“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” — Oprah Winfrey
Does your life ever feel, oh I don’t know…slightly hectic? I can hear some of you laughing. (“Ever? How ’bout hectic is my middle name?”) I get that. For the most part, I prefer life that way—staying busy and doing work I adore. At times for all of us, though, the load can seem so heavy, it’s no longer about having a lot on our plate, but feeling as though there’s no plate large or sturdy enough to support it all.
I was feeling that way recently when news arrived that sucked the wind out of my stresses. My husband’s grandmother was extremely ill, and it was time to visit her one last time.
If platonic love-at-first-sight exists, I felt it with Grandma Tovar. I met her at her 80-something-th birthday party in El Paso, to which she wore a shimmery black dress with a diamond pendant, her eyes more sparkly than her jewels. She was always that sparkly—cracking jokes, brightening spirits, giving advice and telling stories—until very near the end. She passed away on Sunday, and will be greatly missed.
The one thing I’ll probably remember most about Grandma T. was her ability to embrace and celebrate life. Well after a successful career and raising four children, she stayed active. She read constantly, took up harmonica lessons and bowling just last year, learned from her mistakes and was never too proud to admit or laugh at them. She had friends of all ages, related to most everyone and maintained a sharp, open mind. (She even talked to me about Girl Boners, but I promised I wouldn’t get into that. ;)) And given the slightest window of opportunity, the woman partied like crazy.
I’d considered skipping a blog post this week, regardless of my plan for a 200th post celebration. But how could I skip a party with Grandma T., the party QUEEN, profoundly in my thoughts? She’d NEVER bypass such an opportunity. If she’d been a writer, her blog would have been overflowing with virtual martinis, mariachi singers, fabulous food and colorful dancers.
In honor of Grandma T., and the 200 posts many of you have so graciously supported, let’s play music, don our sparkly duds and paaarty—keeping in mind that every day holds a reason to celebrate, no matter how crazed we may feel.
How to play:
In the comments below, share a link to one of your blog posts and one to another’s post that really struck you. While you’re at it, tell me your favorite party drink! Stick around or pop back later to check out others’ links. It’s a great way to mix, mingle and make new friends. Remember to click “like,” comment, share and/or follow blogs you really dig. Let’s get the sparkly support flowing…
Huge THANKS to all of you, for your ongoing support. ♥ May you always find ways to savor the storm.
*Party idea inspired by Chuck Wendig.
Girl Boner 
Amber West
/ June 6, 2013Congratulations on your 200th post!
I’m sorry to hear of your loss, but happy that she came into your life and inspired you.
This is an old post, but one I think is worth sharing for anyone here who doesn’t follow Kiran of Masala Chica – it’s called The Day I Liked My Mirror. http://masalachica.com/the-day-i-liked-my-mirror/
I’m not sharing a post from my own blog, but a post about me that I woke up to this morning. It meant a lot to see it, and my hope is that others might be moved to give. http://annasgreymatter.com/2013/06/05/the-lesson-of-lemons/
Big hugs!
Bill Parker
/ June 6, 2013Loved reading both of these.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Ditto—very inspiring. Thanks, Amber!
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013I’d never heard of either of these blogs. So glad I checked them out. Kiran’s made me cry with the honesty she shared. The second one…well, Amber, you’re pretty amazing, yourself.
Masala Chica
/ June 6, 2013Thank you so much, Amber, for sharing. I agree with Kitt – you ARE pretty amazing. August, I am so sorry for your loss but it sounds like you were very fortunate to have shared some of your life with your grandmother. Many hugs.
Amber West
/ June 6, 2013You all are making me blush. I was just trying to help a friend of a friend.
And Kiran, I’m excited to see there are people here who get to experience your writing for the first time.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Thank you! I’ve subscribed to your blog, and look forward to future posts. 🙂 (Ditto, re: Amber!)
Mike Miller
/ June 6, 2013Sincere sympathy for Grandma T. She and mine would have gotten along famously.
200 posts blows my mind. You are to be seriously commended. Seems like only yesterday that I was reading your 100th and starting to fall hard for you. Lol.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013100 was a great party! 😉 Now I know I officially fell for YOU first. LOL I really appreciate your support—always have.
