Friday, August 16, 2013

Celebrating Dragon Joys and Blessings

Celebrate the Small Things is the brilliant idea of VikLit. Each Friday we post something we wish to celebrate achieving or doing during the week. It can be writing/reading or life related. You can find the list and join here.

First my Celebrations:
1. Just when I said I would write no more, I had the honor to be part of one amazing project that turned into a great success. The Tree of Life, created by Samantha Geary Jones, inspired on music by Audiomachine. You can find the whole story and the music here. It came out to be a wonderful, wonderful experience. I enjoyed being among truly talented writers and even though I felt I was not up to their level, I'm thankful for the invitation and the opportunity.

2. I'm grateful for all the birthday notes, cards and comments left in my Sunday post and in Facebook. I am pretty aware I've been a terrible, lousy blogger buddy in the past months weeks. My visits are very scarce and yet, you came to wish me well. I didn't hold high expectations and I really thank you for dropping by and brightening my day with your friendship.

3. Dragon is also performing the happy dragon dance because of Alex Cavanaugh's birthday gift; a copy of CassaStar. I was dying to get this book and I really appreciate the thoughtful gesture. Furthermore, I am grateful for such an excellent friend. I take this chance to also thank you, Alex, for all your help and support in the Mini Ipad matter. Although it will still take a long tour from Texas to South Carolina to Michigan and down again before it gets to me (hopefully before the century is over), nothing would have happened without your help. I'm in your debt.

4. I'm grateful to the Higher Powers who came to this dragon's rescue in the hour of need, (physical, economical and emotional.) When I got to level zero, Higher Powers proved once again there are mighty hands that are still holding me, that my efforts are acknowledged and that they still smile at me, in spite of everything. I'm humbled and thankful for the lessons learned.

So I have missed a couple Friday Celebrations, an IWSG post and I owe you hundreds of visits. My excuses? I could tell you I've been feeding Mother Dragon's canaries. (I am not sure if that's a cat's tail or the beard of a dwarf. I haven't counted them lately.)


I could also say I got myself a professional counselor who is teaching me new techniques on how to redirect anger, anxiety and frustration in a safe, controlled manner. Dwarves and I are discussing whether we prefer the Bite-Your-Own-Leg technique or the Feed-the-Canary-with-Whoever-Upsets-You strategy.


But instead of giving you excuses or going into confusing explanations of the indomitable nature of dragons, I will leave you all dragon hugs. Huge, heartfelt dragon hugs to last until next time. I'll see you when I see you, it might be any day of the week, here or at your blog. I ate the schedules, so forgive me if I play impromptu for a while. If you forget me, I'll hug you until the dragon comes back to your memory again. Dragons are difficult to forget anyway, if not by their deeds, then by their size, their dashing looks or their morning dragon breaths, hahaha. ;) 



58 comments:

  1. I will never forget the coolest dragon ever. Glad you had a good birthday and I will definitely go check out that book.

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  2. I love your dragon joys and blessings - and your positivity. Which I am certain will be returned, with interest.

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    1. Yes, up with positivity! :D You bring a lot.

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  3. We could never forget the dragon, don't worry about that. You radiate a positive and inspiring voice around the blogosphere. Take care my friend.

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    1. Thanks for the reassurance, Suzanne. You make me smile

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  4. Just glad you enjoyed your gift and really hope your iPad arrives sometime within the next year.
    I recommend the feed-the-canary-whomever-is-bothering-you method. It will make you feel better and get rid of the problem person.
    Everyone who worked on the Tree of Life did an awesome job!

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    1. One vote for the canaries. The ninja speaks wisdom. Thank you!

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  5. Don't chew on your leg - you need that appendage. It sounds like you had a good birthday week and that was nice of Alex to send you a book.

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    1. Hahaha, you're right. I do need it to keep moving. Thanks for the reminder! :)

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  6. Glad you had a good birthday Father Dragon. I like the feed the canary method too. Love the pictures.

