guide you’. Shining stars have shining hearts, and yours will lead you safely home. x
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Ahh…thank you so much Jenny Jen Jen, you are so kind and loving in all you say here and I’m glad that the light is still shining in my summerhouse…because of you and everyone else here who is so incredibly supportive.
It was amazing to meet a blogger friend, a lovely surprise…
I shared that photo of Eddie because it was the first one that came to mind when I thought about the way I wanted to feel. I would love to be like him… 😉
Your last paragraph particularly blessed me and sent so much warmth into my heart…shining now, and for that light, I truly do thank you…
Hugs to you dear one… ❤
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Any time, Sherri P ^^ Sometimes we all need a little help finding our light again, but it is never far 🙂 If you know where to look 😉
I’m glad you’re feeling as though your light is back. Keep a tight hold!
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Bless you and thank you sweet Jenny Jen Jen…and I will definitely keep holding on 🙂 x
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Love Eddie’s pic…purrrrfect!
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Thank you Kev…haha…he is purrrrrfect isn’t he and he knows it… 😉
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Oh, I think they all know that! 😀
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😉
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Meeting a fellow blogger must have been really nice. Yes, we get to know each other though our posts, photos and comments, and it is a real relationship with a few bloggers.
Your cat, like all cats, know how to handle the challenges of life. Good spot and good pic.
As for WordPress, yes, sometimes it doesn’t run as smoothly as we hope it would. I had to deal with spam comments recently and it took me a little while to clean the mess. But everything now looks fine, so I hope it will be the same for you.
As for Father’s Day, I have always read with interest and emotion your posts about your dad. But it is your call to share or not more stories with us. Showing vulnerability is beautiful, in my opinion, because we all relate to human pain and generosity, but we still need to be careful of the bounderies, so we aren’t writing anything that can left us too ‘naked’ and too vulnerable.
I am looking forward to reading you soon. Take care, Sherri.
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Thank you very much Evelyne for your lovely message. The friendships shared here are very real and it was amazing to meet Denise as a friend and a fellow writer…
I’m sorry you’ve had WP problems too. I’ve been getting spam comments coming through too as well as having the commenting problems and like you, I do hope they get sorted out soon. Seems like quite a few have had them lately…
I wonder if the lines are sometimes blurred between what should and shouldn’t be shared? Certainly, I am very humbled to be able to share those things I feel comfortable with here. It is a delicate balance though, most definitely, thank you for your insight.
I look forward very much to our ‘conversations’, here as well as on your blog, and always a pleasure to see you here.
Here’s to the week ahead…and yes, I do wish I could be like my cat 😉
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Keep writing Sherri 🙂
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Thank you so much Red Fox…you too 🙂
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Wow! That is so wonderful that you were able to meet Denise! What an awesome blessing! I wish that could happen for us! 🙂 I am glad you were able to have a great visit with her. I will have to check out her blog, too. And of course Eddie is beautiful! One of my brothers is named Eddie. But he doesn’t look like THAT! 😉
Sherri, I do hope things go well with your dad. I would still try to arrange a visit with him even if he tells you not to come. My dad did the same thing to me in his last years once, and then later he didn’t remember telling me that! So, I say, “go!” I’m sure he loves you so much, but perhaps is feeling a bit unworthy of your love for him. That’s how my dad was. He seemed to carry a lot of shame for his alcoholism and the choices he made in his life and never let go of them even when he became sober. It was sad, but your dad is fortunate to have you in his life, and I’m sure he knows it. Hang in there, my friend. Prayers are coming your way!
I hope you have a better week this week! Take care of yourself.
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Yes it was great to meet Denise and yes, I would love to meet you too! Haha, that’s funny about your brother Eddie – I would be worried if he looked like my Eddie 😉
I will do all I can about my dad but the problem is that if he tells the prison staff he doesn’t want a visit then they go by what he wants so it’s very frustrating. Still, the Prison Liaison Officer is trying to ‘liaise’ and sort it out. I do really hope to be able to visit him soon.
Thank you so much Patsy for sharing your story with me about all you went through with your dad, you really do help me more than you know. I appreciate your prayers very much my friend and yes, keeping positive that this week will be better, and for you too.. 😀
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I would be worried if my brother looked like your Eddie, too! LOL!
I guess I didn’t think about the prison rules. I pray he changes his mind about letting you go and visit him, Sherri!
You’re welcome, Sherri. I’m glad my sharing helps you. I am trying to stay positive about things I’m thinking about and trying to write about this week, but it is getting harder every day. Although, today is the day of the week my kids go to the game store where they have tables set up for them to just hang out and play games for as long as they want! So I get to go hang out at the library and maybe the bookstore for a few hours.
Have a great week, Sherri!