Bill Parker
/ June 6, 2013Wish I could’ve met Grandma T. Seems like just the best.
Hmm, I guess I’ll keep it light with the post I wrote about all the theretofore unthinkable things I planned to do, the day after Minnesota voted to legalize same-sex marriage and end civilization as we know (knew) it: http://williameparker.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/my-post-traditional-marriage-to-do-list/
I haven’t had time to be moved by a lot of posts lately (or to write many of them, clearly). The ones I’ve been moved by are ones that everyone here has read (Susie, etc.). My sister has an awesome vegetarian food blog that should be (and is on its way to being) world famous, and I’m going to share this link because it has crazy-sweet pictures of my son at the top. 🙂 http://veggieandthebeastfeast.com/2013/05/31/left-field-friday-may-31st-2013/
Bill Parker
/ June 6, 2013Forgot my drink. Well, beer, snobby mostly dark and bitter beer.
If I have to be less boring, um, this might cost me my man card or something (as though I hadn’t willingly surrendered it years ago) but a friend recently turned me on to Malibu & Diet, and man, that is WAY too good.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Great stuff all around. How about dark, bitter beer for dinner and coconut rum fun for dessert? 🙂 *raises glass to you and your sister*
Katie @ Veggie and the Beast
/ June 6, 2013You are too kind, brother 🙂
I love this post, August. Along the same lines as some of your recent posts, I really love this: http://hellogiggles.com/loving-your-body-in-spite-of-your-mind
And my favorite party drink has to be sangria, because it involves wine, bubbles (usually), and fruit (so it’s healthy, right? right.)
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Very insightful post, Katie. Thanks! Now I’m totally craving a sangria smoothie. 😉
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Great shares, Bill! After August’s duckfucking comment, I had nothing of value to add…LOL!
Your sister’s post reminded me of some of the recipes my mom had when I was younger (we were vegetarians, too).
Bill Parker
/ June 6, 2013SHHH no one around here can know that she swears sometimes! 😉
Thanks very much, Kitt.
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013LOL! Well if they check out your post, they’re bound to notice… 😉
mariacisnerostoth
/ June 6, 2013What a beautiful tribute to Grandma T. So cool that she took up the harmonica and bowling just last year. Wow!!! She sounds like someone I would have loved to hang out with. My condolences to your family.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Thanks, Maria! You’d have loved her, and vice versa. 🙂
Tuan Ho
/ June 6, 2013Grandma T sounds like she was a lovely woman. 🙂
Here’s a blog post I like:
How A First Novel Became an Amazon Bestseller in a Couple of Weeks – http://s.shr.lc/13kl1qD
And link to one of mine: http://thenoifmatrix.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/book-review-vibe-grey-apathy-by-kayla.html
My favorite party drink is water! I don’t drink alcohol lololol
But let’s partaay anywayy!!!! 🙂
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013LOL Water is a great party drink! And oh so affordable. 😉 Thanks for partying with us, Tuan. Eager to check out your links.
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Very interesting additions. I especially enjoyed the first one you posted. Thanks for sharing!
Catherine Johnson
/ June 6, 2013Awh so sorry you lost such a wonderful woman. What a lovely tribute to her, August.
I shall have to link to someone who is also wonderful and recently lost his wife, Lord David Prosser. http://barsetshirediaries.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/the-missing-doughnut-and-bye-bye-birdie/
Happy 200th!
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Thanks so much, Catherine. And what a touching post!
Lance
/ June 6, 2013Completely sincere condolensces for Grandma Tovar. She sounded lovely.
Happy 200th. I’m in the 700s now and appreciate the fact that anyone reads. I love your party idea.
Here’s one of mine I’m proud of: http://lance-myblogcanbeatupyourblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/shimmer-in-sand.html
here’s one I read yesterday that struck me as awesome:
http://t.co/hgq49f0ypA
I drink whiskey (jack daniels or jamesons) and water at parties. I like to drink simple while I get my good time on on.
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Lance, I really loved these shares! Loved your turning point post, and I agree with you on the awesomeness of the post you read yesterday.
