BLOGGER RECOGNITION AWARD

PART 1

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Below is the first group to get CRYSTAL AND DAISY MAE’S BLOGGER RECOGNITION AWARD.

Remember all you have to do is only:

  • Give this award to 1 person.
  • Link to my site.
  • If you do a post, share or reblog please put #CRYSTALANDDAISYMAE’SRECOGNITIONAWARD.
  1. Animals Are Feeling Beings Too
  2. Books,dogs and cats
  3. Cats and Life
  4. RoseyToesMeows
  5. 15andmeowing.com
  6. Pets Overload
  7. Katzenworld
  8. Conscious Cat
  9. Canny Catnip Nook
  10. Cat Chat With Caren And Cody

woods email address bottom

 

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COMPUTER SCAMS

MY EXPERIENCES WITH COMPUTER SCAMS AND ADVICE NOT TO FALL FOR THEM

Today, computer scams of all kinds seem to be popular. Even computer savvy people aren’t immune. It seems like bi-monthly you’re hearing about a scam. If you’re new to computers you may fall for the scams. I grew up without a cell phone or computer and to find that post you can go to Growing Up Without A Computer Or Cell Phone.

SOME of the computer scams I’m familiar with is the “LOGMEIN” Scam, the “Microsoft” scam, the “Anti-Virus” scam, the “Pop-Up/Survey scam, the “Inbox/Trash link scam and many more.

I know my title says my experience and my advice to you so let’s talk about my experiences and my advice of what you should do.

First off, when I first got my first computer I was computer illiterate with the exception of knowing how to run e-mail and turn my computer on/off. I learned by trial and error as I went along. 

Experience #1: “LOGMEIN” Scam – I had these people call about my computer they said they needed remote access(that should’ve been a flag right there to me) but since I was just learning so I wasn’t aware of this. My advice is never give remote access and if you do for some reason, change your password right away so they can’t get access to your computer.

Experience #2: “Anti-Virus” Scam – This can take many forms. Some of the forms you may see is through e-mail, pop-ups or by phone just to name a few. On your computer along the sides or in the center there are advertisements with prices that seem to good to be true. Usually if the price and what they seems to good to be true it usually it is. Also, these scams come by phone sometimes too. This goes with my experience above. My warranty expired and they wanted me to buy it again. I learned from my experience and when I refused to buy their anti-virus program they weren’t happy. Soon after that I took my computer to be checked and they found so many viruses and malware on my computer I was in disbelief. I couldn’t imagine how they got there then it hit me, they were probably planted there. I’ve suspected but can’t prove they did it but they were very angry when I refused to buy their warranty. Soon after that, my computer crashed. My advice is simple never go for the prices on pop-ups there most likely scams. Always do research first.

Experience #3: “Pop-Up/Survey” Scams – Never answer these because most of the time they’re scams.

Experience #4: “Your Microsoft On Your Computer Has Expired” Scam – Someone calls you on the phone and proceeds to tell you Your Microsoft  on your computer has expired. Since I’m on my third computer I’ve learned what’s a scam and what’s not.  It was something to hear but when my mother asked me are you sure? I said yes because Microsoft came with all my computers. I called the place where I got my computer and they said it’s a scam.

Because I was new to computers I fell for the top 3.

What To Do If You Fall For A Scam:

  1. Change All Your Passwords Right Away.
  2. Run a Full computer Scan to make sure no malware or viruses have been planted in your computer.
  3. If the place where you got your computer offers free checkups then take them up on it. You still might want to take your computer for a checkup no matter what. Most of the places make you pay a price. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.

I hope none of you ever fall for a scam but if you do, the above steps can help you. **Please Note** I only mentioned a few things you can do through my experiences.

Please share your experiences if you have any and some tips to follow that I haven’t mentioned.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

I

Do’s And Don’ts Of Flashlight Safety

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to WELCOME TO CRYSTAL’S SITE(ORIGINALLY COUNTRY LIVING). I would like to talk to you about the Do’s And Don’ts Of Flashlight Safety. I can just here what some of you may be thinking and that is What do I need to know about flashlight safety? What you need to know may surprise you.

INTRODUCTION

As I mentioned briefly in the welcome flashlight safety is important. You see growing up as a child my father was a Safety Director. I learned a lot from him and I’m still learning from him. For example, just the other night I learned something about flashlight safety I didn’t know. I’ll get into that later in my post. You guessed it, flashlight safety is more than going to a store, picking out the color of flashlight you want and paying for it. Now on to the DO’s And Don’ts Of Flashlight Safety. I’m going to start with the Don’ts.

