Tag Archives: facebook

On why I stopped writing.

Posted on November 29, 2011 | 2 Comments

I was reading through my archives this morning and getting a bit nostalgic. I was looking over the people who I have met through blogging and how blogging has changed my life.

I was thinking how thankful I made that decision to blog a couple of years ago. I mean, through my blog not only did I get a little creative outlet, I set up my little shop. I’m not sure how it is going to go. Sometimes, I feel as if it is a little self defeating. Other days I feel like it’s going great.

I don’t know where this post is going to go. That’s okay. I’m going with it. I’m going to let the thoughts just flow here now and I’m in the mood to share. I have so many thoughts. Is it possible I can just stop them? Organize them? Make sense of them?

Write them?

I’m trying. I’m trying to make sense of the world we live in. The world the includes social media. I am trying to understand how the 500+ people who I have on my fb friends’ list have entered into my life, if I know them at all.

Of course, some of them yes. But when I started sharing on facebook it was really just to show my sister and mom who live half way around the world, pictures.

Then I had problems with privacy. I don’t mind sharing photos sometimes but not all of the time. The ones that are up are up. But, lately, I just don’t know.

It’s all about being public. And private.

Maybe that’s why I sometimes just recycle old posts or put favorite posts on my front page. I just take an old post that’s good and change the date. That’s fair, right? It is my blog after all, right? Can I just write on one date and publish it on another date? Is that lying if the post says one date and I wrote it on another? Like my about page says, my goal in life is to be honest.

Not always easy. Good goal though.

Prayed last night with my family about my work situation.

It’s dramatic and depressing. I lost my job in May and I’m not at all okay with that. All of my posts, all of my life has been dedicated toward teaching. Yes, I found a small teaching job at four hours per week, but that’s not enough to live on, to get by on and frankly my savings is dwindling.

Crying. Laughing. Such an emotional git I am. So darn human and vulnerable.

I look at my pretty paintings and they cheer me up and they tell me a story. I think of your comments that just play in my head over and over much like a song you can’t get out of your head. I think about the girl who says look at her, look at her, she’s got it, the art, the house, the husband the kids.

I try to live in a state of blessings a state of grace.

I try.

I’m no where near there. I call on my parents. I call on my family. I call on my best friend. I call but no one seems to have the answers for me. Only me of course. And God.

What makes me happy is my children. I wish and I’m saying it here loud and clear, I wish someone told me that motherhood would be what it is! They try, don’t they? What it means to make Christmas happen. What it means to add the sunshine into the day, to be a a guide when you don’t know how, to give of yourself completely to try to find words for something you cannot possibly explain with words, but only with glances.

My readership.

My readership has grown and changed and slowly evolved into something I can’t understand or make heads or tails of. It’s a strange thing, it is. There are the people who I started blogging with who have stopped reading and stopped commenting and stopped blogging. Then there are the lovely ones who I’ve met along the way who have entered into my heart.

Then there are the people who I care most about who send me love and encouragement. Then there are lately the non commentors who quite frankly just I don’t know how to say it, I don’t want to say freak me out, I just want to say, I wish they would just say hello. Maybe they are shy. Maybe they are just reading. Maybe they are just observing. Who knows.

Maybe that’s why I stopped writing. Because I see person after person stop in read what I say and then move on. Why? Why read? Why even visit?

I know, I like to read and visit too. I’ll give you a concrete example. One of my favorite bloggers, actually two of them, don’t have facebook accounts. When they write a post, it’s not unusual for them to receive up to ten comments on the same day.

I’m not saying I’m comment deprived, I’m just saying, I don’t post regularly, I have way too many friends on facebook, and I can’t make sense of this social networking, so I’m not writing. Just recycling.

Does it really matter if someone comments here or on facebook?

That should keep away any visitors, huh? Also, like I’ve said before, I cannot stand email. I just don’t like it. So now that people get my posts by email, it really bothers me. It’s as if I’m writing straight to you. I’m not trying to do that! I’m just trying to get my thoughts on my journal and make them public. I didn’t mean to send you an email. I know you opted for it, but it’s just not my thing. I delete upwards of 30 emails a day. I can’t stand it!

So there you have it. My view on why I stopped writing. At least for now. You never know though. People are strange. They can change their minds at a whim.

On a happy note, my shops are doing well. I appreciate that. You are welcome to visit my stores and see my art work here and here.

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Posted in journal

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‘Let’s eat Grandma!’ or ‘Let’s eat, Grandma!’ Punctuation saves lives.