Lance
/ June 6, 2013thank you and nice to meet you
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013A pleasure to meet you, as well.
Gloria Richard Author
/ June 6, 2013Condolences on the loss of Grandma T. She sounds like she lived life to the fullest. My. Kind Of. Gal.
WOWZA! on your 200th post and party.
I’m going to give my blog promo to a post inspired by a book you recommended in Girl Boner. It’s titled Men? O? Pause? My New Textbook.
http://gloriarichard.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/men-o-pause-my-new-textbook/
[Pssst. Are Girl Boner type comments permitted on this post? I didn’t want to shout out the name of the book if they weren’t.]
Which blogs pinged my buttons? Gaaah! There are so many talented bloggers I follow, it’s difficult to choose. Links to earlier Girl Boner posts – including the Fantasy Challenge where you graciously included my short story – are imbedded in that post. Jenny Hansen|More Cowbell and her Undie Chronicles? Must reads. Kristen Lamb’s recent Memorial Day post? Hilarious!
A recent post I found particularly inspiring? It’s got to be Susie Lindau’s Boob Report – Laughter is the Best Medicine. It’s the blog that inspired a plethora of posts on the day she underwent her double mastectomy. I have no doubt Susie will be up and back on her Wild Ride in no time. She motivated me to swallow the Yebbit and get on with writing and living and loving.
http://susielindau.com/2013/05/28/the-boob-report-laughter-is-the-best-medicine/
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Dudette (see, I remembered)! I should not be surprised at all that we both chose Susie’s post as our inspirational one. I also can’t believe I didn’t comment on your post! You know I love it, right? Going back to rectify that situation now.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Woo hoo! #SusieStrong
And yes, Gloria. Girl Boner comments are ALWAYS welcome! 🙂 Can’t wait to read your post.
Tameri Etherton
/ June 6, 2013What an awesome grandma! That’s how I want to be when I’m in my 80’s. Living life to the fullest and partying on. I love the picture of you the two of you. So sweet.
Linky love? Last week my friend Gayle guest posted on my blog about a book she wrote for the love of her horse. It’s a sweet tale of love, almost loss, and redemption. It would be fabulous if some of your peeps could stop by and show Gayle some love.
http://tamerietherton.com/2013/05/31/guest-post-gayle-carline-talks-horses/
For the next one ~ my friend Marie Andreas had a guest post by Dawn Marie Hamilton. They’re talking about faeries, brownies (not the edible kind), and sexy Scottish dudes. Check it out!
http://faeriesdragonsspaceships.blogspot.com/2013/06/guest-blogger-dawn-marie-hamilton.html
Thanks for the chance to show some love to my writers friends!
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Tameri, I’m going to be buying Gayle’s book for my mother-in-law thanks to your shout out! She’s a HUGE horse lover. As for the other, I’m a big Scots fan (especially highlanders) and I love the Fae, so I was totally all about it. 🙂
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013You’ll SO be like Grandma T. someday, Tameri! You’re already full of zest and sparkles. 🙂 Thanks for joining the party! Tough to go wrong with horses and books.
Rebecca Enzor
/ June 6, 2013Your Grandma-in-law sounds like an amazing woman ❤ So to play along with the party my favorite drink is a margarita and here's a link to some happiness: http://rebeccaenzor.com/2013/05/06/custom-of-the-week-kailani-hoofspen/ And here's a post from Angela Wallace about one of my favorite heroines: http://angelawallace.wordpress.com/2013/06/03/heroines-of-fantasy-miss-june/
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Great picks, Rebecca! Man, I’m impressionable. Now I’m craving margaritas. 🙂
Mike Sirota
/ June 6, 2013What a neat person. My thoughts are with you and MM.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Thank you!
Audrey Kalman
/ June 6, 2013I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. She reminds me of Carol Winfield, who I WISHED was my grandma and whom I wrote about for the Beauty of a Woman blogfest: http://audreykalman.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/i-want-to-be-like-carol-winfield-even-when-im-dead/.
And here is a post from KM Huber, whom I find greatly inspirational: http://kmhubersblog.com/2013/03/31/shedding-an-act-of-immortality/#comment-3190.