FLASHLIGHT DON’TS

  1. Don’t leave batteries in flashlights or anything else when it’s not going to be in use for a while.
  2. Don’t shove your flashlight under your bed or somewhere thinking you’ll be using it sometime soon. Take it from me the likelihood of that happening is slim and none.
  3. Don’t wait to your flashlight goes completely out to replace the batteries.  If the light on your flashlight is getting dim then it’s time to replace the batteries. Remember, you never know when the electric will go out so be prepared.
  4. Don’t wait to your battery gets corrosive to replace batteries. If your batteries are corrosive then it could hurt the workings of the flashlight.
  5. If for some reason your flashlight battery is past being corrosive and if you’re not sure then here is an example that happened to me. The other night I was looking for birthday cards and pictures when I came across a flashlight I had shoved under my bed. Guess what? That flashlight I found was completely ruined because it was past corrosive. In fact, There was a white powder on the book from the flashlight. As soon as I showed it to Dad he told me what the white powder was and to wash my hands immediately. The white powder was battery acid in a powdered form. When you see this white powder, trash your flashlight and wash your hands with soap and water. I’m showing you 3 different to show you what your should and shouldn’t look like. These pictures may look the same but it’s to show you which flashlights are bright, dim and dead.
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SHOWING FLASHLIGHTS THAT ARE BRIGHT, DIM AND DEAD WITHOUT ANY ZOOM.
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SHOWING FLASHLIGHTS THAT ARE BRIGHT, DIM AND DEAD WITH MEDIUM ZOOM.
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SHOWING FLASHLIGHTS THAT ARE BRIGHT, DIM AND DEAD ON FULL ZOOM.

FLASHLIGHT DO’S

  1. First, after buying a flashlight and of course some backup flashlights too. When you get home with your flashlights first decide if you’re going to use all of them if not then only put batteries in the ones to be used.
  2. Buy a flashlight with a very bright light. Usually the flashlights with other things on it and are made if you’re caught alongside the road will do.
  3. If you are able, try to make sure there is a flashlight in every room if not almost every room.
  4. Do buy a lantern and/or a portable light that can be used when the electric goes out. 

 

These are just a few of the Do’s and Don’ts of Flashlight Safety.

LINKS

 

 

 

 

Types Of Bullying And The Possible Solutions To Stop Bullying

stopbullyingIntroduction:

You Should Kill Yourself. You’re Weird. You’re Different. You’re Not Pretty. You’re Not Handsome. You Can’t Do That. Your Stupid. The list goes on and on. Got your attention? I hope so because with the way technology is now days bullying happens more than we think. Another thing we should consider is that boys aren’t the only ones that bully but girls bully kids too.

types_bullying_graph
Graphic Is By: forfreepsychology.wordpress….

These phrases could be considered bullying. Which type of bullying? The phrases I have listed in the Introduction fall into the Verbal Bullying and Cyber-Bullying categories. Are these the only two types of bullying? Sadly no. In fact, there are six types of bullying that can happen. The six types of bullying are: Physical Bullying, Verbal Bullying, Relational Aggression, Cyber-Bullying, Sexual Bullying and Prejudicial Bullying. I will be taking a look at each type of bullying, Giving examples of each type of bullying and I will also give visual examples of each type of bullying too.

Graphic Is By: antibullyingblog.blogspot.com

Types Of Bullying

Physical Bullying:

Physical Bullying is considered to be the most obvious form of bullying. Physical Bullying happens when the more popular kids are bigger, stronger and more aggressive than the unpopular kids. Examples of Physical Bullying are Kicking, Punching, Slapping, Shoving and Other physical attacks that occur. Unlike other types of bullying, Physical Bullying is the easiest type of bullying to identify.

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Graphic Credit: Istockphoto

Relational Aggression:

Relational Aggression is a sneaky type of bullying that usually goes unnoticed by parents and teachers. This type of bullying is sometimes referred to as emotional bullying. Relational Aggression is a type of social manipulation where the people who are the bullies try to hurt their peers or sabotage their social standing. Examples of Relational Aggression are: Being told they can’t be in a group, People spread rumors about them,  People manipulate situations and They try to break confidences.  The bully’s goal is to make themselves look good-by controlling or bullying another person.

If we take a look at both females and males, you will usually find that females use Relational Aggression more than males.  A person on the receiving end of Relational Aggression Bullying is often teased, intimidated, insulted, excluded and ignored.

Bullying doesn’t just happen in schools but can happen in the workplace too. Kids as young as 2 years old can start to bully other kids. Why does bullying start so young and how does it develop? I learned that bullying is something that just doesn’t suddenly or mysteriously appear in young children. In fact, children bring with them a history of experiences with family, media and other children.

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Graphic Credit: istockphoto

Cyber-Bullying:

Cyber-Bullying is when a person uses the internet, smart phone or other types of technology to target another person, threaten, harass or embarrass someone. Cyber-Bullies often say things they don’t have the courage to tell them face to face. Examples of Cyber-Bullying are: When a person sends nasty e-mails or text messages, Posting nasty and embarrassing pictures on social media, videos and websites.

