blog – Page 11 – mylifeiswear.com

Posted on April 18, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 5 Comments

THE POWER OF THE BLOGOSPHERE: An Interview With HOUSTON PHOTO JOURNEY

If you asked me, “What’s the coolest thing about blogging?” I’d answer, “The relationships that we build with other bloggers and our readers.”

The blogging community, also know as the blogosphere, is really a community of supportive, like-minded people.

When I started blogging a few months ago, it was just my blog and me.

Through the process of blogging I learned so much about technology and the power of the internet.

You also find that you need a lot of help and advice along the way.

And then you discover something else… your blog isn’t just about you, your ideas and the written word. It is so much more than that.

Your blog is the launching pad to expand your knowledge and potential through your interaction with other bloggers.

Connections are made.

Ideas are exchanged.

Friendships are formed.

I never thought I would open myself up to meeting an entire new world of interesting and amazing people.

Today I would like to introduce you to one of them.

My friend, Elizabeth. (But I just like to call her Houston because it sounds cool.) She’s the photojournalist for the blog site, HOUSTON PHOTO JOURNEY http://www.houstonphotojourney.com

Have you ever been to Houston, Texas?

I haven’t, but through Elizabeth’s beautiful photography, light-hearted commentary, and wealth of factual and historical information, I feel as though I have.

This photo welcoming you to downtown Houston is on the homepage of the Houston Photo Journey blog.

Here are a few other photos to give you Elizabeth’s take on her journey through Houston…

Houston Kite Festival

Houston’s 30th Annual Art Car Parade

Historical Heritage Presbyterian Church Houston, Texas

Mural at Port of Houston Boat Tour

Houston’s Metro Rail

Now that you’ve seen some of the photography that makes Elizabeth’s blog so enticing, it’s time to find out how she incorporates her photos into a successful blog delivering a journey in every post.

Me: Hi! How’s the weather out there in Houston today?

Elizabeth: Eighty three and humid!

Me: Not quite that hot here in Connecticut. So, are you originally from Houston?

Elizabeth: I’m actually originally from Stamford, Connecticut. I’ve lived in Houston for 40 years, so I feel like I was born here.

Me: Wow, I didn’t know that. Small world. So what made you decide to start a blog?

Elizabeth: Well, I wanted to take photographs and none of my family wanted to pose for them. I figured that I’d start a blog and post the photos that I was taking of area events. I was going to these events anyway.

Me: Well, that seems to be working!

Elizabeth: (Laughter) Yes, it is!

Me: So, what would you say is one of your best photography tips?

Elizabeth: Definitely, BUY A GOOD CAMERA and learn how to use it properly. Try different and even, random settings. When you find a setting that works for a particular shot, record it and link it into the camera memory.

Me: Sounds like pretty solid advice. Have you had any challenging moments while taking photos for your blog?

Elizabeth: When I was at Houston’s Annual Art Car Parade, I unknowingly walked into a secured section. I was there for quite some time socializing with everyone and taking photos before I realized that I was in the VIP section, by then it was too late. I think the security guard assumed I was with the press.

Me: (Laughing) That’s awesome! Whatever it takes to get the shot. Have you ever had the opportunity to meet anyone interesting or famous?

Elizabeth: I meet interesting people all the time! I did get to meet Cheech Marin of Cheech and Chong at the Art Car Parade. That was pretty cool. He even posed for a picture that’s on my blog site.

Me: So, tell me about your co-author, Max.

Elizabeth: Max is my rescue dog. I support both Rover Oaks Pet Resort and Citizens For Animal Protection’s Shelter, without whom I wouldn’t have my best buddy, Max. They are the BEST people on the planet. You can find out more about both organizations and my puppy Max on my blog.

Me: Max is certainly adorable and those both sound like great causes.

Elizabeth’s (co-author) and favorite four-legged friend, Max.

Me: So where do you see your blog going in the future?

Elizabeth: Travel Journalism. Traveling is my passion and gives me the opportunity to meet people and learn so many cool things about them, their lives and different cultures.

Me: That certainly sounds like a great fit for you! Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Elizabeth: Just, thank you so much for the interview. I really enjoyed talking with you.

Me: Same here, Elizabeth. My pleasure.

Leaving Texas behind for now.

You can visit Elizabeth, Max and Houston, Texas at:

HOUSTON PHOTO JOURNEY http://www.houstonphotojourney.com

All of the eye-catching photographs on this post are credited to: HOUSTON PHOTO JOURNEY.

If you have an interesting blog concept and would like a personal interview published on My Life I Swear, email me at contactmylifeiswear@yahoo.com.

I hope you enjoyed this post and I look forward to your comments and emails, and making more friends in the blogosphere.