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    1. Two votes for the canaries. They made me laugh. ;)

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  7. How sweet of Alex to send you a present! Stay well, Dragon.

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  8. Hugs to you Dragon! Take care and we will see you when we see you - I know no matter how long between visits none of us will forget you. :)

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  9. Big ol' Dragon Hugs to you, my friend. You know, don't sweat not being able to visit as much or post. We all have life that interrupts LIFE. I wasn't the best at visiting in the first place, and with Mom's passing, just dropped everything. And I really didn't care. I needed to do it. And I'm taking my time in the reentry process.

    I'm glad that Tree of Life went so well. I've read a few, but now want to go read it from start to finish.

    Be well. :)

    M.L. Swift, Writer

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    1. I think we understand each other very well, Mike. Life interrupting life, that's precisely the matter. I guess I must take my time. Thanks! :)

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  10. So glad to see you here and such wonderful news. Hang in there and feed those canaries.

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    1. Three votes to the canaries. :) Thanks and glad to see you here too. :)

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  11. I'm so glad you felt surrounded and loved on your birthday and have had a few "happies" in your life lately. Wonderful to see you.

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    1. It was the best I had in several years. I must thank you for the warm thoughts. Hug spamming!

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  13. I adore your dragon hugs, Al, they are warm and cozy and remind me of chocolate donuts. You are the coolest dragon I know. Take care. Look after your health.

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    1. Hahaha, it is the first time someone compares me with chocolate, that's flattering. :) Happy you liked the hugs, you'll keep receiving them. :)

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  14. Those re-directing techniques sound like things I could use. I must stop hurling my computer out the window. That's becoming costly.

    I missed your birthday, but since dragons are forgiving creatures I'm sure I'll be able to make it up in the future. May the Dwarves continue to treat you well, may you not give up on the writing--ever, and my joy come for a long visit today.

    Your contribution to The Tree of Life was splendid.

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    1. Indeed. Either the canaries or the leg wouldn't be that expensive. Or you can tell me where is the window exactly and I'll send a dwarf to stand there to catch them. :)

      Don't worry about the birthday, this visit counts. Thank you!

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    2. Send me a dwarf. I'll station him just outside to catch the Apple that about to go!

      Here's to August treating all of us well in its final week.

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  15. Feed the canary or bite your own leg??? I definitely would go with the Feed The Canary strategy. Although, I liked the laugh at yourself strategy that you shared in an earlier post. There are many ways to redirect our energy. I am so glad you are finding ways to send that negative stuff to a place where it no longer has power over you!

    So happy that your birthday went so well AND am glad to hear that Alex sent you a copy of his book. That was divine of him... a true friend.

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    1. Four votes to the canaries. I see it's difficult to appreciate chewing the leg, hahaha. The point is, yes, send the negative energy far far away.
      Alex is an awesome friend, indeed.

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  16. Hi Al .. just being around is enough - we see you in other places .. that's fine and good to know you're round and about .. or rounding the canary wheel, or just generally recovering from birthday celebrations ...

    So pleased you had a happy time .. and then Alex' CassaStar ... will be a great read - no dragons though .. mind you space dragons ... could be good ..

    Cheers Hilary

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    1. Hi Hilary, thank you. It was an awesome birthday overall. I'm through half the book and you're right. No dragons in there, hahahaha. But still good. :)

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  17. I vote for feeding them to the canary. :P

    Love you, Al. Big hugs backatcha!

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    1. Five votes for the canaries. :D Love you too, Melissa. Dragon hugs!

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  18. Mmm... Canary feeding sounds less self-destructive.

    May you learn and apply tons from counselling. *HUGS!!!*

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    1. Six votes for the canaries. Well, you actually don't have to eat the leg, hahaha. Hugs back at you, Misha!

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  19. Hey Al, totally know the feeling of real life crunching up blogging time....fear not, though, a Dragon is hard to forget and, especially, such a great one with a heart of gold!