Posted on November 25, 2011 | 13 Comments

Hi guys and welcome back to my blog. Thanks for dropping in.

Do you often check your stats?

I was humbled when doing my internet research and came across blogs that have a reported reader base of 300,000. I was so excited about my first 1,800. I went into the kitchen and told my husband. He was lovely and supportive. He said Julie, give it a chance, you have only just started.

Time to reflect.

Time to reflect.

He’s absolutely right.

I am reminded to thank God for my many blessings.

I spend a lot of time figuring out the basics, how to choose a picture, how to get my categories and my archives visible.

There’s a lot of behind the scenes work going on that I don’t know if my reader is aware of.

Here’s a little award going to the behind the scenes workers at this blog. Someone needs a little love and appreciation today. Smattering of applause.

Some people added me to their lists of blogs they like to read. This brought new visitors. Thank you. It is a nice friendly surprise ~ sort of like a present you didn’t expect.

More Readers Comments.

I set you free now and every moment.

Be young. Go ahead do something impossible. Could anything be more sweet?

Most comments are super supportive and positive. Thank you! A guy left a comment saying anyone who writes their biography in the third person is a dork. I deleted it. I reserve that name for me from people I truly love like my sister, my husband and my best friend – who by the way also call me Mutt, Monkey, Jules, Julie Bulie and JB.

Each Word You Say Represents Who You Are

Often when my younger students use questionable language, I sometimes give them a tiny note, a wink and a smile.

Give.

They told me in person It’s not our fault.

I told my sweet and smart students I’m going to buy you a shirt and write It’s not my fault on it for the amount of times I’ve heard that. I love that they have added me to their facebook accounts and include me in their lives. Hi guys! :)

They gave me a couple of toys to play with at school: a spinner top, a stand up Winx as big as my index finger and a poofy top Cars pen.

Smiles. Silliness. Wonder.

Just how cute this is? Wouldn't this make a great gift?

Everything is going to be okay. Really!

Life is Participation.

I walked into class and some of my students noticed I got a new hair cut. They gave me compliments. I think were sincere. Although at the moment my hair is getting really long.

I’ve learned so many things from people and living lately. I would say the number one thing I have learned is how to be a nicer person. I mean it. I surround myself by lovely people and I thank you for being here right now in this minute reading these words. Hi! Welcome.

I’m Still Smiling.

I received a ton of stuff from my loved ones. Thank you so much. They continue to spoil me. I don’t know what I have done to deserve such wonderful treatment but I try to be humble and thankful.

My kids got a lot of clothes, toys and candy. I get love.

We talk about health, not smoking and going the extra mile – and flossing. how knowledge will make you a better people. We talk about how making decisions now effect the rest of our lives.

Miro. Love it!

Miro. Ha!

I feel privileged to be a writer and a teacher, to talk to them and to you too. I’m also enjoying every beautiful minute of this glorious day. Thank you.

I know I got through to my class because they got real quiet and started listening, eyes transfixed. We talked about health we talked at length about existentialism, fatalism and Christianity and dreams. They get it. Kids are smart. They are our future.

As always, I hope this finds you well, happy, lucky and in love. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read and visit. Have a great day.

Julie

Be inspirational. Be inspired. Note to self: Try harder. And smile. Everything is going to be alright.

A Sweet Afternoon ~ Semi Abstract~Fine Art Canvas print

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Posted in family, happiness, Inspiration, Italy, journal, learning, motivation, teaching, writing

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Looking for the window to open.

Posted on October 14, 2011 | 10 Comments

Hello. I’m republishing a post I wrote on May 26, 2011, but then for privacy reasons added a password protection.

I’m starting to be okay with it now so I’m letting my friends and blog readers in on what’s happening in my life by making the article public again.

This is motivated by the fact that I went to talk to the highest person I could think of today in the government. I brought a file full of supporting paperwork as a last ditch effort to get my job back. The man is extremely busy but has not received me in his office. I waited for three hours without an appointment until finally one of his four secretaries surfaced.

She was lovely. It felt good, no it felt great, to just look into someone’s eyes and explain my situation. She said she’ll call to set up an appointment with me. I just feel like I have to meet with this man to talk and figure out what happened. The receptionist had me in tears. I wear my heart on my sleeve. She talked about Karma. She offered me the entire pack of kleenex.

Sometimes the act of someone offering me a tissue is enough to send me into tears. People’s kindness at certain moments is unbelievably touching.

At least I’m making steps, albeit baby steps, towards either reconciliation or moving ahead with my life. Wish me luck.

