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# Frankly, My Dear . . .

Savor the journey.

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- [It's been a HOT minute...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2026/03/30/its-been-a-hot-minute/) - Hello, my lovelies. Yes, this is a real post, not spam. I would like to remind everyone that this webpage is for historical purposes. Please follow me at mollyjorealy.com. I look forward to sharing all things MoJo with you. Come alive, stay wild, and always, savor the journey. ~M.
- [Lessons Learned](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/04/12/lessons-learned/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy [Originally published on blogspot on Saturday, April 2, 2011] 1. When a guy hangs up on you, it's okay to never call him back. 2. Don't spill your guts on the first date, or in the first month, or even the first six months. Guard your heart! 3. People put
- [Not Such A Bad Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/04/14/not-such-a-bad-day/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy He was working with his team when I came upon the crowd gathering to watch them. He waved at me, called me to him. Some "fans" were nearby. "You know him?" they asked jealously. "You're so lucky!" I didn't feel "lucky". I felt "honored". I approached him. He said, "How
- [Invisible Person in a Sea of People: Robin H. and the 99-Cent Sin](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/04/16/invisible-person-in-a-sea-of-people-robin-h/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I met Robin H. today. A nice man, a little bit older than myself, beautiful eyes... and a world's worth of hurt behind them. Robin is homeless, and very much ashamed of that fact. I was eating outside at a pedestrian mall at the Mission Inn when I saw him,
- ["As Long As You Love Me"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/04/19/as-long-as-you-love-me/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Anyone who knows me, knows I've recently rediscovered my affinity for the Backstreet Boys. I fully admit, I have always been one of those girls who dreams of the fairy tale rescue and swoons over love lyrics sung by boy bands. It's not so much the love stuff as it
- ["He loves me. He loves me not."](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/05/17/he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Surrounded by stems and fallen petals, I found myself pulling even more from the bunch in my hand. One at a time. Carefully, singularly, methodically, purposefully. "He loves me." Drop. "He loves me not." Toss. "He loves me." It wasn't a childish desire to be loved. It was a statement
- [One of Those Days [Thirty Years Later]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/04/one-of-those-days-thirty-years-later/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy August 4th is always worth remembering. At least in my family. It's not a holiday. No anniversary or birthday. It's much more somber. It's the day my Dad died. And this time, it's been thirty years. It just happened; it happened a lifetime ago. I was young, then; in age
- [The Bear Rug ~ a Heritage Story](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/04/the-bear-rug-a-heritage-story/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Sam was out being a Man. Working his way through life by day; he was born in the wrong era. The first of six children, Sam was raised backwoods-style. He could have been a Pioneer. He and his brothers knew all about hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. It was a
- [Hello/Goodbye: How Flashpoint Keeps Hitting the Mark](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/05/hellogoodbye-how-flashpoint-keeps-hitting-the-mark/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Flashpoint: -noun. A critical point or stage at which something or someone suddenly causes or creates some significant action. A critical situation or area having the potential of erupting in sudden violence. Flashpoint: -noun. A Canadian cop-drama set in Toronto. Concurrently aired on CTV in Canada and CBS in the
- [Living with Tourette Syndrome: Kate's Story](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/11/living-with-tourette-syndrome/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Kate is a valued friend of mine. We haven't known each other long, but she's become important to me. She supports me. We talk almost every day. She never fails to uplift and encourage me. She trusts me. So when she asked me to proofread this essay, I asked a
- [Writing Prompt: Bending the Rules](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/13/writing-prompt-bending-the-rules/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This is my response to a writing prompt from Writer's Digest Community last year. BENDING THE RULES: The sign said "No shirt, no shoes, no service"—but that didn't matter. He had to get inside. The sign said “No shirt, no shoes, no service” – but that didn’t matter. He had
- [Clipping Coupons](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/16/clipping-coupons/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Yes, this post is actually about coupon clipping. No, I am not some poverty-stricken rundown woman with curlers in my hair dangling a cigarette. Neither am I an extremist who's going to hoard supplies that I'll never use. While the thought of selling to my neighbors in times of dire
- [Clipping Coupons, Part II](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/18/clipping-coupons-part-ii/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This couponing gig is more fun than Disneyland!! Okay, so on my second day of couponing, I first started by getting organized. I went to the local office supply store and spent less about $14 to get small plastic envelopes and one big one, and a pack of labels. I
- [Writing Prompt: Gone Swimming](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/19/writing-prompt-gone-swimming/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This is my response to a Writing Prompt from Writer's Digest Community last year. GONE SWIMMING: You and a friend break into your neighborhood swim club late one night to go for an after-hours dip. While splashing around in the pool, you go into shock when a dead body floats
- [Afterthoughts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/23/afterthoughts/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I just finished three days on Faith, Hope, and Love. My journal seems disjointed to me, and although I tried to bring them together, I almost feel the need to apologize for my lack of clarity. But isn't that what faith, hope, and love are? In the midst of chaos,
- [Filigree Frosting](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/25/filigree-frosting/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I finished reading the Book of Exodus today. I lost count of how many times I read the phrase, "it was done just as the LORD commanded Moses", or a close semblance. What really stood out to me was that the LORD ordered Moses to lead the people, to construct
- [Dead or Alive](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/27/dead-or-alive/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Life is like a garden: many different species living together; some harmonious, some hurtful. Pesky weeds try to strangle the fruits and flowers as birds steal seeds only to drop them somewhere unplanned. I don't know what made me think of all this, except that it's been exceptionally hot here
- [The Catering Business](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/29/the-catering-business/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Some years ago, I was having a conversation with my friend, Jenny. We were comparing our concerns and To-Do Lists when she noted, "Boy. You really have a lot on your plate!" To which I quickly replied, "Yes, but it's not mine, and I'm being force-fed!" Humanity is in the
- [When I Get To New York](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/31/when-i-get-to-new-york/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy When I get to New York It will be in the fall When the leaves turn red and gold and yellow And drop precariously all around. When the crisp air carries A promise of change I will arrive on a train Through Grand Central Station And before I even enter
- [I'll Fly Away](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/08/30/ill-fly-away/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy My favorite hymn is I'll Fly Away. I particularly love the Jars of Clay version. In fact, when I die, I want everyone at my wake to gather together and sing it loudly and repetitively. I just love this song! That really doesn't have much to do with this post,
- [Recipe: Slow Cooker Ratatouille](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/02/recipe-slow-cooker-ratatouille/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I'm the first to admit, whenever I hear "Ratatouille" I think of Remy the Rat and Alfredo Linguini from the Disney movie. That is, in fact, what inspired my first attempt at making this dish. This dish is super easy, super cheap, and super delicious. It can be eaten as
- [Writing Prompt: Songs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/03/writing-prompt-songs/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This is another Writer's Digest Community Writing Prompt from last year. SONGS: Take two of your favorite songs, and match up a line from the chorus of one with a line from the chorus of the other. Then, write a scene that starts with the first lyric, and ends with
- [Recipe: Cheesy Potato Soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/08/recipe-cheesy-potato-soup/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I love the creamy, cheesy soups at restaurants. But I can't afford to go out each time I want one bowlful. For the price of less than three restaurant servings, this recipe serves up 12 or more portions. It's simple to make, freezes well, and goes great with breads. It
- [Keep Your Head Up](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/05/kee-your-head-up/) - by MollyJoRealy @MollyJoRealy There's a fairly new song by Andy Grammer that basically says, no matter what, it ain't that bad. So keep trudging along. The song is "Keep Your Head Up". Not only does it have a catchy beat, but the words are nifty. I was pleasantly surprised to not hear anything about sex,
- [Why I Write](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/12/why-i-write/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I don't understand people who say they can't write. Everyone has a story to tell. We tell stories every day. We explain things, we give direction. We hold great conversations with those around us. We recount our days for our spouses, our children, our significant others. I write because if
- [Con Te Partiro... Un Nuovo Inizio](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/13/con-te-partiro-un-nuovo-inizio/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Another Writer's Digest Community short-short story from last year. Time to Say Goodbye . . . A New Beginning. She closed the door, closed her eyes. She heard only the clicking of the lock falling into place as the only thought was her repetitive mantra, "Never again..."; racing, disorganized, scrambling
- [The King's Glory](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/14/the-kings-glory/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy In honor of Disney's re-release of it's 32nd animated film "The Lion King" this Friday, I found this writing I did in February, 2009. Enjoy! *** *** *** "Rise and shine, and give God the glory, glory..." (Old children's song) I looked up "Glory" in Vine's Concise Dictionary. This is
- [Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/15/recipe-slow-cooker-bbq-pulled-pork/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy By now you've probably sensed a theme about my recipes: I like 'em cheap, easy, and slow cooked. Slow cookers are a beautiful invention. I'm particularly thrilled with my new "original slow cooker", an authentic Crock-Pot. A Crock-Pot is different from other slow cookers, in that other slow cookers typically
- [It's Friday and I'm Not Going to My Mom's House For Lunch (Or... What Goes Around, Comes Around)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/16/its-friday-and-im-not-going-to-my-moms-house-for-lunch-or-what-goes-around-comes-around/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy My mom and I and Dot are all pretty close. Three generations of women living in close proximity (don't forget the five female felines!). Mom lives alone, just down the street, but we're at each other's house often enough. We talk every day, often. Our houses even have the same
- [Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork & Kraut](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/22/recipe-slow-cooker-pork-kraut/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This is a great recipe that takes only three ingredients. How's that for a budget! It's perfect for autumn. Goes great by itself or served with a salad. INGREDIENTS: 2 cans condensed Cream of Mushroom soup (undiluted) 6 boneless pork chops 1 large can (30 oz.) sauerkraut In slow cooker,
- [Recipe: Slow Cooker Cider](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/29/recipe-slow-cooker-cider/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Since October is nearly upon us with its crisp cool weather and fun holiday gatherings about to start, I thought I'd share my own cider recipe. It's been a hit at family gatherings for years, and stores nicely in the fridge for up to a week ... if it lasts
- [The Deforestation of Bedford Manor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/09/24/the-deforestation-of-bedford-manor/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Those of you who really know me, know I'm all about literature and Victorian era stories like Little Women and times when houses were more than homes, they were entities of their own, with their own personalities and characteristics. When I moved into my house, I christened it Bedford Manor
- [Apologetic](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/03/apologetic/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I'm not terribly concerned with being "Politically Correct". If something is wrong, it's wrong. People are entitled to their opinions, and there are more than one way to skin a cat (although, [a], why would you want to, and [b], whoever thought up that phrase?! I mean... seriously!!!!). My way
- [Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Rice](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/06/recipe-creamy-chicken-with-rice/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Now that we're in October and starting the "Busy Season", this month's recipes will center on those quick and easy, good for you meals that my family loves. All are five ingredients or less, making them inexpensive as well. This first recipe came about years ago when my car was
- [Recipe: Potato Chip Casserole](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/13/recipe-potato-chip-casserole/) - I'm at it again; entering this week's Holiday Recipe Exchange for a chance to win a 3.5 quart Le Creuset French Oven. Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by Le Creuset. This another "heritage" recipe, handed down from my mom to me to my daughter.
- [Lessons Learned (October 4, 2011)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/04/lessons-learned-october-4-2011/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy 1. It's okay if the Yankees don't win now and then. 2. The Yankees are, by far, the greatest team in Baseball. 3. Breakfast at Tiffany's is still a great movie. 4. There are "friends" who use you and manipulate you, friends who need you more than you need them,
- [My Day at Disneyland](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/10/my-day-at-disneyland/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy On Saturday, I took my daughter and her friend, Nathan, to Disneyland. Since we live in Southern California, we're lucky enough to have annual passes so we try to get there at least once every two months. This trip I spent some time alone, wandering through the Parks. Instead of
- [Home](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/15/home/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy In the Beginning Nothing, expanded. Blueprinted. Released. Designed and planned for. In the Beginning Foundations laid. Strength. Support. Far-reaching. Sun and moon and stars all over. First Fresh and new. Structure. Water and wood and Green and blue Views into the unknown. Doors to the future Expanding foundation. Stairs and
- [Holiday Recipe: Chocolate Fondue](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/10/holiday-recipe-chocolate-fondue/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I came up with this recipe after several trial and errors. Some were too creamy, some too spicy. This one is just right! I love party foods that encourage everyone to gather in the same room and share in the fun. Are you ready for some chocolately goodness? Then read
- [Holiday Recipe: Mocha Flavored Coffee](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/10/holiday-recipe-mocha-flavored-coffee/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This recipe has been passed through the family for decades. It's a favorite holiday beverage as well as great for gift giving! I made a mistake when copying the recipe, which actually made it so much better, and now it's my own original. MOCHA FLAVORED COFFEE Ingredients: 1/2 Cup instant
- [Holiday Recipe Exchange: Hot Dog Casserole](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/13/holiday-recipe-exchange-hot-dog-casserole/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I grew up on this dish. It's got the meat and veggies all together, and boy! is it scrumptuous, as well as Quick and Easy. INGREDIENTS: 1 pkg Hot Dogs, sliced into "coins" 1 (16 oz) can green beans, drained 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup (undiluted) 1/2 tsp Worcestershire
- [Recipe: Goulash](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/20/recipe-goulash/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This is an old family recipe. I don't remember not eating this as a kid. The great part is, my daughter loves it now, too. The first time I made it, she went back for seconds... and thirds. Now that's saying something! INGREDIENTS: 1 to 1.25 lb. ground beef 1
- [Recipe: Hobo Dinner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/27/recipe-hobo-dinner/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Who doesn't love a good meat-and-potatoes dish? Here's a great recipe my mom handed down. Quick, easy, delicious... and smells so good when cooking! INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. ground beef, make into four patties 1 medium onion, sliced 2 or 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered/sliced thick 1 can Cream of
- [Recipe: Quick and Easy Stroganoff](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/16/recipe-quick-and-easy-stroganoff/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Hey, everyone! Here's a "bonus" recipe: I was only going to post my recipes on Thursdays, but this one turned out so great, and I'm so excited about it, that I just had to put it up now! My daughter loves stroganoff, but I have to admit, I've never made
- [Louis and Max and Me](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/17/louis-and-max-and-me/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I like watching DVDs with commentaries. I'll watch a complete season of TV on DVD and then start from the beginning to watch the episodes with commentaries. I love to hear the "behind the scenes": what the writers wanted, how the directors portrayed the vision, what the actors brought to
- [Self / Public / ation](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/21/self-public-ation/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy That's not a typo... this blog title really is Self slash Public slash ation. Well, the first two parts stand alone. The last? I guess you call that an emphasis, the uniter. Part One: Self. I'm stubborn. I love my stability and my structured schedule. I'm set in my ways.
- [The Adventures of Will Power and the Haunted House](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/22/the-adventures-of-will-power-and-the-haunted-house/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This is the true story of Will Power. Will was given to me by my mom one year. I keep Will with me at all times, always within arm's reach. Even so, sometimes I forget about Will Power. I used to take Will Power to work with me every
- [Author's Note: Not Such a Bad Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/23/authors-note-not-such-a-bad-day/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy [For the original story, click here.] I'm a big fan of crime and cop dramas on television; which tend to influence my subconscious at times. One night, in 2006 or so, I had a dream that I was with a particular "cast"; they weren't actors playing characters: it was a
- [Author's Notes: Home](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/21/authors-notes-home/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy [For the original article, click here.] This prose was inspired by a house in my neighborhood. It was the old house of a high school friend, and over the decades I've watched it go from being well cared for by his parents and family, to being taken over by strangers,
- [Recipe: Baked Frittata](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/26/recipe-baked-frittata/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Frittata is basically a baked omelet. You can add whatever ingredients and seasonings you like. They can be served for breakfast, brunch, dinner or snack. You can add salsa or marinara, depending on the ingredients. This is my favorite blend: INGREDIENTS: 8 large eggs 1 cup milk 3/4 cup
- [New Meaning to Ghost Writing (Journal, 10/19/2010)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/29/new-meaning-to-ghost-writing-journal-10192010/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Okay, I'm not one to go all in about spirits and things. I believe there are supernatural forces, but as a Christian, and a scaredy-cat, I ignore; nay, resist, such topics. Most of the time. Just over two weeks ago, I journaled about the death of my mentor. We weren't
- [Recipe: Asparagus Wraps](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/29/recipe-asparagus-wraps/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy This recipe was inspired one rainy afternoon while I watched Paula Deen on The Food Network. They sure have some great eats on that network! I was trying to think what I could make with my last roll of phyllo dough, and I caught a glimpse of her sautee'ing asparagus.
- [Author's Notes: Bending the Rules](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/05/authors-notes-bending-the-rules/) - [For the original article, click here.] As the lead-in suggests, this was a challenge through Writer's Digest Community, to come up with a short story (750 words or less), based on their very short prompt: The sign said “No shirt, no shoes, no service”—but that didn’t matter. He had to get inside. The thought of
- [Author's Notes: Gone Swimming](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/10/30/authors-notes-gone-swimming/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy [For the original article, click here.] This is another prompt from Writer's Digest Community: You and a friend break into your neighborhood swim club late one night to go for an after-hours dip. While splashing around in the pool, you go into shock when a dead body floats to the
- [Author's Notes: Songs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/05/authors-notes-songs/) - [For the original article, click here.] When Writer's Digest Community offered this weekly prompt, there was no question I would combine my loves of holiday music, Harry Connick Jr, and NYC/Central Park. Take two of your favorite songs, and match up a line from the chorus of one with a line from the chorus of
- [Recipe: Pizza Stuffed Pretzels](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/03/recipe-pizza-stuffed-pretzels/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy It's a new month, which means a new Thursday Theme for my recipes. Since November tends to bring with it an abundance of busy-ness and activities, I thought perhaps Party Foods would be nice. Simple recipes you can make for gatherings, potlucks, open houses, or just because! Today's recipe was
- [Why I Don't Go To Carnivals in October](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/04/why-i-dont-go-to-carnivals-in-october/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy The first "storm" of the season is on its way to Southern California, bringing with it high winds and light snow. I'm hopeful (but not realistic) about seeing a flake or two this weekend. My trees are billowing as I write this, and about ready to drop their leaves. I
- [Author's Notes: When I Get To New York](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/13/authors-notes-when-i-get-to-new-york/) - [For the original article, click here.] I've never been to New York, but someday I'll get there. It's been a dream of mine; growing stronger every day. Especially whenever I watch the holiday programming. A few months ago, I decided to voice that longing in detail. And give myself a little inspirational kick. The economy
- [Do You Know FPTO?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/06/do-you-know-fpto/) - You're either screaming out loud, "Ohmagosh, YES!!" or scratching your head in wonder. FPTO (say it with me: "Fip-Toe") is the Emerald City for those of us who know good great television. Flashpoint is to TV what The Godfather is to movies. What Frank Sinatra and Andrea Bocelli are to music. What tiramisu is
- [I Don't Care About Kim!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/07/i-dont-care-about-kim/) - Some of you saw the post title and are already nodding in agreement. And that's exactly why I don't care. Because you already know who I'm talking about. Because the world is so much more important than the Kardashians and their money-making publicity. I think mainstream media does us a huge disservice by placing such
- [Recipe: Infused Olive Oil](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/08/recipe-infused-olive-oil/) - Recently I posted my recipe for Asparagus Wraps (click here). The recipe calls for basting with olive oil. I wish I could make my own. But since I can't, I'm happy to do the next best thing: I infuse store-bought Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) with my own herbs. In a 16 oz. vinagrette bottle
- [Gifted](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/09/gifted/) - I've got a bunch of great emails lately. First was when I won this: Then I got this great piece of news: Last week, my reader, Beth, sent me this: I'm currently waiting for the delivery of this: And today, I learned that one of my blog posts is going to be featured on
- [Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/10/recipe-slow-cooker-turkey-chili/) - It's that time of year. Time when you need to feed your family but don't have time to cook. Time when you have so many parties to attend, and you need to bring a hearty food that will leave people talking for weeks (in a good way, of course!). Time when your money is better
- [Recipe: Herb Fried Chicken](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/10/recipe-herb-fried-chicken/) - I was at a loss what to cook for a quick, cheap, and healthy dinner. For the same reason as everyone else, I don't typically like the heavier fat-laden fried foods, but last night's chill in the air begged for something warm and delicious. I heated up some of my Infused Olive Oil in a
- [God is Unfair!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/11/god-is-unfair-2/) - He said, "Follow me." I said no. He waited anyway. He said, "Stay on this path." I strayed. He led me back. He said, "I love you." I pushed him away. He loved me anyway. He said, "I want to adopt you." I refused. He called me His own anyway. He said, "I want to
- [17 Years and Counting...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/12/17-years-and-counting/) - Every year on this date, I always say the same thing. "X-amount of years ago, I was thiiiis big...." and my hands extend my imaginary belly. Then I go on to tell the story that embarrasses my Dot. I think it's every mom's duty to share the story of childbirth with their children. Loudly. In
- [Join the Parade](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/14/join-the-parade/) - It's ten days til Thanksgiving. Ten days til we wake up early and head to the kitchen for a marathon cooking day. Ten days til we stuff ourselves like no tomorrow, pack up some leftovers and sleep it off in the recliner. And somewhere in the midst of all that, we'll turn on the TV
- [Going Bananas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/15/going-bananas/) - For several nights now, I can't sleep. Now and then, I suffer a round of RLS ~ Restless Leg Syndrome. It's usually dormant for months at a time, but when it flares up, I lose a lot of sleep. Each night. For several nights in a row. Triggers can very by episode. Stress. Too much
- [Girls Night Out](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/17/girls-night-out/) - As I write this, I'm preparing for a Girls Night Out with the Dot and our Second Family. We're going to do what has now become a tradition: we all get together for the midnight premiere of whatever spectacular movie is being released. Tonight, it's Breaking Dawn, Part 1. And I'm so stinkin' excited. Now,
- [Blogging is a Job and Readers are a Raise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/16/blogging-is-a-job-and-readers-are-a-raise/) - My blogging experience over the past two years has taught me some valuable lessons and given me great insight. It can be (and for the serious blogger/writer, should be) considered a job. Accordingly, I need to approach it as such. That means I keep at it, even when I want to call in sick or
- [Claudia's Comment](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/17/claudias-comment/) - I've known Claudia for years. What I didn't know, until I started blogging last year, is that she also likes to write. Accordingly, she likes to read. And, bonus!, she likes to read my blog. Recently, she sent me this email: "Blogging everyday is impressive, and it's also one of the reasons I enjoy your
- [Handmade Wreath Giveaway](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/16/handmade-wreath-giveaway/) - Hey, everyone! So, you know I'm nuts about blog giveaways (and have populated Snobby Kitchen by entering more than a few). Well here's one that I stumbled upon through a fellow blogger's site. This is Burlap & Buttons, a great blog I just discovered. Kirstin is a crafter and she's offering a free Wreath just
- [Author's Note: The Clothes Make the Man](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/20/authors-note-the-clothes-make-the-man/) - [For the original article, click here.] This was not only a fun post to write, but thoughtful. It really made me sit and think about the qualities I want, not only in a man, but in the people around me. It's definitely a checklist to follow. And truth be told, it was harder to finish
- [Lessons Learned: November 18, 2011](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/18/lessons-learned-november-18-2011/) - 1. Movies will never be as good as books. 2. Friends are as important as family. 3. There's more to life than a paycheck, or lack thereof. 4. However, a paycheck can make life a little easier. 5. God is in control. Always. 6. God may not provide in the way I want, but always
- [My Thanksgiving List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/19/my-thanksgiving-list/) - I originally had a post scheduled for today in which I uncharacteristically vented my woes of unemployment. But that's a bandwagon I really don't want to jump on. I like to think of myself as an optimist, and as hard as life can be at times, it can always be worse. And I don't like
- [Recipe: Yuletide Drops (Cookies)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/17/recipe-yuletide-drops-cookies/) - These were my Dad's favorite cookies at Christmas. I haven't made them yet this year, so don't have any photos for my blog. Again, operative word being yet. These are like little mini fruitcakes that go great with coffee, tea, egg nog, milk, mulled wine, cider, hot chocolate... pretty much any holiday beverage you prefer.
- [Recipe: Gumdrop Gems (Cookies)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/17/recipe-gumdrop-gems-cookies/) - Here's another great Christmas cookie recipe from my mom. These were always my favorite; even now I still can never get enough. I haven't made them yet this year, so there's no photos on the blog. But trust me. As soon as I make them, I'll photograph their melty gooey yumminess for all to see.
- [Featured Post: I Don't Care About Kim!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/18/featured-post-i-dont-care-about-kim/) - I originally posted this last week but am thrilled to announce that right now it's being featured at BlogHer.com. You can check it out on their website by clicking here. Rita Arens, one of the Money Editors on BlogHer.com, has been extremely helpful and communicative. I must say, this is not what I expected. I
- [Sign of Embarrassment](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/18/sign-of-embarrassment/) - So last night was yet another venture into the otherworld known as Midnight Movie Premiere. That's a story all its own. We rode down with one group of friends to a movie theatre just over a half-hour away. We met up with another friend and decided to ride with her on the way back. Poor
- [Lazy Sunday Afternoon with Snow/Birds and Whatnots](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/20/lazy-sunday-afternoon-with-snowbirds-and-whatnots/) - SUNDAY STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS WRITING. I got this idea from several bloggers at BlogHer and NaBloPoMo. The idea is to set a timer for five minutes and just write everything that comes into your head, and make NO CORRECTIONS. Well, I'm not going that far... but as I write this, it does seem more like
- [It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/21/its-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year/) - I wasn't sure what to write about today. It's Thanksgiving week, and I'm thankful for so many things indeed! I was looking through some old posts and photos for inspiration. There have been so many wonderful experiences in the past year, I thought I'd share some with you. This first photo is my fireplace, with
- [The Adventures of Will Power and the Basket of Blessings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/24/the-adventures-of-will-power-and-the-basket-of-blessings/) - Will Power. He's one determined little bear! To read The Adventures of Will Power and the Haunted House, click here. * * * * * Will Power recently found himself overwhelmed. He felt he was stuck in the Tall Grass. So many worries, so many cares. So many things to
- [A Bird in the Hand...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/22/a-bird-in-the-hand/) - Today's weather warmed up with the sunshine, allowing the birds to come out of their cozy nests in search of the seed I'd placed for them. I saw my two scarce Cactus Wren leave the confines of their Joshua Tree and to my delight, two more were with them! My little family of birds is
- [Two Days Before The Day After Thanksgiving](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/23/two-days-before-the-day-after-thanksgiving/) - Tomorrow, we feast. The day after, we decorate and celebrate. Today, we gear up. I'm going to brave the supermarket. (I already hear you, Jenn: WHAT THE HECK AM I THINKING?!). Jenn went to Wal*Mart yesterday and tweeted her survival, which received no small amount of heckling from me. That's okay. At least I'm staying
- [Free Falling (A Post Borrowed from ...so this is love...)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/25/free-falling-a-post-borrowed-from-so-this-is-love/) - I "met" Jenn from ...so this is love... through BlogHer and NaBloPoMo. I love her writing style. I love her stories. I love that she loves my blog back. It's a mutual admiration society between the two of us. A few days ago, she posted this great little essay she titled "Free Falling". With her
- [Dear Black Friday Retailers...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/25/dear-black-friday-retailers/) - Dear Black Friday Retailers... You disappoint me. I used to get up early. I mean, early, to shop with a friend. It was fun, exciting. Special. But this year you have invaded my holiday. Many of you have opened your doors at a ridiculous hour. Causing your employees to choose between sleeping or celebrating. All
- [A Zippidy-Doo-Dad Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/26/a-zippidy-doo-dad-day/) - I'm so excited! I just uploaded this great new recipe software from ZipList. It's an online and mobile recipe box and grocery list service. What does that mean for you? My recipes will be streamlined. Easy to read. Easy to print. If you want to create your own online account at ZipList, they'll digitally store
- [I Have New Tires on my Car](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/24/i-have-new-tires-on-my-car/) - Today is Thanksgiving. And while this is a little thing, it's a big deal: But two days ago I got two new tires on my car. It happened, because we were planning on an hour-long drive to go visit my daughter's friend in the hospital. And since I hadn't had the air pressure checked for
- [My Schedule Went Kablooey and I Didn't Have a Freakout!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/27/my-schedule-went-kablooey-and-i-didnt-have-a-freakout/) - Like some of you, I'm still recovering from Thanksgiving. I've still got leftovers in the fridge and a few decorations needing to be put away. I'm usually quite on top of these things by now. I usually have my Christmas tree up, the stockings hung, the decor set. Usually. For that last five years or
- [Author's Notes: Con Te Partiro](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/28/authors-notes-con-te-partiro-2/) - [For the original article, click here.] This was inspired by Writer's Digest Community, although I originally forgot to make note of the actual prompt. I wanted to tell the story of a woman so beleaguered by the events of the world around her that she felt out of control, discarded. How does a person cope
- [The Adventures of Molly & Megan: Prologue (Writing the Back Story)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/29/the-adventures-of-molly-megan-prologue-writing-the-back-story/) - My writing partner and I got together today. It's always a hoot when we do. Thankfully, today was a day filled with more real-writing and less let's-talk-about-everything-but-writing. I love it when we get together. We have the same ideas for our characters and the plots. She finds inspiration in pictures and drawings; I find mine
- [Recipe: Gumdrop Gem Cookies](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/29/recipe-gumdrop-gem-cookies/) - I am really excited to share this recipe. Yes, it was posted a few weeks ago, but this time, this time, I used the ZipList plug-in. As I recently mentioned, this gives me the ability to streamline my recipes. And gives you the ability to create your own on-line recipe box. So have fun. Have
- [Vanity](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/20/vanity/) - The other day I was driving on Main Street when I came upon a slow moving car, following a slow bulldozer trying to make its way in traffic. The three of us, and others, stopped in line for a red light. That's when I saw it. The license plate. The vanity plate. It wasn't anything
- [Mary, Did You Know?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/21/mary-did-you-know/) - I just watched "The Nativity Story" on dvd. I'd borrowed it from my friend Julie nearly a year ago but never watched it until today. And I admit, I cried. Just earlier today I realized there's only five days til Christmas and I had yet to feel that Christmas feeling. That certain feeling of peace
- [Happy Holidays!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/23/happy-holidays-2/) - There's been a resurgence this year in people saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays". I appreciate it. I really do. I appreciate it, of course, because I celebrate Christmas. But also because others acknowledge that it's okay to say "Merry Christmas". In recent years, "Merry Christmas" has been replaced with the generic "Happy Holidays".
- [All I Want For Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/22/all-i-want-for-christmas/) - Here it is. My blog list for Christmas. This is what I really, really, really want for Christmas. For every one of you (and yes, I mean every single one of you!) to comment on this post and let me (and the other readers know) the answers to these 12 Questions of Christmas: 1.What holiday(s)
- [Christmas Eve 2011](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/24/christmas-eve-2011/) - It's not Christmas Eve yet. Not for me. I'm writing this a day early because even if I have time to write on Christmas Eve, I don't want to have to write on Christmas Eve. This is my gift to my family: to not behind my laptop during our time together today. And what a
- [The Adventures of Will Power and the Search for Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/25/the-adventures-of-will-power-and-the-search-for-christmas/) - Will Power was excited. It was the time of year when the world was abuzz about winter, Christmas, and Santa Claus. Will Power had heard about Santa Claus and looked forward to meeting him. He sat down to write out his wish list. But he soon found himself overwhelmed. In this season of good cheer
- [Angry Christmas (or was it Awesome?)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/26/angry-christmas-or-was-it-awesome/) - I had an awesome Christmas. There were some great surprises, some crowded hello's, and some wonderful family moments. First, I have to say, you haven't seen Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" until you've seen it on the Big Screen. I have two seasonal movie themes that get me every time. The first is any
- [My New Reading List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/27/my-new-reading-list/) - I come from a long line of readers and writers. I know, I know: big shocker, there. So it's also not a shocker that I was gifted three wonderful books for Christmas. In my family, books are more than paper and binding. Books are entire worlds. Explanations to this one, doors to others. They hold
- [My Book Wish List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/28/my-book-wish-list/) - Yesterday, I posted My New Reading List for 2012. To make sure I keep up with my List, I already started "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis. By the time you read this post, I should have finished that book and moved on to "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe". I'm highly excited. I
- [The Bookshelf](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/28/the-bookshelf/) - Yesterday I wrote about the books I have that I'm going to read in 2012. This morning I listed all the books I still want but don't yet have. So I created "The Bookshelf": a page on my blog to track my reading progress, additions to my wishlist, and my own reviews of books and
- [Color Me Colorful](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/30/color-me-colorful/) - The following were individual pages under my "About Me" tab on my homepage. I've decided to streamline my pages to be focused on the Four F's: Faith, Family, Food, and Fun. And while I had fun brainstorming about all the colors in my life, it didn't really seem to merit their own pages. So here
- [Mojo Book Review: "The Magician's Nephew" by C.S. Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/29/mojo-book-review-the-magicians-nephew-by-c-s-lewis/) - Started: December 26, 2011 Finished: December 27, 2011 What I loved best: The introduction of Narnia. While this book was published sixth in the series, chronologically it is the first. The hardbound collection I have has the books in order of events, not publication so I was able to read this first. I was hooked,
- [Mojo Book Review: "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/30/mojo-book-review-the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe-by-c-s-lewis/) - Started: December 27, 2011 Finished: December 28, 2011 What I loved best: The familiarity of the story and characters. I've grown up with several versions of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on television and in the movies, but until now had not read the book. There were bits of the story not included
- [Mojo Book Review: "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/30/mojo-book-review-the-horse-and-his-boy-by-c-s-lewis/) - Started: December 28, 2011 Finished: December 28, 2011 What I loved best: This story truly did center on a Horse named Bree, and the boy, Shasta. I loved the way Lewis took a common animal and gave it voice, not only in being a Talking Animal, but in performance, character, behavior... if it had been
- [The *gulp* Resolutions Post](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/31/the-gulp-resolutions-post/) - Seriously. What is it about New Year's that makes people overthrow habit and desire to turn a 180 and make dramatic changes to their lives? I've tried, but that darned word, habit, really gets in the way. I'm not one for total makeovers anyway. So I've discovered the trick to keeping New Year's Resolutions is
- [(Not) Recipe: The Impromptu Breakfast](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/01/not-recipe-the-impromptu-breakfast/) - This isn't really a recipe, although I'll tell you in a minute what I made and how I made it. I'm just fairly tickled that it turned out so well. The other day, Dot was hungering for some authentic Mexican flavors and Del Taco just didn't fit the bill. I wasn't about to toss $20
- [My Personal History of Coffee (and a Keurig Review)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/02/my-personal-history-of-coffee-and-a-keurig-review/) - I'm not gonna lie. I hope this post attracts lots and lots of attention. I hope beyond hope that somehow, someway, Keurig sees it, and like any other great food blogger, I'll be contacted and offered mucho free product to review for them. I'd love a stinking huge Keurig gift basket to show up on
- [Mojo Book Review: "Prince Caspian" by C.S. Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/03/mojo-book-review-prince-caspian-by-c-s-lewis/) - Started: December 29, 2011 Finished: December 31, 2011 What I loved best: There were several elements that I pondered during, and after, reading this book. The first was that while the prior three books seemed to have one linear storyline, Prince Caspian had two storylines going at first: The Prince, and the Children. Of course
- [I Dream of George C. ...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/04/i-dream-of-george-c/) - Every now and then I have some off-the-wall dreams. Years ago, I dreamt (several times) that my friend Cynthia and I knew the people from The West Wing. Sometimes we were characters and sometimes we were actors and sometimes we were just part of the group. Last summer I dreamt I was with the television
- [Lessons Learned: The Post-Holiday Edition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/05/lessons-learned-the-post-holiday-edition/) - 1. Colored lights are beautiful no matter what time of year it is. 2. Christmas is December 25, the Christmas Season runs from Labor Day through a week after New Year's Day; with a few other holidays mixed in as well. 3. Being vocal about a Christmas wishlist can be really beneficial. 4. It is
- [Why This Post Isn't a Post](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/06/why-this-post-isnt-a-post/) - It's 11:30 p.m. Thursday night, and I'm exhausted. I have a full day in front of me tomorrow. I just don't have the brain power or the physical energy to put forth an astonishing post for Friday morning. So in lieu of a decent post, here's my Post To-Do List (those great little articles you
- [Dare to be an Awesome Orange!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/07/dare-to-be-an-awesome-orange/) - I've seen a trend on blogs this year. Rather than people writing out a long list of unaccomplishable Resolutions, the notion is to pick three, just three, words that are what you want to make the next year about. For instance, you might pick the word health. This would eliminate a handful of specific resolutions
- [Daring to Be an Awesome Orange, Part II](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/08/daring-to-be-an-awesome-orange-part-ii/) - No sooner do I commit to Daring to Be an Awesome Orange, when the Fates decide to test my resolve. I won't go into great details, because it's a horrifically long story, but the same day I choose my Three Words was the same day I ended up getting lost on the freeways of Southern
- [Mojo Book Review: "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/09/mojo-book-review-the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader-by-c-s-lewis/) - Started: January 1, 2012 Finished: January 8, 2012 [*It didn't take me that long to read; I just had a few Do Nothing Days this last week. Actual reading was three days.] What I loved best: While I always enjoy the return of our beloved Children and Aslan, I'd have to say my favorite part
- [I Have a Plan... Really, I Do...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/10/i-have-a-plan-really-i-do/) - I love my stability. I love my schedule. I love every so often letting loose and being spontaneous, because I know that I can return to my daughter, my recliner, my laptop, my cat, and my coffee. And I can count on those five things to be consistent. I love having a routine. I love
- [Following Fabian](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/11/following-fabian/) - It's starting to become a serious joke in my family. I'm getting famous for getting lost on the Freeways of Southern California. I've sort of hinted at this here. But now that I've come clean about my latest adventure to my family, it's time to share the story on the Blog for my public humiliation.
- [My Soundtrack](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/12/my-soundtrack/) - I like to make CD's of my favorite songs. Some are themed for inspiration, or upbeat for those roadtrips I keep getting lost on. There's always at least one each year that seems to become my Soundtrack for the year: that CD that holds songs that inspire and move me. Some of the songs are
- [TWO giveaways!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/12/two-giveaways/) - It's getting so close, I can taste it. Which is a good thing, since it's all about making great food at frugal costs. What is it? The Unemployment Cookbook, of course. And even though it's been my main writing focus lately, it's not my only focus. I'm still working on my Devotions and Screenplay and
- [Friday the 13th, Part I](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/13/friday-the-13th-part-i/) - 1. Today is the first of three Friday the 13th's this year. 2. 13 is considered an unlucky number because Biblically, the number 12 is considered holy or lucky. And any immediate subsequent number (13) is therefore considered extremely unlucky. 3. Hotels and airplanes omit the ominous number during their construction. Which isn't to say
- [Stream of Consciousness Saturday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/14/stream-of-consciousness-saturday/) - The idea behind a stream of consciousness posting is to write (or type) for a set amount of time (typically five minutes), and not pay much attention to it. No corrections allowed. No changes. Just keep typing out your thoughts and see what happens. I'm doing this now because it's after 10 pm on Friday
- [Slowing Down to Get Ahead](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/15/slowing-down-to-get-ahead/) - Almost everyone's familiar with the Tortoise and the Hare: that arrogant, got-it-all rabbit taunting the always-trudging turtle in a race to the finish. In the end of course is the predictable winner: the turtle. Why? Because he kept at it. Whereas the rabbit thought he was so far ahead he could chill out, relax, goof
- [Le Grenouille (The French Frog)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/16/le-grenouille-the-french-frog/) - I'm rediscovering my love for Le Grenouille. This is him: Handsome little guy, isn't he? I also call him "Nippers". He just wanted to hop on over and see what this blog is all about. He cuts quite the profile, doesn't he? He'll be making appearances now and then, with and without his friend, Will
- [Know When to Say When](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/17/know-when-to-say-when/) - Well... I got nothing. There's no profound thoughts running through my head. No terrific (or horrific) events to tell you. And my daughter watching Friends in the background keeps distracting me. So this is what I've come up for this post: I may not always be profound. I may not always have time to write
- [Ready and Restless](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/18/ready-and-restless/) - I'm a little bored today. I'm feeling a bit drained and under the weather, so I don't have enough energy to start the spring cleaning in the back room. That doesn't stop my mind from planning how to get it all done in just one day. With the exception of buying new shelves, I can
- [How to Be a Wine Snob Without Even Trying](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/19/how-to-be-a-wine-snob-without-even-trying/) - I want to be a Wine Snob. I want to be able to tell from the color and aroma in my glass that it's going to be good or bad. I want to know right away which bottle to serve with my chicken, my fish, or my aperitifs. But wine is expensive. Usually. So I've
- [A Lesson to Trust](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/20/a-lesson-to-trust/) - Recently, my mother was certain she saw a fox in her front yard. A fox! That may not be news for some of you, but this is the desert of Southern California. We're used to things like tumbleweeds and roadrunners and Wile E. Coyote. Every so often we get things in our little city that
- [Why We Work Well Together](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/21/why-we-work-well-together/) - She's a great writer. She's my Personal Barista. She appreciates my quirkiness... Which fades in comparison to her own. And even my cat thinks she's awesome. Her name is Megan. She's my writing partner. And we always come up with the same ideas at the same time. She brings the dialogue. I bring the landscape.
- [All About Frogs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/22/all-about-frogs/) - Nippers is at it again. Pretty soon, you'll hear all about him, but for now, he thought it would be fun to tell you about his species. Here's some facts and myths about Frogs: 1. Touching frogs and toads does not give you warts. 2. Although they belong to the same animal group (anura),
- [A Job is Not Just a Paycheck (and Other Observations of Employment)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/23/a-job-is-not-just-a-paycheck-and-other-observations-of-employment/) - I still don't have a day job. It's been just over six months since my boss decided he couldn't afford to keep me. And since I don't publicly vent, that's all you get on that subject. I've been unemployed before. I'm a legal secretary. A licensed insurance agent. I've worked for large corporations and sole
- [IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/24/its-the-end-of-the-world/) - Okay, not really. I don't have a solid post for today. I was busy all day running errands, doing paperwork, and job searching. So I didn't think about this blog post until it was almost too late. But it's not - repeat: not - the end of the world. But the title did get me
- [Why I'm Not Political](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/25/why-im-not-political/) - I'm absolutely dreading what the news and chatter will be on Wednesday. I'm already thinking of ways to avoid the internet. I just know no matter what, there will be an abundance of smack-talk leaning one way or another. As I write this, I'm waiting for the President's State of the Union Address to begin.