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Graphic Credit: istockphoto

Sexual Bullying: 

Sexual Bullying is when a person or group of people targets someone sexually. Examples of Sexual Bullying are: Sexual Name Calling, Crude Comments, Vulgar Gestures, Uninvited Touching, Uninvited Sexual Advances and Pornographic Materials. In some cases Sexual Bullying can lead to sexual assault and possibly rape.

I know for a fact that this type of bullying actually does happen and to boys too not just girls. I know a teacher who knows a child that has had Sexual Bullying happen to him. I’m not naming the child or teacher due to privacy and security issues. But do note that this type of bullying happens more than you think. Also, this type of bullying is not just in schools but the workplace too.

iStock-617568070-59f1ccca396e5a00105d7d10
Graphic Credit: istockphoto

Prejudicial Bullying:

Prejudicial Bullying is mostly between teens. It is based on race, religions and/or sexual orientations. It is sad to say this can take in all other types of bullying. When this type of bullying occurs it is often severe and could lead to hate crime.

iStock-486325330-59f1ccf0396e5a00105d8541
Graphic Credit: istockphoto

 6 Common Types Of Bullies

Bully Victims:

Bully Victims often rise up after being bullied. They’ll bully others weaker themselves because they have been bullied themselves. Their goal is to regain the power and sense of control in their lives. Other times the bully victim comes from a home life riddled with domestic violence or suffers abuse from an older sibling. In cases like these bullying is a learned behavior.

iStock-533458786-59f23e4bd088c000104b3fdd
Graphic Credit: istockphoto

Popular Bullies:

Popular Bullies have big egos.  Popular Bullies also have a group of supporters and/or followers. They are often confident and condescending towards others. In fact, Popular Bullies often feel a sense of entitlement that comes from their popularity, their size, their social status and their upbringing. Popular Bullies are sometimes the school’s star athlete and is often looked up to by others since they’re perceived as leaders.

iStock-96961184-59f2410f22fa3a00114dc153

Relational Bullies:

Relational Bullies are usually somewhat popular and enjoys deciding who is popular and who isn’t. Often times Relational Bullies usually only use Verbal and/or Emotional Bullying to control someone. Mean girls are considered to be Relational Bullies.

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Graphic Credit: istockphoto

Serial Bullies:

Serial Bully is systematic, controlled and calculated in their approach to bullying and they are often found in popular circles. However, adults such as parents, teachers and administrators usually have no idea what a Serial Bully is capable of because on the outside they may seem sweet and charming to authority figures but on the inside they can be very mean to others they don’t like. Examples of Serial Bullies are: They become fake friends to others and They are skilled at lying to get their way.

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Graphic Credit: istockphoto

Group Bullies:

Group Bullies are either part of a clique or a group that just follows the leader just to belong. However, they usually act different when they’re alone even with the victim. Because children feel better when they’re in a group, they also feel less responsible because all their friends “are doing it”.

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Graphic Credit: istockphoto

Indifferent Bullies:

Finally, I found in my research that Indifferent Bullies are unable to feel empathy. They often will appear, unfeeling, cold and have very little remorse for what they do. They get enjoyment out of seeing someone else suffer and getting disciplined. They are discouraged by punishment. Also they are usually brutal, cruel and mean and usually have psychological problems.

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Graphic Credit: istockphoto

I have given you something to read and think about but I said in the title of my post that solutions were included. Below are some of my solutions that might help with bullying.

Solutions For Bullying:

  1. Don’t Start Bullying Anyone.
  2. Walk Away If A Bully Tries To Pick A Fight.
  3. Think Before You Post And Send.
  4. Make The Block Button Your Friend.
  5. Someone Starts Name-Calling Don’t Argue But Walk Away.
  6. Tell Your Teacher, Parents And In A Worse Case Scenario Tell The Police.
  7. Never Argue With A Bully.

There are plenty of more solutions and I’m sure you may be able to think of some but these solutions that are listed especially Number 7 Never Argue With A Bully, are some important solutions that might help.

Links Used In My Research:

I used my EXPERIENCE With Bullying, I Used My Indirect Experience With Bullying,  I used 6 Types of Bullying Every Parent Should Know AboutHow Does Early Bullying Develop and you can find more solutions at 10 Ways to Reduce Bullying in Schools.

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Graphic Credit: Highwaystarz-Photography/Thinkstock

Conclusion:

My conclusion is very simple, if you think you see bullying happening do something about it and report it.

STOP BULLYING!!

stopbullying

 


Bullying

By: Crystal Stewart

Bullying is a mean way to

Gain power over a person

Who is weaker than the bully.

Although bullying happens more 

Often than reported, walking away

And reporting it are the best solutions

To bullying and hope anyone in a

Bullying situation will do exactly this.