Julie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When a door shuts ~ a window opens.

When a door shuts ~ a window opens.

First published May 26, 2011

Last week I got a dreaded letter from the Department of Education that basically fired me.

It was and is devastating.

People near me are supporting me and lifting me through this difficult moment for me and my family.

I’ve received countless telephone calls, text messages, online chats and letters of support as well as visitors who sustain me while I run from one office to another: lawyers, teachers union, my old school and administrative offices.

It’s been difficult to say the least.

I haven’t talked about it because I’m in shock.

Also I’ve had to get a lot of paperwork done trying to sort things out, hopefully with a positive outcome.

In a nutshell, my American University degree has not been deemed necessarily equivalent to an Italian degree therefore annulling my two credential courses taken in 2000.

Some people say it’s the government. Some people say it’s the school. Some people say to just keep my head up high.

My friends are stunned as well as me and my family and my students. I wish they had told eight years ago before being called to teach.

I was a private school teacher for eight years. Then I was a public school teacher for the last eight years.

Now I’m looking for a window to open while a big door just slammed shut leaving me and my 150 students to basically sink or swim.

That’s all. I’d get into the particulars if you’d like, but I’m still trying to sort it all out myself.

Much love and thank you for reading. Your kind words. prayers and encouragement are appreciated.

e' la vita continua. ♡

e' la vita continua. ♡ come scendi sali ♡

In fact one of my dearest friends was so shocked, angry and hurt about my news I found myself consoling her. Bless her.

I’m especially worried my students who have exams coming up in a couple of weeks.

Here are some of my comments left by students and friends on facebook.

~~~~~~~

My advice for you would be simply to trust your heart. Maybe take a step back like you said and just let everything settle down and then see how you feel. A mother’s intuition is a powerful thing. I personally think that it’s God directing us to do what’s best for our children.

Your writing is an inspiration to me and to a lot of people and I have to honestly say that you are one of the main reasons why I get so much enjoyment out of facebook. You’re so engaging and interesting and just plain NICE and I’m happy and honored to be your friend.

Here it is: Stay In Your Lane

Many people spend their lives trying to become someone that they hope to be as opposed to the person that they actually are.

This approach to life only leads to frustration and unhappiness. Contentment, peace of mind, mental and emotional satisfaction only come when we stay and flourish in our assigned lane.

In Romans 12:4-10, the Message Bible encourages: Let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without trying to be something we aren’t. If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else.

If you help, just help, don’t take over.

If you teach, stick to your teaching.

Love from the center of who you are, don’t fake it.

In the body of Christ we each serve a vital and unique purpose.

If the eye is trying to be a hand How will we ever see?

If the nose is trying to be a knee How will we ever smell?

If the foot is trying to be an ear How will we ever walk?

As 1 Corinthians 12:8 puts it God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.

God wants each of us to stay and excel in our lane. If you’ve grown frustrated or unhappy in your endeavors, it is time to ask Am I operating as the one and only me or am I failing at being someone else?

~~~~~~~ a school mom writes ->

I really don’t like it. After a school year they end up which such a good idea? No way. Something is gonna happen, trust me!

~~~~~~~

You’ll be great….no matter what happens…and hey i am with you!!

~~~~~~~

I mean it is sad. You need to be in people’s lives because you get as much or more from them as you give. I would say we are not too disimilar in our love for the world and its inhabitants.
~~~~~~~
He says. You know, I know from experience that in life, as you go down, you go back up. I had sunglasses on or he would have seen my tears.

~~~~~~~

♥ Nella vita tutto può succedere, anche l'inimmaginabile.

Nella vita tutto può succedere, anche l'inimmaginabile. ♥

Here’s a Google translator link to read the comments in English.

