Seedplanter’s Porch

Times are tough. There’s no denying it. But in the early minutes of this Thanksgiving Day (yes–I’m still awake, thanks to that big mug of coffee at 8 p.m.), I have plenty to celebrate.

I don’t have a lot of wealth by the world’s standards, but I am rich. I have a family who loves me (and grown kids who still seem to like me, too); three precious granddaughters I adore; friends I can be myself with; a comfortable, warm place to call Home; work I enjoy, and a passion for creativity that was given to me by a Creator who loves me just as I am.

I have a future and a hope, regardless of circumstances. A peace that carries me along in the peaks & valleys of life.

Oh! I almost forgot…I have a new Squidoo lens, too!  Please stop by Try, Try Again when you have a moment. If you love nature as I do, you’ll marvel at the amazing lives of certain species of ants. If each of us learned to cooperate like the South American Hunter Ants, the Weaver Ants, and the Leaf Cutter Ants, imagine how different our world…our cities…our neighborhoods would be.

*Image via Wikipedia

Tom tweeted me early this morning to say that 140 words is NOT enough to express his excitement over receiving the honor of LOTD. Turkey’s Last Stand was an attempt to get the word out about the plight of this poor stressed-out bird. It now stands at #4 for humor & #270 overall–truly a surprise among his feathered friends.

Squidoo served that purpose, and he is happily serving his country in Minnesota. If you haven’t read his entire saga, Tom has updated the Intro at Turkey’s Last Stand to include all four lens links. Learn about his rich family heritage (don’t miss Vinny’s portrait), his struggles to escape Farmer’s axe before Thanksgiving, and his session with Dr. Helpa Byrd, the Turkiatrist who worked with Seedplanter and assorted members of Congress to find a solution to his dilemma. Oh, and don’t miss Cloud9’s excellent interview with Tom, on a day when he was hyperventilating and wondering what lay ahead in the…errr, axe department.

Squidoo’s influence has changed Tom’s world, and the turkeys of the world thank you.

(Now go out and have yourself a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!)

Tom, our resident turkey is back, reporting from his brand-new job in Minnesota. At the request of his good friend and turkiatrist, Dr. Helpa Byrd, he has updated his support base with a new lens. Turkey’s New Job: Countdown to Thanksgiving takes up where Turkey’s Manifesto left off.

He wants us to know he’s doing well and has a lot to say about his “contribution” there at work. Time will tell how great a toll this service will take on him. For now, though, it’s generating electricity–green power! Woot!

Here on the homefront, we’re celebrating a new chapter for our country, as our elections have finally ended. I, for one, am happy to have the political dance behind us. It’s time to move on, and I have great hope that the future will be bright, if we commit to pulling together and working hard. I believe President-elect Barack Obama will do a fine job, and he deserves our support and prayers.

Have you visited my two cheery color-wrapped lenses? Crazy About Blue has been joined by Crazy About Yellow. Keep an eye out for the next one, Crazy About Red.  It’s going to be a doozy.

Stay warm, be sweet, and tweet me when you’re in Twitter!  (It was fun watching reactions to the election last night, mostly because everyone was working hard on lenses, crafts, or business-building at their websites, all the while keeping one eye on the election results and one eye on Twitter.)

Ahhh, technology. You gotta love it.

’til next time!

What does a panic-attacked turkey have to do with a certain magazine of gossipy fame?

Our own Tom has hit it big today, with a cover feature of the nightmare he had on Wednesday. The coverage couldn’t have come at a better time, as one of his most devoted followers, Cloud9, posted a passionate interview she conducted with him just yesterday afternoon.

For the many well-wishers who have sent cards, letters, and turkish gifts, he thanks you. He’s scheduled an appointment with the renowned Dr. Helpa Byrd, PhD, who will be picking his brain and suggesting a course of therapy to assist him through the Thanksgiving season.

In the meantime, Tom wishes you all a gobbleastic day in Squidooland.

If you’re wandering in from Squidooland, welcome! I’ve got plenty of comfortable chairs on my porch (don’t hog the porch swing!), and the weather’s always warm ‘n breezy. A gigantic thanks goes to Chef Keem, who is providing a steady stream of snacks. (By the way, this guy really knows his chocolate!)

In the beginning…

So, how did I discover Squidoo? I was researching for a writing project in August 2008, and happened upon an article by a Squidoo lensmaster. All it took was one look, and I was off ‘n running, chasing one link after another. Let’s just say my writing goal for the day went down the drain, but my horizons broadened considerably.

Squidoo is unlike any other website, and I’ve seen a lot of websites since 1994. (For visitors who have no idea what Squidoo is, here…read the history of this amazing community effort.) Squidoo isn’t fluff. Lensmasters write about their passions and dreams, successes and failures. Squidoo is real people reaching out in ways that bless, encourage, and yes–entertain.

So who has time for Squidoo, anyway?

I’ve discovered that lensmasters are busy people, not aimless web-wanderers looking for entertainment. Our lens topics are as varied as our personalities. I’ve written about my nature photography, family, kids’ crafts, and about Tom, a stressed-out turkey who’s looking to outrun Thanksgiving. My parents always used to say, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” That’s my goal @Squidoo, and I suspect it’s yours, too.

’til next time…