My plea to everyone is don’t bully but 

Treat the bully with extreme kindness

And they will wonder why you are being

So kind to them when they are

Being mean to you.

So be extra kind to bullies.

 

 

Supawstars Award: February

im-a-supawstar-pet-blogger
Graphic Credit: Elise Xavier From KittyClysm.com

The Supawstars Spotlight Award is an award given to animal bloggers by animal bloggers for a ‘pawsome’ job.

I encourage ALL of my nominees to give out this award at  least once pass the recognition around. You can give it out once or give it out once a month like I try to do. Who knows, The Supawstars Spotlight Award might make it back to you again.

The Instructions For Giving The Supawstars Spotlight Award can be found HERE and if you want to see the post by KittyClysm* can be found  HERE. Instructions are on KittyClysm*’s site. I hope you check this site out.

Now onto my Nominees for The Supawstars Spotlight Award. They Are:

  1.  Animals Are Wonderful
  2. Bad Cat Chris
  3. Feline Cafe`
  4. Mad Cap Dog
  5. Supawcute

Congratulations to all my nominees. 

If you don’t see your blog above and want to be recognized for your Animal Blog or know some good animal blogs doing a ‘pawsome’ job, please let me know by using the Contact Form Below or Let me know in the comment section. However, I would prefer the Contact Form over the comment section for your privacy.

My 1st Sunshine Blogger Award

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I was just recently honored by MY LIFE AND OTHER STUFF for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I want to thank MY LIFE AND OTHER STUFF for this honor. This means a lot to me.

Here Are The Rules For The Award:

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you.
  • Answer the 11 questions asked.
  • Nominate 11 other blogs and ask 11 new questions for them.
  • Finally list the rules and include the Sunshine Blogger Award logo somewhere in the post.

Here are the questions asked by MY LIFE AND OTHER STUFF:

  1. What food do you hate the most? All vegetables
  2. Which country would you love to live and why? I would love to live in Ireland. As for why, that is where some of my ancestors are from.
  3. What’s the best present you’ve ever received and from whom? The best present I ever received was eternal life the day I asked Jesus into my heart. From Whom? Jesus.
  4. What’s your favourite word? I really don’t have a favourite word.
  5. In which past decade would you love to live? Thinking back, it would be the one you didn’t have to lock doors or worry about your kids getting abducted by someone.
  6. If you had a superpower, which would it be? I think I would want the superpower of all superpowers and that is I would want all of them. I call it the master superpower. 
  7. If you had a time machine, where would you go. I would want to go back into the 1940’s just to see what it was like when my parents were growing up.
  8. Do you play any sport? Not anymore. I used to play volleyball and throw javelin when I was in school.
  9. What’s you favourite hobbie? It used to be cross-stitching but now it’s a tie between tv and the computer.
  10. Your very first memory? My very first memory I can remember is teaching my sisters how to get out of the playpen. I’m sure there are other memories before this but none that I remember.
  11. Tell me a random fact about you? My random fact is that my 2 younger sisters are fraternal twins.

My 11 Blog Nominees are:

  1. CRYSTALS PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE
  2. RoseyToesSews
  3. Cats and Life
  4. The Recipe Hunter
  5. Katzenworld
  6. Your Present Blessings
  7. brianandlily
  8. Smorgasbord- Variety is the spice of life
  9. lipstick ‘n’ grace
  10. Tanglewood Knots.com
  11. The Introverted Book Nerd

My Questions For My Nominees Are:

  1. How Old Are You?
  2. What Is Your Job And Do You Like Your Job?
  3. Do You Like School And If You’re Out Of School, Did You Like School?
  4. What Is Your Main Goal In Life?
  5. Do You Have Any Pets And If You Do, What Kind Of Animals Do You Have?
  6. Do You Like To Travel And If So, Where?
  7. Do You Have Any Brothers Or Sisters And If So, How Many Of Each?
  8. What’s Your Favorite Sport and Why?
  9. Where Does Your Best Friend Live As Opposed To Where You Live?
  10. Do You Collect Anything ?
  11. Tell Me A Random Fact About You. 

 

THE BLUE SKY AWARD AND THE LIEBSTER AWARD

 

I would like to thank Jerri Perri for nominating me for both of these awards. It is an honor to be nominated for them. Please feel free to visit this amazing blog. If you wish to visit Jerri Perri’s blog, you can Jerri Perri . I promise you won’t be disappointed.

RULES OR PROCESS OF THE AWARD:

 

  • Pay Regards To The Person Who Nominated You.
  • List 11 Facts About Yourself.
  • Nominate Other Bloggers.
  • Inform Them Of The Nomination.
  • Give answers To All The Questions You Are Asked.
  • Ask Your Nominees Some Questions.