    I hope you had a great birthday, you certainly deserve it!

    Have a great weekend and take care of yourself.

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    1. Geez, Mark, your words make me blush. Quite difficult in a dragon, hahaha. Thank you. Yes, it was a great birthday. I'm very thankful. You take care too. :)

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  20. Happy to hear you had a fun-filled birthday.... We all have our moments of anger, anxiety, and frustration, so take a DEEP breath and continue to take care of YOU!

    Enjoy the weekend FD, and sending hugs right back at you!!!!

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    1. Thanks Michael. If you so wish I could send one of Mother Dragon's canaries your way, if you want to try this new channeling technique. Happy weekend to you too! :D

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  21. I've been a horrible blogger friend, as well. Even lost two followers (not sure if that is related or not.) :( So much going on. This community is so awesome, and I feel bad for slacking.

    And on the talent, all of us feel the same way, that we didn't belong. Yet every one did so well, and showed such amazing talent. I think Sam has a good eye, so don't doubt yourself.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

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    1. So you understand me. I so much feel you but sometimes all we can do is ask for understanding.

      There is no doubt it was a great story altogether and an amazing adventure, though. :D
      Dragon hugs!

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  22. You know, I'm just going to change my name to mALk...

    Two of my favorite folks are called AL and hmmm....

    I'm going to call Paul Simon and ask him if he could write me a special song... but what to name it... OH! I know, "You Can Call Me AL."

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULjCSK0oOlI

    I hope this video brings a smile... it's so old, I think you were only 750 when it first came out :)

    ((AL and AL-ex ))

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    1. HAHAHAHA, so mALk, thank you for giving me my very first laugh of the day and brightening my morning. You're right! That song was around my best 750th year and it is a great song. I like it very much. So you can call me Al and I can call you mALk, hahahaha. You rock, my friend!

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  23. Belated Happy Birthday to you and a BIG HUG back.

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  24. Father Dragon! I was just in San Francisco's Chinatown last week, and the dragons reminded me of you :) (((hugs)))

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    1. They are my cousins, hahahaha. Dragon hugs :)

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  25. Yay, more Dragon hugs!!!
    I'm so sorry I missed your birthday!!! Happy happy belated birthday!

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  26. I don't know about dragons being hard to forget, but you sir, most certainly are! Big hugs right back :D

    Enjoy reading cassaStar! Now I'm off to check out this project you speak of...

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  27. Hey Father D! Missed you! But we understand when life takes an unexpected turn. Sorry you haven't been feeling well. Remember we're all here for each other. I've been a bad blogger all summer. Just too much to do! But it's going to be a brilliant rest of the year! I can tell. ;) *dragon hugs*

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  28. Wonderful things to celebrate! And we all understand how things can come up. Blogging can take a backseat to real life. :)

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  29. Happy Belated Birthday Wishes! Hope you had joy, and that you continue to find joy every day! *Dragon Hugs* back!!!! (at least this hobbit sized person is trying to dragon hug you . . . does effort count?)

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  30. Great stuff Al and hopefully your iPad comes in the next week instead of year. You deserve it.

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  31. Feathers do tend to stick in the throat ;)

    Congrats on your iPad! And don't worry about the bad blogger disease. I know I have a huge case of it, and it seems to be going around. Silly life just keeps getting in the way!

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  32. LOL! Al, you are such a character. I always enjoy your posts! You've made such a splash in this writing community. And thank you so very much for your kind words over on my blog today. They really meant a lot. :)

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  33. Glad you're in the fight, Father Dragon. Never give up. We can only win if we keep trying. Wishing you an easier week.

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  34. I'm glad you're getting the help you need, and canaries (don't know about dwarves) are made to be sacrificed, so don't worry about that! It was good to see your name on the Tree of Life list. Seems like it was a great experience. Nancy’s Facebook page

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