Jun 17, 2013 |
Every so often, I like to give a shout out to my favorite TV Show, Canada’s FLASHPOINT.
If you’ve been around the Blog any length of time, you understand how this wonderful show has affected me. Sounds silly, right? Or over-dramatic? Yah. From the other side of the fence I’d agree with you. But on the inside looking out, all I can say is you don’t know what you’re missing.
Right now I’m all wrapped up in Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix. But it still doesn’t feel like it does when I watch FLASHPOINT. Even though they ended production after five seasons and I’m relegated to reruns and DVDs.
FPTO Farewell [courtesy Angelo Barovier]
It still feels like community.
Maybe I’m overly lucky. I was in the right place at the right time and cyber-met some amazing people. The people who cheer me on, share my chocolate, talk about toast, and continue to inspire and support me in so very many ways. And let me do the same for them. The people who have become My People.
When I watch FLASHPOINT, I feel connected to family. Can a TV show do all that?
Of course not.
But a community can.
FLASHPOINT is the only show I have never missed an episode of. It’s the first mainstream show I’ve known to have a truly interactive online community (thank you, Facebook and twitter!). My list of friends expanded exponentially when I opened myself to FPTO.
I get traffic on the Blog every single day for search queries for “FLASHPOINT” and its various characters. How amazing is that? This award-winning show with its ueber-intense storylines and intricate personalities. I always get caught up in the show for the first five to ten minutes before the title theme starts. The commercial breaks served to let me catch my breath. Now that I’m watching the show via Netflix and DVD, I get no breaks. It’s 44 minutes of pure adrenaline and breath-holding. So I guess it’s a good thing I only watch one or two episodes as I’m heading to REM slumber.
Of course it’s more than a show. When I’m on Facebook or twitter, I check in on My People. We’ve formed real relationships. We’ve met. We’ve socialized. We’ve encouraged and supported and cheered and been there for each other in a variety of situations. These people are My People.
And that’s why I still love this show. Because the show may have ended. But the community hasn’t.
I hope that someday I’ll write a script as worthy of the same kind of kudos that FLASHPOINT has received in the industry and from its fans. I have a glimmer of a goal to be the kind of writer and producer who continues to appreciate the community built around my Blog and other writings. To introduce people to each other in a way that is special and bonding. Not a casual “hey it’s been fun” moment that ends when the series ends. But real, ongoing, honest “how are you” friendships. And I strive to open up to strangers and expand my horizons with stories full of such friendships and adventures and character.
Because of the generous, supportive, encouraging people I’ve met through FLASHPOINT, I am reminded each day that I can do anything. It starts with an idea that spreads to a goal that leads to a step that builds a foundation.
When I give a shout out to FLASHPOINT, I’m really saying “thank you” to Jaye and Kate and Mary and Angelo and Sharon and Victoria and Joy and Beth and Laura and Nanette and so many others who continue to add spice and seasonings to This Girl’s life. And hoping in some small way I’m already returning the favor.
Yes. A TV show can do all that.
When I say, “FLASHPOINT inspires me,” I’m saying I get it. And whatever your community, I wish you the same. From the inside out.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Follow Flashpoint Team One on Facebook and twitter.
You may also enjoy reading:
Hello/Goodbye: How Flashpoint Keeps Hitting the Mark
Do You Know FPTO?
KEEP THE PEACE, Part I
Jun 16, 2013 |
It happened again. I couldn’t understand someone on the phone. There was a language barrier. And because I tried to explain I don’t speak their language, they reported to my Boss that I’m “racist”.
In the same week, a local business accused my Boss of training racists because we didn’t stand up for them in what was clearly an issue that didn’t involve us.
It bothered me. It bothered me a lot. It bothered me because I don’t understand why I’m expected to be someone I’m not, and how someone else’s issues have become my responsibility.
I love helping people. I really do. I’m The Girl who feeds the homeless and smiles to make a sad stranger feel better. I can’t write murder-mysteries because I don’t know how to get that gritty. I don’t brag about my Good Deeds because that’s between me and whoever and I don’t do things to earn Worldly Brownie Points.
Yes, I make mistakes. No, I’m not perfect.
I am a Good Person.
And for someone to suggest otherwise is like a cold, steely dagger gutting me. It’s painful. And confusing.
It goes deeper than a personal attack on me. I’ve noticed a tendency of certain types of people to feel “entitled”. There is not one group or ethnicity or culture that does it. Rather, it’s individuals. Just as some people are born with brown eyes or some students grasp math over English. Some people are unable to take responsibility for their own actions, responses, and thought processes.
And because of that, I’ve been labeled “racist”.
I don’t speak a second language. If a phone connection is not very clear, I have a hard time with the conversation. When people mumble, I don’t hear. And I politely say, “I’m sorry; I’m having a hard time understanding you.”
And because of that, I’ve been labeled “racist”.
I’m not hear to argue “If you’re in my country, speak my language”. That only goes so far. When I finally have a passport and money to travel the world, I won’t be able to learn 26 different languages. I’ll try to speak Italian and get past the baroque of the Irish. I’ll carry my Berlitz interpretive dictionaries. I’ll be thankful for the natives who will help me. And I’ll understand when they say they can’t understand me.
But I won’t call them “racist”.
I am a Person. An individual. I do the best I can, and I believe that most others do, too.
I don’t believe any class of people is less important to the World than another. I believe individuals make choices, and at times are unable to make responsible choices.
That doesn’t make me “racist”.
Does it?
Expand Your Horizons
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Hypocritical / Christian
Word of the Year: 2013
Am I One of “Those” People?
Jun 10, 2013 |
TheRealMojo68
So. Y’all know I’m a Trekaroo Superoo, right? I get to write reviews for family-friendly based activities, restaurants, and destinations. I’m loving it. I haven’t received a sponsored assignment yet, but I’m so okay with that. Because I love writing reviews. Even if they’re based out of my own little town.
Another reason I love Trekaroo is the giveaways they offer every week with their Monday Madness. This week is no different. But it is. This week is a doozy. A week-long stay at a west coast timeshare through ResorTime.com.
Now, I’m not affiliated with this giveaway. Which is good. ‘Cuz I’m trying to win. Which would be good. ‘Cuz then I could review the experience. It’s a win-win-win. But that’s just me being selfish. I’d love for you to win instead, if you want to give it a try.
Can you find your way to Hawaii? Las Vegas? Sedona or Scottsdale or Carlsbad? Do you need a week away from it all with the ones you love the most?Sometimes you just need a break. Can you see yourself sitting poolside while the kids play, or sitting with the family all around the picnic table enjoying your own BBQ?
Then y’all need to check this out. Click on my Superoo badge above or below this post and you can read Katie Dillon’s Trekaroo Contest post. Full of information about the timeshares and plennnnty of chances to enter for your own vacation. [Disclaimer: by entering through my link, I get a bonus entry. So thank you. But truly, good luck! If I don’t win, I hope you do!]
Don’t forget to share your own link so you can earn bonus entries, too!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
TheRealMojo68
You can read all my Trekaroo reviews here: RealMojo68
You may also enjoy reading:
Do You Trekaroo?
I’m a Trekaroo Superoo!
Five Things Friday: TRAVEL
Following Fabian
Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan
Destination: Mission Inn [“Tell ‘Em Tony Sent Ya”]
When I Get To New York