Once again I want to thank Jerri Perri for nominating me.

11 Facts About Myself:

  1. I’m Female
  2. I have no kids
  3. I like animals especially cats and dogs.
  4. I like flowers
  5. My sign is Sagittarius
  6. I have 1 cat
  7. I like to read
  8. I’m a country girl and love it.
  9. I love to shop.
  10. I live in a small town.
  11. I dabble in writing poetry
  12. I met Maya Angelou

Ok, I did 12 facts instead of  11. Consider the 12th fact a bonus fact.

My Blog Nominees Are:

  1. Her Lost Mango
  2. thekitchensgarden
  3. Smoky Cat and Sally Dog
  4. Rabbit Girl Crafts
  5. Animals
  6. Books, dogs and cats
  7. Life with Dogs and Cats
  8. Smorgasbord- Variety is the spice of life
  9. Miss Talkaholic
  10. Questionable TortoiseCouture
  11. Purrseidon
  12. Boston Book Reader
  13. Book Allure
  14. No Dog About It Blog
  15. Red Letters
  16. FOR JESUS FIRST LOVED ME
  17. Crystal Clear
  18. Abby’s Apparel
  19. Piglove
  20. Daughter of a bookstore Owner
  21. Home, Hugs and Huskies
  22. BRIAN AND LILY
  23. The Joyful Soul
  24. Blog de companie
  25. CRYSTAL’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE
  26. The Joyful Soul Creates
  27. simple Ula

My Answers To Jerri’s Questions:

  1. Why are you a blogger? I’m a blogger because of curiosity.
  2. How much have you loved and is still willing to?  I like to think I have loved a lot but and I still have love to give.
  3. What do you think about world peace? Is it possible? How? World peace would be a wonderful thing. No I don’t think it’s possible on earth but I do think it’s possible in Heaven.
  4. Has anyone ever hurt you such that you can’t forgive him/her? What was the occasion? Yes. There was one person in my college years I couldn’t forgive for the longest time but I eventually did. That doesn’t mean I have forgotten though. As for the occasion, well I hope everyone understands but I’m just not ready to talk about it yet.
  5. Can you love unconditionally? I am really not sure.

My Questions To My Nominees:

  1. Why did you start blogging and Do you like blogging?
  2. Any advice you want to give to newbie bloggers?
  3. What was the happiest day of your life and Why?
  4. What’s your favorite type of music and Why?
  5. What’s your favorite television show?
  6. Have you watched a horror movie and if so What was the name of it?
  7. What’s your favorite animal?
  8. Do you give to any charitable organizations?
  9. Where Do You Want To Be 5 Years From Now?
  10. How Old Are You and What’s Your Job?

I could ask more questions but won’t.

Thanks Again To Jerri Perri For Nominating Me.

 

A BOOK REVIEW Of COWBOY UNDER FIRE: COWBOYS OF HOLIDAY RANCH

DSCN0285The book COWBOYS UNDER FIRE: COWBOYS OF HOLIDAY RANCH is a ROMANTIC suspense book by  Carla Cassidy, New York Times best selling author that keeps you guessing who done it until the end of the book.

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS: 

The book COWBOYS UNDER FIRE: COWBOYS OF HOLIDAY RANCH  is about Forensic pathologist Patience Forbes is a whiz with the dead-it’s flesh-and-blood men who wreck equilibrium. And cowboy Forest Stevens isn’t fooled by the guarded beauty’s icy facade. So when she’s attacked, he appoints himself her personal bodyguard. Her very personal bodyguard…

Patience is determined to investigate mysterious bones on the Holiday Ranch-not fall into bed with her sexy protector. But Forest is too masculine, too willing to lay down his life for hers…and to set on living a different life from the one from the one she’s built. With danger closing in, can Forest tame the shrew before it’s too late?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK:

I liked was the fact it started out slow then by the middle of the book the plot got really interesting. Also, I liked the fact that Patience had an icy attitude toward everyone and just wanted to dedicate herself to her job and her job only. I also liked the fact that Forest Stevens doesn’t give up on Patience but keeps persisting.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:

I didn’t like the fact that the new owner was introduced briefly and also mentioned the owner might sell the ranch and the workers might be out of a job. I didn’t like this because even though at the end of the book the murderer is revealed but it doesn’t mention if the new owner is going to sell or not. In my opinion, I thought the reader was left hanging and guessing what the new owner did. I also thought another book could have been written about the ranch being sold or not and on the workers if they kept their jobs or not. This could be another book. All in All, I thought the book kept you on the edge of your seat until the end of the book.

LINKS:

*Please Note that Permission was given by e-mail from Harlequin to take pictures of the cover.*

The Star Blogger Nominations

Hello my friends, I’m thrilled to announce I’m among the top 10 bloggers up for the Star Blogger Award. How How To Addict wanted to recognize interesting blogs and unique blogs.