Erin Cooper Reed

Posted on April 14, 2017April 14, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 10 Comments

It All Leads Back to You

Please hold on tightly to any inspirational thing I have ever posted up until now, in fact, I might very well need you to echo it back to me because I’ve hit a big time low.

As most of you know I injured my knee a little over two weeks ago. It’s been a rough road but I have tried to stay positive and hopeful.

After my initial emergency room visit, I set up an appointment with my primary care doctor…who scheduled me an appointment with Advanced Radiology…who Scheduled me an appointment to see an orthopedic doctor.

All of which played out something like this…

Today I went to see my orthopedic doctor to get my MRI results.

I was hoping that I was on the mend and that I could get back to driving, working my job as a waitress and well, basically living my life.

Spoiler Alert:

I am totally screwed.

So here’s the recap on my kneecap…

Torn ACL

Tear in the Meniscus

Low to moderate grade tear in the MCL

Impact type fracture in the Tibial Plateau

Moderate knee effusion

Bone Contusion

When I saw the MRI report, I cried.

Then I cried some more.

The orthopedic nurse told me that I could have sustained an injury like this, say, falling out of a window.

At that moment, I was kind of wishing that I had.

Did I mention that I sucked it up and worked the past 2 days (to help out in a pinch) and have been walking without crutches? Well, I did, and I have.

I guess that’s just my strong Polish blood line that reveres a good work ethic and denounces any kind of pain…or total stupidity, you decide.

In any case, here I stand (or lean) between two one way signs that are each pointing directly back at me.

The question is, what am I going to do?

Have you ever been in a situation where you had no idea what you were going to do next? How you were going to provide for your family? How you were going to keep your chin up when everything around you is falling apart?

It certainly will turn your world up on end.

I guess this is the part where life pushes you to stand up and show what you’re made of.

This is the part where life challenges you to press on, figure it out and to create something out of the little fraction of you that you have left.

So, I guess it all leads back to me.

I have no idea what I am going to do next or how I am going to survive…

But I do know this,

I love to write.

I might even be good at it.

My blog is doing extremely well.

Over these past few weeks, I have had more time to write and my blog has taken on a force of its own.

By the hour, my traffic, followers, comments and likes are increasing.

People are sharing my content on their sites and on the internet and in turn things are really starting to snowball.

The comedian Gallagher (who was popular in the late 70’s and early 80’s) once said,

“The bigger the crowd, the more people who show up!”

That seems to hold true.

I have no idea where this set-back in life is going to lead me or even how I’m going to get through it…

But I do know this, I’m just going to keep writing and see what happens.

And you know what else?

I really appreciate all of my readers/ followers.

I know that it all leads back to me, but also I couldn’t “Keep on keeping on”, right now without all of you.

Much love,

Erin Cooper Reed

My Life…I Swear!

Posted on April 12, 2017April 12, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 4 Comments

A Day In My Life

Knee sprain.

Weight Gain.

Headache Pain.

A day in my life…

John is downstairs making a cheesecake from scratch.

The dog needs to be walked…but I can’t walk.

My son’s friend just came upstairs to use the bathroom and “accidentally” knocked down two of the four baby pictures of my boys that I had displayed on the stairway wall.

Shattered glass.

Cleanup.

Life’s tough.

I’m not sure I would trade it for the world.

This is my life and I’m just happy to be amongst the living…

Even if I can’t walk…

Posted on April 12, 2017April 12, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com

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As always, I appreciate your feedback, comments, likes and shares!

I look forward to getting to know you and keeping you inspired and entertained.

Erin Cooper Reed

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Posted on April 11, 2017April 11, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 18 Comments

The Art of Individual Expression

When Rocky was in third grade he returned from his day at school with an extremely sad face.

I greeted him with a smile and asked how his day was.

Rocky removed a small, handmade Indian satchel from his backpack and handed it to me.

“You made this?” I asked

Rocky slowly shook his head yes.

As I held the small satchel in my hand, I observed each of the meticulously placed feathers and stones that Rocky had glued to it. It was obvious that he had decided with great care where each of them would be placed. It was simplistically and tastefully done. I was impressed with the beauty of what my son had made and all of the effort that he had put into it.

“Mommy, it’s an Indian satchel.” Rocky began, “We’re learning all about American Indians in school and this is what they used to carry their stuff.”

“It is beautiful!” I replied, “You did a great job!”

“No, I didn’t.” Rocky stated, as he began to cry “Turn it over.”

I flipped the satchel in my hand and there written in red marker was a large letter “C”

I was shocked.

“Why did you get a “C”? I asked

Rocky replied, “My art teacher said that all of the other kids glued more rocks and feathers to theirs and I didn’t try hard enough.”