Finally, I know it’s old-fashioned, but I really do love a good martini (gin, straight up, with olives).
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Thanks for your shares! I really enjoyed them.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013I remember that post, Audrey–LOVELY! Thanks for the sweet words, and for the shout out to Karen. She’s wonderful. 🙂
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Congrats on your 200th post, August! Grandma T sounds a lot like my Grandma P. She was a redhead till the very end. Feisty and full of fun stories. I’m sure she’d love knowing she’s the belle of your ball. As for my favorite party drink…well, there’s a restaurant in Dallas called Ocean’s Prime. They make a mean Pear Grapefruit Fizz (and hubby got the recipe). It’s an awesome drink!
The blog post by someone else that really struck me is the humor and bravery of Susie Lindau’s http://susielindau.com/2013/05/28/the-boob-report-laughter-is-the-best-medicine/ as she battles breast cancer. So glad it hasn’t spread to her lymph nodes. She’s got an amazing attitude.
One of my own that I’d like to share? I think I’ll stick to the one I just posted…especially since I think it impacts most of us. http://theinnerwildkat.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/are-sex-and-body-issues-limited-to-women/
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013I’m not surprised that your Grandma’s feisty! And man, do I wish we could meet for those drinks one day soon. 🙂 Needless to say, your body image post tickled my GB, big time. 🙂 And Susie…such a rock star!
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 6, 2013Wouldn’t that be awesome? If you get to Florida, let me know. There’s a chance that I’ll get to meet Renee and Patricia Sands this year. It goes without saying I’d love to see you, too.
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013I might apply for the Miami Book Fair, which is in October. Far from you??
Kitt Crescendo
/ June 7, 2013A couple hours away…but doable. 🙂
Amber West
/ June 7, 2013Ooo…maybe I’ll have to make a little road trip to Miami? 😉
Jess Witkins
/ June 6, 2013August, I’m so sorry for your loss. How wonderful you were able to know and be so close to Grandma T. Cute photo of you two.
Happy 200th to you! You’re looking lovely for your age! 😉
I too would send a shout to Susie, but I see others beat me to it. So instead I’ll share Colin Falconer’s post, This is Why You Should Listen to Your Mother. It’s the story of Amy Tan’s journey to becoming a writer, and it’s a good one! http://colinfalconer.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/this-is-what-happens-when-you-dont-listen-to-your-mother/
I’ll share this week’s post on the film Hitchcock, about the life of the famous director when he was making Psycho. Who knew he was such an inspiring guy as well! http://jesswitkins.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/the-little-hitchcock-film-that-could/
August McLaughlin
/ June 6, 2013Thanks, Jess! And what great picks. 🙂 I’m a fan of you both, and missed those links!
Diana Beebe
/ June 6, 2013I’m so sorry for your loss, August! I love the idea of platonic love at first sight you felt for her–so sweet! I know your family will miss her, but she would appreciate this party.
200 posts and counting–Congratulations!
Do you know how hard it is to pick just one post that affected me or meant something to me? So not easy. I’ll share Kristen Lamb’s latest post because she has a way of writing whatever I’m thinking about. http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/traits-of-the-successful-author-discernment/
Here’s my latest post about getting past points of no return, based on my wedding anniversary today. There’s even a picture of me in my wedding dress. 🙂 http://dianabeebe.com/2013/06/halfway-point-aka-the-point-of-no-return/
Favorite party drink: Coke Zero, Diet Dr Pepper, or water (never took a liking to anything stronger).
jansenschmidt
/ June 6, 2013Oh, sorry about Grandma T. Sounds like she had a full and rewarding life. And she was blessed to have made your acquaintance. And what a great way to honor your 200th blog post!!
So in the party spirit, here’s my link: http://www.jansenschmidt.wordpress.com It’s good for a giggle or two,
And pretty much anything from Jenny Hanson’s blog would be awesome party material.