Protestiamo! Non si può togliere un insegnante a un mese dall’esame! Non si può togliere la professoressa che ci faceva ascoltare Jamelia e Daniel! che ci faceva fare le prove d’esame ~ quella prof che consideriamo più come un amica. Quella prof che ci raccontava dei suoi figli. Non si può! Preside non puoi togliercela. Noi ce la teniamo!

~~~~~~~

One of my favorites, really well written.

Ho appena saputo della bruttissima notizia non sa quanto mi dispiace !!!
Ormai ho capito che il mondo va all’incontrario e che non va mai come vuoi : i buoni se ne vanno e i cattivi rimangono …

in questi tre anni abbiamo dovuto sempre batterci contro la scuola per riavere le nostre insegnanti , ma ogni volta se ne sono andate via le migliori, come in questo caso .
le dico GRAZIE …

.. Perchè lei è stata l’unica persona che ci ha sempre capiti;

.. perchè ogni volta che avevamo bisogno, lei era sempre pronta a darci una mano;

.. perchè ci ha fatto capire che si puo’ imparare anche divertendosi;

.. perchè nonostante tutto lei ha sempre creduto in noi e ci ha sempre sostenuti;

You always believed in us, supported us, no matter what.

.. perchè per tutti noi non è stata solo un ‘ insegnante , ma qualcosa di più;

For all of us, you weren’t just a teacher but something more.

..perchè ci ha fatto capire la parola : SPERANZA che per noi ormai non esisteva piu’.

You made us understand the word HOPE that for us no longer existed.

Ed oggi è questa che ci fà continuare , che ci fà lottare pur di riaverla tra noi.

Per tutto questo la ringrazio di cuore!

Mi creda: la scuola non ha ancora capito che facendo questo sta’ mettendo ancora piu’ in difficoltà dei ragazzi ed una insegnante che è anche mamma!

Continuero’ a sperare che tutto venga risolto e che lei possa ritornare tra noi perchè ce lo ha insegnato lei ! spero di cuore che come io la ricordero’, anche lei si ricorderà di me.

Mai arrendersi!!

Prof, non ci scorderemo mai di lei. Grazie a lei ho imparato che nella vita bisogna provare come io nel canto Jamelia and Michael Bublè!!! Però una cosa è certa, protesteremo e come ho già detto rivolta!! :) grazie di tutto prof da … e … (ke è a casa mia) :)

~~~~~~~

Mi dispiace tantissimo prof. Ci eravamo affezionati tanto. Non puo andare via così. Faremo di tutto per riaverla con noi. Le vogliamo tutti bene!

~~~~~~~

Carissima a scuola mancavi tantissimo. Purtroppo i tuoi ragazzi non ti avranno per l esame. Spero che tu possa risolvere al piu presto questo problema. Ti voglio bene!!!! Un abbraccio e un bacio a te e ai tuoi cari !!!!

~~~~~~~
♥♥ e’ come faccio io senza di voi?
♥♥ .. ha ragione ci manca tantissimo :) ♥
♥♥ ci manca ♥
♥♥ anke a me manca =(
♥♥ anke a me :(
♥♥ prof ci mancherà tanto !
♥♥ ah mi dispiace tanto =( ci mancherà moltissimo prof ♥
~~~~~~~
Prof, lo sa che mi manca davvero tanto?! ♥ Adesso ci hanno dato un’ altra prof ma nessuno riuscirà mai a superarla! Se lo ricordi prof…Will be forever in our hearts ♥ (Mi corregga se sbaglio!) Un bacio la sua alunna

E’ stato un onore conoscere una persona splendida come te …. Un abbraccio

~~~~~~~

Ritengo che anche noi genitori dovremmo fare qualcosa o perlomeno io intendo fare qualcosa. Giusta o sbagliata la ragione, non entro nel merito, non si può togliere un’insegnante ad un mese dall’esame di terza media. Se loro dicono che c’è un’irregolarità nella laurea, io dico che se ne dovevano accorgere prima, sempre che sia vero e che NON intendo fare le spese della loro inefficienza.

~~~~~~~

Prof lei deve tornare per favore. Le voglio troppo bene. Voglio ke tutto questo si risolvi. tvtttb.

~~~~~~~

Dolcissima prof. io non ho prole per cio che e’ successo. mi manchera troppo. Lei e’ buona comprensiva. Le voglio troppo bene. Lei e’ bravissima ad insegnare. Non ascoti mai la gente cattiva a vada avanti.

~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~

arrivederci prof ci mancherà! sappia che io protesterò.

~~~~~~~

Finalmente hanno trovato qualcuno competente!

~~~~~~~

Prof non possono toglierci le sue lezioni.

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Posted in family, Italy, journal, learning, relationships, teaching

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Real live post. How. blessed. is. my. life.

Posted on August 23, 2011 | 5 Comments

Hello friends.

Warning: This is not an epic post!

How are you? So VERY nice to see you. Thank you for stopping by!

First off, a big huge thank you to Michelle at Bleeding Espresso for publishing my August in Italy article.

Are you tired of reading old posts from me that I have put on the front page of my blog? Have you noticed that I have been doing that? I have. What I do is go over to the right side of my screen where it says visibility, public, edit and set a date for my updates to post.