I mentioned previously that I’m up for the Star Blogger Award. Well I would really appreciate your vote for WELCOME TO CRYSTAL’S SITE(ORIGINALLY COUNTRY LIVING) it is listed under Daisy Mae.  The link to vote is at: Star Blogger Award Nominations .  

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR VOTES. 

My Blog nomination is under Daisy Mae. Please help me and Vote for me. This Award would mean a lot to me.

My 2nd LIEBSTER award

 

 

THANKS cseveneaj for nominating me for my 2nd LIEBSTER Award. This is not only an honor but a pleasant surprise since this was unexpected. PENandPAPER has a great site and you should really check it out.

RULES FOR THE LIEBSTER AWARD 

  1. Link back to the person who nominated you, also try to give a little promotion of their blog.
  2. Give 10 fun facts about yourself.
  3. Nominate 5-11 bloggers.

FACTS ABOUT ME

  1.  I don’t know how to cook.
  2. I love Hot Wings.
  3. I like playing with my cat.
  4. I hate snakes
  5. I met Maya Angelou when I was in College
  6. I’m very leery of dogs I don’t know since getting bit by a dog.
  7.  When I was in college, I drew my one dog who was an Alaskan Malamute.
  8. I like planting flowers.
  9. I am a family oriented person.
  10.  I like entering contests just to see if I can win and sometimes I do win.🙂🙂

MY NOMINEES ARE:

EVERYONE🙂🙂

You saw right, my nominees are EVERYONE. I believe every blogger has their own unique abilities of writing on their own blog(s). Every blogger should be recognized someway.

THANKS AGAIN PENandPAPER

Thanks for all your love and support my friends.

 

Choices: Good And Bad

 

Above are examples of choices. On the left, someone is choosing to go into the service and on the right a bear choosing to get something to eat in someone’s backyard. Both examples are risky choices.

We are given the ability to have choices to teach us responsibility. From a young age we are taught Right from wrong. When we get to our Pre-teen and teenage years, we choose for ourselves. Sometimes we make the right choice and sometimes we make the wrong choice.  Sometimes we regret the bad choices we make.

So before we make a choice be sure to think it through before you choose to go that way.  There is always a risk involved with whatever you choose but sometimes the risk pays off and sometimes it doesn’t.

If you don’t want to choose the wrong choice, here are some tips you can go by:

  1. Don’t hang out with the wrong crowd.
  2. Before making your choice think it through.
  3. Write the Pros down.
  4. Write the Cons down.
  5. Weigh the Pros and Cons.

You’ll find if you do some or all of these steps, it will help you make the best choice. However, remember animals don’t have this luxury.

By: Crystal Stewart

Please Note: If you have other tips you want to mention, please let me know in the Comment Section.

Please Note: Link is from bing.com

What The Colors Of The American Flag Really Mean!?

After writing  a poem called WHAT THE COLORS OF THE AMERICAN FLAG MEAN TO ME, I thought it would be interesting to find out what the colors really mean. So below are some links that will show you what they mean and the links are: What do the colors of the Flag mean,  What do the colors of the flag mean and  What does the colors of the flag mean(Google Search)  . The last link I provided has several links you can choose from.  Below are screenshots of What do the colors of the Flag mean?

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PART 1 OF 2 OF WHAT DO THE COLORS OF THE FLAG MEAN?
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PART 2 OF 2 OF WHAT DO THE COLORS OF THE FLAG MEAN?

WHAT MEETING MAYA ANGELOU DID FOR ME

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A POEM CALLED “You are the apple of God’s eye” WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY PARENTS. THIS POEM IS BY A UNKNOWN AUTHOR.

When I went to Clarion University Of Pennsylvania  almost 24 years ago, something really big and incredible  happened other than graduation. It was a highlight in my college life and lifetime I don’t think I’ll ever forget. Maybe because it was encouraging to meet someone famous that was not only minority but she was black and really had to work at what she got. I was encouraged by this and it made me want to pursue my dreams and not be a quitter. The woman’s name was none other than Maya Angelou.

Meeting Maya Angelou was not only inspiring but exciting too. Before meeting Maya Angelou, I was determined to reach my goals but after meeting Maya Angelou and hearing her story, I was even more determined. Also, it was nice to hear that you weren’t alone and that other people had either the same concerns or similar concerns.

After meeting Maya Angelou, I went through a phase of writing poems. I even had some of them published in a book with other people’s poems from the college.

I would like to tell you a little bit about Maya Angelou and if you read below, you will see a brief synopsis of who Maya Angelou is and what she has done.

Maya Angelou was an “American Poet, memoirist and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.”

Maya Angelou had several poems and quotes. I’ve read some of the quotes and they’re quite good. Some of her quotes are quite encouraging.