- [I Want a Mr. Potato Head](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/26/i-want-a-mr-potato-head/) - Remember when we were kids, and we all had one of these, but each one was distinctly different? And no matter how many parts came in the box (which wasn't too many, to be honest), we each had our favorite way of dressing them up? I want a Mr. Potato Head. My friend Lisa (affectionately
- [Compromise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/27/compromise/) - That's a big word. One that I'm faced with everyday as the mom of a teen aged daughter. As a writer. As someone who lives in the current times. And while I agree there are times when I need to bend a little more, there are also times when I need to stand strong. I'm
- [One in a Million.... and not in a Good Way](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/28/one-in-a-million-and-not-in-a-good-way/) - The pollen alert today (Friday) was ridiculous. Only Southern California could have a weather alert for high pollen warning. I never had allergies in my childhood. We lived in the Midwest, fought mosquitoes in the summer, sled on frozen rivers in the winter, and enjoyed cherry blossoms in the spring. Then we moved to the
- [Cookbook Contest Re-Do](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/30/cookbook-contest-re-do/) - So, I've been sitting here thinking that it's really not fair to those who have been with me all along, for me to give a free cookbook to someone who is just waiting in the wings to be my 50th an 100th subscribers. So I'm changing the rules for the Cookbook Giveaway as follows: Once
- [Hypocritical / Christian](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/29/hypocritical-christian/) - We've been having some great conversation at my house lately. And so I want to ask you: What does being Christian mean to you? Do you consider yourself Christian or not? Do you hold Christians to a higher standard? Do you think Christians have double standards? Should Christians be more forgiving than they seem to
- [Single Parenting is Not a Disease](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/01/31/single-parenting-is-not-a-disease/) - [Originally featured at Family Values Cinema.] SINGLE PARENTING IS NOT A DISEASE Contrary to popular belief, single parenting is not a disease. It’s not an illness overtaking society, or an addiction that must be overcome no matter what. “Hello, my name is Molly Jo, and I’m a Single Parent.” Yes, it’s a dilemma that can
- [Mojo Book Review: "The Silver Chair" by C.S. Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/01/mojo-book-review-the-silver-chair-by-c-s-lewis/) - Reading Time: 3 days [but admittedly, I started three weeks ago, read one day then didn't pick it up again until yesterday.] What I loved best: With each new adventure into Narnia comes new characters and creatures. Puddlegum was a great addition to the Children's endeavors. (And with my current affinity for frogs, I loved
- [I Did It Again, Again.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/01/i-did-it-again-again/) - I just signed on with BlogHer and NaBloPoMo to post every day in the month of February. Sure. I already post each day. Sometimes more than one post a day. Ahh, yes. But now I've made the commitment to do so. It's like setting a goal you know you can reach, but when you near
- [Teaching My Teenager How to Drive (Or, Rather, How She Taught Me to Teach Her)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/02/teaching-my-teenager-how-to-drive-or-rather-how-she-taught-me-to-teach-her/) - My daughter is 17. Practically a Straight-A Student. Senior in high school. Tall, slender, beautiful, natural blond. You hate her already, dontcha? And for the past 8 months, she's had her Driver's Permit. She's driven side roads, main roads, and freeways... just not in my car. Just not with me. Her grandparents take her out
- ["Life is What Happens When You Make Other Plans..." Yadayadayada....](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/03/life-is-what-happens-when-you-make-other-plans-yadayadayada/) - We've all heard it before. You can't predict your life. Things happen. What you have designed for your life is not what God has designed for your life. Blah. Blah. BLAH. When I was a child, I lived in Michigan and planned to live in California and become a famous actress. Or a teacher. And
- [Writing Sample: Term Life Insurance](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/04/writing-sample-term-life-insurance/) - I was recently offered the opportunity to blog for a Life Insurance Company on their website. Although that didn't pan out, I'm pleased with what I began for them and wanted to share it here. The idea was to write something to draw internet traffic to their website, which would, theoretically increase their business. So
- [Game Day Menu](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/05/game-day-menu/) - It's been awhile, hasn't it? Be honest. You thought you'd seen the last of my food posts, didncha? Puh-leeeze. Like that could happen! I wouldn't forget something as important as food! Today's the Big Day. The day when the Commercials are (almost) more important than the Show (certainly some will be more controversial!). The day
- [A Good Name](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/06/a-good-name/) - A few days ago I mentioned that I rejected a freelance writing opportunity. While I know it was the right thing to do, I was disappointed. Disappointed with the lack of finances (and my need for more!), disappointed with a failed opportunity, disappointed with so much. While endeavoring to be a paid writer I've also
- ["I Just Want to Eat My Stinkin' Food!"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/07/i-just-want-to-eat-my-stinkin-food/) - We all have those moments in life that seem so benign at the time, but leave a very lasting impression. This is the story of such a moment. Remember Berry Sunshine's Cat Antics from a while ago? Here's one from many years ago. We were living in our small apartment and I had hosted dinner
- [Teeter >< Totter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/08/teeter-totter/) - NEW BUSINESS > otherwise unemployed no place to go < NO TRAFFIC DRIVING TO SCHOOL > adventures in parenting parenting issues < BEING A MOM HAPPY HOUSEHOLD > just getting by missing muse < WRITING IT OUT FREELANCING > wrong opportunities time on my hands < TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS FRIENDS AND COFFEE >
- ["Move to Trash"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/10/move-to-trash/) - Some days I just can't get my head in the game. Some days the things I want to write are not things I want to share. Some days the keyboard just glares back at me waiting for an interaction that doesn't come. Today is just one of those days. But I keep trying. I keep
- [For The Birds](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/11/for-the-birds/) - You remember the random post from last November when a bird wouldn't let my daughter back into the house? I finally found out what kind of bird that was! It's called a Dark-Eyed Junco. And I found it while spending a couple hours online looking at bird photos and information. You'll recall my dismay joy
- [Unsure](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/12/unsure/) - Trust your gut and get out of your own way. "Impossible" just means it hasn't happened yet. I believe. Therefore, I achieve. You may not know what lies ahead. That's okay. He does. And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Stream of Consciousness Monday - February 13](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/13/stream-of-consciousness-monday-february-13/) - Five minutes of typing whatever. Why? Because today I woke up sick. sick. Stuffy nose. Very sore throat. Headache. Body aches. In other words, I'm utterly miserable. *Insert sad face sympathy here* It could be the "bug" that's going around, or it could be allergies, or it could be both. All I know is I've
- [Mojo TV Review: "Once Upon A Time"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/14/mojo-tv-review-once-upon-a-time/) - I spent the weekend catching up on episodes of ABC Network's "Once Upon A Time" and I'm so glad I did! Airing on Sunday nights on ABC, "Once Upon A Time" is a great mix of storytelling. Emma Swan is a bounty hunter. On the night of her 28th birthday, 10-year-old Henry arrives at her
- [To My Heroes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/15/to-my-heroes/) - You aren't unafraid. But you stand up in spite of it. You aren't all powerful. But you try with all your might. You don't have all the answers. But you never stop learning. You aren't impenetrable. But you don't let weakness keep you down. You can't fix everything. But you never stop trying. You can't
- [How I Spent My Valentine's Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/15/how-i-spent-my-valentines-day/) - Well, I did not spend it wishing upon a star or over a well. I took advantage of being under the weather with this weather, and I stayed home and worked. Full of imagery and oxymoronic statements, aren't I?! Yes, it was a fun wordy work day today. I had work stuff relating to the
- [Finally... SNOW!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/16/finally-snow/) - You remember that snowstorm I've been waiting for, for a few months? The one that was supposed to hit by Christmas? And again in January? But somehow managed to do nothing except spread lovely rumors of winter white? Guess what... We got snow! There had been much talk about inclement weather for days now, but
- [New Inklings Press](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/17/new-inklings-press/) - New Inklings Press is the name of my new company. My new company. My. Company. wow. I have a business license. A bank account. A binder to keep every bit of important paperwork. My website will be up and running within a few days. And today the local newspaper is running my Fictitious Business Name.
- [Permission to Write](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/18/permission-to-write/) - I have admittedly held back from giving myself over to my best writings. Some themes, like a good shoot-'em-up cop drama or a Stephen King-esque, while I enjoy reading and watching, are not something I want to really wrap my head around. I can't bring myself to allow myself to get that deep into such
- [This Thing Called Pinterest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/17/this-thing-called-pinterest/) - Yup. I've gone and done it. I signed on to Pinterest. You can find me here. At first I resisted. It's just another way of being distracted from other things like television and Angry Birds... Until my facebook friends starting linking up. Every time they Pin, it posts. I was seeing some mighty cute pictures!
- [In Case You Missed It...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/19/in-case-you-missed-it/) - This is sort of another stream-of-consciousness posting, but not really. There's been so much going on this weekend that I can't just settle my thoughts onto only one theme, so you get them all. Lucky readers! First, I want to remind each of you that there's still time to enter the Cookbook Giveaway. The cookbook
- [The Eyes of a Cat](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/20/the-eyes-of-a-cat/) - I had writer's block for today and I when I asked Dot what I should write about, she said, "The Eyes of a Cat" and offered up this little prose: "Piercing yet Pretty Gold or brown Blue or green or black A glass sphere protecting the canvas of those speckled eyes Each unique Like a
- [Happy Birthday!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/20/happy-birthday/) - Someone I know has a birthday today! You're a Pisces. That means you think a lot, you remember tons, and you have high ideals. You're extremely imaginative and creative.You're devoted to any- and every-thing that really gets your attention, particularly people and projects. You trust your gut, and it rarely fails you. And you're not
- [What this Week Will Bring](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/21/what-this-week-will-bring/) - You're reading this on Tuesday. I'm writing this on Monday. And I'd love to wait until Tuesday to enjoy it with you, but I have to write in advance so it will post on time. Rest assured, my excitement in writing will only be amplified once these words become reality. *Insert blissful sigh here...* Today
- [Sick as a Cat. Dog. Cat.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/22/sick-as-a-cat-dog-cat/) - Where did that phrase come from, anyway? "Sick as a dog." What's that supposed to mean? There's nothing quite as sick as a sick dog? I beg to differ.... There's another reason Lizzie Cat has been extra cuddly and loving the Vicks VapoRub with me. My pretty kitty doesn't feel well. [You're all "awwww"-ing with
- [Better](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/23/better/) - Lizzie and I are both feeling a little better today. Remember this picture of her? I took this with my old standard Sony digital camera. The kind that works well, fits in my pocket, and is great for outings such as Disneyland. Then I got my new camera. And I took this picture of her.
- [Back to Business](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/23/back-to-business/) - I know my posts of late have been a lot of little nothing's. I'm determined to shake this cold, and not get lazy. So this will be my last letter of nothingness, hopefully, and tomorrow I'll be back on track. Yesterday I practiced my chocolate molding skills. Can I just say, I rock?! And now
- [Dear Wilton's... I love you!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/24/dear-wiltons-i-love-you/) - Dear Wilton's, I can't thank you enough for the memories you've brought back to me and for the ones yet to come. When it comes to making me happy in the kitchen, you rule. Your highly recognized products are easy to use, inexpensive and yet durable, and I don't have a hard time finding them
- [Beholding Beauty](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/25/beholding-beauty/) - While I was playing with my new toy utilizing my new business tool [READ: AWESOME NEW CAMERA!!!], I was watching Lizzie Cat Who was watching the Scrub Jays and Sparrows and Finches Who were eating from their feeders And who could (but didn't) camouflage themselves in my Heavenly Bamboo. And we
- [Re-Take! The Missing Photo Post](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/24/re-take-the-missing-photo-post/) - My friend Claudia brought it to my attention that while sharing photos from my new camera is neat, it would be even neater if I fixed the resolution so it didn't slow down some computers.... Sorry 'bout that, y'all. Anyway, the resolution has been fixed, and the photos have been edited. So feel free to
- [Mojo Book Review: "The Last Battle" by C.S. Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/26/mojo-book-review-the-last-battle-by-c-s-lewis/) - Reading time: 2 days What I loved best: All of it. Seriously. This isn't really a book review, because I can't give much away for those who have yet to read it. Even in my other Narnian reviews, I gave a few things away. I put off reading this, because it's the last book in
- [Mojo Book Review: "The Haunting of America" by Jean Anderson (1973)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/27/mojo-book-review-the-haunting-of-america-by-jean-anderson-1973/) - Reading time: 1 Day I have been searching for this out-of-print book for 30+ years, and finally found it through Amazon.com. It was a childhood favorite of mine from the local libraries. The Librarians would chuckle when they'd see the sign-out card and my name was there nine times out of ten, literally. This collection
- [Why Does Being Politically Correct Mean the Loss of Common Sense?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/28/why-does-being-politically-correct-mean-the-loss-of-common-sense/) - Remember when we were young and our imaginations let us be anyone, say anything, go anywhere? We held an altruistic view of life. We played Hide-and-Seek. Tag. Used crayons more than pencils. We jumped on the furniture and clung to walls so we wouldn't get burned by the floor that had become lava in our
- [Spring Has Sprung: Photo Essay](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/03/spring-has-sprung-photo-essay/) - Last week I parked my patootie on my patio chair (say that five times fast!) and photo'd the flock of feathery friends. (Oh, c'mon, you may be rolling your eyes, but you gotta admit, that's some awesome alliteration!) My own version of Zaboomafoo! Doesn't this one remind you of a sloth or lemur peering out
- [Spring Has Sprung, Day 2](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/04/spring-has-sprung-day-2/) - I'm happy. I'm very happy! I endeavored to beautify outside my house, and with cooperating weather and an assisting Mother [read: someone with more gardening experience than myself], I think it's going to be a success. I finally took the old pile of scallop bricks and cleaned them off of bugs and whatnot. This disturbed
- [Spring Has Sprung, Day Three](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/05/spring-has-sprung-day-three/) - The last few days I've enjoyed my home improvement kick and yard beautification attempts. I'd like to say I'm seeing tiny new sproutlings in the flower beds and on the tomato stems... but I can't really be sure. Today I bought three new plants as well. A lovely yellow and green Sweet Broom for under
- [Sitting is Hazardous to My Health](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/06/sitting-is-hazardous-to-my-health/) - Y'all have been reading all week about my outdoor/home improvement kick this week. It's going great. Correction: it was going great. It was, as they say, all fun and games til someone got hurt. Me. Today the clouds stayed around and the wind came back, making for a very chilly day. Not a good day
- [The Unemployment Cookbook Has Arrived!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/07/the-unemployment-cookbook-has-arrived/) - It's here. My baby. My project. My business. My step into the unknown. My security. My reason for breathing. My first publication arrived on my doorstep this afternoon. And it's better than I even imagined. You know you're doing something right when the publisher runs an extra copy for his wife who "just had to
- [Cookbook Giveaway Cancelled](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/07/cookbook-giveaway-cancelled/) - Thank you, everyone, for your interest, but due to lack of response, the Giveaway promotion for the Unemployment Cookbook has been cancelled. Please visit New Inklings Press to purchase your own copy. Thanks, and stayed tuned for information on our next publications!
- [The Unemployment Cookbook Giveaway: New Rules!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/07/the-unemployment-cookbook-giveaway-new-rules/) - After a lack of response [read: not enough "likes" and "followers"] I cancelled the Cookbook giveaway. Well, that caused a slight commotion for those of you who do follow and like. So. Here I am. Apologizing for the shake-up. And offering you three ~ yes, three ~ chances to win your own autographed copy of
- [Spring Has Sprung: Grand Finale!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/08/spring-has-sprung-grand-finale/) - Okay, I know what you're thinking... It's only April! How can Spring be over with already? Don't worry. It's not. But my multitude of posts about it soon will be. This week has been dominated by yard work and beautification, finally getting The Unemployment Cookbook (click here for your chance to win!), a family birthday,
- [Draw Something](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/09/draw-something/) - Tonight my daughter introduced me to the new game, Draw Something. It's a game that's played on smart phones. You pick from three words, and using your fingertip on the screen, try to draw that word for your opponent guess. It's like a mini Pictionary. So far, Dot and I are up to 33 rounds
- [Stream of Consciousness Sunday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/09/stream-of-consciousness-sunday/) - I forgot to write any postings today. I was busy selling cookbooks online yesterday; and today we celebrated Easter. My mom invited us over for a new Mac-n-Cheese recipe that included diced chicken and chilis. It was fantastic. And we watched as the year's first yellow warblers became twitterpated with each other. There are two
- ["Under Maintenance"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/10/under-maintenance/) - Once again, my day was so full that I neglected to have any deeply thought out post. Dot's been great at keeping the house clean. We've scarfed down leftovers from yesterday's Easter dinner. And there are two more tiny green things emerging from the flower bed dirt. I've sold more Cookbooks, started Chapter Two of
- [What I've Learned in Bible Study](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/11/what-ive-learned-in-bible-study/) - I recently joined a Bible Study that meets on Tuesday mornings. We're currently studying the notable women of the Bible, and it's been fantastic. Each woman has her strengths, her weaknesses, her faith, her lessons learned and her lessons to share. But what I love best about this study is that it not only recounts
- [NaBloPoMo Prompt: POEM](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/12/nablopomo-prompt-poem/) - Today's prompt from BlogHer.com is "Which poet do you wish was also a blogger?" I'd have to say... I'm not sure. Because I don't read tons of poetry, so I'm not well-versed (pardon the pun) with poetic artists. But I keep thinking of one. A man who's writing style is so glorious, so creative, so
- [Closet Explosions and Disappearing Cookbooks](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/13/closet-explosions-and-disappearing-cookbooks/) - Well, here I am again; 9 o'clock at night and just now remembering I don't have a post for tomorrow. I'm disappointed in the (lack of) quality writing on my blog lately. I have grand ideas, terrific ideas; but I also have a pretty full schedule. This week has been all about book signings, meet-and-greets
- [Friday the 13th - redux](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/13/friday-the-13th-redux/) - Today is the second of three Friday the 13th's this year. In January, I posted 13 trivial facts about the date. While I haven't added anything new, here's the link in case you wanted a refresher: Friday the 13th, Part I. Happy reading! And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Blank](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/14/blank/) - My mind's a blank. Not really. Actually, it's quite full. But it's not blog post material. It's just... life. So I don't know what to write here today for you to read tomorrow. And I'm too tired to pretend. It's a good tired; a very good tired. But it's tired nonetheless. So this is me,
- [April Picture It photo contest from Epiphanie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/13/april-picture-it-photo-contest-from-epiphanie/) - Have you heard about Epiphanie Camera Bags? No, you say? But you have a camera. Your camera needs a bag. And it really should be Epiphanie. I discovered them about six months ago and have been drooling ever since to land myself a Lyric in Mustard. I literally dreamt of this bag a few years
- [Tidy Mom's I'm Lovin' It Link](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/14/tidy-moms-im-lovin-it-link/) - Every Friday, Tidy Mom lets other bloggers link up their prize of the week: a recipe, a photograph, an idea... pretty much anything that says, yeah, "I'm lovin' it!" I love looking at the variety of things that others love. From family to quotes to crafts to food to vacations... there's so much beauty worth
- [Coming this Wednesday to Blogs Near You...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/16/coming-this-wednesday-to-blogs-near-you/) - I'm so happy! Thanks to help from Jenn at ...so this is love..., I made my own Blog Badge! With a Linky Link! Inn't she purty? "What's the Word? Wednesdays" is a linky that allows other bloggers to share whatever is on their minds that they want to talk about. Think of it as a
- [The Unemployment Cookbook Giveaway: WINNERS!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/15/the-unemployment-cookbook-giveaway-winners/) - The Unemployment Cookbook Giveaway has ended! Thanks to everyone who liked, followed, shared, and supported! The winners were picked through Random.org using a minimum number of "1" and maximum number of the amount of followers as of 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, April 14, 2012, for each category. The winners are: For following Frankly, My
- [Comments, Comments, Everywhere!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/17/comments-comments-everywhere/) - Of late I'm beginning to discover Comment Luv: that great little commenting feature that allows people to post comments without registering; and if you happen to be a blogger, it also posts links back to your last posts. How awesome is that?! The problem, I'm discovering, is that I'm already committed to Disqus. Committed meaning,
- [What's the Word? Wednesday (Blog Hop)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/18/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop/) - Welcome To Frankly, My Dear's first ever blog hop event! In my virtual jaunts around the blogging community, there is so much to read! I love sitting down in front of Babycakes (my laptop) while sipping the Keurig's daily offering and seeing what you have to say and share. And this is my offering: A
- [In a Few Days, For a Few Days...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/17/in-a-few-days-for-a-few-days/) - Sometime in the near future, Frankly, My Dear... will be unavailable for a few days. Don't cry! It's okay! I promise! (And have I ever steered you wrong?) I'm switching servers. Or, rather, my webmaster is. I don't really much about all that mumbo jumbo. I have people to do this sort of thing for
- [What's Your Writing Style? Creatively Overcoming Writer's Block](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/19/whats-your-writing-style-creatively-overcoming-writers-block/) - Recently, I was asked what my writing style is. That's a loaded question! Because it's not just one question. Those four seemingly innocuous words, "What's your writing style?" mean so much more than that. More often than not, they're asked by someone who is trying to find their own style, a new writer who may
- [If I Could, I Would...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/20/if-i-could-i-would/) - Jump over the Moon Sell a million Cookbooks Live in New York for a Year Move to Toronto Speak fluent Italian Make Amends Not be Afraid Conquer the World Fly across the Country Drive Route 66 Shout for the World to Hear Help everyone in Need Adopt more Cats Eat better Walk a Mile without
- [He Loves Me. He Loves Me Not...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/21/he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not-2/) - A few years ago I wrote a little prose called "He loves me. He loves me not." Ever since then, I've had the idea to compile some of my writings, poems and prose, into a collection that explains my relationship with God and Christ. It's not meant to be preachy. Not meant to be One
- [Honorable Mention](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/22/honorable-mention/) - You know how somedays you just need a little pick-me-up? Well, that's not the kind of day I had today. Today, just as the several preceding days, has been pretty fantastic. The flowers are pushing up little green leaves from the dirt. The sun is bathing everything with its glorious Vitamin D. The house has
- [My Apologies](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/22/my-apologies/) - I had my blog settings set incorrectly recently, which allowed a spam comment to come through as a posting, or so it appeared on my end. I deleted it immediately, and reconfigured my settings. So all is well. It wasn't offensive, just spam. And it was my own errors that allowed it to slip through.
- [My First Cake: Wilton Lamb Pan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/22/my-first-cake-wilton-lamb-pan/) - I made my first ever cake today. My first ever real cake. I've done the Easy-Bake oven thing as a kid. And in my not terribly distant past, I tried the microwave/stoneware concoction. That was not a cake. That was a moist mush. So today, I made my first ever cake. And not just any
- [Lovin' Comment Luv](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/23/lovin-comment-luv/) - I did it. I made the leap over to Comment Luv. Disqus was nice for keeping track on what I posted as comments elsewhere, and seeing what other comments people posted as well. But overall, I like the friendliness of Comment Luv better. I like that you don't have to be a registered user to
- [What Did You Do for Earth Day?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/23/what-did-you-do-for-earth-day/) - I admit, I didn't jump on the whole "It's Easy Being Green" bandwagon. I didn't turn my power off for an hour. I didn't recycle a million soda cans. But I have enjoyed my earth today. I've fed birds and lizards. I've lightly watered drought-tolerant plants and trees. We tried to let our cats outside
- [Would You Implant Your Child With a Tracking Device?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/24/would-you-implant-your-child-with-a-tracking-device/) - I don't watch Talk Shows. I try to avoid them unless George Clooney is trying to help the children in Darfur, or Michael Buble is singing through the commercials. So today I wasn't really paying attention as the TV happened to be tuned to "The View" on ABC. I wasn't paying attention, until the topic
- [What's the Word? Wednesdays: April 25, 2012 (Blog Hop!)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/25/whats-the-word-wednesdays-april-25-2012-blog-hop/) - Welcome to the second "What's the Word? Wednesday" blog hop! This week's discussion is, well, anything. We're all just getting to know each other around here so go ahead. Link up, share, post, and tell your friends to join the party! Are there any blog posts you're particularly proud of? Any get-to-know-you statements you've shouted?
- [Dear God, Did You Forget About Me?!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/26/dear-god-did-you-forget-about-me/) - I'm not one to publicly complain or let others in on my troubles. I figure the world has enough problems, big and small, and my job is to make the world a better place... even if that means just keeping my mouth shut. But a few times, I've seen this linky badge on Jenn's blog
- ["An Innocent Man"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/27/an-innocent-man/) - You'll recall that a few days ago, I received this Which quickly turned into this I'm a huge Billy Joel fan. Always have been. So while I really love the "Back to NEW Orleans" CD, the Billy Joel has been my go-to favorite for over 48 hours now. It's been out of my car only
- [Lessons Learned: April 28, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/28/lessons-learned-april-28-2012/) - It's been about two months since I've posted any Lessons Learned. You would think in that amount of time I would have amassed a whole lotta learnin'. You would think. I don't think I learned a lot, so much as I kept re-learning the same things in different ways. Although some things are new. Ready?
- [Prom!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/29/prom/) - I have no post for Sunday because Saturday was spent getting my daughter ready for Prom! Actually, she got herself ready. She's very good with a make-up brush and curling iron. So I just entertained my Mom as we waited for the end result. Then I drove her over to her friend's house for photos,
- [Why I Like Mondays](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/30/why-i-like-mondays/) - Fresh starts. A schedule to keep. A chance to be productive for others. A bit of solitude. Morning coffee with Mutti. The start of five days of potential. Smaller lines at stores. Meal planning. Birdwatching. Marking To-Do's off the list. Running errands. Music to drive by. Time to write. Visiting my personal Barista and writing
- [May Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/01/may-day/) - I love the first of each month. I really do. It's a fresh start, a clean slate. A chance to set new goals, and look back on the ones I just completed. And we all know April was very good to me! A few job interviews, cookbook sales, Family Game Night... it was a great
- [The Long Goodbye: Flashpoint to End After Season Five](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/01/the-long-goodbye-flashpoint-to-end-after-season-five/) - This is a post that not only do I not want to write, but it never entered my consciousness that I would ever have to. "Unexpected" doesn't begin to describe it. On the heels of 80 various awards nominations and riding high as a trailblazing television series both in Canada and the U.S., the producers
- [What's the Word? Wednesday: May 2, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/02/whats-the-word-wednesday-may-2-2012/) - It's the second day of the month and I'm happy to announce I've kept up with most of my monthly goals so far. I've blogged every day (twice yesterday!) and I have another one in my head for today already. I made a list of monthly goals, and what short term goals I need to
- [The Long Goodbye: What FLASHPOINT Means to Me](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/02/the-long-goodbye-what-flashpoint-means-to-me/) - Last night I posted The Long Goodbye: Flashpoint to End After Season Five. I spent the majority of the evening online via Facebook and twitter. I spent the majority of the day coming to terms with the news. To those who say, "It's just a television show," I say this: You've obviously never really watched
- [NaBloPoMo: Play](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/03/nablopomo-play/) - This month's theme for NaBloPoMo at BlogHer is "Play". The writing prompts so far have included questions along the lines of "Who Did You Play With as a Child?" and "What Was a Favorite Childhood Toy?" I've been having a few playful days recently. I've been keeping up with my writing; more than I used
- [Aftermath](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/04/aftermath/) - It's been two days since FLASHPOINT announced the end of production after Season 5. It's been a whirlwind of emotions, tears, and even some fun among the Family. Knowing what it means to me, I've received some nice check-in's from those who are worried about my reactions. Can you blame them? It's hard to fathom
- [Whirlwind](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/05/whirlwind/) - As you read this, I am on a mini-break. A holiday. A retreat. At the eleventh hour, I found myself the happy recipient of a pass to attend this year's Women's Retreat through my church. I'd been wanting, even praying, to go since they announced the theme in January: "On The Red Carpet". I'm really
- [Stream of Consciousness Sunday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/06/stream-of-consciousness-sunday-2/) - It's not really Sunday for me. But it is for you. I'm writing this now because I'm still (will be still) on Retreat. I'm watching FLASHPOINT episodes on my DVR. It's so bittersweet. I can directly relate so much of my life before-and-after FLASHPOINT. Before, I wanted to write. I watched TV. I didn't really
- [Apples](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/07/apples/) - I'm falling in love with apples. I can't explain my newest obsession, except to state that that I'm just really falling in love with apples! I just got back from Women's Retreat with my church. It was a great weekend, as expected. And then something slightly awkward happened. During the final session, just before we
- [A Change in Plans](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/08/a-change-in-plans/) - There is so much I want to write and share with you! So much I'm learning about my writing, my God, my self. So much that's stuck inside my head and I'm so overwhelmed right now that I can't get it out coherently enough to let anyone else in on it just yet. There have
- [What's the Word? Wednesday: May 9, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/09/whats-the-word-wednesday-may-9-2012/) - Welcome to this week's What's the Word? Wednesday: a linky that allows other bloggers to share whatever is on their minds that they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it! This week we have a
- [How a Bird Bath Destroyed My House](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/10/how-a-bird-bath-destroyed-my-house/) - I've been wanting a bird bath for almost three years. There was an old plastic one cemented into the ground when I moved in. But it was plastic. In cement. In an awkward place. Needless to say, it was promptly removed and disposed of. Which left my dirt yard in want of an oasis. So
- [First Morning [Photo Entry]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/10/first-morning-photo-entry/) - Epiphanie is at it again... This great company offers amazingly beautiful and durable camera bags that ~ get this! ~ don't look like camera bags. I swear! They look like a modern woman's bag. And this modern woman wants one. So I'm entering this photo in their Picture It: May Photo Contest. This month's theme
- [What I Learned on Women's Retreat [The Big Whammy!]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/11/what-i-learned-on-womens-retreat-the-big-whammy/) - Some of you know I went away last weekend. I don't go away that often so when I do, I try to make the most of it. My church is one of the larger churches in Southern California. It's not a mega-church. But it's big. And I love it. I've been there since Dot was
- [To The One Who Lost Someone This Week and Others Who Are Hurting](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/12/to-the-one-who-lost-someone-this-week-and-others-who-are-hurting/) - It was a hard week for my People this week. One had a serious break-up. One lost a beloved pet. One lost a great-grandson. One marked the four-month anniversary of a death in the family. And still others I know are continuing their own ongoing struggles. Family, health, finances, employment... and so many more aspects.
- [Happy Mother's Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/13/happy-mothers-day/) - I know, I know... the title is a little bit, well, predictable. But seriously... how else do I say thank you to the Mom who gave me birth and the daughter who turned me into a Mom? Today belongs to you both. And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Blog Star!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/13/blog-star/) - Every now and then, when I accomplish something really fantastic, something I wasn't sure I could do, I throw my fists up and yell, "Rock Star!" That little habit started years ago after watching Dr. Izzie Stevens do just that on Grey's Anatomy... Well, tonight, I'm a Blog Star! Cuz tonight I managed to make
- [Tenfold](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/14/tenfold/) - Not to be confused with daily posts, which is what this is - sort of an online diary - a blog Page is a static entry. Something that doesn't often change. I have a Page I call Tenfold. When I started this blog over a year ago, it was my goal to have ten "ten's":
- [Featured Recipe: Texas Hash](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/14/featured-recipe-texas-hash/) - "Sometimes it's hard to make ends meet. Food shouldn't be a sacrifice." ~from The Unemployment Cookbook. It's been so long since I've posted a recipe on the blog, I thought this one would be a great treat. Texas Hash is a family favorite. It's quick, easy, and inexpensive to make, and delicious to eat. At
- [Ten Bible Verses](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/15/ten-bible-verses/) - Since I'm on this blog-improvement kick, I figure it would be a good idea to actually complete the pages I started so long ago, so I just finished updating my Tenfold Page: Ten Bible Verses I Try to Live By. I'd had four listed there previously. Err, rather, the cites. Tonight I not only posted
- [Cat Love](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/17/cat-love/) - And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [What's the Word? Wednesday (Blog Hop): May 16, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/16/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-may-16-2012/) - It's that time of the week again! Time to all get together from our individual corners of the blogosphere and tell what's on our minds. What's the Word? Wednesdays is a linky that allows other bloggers to share whatever is on their minds that they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual
- [More or Less: 29 Words](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/18/more-or-less-29-words/) - [This post is one of my Ten Bible Verses I Try to Live By] I recently completed my list of Ten Bible Verses I Try to Live By. The first on that list is what I consider to be my "life verse": the one I cling to and claim as God's word spoken directly to
- [How to Survive a Midnight Movie Premiere](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/19/how-to-survive-a-midnight-movie-premiere/) - It's that time of year again: Summer Blockbusters are already starting to play at theaters across the nation, and with some of them comes the Great Adventure known as the Midnight Movie Premiere. For the seasoned professional, this experience is more than just a two-hour outing. But for the novice, it can be a bit
- [Hiatus](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/20/hiatus/) - I'm taking a hiatus for a few days. While he's not exactly family, Dot's boyfriend of over two and half years (until last Wednesday) has passed away. He had a wonderful story to tell, and let me interview him in order to tell it properly. But I never got around to writing it. And right
- [Dichotomy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/21/dichotomy/) - Louie, a fellow creative writer, would be upset if I used his death as an excuse to not keep with my self-promise to blog every day. We're still working our way through the pain. Dot's best friend had his graduation party today, which helped. Except that he, too, was good friends with Louie. At any
- [Cheerio!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/22/cheerio/) - When the Black-Headed Grosbeaks started showing up, I read that they really like to eat berries and Cheerios cereal. So I put some out and it turns out the Sparrows also love them. I brought the saucer up close to the house to watch them and get some better photos. I really enjoyed seeing five
- [Lessons Learned: The Louie Edition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/23/lessons-learned-the-louie-edition/) - What I learned from The Boy: 1. Love always. Not matter what. Don't let others tell you otherwise. 2. Smile like you have a secret, and people will want to talk to you. 3. Smile when you're in trouble, and you won't have consequences. 4. Play with your food... but only after you've eaten a
- [Happy Birthday, Megan!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/24/happy-birthday-megan/) - You remember my writing partner, Megan, right? Well, today's her birthday! And of course I couldn't let the day pass without publicly acknowledging what she means to me. She is my Personal Barista She understands Disney better than anyone else She brings Lord of the Rings to the Table (that is, the Writing Table... it
- ["These Are a Few of My Favorite Things"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/25/these-are-a-few-of-my-favorite-things/) - Dot's friend is having an end-of-year sleepover for the Senior class girls tonight. It's the first night I'm alone since last week. Since the Big Before and After Moment. We're doing okay. There have been some difficult moments, and some good ones. We're going to be okay. We're not there yet. But we know we
- [Peace Like a River](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/26/peace-like-a-river/) - During this week, I've found myself singing hymns. Not intentionally. They just roll out of me as easy as breathing. I don't even know I'm doing it until I hear the sound of my own voice. "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art" have been two of the top three. "It Is Well With My
- [Resume/Resume'](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/27/resumeresume/) - I've always loved the dual purpose word: Beat (a rhythm, an action). Class (a group, a status). So "resume" and "resume' " aren't exactly the same thing, but... it's late, so that's all the brain-power you get from me right now. This post is scheduled for Sunday, but I'm writing it Friday night. Actually, I'm
- [How to Help a Mourner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/28/how-to-help-a-mourner/) - I guess this is sort of a "Lessons Learned" post in reverse. Not so much lessons we've learned this last week, but more of a "What To Do" if you're ever in the situation yourself. One week ago, Dot's boyfriend of over two and half years passed away. In the week since, we continue to
- [Deep Cleaning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/29/deep-cleaning/) - On the heels of yesterday's post How to Help a Mourner, I admit that I've had to unfriend a few people on Facebook. It makes me sad that it came to this. But it's also a bit refreshing. It's a bit like cleaning the dust bunnies out from under the bed. You know what I
- [What's the Word? Wednesday (Blog Hop): May 30, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/30/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-may-30-2012/) - Can you believe it's nearly the end of May? This month went by too fast... and too slow. How 'bout for you? Well, one thing you can (usually) count on is that it's "What's the Word? Wednesday" on Frankly, My Dear... This week has no theme. It's just a round-table get together in the Big
- [My Bucket List for June, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/05/31/my-bucket-list-for-june-2012/) - I know, I know... life is most certainly going to get in the way... But still...it's nice to have a few things on the To-Do List, right? Here's the start of my List for June, 2012: Celebrate Dot & Friends' Graduation. Blog every day. Write at least an hour every day on the Big Projects.
- [Ask Away](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/01/ask-away/) - I'm running out of last-minute blog ideas. I need some to pull out of my proverbial Writer's Hat for moments like this: moments when I don't know what to write about, and don't have time to research any big project. So guess what: This is a You-Pick Status! Go ahead and leave me any questions
- [Graduation Day!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/02/graduation-day/) - Dot graduated from high school today! I'll be posting some FABULOUS PHOTOS tomorrow, but first we're busy with family and out-of-town guests and parties and shopping and... well, you get the picture... So, to all the Graduates of 2012, congratulations on your great success! Yesterday was the last day of the first of your life.
- [Sunday Stream of Consciousness Writing (June 3, 2012)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/03/sunday-stream-of-consciousness-writing-june-3-2012/) - Five minutes. Here goes... A big shout out to my friend Claudia. Without her I wouldn't have known about this job opportunity that I'm waiting to hear about. My application was approved, my resume was accepted, I aced the written test better than I even thought I would, and I had the interview. Now they
- [I Don't Know What to Write About.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/04/i-dont-know-what-to-write-about/) - I don't know what to write about tonight. I could tell stories of barefeet and patio mice. I could regale you with ideas and thoughts of something amazing, beautiful, and nice. But I don't know what that would be. So I sit here and click the keys instead Trying to make sense and order and
- [With Honors](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/05/with-honors/) - Yup. That's my girl. My tiny baby. The one I would die for. The one I sacrifice for. The one I'm proud of. People tell me what a great job I've done. All I did was drive her to school. She did the rest. She studied. She attended. She applied. She worked. She worked hard.
- [EXODUS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/06/exodus/) - June is my Exodus. I'm making it so. Months ago during prayer, I felt God telling me to hold on until June. Things will get better in June. The last year, the last month have been the proverbial one thing after another and now that it's June, it's time to put on a new hat
- [What's the Word? Wednesday [Blog Hop]: June 6, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/06/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-june-6-2012/) - The days keep running together... I almost forgot today is Wednesday! Good thing there's no theme for this week's "What's the Word? Wednesday" Blog Hop, right?! You know the drill: until next Tuesday, link up your own posts and comments, and check out ones left by everyone else! So far, Ann and Jenn have been
- [The Death of Ray Bradbury](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/07/the-death-of-ray-bradbury/) - I saw the news tonight. Ray Bradbury has died at the age of 91. Bradbury was the author of many great books like Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and my personal favorite, Something Wicked This Way Comes. His science fiction writings often predicted things and events such as the invention of ATM machines. He even
- [Look Who Came to Dinner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/08/look-who-came-to-dinner/) - You've heard me talk about Old Blue ~ the Cooper's Hawk I first noticed back in February. Remember, I took this crappy photo with my Droid cell phone. I've been waiting for him to return, and he has, albeit infrequently. He's the reason I bought my Kodak a few months ago. Dot was tired of
- [Super Lizard to the Rescue!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/08/super-lizard-to-the-rescue/) - I was just about to grab my watering can this morning when I saw Izzy playing around and above it. He's grown a good inch or two in length since I saw him last. Doesn't he just look like Spider-Man? Hey, as long as he and his mate keep the roaches away, he can play
- [The Face of the Future](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/09/the-face-of-the-future/) - Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Class of 2012. You've worked hard. You made it through with flying colors. You made it through the toughest moments. You stopped and smelled the roses. And now it's time to rock the socks off the future. You can do it. You will do it. The world is
- [The "I'm Not Writing a Post" Post - No. 1](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/10/the-im-not-writing-a-post-post-no-1/) - So. Remember a while ago I said I would either not post as often, and/or post more substantial readings? Yeah. This is the caught-in-between post. The post that says, I want to still write, but can't think of anything to write about. I could recount my housecleaning endeavors, but not too sure that's what you're
- [My Sand Pail List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/11/my-sand-pail-list/) - I got this great idea from Charlene at A Divine Walk. She got it from another of her blog friends. As Charlene puts it, "The sand pail list is a take off of a "bucket list" but instead of being a before you die list, it’s a list of things you want to accomplish during
- [What I Did On My Summer Vacation - Week 1](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/12/what-i-did-on-my-summer-vacation-week-1/) - Dot's been out of school for just over one week. Last week, we got in the car and since it was a weekday morning, I almost automatically drove her to school. I caught myself and said, "Hey, I don't have to drive you to school today!" And then I realized, "Hey. I never get to
- [Nature Walk - June 11, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/12/nature-walk-june-11-2012/) - [This post is inspired by Ann at Doodles and Jots. I just love her amazing nature photography!] Since Dot and I walked the mile to my Mom's house today, I thought I'd also work on my photography skills at the same time. Dot's much more creative than I am, but I'm happy with what I've
- [What's the Word? Wednesday [Blog Hop]: June 13, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/13/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-june-13-2012/) - I almost didn't post this. I didn't write anything yesterday. At all. No blog posts. No short stories. Didn't even work on a grocery list. And late at night, that small, still voice got to me. The one that tried to keep me awake with my Things Unaccomplished List. Luckily for it, I was too
- [We Called Him "Lucky"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/14/we-called-him-lucky/) - My friend Mary sent me this photo last week. This turtle came to say hi to her at work. She said it was most likely nesting and laying eggs. A few hours later, the turtle was gone, and there was no sign of any eggs. I asked her if I could use this photo. First,
- [Prayer for This Job](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/15/prayer-for-this-job/) - I haven't been able to focus on writing this week. Instead I've been literally waiting for the phone to ring. Holding my breath every time the mail truck drives up, and exhaling every time there's no letter of rejection. I'm still waiting to hear if I'm getting the job I applied for two months ago.