I did this for a week so I could take a blogging vacation. I chose three posts I liked and scheduled them every two days so perhaps you guys clicking over here would have something to read in my absence.

Coffee anyone?

Coffee anyone? What kind? I'll get you one.

I took a vacation with my family.

It was absolutely breath taking lovely and wonderful. At moments I truly wanted to pinch myself and ask if I deserved such a wonderful life. I don’t know why I feel this way.

Like I don’t deserve it! I give myself pep talks before I go, like all the world is mine to enjoy. Then I do and I laugh and it’s lovely. Then I look at the pictures and think

Oh. My. Gosh. How. blessed. is. my. life.

Can I, should I, share these pictures with my friends?! What will they think? What will their comments be? On a recent post I was pretty clear that I don’t take criticism well. In fact, the reason I don’t always blog is the fear of failure.

In fact, the one negative comment seems to always stick out, doesn’t it? I’m not going to write it though because I’m working really hard on focusing on the positive. Darn it. Now just thinking about it makes it true. Oh well.

Like I was saying I was looking at the pictures from my vacation trying to decide if I was going to share them or not because I don’t want to be judged. First thing I looked at was how I looked in my bathing suit. For half way through my life, I can’t complain.

I’ve been taking great care of myself lately with my diet, exercise and sleep. Three key factors to happiness if you ask me. But then again, did you?

ha ha!

I’m just joking.

I think hugs and kisses rate up there too.

Hey, guess what? I made my first tomato sauce from tomatoes from my garden. Now that is a big sentence for me. I am SO not a cook. I SO do NOT enjoy cooking. It’s very easy. It’s because I clean morning to night so cooking adds more work to my plate. I can hardly stand it.

Yes, please!

Yes, please!

Yet, I think a little hard work is worth the effort so I just do it. Plus, I’m trying to go the extra mile here and put in the extra work to my life to make it extra ordinary.

I’ve taken up cleaning with my ipod on. I can honestly say that’s added a great element to my life. I’ve been asked to not sing while doing so. :)

Sometimes, I’ve even been spotted dancing whilst cleaning.

hmmm.

Well, thank you for visiting for being my kind companionship over the last year and a half of blogging. Thank you readers for being kind in your comments.

Hope you are all well, lucky and in love. I hope this posts finds you with a little something extra in your life.

Julie

My latest painting.

My latest painting.

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It’s all in a name.

Posted on August 10, 2011 | 15 Comments

Hi. Hello friends. Welcome back. New visitors. Well hello there to you too. Nice to see you here at my blog.

Write, right?

Write, right?

If you were wondering why I call it jbulie it’s because it’s my nickname.

Really my nickname is julie bulie.

It’s the name that used to make me cry as a child first donned on me by my sister.

When my friends heard it they had a good laugh and then it caught on and remained.

Sometimes it is shortened to jb.

How do you feel about nicknames? Do you have one? I love nicknames.

Do you remember the guy on tv called the copy guy?

If you didn’t see the skit, I believe it was Saturday Night Live, basically this guy goes over to make copies and his friend calls him a lot of names. He says, hows it going Joe? Joseph? Joe a rama? Joe a linga ding dong. And the guy gets mad and say, hey, it’s just Joe.

You want to know why my Grandpa was famous? For fixing things. They said, if Norman can't fix it, it can't be fixed.I’ll link it if I can find it.
Have you got a nickname? If so I’d love to hear the story how you got it.
I call a lot of my friends and family with nicknames.
I call my dad Pops.
The Birth of Venus

The Birth of Venus Botticelli Florence Uffizi

I call a lot of my friends Jay Jay. One of my blog friends BJ for BookJunkie.

Although now I think the blog is called Tiny Island.
I like names. It’s just playful. I’m just playing. I don’t mean to offend and hope I haven’t.

How about you? What do people call you and do you like it? Some people don’t like to be called Sweety.

I suppose it depends on the situation.

We come from a long line of a family of teachers. My mom was a teacher. My grandma was a teacher. My grandfather was a genius.

That’s just my opinion but I think it counts. I loved him so. What a funny man he was! I don’t know if he had a nickname. :)

In the mean time, as always, I hope this post finds you lovely, lucky and in love.

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Posted in happiness, Inspiration

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Beaching it in Italy lol:-)

Posted on August 9, 2011 | 8 Comments

♥ Be inspiring.

Once when my kids were little I took them to the beach on a vacation camping.

The following day, I drove back home defeated.

It’s been about three or four years since I have braved taking my kids to the beach on my own. Finally, I got some courage to spend a week seaside.