Here’s to 200 more posts! I’m raising my chocolate martini in celebration.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Kourtney Heintz
/ June 6, 2013So sorry to hear about Grandma T. She sounds like an inspiration and a hoot. 🙂 Congrats on your 200th blog post! 🙂
kindredspirit23
/ June 6, 2013Okay, I will keep it light with one of my short stories from Friday Fictioneers: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/friday-fictioneers-5102013-genre-horror-humor-pg13/
As far as someone else, there are so many!!! I have to cheat and do two:
1) for the wild-hearted!!! http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/friday-fictioneers-5102013-genre-horror-humor-pg13/
2) For the funny, yet lighter side: http://wordpress.com/#!/read/blog/id/26694981/
Thanks, August – this rocks!
Scott
kindredspirit23
/ June 6, 2013Not sure what happened, but my first (Wild-hearted) link got lost…here it is: http://ladyornot.com/
Kassandra Lamb
/ June 7, 2013Playing catch-up today after my book launch. Grandma T. sounds like she was an amazing lady! My condolences. And also congrats on 200 posts!!
August McLaughlin
/ June 7, 2013Thanks, Kassandra! Huge congrats on your release. 🙂
Raani York
/ June 8, 2013Congratulations on your 200th post August! You know I love your posts, even though I guess you’re a blogger much longer than I am and I figure I haven’t read each one of them, I’m pretty proud to say: I read so many of them to KNOW I LOVE your blog!!
I’m so sorry to learn about Grandma T.’s passing and offer you my sympathy… to you and your family and husband!
I chose first to add the link to one of my favorite blogs (there so many of them, but I had to pick one!) – It’s Laurie W Smith’s blog post #6 in his “Army Series” blog. Laurie W Smith is an excellent writer, a very sensitive and humorous blogger and a fantastic photographer as well! Read your “Police man”-series in the archives and you will find other gems there as well!
http://laurie27wsmith.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/youre-in-the-army-now-part-6-puckapunyal-lightning-and-radios/
The other link is to my latest blog post:
http://raaniyork.wordpress.com/2013/06/06/letter-to-keanu-reeves-bodyguards/
This open letter was published after I got quite a few REALLY bad comments and mails, following my “Letter to Keanu Reeves”. This one here is my reaction.
I keep on drinking “Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris” on parties as well, since I hardly ever drink alcohol. But when I DO make an exception it will be Whisky-Sour (with about half the amount of whisky, but a teaspoon more syrup and added a little ice water). 🙂
Thanks so much August! For your GREAT blog – and your love to live!! You’re a great person!
Matthew Wright
/ June 9, 2013Your Grandma T sounds an amazing person! Sorry to hear of your loss.
But warmest congrats on 200 blog posts. Apropos the party…Drink ‘o Choice – beer. Hey, I’m a Kiwi. It’s what we DRINK down here… 🙂 The brand: Steinlager Pure. Blog posts – one of my recent favourites on my own blog is this one:
http://mjwrightnz.wordpress.com/2013/06/02/a-close-encounter-with-cyber-katherine-mansfield-and-her-poodle-hair/
And we cannot go past Karen Huber’s blog, her latest post in particular:
http://kmhubersblog.com/2013/06/09/in-a-free-fall-flare/
Congrats again on 200 posts. And here’s a toast (in beer) to your next 200!
August McLaughlin
/ June 10, 2013Thanks so much, Matthew! Loved your post. 🙂
Elle
/ June 11, 2013You’re a doll. I hate that I didn’t get a chance to meet the lovely Miss T – she sounds amazing! I’m a Southern girl, so my drink is whisky straight. Always. A toast to you, your blog, and family and friends that make it all worth it!! ❤
MythRider
/ February 21, 2015Yes, there is lose, but God bless all the great times you had together, the memories, laughs, love and lessons learned. You life is richer because of her.
My post is about work, a place where we spend most of our time. If we have to have a day job, it should be something we like to d and people we like to spend time with.
https://mythrider.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/daily-prompt-perspective/
I’m posting one of my favorite blogs. VastlyCurious. She documents her travels through her phone camera. She takes amazing photo graphs and is an amazing artist. We’ve become virtual friends. I hope to meet her in person some day.
Here is a post of a small painting she did, but check her blog out to see her photographs.
http://vastlycurious.com/2015/01/24/wpc-express-yourself/