“I’m not any good at art.” He stated through lips that began to quiver.

Rocky sat on the floor across from me and sobbed, tears running down both of his cheeks.

“Rocky you are really good at art. What you make is your own creation and it is absolutely perfect because you made it. ” I said, “Art is an expression of yourself and you expressed yourself beautifully.”

I gave Rocky a hug and dried his tears.

“Thanks Mommy.” He said

“Now go play.” I replied with a smile.

That night as I made dinner all I could think about was the Indian Satchel and my son’s tears.

After I got the boys in bed, I fired up the computer and composed a very heartfelt, passionate email to my son’s art teacher. I told him how Rocky cried over his project and his grade. I told him how my son had said, “I’m not any good at art.”

My fingers flew over the keyboard as I explained that this letter grade that my son received had helped him to come to the conclusion that he had nothing to offer artistically.

And I didn’t stop there.

I explained that art was a form of expression and perspective that was individual to each person and how I felt that as long as the student completes the project and learns, in this case, the history or assignment that went along with it, that there should be no letter grade…only a complete or incomplete regarding the project.

I was crying as I wrote, feeling validated in what I was saying.

In closing, I pointed out that my son crying and believing that he wasn’t good at art is the complete opposite of what art is meant to teach: freedom of imagination, creativity, self-expression, personal growth and confidence.

I ended by signing my name with my phone number below.

The following night I received a phone call from the art teacher. He apologized for his statement to Rocky and what had transpired when Rocky returned from school with his art project.

He told me that he had read the letter more than ten times. He told me that he cried.

The outcome, he said, was that the students in lower elementary art classes would no longer be receiving letter grades for their individual art projects, only a letter grade for each marking period.

I thanked him and we hung up.

I had made a difference, not only for my son, but for all of the other children that need to express their individual creativity without fear of it not being good enough.

We are all always enough.

For all of the artists, painters, sculptors, crafters, decorators, photographers, seamstresses, knitters, crocheters, woodworkers, dancers, musicians, actors, singers, fashionistas, and writers out there…

What you create is enough…It is always good enough, because it is an expression of you.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

Posted on April 11, 2017April 12, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 6 Comments

Moms Say the Darnest Things!

As moms we try to set the best example and say the right thing when raising our children. We have the best intentions, but sometimes lack of sleep, set of circumstances or just the plain old stress of parenting gets the best of us.

Have you been there?

With three boys, I certainly have.

Being a mom has given me the opportunity to put together sentences that I could never in a lifetime fathom that I would speak.

Example:

Ring.

Me: “Hello.”

Mom: “Hi, honey! How is everything going over there?”

Me: ” Okay. What’s new with you? CAN YOU BOYS BE QUIET? I’M ON THE PHONE! Sorry, Mom.”

Mom: “Well, today on Doctor Phil, he had this couple on, you wouldn’t have believed it…”

(COMMOTION AND NOISE IN THE BACKGROUND)

Me: ” Wait would you hold on a minute mom, GET THAT SPATULA AWAY FROM THE CAT! Okay, sorry mom, you were saying?”

Mom: “Never mind honey, maybe I should let you go…”

Me: “Okay Mom. I’ll call you back.”

Having three boys in the back seat of the car while you are driving always makes for warm memories and insightful conversation…

Marc (to Rocky): “Stop touching me with your knee!”

Rocky: “Am not! Stop touching me with your knee!”

Marc: “Are so. Stop it.”

Kevin: “You guys are breathing on me.”

Rocky: “I’m not breathing on you, Marc is!”

Marc: “Uh-Uh, Rocky, you’re breathing on him!”

Rocky: “Am not! You are!”

Kevin: “You’re both breathing on me…and you’re too close Rocky, stop touching me!”

Me: “OKAY, EVERYONE JUST STOP TOUCHING EACH OTHER! AND STOP BREATHING!!

Notably not the best advice…but somehow it worked. Well, the kids didn’t stop breathing (Thank God) but I did put an end to the “Touching – Breathing war.”

My mom has always been a class act. She is no longer surprised, or even shocked by my kids, my elevated voice or the bizarre things the come out of my mouth, although she didn’t handle things in the same manner when I was growing up.

One day, my mom was on the phone with a friend when an argument between my sister and I broke out in the livingroom. This was back in the day when you were chained to the kitchen phone by a short phone cord.

I can’t remember what it was that my sister and I were arguing about, but I can remember the scene like it was yesterday. As our voices heightened, my mother didn’t change her expression, pause the conversation or even let on that there was a situation arising in her home.

My mother just continued talking and reached for the nearest available item. She picked it up with one hand without skipping a beat.

She leaned into the hallway where she had a clear shot into the living room. When I glanced over, all I could see was her arm above her head spinning like she had a lasso.