How did it go?

My friends on facebook are sending me messages hoping that I have survived. I am back at my computer and house alive, relaxed, tan, and feeling quite amazing actually.

I’m from southern California. I have been living in Italy for 15 or 16 years now. It’s so different. I know in my about Julie contact page I mentioned that after a while, the differences between the two countries, USA and Italy seem to mix, but since I just got back from the beach, I’m going to try to convey them to you here now.

Ready?

♥ I'm sending you a {big hug} ♥

California beach ~ wide, open, relaxing, breath taking, cold water, big waves, surfing, never ending horizon, beautiful sunsets, beach bike path on the sand.

Italian beach ~ semi crowded, clean, organized, rows of umbrellas and chaise lounges lined up like soldiers. Toys, families, hours on the sand, trampolines, jumpy jumpy things, slides and tons of food at organized hours. Kids free to play in an enclosed safe environment until late.

I just didn’t cook much. I went out for all of my meals which if you know is the same as admitting to sin in this country. We spent our days in the water, at the beach, taking long bike rides and playing in the park.

♥ Believe in yourself ~ give yourself a break. ♥

Italians love their food. In fact, I had home made sauce jarred in the fridge as well as home made pesto. It was perfect. I gave it to my neighbor. Please don’t tell my mother in law. She went to a lot of trouble to get that there for me. I just couldn’t get over the idea of having to wash dishes.

I read a lot.

I was an extra good vacationer.

I lied on my beach bed for hours. The kids played endlessly. They both made friends, came home sun kissed and lovely. We bought lots of toys and plan on going back if and when I find the courage.

I certainly missed my blog and facebook friends. I have an online community that has become a big part of my life.

Hope this post finds you happy, lovely and in love.

Julie

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How about you?

How did you spend your holiday? Are you getting a vacation? What do you do to relax? What is the last book you read, and do you recommend it? What kind of beach do you like? Waves? No waves? I like the waves. I love the Pacific Ocean. :)

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Posted in happiness, journal, motivation, relationships, travel, writing

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To blog or not to blog? That is my silly question.

Posted on March 22, 2011 | 3 Comments

Keep Calm and Carry OnI’m such a dork. I know. I have a couple of questions about blogging lately. I’m just thinking about my blog that I started a year and a half ago and how my life has or has not changed because of it.

Before even publishing a blog I had in mind what I what I thought a cool blog would be like. I think the first time I had ever even read was one that seemed like a Portland Oregon Taxi Driver Conversations blog. I thought, I bet that’s interesting or funny and it was.

I don’t have the link. It was like six years ago.

Then, I thought about what I liked in a blog. I thought, I want to make sure it has an order, chronological, or whatever, and a coolish design. I mean easy on the eye.

I thought one of the most important things on a blog was a place that people could comment.

Then, I thought, Gosh, if I were to ever publish a blog, I want a bunch of those comments that you see on the back of the book. You do know what I am talking about, right? Like when you read Best Book Ever or I just couldn’t put it down.

Or

Five times on the NY Times Best Seller List.

I’m not sure if it is true or not but I’m quite certain that that last comment is on every book out there. At least it seems to me it is.

{Hmm. Note to self. Check if you only read NY Times Best Seller Books.}

Recap

In my humble opinion, a good blog should have a nice design, easy user interaction by means of comments and easy navigation.

I’m not so certain if it should have self promoting comments like the ones I have in my right side bar that I hear I should update now and again.

To blog or not to blog?

A positive aspect of blogging is having a creative outlet to share my thoughts that people can comment on.

A negative aspect of blogging is having a creative outlet to share my thoughts that people can comment on.

That begs the question if it’s good idea to have a blog. I know I love reading about people’s lives around the world and have become friends with many bloggers.

My eyes have been open to friends’ lives in New York, in Seattle, in Japan, in Singapore, basically, EVERYWHERE there is internet.

Figure it out. If you can't just figure it out, then figure it out.

Figure it out. If you can't just figure it out, then figure it out.

Bloggers are the friendliest community I’ve ever hung out with. They are sort of like computer hacks in my opinion in a little way because you have to understand some basics like how to type and how to do some silly coding stuff called widgets and things and html. Fun fun stuff. I actually love it.

Bloggers are also super great at helping each other, like when we exchange ways of adding links known as a blog roll, or graphics, or recipes. You know, exchanging information. I remember one nice lady who helped me out with my five tabs I have at the top of my blog. Just ask, they say.