- [It's National Fudge Day, Mary!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/16/its-national-fudge-day-mary/) - My friend Mary lives in Canada. Which is prob'ly a good thing. We're both Chocoholics, and if she lived any closer to me we'd most likely be at each others' door every day sharing the dark sweets in its various forms. That doesn't stop us from still encouraging one another to indulge without the other
- [My Favorite Christmas Movie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/17/my-favorite-christmas-movie/) - It's a Wonderful Life. Yes, I know it's June. Yes, I know you're all shaking your heads and wondering if I'm having a nutty. But I've had this movie in my laptop DVD player since Tuesday night. And I've been watching it. And I love it. This has become my favorite Christmas movie. The Christmas
- [Lessons Learned: The Creepy Movie Edition (June 18, 2012)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/18/lessons-learned-the-creepy-movie-edition-june-18-2012/) - Dot and I watched one of her favorite movies tonight: Hide & Seek with Robert De Niro and Dakota Fanning. It's one of those movies that still make us jump or hold our breath or scream. No matter how many times we watch it. In true MomDot fashion, we opted to bring a little levity
- [I Got Nothin'](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/20/i-got-nothin/) - [*This post was originally intended for Tuesday, June 19, 2012. At the time, I opted not to publish it.] So. There's this fluxuating see-saw inside of me. Do I write for the sake of writing, exposing you to dribble and drab? Or do I take a break and not post anything at all? Either way
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: June 20, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/20/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-june-20-2012/) - So. Here's the thing. The response to "What's the Word?" Wednesday hasn't been building as much as I'd like. But the permeating message I've come to understand and hold on to lately has been "patience" and "slow and steady". Just because I can't see the fruits of my labor doesn't mean there aren't any. And
- [Worthy Words](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/21/worthy-words/) - I've been having fun with Photobucket lately. For those of you who don't know what it is, it's a great free online photo editing site. You can upload your photos and change them completely. You can reverse images, colors, tones, hues, add borders and texts... in short, have fun! The two I've been working on
- [Mojo Book Review (and a Giveaway!): The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/22/mojo-book-review-and-a-giveaway-the-collected-short-stories-of-louis-lamour/) - I love Louis L'Amour. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, this isn't a surprise. But if you're new, let me just state the obvious: I love Louis L'Amour. I named my newest Nutcracker after him. I collect Nutcrackers, and every holiday season my Mom lets me pick one for my
- [My (Sometimes Not-So-) Great Outdoors](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/23/my-sometimes-not-so-great-outdoors/) - The desert. That wonderfully dry, sunny place where plants come and go in the strangest of conditions... My yard. That place where this not-so-green-thumbed-person tries to manipulate the elements. Sometimes successfully. Sometimes not. This blog. A public, digital record of where the two meet. The most recent photos of my gardening and greenery attempts: I
- [N'Awlins](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/24/nawlins/) - Or, as I call it with my Minnesotan accent, "N'Orleeeens." This past week I've been infatuated with the Big Easy. I'm working on a short story idea that came to me a few months ago. And Megan introduced me to Oak Alley Plantation online. The photos are so... mesmerizing. Transforming. Enticing. Haunting. So guess what.
- [In Case You Missed It (June 24, 2012)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/24/in-case-you-missed-it-june-24-2012/) - I'm starting a new weekly feature here at Frankly, My Dear... a run-down of the previous week's posts, all in one neat little packaged post! So if you've missed any readings, just click on the link and you'll be caught up in no time. Happy reading! And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote! My
- [Loozi-ana](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/25/loozi-ana/) - In researching New Orleans and surrounding area for my current writing project, I've discovered and rediscovered some great trivia about the state: *The Louisiana Purchase was in 1803, and amounted to less than 3 cents per acre at the time. *The Louisiana territory covered all or part of 15 current United States as well as
- [Being a Crier Does Not Make Me Weak](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/28/being-a-crier-does-not-make-me-weak/) - I cry. You know this. I've talked about my crying in my writings. I've cried while writing. I've cried while reading. I've cried while watching TV. I've cried when listening to music. I cry when I'm sad, stressed, angry, confused, and happy. I cry when I see other people cry. I cry when I see
- [#FlashpointFinalDays](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/26/flashpointfinaldays/) - Yep. Reality is sinking in... this is the last week of full cast shooting for the greatest drama on television. We've yet to even start viewing Season Five, but that is just a small offset of the somber mood we're in over at FPTOne and Twitter. And I'm not even officially associated with the show.
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: June 27, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/27/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-june-27-2012/) - Wow, can you believe it's the last week of June already? I can't! I thought once Dot graduated that it would go by slower. Truth is, we've been enjoying so much family and friends time that the last month has flown by. In other respects, it's also been very slow. I keep waiting for any
- [Pour Your Heart Out - Link Up](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/27/pour-your-heart-out-link-up/) - You really should read some of the stories over at Shell's link up. This was only the second time I linked up. I added this morning's post, "What's the Word?" Wednesdays: Blog Hop because her topic and mine are similar. But she has a way of writing that inspires me. It's so heartfelt, so honest.
- [In Case You Missed It: Weekly Recap [June 30, 2012]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/29/in-case-you-missed-it-weekly-recap-june-30-2012/) - The month is over, and I've got a great July planned! How 'bout you? We'll celebrate the Fourth of July. Make Chicken in the Slow Cooker. Write. Read. Drink Coffee. All this and more will be featured on Frankly, My Dear... so I hope you'll stay tuned! And in case you missed the previous week's
- [THE NEWSROOM: Aaron Sorkin is My New Television Hero. Again.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/06/the-newsroom-aaron-sorkin-is-my-new-television-hero-again/) - [NOTE: This blog post is written after viewing only the premiere episode of THE NEWSROOM. All opinions herein are solely based on one episode... so far...] I have a list of favorite TV Shows. While it's no secret that FLASHPOINT tops the list, the remaining Top Ten tend to blur together. My order of preference
- [And The Winner Is...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/06/30/and-the-winner-is/) - Congratulations to Jessica N. of Arizona! In response to last week's post, Mojo Book Review (and a Giveaway!): The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour", Jessica commented, pinned, and shared her entry on Facebook. All of these earned her three entries in the Giveaway. Jess, thanks for being a Most Valued Reader at Frankly, My
- [RECIPE: Chicken Stock & Soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/01/recipe-chicken-stock-soup/) - My theme for the Month of July is Chicken. As in, don't be chicken to reach for goals. Don't be chicken to ask for what I need. And don't be chicken to try new things in the kitchen. See how that all wraps up nicely? [Ooh! Wraps. NOTE TO SELF: Add Chicken Wraps to the
- [This Week's Theme](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/02/this-weeks-theme/) - I've decided to adopt a new theme/idea/mantra for each week. Some positivity is what's needed around here! And since I'm getting to be oh-so-creative on Photobucket, this will be oh-so-fun to share! First up, and oh-so-appropriately for this desert I live in, this week's theme is I'm gonna take what I have available, and work
- [Do You See What I See (in my Garden)?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/03/do-you-see-what-i-see-in-my-garden/) - Remember about six weeks ago when I brought home some vegetation that looked promising? And then it didn't? Well, with some hard work, cooperating weather (less heat), and some Miracle-Gro and water, my crops are starting to, well, crop. It took a full month of delicate, tedious care and prayer, and now my three plants
- [Chicken Soup with Rice](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/01/chicken-soup-with-rice/) - I love chicken soup. I love chicken soup plain. I love chicken soup with noodles. But mostly, I love chicken soup with rice. So after I made my chicken stock, I knew exactly what my first recipe was going to be. Starting with the base recipe in yesterday's post, today I made Chicken Soup With
- [SUMMER VACATION TIME: Get Your Kicks and A Route 66 Gift Pack Giveaway!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/04/get-your-kicks-and-a-route-66-gift-pack-giveaway/) - It's summer! Time to bring out the sunscreen and road maps and take a drive. One of the most favorite drives in America is "The Mother Road". From Los Angeles to Chicago. And it runs right through the middle of my town. Nearly 17 years ago, the Route 66 Museum opened in Old Town Victorville,
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: July 4, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/04/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-july-4-2012/) - Happy Independence Day! It's time to celebrate! What does Independence really mean? Well, for America, today, it means we stand on our own. But in general terms, "Independence" means freedom, liberty, self-reliance. It can also mean ability, qualification, aptitude. I like that! I like that freedom doesn't necessarily mean being separate from others; it just
- [Another Post About Pinterest.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/05/another-post-about-pinterest/) - I've written about Pinterest before. I introduced you to This Thing Called Pinterest. I wrote an open letter about Pinning to Dear Pinners.... I've shared with you my own Pinterest account, and updated when I create new boards. Today I discovered that not all my own Pins were linked accurately. Of course, as a blogger/writer,
- [(SORT OF) RECIPE: Chicken Mac 'n Cheese](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/07/sort-of-recipe-chicken-mac-n-cheese/) - Remember last week when I made this delicious Chicken Stock & Soup? And the next day I used the vegetables to make this fantastic Chicken Soup With Rice? After indulging for four servings on the soup, my freezer now contains four more soup servings, six cups of stock, and four cups of shredded chicken meat.
- [HOW TO WRITE A BETTER BLOG: I Have Questions. You Have Answers.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/08/how-to-write-a-better-blog-i-have-questions-you-have-answers/) - I'm a blogger. At least, I think I am. Blogger is typically defined as a person who maintains or publishes an online diary (web blog). But I'm not writing my private thoughts into the public media. Blogging, to me, is more than just spilling your emotions over a keyboard for all to see. There are
- [This Week's Theme: July 9, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/09/this-weeks-theme-july-9-2012/) - This week's theme is in keeping with my aim to add new recipes to the blog. I absolutely love being in the kitchen. I love creating new flavors and enhancing familiar recipes. It brings me such joy to find inexpensive, flavorful foods that feed my family and guests well. This week's theme also inspires me
- [Side Notes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/10/side-notes/) - I made a few alterations to Frankly, My Dear... and I think it's a much better fit now! I'm so excited at the way things are going; and they're just going to keep getting better. Last week the planets aligned to put me in a better attitude and from those events (which I'll blog about
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: July 11, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/11/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-july-11-2012/) - This week's theme for me seems to be In the Middle. or, possibly, On a Teeter-Totter. It's already the middle of the week. In four more days it will be the middle of the month. We are closer to the end of the year than the beginning. Yikes! While the local craft stores and Hallmark
- [Hot Enough to Fry an Egg!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/12/hot-enough-to-fry-an-egg/) - See that? That's a Photo Grab I took from Weather.com in the middle of the afternoon. Ridiculous, isn't it? And that's not the worst of it. It actually got hotter! It reached 107 at my house today. In fact, I started writing this at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday evening, and it was still 105. Some of
- [Hot Enough, Part II](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/13/hot-enough-part-ii/) - These are more photos I took on the hottest day we've had so far this year. My flower seeds have finally taken root (no pun intended, but there it is!). Fred is definitely getting ready to produce a harvest of Beefsteak tomatoes. And around the yard are other signs of life. Even Dot and a
- [It Was a Dark and Stormy Afternoon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/13/it-was-a-dark-and-stormy-afternoon/) - Those thunderstorms we've been waiting on? You know, once the ridiculously hot triple-digit weather wafted into something a tad bit cooler and stirred up the atmosphere with the confronting high/low pressure fronts... Yeah. THOSE thunderstorms... We had our first little taste overnight. At 3:06 a.m. Friday the 13th no less, I was awakened by one
- [Page Turners](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/14/page-turners/) - On Friday morning, I invested over two hours' time on my Blog pages. You'll recall that "Pages" are "static": those seldom-changing bulletins that are featured on the Home Page header. Posts (like this one you're reading now) are the occasional (or in my case, daily) updates about something or nothing specific. It could have been
- [Hidden Files](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/15/hidden-files/) - On Friday, I spent three hours or so going through Babycakes's files. Babycakes, by the way, is what my laptop decided to call itself last year. I've called it/he/she such names as "Mac", "Prissy", "My Writer's Bible", and even "Thing". But last year, for some strange reason, it/he/she became Babycakes. And it's been that way
- [My [Un]Broken Heart](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/16/my-unbroken-heart/) - I just published Hidden Files, about discovering some old writings I'd forgotten or pushed to the sides. I found writings I'd intended to publish on a former Blog. It was a blog that had three readers, and lasted four or five months. For obvious reasons, I shut it down and started Frankly, My Dear... which
- [Cake Decorating Class](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/17/cake-decorating-class/) - As some of you know, Dot and I are in the middle of the Wilton Cake Decorating Basics Class. Last week we learned how to level a cake, and how to cut, fill, and frost it. You'll recall that for as much as I love being in the kitchen, I'd never baked a cake until
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: July 18, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/18/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-july-18-2012/) - It's already Wednesday. Wait. What? It's already Wednesday?! This week has gone by far too fast for me. Dot's now enrolled in college. College! I've got ten resumes out for review, and I'm considering signing up with LinkedIn.com and Kickstarter.com. [If any of you have advice regarding either of those sites, please... I'm all ears!]
- [WINNER of the Route 66 Gift Pack Giveaway](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/18/winner-of-the-route-66-gift-pack-giveaway/) - Thank you to everyone who entered the Route 66 Gift Pack Giveaway. I enjoyed reading all your vacation comments! The winner is Veronica G., who stated "The best summer trip I ever had was our highschool trip to Myrtle Beach." I look forward to doing another giveaway soon, so stay tuned... and Happy Summer! And
- [My Daughter Is Not a Blogger](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/19/my-daughter-is-not-a-blogger/) - While watching ROYAL PAINS on the TV tonight, I asked Dot what I should write about on the Blog for tomorrow (which is this post you're currently reading). Here are her contributions: *Interior Decorating: Sometimes it's warm. Sometimes it's cold. It feels like Starbucks. *Marijuana. It's illegal. *Tissues. They can be used to wipe tears
- [My Baby Blog is Growing Up!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/20/my-baby-blog-is-growing-up/) - I've been working diligently on bringing you a better blog: one that's on par with others that lead the Blogosphere. And it's paying off. I recently received notice of my first blog sponsor! I'd tell you here, but I want it to be a surprise. I'll be featuring a giveaway within the next few days.
- [The Versatile Blogger Award!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/21/the-versatile-blogger-award/) - Huge shout out to Momma Sylvia of Homeschooling Through Triumphs, Trials and Tragedies. I found her blog through BlogHer's monthly NaBloPoMo two weeks ago, and have been enraptured with her daily posts ever since. She's honest about her family and what they go through on a daily basis, just as her Blog Name implies. She
- [RECIPE & GIVEAWAY: Green Chili Chicken & Rice](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/22/recipe-giveaway-green-chili-chicken-rice/) - I've heard people say things like "I don't know how I ever got along without one for so long." Or, "It's so easy, so simple, so effortless." And, "Delicious. Hearty. Healthy." Most of the time I chalk it up to hype. Someone, somewhere is exaggerating. And then I bought my Aroma Houseware's 6-Cup Rice Cooker.
- [A Day in the Yard](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/23/a-day-in-the-yard/) - Dot and I spent nearly three hours trimming just one of our backyard trees and cleaning off the back patio. This is my third summer in my "new" house. I've devoted three summers to the front yard: Tree Trimming, gardening, cleaning. Little by little... well, you've seen past pictures. It's still a lot of desert
- [Second Winner: Route 66 Gift Pack Giveaway](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/24/second-winner-route-66-gift-pack-giveaway/) - Michele D., I hope you're reading this because due to lack of response from our first winner, YOU ARE THE NEW WINNER OF THE ROUTE 66 GIFT PACK GIVEAWAY! Remember, folks, you can win but the prize is only good if you contact me with a proper mailing address. Michele, I look forward to hearing
- [Alienation](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/25/alienation/) - I don't care if Chick-fil-A supports Biblical marriage. I don't care if Henson Productions supports homosexuality. I don't care. I do care that people are being legalistic instead of loving, and people are being bullies. I do care that social media is jumping all over it as if we're sending Earth's orbit straight into the
- [What's the Word? Wednesday [Blog Hop]: July 25, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/25/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-july-25-2012/) - I had Jury Duty today. At least, I was summoned. I tried to talk my way out of it but because I had inadvertently failed to show up last month, I was definitely on the books for this month with a "Failure to Appear" notice. By the time the groups were selected, I was actually
- [In Case You Missed It: This Week's Posts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/26/in-case-you-missed-it-this-weeks-posts/) - It's been quite the growth spurt this week at Frankly, My Dear... If you weren't able to check in recently, here's this week's most popular posts: What's the Word? Wednesday [Blog Hop]. Lots of great links to other blogs. Alienation. My take on the Chick-fil-A "issue" that's circling the social media world. My third most
- [Under Construction: Baby Steps, Bob. Baby Steps.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/26/under-construction-baby-steps-bob-baby-steps/) - There's been a handful of small changes around here lately. Both at home and on the The Blog. I'm more active, getting more done, and not waiting until A Big Project falls in my lap to do anything about it. It's the little steps that'll get ya' there. Remember the movie "What About Bob?" with
- [Picture This!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/27/picture-this/) - It's no secret that I've been wanting to learn better photography tips. My brothers and my daughter are all naturals when it comes to cameras. Me? Notsomuch. But I definitely want to learn. I have a great camera. You've seen it, right? My Kodak Z990 EasyShare Max camera. It is, I'm told, classified as a
- [Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/28/destination-mission-inn-riverside-ca/) - It's no secret that the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA is one of my family's favorite destinations. Whether it's just for an afternoon of strolling or a weekend getaway, this beautiful and historic location has much to offer people of all ages. Three of my favorite photos were taken by either myself or my daughter
- [My First Photography Lesson](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/29/my-first-photography-lesson/) - "When all else fails, read the directions." ~Everyone's Mother. Often. Just two days ago, I wrote how I want to learn better photography skills. In the last few days, I've worked toward that end: reading the manual that came with my Kodak camera. Trying my hand at photographing anything and everything. Pointing and shooting my
- [Do You trekaroo?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/30/do-you-trekaroo/) - Do you trekaroo? It's a wonderful website designed to give parents and families honest reviews about hotels, restaurants and activities. Are you afraid to take your young kids on vacation? Are your teens rolling their eyes at the thought of unplugging? Do you bite your nails at the thought of leaving the comfort of your
- [Certificate of Completion: Wilton Basic Cake Decorating Course](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/07/31/certificate-of-completion-wilton-basic-cake-decorating-course/) - Well, we did it. We finished our Wilton Cake Decorating Course. As has been the standard for the last four weeks, Dot's cake, well, took the cake. She always has the other students and the instructor oohing and ahhing over her gifted artistry. In the four-week course, we learned How to properly bake a cake
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesdays [Blog Hop]: HOPE RELAY! August 1, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/01/whats-the-word-wednesdays-blog-hop-hope-relay-august-1-2012/) - Not only is it Wednesday again, it's a new month! There is so much going on, I've actually had to write out my To Do List instead of keeping it in my head. I actually like keeping busy like this. I love having a To Do List that gets crossed off. It makes me feel
- [Thunderstorm!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/01/thunderstorm/) - Well, it took about three weeks of high humidity to combine with southerly winds, but we finally got our thunderstorm this afternoon! It didn't last long (huge disappointment) but brought a lot of noise as the wind ushered in about two minutes of hail before turning back to "just" rain. My flower bed has been
- [Living Room Love](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/02/living-room-love/) - And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Writing Doesn't Pay the Bills. Yet.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/03/writing-doesnt-pay-the-bills-yet/) - Writing is what I do best. It doesn't always show through on my blog (although I want it to!), but I write every day. And when I give it my all, it shows. But it still doesn't pay the bills. Yet. I love that word, yet. And I know that someday, my writing will have
- [Congratulations, Winnie!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/02/congratulations-winnie/) - Winnie, of Winnie's Inky Fingers, is soon to be the happy winner of the Aroma Houseware's 6-Cup Rice Cooker! Her winning comment stated, "I love to serve pulled pork with yellow rice (I add sazon seasoning to white rice when it is cooking!) I am excited for you, good luck with your giveaway!" And her
- [My Week In Pictures](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/04/my-week-in-pictures-2/) - While I really enjoy putting words on pictures, sometimes the photo itself says more. These are photos that didn't make it into the last few posts, but I still feel deserve to be noticed. And my newest photos: And finally, what's been getting me through this week: And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Girl, Protected: Damsel in Defense](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/05/girl-protected-damsel-in-defense/) - Dot passed her driving test on Friday. She starts college in three weeks. She's 17, and a natural beauty. This Mom worries every time she's two seconds late coming home. I glare when young men do a double-take when she enters their line of vision. I am a Mother Bear, and I will protect my
- [Lessons Learned: The Domesticated Cat Edition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/06/lessons-learned-the-domesticated-cat-edition/) - 1. The best water is from a slow dripping sink faucet. 2. Not leaving the sink faucet on a slow drip may cause Upset Kitty Syndrome, which results in shredded toilet paper in said sink. 3. It's fun to sneak outside. It's not fun to not be noticed, or be forgotten. The best fun is
- [From Beth](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/07/from-beth/) - My dear friend Beth sent me this poem in an email last night. She has no idea of the kind of week I've just been through... so all I can say is THANK YOU. ~ [Jelaluddin Rumi, in Delicious Laughter, translated by Coleman Barks] A dragon was pulling a bear into its terrible mouth. A
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesdays [Blog Hop]: August 8, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/08/whats-the-word-wednesdays-blog-hop-august-8-2012/) - I've been so busy the last few days, I almost forgot to write a blog post! Ever had a season like that? Everything keeps you so very busy that other things slip by? I'm glad that's usually just for a season. Dot's on vacation with her aunt, uncle and cousin. They're taking her camping. And
- [I Had a Job Interview Today!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/09/i-had-a-job-interview-today/) - Yup. I had an interview. A real, in-person, we-think-you-could-benefit-our-business job interview today. [I also had a call to join an insurance team about an hour's drive from home and work for commission only... had to turn that one down. Darn.] I had been referred to today's Real Interviewer through mutual contacts. A year ago, I
- [In Case You Missed It: Early August](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/08/in-case-you-missed-it-early-august/) - Here's the rundown of the most important posts in the last two weeks. Give 'em a gander, if you like. Under Construction: Baby Steps, Bob. Baby Steps. Destination: Mission Inn, Riverside, CA Do You Trekaroo? Writing Doesn't Pay the Bills. Yet. Girl, Protected: Damsel in Defense Don't forget this week's "What's the Word?" Wednesday link
- [In The Midst of the Heat Wave](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/10/in-the-midst-of-the-heat-wave/) - In the midst of this heatwave, My cats are drinking ice water And I'm keeping all windows and blinds closed. It makes it darker. It makes it cozier. And it makes it almost okay to listen to What I call "Autumn" music: Those tunes by Diana Krall and Harry Connick, Jr. That bring to mind
- [I Couldn't Sleep Last Night](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/11/i-couldnt-sleep-last-night/) - I couldn't sleep last night. I was excited for this morning's Safe and Sassy Party. I'm waiting for Dot to return home from her camping trip. It's too hot. The house still smells fresh and I want to enjoy it. I watched an action movie just before turning in. I'm mentally working on five writing
- [iPhone v. Droid: An unsponsored MoJo review](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/12/iphone-v-droid-an-unsponsored-mojo-review/) - My daughter has an iPhone 4S. She bought it with money she received for her high school graduation. I, having not graduated recently, still have my two-year-old Android. In the past two months, I have grown convinced that an iPhone is the phone for me. And this is my official notice that it is now
- [One Hundred and One Years Ago](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/13/one-hundred-and-one-years-ago/) - There was no Great War, World War 1 or World War 2. The Titanic had not yet sailed. There was no Republic of China. The New York Yankees were known as the New York Highlanders. The first motion picture studio, Nestor Motion Picture Company, opened in Hollywood. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and
- [Epic Fail, NBC. Epic. Fail.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/14/epic-fail-nbc-epic-fail/) - Did you see the ending of the Olympics Closing Ceremonies? Yeah... we didn't either. There we were, in the middle of me explaining to Dot that Annie Lennox is the voice behind the Eurythmics, when our screen went dark. After a brief moment, a message popped up that indicated it was a DirecTV issue, no
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: August 15, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/15/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-august-15-2012/) - Hope, Returned. Two weeks ago, Melanie Crutchfield challenged bloggers to post about Hope and link it to her Hope Relay 2012. As promised, she followed up with her own Closing Ceremony, honoring the many different definitions, views, and routes we each have to achieving hope. You can read her compilation, along with links to all
- [Catford Manor is Clean!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/16/catford-manor-is-clean/) - Every time I walk into my mother's house, it's fresh. Revitalizing. Clean. My mother doesn't live on a dirt lot or have five cats. She doesn't have any cats, but for the sake of drama in this post, I'm emphasizing the five cats she doesn't have... and we do. My mother's house is the house
- [He Gave His Heart (It Hits Us in Waves)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/17/he-gave-his-heart-it-hits-us-in-waves/) - It's been two months since Dot's boyfriend passed away from failed kidneys and a donor heart. Two months of being fine until we hear a song that reminds us of him. See a photo of him on Facebook. Remember his laugh, his smile, his personality. Dot just got her driver's license. She passed the test
- [Building a Better Me: Making (Better) Memories](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/18/building-a-better-me-making-better-memories/) - Lately, I've been rediscovering lost memories. I've been chatting with old friends on Facebook. Looking through old photo albums. Reading old journal entries and blog posts. I'm not one to reminisce. I'm either in the moment or living for the future. The past is the past. It can't be changed. And while I have solid
- [The Desires of My Heart](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/19/the-desires-of-my-heart/) - [This post is one of my Ten Bible Verses I Try to Live By] Psalm 37:4 is one of my favorites. The NIV version reads "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." I often feel this verse is misinterpreted. It doesn't tell us that once we devote
- [This Week's Theme: August 20, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/20/this-weeks-theme-august-20-2012/) - I haven't forgotten my goal from two months ago to have a new theme to aspire to each week. I just haven't had the chance to document my ideals every Monday. I have a few ideas, and I'm hoping to blast my way through several within the next ten days or so to get "current".
- [Quantity vs. Quality](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/21/quantity-vs-quality/) - I don't have as many blog followers as I strive for. It makes it a little hard to get sponsors for giveaways and such. But I keep at it. And little by little, great things are coming my way. Nearly every day, I can count on comments from a core group of supporters. And nearly
- [Chocolate Heaven (and a Giveaway!)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/24/chocolate-heaven-and-a-giveaway/) - THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST. YOU CAN ORDER MORE WONDERFUL CHOCOLATE PRODUCT DIRECTLY FROM SCHARFFEN BERGER ONLINE. I believe in chocolate. I believe it has magical powers to uplift spirits, create amazing kitchen delicacies, and basically make the world a much better place. My love for Scharffen Berger started nearly
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: August 22, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/22/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-august-22-2012/) - It's been a great week around here. Mary tells me that all my housecleaning was actually the result of a virus, for which chocolate is the cure. Well, now I know for next time. The cleaning having been already done, I guess all I can do is indulge in chocolate now as a preventative measure
- [I've Discovered e-Cards](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/23/ive-discovered-e-cards/) - My world will never be the same. I've discovered how easy and fun it is to create my own e-cards using some ecards. After just two minutes on the site, this is my first creation: "SAHM" stands for Stay At Home Mom. So. How do you like them apples? And Frankly, My Dear... that's all
- [I Live in Fear Every Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/23/i-live-in-fear-every-day/) - I know I shouldn't. I know some people say worry is a sin. That I'm either not a good Christian, or I need to let go or... whatever it is you tell people when they say they're unreasonably afraid. But I am. Often. I'm afraid every day of the unknown. I'm afraid that I won't
- [A New Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/25/a-new-day/) - Two days ago, I posted about my living in fear. Now, while those fears are true, and real, and constant, I don't want you to get the impression that that's all there is to me. I don't suffer depression. I'm not in need of medication. But I do bounce around from Happy to Sad to
- [I Wore a Baseball Cap Today (Sunday Stream of Consciousness)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/26/i-wore-a-baseball-cap-today-sunday-stream-of-consciousness/) - It's been a while since I've done my five mindless minutes of writing, so here I am. Dot helped her best friend move into the Dorm at his college. They both start classes Monday. She has a four-year plan: get her AA at the community college, then transfer to the University for her BA and
- [My Top Ten Disaster Movies](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/27/my-top-ten-disaster-movies/) - I woke up feeling sick this morning. I mean, really sick. I should have expected it: my dreams for the last few nights have been bizarre. I don't mean creepy. I mean Willy Wonka meets Flashpoint in an Atlantis-setting kind of weird. Yeah. That kind of weird. So as I'm sitting here trying to think
- [Dot is not a "Wallflower" Kind of Girl](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/28/dot-is-not-a-wallflower-kind-of-girl/) - There's a movie coming out soon. A new teen movie. A new angst-ridden, teen movie. Based on the angst-ridden, teen novel of the same title. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Apparently, this book comes highly recommended for the teen scene. The popularity of the movie's female lead, Emma Watson, stems from her long-running popularity
- [Conversations with My Daughter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/28/conversations-with-my-daughter/) - Dot: "Errrr!... I just parked a car in my brain." Me: "I noticed." Dot: "I think I should get the brakes checked." Me: "You need to get something checked." Dot: "That's mean." Me: "Says the girl who just parked a car in her brain." Dot: "That wasn't mean. That was just insane. Oh, look. I
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: August 29, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/29/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-august-29-2012/) - As always, I'm writing this the night before it's supposed to post. I do this because I like knowing when I wake up that it will already be posted. It makes me feel like I can mark something off the To Do List, and all I did was open my eyes. I also like it
- [Lessons Learned: Afterthoughts of Being Stalked [Sept. 14, 2012]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/14/lessons-learned-afterthoughts-of-being-stalked-sept-14-2012/) - In the aftermath of the incident from yesterday's post, I've had time to reflect on what happened. I received a lot of encouraging comments and support. This post is a collage of my later thoughts, reactions, and observances. Don't be afraid of the Ugly Words. It's okay to say, out loud, "I'm being stalked." "Take
- [Myrtle Beach is Calling](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/15/myrtle-beach-is-calling/) - Yesterday, I got this fabulous tweet from Trekaroo: If you click on their button on my sidebar, you'll be taken to my Trekaroo page where I've written a few mini-blogs for this great family-based review site. Activities, lodgings, eateries... you name it, they review it. And the best part is, it's written by parents for
- [Rest In Peace, Patrick O'Rourke](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/16/rest-in-peace-patrick-orourke/) - My friend Dan is one of those friends-for-life-no-matter-what type of friend. He's followed Frankly, My Dear from Day One. It was his encouragement that led me to start New Inklings Press. He was the first to buy The Unemployment Cookbook. We talk smack about sports, politics, and humor. All.The.Time. He's just a great guy with
- [Just Do It.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/17/just-do-it/) - "If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." ~William Arthur Ward "Some people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it." ~Anonymous "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the
- [Instagram. Me. Together. BLISS.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/18/instagram-me-together-bliss/) - I just got an Instagram account. I know, I know... "What took me so long?" Let's not dwell on what kept me away, and just embrace the fact that I'm at this party at all. Better late than never, eh? Anyway. I just got an Instagram account. So. Here's my first two attempts. I think
- [Instagram Day 2](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/18/instagram-day-2/) - Dot introduced me to the Pixlr-o-Matic application. This, along with Instagram, is making photo taking to much higher levels for me. (Of course, it helps having a great cell phone camera, too!). In short, Instagram and Pixlr-o-Matic turns this Into this How stinkin' fun is that? Follow me: @therealmojo68 And Frankly, My Dear... that's all
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: September 19, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/19/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-september-19-2012/) - Are you ready?! In just two short days, it will officially be AUTUMN! Yess! How excited are you? Around here, even with the 90 degree heat we're still feeling, we're excited! Dot has introduced me to the joy, nay, the necessity of the Starbucks' Pumpkin Creme Frappuccino. A nice cool drink for times such as
- [Season Five](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/20/season-five/) - FLASHPOINT Season Five premieres tonight. In Canada. Not here in the U.S. Not until mid-October for us. If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that there are few things better than FLASHPOINT. Starbucks. Cooking. Writing. Family. And God. That about sums me up. I've been trying all day to come with
- [Wendy's Best Day Ever](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/21/wendys-best-day-ever/) - This one deserves a post all its own. Wendy was one of two winners for the Scharffen-Berger sponsored Chocolate Heaven post. She took this photo via Instagram and posted it on her Facebook page as well. (Don't worry, she gave me permission to repost it!) How cute is she?! And Frankly, My Dear... that's all
- [F*** Sp****. It's Not What You Think.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/22/f-sp-its-not-what-you-think/) - I've been trying for days to write an articulate post on the merits and blessings of free speech. I can't seem to get it quite right. Because here's the thing: it's not. I live in a country where I have a right to say what I want to say, how I want to say it,
- [If You Subscribe By Email](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/22/if-you-subscribe-by-email/) - You know those Blog changes I've been talking about? Well, some of the behind-the-scenes ones are already in the works. (Thanks, Webmaster!) I'm visiting many other Blogs to get aesthetic ideas as well. I'm hoping to streamline my many tabs, have a better design (to tie in with New Inklings Press), and just make it
- [RECIPE: Mocha Flavored Coffee Mix](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/23/recipe-mocha-flavored-coffee-mix/) - This is one of my favorite recipes. This is what every coffee drinker in my family gets each year. This is what gets me through the holidays. HOLIDAYS?! That's right. I said it. And I'll say it again. HOLIDAYS! For weeks, I've been working on my Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway: scrounging up sponsors, writing reviews,
- [Sunday Was For the Birds](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/24/sunday-was-for-the-birds/) - On the heels of a completely reorganized kitchen and staying up late because I was the only one in the house (Yes, I realize I'm no longer a teenager. Thank you for reminding me!), this morning I slept past my alarm and awoke only when the Scrub Jays shouted in celebration. They found the food
- [What If I'm Not Good Enough?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/25/what-if-im-not-good-enough/) - What if I’m Not Good Enough? This question haunts me every day. Why haven’t I achieved my dreams, my goals? What if I have the wrong dreams? What if I’m not good enough to accomplish that which I live for? Everyone says, “All things in good time,” or some sappy rendition of that sentiment. But
- [FRANKLY, MY DEAR... just got an extreme makeover!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/24/frankly-my-dear-just-got-an-extreme-makeover/) - It's here! The first major cosmetic surgery for Frankly, My Dear... It's not finished. It needs a few more changes. But so far, so good. The first thing you'll notice is when reading individual posts, the sidebar disappears. This means, if you want links (like Popular Posts, Blog Buttons, and advertising), you'll have to check
- [Dear Amy, I'm Just So Sorry For Your Loss.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/26/dear-amy-im-just-so-sorry-for-your-loss/) - Dear Amy, You don’t know me, but from what I’ve heard in the past two weeks, we would be good friends. I’m a childhood friend of your brother-in-law, Dan. It was just over two weeks ago that I heard from a friend that his brother passed away. No. That’s not right. It was just over
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: September 26, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/26/whats-the-word-wednesday-september-26-2012/) - Welcome back for another “What’s the Word?” Wednesday! “What’s the Word?” Wednesdays is a link-up that allows other bloggers and readers to share whatever they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it! A few things
- [Meet the Gilmans](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/27/meet-the-gilmans/) - ...so this is love... is one of my favorite Blogs. She's also on twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook. We connect a lot. We connected through BlogHer's NaBloPoMo over a year ago. Since then, I've followed her touching stories of being a child therapist, her struggles with infertility, and her amazing adventures in life. Right now,
- [You're Gonna Make It After All.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/28/youre-gonna-make-it-after-all/) - I have a huge affinity for Mary Tyler Moore; especially the Mary Tyler Moore Show. I was born in Minnesota, but soon we moved to Michigan. When we returned in my youth for a cousin's wedding, Dad took great pride in driving us through the intersection at Nicollet Mall and 7th Avenue. I remember being
- [My Communities Page](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/29/my-communities-page/) - Because Blogging is much more than just writing a public diary or recounting the day. Because true Blogging is focused and disciplined and detailed. Because Blogging includes communities and outreach with other Bloggers. I now have My Communities page. On this page you can easily see where I'm out-and-about in the Blogosphere. From company Blogger
- [A New Page: My Housing Project](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/30/a-new-page-my-housing-project/) - There's a new page link on Frankly, My Dear... My Housing Project Since I have an abundance of home improvement projects on my list and a new penchant for photography, I thought what better way to combine the two than to track it here on my blog? You'll see plenty of How To's, What Not
- [Made with (heart) By Corrie!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/29/made-with-heart-by-corrie/) - Many years ago, when Dot was just an infant, I met a woman named Corrie. A remarkable young woman, named after another remarkable woman. My Corrie was named for Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie Ten Boom was a Dutch Christian who, with her family, hid Jews from persecution during World War II before being arrested. If
- [My Housing Project: on Pinterest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/08/31/my-housing-project-on-pinterest/) - I am so excited. So very excited! I just discovered that Pergolas originated in Italy. Pergolas with their draping grapevines and tiny lights and patio dining and ambient music. Can't you just feel the breeze wafting the aroma of a great Merlot in your direction? And I just discovered that Italy actually has a desert.
- [Blue Moon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/01/blue-moon/) - I took this photo at 9:15 p.m., PST. We're expecting intermittent storm clouds again. I wasn't sure I'd even be able to see the Moon at all. To be honest, I rather like the way it's playing Peek-a-Boo. By my human eye, I could barely see the tree, and definitely not the powerlines. I'm so
- [This Month's Theme: September, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/01/this-months-theme-september-2012/) - Just two months ago, I embarked on a challenge to share a new theme for each week. Let's face it. While I've had a great theme each week about endurance, hope, faith, friends, food... I haven't been so great at sharing them. I think it's more realistic to limit a new theme to each month
- [My Housing Project: The Tree Stump Garden](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/02/my-housing-project-the-tree-stump-garden/) - When I first bought Bedford Manor, there were three trees in the front yard. Before moving in, I had the overgrown Juniper shrubs, Lily garden and miscellaneous items removed. The Fruitless Mulberry closest to the driveway grew so quickly, there were times driving into the garage felt like a trip on Disneyland's Jungle Cruise. We
- [The Williams Fire](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/03/the-williams-fire/) - As I write this, Firefighters are about 35 miles away as the crow flies, trying to contain any amount of the over 1,000 acres burnt so far this afternoon. Because it's Sunday, I wasn't watching news or doing yardwork. You could say I was partly unplugged from the world. And I'm okay with that. Except
- [My Housing Project: Pulling Up the Root Ball](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/04/my-housing-project-pulling-up-the-root-ball/) - My biggest yard project to date has been digging up the old root ball for the Mock Orange Shrub in the Northwest corner of Bedford Manor. It was a lovely shrub when I moved in, but just not my style. It was overgrown, and fast growing. We had this cut down to a dead stump
- [Happy September!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/05/happy-september/) - How we spent Tuesday afternoon: Then we watched "Autumn in New York". Even the weather knows it's September: the breeze is cooler, crisper. I think it's going to be a wonderful season. You may also enjoy reading: Writing Prompt: Songs Why I Don't Go to Carnivals in October
- [Blogging is a Business](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/05/blogging-is-a-business/) - A few years ago, I had some friends suggest I start a blog. "A what?" I asked. I was certain they'd lost their minds. To me, a blog was nothing more than a digital diary. A public digital diary. Why would I want to spill my guts to a bunch of strangers? I had a
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: September 5, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/05/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-september-5-2012/) - This week, I want to change things up a little. I've been spending more time online researching and contacting people and finding a few answers to my question: How to Build a Better Blog. I know most of the time, there's not a real theme to "What's the Word?" Wednesdays, and while you're still all
- [Rain.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/06/rain/) - Smell that dusts worries away. Wet that refreshes my soul. Plops that look like pawprints on my windows. Splats that drum a happy tune. Sensory Overload. I love Rain. And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [I am so not politically correct. Just sayin'...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/07/i-am-so-not-politically-correct-just-sayin/) - I just finished watching President Obama accept the Democratic nomination for Presidential candidate for the upcoming election. Last week, I watched Mitt Romney accept on behalf of the Republicans. Without disclosing any political leanings I might have, because that's a personal issue, I have made a few observances that I want to share. There is
- [My Housing Project: Pulling Up Roots](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/09/my-housing-project-pulling-up-roots/) - [NOTE: You can find links to all My Housing Project posts here.] When the Fruitless Mulberry was cut down a year ago, the remaining roots started to wither and unlevel the underground. So as I worked on pulling up the Mock Orange root ball, Dot sat in the shade and began to pull up roots.
- [Destination Station!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/08/destination-station/) - As some of you know, I've recently been writing reviews for Trekaroo. I love finding little and big places to review. My mental checklist lights up like a neon sign everywhere I go: Is it family friendly? How expensive is it? What's the average age range? Is it clean/fun/educational? I also love reading reviews from
- [How I Got Sponsors For My Blog (And Why I'm Still Looking)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/11/how-i-got-sponsors-for-my-blog-and-why-im-still-looking/) - Recently, I asked my friend Ann of Doodles and Jots how she was able to get a certain company to sponsor a giveaway on her blog. Her reply was simply, "I asked." Okay. You're right. It wasn't that simple. But it was close. She told me she found a company that she thought would be
- [Grab That Button!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/10/grab-that-button/) - Recently, I've been asked for my Blog Button. I realized I didn't have one. How terrible! A Blog Button is a Brand. It's a digital calling card. It lets people know who you are and how to find you. It's like having a Blog on speed dial. Some Buttons are more detailed than others. Some
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday [Blog Hop]: September 12, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/12/whats-the-word-wednesday-blog-hop-september-12-2012/) - I don't know about you but my Word this week is "AUTUMN" It's almost the middle of September. Last week it seemed so lovely and Fall-ish. This week, we're in the midst of yet another heat wave. And this one brought the humidity with it. I'm so sad, though. The last heatwave dried out both
- [September 11, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/11/september-11-2012/)
- [Life Moment: Stalker at the Store](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/13/life-moment-stalker-at-the-store/) - This is what I looked like when I went out today. I want you to see this, because before you read my story it's imperative that you understand how I was dressed and how I presented myself. I wasn't flashing skin. I didn't wear a skirt shorter than my sweater. I wasn't timid nor bullyish.