In my opinion, when you smile you encourage someone and that will not only help them but also help you. A smile goes a long way in encouraging someone and lifting someone’s spirits. Not to mention, a smile is contagious so it will help you and help the people who are around you. So Smile.

There are many links you can go to on Maya Angelou and I am only going to list a few and they are: Maya Angelou(Wikipedia)Maya Angelou(Official Site)Maya Angelou(Biography) and Maya Angelou(Bing Search). Also, some links for Maya Angelou’s poetry are: Maya Angelou Poetry Links and Maya Angelou Poetry Links-Wikipedia. I think you will find these links interesting and informative.

Meeting Maya Angelou encouraged me to continue to be determined, ambitious, not be a quitter and to pursue my dreams when people tell me I can’t do something.

I encourage everyone to continue to be determined, to be ambitious, not to be a quitter and to pursue your dreams and not quit when things get rough. Remember, it’s just a stepping stone and teaching tool when things get rough and there will be times it will get rough.

When things get rough and you need a friend to talk to, try talking to your cat and if you don’t have a cat talk to your pet. It might sound crazy but it helps and they don’t talk back. Also, if you don’t have a pet to talk to, talking to a stuffed animal helps too. So pick yourself up and continue doing what you’re doing. You’ll eventually finish what  you started. I know I did and I eventually reached some of my goals.

I could say meeting Maya Angelou was a dream come true but the truth is, my only dreams and goals at the time was graduating from college. Meeting Maya Angelou was just a way to make me more determined to reach my goals what ever they may be.

I  think a good way to end this post  is with some Maya Angelou quotes. Below are some quotes by Maya Angelou and they are:

  1. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
  2. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
  3. “If you have only one smile today in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be grumpy at home, then go out in the street and start “Good Morning” at total strangers.”
  4. “A SMILE IS THE PRETTIEST THING YOU CAN WEAR”

If you think about the above quotes, they all ring true one way or another. Also if you think you’re having a bad day, there is probably someone out there who is having a worse day than you. So stop having pity parties for yourself and stop moping around because there will always be someone having a worse day than you.

I’m not saying you can’t have a good cry when something doesn’t turn out the way you had planned,  a good rant when you get angry and even vent when you have things bottled up inside you. Actually, sometimes it ‘s good to talk or vent because once you do, you will feel so much better.

I have previously  put some links in this post that you can go to read about Maya Angelou and below are two more Maya Angelou links.  Here are the other two links for Maya Angelou quotes and they are: Maya Angelou Quotes and Maya Angelou Encouraging Quotes.

If you have a similar story please let me know by using the contact form below.

Continue reading “WHAT MEETING MAYA ANGELOU DID FOR ME”

UPDATE: POST PUBLISHED ON CRYSTAL’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE CALLED SUNRISES AND SUNSETS: IN PHOTOS PLUS SOME OTHER POSTS THAT WERE REBLOGGED

UPDATE:

I did some blogging and reblogging on my new site, CRYSTAL’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE. I also just published another picture blog called SUNRISES AND SUNSETS: IN PHOTOS. I think in my opinion these blogs are pretty good.

On your dashboard under Links then hitting All Links, you’ll find both of my sites and their Links. If you don’t want to bother with that, here is the link for CRYSTAL’S PHOTO-BLOGGING SITE.

Thanks to Everyone who has visited the site. I hope you follow it too.

 

THERE’S A SILVER LINING TO EVERY CLOUD AND HOW A SMILE AFFECTS YOU AND OTHERS

There is an expression that we have heard of and it is  “Every cloud has a silver lining.” The meaning and origin of this phrase is as follows:

The Meaning

“Every bad situation has some good aspect to it. “This proverb is usually said as an encouragement to a person who is overcome by some difficulty and is unable to see any positive way forward.”

Origin

“John Milton coined the phrase ‘silver lining’ in Comus: A Mask Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634”

“I see ye visibly, and now believe

That he, The Supreme Good, to whom all things

ill

Are but as slavish officers of  vengeance

Would send a glistering guardian, if need were

To keep my life and honour unassailed

Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud

Turn forth her silver lining on the night?

I did not err; there does a sable cloud

Turn forth her silver lining on the night,

And casts a gleam over this tufted grove.”

“‘Clouds and ‘silver linings’ were referred to often in literature from then onward,usually citing Milton and frequently referring to them as Milton’s clouds. It isn’t until the days of the uplifting language of Victoria’s England that we begin to hear the proverbial form that we are now familiar with-‘every cloud has a silver lining’. The first occurrence that is unequivocally expressing that notion comes in The Dublin Magazine, Volume 1, 1840, in a review of the novel review Marian; or, a Young Maid’s Fortunes, by Mrs. S. Hall, which was published in 1840:

As Katty Macane has it, “there’s a silver lining to every cloud that sails about the heavens if we could only see it.”