I will never forget the kindness of people who have sent me gifts and encouraged me. That’s just way too nice. Thank you again if I haven’t said it lately. I also got so many nice REAL Christmas cards too saying things like thank you for giving me a glimpse into your life in Italy. That’s encouraging.

Then of course, my facebook account got totally out of hand. I accepted friend requests from all kinds of friends. When I had like only 100 friends on facebook I remember looking at people who had like 500 friends and thinking, wow, how could they know all of those people?

In fact, I even wrote a friend and asked, How do you know all of those people?

The reply I got back was I just do.

Ha ha.

Ask a silly question, get the answer.

I used to love sharing pictures. Now I just like feel like wow, everyone can see my pictures. But the problem is that I want to share pictures but not all the time. I want to share pictures when I feel like it and not all pictures with everybody.

Also, once I add a friend I feel guilty removing them. I think, well, I could just leave that persons picture on my account. What difference could it make? Then I think, you don’t know that person. Just remove them. Then I think, well, what if I hurt someone’s feelings. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Then I think of the brave friends who have just deleted their entire accounts. It’s kind of like stopping smoking I’d imagine if I smoked. I don’t.

Then there are the true friends who I couldn’t live without having in my facebook account. I get excited and happy when I see your lives, when you joke with me, when you like my silly quotes, when you share a link, when you tell stories about your lives. I like that.

What’s your take?

1. What do you think are the aspects of a good blog?

2. Is it quality writing, quantity writing or both?

3. Do you like more pictures, less pictures, or something in the middle?

4. If you have a blog, what kinds of things do you like to write about?

5. Have you ever deleted your facebook account? Are you glad you did?

6. What do you think about people who have way too many friends on facebook? Do you think that is just getting out of hand, like an unkept closet?

Thanks for leaving your comments. You know I love them.

Hope this post reaches you with love, luck and happiness.

Julie

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A to Z me¸.•´* ♫.

Posted on March 3, 2011 | 2 Comments

This post has been inspired by my blogger friend G at decibelbelownormal.

♡ Sometimes in order to be happy in the present moment you have to be willing to give up all hope for a better past.

♡ Sometimes in order to be happy in the present moment you have to be willing to give up all hope for a better past.

I’m going to give it my spin on it and not quite follow the rules as I think you can write any A to Z you want. So here goes something.

A ~ Angels friends following me around, lifting me up. Quite sure about that one.

B ~ Business at hand never seems to end. Now it’s art gallery, ebook, teaching, housekeeping.

C ~ Come on! Let’s go getter’ done.

D ~ Dogs’ barking bugs me, especially during walks. I love other peoples dogs, they are awesome.

E ~ Everyone on my facebook list. How did it get so unmanageable. I can’t possibly know that many people although somedays I try to convince myself I do.

F ~ Facebook. It has taken over my life in a get me out of here kind of way. I told one of my best friends on a phone call that i want off, then we were both back chatting in no time. Strangely addicting.

G ~ God. Who else?

H ~ Hello out there! Hello anyone who is reading this.

I ~ I love you. I’m lucky in love.

J ~ Julie Bulie Bo Bulie Banana Fana Fo Fulie. First called by my sister who sent me into tears, then I told the story to Diana who thought that was too cute, Julie Bulie, and then on and on, the nick name has stuck.

K ~ Kiddos. Two of them. Loves of my life. Darling little guys so full of life and wonder.

I ~ In the moment. That’s my focus. Oaammmmmmmmm.

L ~ Lisa

M ~ Marie

N ~ Nobody knows me like they think they do although maybe they do. Can’t tell.

O ~ Overworked

P ~ Parent

Q ~ I quit.

R ~ Relax.

S ~ Sometimes I just get a little bit tired and need a break. I’m big on hot green tea with honey.

T ~ Trust

U ~ Why you little…

V ~ Vicks. I’ve been sick lately and love this stuff.

W ~ Well, where the heck did you guys come from?

X ~ Exiting Now.

Y ~ Yes! Definitely Yes.