- [Teaser for Tomorrow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/09/30/teaser-for-tomorrow/) - Last night I took Dot and Second Daughter out to celebrate National Coffee Day. We made a 40 minute drive to My Favorite Place. It was well worth it. But we didn't get home until after 1 a.m. which means I didn't get a full-length post written. So here's a few photos for you to
- [Destination: Mission Inn ["Tell 'Em Tony Sent Ya"]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/01/destination-mission-inn-tell-em-tony-sent-ya/) - Saturday was National Coffee Day. To celebrate this, and Second Daughter's successful Mary Kay kick off party, we spontaneously drove down to Casey's Cupcakes at the Mission Inn. It was close to 7pm before we even hit the road. But after the Mary Kay party, we were all dressed up with otherwise no place to
- [My Trekaroo Reviews](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/02/my-trekaroo-reviews/) - Remember a few months ago I started posting reviews on Trekaroo? You don't?! Well, that's okay. Because I'm here to remind you. Trekaroo is an online guide written by parents for parents. The perks and problems of traveling with children of all ages. They have great contests every week. [Read how I won a
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: October 3, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/03/whats-the-word-wednesday-october-3-2012/) - Welcome back for another “What’s the Word?” Wednesday! “What’s the Word?” Wednesdays is a link-up that allows other bloggers and readers to share whatever they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it! A few things
- [How to Pick a President](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/04/how-to-pick-a-president/) - And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [She Is Busy... Oh, So Busy...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/04/she-is-busy-oh-so-busy/) - Unemployed by Day, Super Writer by ... every moment. It's hard to explain to others what exactly I do for a living. What that question is really asking is, "How do I earn money?" That's completely different than what I do for a living. "I'm a Writer" conjures up romantic images of a carefree, vagrant
- [Lessons Learned: The Writer Edition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/05/lessons-learned-the-writer-edition/) - Writing is different than being a Writer. Inspiration is everywhere. If you know a Writer, your story will be told. Somehow, somewhere, you will be immortalized in Story. To write well, it's important to read. Reading well includes a variety of genres, sources, and methods. Social media can definitely be a form of writing. Social
- [Dear Michigan...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/06/dear-michigan/) - I spent a lot of time in Michigan the last two days. Not literally, of course. But online. I chatted with my friends still there. I dreamed my way through Michigan.org. I rewrote a short story about snow for my writing class. I spent a lot of time in Michigan. It's where I learned to
- [A Day of Rest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/07/a-day-of-rest/) - I recently had the opportunity to combine both my love of writing with my love for people. I shared a rough draft of my Study on the Ten Commandments with a dear friend who later told me Day Three really spoke to him. After an introduction to the Study and to the Ten Commandments as
- [October is "Clean Out The Fridge" Month](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/08/october-is-clean-out-the-fridge-month/) - October is "Clean Out The Fridge" Month... at least it is at Bedford Manor. The busyness of the holidays is almost upon us. And for me, well, it's already begun: craft projects, product reviews, new recipes to create... I look forward to cooking, shopping, decorating, cleaning, and spending time with Out-Of-Towners. In November, Dot will
- [Media Magic Monday with Molly Jo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/08/media-magic-monday-with-molly-jo/) - Come join us over on my Facebook page where you can link up all your social media sites and attract new followers! And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Dear Hayley...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/09/dear-hayley/) - Happy birthday, Hayley! Today we celebrate YOU. Because you have brought so much love and laughter into our lives. I love when you call me "Momma". I love when you visit. I love when you trust us, teach us, learn from us, share with us. Your laugh is infectious. Your sincerity is deep. Your Faith
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: October 10, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/10/whats-the-word-wednesday-october-10-2012/) - What's been your favorite part of this last week? I've had so many! It's October. The Yankees and Tigers are in the playoffs. The weather finally cooled down enough to wear long pants and hard shoes, which means the cats are more snuggly. Dot and I are really in sync with our new routines now.
- [Early Thanksgiving](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/11/early-thanksgiving/) - I'm not gonna sugarcoat this: Life is hard. I mean, it's hard. And it's easy to slip into the "I have it harder than you do" mentality. Trust me. Been there, done that. It's not much of a surprise that I've been pretty bitter about Life's Lemons. Long-term unemployment. Chronic injuries. Financial fiascoes. Throw in
- [Recipe Rundown](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/12/recipe-rundown/) - Over the next few weeks, I'll be working on new recipe ideas. Some will be posted here on the Blog. Some may be added to the Second Edition of The Unemployment Cookbook. In the meantime, feel free to check out my RECIPES page under the FOOD & FUN tab. I'll also be streamlining each of
- [Our First Winter Storm](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/13/our-first-winter-storm/) - I know it's not winter. Not yet. But someone forgot to tell the Weather so. Because in a drastic shift of climate, our temperatures went from 75 on Tuesday to only 52 on Wednesday, complete with strong winds and stormy clouds. There was even a forecast for snow in the higher elevations. While we didn't
- [Coming Soon to Frankly, My Dear...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/13/coming-soon-to-frankly-my-dear/) - I'm very excited for what's coming soon to Frankly, My Dear... As promised, I've several product reviews/giveaways in the works. ... and more... A few crafts. And a few recipes. There will be stories, essays, opinion pieces, and Will Power the Bear will be making an appearance or two. So I hope you'll keep reading,
- [Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Betty Crocker](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/14/pumpkin-spice-cookies-wth-betty-crocker/) - What could be easier than making a drop cookie? How 'bout making a drop cookie from a mix? That's right, you heard me. Today I took the easy way out and used a pre-mix for our cookies. And you know what? I'd do it again! Who hasn't heard of Betty Crocker? Their product is a
- [Bad Hair AND A Monday?!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/15/bad-hair-and-a-monday/) - Yup. That's right. Normally upbeat, optimistic MoJo had a not-so-good day today. On the heels of crying on my friend's shoulder for no reason at all last week, only to realize I was actually coming down with something (I always get cranky before I get sick), and then having the chaos of a not-so-well-cleaned house
- [Faith: My Page](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/16/faith-my-page/) - I added a new page to Franky, My Dear... It's my FAITH page. I wanted one tab to direct readers to for my Faith writings. A place to streamline that foundation of what makes me tick, and what gives me Hope. I hope these writings inspire and encourage you. Be blessed, always. And Frankly, My
- [Feta Tomato Spinach Salad in a Jar](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/17/feta-tomato-spinach-salad-in-a-jar/) - I've been waiting for this day. This day when I finally used my new OXO International Good Grips Little Salad and Herb Spinner. Right away, the size is perfect. My little two-person household doesn't eat much salad so using a full head of lettuce or other greens can lead to waste. Last week I bought
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: October 17, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/17/whats-the-word-wednesday-october-17-2012/) - I'm healthiest when I'm writing: it's cathartic, imaginative, organizational, therapeutic. I just love writing. And lately, I love photography. With two brothers who are professional photographers and a daughter who's a natural, you'd think it would be easy for me. But it's not. So I spent the better part of a thirty minute phone call
- [HEAD TO TOEZ has it all!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/18/head-to-toez-has-it-all/) - Remember my hair cut horror story from a few days ago? It was a lot worse than I reported. As Dot says, "How can you trust your hair to people who don't even take care of their own?" Ever since walking out of that discount haircut place I've been trying to find a salon-quality location
- [EXODUS: Keep On Keepin' On](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/19/exodus-keep-on-keepin-on/) - [For more posts like this, visit my FAITH Page.] I love the stories in Exodus. I love how God can take a socially inadequate murderer like Moses and turn him into the rescuer of an entire nation. I love how He never condemns Moses... yes, He gets frustrated with the man, but He never condemns
- [Slightly Sweet: Pie Crust Cut-Outs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/20/slightly-sweet-pie-crust-cut-outs/) - I've been having this craving for weeks now. Something sweet. Something other than chocolate. Something that lends itself to the Fall feeling that's going around. Plus, I needed a reason to use my Wilton Harvest Mini Cutter Set. This will go in my Semi-Homemade Recipe Box. These fun little shapes are flakey, sugary, and just
- [ONE WORD: Abortion](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/21/one-word-abortion/) - Recently I posted a question on my Facebook page: How do you feel about abortion? I know it's a Hot-Button issue. My intent is not to stir the waters, not to preach my personal views. Just to find out what other people think. It's been eye-opening and I appreciate everyone's input. The two most popular
- [Subscribe by Email!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/21/subscribe-by-email/) - You've seen it. Every website you visit has that little box enticing you to leave your email address so you can get great content delivered to your inbox. Well, here at Frankly, My Dear... it's no different (sorry). Just recently I signed up with MailChimp to format and deliver newsletters. This is more than just
- [Baked Frittata with Photos](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/22/baked-frittata-with-photos/) - A year ago I posted my recipe for Baked Frittata. It's still a family favorite: inexpensive to make, delicious to eat. It's why Hayley calls me "Momma" with a smile. It's my Go-To Lazy Weekend recipe. It's what I bribe my brothers with. [Let's just say they're coming home for the holidays... trust me!] But
- [Please... VOTE!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/23/please-vote/) - The debates are over. In two weeks, America will chose a President. Will he be the same one we've had for four years, or someone new? The polls are neck-and-neck on this one. Every day sees a slight change for this, a small hope for that. Contests and conversations are everywhere. Jet-Blu is offering free
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: October 24, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/24/whats-the-word-wednesday-october-24-2012/) - In one week, it will be Hallowe'en. In one week and one day, it will be November! Yikes! I've been pulling double-duty on the Blog this last week. While I'm posting every day, I'm also reviewing product and formulating my giveaways to start November 1. I'm super excited to be partnering again with Scharffen-Berger chocolates
- [Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/25/destination-grand-hotel-mackinac-island-michigan/) - I grew up in Michigan before we transplanted to California many years ago. [Okay, not that many...] We lived in the LP (Lower Peninsula), just under an hour outside of Detroit. My Grandma lived in Alpena, and every summer my Dad would drive us up there for a week or longer. I loved summers in
- [The Real Reason I Didn't Write Today](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/26/the-real-reason-i-didnt-write-today/) - I could give you a litany of writer's excuses... too distracted, too busy, too lazy, writer's block, no inspiration... But the real reason I didn't have a post for Friday is this: I managed to aggravate my early-onset arthritis with the yard work I did on Wednesday, and as you can see, typing has been
- [Our Second Family Family Date](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/27/our-second-family-family-date/) - We spent the day with the Second Family at one the great local attractions: Frazier's U-Pick Pumpkin Patch. It's refreshing because there aren't a lot of farms in the So Cal desert. We have to drive a distance to get to the Orchards. Entering the gates at Frazier's is like entering a different climate. The
- [Lessons Learned: The World Series Edition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/28/lessons-learned-the-world-series-edition/) - Sometimes luck is all you need. Sometimes, luck will get you through the door but skill will keep you going. You can't win 'em all. But you should always try. Just because you were good once, doesn't mean you still are. Keep your eye on the prize. Don't be distracted by the glamour. You can't
- [Ethan and the California Wave](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/29/ethan-and-the-california-wave/) - When you think of California and Waves, I'm pretty sure the last thing that comes to mind is ice. But when Un-Son Number One gets his skates on, that's all that matters. You've often read about our Second Family. We do so much together. But there are some differences. I can't get them to watch
- [VOTE.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/30/vote/) - I just filled out my ballot. I'm an absentee voter. It helps, because I don't have to face long lines and crowded rooms (neither of which agree with me unless it's at Disneyland). It will go in the mail tomorrow, to be delivered in a timely manner to the Registrar of Voters. You've heard me
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: October 31, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/31/whats-the-word-wednesday-october-31-2012/) - We're really getting in the Harvest atmosphere around here. With Dot being out of school and our neighborhood being a quiet, keep-to-yourself kind of place, we never get Trick-or-Treaters. And in case you think I'm embellishing, I'm really not. My Mummy used to buy just one bag of candies to give away on her street.
- [HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY: "Christmas Stories" by Max Lucado](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/01/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-christmas-stories-by-max-lucado/) - Welcome to the first Giveaway for Frankly, My Dear...'s Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway! I love books. You know this about me, right? So how wonderfully thrilled am I to offer one as my first giveaway! There's nothing quite like the crisp scent of turning pages. Whether it's a brand new spine that crackles when you
- [TGIF](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/02/tgif/) - Today, for the first time in so very long, I am breathing a bit better than I have. Today (Thursday), I received a call I've been waiting for: I start a new job on Monday. I went to the office today to sign documents and pick up the Office Manual to re-introduce myself to the
- [My Bento Box: Part I](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/03/my-bento-box-part-i/) - Lately, I've been seeing food and mommy bloggers talk about Bento Boxes. I'm late to the party, so I don't have all the details. But what I've seen, I like. Bento is a lunch form that originated in Japan. My brief research indicates that "Bento" means: A packed lunch, typically consisting of healthy items rather
- [My Bento Box: Part II](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/04/my-bento-box-part-ii/) - Yesterday I posted my interest in Bento Box Lunches. And today, I followed up by going to my local Wal-Mart where I found all I needed to get started on this new eating venture. Now, I don't claim or even pretend to be a Food Artist. I knew before I started that I wouldn't be
- [Monday, Monday...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/05/monday-monday/) - It's been a long time coming. I haven't been able to tell one day from the next. But now... Now, I'm (almost) ready. Now, I'm less anxious and more amped. My Bento Lunch is packed. My purse is gathered. My clothes are hanging neatly. Did I miss anything? After my emotional vomit on TGIF as
- [HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY: C*L*R Household Cleaning Products](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/06/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-clr-household-cleaning-products/) - Whatever your plans are for the next few months, I can guarantee one thing: You need cleaning supplies. That's why I asked C*L*R to sponsor one of this year's giveaways. Whether you're preparing to host the family from out of town, or needing to clean up after the rugrats open their gifts, you need cleaning
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: November 7, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/07/whats-the-word-wednesday-november-7-2012/) - There's a whole lotta discussion going on by the time you read this, I'm sure. I'm writing this on Election Night and the results are not yet in. I'm excited to see what the morning will bring. Regardless of whether or not you voted, and regardless of whether or not your chosen candidate won, I'm
- [Monthly Newsletter Update](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/06/monthly-newsletter-update/) - Have you subscribed to Frankly, My Dear...'s Monthly Newsletter yet? If you subscribe to the Blog via email, the Newsletter should already be in your inbox. It's chock full of Thanksgiving, a recipe for all that leftover turkey you'll have, and links to a few of our favorite posts. If you missed it, just subscribe
- [TGIF, Part II](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/09/tgif-part-ii/) - What a different a week makes. Fridays are quickly becoming my favorite day of the week. This Friday, in particular, is one that I intend to treasure and enjoy. Two weeks ago I bared my soul to God. One week ago I wrote about it. Today, I'm banking my first paycheck in a year and
- [Hello, Desert Winter!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/08/hello-desert-winter/) - Monday it was over 80 degrees and sunny. Tomorrow night, we're expecting our first snowfall of the year. And this is how I know it'll happen: my left ankle is a barometric indicator. 24 hours before the first snowflake hits the ground, I limp like a gazelle on hot coals. On my way home from
- [I Want to Write in that Style](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/10/i-want-to-write-in-that-style/) - I saw the new James Bond movie tonight. SKYFALL. Don't worry, I won't give away any spoilers. Have I told you how hard it is for me to watch movies or television? It has to be an exceptionally good program to distract me from my Writer's Brain that is always trying to rewrite the scenes.
- [It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/11/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like/) - Dot's Birthday. My beautiful, talented, shy, generous, gregarious, smart, amazing daughter turns 18 tomorrow. She's not a baby, not a child. We are celebrating all weekend long with little things. Last night she chose to see the new James Bond movie. Knowing that she doesn't care as much for Bond as I do. Knowing that
- [Am I One of "Those" People?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/12/am-i-one-of-those-people/) - I have an online friend who suffers from Tourette Syndrome. She's not shy about sharing her story, but I'm ashamed to admit I often wonder how I will react when the day comes that we meet in person. I like to think I'm not judgmental or instinctive with my responses. I realize she can't help
- [Happy Birthday, Dot!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/12/happy-birthday-dot/) - My girl is not a girl. Today she's an adult. But I still love her as a girl. I mean, who wouldn't? Look at this face! I can't believe it was 18 years ago today that this beautiful bounty came into the world (not before playing Jurassic Park with my tea). And just look how
- [Praying for a Miracle I've Already Received](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/13/praying-for-a-miracle-ive-already-received/) - It's just after midnight and I can't sleep. I'm anxious, but I don't know why. I have a fearful feeling. I think it's about going to work tomorrow, or rather in eight hours. I'm still financially underwater and praying for a miracle, but I'm not sure what that miracle should be. I don't often get
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: November 14, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/14/whats-the-word-wednesday-november-14-2012/) - We're one day away from being halfway through November. It's been a busy first two weeks around here! I've been baring my soul, earning my keep, and all things in between. Right now I'm fighting a cold with the help of vinegar and Vicks (no, not together!). Thanksgiving comes early this year. Does that mean
- [HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY: The Essence of Chocolate](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/15/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-the-essence-of-chocolate/) - Y'all know how I love my chocolate, right? I know. You love it, too. But I didn't really love chocolate until I won this great Holiday Gift Assortment from Scharffen Berger last year. And thus began my greatest Love Affair with chocolate. [I'm very pleased to announce we're still on our honeymoon!]. This summer, Scharffen
- [TGIF, Part III](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/16/tgif-part-iii/) - I never meant for my TGIF post to become a sequel, let alone a three-peat. The first one went a little viral thanks to Good People in the Blogosphere. I'm still amazed at the Good Things that came from pouring my heart out. To be so confident in my vulnerability is a teeter-totter I'm still
- [Maybe I Should've Just Gone on Welfare](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/17/maybe-i-shouldve-just-gone-on-welfare/) - Dot and I went car shopping today. I need her to have her own car. With my new job and her full-time college schedule, the car-sharing thing is getting tedious at best and a little frustrating at least. Thankfully, we've been able to borrow a second vehicle when necessary. I know we can make the
- [There Is No Magic Button. And I'm Okay With That.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/18/there-is-no-magic-button-and-im-okay-with-that/) - This last month has shown me so much. I've seen seen how to make ends meet when I didn't think I could. I've learned how to cook rice in ways I didn't know possible. I've managed to keep writing every day, even when I didn't think I had anything to write about. And I've realized
- [I Didn't Mean to Say That Out Loud](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/19/i-didnt-mean-to-say-that-out-loud/) - We all do it. Some do it better than most. That would be me. I articulate things you haven't even considered. I am the expert when it comes to Foot-in-Mouth Syndrome. No. I won't give you specific examples. How could you even ask such a thing? Why add fuel to the fire, that should be
- [What a Difference a Day Makes [The New Used Car Edition]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/20/what-a-difference-a-day-makes-the-new-used-car-edition/) - So, wow. Say it with me: Wow! Was it only a few days ago I posted how good things are even though on paper they look miserable? Well, guess what. I get a paycheck this week. A full paycheck. And you know what I'm going to do with it? I'm going to pay my mortgage!
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: November 21, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/21/whats-the-word-wednesday-november-21-2012/) - I cannot tell a lie: I'm glad this is the easy post. I need the break. What with all the goings-on around here lately, extra house cleaning and holiday prepping... I welcome the break. I still have four or more giveaways to do in the next two weeks, and before the week's end I'm making
- [Giving Thanks!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/22/giving-thanks/) - Far be it from me to stray from what so many will post about today: reasons to be Thankful. While I'd love to discourse on how this beautiful feast first began, I'd much rather spend time with my family and friends. As, I'm sure, you do too. And so in lieu of a lengthy post,
- [What The Day After Thanksgiving Looks Like at Catford Manor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/23/what-the-day-after-thanksgiving-looks-like-at-catford-manor/) - Turkey Hangover? Eggnog nipping and sipping? Black Friday basket filling? What does the day after Thanksgiving look like where you're at? Here's a glimpse of the fun we've had today! We slept in, cleaned this morning, and spent all afternoon decorating. When we were done, we settled in with our plates of goodies and watched
- [25 Photos of Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/24/25-photos-of-christmas/) - There's a trend going around Instagram, a challenge to post a photo a day for a month. Each day has a particular theme or suggestion. It's fun to follow and see what a variety of people come up with for, say, "Turkey" or "autumn". Such a wonderfully interactive way to share your world, so I've
- [HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY: Winnie's Inky Fingers Cards and Tags](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/25/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-winnies-inky-fingers-cards-and-tags/) - Take a look at these creative hand-made greeting cards and gift tags. My camera doesn't do justice to these beautiful originals from Winnie's Inky Fingers. When I first imagined my inaugural Holiday Gift Basket Giveaway, I immediately contacted Winnie. She eagerly created these one-of-a-kind sets to give to one lucky reader. Look at this sample
- [#25PhotosOfChristmas on Instagram](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/26/25photosofchristmas-on-instagram/) - Two days ago I came up with the idea to start a Photo Challenge on Instagram. Little did I know, you would eagerly await the start on December 1st! I've received some wonderful comments and suggestions. But the best help of all was when Dot showed me how to make a better posting for it.
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: November 28, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/28/whats-the-word-wednesday-november-28-2012/) - Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? What made it nice for you? Was it the food? The family time? The shopping? Or the R&R before the busyness really kicks in? Ours was a little mix of everything, and it was the best we've have in a very long time. Our home is decorated, I've been
- [HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY: Four KLUTZ Craft Books](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/27/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-four-klutz-craft-books/) - "Mom. We haven't watched TV at all tonight." How great a statement is that? Dot and I spent the evening crafting with our Klutz books. Earlier, she and her friend Megan reviewed MINI CAPSTERS JEWELRY for me. We're a crafty bunch. KLUTZ donated four of their craft books for our review; and they're just waiting
- [Kickstarting the Kickstarter Campaign](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/29/kickstarting-the-kickstarter-campaign/) - I finally did it. I made the video for my Kickstarter campaign to fund the Second Edition of The Unemployment Cookbook. I was hoping to have the link here for your perusal, but Kickstarter needs to review and authenticate my video. I understand. I'd hate for someone to think they're watching a short video about
- [Impatient](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/11/30/impatient/) - This should be my fourth installment of my TGIF posts. But I'm just impatient. I finished all hurdles with KICKSTARTER except for one: their review process. It's going to take a day or two (or so they tell me) before my Campaign can go live. You'll be the first to know! I'm thrilled that I
- [My Kickstarter Campaign: The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/01/my-kickstarter-campaign-the-unemployment-cookbook-second-edition/) - It's here. It's ready. And it's live. After many months of planning and a few recent late nights of editing, the time is finally right to jump in the deep end. The Unemployment Cookbook commercial is now available for viewing: I have faith in my cookbook. I believe it's pertinent and timely and fulfilling... in
- [My Day of Rest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/02/my-day-of-rest/) - I almost didn't write today. After all our holiday errands of the last two weeks, working full time at the day job, and working nearly full time on writing at home, I needed today. Two of Dot's friends surprised her with a belated birthday gathering. They came over, baked cookies, and watch HARRY POTTER movies
- [Catford Manor in Pictures](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/03/catford-manor-in-pictures/) - It's been a while since you've seen the cuteness of our FurFamily. And since it's so very late and I've an early meeting at work, I thought I'd show you what they've been up to the last few months... We love them each individually. They have wonderfully unique personalities. On any given day, they are
- [HOLIDAY GIFT BASKET GIVEAWAY: Aroma Housewares Juicer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/04/holiday-gift-basket-giveaway-aroma-housewares-juicer/) - Is one of your New Year's Resolutions to eat better? Really... who's isn't. How about adding some more fruits and citrus to your diet? Those vitamins are calling you! They want to party down with you in the kitchen! Remember this lovely moment? It makes the whole Kitchen Party thing a bit... difficult. Yeah. It's
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: December 5, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/05/whats-the-word-wednesday-december-5-2012/) - I love "What's the Word?" Wednesdays. It's the chance to share with other Bloggers and blog readers all 'round the world. Okay, so my little outreach doesn't quite get to Siberia (that I know of), but it does help me keep in touch with other Blogs I respect. So this week, I'm running down a
- [Thank You, First Responders](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/06/thank-you-first-responders/) - Tonight I saw something I'd never hoped to see. On the street behind mine, behind my neighbor, a house caught fire. We were watching TV when I heard the sirens. Not terribly unusual since we live just a mile or so from the aptly named Main Street, which as you can guess is the main
- [Another TGIF](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/07/another-tgif/) - When I wrote my first TGIF post, I hadn't planned on making it a staple of this Blog. But sometimes a person just stumbles upon what works. That first post was soul-baring. This one, notsomuch. This one, I really am just thankful. Today I get my second paycheck. I find it ironic that my first
- [That's a Whole Lotta Lights!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/08/thats-a-whole-lotta-lights/) - Tonight we went to Riverside. We took three of our favorite people to see The Mission Inn's Festival of Lights. I'm too wonderfully exhausted to write today's Blog post. So I leave you with these teasers instead. And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Kickstarter Update](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/09/kickstarter-update/) - Pretty, isn't it? That's the cover to The Unemployment Cookbook, First Edition. Only I didn't know at the time it was First Edition. Now I'm taking pre-orders for the Second Edition, and it's just as exciting! I had no idea when I started my Kickstarter campaign to sell pre-orders and raise funds for publication, how
- [Dear Casey's Cupcakes... Thanks For Being So Sweet!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/10/dear-caseys-cupcakes-thanks-for-being-so-sweet/) - Dear Casey's Cupcakes, I'm not really social-stalking you. At least, I'm trying hard not to. But I can't help share your sweetness with the World. At least, my little corner of it. You're on the internet. You're on Facebook. Twitter. Pinterest. And even Instagram. Coincidentally... so am I. It's the law of averages that we'd
- [Frankly, My Dear... is going on vacation!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/11/frankly-my-dear-is-going-on-vacation/) - I admit it. I got frustrated yesterday. Really frustrated. I know I shouldn't. I know I should revel in this Something Good that is my new job and a clean house... but I almost lost my temper. I definitely lost my Happy Place. I discovered that I'm doing myself a disservice. Frankly, My Dear... is
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: December 12, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/12/whats-the-word-wednesday-december-12-2012/) - My Word this week is "Better". I opted to trade in my frustrations and instead look for ways to make things Better. I can't change other people: their actions, reactions, lack of action... but I can take what's at my control and manage my life Better. Sometimes people need a nudge in the right direction...
- [Destination: Mission Inn Festival of Lights, Riverside, CA](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/13/destination-mission-inn-festival-of-lights-riverside-ca/) - I know. This is my buzzillionth post about the Mission Inn in Riverside. But seriously... you can't possibly be tired of hearing how stunningly magical it is. My Most Favorite Place is all lit up for the holidays. It's always beautiful. Especially this time of year. From the day after Thanksgiving through the first weekend
- [Word of Mouth Advertising](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/14/word-of-mouth-advertising/) - I've been promoting my Kickstarter Campaign in various formats on various platforms. And I have to say, while it doesn't look like I'll reach my goal [although never-say-never; there's over two weeks left (nudge, nudge!)], I've been having fun drafting the "commercial" and creating some photo art to help spread the word. From a purely
- [Did You Miss Me?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/16/did-you-miss-me/) - I didn't post yesterday. Did you notice? I did. You know what I noticed? I noticed the earth didn't implode. I didn't die of spontaneous combustion, and Dot didn't turn into a gremlin. I just didn't post. That's not to say I didn't write. I did. But not for yesterday. With this being the week
- [My Popover Project](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/17/my-popover-project/) - A friend recently mailed me an old magazine clipping for a basic popover recipe. It came about as I'd commented that I'd seen popover recipes on other blogs and was tempted to try my hand at making some. I've seen recipes that run the gamut from simply delicious to decadently glamorous. So let's be honest...
- [Overwhelmed](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/18/overwhelmed/) - I'm overwhelmed. I admit it. I was told tonight, "It's good to see you smiling again," and I wondered how long had I not been smiling? I'm finding my Happy Place again. Traveling deeper on that path. There's a better sense of better in my household. Dot's registered for her second semester of college. College!
- [It Finally Feels Like Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/22/it-finally-feels-like-christmas/) - This morning I wanted to write a different post. The kind of post I share on Shell's Pour Your Heart Out weekly sharing at Things I Can't Say. That's the kind of mood I was in. Instead, I swallowed it. I got my Big Girl Panties on and mud kickin' boots and boy howdy, did
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: December 26, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/26/whats-the-word-wednesday-december-26-2012/) - The holidays are almost over. That mad rush to get from A to Z while making everyone happy and doubling up on the social calendar. It's time to wind down from all the excitement and regroup with some personal R&R. But something great is just around the corner. We made it past the predicted Mayan
- [TGIF: December 28, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/28/tgif-december-28-2012/) - It's the last Friday of the month, and the year. I've had my Resolutions in place for over a week now. A writing schedule. A work schedule. A home schedule. A food budget. A recipe budget. A home budget. An emergency budget. I have a plan. I plan... to plan. Since July, 2011 I sort
- [My January Meal Plan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/29/my-january-meal-plan/) - I received a gift card for Christmas. I'm so very excited. Some people think gift cards are impersonal. I think gift cards are Potential. I plan to use this one for my January grocery budget. I'm on a mission to save money and still feed my family well. I'm taking a page from my Cookbook,
- [Today I'm Going to Read](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/30/today-im-going-to-read/) - The TV subscription is cancelled. It's not my favorite moment, and I'm looking forward to a few months down the road when I can afford to resubscribe. But since I'm having trouble paying even just my regular bills, I can't see my way around paying for TV and not paying, say, the telephone bill or
- [The Story Behind The Story](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/08/the-story-behind-the-story/) - December 14, 2012: I received an email tonight. The kind that makes your heart flutter and your wings spread. And your stomach churn. By the time you read this, it will all be over. Or, rather... it will just be beginning. The local newspaper wants to interview me about my writing. About my Blog, my
- [Winco Wins](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/12/31/winco-wins/) - I went to Winco this afternoon. Not gonna lie... so very glad my Mom wanted to go shopping, too. This was my first time back since September's Stalking incident. With my mom and iPhone, today was a much better shopping experience. I kept to my January Meal Plan. If it wasn't on the list, it
- [Word of the Year: 2013](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/01/word-of-the-year-2013/) - Last year instead of making Resolutions, I chose a three-word theme. Remember? I Dared to Be an Awesome Orange, only to find myself lost in East L.A. just days later. This year, my theme is simple. One word. And I didn't have to think about it. It came to me a few weeks ago, and
- [January Meal Plan Recap and Setbacks: Week 1](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/06/january-meal-plan-recap-and-setbacks-week-1/) - I admit, when I wrote my Meal Plan post, no matter how intensely I want to prove the worth of The Unemployment Cookbook, a tiny part of me thought I'd cave and order a pizza or grab a hamburger for lunch within the first week. It's not that I want to deceive anyone. But I
- [Do You Mean It?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/07/do-you-mean-it/) - It's funny how sometimes I get an idea for a post but am not always sure how to write it out clearly. When those moments happen, I often write a note and keep it nearby on my writing table. Or I just let it shift around in my head, mixing with other words and experiences
- [Promise Me We'll Be Like Them](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/10/promise-me-well-be-like-them/) - Dear Mom, You know I love you. You know, next to my daughter, you're the most important person to me on this earth. I love that we are Three Generations of Desert Women: strong, durable. Louis L'Amour would be the first to praise your character. How tough you are, how strong and resourceful and faithful
- [So. I Need Your Help. Please.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/12/so-i-need-your-help-please/) - Dear Reader-Subscriber-Follower-Family-Friend-Inquisitive Person, You may have heard I wrote a Cookbook. If you've been around the Blog or my Facebook page (or me) for anything length of time, this is not news. In fact, you may think it's all I talk about. The truth is, I've worked very hard at not spamming you with an
- [January Meal Plan Recap and Setbacks: Week 2](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/13/january-meal-plan-recap-and-setbacks-week-2/) - Where do I start? January's almost half over. WHAT?! Am I the only one doing a head-turn at that statement? I hope not! The last week had its Ups and Downs. I would expect nothing less, as life is proving itself more and more to be a teeter-totter. But I'm having a lot of fun
- [Recipe: Potato Chip Casserole](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/12/recipe-potato-chip-casserole-2/) - This wonderfully simple recipe is salty, crunchy, meaty, and filling. My Mom's recipe calls for tuna but since Dot prefers chicken. Add a dash of salt and pepper when it's ready... there's nothing like it! INGREDIENTS: 1 bag (12 oz.) potato chips, crushed 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup, undiluted 1 can Cream of Chicken
- [KEEP THE PEACE, Part I](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/16/keep-the-peace-part-i/) - It happened. I didn't want it to. Many of us saw the writing on the Wall. We knew this day would come. And yet, we're still unprepared. My beloved TV Show, FLASHPOINT, has begun to end. Tonight was Part I of the two-part series finale. Yes. That's right. Series finale. It won't be back after
- [January Meal Plan Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/16/january-meal-plan-recipe-slow-cooker-turkey-chili/) - I love chili. I especially love chili when I can just put it in the Slow Cooker and come home to a wonderfully aromatic kitchen. Sometimes, I prefer overnight cooking. Talk about your sweet dreams! Let's face it, a Cooking Girl's favorite perfume is onion, right? My Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is an extremely easy,
- [Q&A: What is this Cookbook Project and How Does it Work?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/20/qa-what-is-this-cookbook-project-and-how-does-it-work/) - CLICK HERE TO READ THE UPDATED POST. MORE QUESTIONS. BETTER ANSWERS. MANY THANKS. Whether you're a long-time friend or an infrequent visitor to Frankly, My Dear... you're probably aware that I'm trying to raise funds to publish THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK, SECOND EDITION. With less than two weeks left for this Project to fund, I'm trying
- [Remember the Good Days](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/23/remember-the-good-days/) - As I start this, I just know it will end up on Shell's "Pour Your Heart Out" Page. I'm thankful for her keeping that weekly link up open so I can spill my emotional vomit and not be the only one doing it. Misery loves company, right? Okay, so it's not all miserable. But it's
- [Q&A: What is this Cookbook Project and How Does it Work? [UPDATE]](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/25/qa-what-is-this-cookbook-project-and-how-does-it-work-update/) - Note: The Cookbook Project is still in development. Accordingly, reader feedback is also fluent. Originally posted on Sunday, January 20, 2013, this post has been updated to reflect further questions and answers, as well as to clarify those already posted. Whether you're a long-time friend or an infrequent visitor to Frankly, My Dear... you're probably
- [January Meal Plan Recap and Setbacks: Weeks 3 &4](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/27/january-meal-plan-recap-and-setbacks-weeks-3-4/) - I write this with a downcast keyboard. I have failed my January Meal Plan. I cheated. I strayed. And I failed. But not completely. And, looking at making lemonade out of these lemons... now I have that much more in my freezer to get us through the month of February. So, you know... there's that.
- [I Like Driving at Twilight](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/29/i-like-driving-at-twilight/) - I love driving at Twilight. I'd forgotten that until I started working again. Driving home in the near-dark with Sinatra playing through the speakers is a nightly experience I consistently relish. In the Winter rains, the fresh air and delicate winds bring a certain feel with them. There's something quite magical about the mix of
- [My February Meal Plan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/28/my-february-meal-plan/) - On the heels of a somewhat-successful January Meal Plan, I'm keeping with the motion and starting to plot out my Meal Plan for next month. This one will be different. I don't have a $100 gift card to shop at WinCo. But because I was unable to keep to January's plan in its entirety, I
- [Dear God, I Owe You An Apology (Quit Helping Me!)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/01/28/dear-god-i-owe-you-an-apology-quit-helping-me/) - Dear God, I owe you an apology. I've been working so hard on so many things, and keeping you in my back pocket like a Genie or magic potion. I've only pulled you out to yell and ask why things aren't going my way. Why is my furnace broken? Why is the Cookbook Project stagnating?
- [A Word of Thanks](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/02/01/a-word-of-thanks/) - I'm writing this at 10 o'clock Friday night. I'm also writing blind... that is, I'm writing without having been online for anything else. What I know at this moment in time is that I am a Writer. An Editor. A publisher. And a Cook. And I know, from the snippets I can gleam, that my
- [Kitchen Craft: Aromatic Mason Jar](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/02/05/kitchen-craft-aromatic-mason-jar/) - Y'all know how I love Pinterest, right? I mean, every time I start a new board, you're the first to know about it! A few months ago I started Pinning Mason Jars. How to decorate them. What to do with them. Things to put in them. I'm in Mason Jar Nirvana! My first post was
- [Dear Michigan... Again.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/02/14/dear-michigan-again/) - Michigan.org is having a Pinterest contest. The lucky winner receives a trip for two to stay at the Grand Hotel. Yup. That Grand Hotel. All you have to do, is create a Pinterest Board "Pin to Win: Michigan in Love" and pin what makes Michigan romantic. Needless to say, my board is already created. Sure.
- [Netflix. 'Nuff said.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/02/16/netflix-nuff-said/) - What's This Girl to do when It's too cold to do yardwork The kitchen's too clean to bake Friends have their own family plans The movies are too expensive It's a Lazy Saturday Afternoon Any or all of the above is enough to make ya' want to crawl into a good book with a cozy
- [TGIF: February 22, 2013](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/02/22/tgif-february-22-2013/) - I can't begin to express how I feel writing this post. It always feels good when I write. But this one... Because I've been fairly absent in the Blogosphere since January... it feels good to Blog. TGIF says it all. February has gone by so fast for me. Although my Kickstarter Campaign wrapped up on
- [My New Favorite Photo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/02/26/my-new-favorite-photo/) - This Will soon be featured in This Which makes This Girl pretty darn happy. Thanks to MMR Photography for all your hard work! (And it tastes as good as it looks, too, right?!?!) And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [My Housing Project: 2013](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/03/my-housing-project-2013/) - Last year I started My Housing Project: Blog posts directly related to the improvement of my property. With yesterday being the first nice weekend day in months, Mom came over and the three of us started cleaning up the front yard. While they raked and bagged piles and piles of leaves, I dug up root
- [Catford Manor Photo of the Week](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/04/catford-manor-photo-of-the-week/) - And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [From the Year-Ago Files: February, 2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/05/from-the-year-ago-files-february-2012/) - Before I devoted more efforts to my Unemployment Cookbook and other writing projects, I blogged much more regularly. From August 2011 through November 2012 I blogged every day. Every. Single. Day. And while most of it was wonderful, you must admit, there were times when you, as a reader, weren't too keen on the fact
- [WinCo Wins: Lunch for a Dollar!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/04/winco-wins-lunch-for-a-dollar/) - Ever since WinCo discovered my WinCo Wins and Meal Planning posts, we've had a wonderful relationship. They let me share my Food and Savings posts. I get to share their incredibly low prices. It's a Win-Win situation for everyone! For the last two months, I've strived hard to provide hearty, healthy meals for my family
- ["I Just Wanna Eat My Stinkin' Food!"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/06/i-just-wanna-eat-my-stinkin-food/) - That's an inside joke between me and Dot. You can read about it here. It's one of our little catchphrases that's grown into a life of its own. When something keeps interfering with the end goal, you can hear us chuckle and shout, "I just wanna eat my stinkin' food!" So. This post isn't really
- [From Cover to Cover](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/11/from-cover-to-cover/) - The last few weeks have been as busy as ever. Never could I have imagined the bulk of my work for the Cookbook would come after the success of the Kickstarter campaign! But here it is, and I'm filling hours with orders for merchandise, approving final edits, managing mail lists... what a great, exhausting time
- [A Study on the Ten Commandments](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/18/a-study-on-the-ten-commandments/) - On the successful heels of my Cookbook Project Campaign via Kickstarter, I've already begun another. Kickstarter is turning into a wonderful avenue for my readers to pre-order their own copy of my newest project. A Study on the Ten Commandments began with my own personal notes as I chose to take just one Commandment each
- [TGIF: March 15, 2013](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/15/tgif-march-15-2013/) - It's TGIF time. It always seems to work out that when I've been blog-absent and finally have much to say, it's a TGIF post. I like that. Blog and I, we work well together. And believe me, I have oh-so-much to say. The first is, I'm learning how to not say everything. As a writer,
- [How To Eat For Free And Have Fun Doing It (Or, How Printing Coupons Gave Me a Really Great Weekend!)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/17/how-to-eat-for-free-and-have-fun-doing-it-or-how-printing-coupons-gave-me-a-really-great-weekend/) - My birthday is coming up soon. Tuesday to be exact. You're wishing me a Happy Birthday right now, aren't you? Sure you are, I can tell. Thank you! It's off to a great start. And I'm going to share some of my secrets to a successful birthday with you. How do you like them apples?
- [Prelude to TGIF](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/21/prelude-to-tgif/) - It's almost TGIF time. Yeah. That excites me. But this week, it excites me for a different reason: I'm opening up my TGIF posts to all of you to share your own links, comments, posts... whatever you feel like sharing. I know. It's just another reason to love Fridays. So get your links ready. The
- [TGIF: March 22, 2013](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/22/tgif-march-22-2013/) - T.G.I.F. Indeed! What does TGIF mean to you? Some days it's a breath of fresh air, an exhaling of all the week's stresses and pressures. Other times it could be anticipation of a weekend event. For me, this week, it's a way of getting back on track with my writing, my house, and other aspects
- ["Thank You For Not Dying."](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/24/thank-you-for-not-dying/) - I said this to a friend yesterday. I was completely sincere. He'd had a heart attack nine months ago. Without warning. I woke up one Sunday to read on Facebook, "Had a heart attack last night." I tried to figure out what he meant. Was he referring to a fright? Did his sports team lose?
- [Amazing Amazon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/03/27/amazing-amazon/) - While I still have over two weeks to raise enough funds to publish A Study on the Ten Commandments, I've taken a second route to the same ultimate destination: the Study is now available for purchase for Amazon's Kindle. [You can check it out here.] I'm still working on a Barnes & Noble Nook version.