‘There’s a silver lining to every cloud’ was the form that the proverb was usually expressed in the Victorian era. The currently used ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ did appear, in another literary review, in 1849. The New monthly belle assembl`ee, Volume 31 include what purported to be a quotation from Mrs Hall’s book – “Every cloud has a silver lining”, but which didn’t in fact appear in Marian, which merely reproduced Milton’s original text.”

If you want to read more about “Every cloud has a silver lining” then you can go to these links: ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ and Links for ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’.

In my opinion, this saying is true. You see there really is a silver lining to every cloud and a lot of times we might not see the silver lining right away but for every cloud there will be a silver lining. Some examples of this saying are as follows:

Someone tells we can’t accomplish something

We might not accomplish what we want to do right away but the silver lining here it will be accomplished in the future.

We suffer the loss of a loved one and/or friend

It’s hard to find a silver lining here but there is one. It will take some time before we see it but the silver lining will eventually show up.

Becoming unemployed

If you ever been unemployed then you know it’s no fun. The silver lining here is you will get another job, retire or better yet start your own business.

Being Single

It’s hard to see the silver lining here especially if you’ve been single for quite some time. Remember the silver lining might be you find the right person and get married or you just stay single.

When a situation comes up in our lifetime, we shouldn’t think a bad situation is bad but think of it as a good thing because really if we think about it they’re stepping-stones to our destination. These stepping-stones that we may consider roadblocks make us stop and ask ourselves is this what we really want? Of course, this is a question that can have many answers and that’s because everyone has to answer this question every time a situation comes up.

You may be going through a situation that’s making you take a step back and ask is this what I really want? If you aren’t asking this question, then you either have already answered this question or your situation that caught you off guard is a good situation. Sometimes good situations do catch us off guard and make us ask the same question.

My hope for everyone is that you will have more good situations than bad situations. I want everyone to try to smile when you have both good and bad situations. I know it’ll be hard to smile through bad situations but if you do, you’ll find it’ll make it easier to get through your bad situation. It’s usually pretty easy to smile when you’re in a good situation but when you’re in a bad situation it’s not as easy.

Smiling through all situations that come our way will not only make us feel better and put us in a better mood. Smiling also makes other people want to be around us more.

In my opinion when you smile, I think you will find that people treat you better than when you aren’t smiling. So smile through both good and bad situations and you’ll go far. How far is up to you. If you smile through the bad then hopefully your reward will be that you have more good situations than bad situations. Also in my experience, I have found a smile will change your attitude from bad to good.  Even when you’re in a really bad mood and/or just plain having a terrible day you may be asking? Especially smile when you’re in a terrible mood and/or just having a terrible day because it will not only change your attitude but people will notice the change in you.

Let me share a tip about smiling and that tip is even if you have to put a fake smile on your face to change people’s attitude toward you, you will find even a fake smile will help your attitude. How do I Know? I’ve put a fake smile on my face many times and it actually did change my attitude and how other people viewed me. What happened when I smiled? It was contagious and made people ask why are you smiling?

Remember, Smiling is contagious and does have benefits. If you would like to learn more about smiling and the benefits you can go to THERE’S A SILVER LINING TO EVERY CLOUD AND HOW A SMILE AFFECTS YOU AND OTHERS. This link provides several links you can learn about why you should smile and the benefits a smile provides.

🙂🙂Do me a favor, Smile no matter what and you will be rewarded.🙂🙂

 

 

 

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My Niece, Kaitlin In Her Graduation Cap And Gown And Behind Kaitlin From Left To Right Is Her Dad, Her Mom And Her Older Sister
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My Niece, Kaitlin In Her Graduation Cap And Gown Holding Her Pet Dog
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My Niece, Alyssa With Her Grandfather In Their Shirts They Got Each Other
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My Niece, Kaitlin Getting Her Diploma
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My Niece, Kaitlin Who Graduated With Honors With Other Girls Who Graduated With Honors
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My Niece, Emily With Her Mother At Their Birthday Party
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My Nephew, Dylan Holding A Rabbit, In The Center Is My Cousin, Jeff And On The Right Is My Youngest Sister
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On The Left Is My Niece, Alyssa In The Center Is My Nephew, Dylan And On The Right Is My Oldest Niece, Emily

The above pictures are examples of smiling through good situations.

The pictures below are examples of smiling through bad situations.

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My Niece, Alyssa smiling even though she’s on crutches.
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My Niece, Alyssa with her brother, Dylan walking around our campsite even though she’s on crutches.
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My Niece, Kaitlin With Her Get Well Flowers And Her Smiley Balloon
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Get Well Flowers, A Little Stuffed Animal With A Smiley Balloon For My Niece, Kaitlin

*The Links In The Above Blog Are From Google*