Z ~ Zane, coolest name ever. It’s the name of the son of two of my closest friends.

~~~~~

Hope you liked it.

Have you ever written an A to Z me? Just curious.

Julie

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Building a Better Blog – You guys rock.

Posted on March 1, 2011 | 4 Comments

I’m so proud of my readers I’m turning the spotlight on you.

My heart is bursting with joy as I welcome you again to another pot of blog copy at jbulie’s blog. I have to share today how proud I am of my readers. They are all taking HUGE leaps and bounds towards their personal goals. It’s such a wonderful feeling to be part of that.

What I didn’t expect when I started this blog is the many thanks I am getting.

Choose HappinessWho would have known?

So much news to report all about you guys, my readers. I don’t even know where to start. Yesterday I had a chat with a friend of mine that I have known since I was a young kid. We were literally cracking each other up talking about our lives, our families and our progress on our blogs.

We pitched each other ideas and we got to the point of intense laughter. My idea was the hand in the video with the Mtv microphone interviewing myself about the success of my ebook Zero to Blog. I had the microphone decorated like a real mtv mic with lights, bells and whistles on it. And a puffy something or another.

Only problem was working out logistics since I make my own videos, I have to be the hand and the voice. We were laughing thinking how we are going to manage this on line from a distance. Maybe we can use a fake hand?

I’ll get my cat to prop it up on a pillow. Too bad the cat can’t talk.

Everyone’s starting to write, express themselves and make blogs.

It started with a friend of mine who is a runner. She sent me her article and asked me what I thought. I thought it was out of this world. She made a step of sharing. If you knew this girl and her story you would see what a big personal step that was for her. She’s a mom of five. Her running is her time for herself. She runs marathons. When I went on a diet, she’s the one who filled my inbox with health and fitness information. I love this girl. She is working on her personal growth and I am so very proud of her.

Then the blogs.

At LEAST four of my good friends who have read my book have talked about it and made positive steps on make their blogs more reader friendly and interactive, by asking for comments, by interacting with their visitors, by adding music, but adding of themselves. It’s a wonderful feeling to know I am somehow part of their process. We encourage each other. It’s like a fire under your buns. :)

OK, I have more and more and more to tell you about but life is calling me. I feel like I’m living life at the top of my game. I have my work, my family, video, my book, my blog, my friends, my mom’s new website and my clothes line going on.

OH AND two of my readers have a date this Saturday. Ah ah ah, life is good.

jb

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Posted in family, happiness, Inspiration, relationships, writing

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Pre Holiday Jitters ~ Is there a gift wrappers pre hab?

Posted on December 16, 2010 | 5 Comments

Hi guys and welcome to my blog.

Christmas Shiner

Christmas Shiner

How are you? How is everything going in your pre holiday worlds? Hope you are welcoming the upcoming season with joy in your hearts. I know we joke on facebook and in conversations that we feel like we can’t get it all done but at the same time, I think we know in our heart of hearts that it’s really all going to be okay. Are you with me?

It’s all about the journey, right? Hopefully we are enjoying it.

I’ve been thinking about this blog and why I started it. I haven’t yet quite figured it out. I’m almost certain it has to do with spontaneity. I believe some things are inexplicable, like where children come from and how plants grow. Also how wounds heal. Who would have known.

I can precisely remember when I got my first cut on my finger and I thought, oh no, now what. I’m going to have to live with a cut on my finger for the rest of my life.

It was my sister, Lisa, who explained to me that God made us in a way that we heal. I was sort of shocked. She explained how a cut would stop bleeding because the blood got harder, dried, made a scab and in a couple of days it would fall off.

you inspired in me as a small child

you inspired in me as a small child ♡

Wow!

Just like that!

When I hear things like that I just am awestruck. Sometimes I have a young student in class shout out something to the fact that they are non believers in God. I just couldn’t fathom a life without religion and belief. How else would we answer the questions about where babies come from and how wounds are healed.

How the Internet is Changing our Lives.

I think with access to information available to anyone with an internet connection and nearly immediately people just want to learn. I think they like to learn and like absorbing information.

When I was a kid I learned like a sponge. I’m a little bit slower to learn as I get older yet I think people love to learn.

What floors me.

What floors me is that the more I learn, the more I connect, and reconnect with my readers and old friends, I find that people generally have a loving attitude. I find that most of the information that is shared is out of a loving heart with good intentions.

That is the choice I made.

Well, that’s about all I got for now. I just wanted to leave you with a few quick thoughts. I’ve had some REALLY stressful last few days. I found myself stuck in traffic and in situations I didn’t want to be in. I felt uncomfortable at meetings I wished I wasn’t in. But at the end of the day I felt thankful.

I felt thankful for my job, for my family, for my house, for my car, for my friendships, for my blog, for the ability to communicate, for my health and the list goes on and on. I felt thankful for having a blog, being able to write and paint, having readers and having a creative outlet.

Hope this post finds you lovely, lucky and in love. Have a happy relaxed easy joyful pre holiday season.

Julie

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Posted in family, happiness, holidays, learning, relationships

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