- [Meet Zoey](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/04/07/meet-zoey/) - For reasons I've yet to disclose, I've been quite unable to Blog lately. Time, resources, and a changing of the guard have kept me from my keyboard recently. Happily, I logged online tonight to find this delightful surprise in my Inbox. While she's not a resident of Catford Manor, she is a cousin. And she
- [Reporting Isn't About Facts. It's About People.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/04/07/reporting-isnt-about-facts-its-about-people/) - Today's post is from reporter Amy Zillner. She's the reporter who reached out to me in November to help me get the word out about The Unemployment Cookbook. As a creative writer, I'm intrigued with how reporters grapple with "just the facts". I opened up a Guest Blog post to Amy with one caviat: Write
- [Harry's House of Hens](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/04/11/harrys-house-of-hens/) - If you've been on my Facebook page or follow me on Instagram (TheRealMojo68) in the past few days, you may have seen this adorable photo. Dot's grandparents received a shipment of mail-order chicks last week. I know. Mail order?! But apparently it's quite humane. They ship overnight with air filter and cooling packs to keep
- ["Be Not Afraid". Yes, I'm talking to YOU.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/04/15/be-not-afraid-yes-im-talking-to-you/) - THUNK. And then, again. THUNK. That's what my friend Lisa says these types of writings do for her. When God uses me to write His message on her heart. She gets thunked. As you've undoubtedly noticed from my incredible lack of writing lately, there's not been a lot of thunking going on. Sorry, Lisa. I
- [I'm a Trekaroo Superoo!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/04/20/im-a-trekaroo-superoo/) - You know those moments that you think, well, I missed that boat by a mile, and so you quit thinking about the trip? Yeah. So that happened. Last year when I was otherwise unemployed but had a great amount of time available, I began writing short reviews for Trekaroo. You know Trekaroo. I've mentioned them
- [Hummingbird Moth at Lowe's](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/04/20/hummingbird-moth-at-lowes/) - I love Lowe's Home Improvement Stores. I especially love their Garden Centers. This morning, we drove over to get yard plants. There's a feel to walking through Lowe's Garden Centers. The sprinkler-induced humidity. The welcome birds being chased by feral cats. The families planning together. The newlyweds picking their first flower pot. I love walking
- [Poverty: My Story](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/09/poverty-my-story/) - There's a plethora of news articles discussing poverty as it relates to society as a whole. There are Government studies, prejudices, and surveys. There are misconceptions, stereotypes, classes to educate those in the throes, assistance programs that help (or don't), and people fighting every day to overcome the odds. Let me be very clear at
- [Amara's Light: Book One of the Grenalia Chronicles](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/04/30/amaras-light-book-one-of-the-grenalia-chronicles/) - I have a great writing partner. The kind who knows timing. She knows when it's a good time to write, and when I've too much on my plate. She knows dialogue timing and action writing. She is my perfect writing partner. She. Is. Awesome! We've been working on our series for nearly two years now.
- [Five Things Friday - STORIES](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/03/five-things-friday-stories/) - If you follow me on Facebook, you already have an Inkling what this post is about. On Tuesday, I posted the following status: "Netflix offers us the opportunity to see all our shows from the very beginning. Dot and I are working through Grey's Anatomy. At times cute, endearing, vulgar and heartpounding. Tonight we saw
- [Friday was "Bring Your Frog to Work" Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/04/friday-was-bring-your-frog-to-work-day/) - Friday was "Bring Your Frog to Work" Day. Okay. Not really. But it should have been. For me it was. Maybe I'll start a trend. Yup. It's already on my iPhone calendar. Every First Friday in May shall be "Bring Your Frog to Work Day". I had intended to spend my lunch hour at the
- [There's Hope for Bedford Manor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/04/theres-hope-for-bedford-manor/) - I had a beautiful Jade Plant. It started out very small. It was a housewarming gift from my mother over three years ago. The back story is, nearly all my life, my mom's had jade plants of her own. They've come to be a symbol of our family. When we moved, the plant moved with
- [Mother's Day Frittata](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/11/mothers-day-frittata/) - My Baked Frittata is one of my most popular recipes. It's my favorite quick Go-To Combo, and my best lazy weekend morning treat. It's never the same twice, and that's just how I like it! Easily altered to suit your Mom's flavor buds, this dish offers an incredibly delicious dining experience whether you're making it
- [A Pancake Breakfast and a Community of Moms](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/11/a-pancake-breakfast-and-a-community-of-moms/) - This Mother's Day Weekend, I took my family to a different sort of outing. The Hesperia Station Activities Committee is a support group for our local Police Department. Consisting of officer's spouses and significant others, this group takes on the burdens behind the scenes. They're quick to support families of police officers and not just
- [She Wore a White Dress. And She Wore a Hat.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/13/she-wore-a-white-dress-and-she-wore-a-hat/) - I'm always surprised (although it's obvious that I shouldn't be) that the storylines I'm most attracted to are those with writers as the protagonist. Whether it's a book, television show or movie... if there's a writer involved, it holds a certain magic that I can't find anywhere else. John-Boy Walton was my first love. The
- [What Kind of Writer Am I?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/15/what-kind-of-writer-am-i/) - Yesterday I was on the phone with my web designer [read: know-it-all brother who does this for a living and is graciously helping out his sister who knows nothing about behind-the-scenes maintenance]. It was the first time someone explained SEO to me in terms I could understand. My blog just isn't getting the popularity I
- [Just. Breathe.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/15/just-breathe/) - The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition is on its way to the Writer's Digest 21st Annual Self-Publication Competition. I only wish I didn't have to wait until mid-October to know if I won or not. Five months of forgetting how to breathe... And Frankly, My Dear... that's all she wrote!
- [Five Things Friday - TRAVEL](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/17/five-things-friday-travel/) - Two weeks ago I posted the first of what I hope to be a long running series, The Friday Five. Once or twice a month you can share Five Things about yourself. With Memorial Day just around the corner bringing with it the start of summer, this week's theme is about Travel. Have some amazing
- [I Wish I Was a Helicopter Mom](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/19/i-wish-i-was-a-helicopter-mom/) - I wish Dot was young enough for me to do things for her. To wrap my arms around her and protect her from the world. To care for her and take care of things for her. But she's a young adult, now. And I can't live her life. I have to let her go into
- [Tuesday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/28/tuesday/) - I love Tuesdays. I always have. I was born on a Tuesday. It's when NCIS is on, and still reruns of Flashpoint. Monday is over, and the next day halfway finishes the workweek. I've always loved Tuesdays. This Tuesday is one of my favorites. This Tuesday is full of promise. The workweek has been shortened
- [I Wore a Dress. And I Wore a Hat.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/29/i-wore-a-dress-and-i-wore-a-hat/) - A few posts ago, I wrote about watching Under the Tuscan Sun and how I desperately want the white dress. Well. I bought myself a dress. It's not white. There's no black belt. Am I'm a few sizes bigger than Diane Lane. But I bought a dress. And I love it. I wore it for
- [TGIF: A-P-P-R-E-C-I-A-T-I-V-E-L-Y](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/31/tgif-a-p-p-r-e-c-i-a-t-i-v-e-l-y/) - Frankly, My Dear... had a facelift. And a tummy tuck. And, well, pretty much a complete chassis overhaul. Inn't she purtty? From the inner workings to the aesthetic design, I am overwhelmed at the difference between yesterday and today. While yesterday I had a blog... today I have The Blog. Designed to tie in with
- [Too Hot to Cook (June's Meal Plan)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/03/too-hot-to-cook-junes-meal-plan/) - It's been a few months since I've written a Meal Plan post. Based on the success of my recent monthly WinCo trips, I've had enough foods in the freezer and pantry to not have to buy too much. So I've been winging it; making what I can find. Occasionally, I've put together some meals like
- [Subscribe to our (New) Monthly Newsletter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/04/subscribe-to-our-new-monthly-newsletter/) - Last winter, I offered the occasional email newsletter. With the Blog being recreated, I'm back on track with that idea and am hoping to now offer it on a monthly basis. June's will go out shortly, and I'm already formatting July's. The newsletter will offer content exclusive to subscribers. If you already receive Frankly, My
- [Kickin' It. Again.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/06/kickin-it-again/) - It's another whirlwind week here at the Blog... It's been so busy, I can't believe it's already Thursday and not only Tuesday evening. But that's good because that means tomorrow's Friday. And you know what that means: another Five Things Friday post! So be sure to come back tomorrow to share your Friday Five stories.
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Everything Old is NEW Again](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/07/five-things-friday-everything-old-is-new-again/) - It's been quite the week at New Inklings Press and at Bedford Manor. Mostly, I've been looking forward to this post: Five Things Friday (formerly The Friday Five). This is your chance to share stories and ideas based on a common theme. As you can guess by the ALL CAPS word in the title, this
- [The Unemployment Cookbook Collection: Kickstarter Q&A](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/09/the-unemployment-cookbook-collection-kickstarter-q-a/) - Note: This post was originally written on Sunday, January 20, 2013, then updated for a previous Kickstarter Campaign. Because there are new backers for the current project [June 4 - July 4, 2013], I'm once again posting this information to reflect further questions and answers, as well as to clarify those already posted. I call
- [Win a Week at a West Coast Time Share](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/10/win-a-week-at-a-west-coast-time-share/) - 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
- [I'm a Racist.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/16/im-a-racist/) - 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
- [I Still Love FLASHPOINT.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/17/i-still-love-flashpoint/) - 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
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: POETRY](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/21/five-things-friday-poetry/) - Just under two weeks ago I went to the monthly meeting of the local California Writer's Club. If you're into writing, I suggest you check your state listings for Writers Groups in your area. Whether you aspire to be a professional writer or just jot words on paper for your own enjoyment, a Writer's Club
- [The Penny Parable - Part I](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/25/the-penny-parable-part-i/) - Anyone who knows me knows I have an affinity for pennies. As a child, finding one made the world amazing. Lucky. Blessed. Finding a penny was like opening a door to adventure. I would look around for the unexpected second, and very rare third penny laying about. Finding just one made any kind of day
- [Eight Days and 75% To Go](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/06/26/eight-days-and-75-to-go/) - On the heels of yesterday's Penny Parable post, I'm excited. I'm excited because, first, I found two pennies yesterday morning in a place they previously weren't: a side pocket in my bag. I know they weren't there, because I use this bag all the time. But yesterday morning, after posting The Penny Parable, there they
- [Klout Influencer Review: McDonald's new Quarter Pounder](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/03/klout-influencer-review-mcdonalds-new-quarter-pounder/) - Recently I was given the opportunity to review one of McDonald's new Quarter Pounder Burgers. I chose the spicy Bacon Habanero Ranch, not sure what to expect. I don't generally go all-in over something that might clear my sinuses after one bite, but I was looking for something with a little more kick than the
- [RECIPE: Independence Day Cupcakes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/01/recipe-independence-day-cupcakes/) - What better way to celebrate a birthday than with deliciously moist cupcakes? And what better celebration than the birth of our nation? I wanted to do something fun for the Fourth of July that would inspire you into your own kitchen with a touch of creativity. Looks great, right? You ain't seen nothin' yet! And
- [My Social Experiment](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/06/my-social-experiment/) - I write this in anticipation of the weekend. It's Friday night, but you'll be reading this on Saturday morning. Dot and I have decided to unplug. I'm not sure how long I can go without any internet, smart phone, social media, television, Kindle or computer. It's so automatic for me to wake up and check
- [My Housing Project: Back to the Beginning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/15/my-housing-project-back-to-the-beginning/) - It's the beginning of the summer season. We're having a strange-ish summer here in the High Desert. Most days are either filled with a high haze that obliterates the blue sky, or a feeling of humidity we don't often experience. There have been moments of clear heat, those days that have melted us into the
- [TGIF: One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/19/tgif-one/) - There was no doubt that this had to be another TGIF post. Because as I write this, I am so very thankful. I've been blessed to be able to share my Penny Parable with more people than I imagined. I continue to find pennies every day, and I'm so thankful when I do. Some are
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: THE BIG EASY](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/26/five-things-friday-the-big-easy/) - Since last weekend, I've been working hard on the big writings. My weekly email from Writer's Digest had inspiration for writing a novel in 90 days. The typical novel runs approximately 70,000 words. So writing 778 words each day will get me there. I have a bigger goal of writing at least 1,000 words each
- [Blogging Basics: Why?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/07/31/blogging-basics-why/) - Recently I've been asked by several people to offer guidance on starting a blog. Apparently, I'm doing something right, if people are coming to me for inspiration. Let's face it: there's a lot of blogs out there. It's hard to know which ones to emulate, imitate, or eliminate. I like that Frankly, My Dear... is
- [My Housing Project: What a Difference a Rake Makes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/05/my-housing-project-what-a-difference-a-rake-makes/) - Y'all know my story. I have a yard and a house that I love-love-love, but sometimes need a little more love than I can provide. Or so I think. Y'all also know from my recent posts that I'm in this new mentality of "One": My Housing Project: Back to the Beginning was the start (no
- [The Penny Parable - Part II](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/06/the-penny-parable-part-ii/) - Just over a month ago, I posted The Penny Parable - Part I. To be honest, I was nervous. This is a Parable that is so very near, dear and personal to me. I've told it a hundred times to anyone who would listen, but I wasn't sure I could do justice writing it out
- [My Housing Project: A New Leaf](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/07/my-housing-project-a-new-leaf/) - I have a plan for my front yard. I have a design on a sketch pad. It's rough, but it's there. I have my Pinterest board for inspiration and I keep adding to it, refining my style and ideas. I have Lowe's constantly tweeting their cheers for my attempts at making my house into a
- [My Gift to You: FREE on Kindle -  A STUDY ON THE TEN COMMANDMENTS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/07/my-gift-to-you-free-on-kindle-a-study-on-the-ten-commandments/) - A few months ago, I proudly yet humbly debuted A STUDY ON THE TEN COMMANDMENTS as my first eBook. It's available for Kindle download through Amazon (click here) for only $2.99. This past week, regardless of topic, my posts have each held the elements of Faith and Prayer. I have been abundantly blessed by God
- [This 'n That Thursday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/08/this-n-that-thursday/) - Usually I like to write longer, thought-out posts. But tonight, there's just a few little things that I want to share, so I thought I'd put them together in a short nonsensical collection of what my day has been. Yesterday's blog post My Housing Project: A New Leaf was very well received, and I thank
- [P.U.S.H.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/14/p-u-s-h/) - Last week, a friend sent me a wonderful email. She's been reading my Housing Project posts and came upon this story that she said reminded her of me. I'd read versions of this before, but none quite as detailed. A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light,
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: SAFETY IN NUMBERS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/16/five-things-friday-safety-in-numbers/) - Remember the CBS show NUM3ERS? That was a great show. I loved every episode. How Charlie showed his big brother Don that crimes don't have to be solved with force. That sometimes brains are better than brawn. That while human nature is unpredictable, numbers are always reliable. Y'all know my theory of One. It's pretty
- [TGIF: The TidBit Post](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/23/tgif-the-tidbit-post/) - I apologize. This week has zoomed by with such tornado force that I neglected to blog for an entire seven days. Seven days! That's like... a year at Catford Manor, yah? Maybe not... but it certainly felt like it. I don't know if you missed reading, but I certainly missed writing. I'm happy to say
- [Almost an Empty Nester](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/28/almost-an-empty-nester/) - Life at Bedford Manor is changing. Dot starts her second year of college this week. College! While some of her friends are going away to school, we can only afford for her to attend the local community college. Turns out, it may be the best decision anyway because it has one of the best nursing
- [Scarab Beetle](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/08/30/scarab-beetle/) - In my job as an insurance agent, I talk to a lot of clients about their homes and yards. As you know, I'm always on the lookout for how to beautify my desert dirt lot. I have great tips on how (and what) to garden. I love hearing and seeing the different creatures Mother Nature
- [Stocking up the Pantry](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/09/03/stocking-up-the-pantry/) - It's only September, but chatter has it that winter will be wearing out its welcome with voracity this year. I've talked with many gardeners over the past few months who tell me their baskets are less than bushels-ful. The Farmer's Almanac has the country abuzz with their predictions of an earlier, colder, and longer winter.
- [My Housing Project: Bathtub Makeover](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/09/04/my-housing-project-bathtub-makeover/) - When we moved into Bedford Manor nearly four years ago, Dot's bath was in pretty good shape. The only improvements we made at the time were to remove the left behind decor, paint the walls, and set up a Sandy Beach/Polka Dot theme that flowed well into Dot's bedroom. What we didn't take care of
- [My #GrillMatesPack from Chatterbox and McCormick](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/09/11/my-grillmatespack-from-chatterbox-and-mccormick/) - Have you ever heard of House Party? It's a social network website where companies choose applicants to showcase their product. Typically, if chosen to participate, you agree to invite at least 12 people to your shindig and promote the whazoo out of it before, during and after. Tweet, post, link, like, comment and share. Post
- [Stocking up the Cabinet](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/09/30/stocking-up-the-cabinet/) - A month ago, I shared with you a few suggestions for stocking up the pantry to easily provide for your family and company without having to go to the store at the last minute. These tips are also great for those times when inclement weather or lack of transportation interferes with your daily schedule. But
- [Doing Something. Good.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/10/13/doing-something-good/) - Y'all know how I love-love-love the idea of Something Good: those little tidbits in life that make it worthwhile. Smiling at a stranger, getting an unexpected hug from my daughter, sitting with a friend at church. It's no surprise that I've been less-than-stellar for a few months. For reasons that aren't necessarily unique but are
- [The First Step](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/10/29/the-first-step/) - Consider this your nudge. It's time to get moving. One way or another, it's time to get moving. Get out of your own way, and just step. Just once. And then once more. Do it. Do it and you'll be amazed. Do it. Take that first step. This is your nudge. Know how I know?
- [Five Minute Faith](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/11/17/five-minute-faith/) - I'm starting a new project. Of course I am. I always have projects in the works, in the back of my mind, on the pages of my notebook. But this one, I've actually started. If all goes well, at the beginning of the New Year (or perhaps sooner), I'll be broadcasting a weekly podcast called
- [What I've Been Up To](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/12/17/what-ive-been-up-to/) - It's been a month since I've posted. I've never gone this long before; and I apologize. I hope you didn't think I'd forgotten you. No, far from it. But I really have been Just.That.Busy. I turned my focus to amplifying my Amazon Author's Page as well as finishing The Penny Parable for eBook publication. I've
- [2014: BETTER.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/01/2014-better/) - Let's be real: 2013 was a heart breaker, wasn't it? Everyone ~ and I mean everyone ~ has a story of hardship within the last 365 days. At the same time, everyone is looking forward to the New Year. There's always a sense of fresh. New. Hope. Promise. Something Good. Am I right? As you're
- [January Meal Plan: It's All In The Pantry (and Freezer)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/03/january-meal-plan-its-all-in-the-pantry-and-freezer/) - I'm changing how I do my meal plans. The last few months, I've been throwing together what I can find. Buying for one meal at a time. With Dot's schedule (read: college, work, boyfriend), together-at-the-table time just isn't as frequent. But that doesn't mean I can't still cook well even on those evenings she's not
- [Remembering Fluffy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/02/remembering-fluffy/) - This post is hard to write. It's also one of the bigger reasons I didn't write in December. Catford Manor is minus one member of our FurFamily. Our beloved ten-year-old Fluffy fell ill and succumbed to old age on December 19th. For two weeks prior, we nursed her, took her to the Vet, pushed medications
- [RECIPE: Slow Cooker Pork & 'Kraut](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/04/recipe-slow-cooker-pork-kraut-2/) - When you don't have a lot of time, money, or kitchen space, what's a better way to show your love by providing a hearty, healthy, delicious home-cooked meal?
- [My Soundtrack: The Year of the MoJo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/05/my-soundtrack-the-year-of-the-mojo/) - For the last several years, certain songs will find their place on my Favorites playlist. Some are inspirational, some are aerobic, and some are just plain great to listen to. Usually by February, a playlist for the year has built itself. I don't often give much thought to what songs are added. I just suddenly
- [Dear Disneyland...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/06/dear-disneyland/) - Dear Disneyland, Hello. Have you missed us? Because we miss you. We'd like to think our absence has been noticed, and not that we've been replaced. It's costly to come see you, but that's our goal this year. Once the economy settles and our personal finances allow, we hope to once again stop under your
- [I Put the Nutcrackers Away](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/07/i-put-the-nutcrackers-away/) - It's official: the end of the winter Holidays is here. Tonight I put away my treasured Nutcracker Village. It's nice to have my coffee table back in use as a magazine rack, fishbowl stand and, well, a coffee table. The cats are happy their platform bed is available again. And while it's nice to not
- [Sing!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/01/08/sing/) - I discovered something about myself a few weeks ago. Halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas and all that went with it, I decided to do what I haven't done for a very long time. I cranked up the radio and I sang along. Loudly. It. Felt. Great. There's something about belting out a strong ballad or
- [My Love ~ You Don't Get It](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/02/09/my-love-you-dont-get-it/) - I'm single. Does that make February a hard month for me? Not at all. Being single doesn't mean I'm lonely. I have a full time job that I absolutely love. I have family that lives nearby and an adult daughter who lives at home while navigating through her own busy albeit single life. We have
- ["Life is rough. I'm still a diamond."](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/02/10/life-is-rough-im-still-a-diamond/) - Yesterday I wrote a post about why I'm happy to be single. At least until the Right One comes along, and I'm not really in a hurry to play games to get to that point. When he and I meet, there won't be any games. I received some wonderful feedback almost immediately. What struck me
- [Better in 2014: Blogging](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/02/18/better-in-2014-blogging/) - I realize the title of this post may seem oxymoronic, given that my posts are few and far between lately. This is true, but it's not true. I'm not blogging as often as I used to, which means the posts I do write had better be of better quality. Notice the repetitive word, better? Flash
- [The Strumbellas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/03/24/the-strumbellas/) - I have a new favorite band. At least they're in my Top 3. You may not have heard of them before this, but you will. They're The Strumbellas. Simon Ward, Jon Hembrey, Darryl James, Jeremy Drury, David Ritter and Isabel Ritchie. I've known of them for a while now. They hail from Toronto, Canada. That
- [BETTER: Blogging More or Less](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/03/24/better-blogging-more-or-less/) - It's been over a month ~ a month! ~ since I last posted. And before that, it was quite a while too. That's a far cry from the NaBloPoMo I used to do, posting every day for nearly two years. I can't believe we're at the end of March, and I've so few posts this
- [My Amazon Author's Page](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/03/25/my-amazon-authors-page/) - Amazon is synonymous with sales, especially books. The great part is, Amazon makes it easy for authors of all sorts to share their stories. In particular, I'm in love with their Author's Pages. A person can share as little or as much as they like, and link to their most important social media networks. Publishing
- [BETTER: Thanksgiving](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/03/26/better-thanksgiving/) - This is a photo of the first Thanksgiving dinner I ever hosted. It was my first "on my own" holiday. After not completing college and living at home until Dot was nearly four years old, it was time to move out. It was tough. I was working full-time and being a single parent of a
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Better.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/03/28/five-things-friday-better/) - This week I received a wonderful comment on a Five Things Friday post from last summer. It was about poetry, but when I reread the post today, I remembered it was also about the Writer's Club I belong to. Having someone recognize a post I wrote so long ago makes me feel better about writing
- [A Website and A Wish](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/03/31/a-website-and-a-wish/) - My web-designer updated my website this weekend. That's New Inklings Press's website, not the blog. I'm very excited. The changes are subtle but specific. You can now link to my Amazon page, and individual product, from the home page. You can read about upcoming projects and our authors. And of course, you can still shop
- [I am Defined. And I am a Mystery.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/04/14/i-am-defined-and-i-am-a-mystery/) - Last week, I had the honor of meeting and speaking with two very exceptional writers. As a member of the local California Writer's Club, I attend monthly gatherings to network with other local writers and hear from a guest speaker who shares his/her experiences and advice. Just over a week ago, we had special meeting.
- [How Bedford Manor Got Its Name](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/04/15/how-bedford-manor-got-its-name/) - When I purchased this house, there was no doubt I would name my small estate Bedford Manor. If I ever sell this plot and move, the new place will also be christened Bedford Manor. And probably every property I own after that. Bedford Falls is the quaint hometown of George Bailey. Not sure what or
- [I'm Afraid of My Own Success](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/04/22/im-afraid-of-my-own-success/) - I'm afraid of my own success. What if achieving my dreams means changing everything I know about my life? I am my own worst enemy. I love stability of structure and I'm not one to shed the security blanket easily. But often, blank pages hold just as much accusations as they do promise. I play
- [How Wrong is Donald Sterling?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/04/27/how-wrong-is-donald-sterling/) - By now you've probably heard the latest near-celebrity uproar that involves the owner of the L. A. Clippers basketball team, Donald Sterling, and his purported bigotry and hatred toward blacks and other minorities. You've at least heard the shortened audio clip that is being broadcast nine ways to Sunday in an effort to "promote awareness".
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: The Experience.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/05/16/five-things-friday-the-experience/) - This week's Five Things Friday is all about experiences. Those moments that are more than moments. Those times that leave more than memories. This week's post is about the whole kit-and-caboodle. Because I write (or perhaps influencing the way I write), life is more than just passing time. I love to absorb everything about everything.
- [It's Complicated, Part One: My Relationship.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/05/17/its-complicated-part-one-my-relationship/) - Last week on my personal Facebook profile, I changed my relationship from "single" to "it's complicated". No photos. No names. I'm not one to spill intimate details. I like to protect the privacy of the people who choose to expose themselves to a writer's life ~ this writer's life.The family I'm born into and gave
- [It's Complicated, Part Two: Christianity.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/05/18/its-complicated-part-two-christianity/) - A few days ago someone mentioned to me how someone else had hurt her. "Can you believe she says she's a Christian?!" She said the word like it was sewage. I immediately asked if she thinks being a Christian means being perfect? Let me tell you, right here, right now: It. Does. Not. Standing up
- [MoJo Book Review and Giveaway: The Bargain by Aaron D. Gansky](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/06/08/mojo-book-review-and-giveaway-the-bargain-by-aaron-d-gansky/) - Disclaimer: Aaron D. Gansky has been a friend of mine for many years. It is because we are both Christian writers (and he is married to one of my close friends which is how we met) that we get along well. These facts have in no way influenced this book review. The Bargain is a
- [Doing the Write Thing: Writing Conferences Fundraiser](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/06/14/doing-the-write-thing-writing-conference-fundraiser/) - Last month I was offered a scholarship to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference for 2015. This morning, I was asked to participate and present at a still-in-development women's conference later this year, organized by one of my fellow Writer's Club and critique group members. Needless to say, both of these opportunities are attractive
- [Doing the Write Thing, Weekly Recap: June 15, 2014](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/06/15/doing-the-write-thing-weekly-recap-june-15-2014/) - It seems like just yesterday that I slightly bared my soul and asked for pray and partnership toward Doing the Write Thing . . . oh, wait. It was! I do my best writings on Sunday afternoons when the chores are done, the errands have been run, and it's nothing but me, Pandora, a nice
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Start/Stop](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/08/08/five-things-friday-startstop/) - The calendar tells me it's been nearly two months since I last blogged. Without going into dramatic detail, suffice to say life with all its twists and turns has been a great distraction from blogging. It's been full of The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. And we're all learning to exchange beauty for ashes
- [My Interview with Ms. New Orleans 2014, Lindsay Reine](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/08/10/my-interview-with-ms-new-orleans-2014-lindsay-reine/) - While researching and writing NOLA, my great friend Lisa posted a link on my Facebook page for a cookbook. Not just any cookbook, mind you, but a cookbook from New Orleans, with recipes compiled by Ms. New Orleans 2014 Lindsay Reine. How much better could things get? A little bit better. Because of my affinity
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: Aaron Gansky on Magic and Writing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/08/13/whats-the-word-wednesday-aaron-gansky-on-magic-and-writing/) - Welcome back to "What's the Word?" Wednesdays. WwW was a weekly Blog Hop, where other bloggers were invited to link up their Wednesday posts and share comments on what's going on in their worlds. That was then, this is now. Then, complicated back links and sharing was required. Now, WwW will feature a guest blogger
- [MoJo Book Review and Giveaway: Laughter is Loudest with Good Food (Cookbook)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/08/10/mojo-book-review-and-giveaway-laughter-is-loudest-with-good-food-cookbook/) - In my previous post, you met Ms. New Orleans 2014, Lindsay Reine. In this post, you'll get a chance to win her cookbook. This review is different than most. There are no spoiler alerts. No characters to introduce you to. Just some mighty fine eats. The first two recipes I chose were the Mayonnaise biscuits
- [My Real Italian Kitchen: Polenta and Sauce](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/08/18/my-real-italian-kitchen-polenta-and-sauce/) - WinCo is still one of my favorite places ever. My last two grocery shopping trips stocked my pantry so thoroughly, I've not been back for well over a month. When you're on a budget for time as well as money, that's a big deal. Last month, I picked up a tube of ready-made polenta, with
- [#DoingTheWriteThing Recap: August 24, 2014](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/08/24/doingthewritething-recap-august-24-2014/) - The wind has been blowing here at Bedford Manor. At times its brought with it a cleansing rain, at others, it just stirs the dust. There's been heat, sun, clouds, humidity, wind, and stillness. The weather just can't make up its mind. It's symbolic of how I've been feeling lately ~ uncertain as to my
- [Five Years and a Party](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/09/23/five-years-and-a-party/) - Five years ago today I found what would become Bedford Manor. For over a year I've been writing NOLA, my murder mystery set in New Orleans.This week an article I wrote for my Writers Club was solicited to be featured in a larger, Southern California-wide publication. This morning, The Unemployment Cookbook was released for Kindle
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: #DoingTheWriteThing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/09/26/doing-the-write-thing/) - Welcome back to Five Things Friday. My theme for this week is #DoingTheWriteThing. I can't get tired of it. The more I promote writing, the more addicted to writing I become. Every conversation I hear, every sight I see, every sense I experience is placed in my mental filing cabinet (and sometimes on paper) for
- [NOLA, Zatarain's Style](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/09/28/nola-zatarains-style/) - Last Tuesday we celebrated our recent successes, NOLA style. If you missed that post, you can read it here. I had a blast shopping for Mardi Gras decor, mixing up Hurricane mocktails, and feeding my guests with the great food provided by Zatarain's. How great was it of them to send me a box full
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Peacocks](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/10/03/five-things-friday-peacocks/) - When I was young, peacocks were, in my mind, nearly mythical creatures. Their elegant strutting, colorful plumage, and resounding cries were what stories were made of. Not having any peacocks of my own or in the neighborhood, they were also elusive. A yearly trip to the state zoo often satisfied my curiosity yet left me
- ["What's the Word?" Wednesday: Why Lily Couldn't Sleep Last Night](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/10/08/whats-the-word-wednesday-why-lily-couldnt-sleep-last-night/) - Note: I've known Lily (not her real name) for nearly fifteen years. When she reached out to me this morning, I asked if she'd be comfortable sharing her thoughts on the blog. The subject matter of this post is controversial, but what she has to say is important. Please be respectful with your comments. Why
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Blogs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/10/10/five-things-friday-blogs/) - I love blogging. I love sharing my little bits and pieces of the world with you. And I love reading other blogs, too. Today's Five Things Friday is about some of my favorite blogs. 1. To start with, today I'm the featured guest blogger over at Things They Can't Say. So click on the badge
- [Pinterest Worthy: Autumn on a Budget](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/10/24/pinterest-worthy-autumn-on-a-budget/) - I love decorating, but let's face it- sometimes it can be costly. I do what I can to avoid a strain on the wallet. Autumn starts the holiday season at Bedford Manor. The above collage is from three years ago. I haven't started to put out my decor this year but that will change in
- [#DoingTheWriteThing Recap: October 26, 2014](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/10/26/doingthewritething-recap-october-26-2014/) - Sometimes I feel I haven't done enough to advance my writing, but looking back at the two months since I started my GoFundMe campaign, I realize everything's a matter of perspective. You can click on the link or photo above to follow my progress with #DoingTheWriteThing, without having to make a donation. I truly appreciate
- [Frog Likes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/10/27/frog-likes/) - Are you on Facebook? If the answer is "yes", hop on over to my New Inklings Press page and give us a "like." If the page gets 350 or more likes by November 1st, five Lucky Likers will each win an autographed copy of The Unemployment Cookbook. I win. You win. It's a win-win situation.
- [Bedford Manor on a Budget: Christmas Wreaths](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/01/bedford-manor-on-a-budget-christmas-wreaths/) - A few weeks ago, Dot surprised me by crafting this wonderful piece. The colors are subtle yet attractive. It's the perfect fit for our Italian Coffee House color scheme at Bedford Manor. I haven't crafted for quite some time. Around here, we've been deep cleaning and decorating and working and writing. Feeling very productive. But
- [#25PhotosOfChristmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/01/25photosofchristmas/) - It's back! Follow me on Instagram and be part of the #25PhotosOfChristmas fun. It's the same schedule I posted two years ago, but what the heck. Let's do it again! Each day, post a photo for that day's theme, tag me and hashtag #FMD25PhotosXmas. Let's get this internet party started, yah? And, Frankly, My Dear
- [Bedford Manor on a Budget: Candles in Cups](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/02/bedford-manor-on-a-budget-candles-in-cups/) - Sounds simple, right? But until two years ago, I didn't know how beautiful such an idea could be. The local dollar store or thrift store is a great source for inexpensive supplies. Votive glasses Decorative stones Platter or tray battery votive candles I found this great candle, tray and stone set two years ago for
- [Bedford Manor on a Budget: Pine Cones on Display](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/03/bedford-manor-on-a-budget-pine-cones-on-display/) - I love pine cones. They're fresh, woodsy, and versatile. Most stores sell them in bags, or if you have neighbors with pine trees, you can ask them for the dropped cones. Next to my Nutcracker Village, this is one of my favorite Christmas decorations. A display of pine cones brings a touch of the outdoors
- [Beford Manor on a Budget: A Light Decor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/04/beford-manor-on-a-budget-a-light-decor/) - Today's decorating is from my daughter. She's always had a knack for creativity, and this is no exception. With a few leftover pieces from her own Christmas Wreath, she created this beautiful eye-catcher. This lightbulb-shaped glass container has a flat bottom so it can stand anywhere. It also has a screw-on cap. You'll need: A
- [Bedford Manor on a Budget: Pine Cones in a Vase](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/05/bedford-manor-on-a-budget-pine-cones-in-a-vase/) - This is the simplest of my decorating posts, yet a favorite. You'll need: A glass vase Pinecones or other small decorative items Ribbon (optional) Carefully place your items into the vase, and if desired, tie a ribbon. Display. I use small pine cones meant for ornamental use. You can also use small ball ornaments, miniature
- [Bedford Manor on a Budget: Christmas Candies](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/06/bedford-manor-on-a-budget-christmas-candies/) - What would the holidays be without a little sugar and spice? This wonderful craft/gift idea was given to me by a dear client. You'll need: An airtight container Candies, cookies, or other sweets Packaging/tote bag Although this gift may seem so simple to be personalized, the beauty is that it is extremely personal. Know a
- [Bedford Manor on a Budget: People Feeder](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/07/bedford-manor-on-a-budget-people-feeder/) - This cute and creative idea was inspired by a magazine ad I saw years ago. It's my favorite homemade craft. This versatile project can be themed around any holiday, or any decorating style. You'll need: A wood birdhouse with plastic windows Acrylic paints Glitter (optional) Decorative add-ons (optional) Small candies assorted paint brushes cleaning rag
- [Meeting Charles Dickens](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/14/meeting-charles-dickens/) - Saturday was the monthly meeting of the California Writers Club, High Desert Branch. I've been a member for just under two years and have been, well, no other word suffices ~ I have been blessed. To be surrounded with a group of like-minded people who "get" the why of writing, who quote and embellish and
- [#DoingTheWriteThing Update: December 17, 2014](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/17/doingthewritething-update-december-17-2014/) - I sometimes feel like a circus performer, juggling more plates than a normal person would, yet artfully keeping them up in the air without fail. For the most part, anyway. The law of averages dictates that sooner or later, the law of gravity will take hold of one or more items and, well, you know
- [New Inklings Press-ents](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2014/12/19/new-inklings-press-ents/) - Merry Christmas! How exciting that it's less than a week away. Are you ready? I'm so ready, I'm getting ready for next year already! Okay, not really. But almost really. I've definitely got plans. I may even venture into the world of day-after-Christmas shopping to find some amazing pack-it-away-for-eleven-months deals. But that's next year, and
- [2015: HOPE](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/01/01/2015-hope/) - A few months ago, I knew what I needed my word for 2015 to be. The more I thought about it, the more I came to realize how perfect it is for my world. I created this graphic from a photo of the peacock Dot painted for me. She finished it over a month ago
- [But I'm not good enough to attend a Christian writers conference. . .](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/01/19/but-im-not-good-enough-to-attend-a-christian-writers-conference/) - A few days ago I did something I wasn't sure I could do, for a variety of reasons: I registered to attend the Orange County Christian Writers Conference in April. My friend and writing mentor, Aaron Gansky, is a featured speaker and while I always value the information he gives, there are several other sessions
- [The Reason I've Not Blogged Lately](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/02/05/the-reason-ive-not-blogged-lately/) - It's 6:37 am. I've been awake for just a few minutes, and need to get ready for the day job. There's so much I have to tell y'all, so many updates for #DoingTheWriteThing and for life. We've been stretched to breaking, put back together, and redirected. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you
- [Fifty Shades of Controversy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/02/14/fifty-shades-of-controversy/) - I don't care about the book. I don't care about the movie. I do care about the conversations going around Facebook and other social media sites. I don't care if your Christian or not. I don't care if you like the book or the movie, or not. Here's what it boils down to for me:
- [Before You Pray](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/02/18/before-you-pray/) - Isaiah 65:24 (NIV) reads "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." I've always believed, because God is outside of space and time, that He has already heard the prayers the future me will pray. For quite a few months last year, I struggled with morning anxiety. Waking up
- [Writer, Blocked](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/03/01/writer-blocked/) - For several months, I've not been writing. At least not to the extent I was last summer. It wasn't writer's block, exactly. I had a lot to say. I just got in my own way of saying it. The thought had come upon me that what I had to say was far less valuable than
- [WinCo Wins Wednesday: March 4, 2015](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/03/04/winco-wins-wednesday-march-4-2015/) - I love WinCo. But that's not news, right? I love that they love me, too. Ask me any day of the week, and I'll tell you, I'm in love with their Bulk Bins. You can buy as much, or as little, as you need. Are you shopping for one basic recipe, or hosting a large
- [Stop Fighting and Be Still.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/03/15/stop-fighting-and-be-still/) - Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ~Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV) I suffer from depression. This isn't something I
- [Being Me.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/03/27/being-me/) - I'm just sitting here and this sudden, invasive thought came to me: The Complicated and I looked so good together on paper. He was everything I thought I wanted, except for one big "check" on "the list". But once I got to the depths of who we were together, for each other, I knew it
- [Monday, Monday . . .](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/04/19/monday-monday-2/) - Are you often amazed at the plethora of Monday-haters on social media? Sundays are an infestation of draggy, please-don't-make-me-go-back posts and photos of closed eyes or weekend-recovery moments captioned "One more day!" I understand. When you need that break to refresh, ending it can seem, well, horrid. I typically clean Bedford Manor after work on
- [Orange County Christian Writers Conference, 2015](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/04/26/orange-county-christian-writers-conference-2015/) - Yesterday I attended the Orange County Christian Writers Conference for the first time. It was nice to meet up with current friends and make new ones. I'm deeply indebted to my mentor, Aaron D Gansky, for inspiring me to attend the conference and for praying faithfully for my writing in the time we've been working
- [My Two-Inch Peacock](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/03/my-two-inch-peacock/) - I have a two-inch peacock and he's only visible through my story window. I'm not crazy. I'm a writer. This month, I'm reading Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. If you're serious about being a writer, or just like a well-told narrative, this is that book. I'm nearly a quarter through, and loving every page,
- [Life With Lizzie: My Mom Can Be Crazy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/07/life-with-lizzie-my-mom-can-be-crazy/) - Welcome to Life with Lizzie: a new weekly feature here at Frankly, My Dear . . . You know me. I'm Lizzie Cat. I'm the oldest of five at Catford Manor. Now that the Human Sister has grown up and moved out, Mom is left alone with us. She calls us her FurFamily and I
- [And They Say Getting There is Half the Fun . . .](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/16/and-they-say-getting-there-is-half-the-fun/) - It's almost 1 a.m. Sunday morning. Well, my watch tells me it's only 9:45 pm, but I'm in North Carolina now, so it's three hours later. Which makes it thisclose to sunrise. Ok, not really. There's still an opportunity to catch some zzz's but I just can't go to sleep without sharing what the last
- [BRMCWC, Day 1](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/17/brmcwc-day-1/) - Let's pretend this post is as fabulous as the last one. Please? Because it's been a great day and I want to share every minute of it with you. But it's also almost midnight in North Carolina and I need some sleep. So, no staying up until 2 a.m. to get this done, okay? Not
- [Scooby Snacks and Chocolate Cats: BRMCWC Day 2](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/18/scooby-snacks-and-chocolate-cats-brmcwc-day-2/) - Thank you, Mary Thompson, for urging my return back to California. If I could stay here, surrounded by these amazing people, I would. But once the conference is over and the halls are empty, I'll return to Catford Manor and the High Desert. There is only one other attendee who came as far as Beckie
- [Coming Home](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/23/coming-home/) - North Carolina is full of rocking chairs and a Mayberry-esque lifestyle. There are rocking chairs in the airports, and there are rocking chairs in the restaurants. In the restaurants, people! I ain't making this stuff up. I want to live there. I want to drink more sweet tea and say "y'all" and "honey, sugar" to
- [The Unemployment Cookbook just $0.99. Always.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/23/the-unemployment-cookbook-just-0-99-always/) - I've learned a lot in the past month of writers conferences--connecting, sharing, making goals and taking inventory. One of the things I'm most proud of is to tell others of the great support I receive on a regular basis from so many people. Family, friends, church people, writers groups, readers. . . I want to
- [My Bottle of White Wine](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/26/my-bottle-of-white-wine/) - Back in March, I celebrated my birthday with week's worth of events. My favorite was the actual weekend of my birthday. On Friday, some friends took me out to a local hot spot called The Wine Seller. We listened to live music, drank a little, conversed a lot. One of my closest friends, Mary, is
- [Jeremiah 29:11 When God Is In Your Corner, It's Not a Punishment](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/29/jeremiah-2911-when-god-is-in-your-corner-its-not-a-punishment/) - Since coming back from Blue Ridge, I've thrown myself into the promise that God not only knows what He's doing, but that He really, truly wants the best for me. You've read often of how Jeremiah 29:11 is my life verse; what it means to me, and how I try to apply it to my
- [Are they hearing you?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/05/31/are-they-hearing-you/) - People hear what they want to hear. Children have selective hearing that picks up words like "ice cream" and ignores others like "chores". When a friend asks, "How are you?", they're already hoping you're going to ask them the same question. Our lifestyles are wired to be self-fulfilling, and serving others is a secondary agenda.