I had no idea what she was holding, yet she continued her conversation with a smile.

The argument with my sister resumed and our voices got even louder.

To both of our surprise, my sister and I simultaneously got hit in the head by a flying object.

We were immediately silenced as we stared at the loaf of Wonderbread at our feet, realizing what it was that hit us. (Damn, my mother is a good shot!)

Then, as girls often do, we broke out into laughter.

I could no longer remember what I was so upset about and I doubt that my sister could either.

Funny thinking of this now and considering my current style of parenting…

I could certainly save myself a ton of ridiculous sentences and a hoarse voice, with a trip to the bakery and a round of Lasso Lessons.

Posted on April 9, 2017April 9, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 2 Comments

The Eye of the Storm

Sometimes we find ourselves totally unprepared for what life throws at us. There is no forewarning, no current of change, no inkling of the storm that is brewing along the horizon.

And then, there we are standing dead center, in the eye of the storm.

We realize that the saying “Life can turn on a dime” exists for a reason… because it is true.

Maybe it is any injury, or a breakup, an illness or the loss of a job or a loved one. Whatever the storm may be, the eye of it is the devastating life change that turns your world upside down.

The enormity of the situation finally sets in. You go through an array of emotions, shock, confusion, fear, anger, depression, anxiety, uncertainty… then innately, you realize that you have no choice but to face it.

Acceptance is the first step in regaining your ground.

Slowly you learn to cope with your new circumstances without even realizing that coping is the second step in embracing change.

So where do you go from here?

This is the part where your adaptability, courage and resilience takes you places you would never have dared to go if wasn’t for the storm and the eye of the storm that catapulted you to where you now reside.

Maybe through your experience, you find a cause that you are passionate about.

Maybe you have an interest in sharing your experience and helping other people who are dealing with a similar situation.

Maybe you are inspired to create in the form of the written word, art or even an invention.

And maybe, you realize that the storm, the turn of a dime that you saw as a setback, is the exact circumstance that gave you the opportunity to see things from a different perspective.

A perspective that not only leads to beautiful and unexpected paths but ultimately leads you to grow and thrive.

Posted on April 9, 2017April 9, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com

Let’s Get It All Out There

I have posted some of the domestic violence poetry that I have written through the years. It is about not only what I have personally been through, but what I have endured and who I have become.

Let’s just get it all out there.

There really isn’t a market for domestic violence poetry…but there are people who connect to it and feel inspired.

If I never accomplish another thing in my life but to move and inspire just one person who is struggling, it will all be worth it.

So, there it is .

My past. My pain. My growth.

I have shared with you the depths of my soul.

Take with you what you will and what you need…

I am glad that we have gotten to know each other on such a personal level.

Thank you all.

Now, Let’s get back to the laughter.

Much love,

Erin Cooper Reed

Posted on April 9, 2017April 9, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 1 Comment

Petals of Progress

You are a work in progress.
You are not what you have
been told you are.
You are not the total sum
of all of your bad experiences,
or even your mistakes.

Like a dormant seed,
All you are,
All you’ve been through,
All the uncertainty,
You’ve buried deep in your soul,
is waiting until the climate is right.

You are exactly
where you need to be.
And all your fears,
And all your pain,
All your doubts,
And all your sorrow,
are the barren seeds,
that slowly take root.

Out of your pain,
grows the strength of the stem.
Your fears produce the bud
which surrounds you with
new found confidence.
Your every doubt,
And every sorrow,
unfolds from the bud
developing into
fresh new petals of
love, creativity, joy and hope.

Through strife
grows your
inner most beauty,
which produces
your greatest potential.

Like a flower
blossoms in Spring,
You flourish into
more than you ever

dreamed you could be

Posted on April 9, 2017April 9, 2017 by mylifeiswear.com · 8 Comments

In Spite of All the Rain

I left an abusive marriage.

I’m strong and I’m free.

Have to get on with my life,

figure out who I’m supposed to be.

Still I can’t help but notice,

that something’s not quite working.

I’m struggling to find myself,

a midst damage so deep, that it’s still lurking.

So accustomed to living in turmoil,

no time to focus on all the things I feel.

When they begin to surface,

they are as sharp, as they are real.

I never would have imagined,

that what you leave, is also what you take.

And all the good intention,

does not a perfect person make.

I’m well aware of my issues;

anger, guilt, low self-esteem.

Slowly, counseling is helping me,

release my inner scream.

Deep inside how do I justify,

all the degrading things that I’ve been told.

And compensate for so much lost time,

when I know I’m getting old.

So much hurt ingrained in me,

only I can work through the pain.

By looking for the rainbow,

in spite of all the rain.