Do spelling and grammar still count?

suggested by Spelling Search

"How important are spelling and grammar in the world of blogging? Is it the thought that really counts, or does lack of formality destroy the message?"

I believe that spelling and grammar are important no matter what you are writing. Unfortunately, I seem to be one of the few bloggers who believe this is true. Ever since the start of email, people have become increasingly lax in their grammar in messages. I think text messaging on cellular phones increased the problem, since people try to get their message across with the fewest amount of characters. This is when everyone started using 4 (for) and U (you) and all kinds of acronyms like BTW (by the way), LOL (laugh out loud), and SAHM (stay-at-home-mom).

These have carried over into the email world for sure and it's just a matter of time before blogs start looking like encrypted messages since everyone is too busy to sit down and write a proper post.

What's your happy place?

I can't think of anything to write, so I will do a Mindbump.

suggested by Life in Eureka Springs

"Describe your "happy place". What are the thoughts that help you escape from a stressful situation and calm you?"

My "happy place" is back on my honeymoon ten years ago at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. One evening, we walked along the beach and found a group of hammocks hung between the trees just calling out for us to relax. So we did, and it was so comfortable. The weather was perfect, around 70 degrees with a slight breeze. As we lay there watching the ocean and listening to the waves, some turtles came walking by...

That's the most peaceful I think I've ever been.

Why is it your favorite color?

suggested by Egyptian Home

"What is your favorite color, and why do you think it is your favorite?"

My favorite color at the moment is red. I like to wear red because it is bold and lifts my mood, especially in the winter. Red reminds me of fall because it is the color of the most beautiful leaves. I like wearing red lipstick and nail polish because my husband finds it sexy.

Being an artist, I have never had just one favorite color. My color tastes change often and it depends on what the "color" is for. Will I be wearing it? Will I be painting it on my living room wall? Which brings me to my favorite decorating color, which is a medium darkness bluish, greenish gray (kind of hard to describe).

Decisions and their impact

suggested by Bandpox

"Describe a recent decision that made a huge impact on your life, and consider what life would be like if you had done things a little differently."

Well, a recent decision that made a huge impact on my life was picking up everything and moving across the country from Colorado to Arkansas. Here, we can be self employed and hopefully make enough money to live by our own creative devices like painting, web design, photography, etc. We may have to pick up odd jobs here and there to fill in the gaps, but I can't see us ever relying on "corporate America" jobs for sustenance.

If we had remained in Colorado, we would have payed way too much for a house and either my husband would be stuck in his life-draining corporate job and we would be struggling to live on one income, or we would both have to work and then pay big bucks for daycare for our two children. I definitely think we made the right decision for our family.

ps. If you find yourself with "blog block" and can't think of anything to write, check out Mindbump.com for inspiration like I did.