- [RAFFLECOPTER: Aaron D. Gansky's First Lines Friday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/06/03/rafflecopter-aaron-d-ganskys-first-lines-friday/) - Aaron and I had our monthly business meeting the other day, and as one idea led to another, he ended up with a great new feature on his blog. First Lines Friday asks, "What was the best first line you wrote this week?" You'll have all weekend to contribute. Each Monday, Aaron, myself and a
- [You Matter. Period.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/06/09/you-matter-period/) - For Nathan and Pam and Naomi and Lori and Cindy and all my Marys and Beckies and everyone I've been talking to. I hope you know how each of you has helped me. I hope I've been able to return that help. A few days ago, I posted a lengthy status on my personal Facebook
- [Jam With MoJo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/06/11/jam-with-mojo/) - So this happened. And then this happened. So then this happened. In upcoming posts, I'll blog about my love for Jamberry Nail Wraps and post new design combinations. I hope you'll join me. After two months of buying product, I realized it's more frugal for me to sell it and support my own habit. So
- [Life With Lizzie: The Good Life Being a Foodie Cat](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/06/14/life-with-lizzie-the-good-life-being-a-foodie-cat/) - Mewwo. Mom's been busy so she hasn't let me blog for a while. What's up with that? She leaves in the morning and sometimes is gone until long after dark. She dances around singing things like "I'm Too Sexy For My Cat". Excuse me? Should I take that personally? And get this ~ she got
- [One Post at a Time](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/06/16/one-post-at-a-time/) - Before leaving Blue Ridge, we were cautioned. "Once you leave the mountaintop, there's only one way to go ~ Into the valley." ~Alton Gansky, Final Keynote Speaker, BRMCWC 2015 We were told what we learned was to be shared. We were being sent out to be springs in the desert, which in my case is
- [Jam With Mojo: Jamberry Cuticle Oil](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/06/21/jam-with-mojo-jamberry-cuticle-oil/) - There's one truth that people tell me almost every day: I have a lot on my plate. The first reason I recently signed up as a Jamberry consultant was for the discount. Let's be real: Who doesn't love saving money for things you already do? I buy Jamberry, and the more I buy, the more
- [Drive.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/07/19/drive/) - Hey, y'all. I trust you had a great weekend. Mine was wonderfully out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, I don't have any new photos to share. Crazy, right? I mean, this is me we're talking about. Oh, well. Take my word for it: the scenery was beautiful. I drove up to Fresno, which is no little
- [I need a favor.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/07/20/i-need-a-favor/) - Dear Reader, We've been through a lot, you and I. You've read from the beginning when Frankly, My Dear . . . started out as a diary of a sort of social experiment, then grew. First I learned to crawl, then walk, and threw in with some nifty vocabulary lessons. It's been over four years
- [Five Reasons to Like Ohio](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/08/02/five-reasons-to-like-ohio/) - Last week I had a Skype session with Keri Jaehnig of Idea Girl Media. We went to school in Michigan before we both moved away. Naturally our conversation took on the what-do-you-like-where-you're-at-now direction. I sipped my sweet tea and listened as she told me about her new digs, and I thought, surely I could come
- [My Jamberry Video](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/08/04/my-jamberry-video/) - Remember when I was so excited to sign on as a Jamberry consultant? Remember what a thrill it was when I hosted my first party, earned my first commission, and reached my first goal? Me, too. I'm loving my Jamberry Journey. It's like scrapbooking on your fingertips - there's no wrong combination, and you're only
- [My Treasure Jar](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/08/09/my-treasure-jar/) - Remember when I went to Blue Ridge and so many crazy awesome writing-editing connection things happened? And how I drank lots of sweet tea? And remember how, before I went, I was big on collecting pennies and coins in my jar? And you know how I have a writer's mind so I link cause-and-effect like
- [The Solution](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/08/19/the-solution/) - I've been praying all wrong. Last night God whispered through my shouts. Last night I was holding on so tight, begging for resolution that didn't come. I asked Him, "Why?" He pried my hands lose so He could hold them. He said, "Stop limiting me." I said, "Why aren't you fixing this? I mean, I'm
- [Hand of Adonai Launch Party](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/08/23/hand-of-adonai-launch-party/) - It's a bit surreal to announce, but Tuesday, Aaron D. Gansky's newest book, Hand of Adonai: The Book of Things To Come is finally available. The first in a series, Hand of Adonai is a Young Adult Fantasy novel that starts in North Chester, Minnesota and ends in Alrujah, a video game kingdom created by
- [Bad Credit.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/10/01/bad-credit/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Bad Credit. I have struggled with debt and bad credit for the better part of the last twenty-five years. When it rains it pours.
- [Under the Hood.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/10/05/under-the-hood/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Under the Hood. Subtle changes can be empowering. A little spit and polish, a look under the hood, makes all the difference.
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: The Foodie Post](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/10/09/five-things-friday-the-foodie-post/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Five Things Friday: The Foodie Post. What are some of your favorites this time of year?
- [Firsts in Fiction Podcast](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/10/13/firsts-in-fiction-podcast/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Firsts in Fiction Podcast. Join us in Google Hangouts every Tuesday evening to discuss fiction writing, editing, media, and more.
- [Overcoming Bad Credit: Communication is Key.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/10/18/overcoming-bad-credit-communication-is-key/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Overcoming Bad Credit: Communication is Key.
- [Win a Christmas Fun Giveaway from Kathy Ide](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/11/02/win-a-christmas-fun-giveaway-from-kathy-ide/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Win a Christmas Fun Giveaway from Kathy Ide. 21 Days of Christmas. The Fiction Lover's Devotional Series.
- [My Broken Thumb](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/11/18/my-broken-thumb/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . My Broken Thumb. Depression is not a spiritual deficiency.
- [5 Ways to Uphold Your Reputation as an Author](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/11/30/5-ways-to-uphold-your-reputation-as-an-author/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . 5 Ways to Uphold Your Reputation as an Author. Guest blogger: Kathy Ide, author/editor.
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Be a Superhero.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/12/04/five-things-friday-be-a-superhero/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Be a Superhero. Someone needs you today. Be an Avenger.
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Finding the Write Gift](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2015/12/12/five-things-friday-finding-the-write-gift/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Finding the Write Gift. Are you shopping for a writer? Here are some gift giving ideas.
- [My 2016 Words of the Year: Change. Perspective.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/01/01/my-2016-words-of-the-year-change-perspective/) - Do y'all know me? Do you know you how I like my stability and security? You do? So it's a surprise then, right, that change is my word for the year? Maybe it should be perspective but that only allows for a view shift. I think change is more dynamically inclusive of the unknown or
- [Jamberry Indulgence](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/01/02/jamberry-indulgence/) - Jamberry Indulgence. Because of recurring eczema, winter is hard on my skin. Jamberry is much more than pretty fingers. It's also healthy hands.
- ["Oh, The Places You'll Go!"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/02/20/oh-the-places-youll-go/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" My new green suitcase is so much more than an empty piece of luggage.
- [Social Media for the Anti-Social](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/02/22/social-media-for-the-anti-social/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Social Media for the Anti-Social. Join me on several platforms as I share Secrets of a Social Media Ninja.
- [The Emotional Cost of Bad Credit](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/02/25/the-emotional-cost-of-bad-credit/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . The Emotional Cost of Bad Credit. You're not caught in a storm by yourself. We can encourage each other.
- [FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Seattle](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/04/01/five-things-friday-seattle/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: Seattle. From Starbucks to storms, Seattle is worth visiting.
- [Creating a Social Media Buzz: Don't Bee That Person](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/04/07/creating-a-social-media-buzz-dont-bee-that-person/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Creating a Social Media Buzz: Don't Bee That Person. Five behaviors to avoid if you want to grow your support Swarm.
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: Hamburger Pie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/04/03/the-unemployment-cookbook-hamburger-pie/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . The Unemployment Cookbook: Hamburger Pie. Ground beef, green beans, mashed potatoes and memories.
- [Meet Josie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/05/01/meet-josie/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Meet Josie. Penny Jo Embers is the protagonist in Molly Jo Realy's upcoming Mystery Location Novel, NOLA.
- [Social Media Buzz: Bee The Ninja](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/05/17/social-media-buzz-bee-the-ninja/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Social Media Buzz: Bee The Ninja. Subtle yet sweet behaviors that will keep your Swarm buzzing and building.
- [All I Did Was Take a Photo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/05/29/all-i-did-was-take-a-photo/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . All I Did Was Take a Photo. #BRMCWC
- [Molly Needs a Mac](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/06/03/molly-needs-a-mac/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Molly Needs a Mac. Please consider supporting my GoFundMe so I can replace my laptop and keep writing, editing, and social media-ing.
- [Unpacking Blue Ridge](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/06/03/unpacking-blue-ridge/) - Y'all remember the suitcase I picked up a few months ago? First it took me to Seattle. And two weeks ago it kept me company at the Blue Ridge Mountains . . .
- [MoJo Says: Five Ways Counting Kittens Can Boost Your Blog Traffic](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/07/04/mojo-says-five-ways-counting-kittens-can-boost-your-blog-traffic/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . MoJo Says: Five Simple Ways Counting Kittens Can Boost Your Blog Traffic
- [Meet Rain](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/07/05/meet-rain/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Meet Rain. Rain is the male protagonist in Molly Jo Realy's upcoming location mystery, NOLA.
- [Crowdfunding Your Way to Success](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/07/07/crowdfunding-your-way-to-success/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Crowdfunding Your Way to Success by Molly Jo Realy. Sharing tips and tricks on exceeding your campaign goal.
- [Faith Is . . .](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/07/08/faith-is/) - So there's a lot going on in the world today that I'd like to, but can't (and really shouldn't) ignore. I don't even want to start the laundry list of upset, because I'll inevitably forget or neglect something or go sideways with it. As things of late have been happening, I'm understanding more and more
- [Blue Cut Fire Day 1](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/08/16/blue-cut-fire-day-1/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . BlueCut Fire, Day 1. Photos of the BlueCut Fire.
- [Social Media for the Anti-Social: If You Build It, They Will Come](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/08/21/social-media-for-the-anti-social-if-you-build-it-they-will-come/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Social Media for the Anti-Social: If You Build It, They Will Come. Before building your social media platform, it's important to know a few things.
- [Life Lessons From Willy Wonka](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/08/30/life-lessons-from-willy-wonka/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Life Lessons From Willy Wonka. All it takes is pure imagination.
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: Anna's Meatloaf](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/08/31/the-unemployment-cookbook-annas-meatloaf/) - One of my favorite recipes is Anna's Meatloaf. Y'all know the story, right? Anna was my best friend in college. We worked together, hung out together, cooked together. She would make this great meatloaf, and when I moved back home, she gave me the recipe. Like, gave me the recipe. As in, "Here. Use it,
- [What If We're Not Drowning?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/09/24/what-if-were-not-drowning/) - The news is bad. We're overwhelmed, suffering, trying to cope without the right tools. We just need a hand up, a friend alongside us. We just need to know we're not alone, and a reason to believe it will get better. We feel like we're drowning. The storm hits, the hurricane comes in, and with
- [Firsts in Fiction Podcast](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/09/26/firsts-in-fiction-podcast-2/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Firsts in Fiction Podcast. Join us live every Tuesday at 6:30 PM PST.
- [JSYK: Social Media Shorts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/09/28/jsyk-social-media-shorts/) - JSYK: Social Media Shorts. Just So You Know: A few social media abbreviations.
- [Psalm 96](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/10/01/psalm-96/) - Psalm 96. This is a "verb" verse. It implores us not sing. Not just sing, but sing a new song.
- [Beckie Lindsey: How Blogging Has Made Me a Stronger Christian](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/10/07/beckie-lindsey-how-blogging-has-made-me-a-stronger-christian/) - Beckie Lindsey: How Blogging Has Made Me a Stronger Christian.
- [Edie Melson: Don't Get Hacked. 8 Tips to Stay Safe Online.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/10/17/edie-melson-dont-get-hacked-8-tips-to-stay-safe-online/) - Edie Melson: Don't Get Hacked. 8 Tips for Staying Safe Online.
- [#AmWriting: Keeping Track with Story Cards](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/10/08/amwriting-keeping-track-with-story-cards/) - Frankly, My Dear . . .: #AmWriting: Keeping Track with Story Cards. Whatever the plotting style, great writers track their story from start to finish.
- [When Writing isn't Writing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/11/14/when-writing-isnt-writing/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . When Writing isn't Writing.
- [Ways to Support Your Favorite Author](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/11/20/ways-to-support-your-favorite-author/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Ways to Support Your Favorite Author
- [2017 Prep: My Happy Planner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/11/24/2017-prep-my-happy-planner/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : 2017 Prep: My Happy Planner
- [Losing Lizzie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/11/28/losing-lizzie/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Losing Lizzie. Catford Manor is a little darker. Lizzie Cat has passed away.
- [Recipe: Hobbes' Mexican Chicken Meatloaf](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/12/05/recipe-hobbes-mexican-chicken-meatloaf/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Hobbes' Mexican Chicken Meatloaf. Let's talk winter comfort foods and family memories.
- [New Year, New Words](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2016/12/31/new-year-new-words/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . New Year, New Words. Choose your word for the New Year, and hit the ground running.
- [William Kendall: Photoblogger](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/04/william-kendall-photoblogger/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : William Kendall: Photoblogger.
- [#AmWriting: Using a Calendar to Storyboard Your Novel](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/01/amwriting-using-a-calendar-to-storyboard-your-novel/) - Frankly, My Dear . . .: #AmWriting: Using a Calendar to Storyboard Your Novel. Because a bulletin board won't fit in your bag.
- [Frankly, On Faith](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/02/frankly-on-faith/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Frankly, On Faith. What does it mean to "take it on faith"?
- [Where Is My Creativity? by Jacqueline Patterson](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/07/where-is-my-creativity-by-jacqueline-patterson/) - Frankly, My Dear: Where Is My Creativity? by Jacqueline Patterson. I growled at my laptop screen and
- [Frankly, On Faith: God Is Always](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/08/frankly-on-faith-god-is-always/) - Frankly, On Faith: God Is Always. There are a lot of uncertains in the world. A lot of maybe's, a lot of I-don't-knows. A lot of wishes, and dreams, and breath-holding.
- [Turning a Bad Review into Good Marketing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/10/turning-a-bad-review-into-good-marketing/) - Frankly, My Dear. . . : Turning a Bad Review into Good Marketing. Grab a glass of tea while I tell you a story.
- [SOAR](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/11/soar/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . SOAR.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Spiritual Groanings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/15/frankly-on-faith-spiritual-groanings/) - Frankly, On Faith: Spiritual Groanings. When it's just one big, hot mess and you sound like Frankenstein trying to sing? Ain't gonna lie. I kinda hate those days.
- [Building an Author Platform: How Much Information is Safe to Share Online?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/16/building-an-author-platform-how-much-information-is-safe-to-share-online/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Building an Author Platform: How Much Information is Safe to Share Online? By Edie Melson.
- [Frankly, On Faith: How Important Are You?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/22/frankly-on-faith-how-important-are-you/) - Frankly, On Faith: How Important Are You? Ask God. He knows.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Do All Things](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/01/29/frankly-on-faith-do-all-things/) - Frankly, On Faith: Do All Things. Sometimes, doing everything means starting by doing nothing.
- [Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/02/recipe-basic-slow-cooker-meatloaf/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Recipe: Basic Slow Cooker Meatloaf. Five simple ingredients. Three hours. Can't-get-enough-of-it taste.
- [Jacqueline Patterson's Key to Success](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/09/jacqueline-pattersons-key-to-success/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . Jacqueline Patterson's Key to Success
- [Tromping Trolls](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/03/16/tromping-trolls/) - Tromping Trolls by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 Social media is one of those love-hate relationships. There’s a lot of good buzz it can create, but there’s also a bitter aftertaste if a troll decides to attack your territory. It’s important to understand the difference between trolls and someone who just doesn’t like you. You have
- [Frankly, On Faith: Are You Addicted to Busyness?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/03/12/frankly-on-faith-are-you-addicted-to-busyness/) - Frankly, On Faith: Are You Addicted to Busyness? Are you so addicted to busyness you can't see the peace He has given you?
- [Frankly, On Faith: This is the LORD's Battle](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/19/frankly-on-faith-this-is-the-lords-battle/) - Frankly, On Faith: This is the LORD's Battle by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 Ever feel like you're just not properly equipped to get through life? If only there was more money. If only I had someone to share the load. If only that person was nicer, or this person understood. If only we had more
- [Recipe: MoJo's Creole Meatloaf](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/27/recipe-mojos-creole-meatloaf/) - Frankly, My Dear: Recipe: MoJo's Creole Meatloaf. Who says you have to be in New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday?
- [Frankly, On Faith: Five Minutes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/02/26/frankly-on-faith-five-minutes/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Frankly, On Faith: Five Minutes. Can you give God just five minutes?
- [Happy Planner: Conference Style](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/03/01/happy-planner-conference-style/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Happy Planner: Conference Style. One of the most important accessories a person can have at any conference is a notebook and calendar.
- [Frankly, On Faith: I almost forgot Easter.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/04/15/frankly-on-faith-i-almost-forgot-easter/) - Frankly, On Faith: I almost forgot Easter. God doesn't care about the prep work. He cares that you showed up.
- [Paige's Plantation, Part One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/04/17/paiges-plantation-part-one/) - Paige's Plantation, Part One by Jacqueline Patterson @jacpatterson Buckets of sweet tea! Knowing I live vicariously through her, Jacqueline (also known in our inner writer circle as Paige) documented her recent visit to a private plantation for Frankly, My Dear . . . Now, there's a whole list of reasons this thrills me, but mostly
- [Social Media TMI- Finding Balance Between Professional & Personal Online](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/04/20/social-media-tmi-finding-balance-between-professional-personal-online/) - by Edie Melson @EdieMelson Hey, y'all. So, check out the awesome circle button on the right side bar. See that? Contributor, The Write Conversation. Yup. That's me. But here's the fun part. I get to reciprocate. In bloggy terms, that means while I have a post up on Edie's site, she has a post up
- [Frankly, On Faith: Cast the First Stone](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/04/23/frankly-on-faith-cast-the-first-stone/) - Frankly, On Faith: Cast the First Stone Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 How will you begin to tear down your walls?
- [Ways to Support Your Favorite Blogger](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/04/25/ways-to-support-your-favorite-blogger/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Ways to Support Your Favorite Blogger @RealMojo68
- [Frankly, On Faith: How Many Moms?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/14/frankly-on-faith-how-many-moms/) - Frankly, On Faith: Mom by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 They comfort you when you need it, guide you when you need it, and, hopefully, scold you when you need it. They are the mothers in your life. Not just the one who gave life to you. But also the ones who influence you. God has
- [You are Killing Yourself With a Weak (or Nonexistent) Writer's Bio](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/15/you-are-killing-yourself-with-a-weak-or-nonexistent-writers-bio/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : You are Killing Yourself With a Weak (or Nonexistent) Writer's Bio by Edie Melson. That space is valuable real estate and you’re growing weeds on it.
- [#EmbraceTheCrazy: Climb the Mountain](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/16/embracethecrazy-climb-the-mountain/) - #EmbraceTheCrazy: Climb the Mountain by Molly Jo Realy Some time ago, in a galaxy we still live in, This Girl was fighting a war.
- [William Kendall: Tulips](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/17/william-kendall-tulips/) - Frankly, My Dear . . .: William Kendall: Tulips. If there can be a positive legacy of war, spring floral colours are a good one.
- [Paige's Plantation, Part Two](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/20/paiges-plantation-part-two/) - [et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.62″ transparent_background=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.62″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” _builder_version=”3.0.62″]by Jacqueline Patterson @jacpattersonPaige’s PlantationHaven’t y’all been holding your sweet breath to find out how Paige’s plantation adventure ends? I know I have. Okay, not really, because I read it a month ago ~ the perks of being the editor and
- [FRIENDS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/18/friends/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : FRIENDS by Molly Jo Realy. I really, really want to dance in a fountain with my girls. Y'all know what I'm talking about.
- [Five Things Friday: Travel Essentials](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/19/five-things-friday-travel-essentials/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday: Travel Essentials by Molly Jo Realy. Here's my list of must have's for any trip.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Let Your "No" Be "No"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/05/21/frankly-on-faith-let-your-no-be-no/) - Frankly, On Faith: Let Your "No" Be "No" by Molly Jo Realy
- [Celebrating 150 Years of Canada](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/06/28/celebrating-150-years-of-canada/) - by William Kendall, Photoblogger. What does it mean to be Canadian?
- [Everything Old is New Again. Again.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/01/everything-old-is-new-again-again/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . and New Inklings Press have a new parent website.
- [Frankly, on Faith: You are Unique.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/02/frankly-on-faith-you-are-unique/) - Frankly, on Faith: You are Unique. God didn't use a cookie cutter mold.
- [New Again: Stock That.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/03/new-again-stock-that/) - Frankly, My Dear . . .: New Again: Stock That. A checklist and menu plan for healthy eating on a budget.
- [Recipes: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/04/recipes-freedom-cupcakes-and-patriotic-kabobs/) - Frankly, My Dear . . .: Recipes: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs. Happy Fourth of July! What's on your plate?
- [Y'all ready for this?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/08/yall-ready-for-this/) - Frankly, My Dear . . .: Y'all ready for this? A little NIP, a little tuck. Changes are coming to Frankly, My Dear.
- [In Memory Of . . .](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/05/in-memory-of/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . In Memory Of . . . Let's not leave the Fourth of July and forget what we're supposed to remember.
- [Why DVDs are Still Important](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/06/why-dvds-are-still-important/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . There's something to be said for getting your entertainment the semi-old school way. And it comes with its own bonus.
- [Five Things Friday: Pocket Changes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/07/five-things-friday-pocket-changes/) - As I was writing this month's budget, a nagging thought distracted me until I wrote it out:
- [Frankly, On Faith: Don't Run From the Inevitable](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/09/frankly-on-faith-dont-run-from-the-inevitable/) - Frankly, On Faith: Don't Run From the Inevitable. Jonah waved his hand. "See ya, God." And then he was swallowed by a whale. How'd that work out for him?
- [INVITATION: Harbingers, Cycle One, Book One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/10/invitation-the-harbingers-cycle-one-book-one/) - I don't often read in public, folks. I get too distracted. But I've been packing this book in my bag every day for lunch.
- [Fun Faith Adventures with Josie Siler: Laughter and a Motorcycle](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/11/fun-faith-adventures-with-josie-siler-laughter-and-a-motorcycle/) - Having fun is a way to show God that we trust Him. If we’re so busy being worried about our future or a certain situation, we’re certainly not going to have any fun.
- [Photoblogger William Kendall: Ottawa Welcomes the World](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/12/photoblogger-william-kendall-ottawa-welcomes-the-world/) - One of my early memories in childhood was going with my parents to an event held somewhere in the greater Toronto area.
- [Five Things Friday: My Happy Planners](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/14/five-things-friday-my-happy-planners/) - "No," I told myself. "I will not be one of those. I will not be a 'Planner Babe' who can't function without a big book at my side. No." And then the Universe laughed.
- [The Game of Perfection](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/15/the-game-of-perfection/) - Let's run down the benefits of playing kids' games, shall we? There's something about them that continue to bring me back to a place of happiness.
- [Mary Denman: Why is Photography Important to Bloggers?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/13/mary-denman-why-is-photography-important-to-bloggers/) - Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to the woman responsible for making me look good professionally. This is Mary Denman, photographer.
- [Frankly, on Faith: Isaiah 43](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/16/frankly-on-faith-isaiah-43/) - Our God promises change. His entire existence is not about keeping things the same, but making things better for His Children. He will do whatever it takes to keep us safe, to bolster us, and to bring us home.
- [Edie Melson: Social Media Lies People Tell Themselves, Part One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/17/edie-melson-social-media-lies-people-tell-themselves-part-one/) - I get a lot of emails and phone calls from people who really believe social media doesn’t work for them. The rest of you need to quit claiming it doesn’t work and get busy working it.
- [INVITATION: Harbingers, Cycle One, Book Two](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/18/invitation-the-harbingers-cycle-one-book-two/) - Can I just say love a book that stays with you even when you're not reading it. Frank Peretti has a style of writing that always grips me, and this is no exception.
- [What's on My Plate? You decide!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/19/whats-on-my-plate-you-decide/) - The fate of my weekly meal is in your hands. That's not to say I'm only eating once a week. More like, you're responsible for
- [Cara Pearson: An Intro to Essential Oils](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/20/cara-pearson-an-intro-to-essential-oils/) - When DIY was just becoming all the rage, I thought I'd make some bath products. The recipe I settled on called for essential oils. Knowing no better, I ordered
- [Five Things Friday: Feeling Good](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/21/five-things-friday-feeling-good/) - Now, eating right and getting enough sleep is not just something your mother or doctor tell you. Get this: It actually works. But sometimes it's not enough.
- [Serving up Social Media](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/22/serving-up-social-media/) - I'm often asked which media platform I prefer, and why. My answer is simple: "All of the above. Because." Choosing one venue is like
- [Frankly, On Faith: Time for Everything](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/23/frankly-on-faith-time-for-everything/) - There are many Bible verses that discuss God's time. He is eternal, but we are not. We have an earthly beginning and end.
- [How to be a Southern Belle in Ten Easy Steps](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/24/how-to-be-a-southern-belle-in-ten-easy-steps/) - by Jacqueline Patterson @JacPatterson Have you always wanted to be a Southern Belle, but were raised in the foreign field beyond the Mason-Dixon line? Follow these fail-proof tips and you’ll soon convince anyone you were raised on Tara. 1. Use “y’all” like salt; sprinkle a little bit everywhere. We’ll be testing you according to your
- [Beckie Lindsey: When God is Silent](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/25/beckie-lindsey-when-god-is-silent/) - At first, it was disconcerting, especially when other Christians seemed to have a direct hotline to God at all times. What's wrong with me? I questioned.
- [INVITATION: Harbingers, Cycle One, Book Three](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/26/invitation-harbingers-cycle-one-book-three/) - Book Three is no less exciting than Books One or Two. In fact, in my opinion, it's better. It's better because -- Oh, wait. Not sure you want to know the spoilers.
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: Hamburger Pie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/27/the-unemployment-cookbook-hamburger-pie-2/) - So, there's this cookbook on my shelf and a poll on Facebook . . . Last week y'all voted, and Hamburger Pie won the election! This has always been one of my favorite meals
- [Five Things Friday: What About Water?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/28/five-things-friday-what-about-water/) - Forget the fact that without water there would be no coffee or sweet tea. It's good for so many other things, too! Don't believe me?
- [Facebook Book Launch Party: Heart's Song](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/29/facebook-book-launch-party-hearts-song/) - Join us this Monday, for the live launch event for Aaron Gansky's and Kay Morrison's new book, Heart's Song.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Be Still.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/30/frankly-on-faith-be-still/) - It's a hard thing, to just be still. Even if the body isn't moving, the mind is. Here, the grocery list. There, repairs to be made.
- [Champagne and Supernovas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/31/champagne-and-supernovas/) - I was asked how I have such a strong prayer life and I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. Not because the question was ridiculous (it wasn't) but
- [INVITATION: Harbingers, Cycle One, Book Four](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/01/invitation-harbingers-cycle-one-book-four/) - Sigh. Book Four. I've been both really looking forward to this, and really dreading it. What if, out of all four books, this is the one I like the least? Can I admit such a thing publicly?
- [Hannah's Lace](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/02/hannahs-lace/) - It's official! My sweet tea of a daughter has opened her Etsy store. Folks, I don't mind telling ya this momma is strutting around like a proud peacock!
- [Widgets and Surveys and Likes, Oh My!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/03/widgets-and-surveys-and-likes-oh-my/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . I thought I'd share a few navigational tips with you today.
- [Five Things Friday: Spice Up Your Life](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/04/five-things-friday-spice-up-your-life/) - It's near nirvana, blending and creating flavors, and one of the best ways to accomplish that is by mixing spices, and I'm not just talking sugar and salt.
- [Social Media Saturday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/05/social-media-saturday/) - Some inspirational memes for the creative in you.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Go in Faith](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/06/frankly-on-faith-go-in-faith/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 I had a discussion with God recently. Let's be honest. It wasn't really a discussion. It was a one-sided rant. I was "reminding" God of the promises He made, and how I'm not seeing them come to fulfillment. Instead of seeing the goodness all around me, I had the bad
- [Review: The Best of Funds for Writers, C. Hope Clark](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/07/review-the-best-of-funds-for-writers-c-hope-clark/) - Thanks to this handy-dandy must-have guide for writers who want to earn money, I've resubscribed to Hope's newsletter, and it's reignited my passion.
- [Fun Faith Adventures with Josie Siler: Choose Your Battles](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/08/fun-faith-adventures-with-josie-siler-choose-your-battles/) - Sometimes in life you have to make the choice to have fun because the joy you get from doing something is worth the pain.
- [Photoblogger William Kendall: Rideau Hall](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/09/photoblogger-william-kendall-rideau-hall/) - Wanted: challenging temporary job applicant, generous pay and perks, official residence for five to seven years.
- [Mary Denman, Photographer: Portrait, Landscape, or Square?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/10/mary-denman-photographer-portrait-landscape-or-square/) - In a world of smart phone shots, DSLR cameras, Instagram, and Pinterest, it can be a little confusing as to what’s the best way to take a picture.
- [Five Things Friday: Managing Credit](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/11/five-things-friday-managing-credit/) - It happened when I heard another ad on the radio. The one that really got my attention was for a payday loan. I was seriously considering it until I did the math.
- [Social Media Saturday: Memes Aren't Just For Marketing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/12/social-media-saturday-memes-arent-just-for-marketing/) - Memes ("Meems") are photos with a message. The picture gets your attention, and the text hammers the message home. It is very much an important tool in your social media box.
- [Frankly, On Faith: There's a Verse for That](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/13/frankly-on-faith-theres-a-verse-for-that/) - Hide His Word in your heart, and you will know the peace He gives in all situations.
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: Potato Chip Casserole](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/14/the-unemployment-cookbook-potato-chip-casserole/) - BEE likes to get crazy creative in the kitchen (say that five times fast!), and he also likes to add some sass to everything he touches.
- [Review: Boy, 9, Missing, by Nic Joseph](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/15/review-boy-9-missing-by-nic-joseph/) - Let me start with saying, I really wanted to like this book. I really did. The premise seemed like something I would like. The reviews were raves. But . . .
- [Firsts in Fiction: Everything You Wanted to Know About Writing But Were Afraid to Ask](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/16/firsts-in-fiction-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-writing-but-were-afraid-to-ask/) - As with any creative endeavor, we want to do it right. And while we have our questions to ask each other, we know it's you we do this for. So
- [The Difference Between Media and Marketing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/17/the-difference-between-media-and-marketing/) - Not everything is marketing, but if you are a creative professional, your quest should be to share what you have to offer in a way that doesn't scream, "Buy my product!"
- [Five Things Friday: Frankly, Favorites](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/18/five-things-friday-frankly-favorites/) - Recently, someone asked what my five favorite posts on FMD are. Choosing just five is a bit of a challenge. thankyouverymuchforthesuggestionyouknowwhoyouare.
- [What Makes a Good Book?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/19/what-makes-a-good-book/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 Do you enjoy the written word in all its forms? Do you get distracted with closed captioning on your TV? What can I say: Join. The. Club. As y'all have probably noticed, part of the blog redoux is book reviews. I'm trying to read one book each week. It's a
- [Frankly, On Faith: When it's Time to Leave](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/20/frankly-on-faith-when-its-time-to-leave/) - Are you an emotional pack rat? Do you hold onto the past in hopes of rescuing those broken bits and pieces to make them whole? Do you stay in the game longer than you should?
- [Edie Melson: How to Craft a Perfect Facebook Post Using Headline Techniques](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/21/edie-melson-how-to-craft-a-perfect-facebook-post-using-headline-techniques/) - With a compelling headline, a browser becomes a reader. In the same way, a compelling Facebook post gives the web surfer the impetus to visit your blog or buy your book.
- [Can You Identify a Counterfeit?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/22/can-you-identify-a-counterfeit/) - One of the hottest topics in our culture today is fake news. It goes without saying the importance of knowing the difference between what is authentic and what is counterfeit.
- [Momma and Chickens and a Clean Closet](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/23/momma-and-chickens-and-a-clean-closet/) - Now, I'm not a fan of most of my Momma's mantras. (Sorry to burst that bubble, Mom). Mostly because she uses them to drive home a point I should already know.
- [By The Pricking of My Thumb](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/24/by-the-pricking-of-my-thumb/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 August is almost over. Soon my cup will runneth over . . . with Pumpkin Spice Lattes, walks over crunchy leaves in the park, and that little tingle down my spine. Some say it's too early for autumn. I disagree. When that famous Starbuck's drink rolls out next week, I'm
- [Five Things Friday: My Favorite Cookbooks](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/25/five-things-friday-my-favorite-cookbooks/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 Pretend this is real paper and you're reading my scribble: As I'm prepping this blog post, my Mississippi Bestie Cara Pearson called and gushed about the great cookbooks she picked up at a used bookstore for about five cents each. And then she has the nerve to ask if I've
- [Social Media Saturday: Marketing Mantra](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/26/social-media-saturday-marketing-mantra/) - Whether it's through family, friends, a networking group, or public forum, there's one action I've found that works best for everyone in promoting their product or service.
- [Frankly, On Faith: New Beginnings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/27/frankly-on-faith-new-beginnings/) - We all struggle. Sometimes it's openly, sometimes it's private. Sometimes we know the solution but can't reach it. Sometimes we don't have a clue what's wrong.
- [Five Easy Ways to Help Texas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/28/five-easy-ways-to-help-texas/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 Text HARVEY to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief for Hurricane Harvey victims. Search your social media contacts for people in need and offer food and shelter. If you're in the area, volunteer at hospitals, shelters and pet care facilities. If you're not in the area,
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: When Two Good Recipes Make a Third](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/29/the-unemployment-cookbook-when-two-good-recipes-make-a-third/) - This Girl got paid to present on social media vs. marketing, and I bought food with that thar income. So I guess social media really does put food on the table.
- [Have We All Lost Our Heads?!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/30/have-we-all-lost-our-heads/) - The world is going to heck in a black-of-night, flag-draped, history-erasing basket. And we're holding the handles!
- [Upcoming Firsts in Fiction: The Care and Feeding of Your Idea](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/08/31/upcoming-firsts-in-fiction-the-care-and-feeding-of-your-idea/) - What questions do you have about maintaining a healthy work in progress? Leave a comment and we'll do our best to answer.
- [Five Things Friday: Instead of a Writers Conference](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/01/five-things-friday-instead-of-a-writers-conference/) - She says, "I don't know if I'm going to Blue Ridge next year." I understand sometimes conferences may be out of reach financially. What's a writer to do?
- [Social Media Saturday: 3 is the Key](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/02/social-media-saturday-3-is-the-key/) - Studies show your audience is more apt to trust you and your service or product after three notices. The same is true for your social media presence.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Let's Be Clear](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/03/frankly-on-faith-lets-be-clear/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 How often do we ask God for something based off what we think we need to get there? Our life-filter is our own experiences, our own thought processes. But in doing so, we muddy God's waters. We get caught up in our own mire rather than His refreshing life streams.
- [Happy Labor Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/04/happy-labor-day/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Happy Labor Day!
- [Your Monthly PDF is Available](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/05/your-monthly-pdf-is-available/) - Along with writing comes being creative in other ways.
- [REVIEW: Heart's Song by Aaron Gansky and Kaye Morrison](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/06/review-hearts-song-by-aaron-gansky-and-kaye-morrison/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 Okay. If y'all missed the podcast last night, or any online banter between myself and the faux bro, I'm here to tell ya, HE MADE ME CRY. Okay, not him, really. This story. This modern-day rock romance between Geoff Morris and Emily Amhearst that's played out via emails and text
- [Book Launch: Lindsey Brackett's Still Waters](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/07/book-launch-lindsey-bracketts-still-waters/) - Join the fun for the release of Lindsey P. Brackett's debut novel, Still Waters.
- [Five Things Friday: Marketing Terms](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/08/five-things-friday-marketing-terms/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 You know those moments when you know what you know, you just didn't know you knew it until someone else turns on the light bulb? Yeah. That's how the new career is lighting up my world lately. And it's ahh-mazing. It's like a triple-caffeine-intake while racing the Indy 500 through
- [Social Media Saturday: What Are You Feeding Your Followers?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/09/social-media-saturday-what-are-you-feeding-your-followers/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 What's your social media identity? Are you popular on Instagram but not Twitter? Does your Facebook feed look a little hungry? One way to keep your numbers up across the board is to maintain consistency. WHO you are is as important as WHERE you are, and these are both as
- [Frankly, On Faith: Be Their Esther](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/10/frankly-on-faith-be-their-esther/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 We often struggle with purpose. What are we supposed to do in life, and does it even matter to anyone else if we don't do it? In a nutshell, yes. Now, it may not come to us in a lightning flash, overnight, or even over a year. It may take
- [Photoblogger William Kendall: Doors Open Ontario](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/11/photoblogger-william-kendall-doors-open-ontario/) - From late April to early October each year, Doors Open Ontario opens buildings to the public on a given date- buildings of historic and architectural interest.
- [NOLA: Lassiez Les Bon Temps Rouler!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/12/nola-lassiez-les-bon-temps-rouler/) - New Orleans turns 300 next year. And I may or may not be planning a trip a la book signing.
- [New Inklings Press will donate to Hurricane Relief Efforts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/13/new-inklings-press-will-donate-to-hurricane-relief-efforts/) - New Inklings Press will donate to Hurricane Relief Efforts
- [Media Menagerie: Five Reasons to Be a Writing Bear](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/14/media-menagerie-five-reasons-to-be-a-writing-bear/) - So, my girl Paige and I have been coming up with some great, and I mean great class ideas, on the chance we win the lotto
- [Five Things Friday: Celebrating Summer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/15/five-things-friday-celebrating-summer/) - Five ways to celebrate summer before it's over.
- [Social Media Saturday: #Hashtag](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/16/social-media-saturday-hashtag/) - by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68 It's one of those "notice me" thingies. It says, "Yo, I'm over here!" It leaves breadcrumbs and helps you pay attention. No, it's not a selfie, Rocky Balboa or your Aunt Edna's rendition of Hansel and Gretel. It's the hashtag. Now, in your parents' days, they might-a called it "the
- [Frankly, On Faith: We Can Do All Things](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/17/frankly-on-faith-we-can-do-all-things/) - This week I challenge you to not be led by "stinking thinking" but instead pause and let God show you what He can do on your behalf. Will you let Him?
- [Edie Melson: Top 10 Ways to Make Yourself Miserable with Social Media](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/18/edie-melson-top-10-ways-to-make-yourself-miserable-with-social-media/) - Everywhere we turn we’re hit with the message of how great social media is. Don’t get me wrong, I love social media. But I didn’t start out loving it.
- [Mary Denman: Have a Clear Subject or Point to Your Photos](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/19/mary-denman-have-a-clear-subject-or-point-to-your-photos/) - Have you ever taken a photo, expecting it to be a great shot, but when you see it later, you realize that it just didn’t have the effect you wanted?
- [CONDEMNATION VS. CONVICTION: How to Tell the Difference](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/20/condemnation-vs-conviction-how-to-tell-the-difference/) - By Beckie Lindsey @BeckieLindsey_ It amazes me how I can go from praising the Lord while singing along with Christian music in my car, to yelling at the person who cut me off—almost simultaneously. But sometimes I react and then regret. The second half of the scenario plays out like this: The driver who angered
- [Cara Pearson: Keep Summer Going with Lemon Essential Oils](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/21/cara-pearson-keep-summer-going-with-lemon-essential-oils/) - Summer is almost gone. If you find yourself sighing for lazy summer days, why not keep the memory alive with a little lemon in your life?
- [Five Things Friday: Frankly Faith, Family, Food, and Fun](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/22/five-things-friday-frankly-faith-family-food-and-fun/) - We just blend together, dare I say it, like sweet and tea. And Frankly, My Dear . . . I wouldn't have it any other way.
- [Social Media Saturday: When Your Photo is Worth a Thousand Words](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/23/social-media-saturday-when-your-photo-is-worth-a-thousand-words/) - Photos can't replace words for learning, but if you want someone's attention you need to grab it immediately and a photo can do that ohsomuch quicker than text.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Be Where You Are](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/24/frankly-on-faith-be-where-you-are/) - You're not meant to be an ostrich, or a closet shelf, or a candle hidden under a basket. You have a purpose. Even if you don't know it yet.
- [NOLA Update: September 25, 2017](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/25/nola-update-september-25-2017/) - What if all this soul bleeding means nothing in the end except over five years of wasted time and attention and energy?
- [Can We Talk?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/26/can-we-talk/) - There's been some conflict going on lately. Some serious name-calling. Finger-pointing. Some not-so-loving of thy neighbors.
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: Hobo Dinner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/27/the-unemployment-cookbook-hobo-dinner/) - This is another family favorite recipe that's easily changeable. I love the meat-and-potatoes flavors, the easy clean up, and of course, the wallet-friendly ingredients.
- [National North Carolina Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/28/national-north-carolina-day/) - Well sweeten my tea and bake me a biscuit! It's National North Carolina Day!
- [THE ASSAULT: Harbingers, Cycle Two, Book One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/02/the-assault-harbingers-cycle-two-book-one/) - Eyeless birds and melting houses? Must be Harbingers. Cycle Two, Book One: The Revealing by Bill Myers.
- [Five Things Friday: National Coffee Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/29/five-things-friday-national-coffee-day/) - Let's just start by agreeing any celebration that includes coffee is awesome, am I right?
- [Social Media Saturday: Scheduling](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/09/30/social-media-saturday-scheduling/) - Scheduling and time management is huge whatever task you undertake, but especially so with social media postings
- [Frankly, On Faith: Dig In To Life](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/01/frankly-on-faith-dig-in-to-life/) - You're weary. A little unsure, a little keeping yourself in the shadows. There's a lot on your plate and you don't know how to manage it all.
- [Encourage One Another](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/03/encourage-one-another/) - If we each reach out in love, if we link elbows in strength, we can overcome.
- [NaNoWriMo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/04/nanowrimo/) - Because I can't not write. And, well, because it's there. Like the red-hot button that says, "Don't touch." So. Will I see you around the NNWM universe?
- [Recipe: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/05/recipe-slow-cooker-pumpkin-soup/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Last week was our first taste of autumn here in the desert. Once the high temp doesn't get above 80, it's time to break out those winter coats. Okay, maybe not for the rest of the country, but here we celebrate the cool breeze and the ability to not sweat
- [Five Things Friday: Reasons to Love October](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/06/five-things-friday-reasons-to-love-october/) - As soon as the calendar turns to October, I turn to Fall. Even in the SoCal desert with it's almost-80-degree temperatures there's something quite lovely
- [Social Media Saturday: Your Message Recipe](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/07/social-media-saturday-your-message-recipe/) - Let's say you're in the kitchen and don't know what to cook. You have chicken in the fridge, but you're not sure how to use it. Whatcha gonna do?