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Keep writing Patsy and I hope your time at the library and the bookstore is fruitful. Take good care of yourself and you have a great week too…great talking with you my friend 😀 ❤
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I will. I just found out a childhood friend is read my autobiography at my other blog and said I left him hanging! 🙂 I gotta get back to that now!
I worked my sea turtle stuff at the bookstore yesterday. Didn’t have time for the library.
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I am fortunate to have met two bloggers and with only 6000 miles the distance it was a real eye opener of a journey…I think chatting on WP and then email or Skype really does flesh out our online meetings and makes for a stronger friendship, especially with the distances involved.
The thing with rollercoasters is that they have their ups and downs and sometimes sideways but you always come out the other end knowing you conquered it. My thoughts are of course with you and your family.
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Wow! You went a lot further than me! How wonderful that you got to do that. Who would have thought that blogging would bring these kind of friendships?
I very much appreciate your kind thoughts and I’ll remember that about roller coasters…that feeling of having conquered the ride at the end of it is something very empowering indeed…thanks so much Ste J 🙂
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I do like a challenge, when I travel I travel, although that was my first time travelling alone…that was one rollercoaster i couldn’t get off of had I wanted to, which I didn’t lol.
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Lol 😉
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I hope the opportunity that you mentioned happens in the near future Sherri. You certainly deserve it!
Hopefully, the prison staff can negotiate a visit with your dad. But, if your dad doesn’t come around, don’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault.
If you comment on someone else’s blog and they mark it as Spam (intentionally, or unintentionally), it causes all sorts of future problems with Akismet. But, then like someone else said, it could be your computer or just a few mischievous gremlins. Please don’t give up though… I’m looking forward to each, and everyone, of your future blog posts. Take care 😉
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Ahh…thank you so much Theresa, I really appreciate your kindness. I hope to see my dad soon but as you say, there isn’t much I can do about it other than wait and keep my hopes alive…
Yes, you are right about Akismet. It is strange how this happens for no apparent reason. I do wonder too if it is a problem with my laptop. I close it down and then restart it and that seems to help sometimes. So far, things are better, so let’s hope that it won’t happen again. Your visits here mean so much to me Theresa and and I promise I won’t give up 😀 I hope you are having a good week.. 😉
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You’ve had quite a ride, my friend. Lots going on. Thank God for the rainbows. That’s an awesome pic of you with your new blog sister. How cool. I don’t feel qualified to speak of your dad. I hope. Hope for some good out of it all. And the CAVE is AMAzing, btw.
Xxx
D.
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Yep, it’s been like that lately, but that’s life isn’t it? Oh yes…we need those rainbows, for sure. Thank you so much for your kind thoughts about my dad, I appreciate it very much my friend… ❤
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Didn’t get your email yesterday but I’m here whenever you shoot me.
Xx
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Just sent it…let me know! xo
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I hate roller coasters too – real ones and the life seasonal ones – oh – and cool to meet up with the blogging friend –
and I love that photo of Eddie – it was the perfect way to end the post too – the mood and his looking at us with that feeling….
but also the shadow under the arm and the whole angle of it – you take some great photos – and this one has so many things that I kept going back to it – the ears – the red wall – etc.
peace,
~y.
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Ahh..life’s rich pattern. Still, this week so far is proving to be calmer and better. I hope you are having a good week my friend!
So glad you like this photo of my boy…haha! I do love the expression on his fact, I have to admit! I took several on this day but this is the one I love because of the way I managed to catch his eyes looking right at me. He is a lovely cat, with such a sweet nature. He uses this radiator in the winter to warm his furry tummy 🙂 Thank you so much Y…hugs and peace to you too 🙂 ❤
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I hope and pray for your dad’s health and recovery. I pray too that he will see things the way you see and feel. That he will open up his doors and let you in during a time when he needs someone the most. Yes, our parents can be stubborn. One of my wish is for my parents to visit America and get to know their grandson, as well as for me to spend time with them which I haven’t done since I left my home country. One of my fears is to lossing them one day and regretting not spending time with them when they needed them the most. Sometimes I wish I did not leave the Philippines. There is more important things in life than wealth or economic gain. Perhaps one day, fate will call me back. By the way, I’m happy for you and Denise. That is one great blogging event. I hope one day I will meet a blogger friend in person too.
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Your prayers for my dad mean so much IT, thank you so much and yes, I so much want to be able to visit him. It is very difficult isn’t it, especially when we are so far away from our family and loved ones? For many years, when I lived in California, I was so far away from all my family back here, in England and I worried so much about losing my mum or dad. Thankfully that didn’t happen but although my mum did visit us over there none of my family moved over there. I do so hope and pray that your family will get to visit America and get to know and share their lives with their grandson. Who knows where life will take us my friend? Perhaps you will get to have a visit back to your homeland too.
Yes, it was so wonderful to meet Denise, a lovely surprise 🙂
God bless you and your family, and I will keep you in my prayers as I know you keep me and my family in yours.
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