Seedplanter’s Porch

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!)

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…