- [Frankly, On Faith: Rest Easy.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/08/frankly-on-faith-rest-easy/) - Rest doesn't mean sleep. It means to limit your activity so you can refresh, to give yourself a moment of tranquility, a period of solitude and/or quiet.
- [THE ASSAULT: Harbingers, Cycle Two, Book Two](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/09/the-assault-harbingers-cycle-two-book-two/) - Infestation by Frank Peretti. Spoilers follow.
- [Recipe: The Best Pasta Sauce. Period.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/10/recipe-the-best-pasta-sauce-period/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy I know. You're thinking, what the heck? A recipe for sauce? That's just . . . lame. Or something. I mean, all you do is open a jar. Am I right? That's all there is to it. But it's not. Trust me. A few blog posts ago [translate: years], I
- [Streaming vs. Cable vs. Live TV](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/11/streaming-vs-cable-vs-live-tv/) - I'm a huge fan of live TV, but I'm not a huge fan of the big bill that comes with my TV viewing each month.
- [Photoblogger William Kendall: The Haunted Chateau Laurier](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/12/photoblogger-william-kendall-the-haunted-chateau-laurier/) - Ghost stories abound from isolated homes to small towns to large cities. One of those locales just happens to be our most prestigious hotel.
- [Five Things Friday: My Favorite Ghost Stories](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/13/five-things-friday-my-favorite-ghost-stories/) - Growing up where and when I did was a great catalyst for my imagination. What follows are stories I have heard--or experienced--that have stayed with me.
- [Social Media Saturday: The Day the Internet Broke](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/14/social-media-saturday-the-day-the-internet-broke/) - Earlier this week, the unthinkable happened. I couldn't get into Facebook. Or Instagram. So of course, I did the only thing I could: I panicked.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Faith is Not Magical](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/15/frankly-on-faith-faith-is-not-magical/) - Magical Thinking, based on superstitions, is faith gone awry.
- [10 Ways the Victorians Contributed to Modern-Day Halloween](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/16/10-ways-the-victorians-contributed-to-modern-day-halloween/) - The Victorians contributed to modern Halloween both intentionally by how they celebrated and unintentionally through their own macabre culture.
- [Stephanie Carroll: Victorian Halloween Photographs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/17/stephanie-carroll-victorian-halloween-photographs/) - by Stephanie Carroll @CarrollBooks Note: What follows are photos selected to accompany yesterday's post, 10 Ways the Victorians Contributed to Modern-Day Halloween. While not exactly a Wordless Wednesday post, we thought you'd enjoy a visual interpretation of Victorian-era behaviors. ~Mj Parties University of Southern California student Halloween party, ca. 1890. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/18/wordless-wednesday/) - Wordless Wednesday: Mark Twain.
- [Cara Pearson: Autumn's Essential Oil: Cardamom](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/19/cara-pearson-autumns-essential-oil-cardamom/) - I was so excited when the first chill appeared this past weekend... and then I woke the next day with barely a voice.
- [Five Things Friday: Soups](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/20/five-things-friday-soups/) - It's the most wonderful time of the year, before the most wonderful time of the year. It's the time for soups.
- [Social Media Saturday: Now Serving with Flavor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/21/social-media-saturday-now-serving-with-flavor/) - When it comes to reaching your audience, you need to think of yourself as a barista. For your customers, you need to know how they take it. Right?
- [Frankly, On Faith: A Time for Everything](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/22/frankly-on-faith-a-time-for-everything/) - God can see the neighborhood we're trying to get into. He knows how close it is to the convenience store, and which stores we shouldn't be close to.
- [Edie Melson: Always Have Something Valuable to Share on Social Media, Part One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/23/edie-melson-always-have-something-valuable-to-share-on-social-media-part-one/) - by Edie Melson @EdieMelson I teach writers how to build an online platform by investing thirty minutes a day in social media. I do this by utilizing a scheduling program (my favorite is Hootsuite). But, I also caution them not to spend much time talking about themselves, reminding them about Edie’s 5-to-1 rule. For every 5
- [Two Books to Read This Week](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/24/two-books-to-read-this-week/) - Last week it was cloudy. Windy. A bit rainy. And, yup. A carnival came to town. Did I go? Puh-leese. Do ducks eat hippopotamus?
- [Savannah Spooks: The Legend of Alice Riley](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/25/savannah-spooks-the-legend-of-alice-riley/) - When you walk through downtown, you are trespassing across stolen land and forgotten graves.
- [Marie Laveau: The Undead Voodoo Queen of New Orleans](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/26/marie-laveau-the-undead-voodoo-queen-of-new-orleans/) - During her life--that's her real life, not the I-don't-know-if-she's-undead-or-not life--she cultivated a reputation that reigns to this day.
- [Five Things Friday: My Favorite Magazines](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/27/five-things-friday-my-favorite-magazines/) - Are you ready?--Wait for it. I actually go looking for the magazine racks in stores. #truestory And they say print is dead.
- [Social Media Saturday: It's All About Your Network](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/28/social-media-saturday-its-all-about-your-network/) - While I love helping y'all grow your internet presence, there's one thing you gotta do both on and off the wires: Ya gotta network.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Pray Without Ceasing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/29/frankly-on-faith-pray-without-ceasing/) - What does it mean to pray without ceasing? Well, for starts, it doesn't mean to not do anything else.
- [NOLA Memes, Part One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/30/nola-memes-part-one/) - Because it's after 9pm and I once again forgot to write today's blog post in a timely manner, and because I'm so terribly focused on writing less than four thousand words to finish NOLA
- [NOLA Memes, Part Two](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/10/31/nola-memes-part-two/) - Because I'm still writing NOLA, and there were too many memes for one blog post . . .
- [NOLA : The Beginning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/01/nola-the-beginning/) - I've both dreaded and looked for this moment for years. In the last months, weeks, days it became increasingly difficult for me to not be emotional. I felt I was building up to a loss in my life.
- [We've Only Just Begun](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/02/weve-only-just-begun/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Beckie and I had lunch today. It was a celebration. I finished NOLA and she got a book contract. Her publisher is looking at a three-book deal. Not bad for a newbie, right?! The Astros won the World Series tonight. That makes me happy because I'm not really a Dodgers
- [Five Things Friday: CENTRAL](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/03/five-things-friday-central/) - Now that all I can for NOLA is wait for feedback, and given that it's November, my project of the month is jump starting CENTRAL a la NaNoWriMo.
- [Social Media Saturday: Promoting Your Brand](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/04/social-media-saturday-promoting-your-brand/) - Branding isn't just about getting your name out there. It's about showing people why they should remember your business.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Earnestly Seeking God](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/05/frankly-on-faith-earnestly-seeking-god/) - In case y'all thought my claim to Christianity is perfectionism, it isn't. It's forgiveness and being loved through the parts I need forgiveness for.
- [November 11: Remember to Remember](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/06/november-11-remember-to-remember/) - The War To End All Wars didn’t accomplish that, of course, but out of that particular date came a long standing tradition.
- [Wordless Wednesday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/08/wordless-wednesday-2/) - Wordless Wednesday. And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That's all she wrote!
- [New Inklings Press on Instagram](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/07/new-inklings-press-on-instagram/) - I'm like, "Nippers, you don't need your own account." And he's all like, "But I'm the mascot. It's my company." And I'm like, "Yeah . . ." And he's like,
- [Recipe: Doo-Dads](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/09/recipe-doo-dads/) - You can deck the halls all you want, but in my house it's not The Season until the Doo-Dads are made.
- [Five Things Friday: Books to Read this Season](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/10/five-things-friday-books-to-read-this-season/) - I recently compiled a list of books to read in the next few weeks, and well, let's just say I think I'm set for the next year.
- [Social Media Saturday: Planning is Key](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/11/social-media-saturday-planning-is-key/) - It's that time of year again. I'm talking about what happens after the holidays. That's right. I'm talking about making a plan for the future of your media.
- [Frankly, On Faith: God Will Give You Rest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/12/frankly-on-faith-god-will-give-you-rest/) - There's at least one reference to resting in God in each book of the Bible. I'd say that means it's a pretty significant message, wouldn't you?
- [Social Media Saturday: Finding Focus](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/18/social-media-saturday-finding-focus/) - On the in-depth heels of last week's Social Media Saturday, this week offers tips on how you can funnel down to what's important to your followers, and to you.
- [Firsts in Fiction Special: Steven James](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/13/firsts-in-fiction-special-steven-james/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy The FiF Team is at it again, folks. You won't want to miss tomorrow's live podcast episode as we continue our discussion on genres. This week, we're talking mystery/police procedural, with very special guest Steven James. Steven is a national best selling author of over thirty books including fiction and
- [THE ASSAULT: Harbingers, Cycle Two, Book Three](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/14/the-assault-harbingers-cycle-two-book-three/) - Well, I'm not gonna lie. I haven't finished reading it yet. But, since I never give away the ending, I figure it's okay to tell you what I know so far.
- [When God Locks You In](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/15/when-god-locks-you-in/) - It's hard to trust God when all around you is darkness and solitude. But keep floating. The rainbow's coming.
- [My DoTERRA](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/16/my-doterra/) - Yup. I did it again. I signed up for something awesome. I'm now a Wellness Advocate for DoTERRA.
- [Five Things Friday: November in California](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/17/five-things-friday-november-in-california/) - Ahh, winter. Wait. What? It's only November. Okay. Ahh, autumn. Somewhere. Sometimes here in the desert. But not too much. And not too often.
- [Frankly, On Faith: Give Thanks](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/19/frankly-on-faith-give-thanks/) - This is the time of year we don't need reminding to be thankful for what we have. Food on the table, surrounded by family and friends. Or do we?
- [That One Time Coffee Took Me to David Cassidy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/20/that-one-time-coffee-took-me-to-david-cassidy/) - Social media is abuzz with the deaths of iconic people who, for good or bad, were a part of the media that continues to weave its way through my life.
- [THE ASSAULT: Harbingers, Cycle Two, Book Four](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/21/the-assault-harbingers-cycle-two-book-four/) - I finagled Friday off work for a four-day weekend. I'm surrounded by three-fourths of Catford Manor. And I just finished reading a really good book.
- [(Almost) Wordless Wednesday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/22/almost-wordless-wednesday/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Share your moments in the comments. And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That's all she wrote!
- [Thankful For You](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/23/thankful-for-you/) - Today, now, this moment, I want to thank you. I want you to know how wonderful you are.
- [Five Things Friday: Thankful](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/24/five-things-friday-thankful/) - This week I've been overwhelmed with a sense of thankfulness and gratitude because so many things come to mind that make me smile and fill my soul with joy.
- [Social Media Saturday: That Time You Thought You Had Nothing to Say](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/25/social-media-saturday-that-time-you-thought-you-had-nothing-to-say/) - Obviously, you have a lot to say. And there's an audience. They're already ready for you. Honest! All you have to do, is not change your voice.
- [Frankly, On Faith: God is Not a Game Player, He's a Team Leader.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/26/frankly-on-faith-god-is-not-a-game-player-hes-a-team-leader/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy God is not a game player in the sense of messing with us. He doesn't tease or do a bait-and-hook. But He's a great Team Leader. He's honest from the get-go. Transparent in His game plan for us. God gave up His star player so the rest of the team
- [Inexpensive Holiday Decorating at Bedford Manor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/27/inexpensive-holiday-decorating-at-bedford-manor/) - In the past few years, I've strayed from decorating every inch of Bedford Manor. Instead, I set up a few inexpensive decorations
- [Happy Planner Template: Be Good Bingo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/28/happy-planner-template-be-good-bingo/) - This weekend I took a turn at designing a page for the Classic-size Planners. We're all so busy - hence the need for the Planners, duh!
- [There's a Difference](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/29/theres-a-difference/) - IT IS NEVER OKAY FOR SOMEONE TO INAPPROPRIATELY TALK TO, TOUCH, OR HURT SOMEONE ELSE.
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: Hot Dog Casserole](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/11/30/the-unemployment-cookbook-hot-dog-casserole/) - I was thumbing through the Cookbook tonight and realized I haven't posted a recipe for a while. So, in Nippers' commentary fashion, I give you our feature story, the Hot Dog Casserole.
- [Five Things Friday: Gifts That Don't Cost](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/01/five-things-friday-gifts-that-dont-cost/) - Finding that perfect gift for someone isn't always an option when the price tag is higher than your ceiling. Here are few ideas for giving without going broke.
- [Social Media Saturday: Plan Now to Start Later](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/02/social-media-saturday-plan-now-to-start-later/) - It's never too soon to have an actual plan for your social media. [Says This Girl who has forgotten to write her blog posts til it's almost bedtime.]
- [Frankly, On Faith: What's the Worst That Could Happen?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/03/frankly-on-faith-whats-the-worst-that-could-happen/) - If you're hearing that still, small voice. If you keep finding God trying to get your attention. If you feel Him gently nudging you, what's the worst that could happen if you say "Yes"?
- [Monday Motivations for Writers](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/04/monday-motivations-for-writers/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : Monday Motivations for Writers
- [Dandelions](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/05/dandelions/) - Let's set this record straight right now: Dandelions are not a weed. Okay, some may think so. But no. They're classified as a flower. #truestory
- [Toastmasters International](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/06/toastmasters-international/) - What with the public speaking thingy and the writing thingy and the now-I-work-in-sales thingy, it's prob'ly not a bad idea to do the train-to-be-a-better-speaker thingy.
- [How Does Your Character Eat?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/07/how-does-your-character-eat/) - Meeting characters is a lot like taking them on a first date to your favorite restaurant.
- [Five Things Friday: Favorite Christmas Movies](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/08/five-things-friday-favorite-christmas-movies/) - One of the reasons I love this time of year is I don't get strange looks when someone says, "So, whadya do last night?" and I reply with, "I watched some Christmas program."
- [Social Media Saturday: Unplug.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/09/social-media-saturday-unplug/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy So you noticed today's post is late in the evening again. You may not even be reading this until Sunday. No, I didn't fall back into old procrastination habits or forget due to other events (although the last three days of consecutive Christmas parties has been a blast!). No, I
- [Frankly, On Faith . . . : Start at the Beginning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/10/frankly-on-faith-start-at-the-beginning/) - Whether you've just met Him or known Him all your life, we can always ask God for more information.
- [The History of the Nutcracker](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/11/the-history-of-the-nutcracker/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy It's no secret I love nutcrackers. The music. The dolls. The ballet. The magic. My collection ranges from a Steinbach wine maker nutcracker to a two-foot tall soldier guarding my fireplace to a two-inch tall onlooker at my work desk. With over fifty to date, I've yet to meet a
- [Essential Oil Gifts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/12/essential-oil-gifts/) - This past weekend I found these adorable jars shaped like beehives, so of course This Girl had to get them, right?!
- [PROBING: Harbingers, Cycle Three, Book One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/13/probing-harbingers-cycle-three-book-one/) - I didn't even mind standing at the post office for half an hour. [Ed. Note: totally minded. But it was worth it.] The calendar told me it was time for the next Harbingers.
- [Presents for Your Social Media Manager](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/14/presents-for-your-social-media-manager/) - Now, I'm not exactly an expert, but I'm also not-not one either. In my ventures with social media, there are a few things I've learned that make it easier.
- [Five Things Friday: The Late Night Edition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/15/five-things-friday-the-late-night-edition/) - It happened again. I'm in the middle of doing my other nine thousand things to do, when I realize I've yet to write today's blog post.
- [Social Media Saturday: That Time You Said Too Much](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/16/social-media-saturday-that-time-you-said-too-much/) - Oops. We did it again. We overshared. Can I just say, we've all been there, done that.
- [Frankly, On Faith: At the Table](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/17/frankly-on-faith-at-the-table/) - When your chair is empty, God sends out His Son to find you and bring you back.
- [Shine Like the Star You Are](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/12/18/shine-like-the-star-you-are/) - Laugh like a Bohemian. Sew quilts. Paint buildings. Sing out loud in public. Bake those cookies. Listen. Hug. Love the world.
- [My One Word for 2018](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/01/01/my-one-word-for-2018/) - I've known for a few months this would be my one word for 2018. But before y'all think I've gone crazy [too late!], let me explain the beauty of this word.
- [That One Time I Rebranded Myself With Pizza Sauce](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/01/17/that-one-time-i-rebranded-myself-with-pizza-sauce/) - So, the funny thing is, I teach people to find what their brand is and stick with it. I sort of took my own advice ... and tossed it aside.
- [That One Time Cheez-Its Made Me Lose My Way](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/01/30/that-one-time-cheez-its-made-me-lose-my-way/) - There. In the back. Past the printing press. Through the automated stackers. Beyond the double doors and to the left-left-right-left of what I thought was the end of the building. There I found my delight. Cheez-It crackers.
- [That One Time I Forgot I Was a Writer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/02/20/that-one-time-i-forgot-i-was-a-writer/) - So, this thing happened. Actually, a lot of things happened. And I quit writing. #truestory.
- [That One Time I Learned How to Blog From My Phone](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/03/01/that-one-time-i-learned-how-to-blog-from-my-phone/) - So there's this Wordpress app (short for "application" for you old-timers) that you can download to your smart phone. And it manages all your wordpress sites. Like, say, your blog. And website. And online storefront.
- [That One Time I Created a Character Bio Template](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/03/06/that-one-time-i-created-a-character-bio-template/) - A character bio gives you insights into why your character behaves/thinks/emotes the way he/she does. Your reader doesn't need to know everything, but if you understand your character better, you'll write a better story.
- [That One Time I Remembered I'm a Writer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/03/15/that-one-time-i-remembered-im-a-writer/) - So, This Girl pulled on her Big Girl Boots that were made for walking, and walked all the way to her laptop and finished rewriting Chapter One.
- [The Unemployment Cookbook: Slow Cooker Pork & 'Kraut](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/03/26/the-unemployment-cookbook-slow-cooker-pork-kraut/) - Yup, this recipe was created over ten years ago in a tiny apartment by This Girl and her daughter. I grabbed a few items from the food stash and decided to put them together. I took a chance, turned on the slow cooker, and left the apartment. This Slow Cooker Pork & 'Kraut recipe began The Unemployment Cookbook.
- [That One Time I Created a Survey for My Readers (That Means You)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/04/12/that-one-time-i-created-a-survey-for-my-readers-that-means-you/) - So here's the thing. It would help me out so much (and by so much, I mean SOSOSOSO MUCH!) if you would complete this ten question survey for me.
- [That One Time a Fox Joined The Team and Tied Everything Together](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/05/04/that-one-time-a-fox-joined-the-team-and-tied-everything-together/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy It's not that I haven't been doing anything. I just haven't been doing anything on the blog. At least, not as much as I used to. You see, I've been working behind the scenes lately, editing NOLA, working some freelance projects, crafting my upcoming newsletter. (Now, everyone, nod your heads
- [That One Time I Crafted a New Envelope System](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/05/11/that-one-time-i-crafted-a-new-envelope-system/) - Ohhhmagosh. This thing happened. I got this email, and I swear to you, the sweet tea poured and the heavens sang. Wanna know what it was? The Happy Planner is looking for new Squad Members. #trustory! And I'm over here like Donkey in Shrek, screaming "Pick me! Pick me!"
- [That One Time I Started a Newsletter and Gave Away a Story](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/05/16/that-one-time-i-started-a-newsletter-and-gave-away-a-story/) - I'm still doing the writing thing. Still doing the networking thing. Still doing the loving life out loud thing. And I'm ready to put it all together in Author, Etc. I sure hope you'll be a part of the inauguration.
- [That One Time I Celebrated National Creativity Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/05/30/that-one-time-i-celebrated-national-creativity-day/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy May 30 is National Creativity Month. But, I think y'all might have picked up on that based on this post's title. Am I right? So, I just got back from a lovely trip along the milky way my yearly excursion to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. It was,
- [That One Time I Recovered From My Writers Conference (With Scooby Snacks and a Wheelchair)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/05/31/that-one-time-i-recovered-from-my-writers-conference-with-scooby-snacks-and-a-wheelchair/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy Note: This post is about four times longer than my usual. I hope you'll read through it. I almost quit writing this week. Almost. Here's how I didn't. First: Why did I almost quit writing? Simple answer: Life. Complicated answer: Life is complicated. I'm in my element at Blue Ridge.
- [That One Time I Created a Location Mystery Sub-Genre](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/06/13/that-one-time-i-created-a-location-mystery-sub-genre/) - It's the question we all get. At meetings, conferences, gas stations. Any time we are introduced as a writer. And our books are just as individual as we are. So imagine how hard it is to tell someone the uniqueness of your novel in a way that captures their attention, and respects the elevator-pitch rule.
- [That One Time I Remembered Water Seeks its Own Level](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/07/19/that-one-time-i-remembered-water-seeks-its-own-level/) - "I'm not crazy, just a writer." But there's nothing "just" about being a writer. Water seeks its own level. You can't keep something where it's not supposed to be.
- [That One Time I Had News to Share](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/10/08/that-one-time-i-had-news-to-share/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . : That One Time I Had News to Share: Hey, y'all! Long time, no blog, yah? I know. What can I say? It's been a fantastical year. And, as you know I'm fond of quoting Al Jolson, "Honey. You ain't heard nothin' yet."
- [That One Time I Didn't Have a Midlife Crisis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/11/13/that-one-time-i-didnt-have-a-midlife-crisis/) - Now, I've not usually been too good at math. I mean, I'm no rocket surgeon or anything like that. I'm more of a Words Girl. But, hey. I do know pluses and minuses. And I was liking what I was seeing. I wrote a few more numbers into the mix. Then I wrote the date. And one word. Pray.
- [That One Time I Didn't Have to Be Perfect](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/12/08/that-one-time-i-didnt-have-to-be-perfect/) - I don't know where I got the idea that being a Bohemian Hurricane went hand-in-hand with perfectionism. 'Cause you know what? It doesn't. Imperfections are the lessons we teach ourselves.
- [The Perfect Start](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2018/12/31/the-perfect-start/) - How does a perfectionist move forward with imperfections? Well, for This Girl, I'm just gonna start. So, ultimately, it comes down to boiling the potato like this: Do I want to start, or do I want to stagnate?
- [Frankly, On Faith . . . : My Imperfect Bible Reading](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/01/06/frankly-on-faith-my-imperfect-bible-reading/) - God sees through to the parts of our hearts we're unaware of. And if He can do that, and still love us as His own, why shouldn't we love ourselves?
- [Nine Things XANADU Taught Me About Creative Endurance](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/01/23/nine-things-xanadu-taught-me-about-creative-endurance/) - (or, A Writer's Review of a 38-Year-Old Movie a Lot of People Don't Care About Anymore But Should) People you meet today can inspire you to be inspired by something you experienced decades ago. Savor the Journey!
- [My Perfect Valentine's Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/02/15/my-perfect-valentines-day/) - Valentine's Day is not one of my favorite days. The commercialism of lovemeloveme stuff? I'd rather not, thankyouverymuch. Okay, I'm sure if I had the opportunity to, you know, share it with someone, I'd feel different. But even then, I'm not so sure.
- [My (im-)Perfect Focus](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/03/13/my-im-perfect-focus/) - by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy My (im-)Perfect Focus (Or, How I Learned to See a Better World With Blinders On) ~#~ NOLA NOTE: Before we get into today’s post, I want to thank so many of you for your encouragement and support. I received the second round of edits recently and immediately quit writing and
- [My (im-)Perfect Identity](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/04/18/my-im-perfect-identity/) - Branding is more than a logo and your name. You have to know who you are, you have to own it, before you can ask someone else to invest in your world. Once you own it, you have to live it. How?
- [This One's For You #ComeAlive](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/05/20/this-ones-for-you-comealive/) - by Molly Jo Realy (@MollyJoRealy) When you haven't blogged in a month, but you don't want your peeps to forget you, but you're at your annual conference and forgot how busy this season is. And then you remember you have like, a *lot* of inspirational memes you share as a teaser until you get back
- [Eight Habits of a Slightly Unsuccessful Writer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/05/26/eight-habits-of-a-slightly-unsuccessful-writer/) - Eight Habits of a Slightly Unsuccessful Writer (Or, How to Write When You Don't Take it Too Seriously)
- [Are You Ready to Visit NOLA?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/06/21/are-you-ready-to-visit-nola/) - Are You Ready to Visit NOLA? (Or, How I'm Celebrating the Best Decisions I've Ever Made in My Life)
- [How to Write a Book Review](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/06/22/how-to-write-a-book-review/) - by Molly Jo Realy (@MollyJoRealy) How to Write a Book Review(Or, A Non-Monetary Way to Really Support Your Favorite Authors, Even if They’re Dead) Not sure if you heard, but NOLA is launching next week. Pretty cool, right? I also have a few friends in the game who have recently launched as well. Tina Yeager
- [NOLA by Molly Jo Realy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/06/30/nola-by-molly-jo-realy/) - by Molly Jo Realy (@MollyJoRealy) I'm humbled and honored to announce NOLA is now available in paperback through Amazon. Soon available for ebook readers. With a cup full of awe and a head full of stories,Happy Reading.~Molly Jo Frankly, My Dear . . . Savor the Journey! Molly Jo is better known as the Bohemian
- [NOLA: Now What?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/09/06/nola-now-what/) - by Molly Jo Realy (@MollyJoRealy) NOLA: Now What? I've been hiding. No, that's not true. I've really been working double-time finishing up the edits/audio proofs for NOLA on Audible. That's been a great experience, and I'll tell you the process in a different post. Tonight I want to let you in on a little secret:
- [Come Alive and Stay Wild!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/10/01/come-alive-and-stay-wild/) - Girlfriends, a lion, and a missing box go together like Snickers and milk.
- [A Brief History of My First Year as a Southerner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2019/10/30/a-brief-history-of-my-first-year-as-a-southerner/) - A Brief History of My First Year as a Southerner (Or, An Interesting Thing Happened on the Way to Being Me)
- [Happy New Year!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2020/01/01/happy-new-year/) - Happy New Year. As I haven't posted for a long while, and as it's a holiday for most, and as I'm typing this on my small iPhone instead of my laptop, I'll keep it short and simple. Times, they are a-changing. I've been diligently working on, well, work. Of all kinds. Day job. Home front.
- [I'm Moving - Please Resubscribe!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2020/05/01/im-moving-please-resubscribe/) - I've been quietly working on my other website, mollyjorealy.com, and while it's not full-on ready for eyes, pretty soon I'll be moving content from Frankly, My Dear ... over to that site. What does that mean for you? Well, nothing much, I hope. But I do want to confirm you're still interested in getting my posts.
- [Some Christmas Trivia](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/16/some-christmas-trivia/) - Here's some fun and interesting facts about Christmas and decking the halls: It is believed that Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in one month. Reindeer didn't accompany a chubby Santa Claus until 1809, when introduced by Washington Irving. In the Middle Ages, some people would light a huge candle on Christmas Eve. If the
- [Frankly, My Dear: Happy Anniversary!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/01/frankly-my-dear-happy-anniversary/) - Happy Anniversary! Or, Happy Birthday! Whatever you want to call it, HAPPY CELEBRATION! It's been a year - a whole year! - since I first started this blog. What started out as my take on staying Christian in the single/dating world, has turned into "Frankly, My Dear...": my blog about me. We've gone through some
- [Dear Pinners...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/24/dear-pinners/) - I love Pinterest. I really do. I signed up with the intent to carefully monitor my activity. But after the first two weeks, that's gone out the window. Now, over a month later, next to facebook and my blog, Pinterest holds my digital interest more than any other website. It's my own personal, public digital
- [Rain, Rain... Go Away. Or... Do Something!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/26/rain-rain-go-away-or-do-something/) - My friend Ann at Doodles and Jots posts photos and drawings every day and writes about them. This last week especially, I've been enamored with her bird photos. I really recommend her website. She always inspires me with her crafts, ideas, photos, and notes. So when this opportunity arose in my own yard to photograph
- [The Origins of Saint Nicholas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/17/the-origins-of-saint-nicholas/) - Saint Nicholas is real. Yes, he is. YES. He IS! At least, he was. About 17 centuries ago. Dude, the legend is old. But that doesn't mean it's not true. Some elements have been altered from time to time and culture to culture; bringing us to what we now know as the Big Jolly Man
- [Meal Memo in a Jar](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/01/meal-memo-in-a-jar/) - I'm not always good at meal planning. I forget to defrost the meat in time. Some days I'm too hungry to wait an hour or more for cooking. I get so busy that I just throw quick things together. And you know what? I hate it. I had the three-week virus-turned-cough that drained any energy
- [Meal Memo in a Jar - First Recap](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/10/meal-memo-in-a-jar-first-recap/) - Remember the Meal Memo in a Jar that I started on March 1st? Well, this is my month-long recap. Starting with March 1, I'll track each and every day what menu we pulled and how it turned out. **EDITOR'S NOTE: A whole month of meal tracking is gonna be pretty wordy, so here's the first
- [Meal Memo - Another Week](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/17/meal-memo-another-week/) - I'm learning more about our eating and spending habits with my new Meal Memo in a Jar dinner plan. First, you can't guarantee that even with certain foods on the menu, that's what we'll be hungry for; but our new motto is "Eat what's on your plate!". Second, I need to add "fast" memos for
- [Meal Memo in a Jar: The Final Recap](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/29/meal-memo-in-a-jar-the-final-recap/) - Well, it's the last week of March and here's the rest of what we've been eating: March 17th was Dot's best friend's birthday and we celebrated at the local bowling lanes. His family brought four kinds of Pizza Hut pizza, buffalo wings, soda, water, and cupcakes! Everything was taken in moderation, and we bowled off
- [My Recipe Wish-List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/05/my-recipe-wish-list/) - I know it's a little early to make my New Year's Resolutions list, but let's face it, we're all already thinking about it. We all have the mental checklist to go through before we publicly (or privately) admit to those things we want to make better come midnight New Year's Eve: Is this important? Would
- [Holiday Recipe: Doo-Dads](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/11/holiday-recipe-doo-dads/) - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And this is what it looks like in my house: See that salty good mix? This is my version of the original Chex Party Mix. I've always known it as "Doo Dads". A little this, a little that. How could you not want some Doo Dads? You
- [Mojo Food Challenge](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/12/mojo-food-challenge/) - One of my favorite channels is, of course, the Food Network. And my favorite shows are "Food Network Challenge" and "Cupcake Wars". I love seeing how other chefs create tastes and presentations. I never intended this Blog to have a focus on recipes. I always thought it would be just me. Getting through life. And
- [Chocolate Covered Pretzels](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/12/chocolate-covered-pretzels/) - I know, right?! Yummm...! Check out that velvety rich chocolate and candy sprinkles coating those crunchy, salty rods. I made them by melting Wilton Chocolate Melts (dark chocolate, thankyouverymuch!) in my new Wilton Chocolate Pro melting pot. It's gonna be an amazing tool in my kitchen. I feel like Willy Wonka. It's crazy-simple: just plug
- [My Own NaNoWriMo in April](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/25/my-own-nanowrimo-in-april/) - Sixteen months ago, I participated in NaNoWriMo, short for National Novel Writing Month. It's a simple, fun community way to keep on track with writing. You can plot, plan, scheme for months at a time, but whatever you actually write for your book has to be written within that month of November. Being the writer
- [Inspiring](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/18/inspiring/) - Every now and then, I wonder if my goals and dreams are reachable. Am I really doing what I'm supposed to be doing, or am I wasting my time? If I'm supposed to be a writer, why aren't I published yet? Can I report back to my family, friends, and readers that I'm really doing
- [The Cobbler's Children Have No Shoes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/27/the-cobblers-children-have-no-shoes/) - If you haven't heard that expression, I'm sure you've heard something similar. Think about it. The Cobbler's children have no shoes. The Plumber's pipes are always leaking. That poor cobbler! His poor children! All he does is work, work, work for a meager wage, only to come home and have people asking "Please, sir, may
- [Davy Jones is Dead](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/29/davy-jones-is-dead/) - Davy Jones is dead. For some of you, this means nothing. But for those of you who get me, who grew up in the 70's, who liked bubblegum music before it was bubblegum music... it means everything. Davy Jones is dead. And I'll never be the same. My memories of the Monkees are far more
- [Institute of Children's Literature](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/15/institute-of-childrens-literature/) - Before I was pregnant with Dot (yes, that's quite a while ago!), I signed on with the Institute of Children's Literature. But then I did get pregnant. And then I became a single mom. And I got a day job. And I took college courses. So the whole correspondence-study thing fell to the side. Flash
- [Mojo Book Review and a GIVEAWAY: "Carmen of the Golden Coast" by Madeline Brandeis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/16/mojo-book-review-and-a-giveaway-carmen-of-the-golden-coast-by-madeline-brandeis/) - This is another children's book from long ago. The copy I have was printed in 1935 and belonged to my mother. I love this book. It centers on a little girl who discovers history and adventure as she travels the West Coast. The inside covers show a hand-drawn map that indicates the important locations from
- [GIVEAWAY clarification (ooops!)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/16/giveaway-clarification-ooops/) - Forgive me, I'm new to the Giveaway scene and I forgot a few things: 1. If you follow/tweet/pin, please leave a comment on the Mojo Book Review and GIVEAWAY post telling me you did so. Leave a separate comment for each activity. 2. Remember that those additional entries don't count unless you leave a comment
- [To the Young Adult Females in My Life](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/21/to-the-young-adult-females-in-my-life/) - There are three of you I love like my own (well, one of you is). Each of you has enriched my life in ways you may never know. I'm blessed to be your mother, your friend, your partner in crime (or atleast, in writing about them). I'm honored that you love me in return. That
- [The Unemployment Cookbook (and the Giveaway!)](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/22/the-unemployment-cookbook-and-the-giveaway/) - It's here! Well, practically. It's being published as I type this. I am, of course, talking about this: Nice teaser, huh? Like that artwork? I'm in love with it. But not as much in love as I am with this: That's my logo. For my company. How stinking lucky am I?! I know, right?! The
- [Reminders](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/19/reminders/) - Just in case you missed them, here's a rundown of recent important posts. Just click on each link for more information: The Unemployment Cookbook Giveaway Mojo Book Review and a GIVEAWAY: "Carmen of the Golden Coast" "Give Us This Day...": How I learned to feel secure with what I have. Meal Memo in a Jar:
- [Still Time to Win Your Own Copy!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/02/still-time-to-win-your-own-copy/) - There's still time to win your own copy of the Unemployment Cookbook! Just click here for the original posting and read for details! Also, "like" New Inklings Press on facebook (the link is in the above linked posting) for your third chance to win. Good luck to all!
- [NaBloPoMo for April 2: What Was the First Poem You Ever Memorized?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/04/02/nablopomo-for-april-2-what-was-the-first-poem-you-ever-memorized/) - That's a tough question. A very tough question. Because I'm pretty sure before I learned to talk, I learned poetry. My mom was, and still is, an avid reader. She read to me since birth. As I've often blogged about her, she's instilled my love of words. I'm fairly certain that I recognized poetry and
- [Very Inspirational Blogger Award](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/31/very-inspirational-blogger-award/) - On the heels of the other post for today, the one about the negative comment, this one takes the other end of the spectrum completely: I got this great comment from Danette Lynn at Bonbonspourlesyeux (don't worry, I've never tried to pronounce it correctly, either): "Hi there. I have nominated you for the Very Inspirational
- [My Commentary](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/31/my-commentary/) - Yesterday I received a comment from an unknown person to a post I wrote about a month ago. I was really hesitant whether or not to "approve" the comment for posting, because the writer seemed a bit inflammatory, the comment seemed like it was baiting me for feedback, to be defensive. And while I wanted
- [I Hate the End of the Month. But I Love It.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/30/i-hate-the-end-of-the-month-but-i-love-it/) - I hate the end of any month. I really do. It means I have to spend several hours going over the budget for the next month and trying to figure out how to make ends meet. But it means seeing how we got through this month when we weren't sure four weeks ago how we'd
- [NaBloPoMo in April](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/28/nablopomo-in-april/) - This is not to be confused with my own personal NaNoWriMo for April, in which I've committed to adding 50,000 words to the first novel in my and Megan's nine-book series. As if that's not enough, I've once again committed through BlogHer to join NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month - every month!) for April. I
- [Giveaway Winner!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/25/giveaway-winner/) - Congratulations to Charlene of The Babbling Baby, our winner in the Mojo Book Review and GIVEAWAY for Madeline Brandeis' "Carmen of the Golden Coast". Charlene won with her mandatory entry, stating what her favorite childhood book was and why: "My favorite book as a child was Alexander and The Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
- [I Lied to Myself... But Not Anymore!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/23/i-lied-to-myself-but-not-anymore/) - I used to lie to myself. A lot. I used to let others define who I was, who I wasn't, who I should be, where I came from... I used to let others define me. The problem is, that was the problem. Lately, I've been remembering these things. I don't really know why. But I'm
- ["How I Spent My Spring Vacation"](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/22/how-i-spent-my-spring-vacation/) - Today I helped a friend grade essays for her 9th Grade English class. In between our coffee drinking and chattering to get caught up with each other, we managed to get through about one-third of the pile. I finally took a small stack home with me; knowing I could better serve her if we're not
- [A Work in Progress](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/20/a-work-in-progress/) - It's 10:30 p.m. and I just now realized I don't have a post ready for tomorrow. Well, what can I say? I've been busy today. I played the Wii. I ate birthday cake. I snuggled with my cat. I spent a lot of back-and-forth with my graphic designer for the new company logo. I watched
- [Today I'm Getting a Nesco Food Dehydrator and Corned Beef and Cabbage and a Chocolate Cherry Cake](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/18/today-im-getting-a-nesco-food-dehydrator-and-corned-beef-and-cabbage-and-a-chocolate-cherry-cake/) - I'm getting a food dehydrator today for my birthday. I know I'm getting it, because my family asked, "What would you like for your birthday?" And I said, "I would like a Nesco food dehydrator for my birthday." And a few weeks ago I dropped the "for my birthday" from that statement and my family
- [Count Your Blessings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/09/count-your-blessings/) - One of my favorite Christmas movies is "White Christmas". One of my favorite songs from that movie is "Count Your Blessings". I also like the old Ray Conniff Singers version. It's a good reminder to take a look around and see what you already have, and see that it's good. With the car repairs, the
- ["Give Us This Day..."](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/14/give-us-this-day/) - The whole day-job-thing-a-ma-jiggy still hasn't arrived. Gonna have to place a new order at the Employment Store. They've messed up on my last two orders, so now I'm more specific with what I want in a job: Great pay, great hours, benefits, drama-free zone, room for advancement. Is that too much to ask? I think
- [My Last Disney Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/13/my-last-disney-day/) - Yesterday was my last day at Disneyland. At least for a while. My annual pass expires in six days, and since I still don't have one of those day-job-thing-a-ma-jig's, I'm not renewing. Not yet. So yesterday was my last day Disneyland. At least for a while. Megan and I were finally able to go together.
- [One Hour, More or Less](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/11/one-hour-more-or-less/) - Overnight we had that excruciating experience of losing an hour through Daylight Savings Time (DST). Seems to me there's still 24 hours in a day, though. Still seven days a week. One hour is sixty minutes. One minute is sixty seconds. Daylight Savings Time in the spring kidnaps 3,600 seconds only to give them back
- [Friday Fun Facts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/09/friday-fun-facts/) - A neat little trick I've picked up from other blogs is, when you don't have much to say, say EVERYTHING. These posts come in the forms of Stream of Consciousness, ABC Characteristics, musings on other people's writings, and linking up to other blogs to share their topic. I was inspired by several blogs recently to
- [My Week in Pictures](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/07/my-week-in-pictures/) - Around the blogosphere orbits Wordless Wednesdays: promoting the picture without the thousand words. Well, I'm a writer, not a photographer, so that's sort of out of the question for me. Let alone, I just really like explaining details of things. So here's my semi-wordless contribution of the things that have made me smile recently: 1.
- [Somebody Give Me a Job. A Good Job. Please.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/08/somebody-give-me-a-job-a-good-job-please/) - I went job hunting last Thursday and Friday. Usually I only manage to go out once a week, if at that, but I always check online everywhere: Craigslist, classified ads/Monster, county, court, company website... that list goes on and on. I was taken aback last week when I found not one, not two, but three
- [I'd Like an Apology, Too.](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/06/id-like-an-apology-too/) - Rush Limbaugh is in a world of hurt right now based on slanderous, base comments he made and then refused to apologize for until his radio talk show sponsors began to drop their support. And I'm glad. And I'm furious. I'm a Conservative Christian Woman, and I'm getting a bad rap all around. First of
- [I'm glad last week is over!](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/05/im-glad-last-week-is-over/) - Just a side note posting, but does anyone else feel the same way? It seems that last week was just crazy. Personally, I was busier that usual with the extra job searching (NOT complaining, just crossing fingers and praying!); we had seriously bitter cold winds for days; and all the tragic news that kept me
- [Teaser](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/04/teaser/) - It's late. I've been busy. I finished the second draft of a freelance project tonight, and the final edits on the cookbook. The glory of self-publication is that once these edits are done, the time from final draft to published book is minimal. Yeah! So I don't have a great, long, thought-out post for you
- [Why I Cry for TJ Lane](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/02/why-i-cry-for-tj-lane/) - It's not the first time such a tragedy has shattered its way into our living rooms, our lives. Unfortunately, we also know it won't be the last. The news broke sparsely at first: another school shooting. Another random victim. Another suspect at large. The information trickled in slowly and even now, days later, the aftermath
- [At Least I Tried...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/03/03/at-least-i-tried/) - You know that still, small voice we all have in our heads? Yeah. Notsomuch. Mine decided to shout at me over the last 36 hours. And I'm so glad it did. Once or twice a week, I get together for an early morning Starbuck's with my VIP Julie. We talk about our kids, her husband,
- [What a Difference a Day Makes...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/02/29/what-a-difference-a-day-makes/) - Happy Leap Year Day! We're excited for this extra day. How 'bout you? Any plans? I'm going to clean out my fridge and take stock of the pantry. You'll hear about my menu planning tomorrow. It's gonna be great! The Cookbook is 90% finished. So I'll also be finishing that up. And when I say
- [That's All She Wrote...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/19/thats-all-she-wrote/) - I've been hunkering down under this laptop for what seems like an endless amount of days, but I am nearly done with the final draft of my cookbook. That, along with the impending Christmas celebration events and tasks, I have nothing to write tonight except soon it will all be over. Not the whole writing,
- [Cookin' Up a Storm](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/15/cookin-up-a-storm/) - My posts this week have been short and focused on two things: First, I'm working overtime to finish the rough draft of my cookbook. Tonight I plan to have it finished to send it off to my editor for review and finalization. It's really exciting, to think that soon my dream will be a reality.
