Monday, September 21, 2009

Throwing My Hat In The Ring

Well most of you that know me in real life are probably NOT shocked at all that I have decided to start a blog. Ask anyone and they will tell you that I tend to have a lot to say and am not afraid to say it either!


So you ask WHY have I decided to do this now? Is it because I have an over-abundance of free time on my hands? NOO! Is it because noone listens to me in real life? NOOO! It's probably because by sharing it with all of you, I hope to learn more and possibly help others too!


Also I know absolutely NOTHING about blogging - I am totally winging this here. Hence the PLAINness of it all. I am going to upload some pictures and templates as soon as I figure out how to do so!!!


I'm going to start with a little about myself - the brief description to the right just wasn't enough.


My name is Ann Marie - I am married to a wonderful man named Joe for the past five years. He is my "keeper" husband - he came into our lives when my children and I needed him so much. He is always making us laugh and takes care of us in such a special way.


I have three children "E" who is 17, her brother "J" who is 14, and their little sister "N" who is 11. They are beautiful, healthy, active vibrant kids who make me so proud of them!!! I hope they know that.


I am a Breast Cancer Survivor - I was diagnosed in May 2007 and underwent a lumpectomy, a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Thanks to God, my husband, kids and family and friends I am totally CANCER FREE today!!!!!!! If you or someone you know is having a problem with breast cancer (lumps, shadows on mammograms, fears etc.) you can contact me privately. I would be happy to try to help in any way I can.


I love to talk about my cancer - I know how funny that must sound to all of you. But I see it as a story with a very happy ending. If talking too me helps even ONE WOMAN to get a mammogram, or see a doctor or start doing BSE's (Breast Self Exams) then all my talking will not be in vain.


So you will hear about that on here.


I also LOVE to craft. I wasn't crafty or artistic AT ALL growing up. I couldn't draw a stick person!!!! But when my oldest dd was almost one - I learned to sew. Several of my friends were showing off the pretty little outfits they were making their children and I was SHOPPING.(Ok so my shopping didn't stop - I just started buying FABRIC!) So when a friend asked me to take an adult ed class on sewing at a local high school I jumped at the chance. So that was over 16 years ago now and I feel I am a "pretty good" seamstress.


I have been encouraged by others to start sewing professionally - so I am in the process of setting up an Etsy shop named PrettyPinkPolkaDotz (more on that to come). I will be doing custom children's clothing and embroidery. I may also offer handcrafted greeting cards too.

I am VERY into papercrafting these days - I got a Cricut electronic cutting system for my birthday last year and now I am just crazy about it!

I love to read - anything with a happy ending - but prefer modern romantic comedy type books. Just can't read anything heavy lately!


Oh also I am a Catholic and tend to mention God so if that's not for you - then that's okay. But I will say what I want - I am open and honest to a fault. I can't lie seriously - I get a stomachache!


I also own my own business - I am privileged to represent Mary Kay Skin Care and Cosmetics.
(If you would like to order or request a catalog - you can email - mention this post for a Blog Discount!)




AND I can ACT - I've been on the stage in one form or another for ahem over 35 years. I started with the lead in the Christmas pageant in 4th grade and they haven't been able to pull me off since.


Currently I do murder mystery dinner theater where the audience actively participates in the "whodunnit" of it all! It is a blast!!!!!!!! I think we actors have just as much fun as our audience.



And a few other small things I LOVE to use parentheses (didja notice yet?) and I often use CAPITAL LETTERS to emphasize things - cuz ya don't always "get" what I'm saying in print like you would in real life. And I like to use slangy English when I am writing casually but did edit both my HS and college newspapers so I DO know how to spell and speak correctly!!!

SO that's who I am in a nutshell...........I cannot wait to meet you all and hope you enjoy my blogging!


G'night!!!!!!!!!

5 comments:

  1. Well, you're off to a good start! Enjoyed reading your first post! :)

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  2. I always wondered why your "Location" on SM said "Praising God for my HEALTH". Now I know. What an awesome thing to overcome and a wonderful gift to turn the praise back to God. Im following you, hope you dont mind. (Geeze, I sound like a stalker, sorry!) Feel free to drop by my blog anytime as well!

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  3. I say 'welcome' to the blogging world!
    You're off to a great start!

    Keep it up!

    Blogging can be very theraputic and I've been blessed to meet so many great women that think and feel like I do about so many things.

    Best of Luck with your new Blogging Adventure!

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  4. Hi Ann Marie! Yippeeee! I am so glad you have joined the blogging world! You will love it. I try to update about 3 times a week and just talk about whatever, but mostly my family and sewing. But then, you already know it.

    Have fun with it Sweetie! I'll be back!
    Sivje

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  5. Wow what a nice intro! And how awesome you give God the glory for you being cancer free! Excited to see your creations!
    hugs
    Brenda

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