- [The Storm That Never Was](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/14/the-storm-that-never-was/) - Yesterday, I was so excited. I was anticipating the Storm of the Year. Every news broadcast warned to stock up, stay inside, and be safe. Two days of rain and snow and wind were headed our way. And so we prepared. We bought groceries and firelogs. We wore flannel pajamas and made sure flashlights were
- [A Few of My Favorite Things: Storm Front](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/13/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-storm-front/) - I'm writing this a day early. I usually schedule my posts a day or two ahead of time, so this is not so noteworthy. Except the reasons I'm doing this, is we're expecting a snowfall tonight and tomorrow and I want to be able to enjoy it. I'm sure if we get that much snow,
- [Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder](https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/12/10/beauty-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/) - I absolutely love this phrase. I can't, however, say or even think it without thinking of the Twilight Zone episode of the same name: a great episode, one of its most famous ones. You know how the Twilight Zone is. So even if you haven't seen the episode, you pretty much already know how it

## Pages

- [FOUNDATION](https://franklymydearmojo.com/foundation/) - Faith. Family. Food. Fun. Finances. A little bit of what makes up Bedford Manor.
- [CONTACT](https://franklymydearmojo.com/contact/)
- [Cart](https://franklymydearmojo.com/cart/) - [woocommerce_cart]
- [Checkout](https://franklymydearmojo.com/checkout/) - [woocommerce_checkout]
- [My account](https://franklymydearmojo.com/my-account/) - [woocommerce_my_account]
- [Shop](https://franklymydearmojo.com/shop/)
- [SOCIAL MEDIA NINJA](https://franklymydearmojo.com/social-media-ninja/) - I'm kind of addicted to social media. I mean, I live there. I'm always checking my phone, looking up stats, sharing this, liking that. So it was a no-brainer when my writing mentor asked me to be his PR/Media Manager. What started out as a hobby has turned into a real thing. And I've found
- [EDITING](https://franklymydearmojo.com/editing/) - Writers and editors should work together. I believe a book is only as good as their collaborative effort. I consistently add to my editing education with books and classes. I currently work with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, and am a member of The Christian PEN. As a freelance editor, I will give your writings
- [MOJO REVIEWS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/mojo-reviews/) - When I first started this blog oh-so-many years ago, my goal was to include reviews of movies and local places. Although in recent years I've concentrated more on books than anything else, I still do reviews on movies, media, kitchen gadgets, and miscellaneous. Go ahead and browse to find something you might be interested in.
- [On Writing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/on-writing/) - This page's subcategories leads you to my personal writings. Some are creative, some are essays. There are posts about cats, family and friends, and writing in general. They are all parts of me I've chosen to share. ~Happy reading!
- [FINANCES](https://franklymydearmojo.com/finances/) - Frankly, My Dear . . . FINANCES. How I'm overcoming my debt one bill at a time.
- [Author's Notes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/word/authors-notes/) - As a writer, I'm always intrigued with how a story came about. It can be a movie, a book, or even a commercial. There's always a backstory. These are my notes for the writings I've posted here, along with the links to the original articles. Hope you enjoy! The Adventures of Matt and Molly in
- [Stories](https://franklymydearmojo.com/word/stories/) - These are the stories and essays I've posted (not to be confused with my daily life posts). These are creative writings and a few extras that I'm proud of. I also invite you to browse through the other pages and posts on my blog. Maybe there's something more you'll find in your wanderings. Go ahead.
- [2012 Reading List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/archives/2012-reading-list/) - WHAT I WANT TO READ: My New Reading List is my post written December 27, 2011. With a schedule to read 3 books a month, that leaves one week each month for a "free read" - one that's not on the List. By the end of 2012, I should have 48 or more book titles.
- [WORD](https://franklymydearmojo.com/word/) - "I write for the same reason I breathe. Because if I didn't, I would die." ~ Isaac Asimov. I feel the exact same way. Writing and reading are what I love best. WRITING TALES THE BOOKSHELF
- [TRAVEL](https://franklymydearmojo.com/foundation/travel/) - This page is a collection of links to my travel posts. Most are reviews of places I've been; a few are dreams of places I've yet to see. Destination: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan Destination: Mission Inn ["Tell 'Em Tony Sent Ya"] DESTINATION: MISSION INN, RIVERSIDE, CA WHEN I GET TO NEW YORK GET YOUR
- [MY HOUSING PROJECT](https://franklymydearmojo.com/foundation/my-housing-project/) - I moved into my house October 24, 2009. I was lucky enough to find a house that was everything I wanted: Centrally located to stores, schools, and my Mom's house. It has a Garage. Indoor laundry room. It's Fenced. Landscaped. Outdoor patio. Relatively quiet neighborhood. I love my house. I've named it Bedford Manor. But
- [RECIPES](https://franklymydearmojo.com/recipes/) - Here's where to find most of my recipe posts. Some of these recipes and more are available in New Inklings Press's The Unemployment Cookbook. You can also type "recipe", "menu", or "food" in the search bar to find more food-related posts. Enjoy! BASIC RECIPES: Infused Olive Oil Pizza Stuffed Pretzels (Sort of) Recipe: Chicken Mac
- [DISCLOSURE POLICY](https://franklymydearmojo.com/partner-with-mojo/disclosure-policy/) - This policy is valid from 19 July 2012. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact Molly Jo (inquiries AT newinklingspress DOT com). This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received will never influence the
- [Who I Am](https://franklymydearmojo.com/partner-with-mojo/who-i-am/) - Molly Jo. Mother. Daughter. Worker. Writer. God's adopted child. I have VIP's, best friends, friends, acquaintances, coworkers, and enemies. I love cats, coffee, family, old fashioned values, action movies, TV crime dramas, Starbuck's, the Backstreet Boys, and my house. I hate people who talk but don't act, people who act without thinking, and poverty. I
- [JAMBERRY](https://franklymydearmojo.com/jamberry/) - Welcome to my Jamberry Nails section of Frankly, My Dear . . . In April, 2015, I hosted a Jamberry Nails online party. In June, I realized it was to my financial benefit to save on my own orders, and so I joined as an Independent Consultant. The posts under my #Jamberry section will include
- [Tenfold](https://franklymydearmojo.com/archives/tenfold/) - Under this page, you'll find ten topic pages. Each page is basically a "theme" topic, where I just brainstorm about that topic. Go ahead. Click. Explore. See what I'm all about. Most of all, enjoy! Ten People I Want to Meet Ten Places to Travel To Ten Bible Verses I Try to Live By Ten
- [ARCHIVES](https://franklymydearmojo.com/archives/) - Under this tab, you'll find tabs I no longer use but want to keep available for review and reference. ~Happy reading~ Molly Jo
- [FAITH](https://franklymydearmojo.com/faith/) - I am, above all else, a Christian. Under this tab, you'll find links to posts that define what I believe. Not Such A Bad Day Invisible Person in a Sea of People: Robin H. and the 99-cent Sin "As Long As You Love Me" "He loves me. He loves me not." FAITH, Hope, and Love:
- [PARTNER WITH MOJO](https://franklymydearmojo.com/partner-with-mojo/) - From time to time, Molly Jo and Frankly, My Dear... reviews product and offers giveaways. To read about our policies, or to sponsor/advertise on Frankly, My Dear..., please click the appropriate link: DISCLOSURE POLICY ADVERTISING BRANDS I WORK WITH REVIEWS, GIVEAWAYS & SPONSORED POSTS MY COMMUNITIES
- [Party Planning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/party-planning/) - If I didn't have the drive to be a writer, I'd be a party planner. I've always loved the behind-the-scenes, make-every-little-detail-count way of thinking. I love planning events, outings, etc. And so I've decided to incorporate that with my love of writing... Every special event I hostess or am lucky enough to be a part
- [Ten Bible Verses I Try to Live By](https://franklymydearmojo.com/archives/tenfold/ten-bible-verses-i-try-to-live-by/) - 1. Jeremiah 29:11~ ' "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD. "Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."' [Read More or Less: 29 Words] 2. John 1:1~ "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
- [Ten Foods I Love Beyond Reason](https://franklymydearmojo.com/archives/tenfold/ten-foods-i-love-beyond-reason/) - This is a list of my Ten Go-To Foods. No matter what mood or environment I'm in, if you offer me a bite of any of these, chances are I'll take more than my fair share. Some of these are specific foods, some are restaurants. All are my favorite. Period! 1. My Mom's Eggsalad sandwiches.
- [Ten People I Want To Meet](https://franklymydearmojo.com/archives/tenfold/ten-people-i-want-to-meet/) - Ten People I Want To Meet. This is pretty hard to narrow down to just ten. But unless otherwise noted below, I have yet to be in the physical presence of these remarkable people. It might be pretty hard, since some of them are dead... This page has the added bonus of links to my
- [Ten Places to Travel To](https://franklymydearmojo.com/archives/tenfold/ten-places-to-travel-to/) - This section has my list of Ten Places to Travel To. I've either been to these places, or someday will travel there. At this time, this page is still in progress. But feel free to click on the links to be taken to posts/writings I've already done about these great places. Happy Trails to You!

## Categories

- [MJR: Frankly, My Dear . . .](https://franklymydearmojo.com/category/mjr-frankly-my-dear/)

## Tags

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- [cow patties](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cow-patties/)
- [love letter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/love-letter/)
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- [Eat Pray Love](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eat-pray-love/)
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- [Psalm 46:10](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/psalm-4610/)
- [be still](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/be-still/)
- [fear](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fear/)
- [love](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/love/)
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- [economy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/economy/)
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- [wine](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wine/)
- [cheese](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cheese/)
- [Love me](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/love-me/)
- [love me not](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/love-me-not/)
- [petals](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/petals/)
- [Comment](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/comment/)
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- [stories](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stories/)
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- [foundation](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/foundation/)
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- [experience](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/experience/)
- [coffee](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/coffee/)
- [friend](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/friend/)
- [work](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/work/)
- [Vegas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/vegas/)
- [Partridge Family](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/partridge-family/)
- [David Cassidy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/david-cassidy/)
- [adventure](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/adventure/)
- [George Clooney](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/george-clooney/)
- [Flashpoint](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/flashpoint/)
- [alone](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/alone/)
- [comfort](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/comfort/)
- [True Love](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/true-love/)
- [honest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/honest/)
- [broken heart](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/broken-heart/)
- [James Bond](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/james-bond/)
- [addiction](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/addiction/)
- [communication](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/communication/)
- [chocolate](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chocolate/)
- [trust](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/trust/)
- [list](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/list/)
- [Fountain](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fountain/)
- [control](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/control/)
- [planning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/planning/)
- [2012](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/2012/)
- [relax](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/relax/)
- [musical](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/musical/)
- [Las Vegas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/las-vegas/)
- [Disneyland](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/disneyland/)
- [home](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/home/)
- [rest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rest/)
- [broken](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/broken/)
- [Christ](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/christ/)
- [Jesus](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/jesus/)
- [prayer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/prayer/)
- [forgiveness](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/forgiveness/)
- [devotion](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/devotion/)
- [Louis L'Amour](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/louis-lamour/)
- [Muse](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/muse/)
- [writing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/writing/)
- [Mojo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mojo/)
- [review](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/review/)
- [Julie & Julia](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/julie-julia/)
- [cooking](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cooking/)
- [cookbook](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cookbook/)
- [writer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/writer/)
- [blog](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/blog/)
- [Julia Child](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/julia-child/)
- [success](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/success/)
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- [goals](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/goals/)
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- [lead](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lead/)
- [change](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/change/)
- [grow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/grow/)
- [strength](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/strength/)
- [experiment](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/experiment/)
- [reader](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/reader/)
- [Father](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/father/)
- [resume](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/resume/)
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- [unemployment](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/unemployment/)
- [Rockford Files](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rockford-files/)
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- [died](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/died/)
- [before](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/before/)
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- [JCPenney](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/jcpenney/)
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- [Flashpoint Team One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/flashpoint-team-one/)
- [Angelo Barovier](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/angelo-barovier/)
- [fanfic](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fanfic/)
- [CBS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cbs/)
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- [Ed Lane](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ed-lane/)
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- [Enrico Colantoni](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/enrico-colantoni/)
- [Amy Jo Johnson](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/amy-jo-johnson/)
- [Jules Callaghan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/jules-callaghan/)
- [Sergio Di Zio](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sergio-di-zio/)
- [Spike Scarlatti](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/spike-scarlatti/)
- [Michael Cram](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/michael-cram/)
- [Wordy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wordy/)
- [Sam Braddock](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sam-braddock/)
- [David Paetkau](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/david-paetkau/)
- [twitter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/twitter/)
- [ION Network](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ion-network/)
- [critical](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/critical/)
- [scorpio](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/scorpio/)
- [solution](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/solution/)
- [community](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/community/)
- [random acts of kindness](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/random-acts-of-kindness/)
- [Keurig](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/keurig/)
- [dream](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dream/)
- [beauty](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/beauty/)
- [people](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/people/)
- [horizons](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/horizons/)
- [friends](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/friends/)
- [house](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/house/)
- [rejection](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rejection/)
- [memory](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/memory/)
- [today](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/today/)
- [tomorrow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tomorrow/)
- [learn](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/learn/)
- [me](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/me/)
- [women](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/women/)
- [nail polish](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/nail-polish/)
- [Second Family](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/second-family/)
- [daughter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/daughter/)
- [men](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/men/)
- [NYC](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/nyc/)
- [Kate](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/kate/)
- [Tourette](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tourette/)
- [Syndrome](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/syndrome/)
- [twitch and shout](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/twitch-and-shout/)
- [tics](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tics/)
- [education](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/education/)
- [compassion](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/compassion/)
- [Lowell Handler](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lowell-handler/)
- [swearing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/swearing/)
- [friendship](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/friendship/)
- [support group](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/support-group/)
- [Writer's Digest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/writers-digest/)
- [prompt](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/prompt/)
- [Bending the Rules](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bending-the-rules/)
- [chase](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chase/)
- [celebrity](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/celebrity/)
- [no shirt no shoes no service](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/no-shirt-no-shoes-no-service/)
- [write](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/write/)
- [Stephen J Cannell](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stephen-j-cannell/)
- [to-do list](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/to-do-list/)
- [learning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/learning/)
- [coupon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/coupon/)
- [savings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/savings/)
- [free](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/free/)
- [Vons](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/vons/)
- [CVS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cvs/)
- [Bargain Babes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bargain-babes/)
- [fun](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fun/)
- [Register Rewards](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/register-rewards/)
- [allergy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/allergy/)
- [lizard](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lizard/)
- [couponing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/couponing/)
- [organize](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/organize/)
- [Walgreens](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/walgreens/)
- [Coach](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/coach/)
- [sales](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sales/)
- [Winco](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/winco/)
- [stockpile](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stockpile/)
- [Egypt](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/egypt/)
- [swimming](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/swimming/)
- [pool](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pool/)
- [dead body](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dead-body/)
- [Hope](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hope/)
- [health](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/health/)
- [fail](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fail/)
- [endure](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/endure/)
- [Because We Are Friends](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/because-we-are-friends/)
- [Afterthoughts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/afterthoughts/)
- [Bucket List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bucket-list/)
- [checklist](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/checklist/)
- [Filigree](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/filigree/)
- [Frosting](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/frosting/)
- [Cake](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cake/)
- [Chew on That](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chew-on-that/)
- [Exodus](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/exodus/)
- [Moses](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/moses/)
- [Master Chef](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/master-chef/)
- [Dead or Alive](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dead-or-alive/)
- [Garden](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/garden/)
- [Desert](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/desert/)
- [corpse flower](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/corpse-flower/)
- [sage](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sage/)
- [tiramisu](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tiramisu/)
- [catering](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/catering/)
- [allergic](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/allergic/)
- [force fed](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/force-fed/)
- [humanity](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/humanity/)
- [plates](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/plates/)
- [sweets](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sweets/)
- [dessert](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dessert/)
- [meat and potatoes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/meat-and-potatoes/)
- [salad](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/salad/)
- [beets](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/beets/)
- [main course](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/main-course/)
- [spices](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/spices/)
- [New York](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/new-york/)
- [autumn](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/autumn/)
- [Grand Central Station](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/grand-central-station/)
- [taxi cab](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/taxi-cab/)
- [Broadway](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/broadway/)
- [Central Park](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/central-park/)
- [green bench](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/green-bench/)
- [street vendor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/street-vendor/)
- [Plaza](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/plaza/)
- [Subway](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/subway/)
- [Yankee Stadium](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/yankee-stadium/)
- [Ellis Island](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ellis-island/)
- [Statue of Liberty](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/statue-of-liberty/)
- [Village](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/village/)
- [Soho](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/soho/)
- [Empire State Building](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/empire-state-building/)
- [MoMA](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/moma/)
- [Miracle on 34th Street](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/miracle-on-34th-street/)
- [Macy's](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/macys/)
- [Times Square](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/times-square/)
- [keychain](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/keychain/)
- [dreams](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dreams/)
- [I'll Fly Away](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ill-fly-away/)
- [A bird in the hand](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/a-bird-in-the-hand/)
- [learning to fly](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/learning-to-fly/)
- [birthday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/birthday/)
- [owls](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/owls/)
- [Celebrate](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/celebrate/)
- [September](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/september/)
- [recipes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/recipes-2/)
- [Ratatouille](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ratatouille/)
- [eggplant](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eggplant/)
- [mushroom](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mushroom/)
- [zucchini](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/zucchini/)
- [onion](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/onion/)
- [tomato](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tomato/)
- [pepper](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pepper/)
- [Italian](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/italian/)
- [olive oil](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/olive-oil/)
- [slow cooker](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/slow-cooker/)
- [potato](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/potato/)
- [soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/soup/)
- [stove top](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stove-top/)
- [creamy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/creamy/)
- [What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/what-are-you-doing-new-years-eve/)
- [Autumn in New York](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/autumn-in-new-york/)
- [cafe](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cafe/)
- [Mary Poppins](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mary-poppins/)
- [Sunday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sunday/)
- [Family Time](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/family-time/)
- [Writer's Block](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/writers-block/)
- [Andy Grammer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/andy-grammer/)
- [keep your head up](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/keep-your-head-up/)
- [afraid](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/afraid/)
- [unknown](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/unknown/)
- [promise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/promise/)
- [news](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/news/)
- [media](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/media/)
- [character](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/character/)
- [understand](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/understand/)
- [Con Te Partiro](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/con-te-partiro/)
- [Do Something Good Project](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/do-something-good-project/)
- [Family Values Cinema](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/family-values-cinema/)
- [America](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/america/)
- [Isaac Asimov](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/isaac-asimov/)
- [beginning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/beginning/)
- [cynical](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cynical/)
- [City](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/city/)
- [false](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/false/)
- [fire](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fire/)
- [goodbye](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/goodbye/)
- [ice](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ice/)
- [mantra](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mantra/)
- [strangers](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/strangers/)
- [chaos](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chaos/)
- [welcome](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/welcome/)
- [Lion King](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lion-king/)
- [glory](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/glory/)
- [truth](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/truth/)
- [pride](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pride/)
- [recipe](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/recipe/)
- [crock pot](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/crock-pot/)
- [bbq pulled pork](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bbq-pulled-pork/)
- [beer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/beer/)
- [coca-cola](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/coca-cola/)
- [mom](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mom/)
- [Golden Book](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/golden-book/)
- [puppy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/puppy/)
- [Sinatra](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sinatra/)
- [imagination](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/imagination/)
- [support](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/support/)
- [encourage](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/encourage/)
- [words](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/words/)
- [world](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/world/)
- [characters](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/characters/)
- [Beautiful](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/beautiful/)
- [sauerkraut](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sauerkraut/)
- [pork chops](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pork-chops/)
- [cream of mushroom soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cream-of-mushroom-soup/)
- [October](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/october/)
- [holidays](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/holidays/)
- [drink](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/drink/)
- [chamgpagne](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chamgpagne/)
- [orange](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/orange/)
- [zest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/zest/)
- [cider](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cider/)
- [cinnamon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cinnamon/)
- [happy holidays](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/happy-holidays/)
- [Christmas spirit](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/christmas-spirit/)
- [snow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/snow/)
- [joy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/joy/)
- [Deforestation](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/deforestation/)
- [Bedford Manor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bedford-manor/)
- [tree](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tree/)
- [trimming](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/trimming/)
- [landscape](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/landscape/)
- [Mulberry](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mulberry/)
- [Pumpkin Spice Latte](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pumpkin-spice-latte/)
- [Megan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/megan/)
- [happy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/happy/)
- [readers](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/readers/)
- [comments](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/comments/)
- [encouragement](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/encouragement/)
- [B](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/b/)
- [Chicken](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chicken/)
- [Rice](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rice/)
- [easy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/easy/)
- [Goulash](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/goulash/)
- [ground beef](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ground-beef/)
- [pasta](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pasta/)
- [macaroni](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/macaroni/)
- [tomato soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tomato-soup/)
- [vegetable soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/vegetable-soup/)
- [warm](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/warm/)
- [cozy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cozy/)
- [hearty](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hearty/)
- [dinner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dinner/)
- [Potato Chip Casserole](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/potato-chip-casserole/)
- [potato chips](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/potato-chips/)
- [cream of chicken soup](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cream-of-chicken-soup/)
- [milk](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/milk/)
- [quick](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/quick/)
- [hobo dinner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hobo-dinner/)
- [enjoy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/enjoy/)
- [Apologetic](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/apologetic/)
- [salvation](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/salvation/)
- [New York Yankees](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/new-york-yankees/)
- [baseball](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/baseball/)
- [manipulate](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/manipulate/)
- [job](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/job/)
- [career](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/career/)
- [Veggie Tales](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/veggie-tales/)
- [science fiction](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/science-fiction/)
- [perspective](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/perspective/)
- [Psalm 37:4](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/psalm-374/)
- [double speak](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/double-speak/)
- [hockey](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hockey/)
- [Weather](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/weather/)
- [mountains](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mountains/)
- [birds](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/birds/)
- [Scrub Jay](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/scrub-jay/)
- [cold](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cold/)
- [winter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/winter/)
- [dark](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dark/)
- [The more things change](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-more-things-change/)
- [the more things stay the same](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-more-things-stay-the-same/)
- [Jo March](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/jo-march/)
- [A Few of My Favorite Things](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/a-few-of-my-favorite-things/)
- [blessings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/blessings/)
- [rain](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rain/)
- [cats](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cats/)
- [Waltons](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/waltons/)
- [Little Women](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/little-women/)
- [Toronto](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/toronto/)
- [annual passes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/annual-passes/)
- [Main Street USA](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/main-street-usa/)
- [Mary Blair](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mary-blair/)
- [it's a small world](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/its-a-small-world/)
- [Walt](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/walt/)
- [hidden Mickey](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hidden-mickey/)
- [California Adventure](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/california-adventure/)
- [ElecTRONica](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/electronica/)
- [Pinocchio](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pinocchio/)
- [Vinylmation](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/vinylmation/)
- [past](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/past/)
- [present](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/present/)
- [in the beginning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/in-the-beginning/)
- [changes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/changes/)
- [fall](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fall/)
- [SoCal](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/socal/)
- [Good Life Eats](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/good-life-eats/)
- [Scharffen Berger Chocolates](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/scharffen-berger-chocolates/)
- [My Baking Addiction](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/my-baking-addiction/)
- [holiday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/holiday/)
- [Amazon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/amazon/)
- [Google](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/google/)
- [Le Creuset](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/le-creuset/)
- [GoodLife Eats](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/goodlife-eats/)
- [Holiday Recipe Exchange](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/holiday-recipe-exchange/)
- [Hot Dog Casserole](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hot-dog-casserole/)
- [one pot meal](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/one-pot-meal/)
- [Stroganoff](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stroganoff/)
- [Knorr Pasta Side](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/knorr-pasta-side/)
- [Max Lucado](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/max-lucado/)
- [Mocha with Max](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mocha-with-max/)
- [commentaries](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/commentaries/)
- [behind the scenes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/behind-the-scenes/)
- [West Bend](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/west-bend/)
- [Winner](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/winner/)
- [hot dog](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hot-dog/)
- [Junior's cheesecake](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/juniors-cheesecake/)
- [publish](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/publish/)
- [self publish](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/self-publish/)
- [publication](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/publication/)
- [print](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/print/)
- [market](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/market/)
- [discuss](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/discuss/)
- [read](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/read/)
- [listen](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/listen/)
- [research](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/research/)
- [heritage](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/heritage/)
- [old fashioned](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/old-fashioned/)
- [technology](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/technology/)
- [computer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/computer/)
- [advertise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/advertise/)
- [The Adventures of Will Power](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-adventures-of-will-power/)
- [will](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/will/)
- [power](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/power/)
- [haunted](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/haunted/)
- [dentist](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dentist/)
- [cobwebs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cobwebs/)
- [chair](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chair/)
- [lullaby](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lullaby/)
- [scream](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/scream/)
- [print on demand](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/print-on-demand/)
- [Not Such a Bad Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/not-such-a-bad-day/)
- [crime](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/crime/)
- [drama](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/drama/)
- [cop](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cop/)
- [prose](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/prose/)
- [short story](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/short-story/)
- [Writer's Digest Community](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/writers-digest-community/)
- [Gone Swimming](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/gone-swimming/)
- [Twilight Zone](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/twilight-zone/)
- [When I Get To New York](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/when-i-get-to-new-york/)
- [Songs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/songs/)
- [Harry Connick Jr](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/harry-connick-jr/)
- [roots](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/roots/)
- [demolish](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/demolish/)
- [debris](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/debris/)
- [earth](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/earth/)
- [location](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/location/)
- [improvement](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/improvement/)
- [chili](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chili/)
- [write every day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/write-every-day/)
- [ghost](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ghost/)
- [baking](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/baking/)
- [courage](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/courage/)
- [endurance](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/endurance/)
- [Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/christmas/)
- [Cat](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cat/)
- [water](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/water/)
- [cry](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cry/)
- [sleep](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sleep/)
- [Molly Jo](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/molly-jo/)
- [structure](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/structure/)
- [car](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/car/)
- [OXO](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/oxo/)
- [frittata](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/frittata/)
- [baked](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/baked/)
- [exchange](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/exchange/)
- [2011](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/2011/)
- [eggs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eggs/)
- [BlogHer.com](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/blogher-com/)
- [Asparagus Wraps](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/asparagus-wraps/)
- [challenge](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/challenge/)
- [Thanksgiving](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/thanksgiving/)
- [popular](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/popular/)
- [sandwich](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sandwich/)
- [pretzel](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pretzel/)
- [stuffed](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stuffed/)
- [Red Star Yeast](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/red-star-yeast/)
- [Ray Bradbury](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ray-bradbury/)
- [Something Wicked This Way Comes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/something-wicked-this-way-comes/)
- [carnival](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/carnival/)
- [winds](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/winds/)
- [creepy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/creepy/)
- [FPTO](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fpto/)
- [TV](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tv/)
- [cop drama](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cop-drama/)
- [Cle Bennett](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cle-bennett/)
- [Kim](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/kim/)
- [Kardashian](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/kardashian/)
- [money](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/money/)
- [priority](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/priority/)
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- [Turkey](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/turkey/)
- [dump recipe](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dump-recipe/)
- [herbs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/herbs/)
- [herb fried chicken](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/herb-fried-chicken/)
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- [poetry](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/poetry/)
- [forgive](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/forgive/)
- [gift](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/gift/)
- [Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/)
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- [NBC](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/nbc/)
- [pregnant](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pregnant/)
- [Bananas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bananas/)
- [going bananas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/going-bananas/)
- [RLS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rls/)
- [Restless Leg Syndrome](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/restless-leg-syndrome/)
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- [the Sound of Music](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-sound-of-music/)
- [budget](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/budget/)
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- [Gumdrop Gems](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/gumdrop-gems/)
- [butter cookie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/butter-cookie/)
- [BlogHer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/blogher/)
- [spoiled](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/spoiled/)
- [Barstow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/barstow/)
- [drive](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/drive/)
- [lost](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lost/)
- [Palm Springs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/palm-springs/)
- [night](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/night/)
- [bird](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bird/)
- [bird attack](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bird-attack/)
- [How the Grinch Stole Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas/)
- [Alfred Hitchcock](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/alfred-hitchcock/)
- [Lazy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lazy/)
- [Afternoon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/afternoon/)
- [Stream of Consciousness](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stream-of-consciousness/)
- [My Favorite Things](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/my-favorite-things/)
- [photos](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/photos/)
- [nutcrackers](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/nutcrackers/)
- [photography](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/photography/)
- [Happy Thanksgiving](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/happy-thanksgiving/)
- [Basket](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/basket/)
- [Basket of Blessings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/basket-of-blessings/)
- [worries](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/worries/)
- [concern](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/concern/)
- [Cactus Wren](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cactus-wren/)
- [Joshua Tree](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/joshua-tree/)
- [Louie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/louie/)
- [heart](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/heart/)
- [failure](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/failure/)
- [Black Friday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/black-friday/)
- [party](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/party/)
- [Places to Go](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/places-to-go/)
- [People to See](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/people-to-see/)
- [...so this is love...](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/so-this-is-love/)
- [casey and jenn](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/casey-and-jenn/)
- [Free Falling](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/free-falling/)
- [offend](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/offend/)
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- [ZipList](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ziplist/)
- [online recipe](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/online-recipe/)
- [grocery list](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/grocery-list/)
- [recipe box](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/recipe-box/)
- [tires](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tires/)
- [hospital](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hospital/)
- [schedule](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/schedule/)
- [spontaneous](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/spontaneous/)
- [Adventures of Molly & Megan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/adventures-of-molly-megan/)
- [creative](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/creative/)
- [series](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/series/)
- [12 Wishes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/12-wishes/)
- [wish](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wish/)
- [important](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/important/)
- [Winning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/winning/)
- [wishes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wishes/)
- [charity](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/charity/)
- [invest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/invest/)
- [mortgage](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mortgage/)
- [debt free](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/debt-free/)
- [give](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/give/)
- [storm](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/storm/)
- [cheer](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cheer/)
- [eat drink be merry](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eat-drink-be-merry/)
- [decorate](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/decorate/)
- [New Year's Resolution](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/new-years-resolution/)
- [cook](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cook/)
- [kitchen](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/kitchen/)
- [Cookie Queen](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cookie-queen/)
- [Droid](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/droid/)
- [addict](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/addict/)
- [temporary](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/temporary/)
- [repair](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/repair/)
- [stop and smell the roses](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/stop-and-smell-the-roses/)
- [selfish](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/selfish/)
- [Fairy Godmother](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fairy-godmother/)
- [Four F's](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/four-fs/)
- [Count Your Blessings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/count-your-blessings/)
- [Ray Conniff](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ray-conniff/)
- [White Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/white-christmas/)
- [Eye of the Beholder](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eye-of-the-beholder/)
- [Doo Dads](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/doo-dads/)
- [Chex Party Mix](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chex-party-mix/)
- [Food Challenge](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/food-challenge/)
- [box](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/box/)
- [meal plan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/meal-plan/)
- [birdseed](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/birdseed/)
- [peanuts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/peanuts/)
- [High Desert](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/high-desert/)
- [radar](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/radar/)
- [forecast](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/forecast/)
- [satellite](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/satellite/)
- [posts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/posts/)
- [trivia](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/trivia/)
- [television](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/television/)
- [Origin](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/origin/)
- [Tradition](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tradition/)
- [Saint Nicholas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/saint-nicholas/)
- [Santa Claus](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/santa-claus/)
- [miracles](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/miracles/)
- [Colossians 3:23](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/colossians-323/)
- [L Frank Baum](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/l-frank-baum/)
- [Lucy Maud Montgomery](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lucy-maud-montgomery/)
- [Peter Pan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/peter-pan/)
- [J M Barrie](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/j-m-barrie/)
- [inspiring](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/inspiring/)
- [Laura Ingalls Wilder](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/laura-ingalls-wilder/)
- [Wizard of Oz](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wizard-of-oz/)
- [Little House](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/little-house/)
- [Louisa May Alcott](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/louisa-may-alcott/)
- [Shane Scully](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/shane-scully/)
- [Charles Dickens](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/charles-dickens/)
- [A Christmas Carol](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/a-christmas-carol/)
- [Anne of Green Gables](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/anne-of-green-gables/)
- [busy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/busy/)
- [Vanity](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/vanity/)
- [confidence](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/confidence/)
- [The Nativity Story](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-nativity-story/)
- [Mary](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mary/)
- [Joseph](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/joseph/)
- [DoughMessTic.net](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/doughmesstic-net/)
- [Merry Christmas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/merry-christmas/)
- [Faith Hope Love](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/faith-hope-love/)
- [It's a Wonderful Life](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/its-a-wonderful-life/)
- [Eve](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eve/)
- [best gift](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/best-gift/)
- [Santa](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/santa/)
- [perfect](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/perfect/)
- [Angry Birds](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/angry-birds/)
- [Bad Piggies' Egg Recipes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bad-piggies-egg-recipes/)
- [Food Network](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/food-network/)
- [mixing bowls](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mixing-bowls/)
- [one gift](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/one-gift/)
- [Hollandaise Sauce](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hollandaise-sauce/)
- [Frank Capra](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/frank-capra/)
- [Chronicles of Narnia](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/chronicles-of-narnia/)
- [Route 66](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/route-66/)
- [Vigilante](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/vigilante/)
- [Left Behind](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/left-behind/)
- [Sherlock Holmes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sherlock-holmes/)
- [books](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/books/)
- [Anne Rice](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/anne-rice/)
- [Songs of the Seraphim](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/songs-of-the-seraphim/)
- [Of Love and Evil](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/of-love-and-evil/)
- [Angel Time](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/angel-time/)
- [Wish List](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wish-list/)
- [Hunger Games](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hunger-games/)
- [Harry Potter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/harry-potter/)
- [Oz](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/oz/)
- [C S Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/c-s-lewis/)
- [The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-lion-the-witch-and-the-wardrobe/)
- [The Bookshelf](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-bookshelf/)
- [Colors](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/colors/)
- [color me colorful](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/color-me-colorful/)
- [The Magician's Nephew](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-magicians-nephew/)
- [C Lewis](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/c-lewis/)
- [The Horse and His Boy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-horse-and-his-boy/)
- [New Year's](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/new-years/)
- [Resolutions](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/resolutions/)
- [habit](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/habit/)
- [exercise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/exercise/)
- [Enchilada](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/enchilada/)
- [Scrambled Eggs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/scrambled-eggs/)
- [Breakfast](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/breakfast/)
- [Prince Caspian](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/prince-caspian/)
- [Trufflehunter the Badger](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/trufflehunter-the-badger/)
- [Darfur](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/darfur/)
- [Johnny Depp](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/johnny-depp/)
- [West Wing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/west-wing/)
- [fund raising](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fund-raising/)
- [purpose](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/purpose/)
- [New Year](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/new-year/)
- [Dare](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dare/)
- [color](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/color/)
- [Dare to Be an Awesome Orange](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dare-to-be-an-awesome-orange/)
- [California](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/california/)
- [frenemy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/frenemy/)
- [The Voyage of the Dawn Treader](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-voyage-of-the-dawn-treader/)
- [plan](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/plan/)
- [freeways](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/freeways/)
- [I-5](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/i-5/)
- [60-East](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/60-east/)
- [Angel in Disguise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/angel-in-disguise/)
- [GPS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/gps/)
- [celestial navigation](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/celestial-navigation/)
- [cd](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cd/)
- [soundtrack](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/soundtrack/)
- [Manilow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/manilow/)
- [Bobby Darin](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bobby-darin/)
- [Neil Diamond](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/neil-diamond/)
- [Monkees](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/monkees/)
- [Eagles](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eagles/)
- [Rick Astley](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rick-astley/)
- [Richard Marx](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/richard-marx/)
- [The Unemployment Cookbook](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-unemployment-cookbook/)
- [Friday the 13th](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/friday-the-13th/)
- [Tortoise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tortoise/)
- [Hare](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hare/)
- [Le Grenouille](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/le-grenouille/)
- [NCIS](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ncis/)
- [French](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/french/)
- [Frog](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/frog/)
- [Nippers](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/nippers/)
- [Will Power](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/will-power/)
- [Webkin](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/webkin/)
- [slow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/slow/)
- [prepared](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/prepared/)
- [ready](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ready/)
- [Step One](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/step-one/)
- [Step Two](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/step-two/)
- [wine tasting](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wine-tasting/)
- [snob](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/snob/)
- [flavor](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/flavor/)
- [aroma](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/aroma/)
- [bottle](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bottle/)
- [label](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/label/)
- [fox](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fox/)
- [provide](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/provide/)
- [writing partner. Starbucks](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/writing-partner-starbucks/)
- [Narnia](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/narnia/)
- [Lord of the Rings](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/lord-of-the-rings/)
- [frogs](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/frogs/)
- [fun facts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/fun-facts/)
- [financial](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/financial/)
- [income](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/income/)
- [end of the world](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/end-of-the-world/)
- [Poseidon Adventure](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/poseidon-adventure/)
- [Volcano](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/volcano/)
- [Armageddon](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/armageddon/)
- [Matrix](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/matrix/)
- [Independence Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/independence-day/)
- [The Day After Tomorrow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-day-after-tomorrow/)
- [State of the Union](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/state-of-the-union/)
- [politics](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/politics/)
- [American Dream](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/american-dream/)
- [Mr. Potato Head](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mr-potato-head/)
- [mascot](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mascot/)
- [Engine Ears Toys](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/engine-ears-toys/)
- [compromise](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/compromise/)
- [rules](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rules/)
- [bend](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bend/)
- [allergies](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/allergies/)
- [Santa Ana](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/santa-ana/)
- [pollen](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pollen/)
- [spring](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/spring/)
- [being Christian](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/being-christian/)
- [double standards](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/double-standards/)
- [belief](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/belief/)
- [parent](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/parent/)
- [The Silver Chair](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-silver-chair/)
- [Mother](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mother/)
- [driving](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/driving/)
- [Main Street](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/main-street/)
- [Plans](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/plans/)
- [destiny](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/destiny/)
- [Writing Sample](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/writing-sample/)
- [Life Insurance](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/life-insurance/)
- [Super Bowl](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/super-bowl/)
- [menu](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/menu/)
- [game day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/game-day/)
- [finger food](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/finger-food/)
- [freelance](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/freelance/)
- [opportunity](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/opportunity/)
- [Proverbs 22:1](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/proverbs-221/)
- [Psalm 50:15](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/psalm-5015/)
- [Teeter Totter](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/teeter-totter/)
- [Up](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/up/)
- [Down](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/down/)
- [move to trash](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/move-to-trash/)
- [Cooper's Hawk](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/coopers-hawk/)
- [Crow](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/crow/)
- [Hebrews 11:1](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hebrews-111/)
- [impossible](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/impossible/)
- [Valentine's Day](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/valentines-day/)
- [sick](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sick/)
- [ABC](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/abc/)
- [Once Upon A Time](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/once-upon-a-time/)
- [To My Heroes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/to-my-heroes/)
- [Hero](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hero/)
- [Woman in Black](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/woman-in-black/)
- [New Inklings Press](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/new-inklings-press/)
- [self publishing](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/self-publishing/)
- [company](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/company/)
- [J.R.R. Tolkien](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/j-r-r-tolkien/)
- [just do it](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/just-do-it/)
- [Pinterest](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pinterest/)
- [Shakespeare](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/shakespeare/)
- [business](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/business/)
- [eyes](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/eyes/)
- [Pisces](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/pisces/)
- [Happy Birthday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/happy-birthday/)
- [February 20](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/february-20/)
- [Kodak EasyShare](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/kodak-easyshare/)
- [candy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/candy/)
- [mold](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mold/)
- [Haunting of America](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/haunting-of-america/)
- [sick as a](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sick-as-a/)
- [dog](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dog/)
- [VapoRub](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/vaporub/)
- [Kodak](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/kodak/)
- [camera](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/camera/)
- [Wilton's](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wiltons/)
- [cake decorating](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/cake-decorating/)
- [kit](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/kit/)
- [yard](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/yard/)
- [The Last Battle](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-last-battle/)
- [The Haunting of America](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/the-haunting-of-america/)
- [Jean Anderson](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/jean-anderson/)
- [Politically Correct](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/politically-correct/)
- [common sense](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/common-sense/)
- [better](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/better/)
- [One Size Fits All](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/one-size-fits-all/)
- [Leap Year](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/leap-year/)
- [meal planning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/meal-planning/)
- [month](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/month/)
- [Teen](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/teen/)
- [Girl](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/girl/)
- [Davy Jones](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/davy-jones/)
- [Hollywood](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/hollywood/)
- [concert](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/concert/)
- [legend](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/legend/)
- [Dreaming](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dreaming/)
- [Meal Menu in a Jar](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/meal-menu-in-a-jar/)
- [monthly meal planning](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/monthly-meal-planning/)
- [meal](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/meal/)
- [ideas](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/ideas/)
- [healthy](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/healthy/)
- [frugal](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/frugal/)
- [At least I tried](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/at-least-i-tried/)
- [attempt](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/attempt/)
- [TJ Lane](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/tj-lane/)
- [student](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/student/)
- [murder](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/murder/)
- [school shooting](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/school-shooting/)
- [Meal Memo in a Jar](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/meal-memo-in-a-jar/)
- [monthly](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/monthly/)
- [Teaser](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/teaser/)
- [Upcoming](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/upcoming/)
- [Work with All Your Heart](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/work-with-all-your-heart/)
- [referral](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/referral/)
- [blank slate](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/blank-slate/)
- [new week](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/new-week/)
- [routine](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/routine/)
- [upheaval](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/upheaval/)
- [Rush Limbaugh](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/rush-limbaugh/)
- [Sandra Fluke](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/sandra-fluke/)
- [contraceptive](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/contraceptive/)
- [health care coverage](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/health-care-coverage/)
- [apology](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/apology/)
- [Mojo Favorite moments](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/mojo-favorite-moments/)
- [wordless Wednesday](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/wordless-wednesday/)
- [Friday Fun Facts](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/friday-fun-facts/)
- [all about me](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/all-about-me/)
- [DST](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/dst/)
- [Daylight Savings Time](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/daylight-savings-time/)
- [Bejamin Franklin](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/bejamin-franklin/)
- [one hour](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/one-hour/)
- [spring ahead fall back](https://franklymydearmojo.com/tag/spring-ahead-fall-back/)