Here’s my heart
It’s a Wednesday evening. (Two more days until the weekend.)
I am exhausted from a long day of teaching, and it’s late right now. I didn’t eat dinner (I forgot to), and I’m sitting here writing because, I am committed to the WordPress Post a Day challenge for 2011. I have made a promise to myself to write every day until the clock strikes 2012.
I won’t try to convince you that it’s been an easy challenge because it’s not at all easy, but it’s never drudgery. That’s because I love blogging.
As a result of signing up for this Post a Day challenge, WordPress sends bloggers different ideas about topics to write about. Since I never had a problem deciding what to write about, I didn’t need the suggestions – I wrote about the Caylee Anthony murder for nearly three years and there was always something to write about!
A day or so ago WordPress sent out a suggestion for a post that I liked. The suggestion was to write a post about why we became bloggers and why we gave our blog its name.
Image Credit: Saper Galleries
The main reason I started this blog was to prove to myself that I could really do it, first of all. And secondly, because I really really needed to vent about the Caylee Anthony case. I never thought anyone would read my blog. I didn’t think it would become anything other than a place for me to rant about the Anthony case. I called the blog “only dreamin” because it was my dream to begin a blog, I was only dreaming about anyone “liking” the blog.
It took a while for me to figure out what I was doing, and how to do it. It also took some time for me to figure out what my “voice” was on the blog.
My first blog post was July 11, 2009. I had no idea what I was doing; no idea how to blog, or how anything worked on WordPress. I didn’t know what “tags” were, I didn’t know anything and had no idea about “hits” either. (Hits refer to people “hitting” or landing on your blog.)
I’ve always wanted to start a blog, but didn’t think I could write anything people would read. In short, I never expected much, but my dreams were bigger than my doubts.
And then, I began to meet and chat with other bloggers, and friendships started in this little community of ours. We all have grown to respect and like one another, too.
It was Sherry who was the very first commenter on my blog. And when I read what she’d written it nearly made me cry, and I prayed she’d come back often. She did! One of the sweetest notes she wrote to me was:
God bless you in all of your endeavors! May all your dreams come true and when they do may you say, Am I dreamin’?
By the time I decided to commit to the Post a day challenge for 2011, so many new people began to visit and leave notes! That has been the real blessing.
So, that is how this blog was born! I thought it was a dream on the one hand, and on the other hand, it was an avenue for me to discuss my dreams (about happiness, gratitude, justice, and many more things).
I love blogging. There is nothing more satisfying than to finish a post and press that “publish” button! My heart stops every time I press that button.
I have not missed a single night of writing a post! The grand total of posts for 2011, after this post is published, is a total of 222 posts. (Yup, we are 222 days into 2011 already!)
I think this is a good time to tell my fellow-bloggers how much they mean to me.
It was in 2008 when I met Kitt in a chat-room about the Anthony case. When Kitt came to visit for the first time, I couldn’t believe it! I always learn something from Kitt. (Heart out to you, Kitt.)
Weezie aka Louise, has been so kind from very early on, when I first started the blog. I have grown so fond of Weezie, and I delight in the support she constantly gives me. (Heart out to you, Weezie.)
Hilde, dear Hilde was one of the very first to visit. Always so kind and supportive, and I love it when she “vents,” because her passion is divine. (Heart out to you, Hilde.)
Knight Owl and Louie have been visiting for a while now, too. No cat can hold a candle to Louie! And Knight Owl has always brought so much knowledge and insight. (Heart out to you, Knight Owl & Louie).
Jon is old faithful, but I think he’s so bummed about the verdict that he’s given up on blogging, and I miss him. Jon has made me laugh so much! (Heart out to you, Jon.)
Off-the-cuff is has incredible insight and analytical skills. OTC tells it like it is, no holes barred, which I appreciate so much. (Heart out to you, OTC.)
Rob is another old faithful and is another one with great insight. Rob writes thought provoking comments – he’s pretty funny, too. (Heart out to you, Rob.)
I love it when Venice visits, although she has a busy life, she pops in on occasion to make us laugh. (Heart out to you, Venice.)
Kim, dearest Kim. She has a blog, too, listed in my Blogroll. Kim has the best spirit and more courage than I think I could muster. My dear friend, Kim is always there. (Heart out to you, Kim.)
EDRN and Kim and I became buddies when we tried to hula-hoop. I never did it very well, but EDRN got pretty good at it. Miss you, EDRN. (Heart out to you, EDRN.)
CptKD, my dear friend, another Kim. What a writer she is! CptKD wrote a post for me, too. That was a lot of fun, and a good learning experience for both of us. CptKD is another very courageous soul; and she brings an LE insight, too, which we love. (Heart out to you, CptKD.)
The fact that Dee visits and leaves such wonderful insight from a lawyers perspective is incredibly valuable and enlightening. Dee is very generous about sharing her knowledge, and I am so grateful for that! (Heart out to you, Dee.)
There is no better cheerleader than RahRah! A loving and generous soul who has so much to share. Love her insight into the case. (Heart out to you, RahRah.)
Mainstreamfair, dear heart, has her own wonderful blog, too. It’s on my blogroll. If you’ve not visited her blog, you’ll love it. Thank you for your support, Mainstreamfair. (Heart out to you.)
Marinade Dave is someone I am honored to call friend. What a writer! He has been so generous with his vast knowledge about the Anthony case, and about Orlando. We were all so pleased that Dave was hired by Orlando Magazine to cover the trial. He did an incredible job, too. (Heart out to you, Dave.)
Nan11 doesn’t have a blog of her own (I don’t think), but she’s a wonderful writer. Maybe she’ll start a blog, too – hint hint! (Heart out to you, Nan.)
Humble Opinion’s blog was the very first blog I ever read on the Casey Anthony case. What a great job she does and has done, to record the events leading up to the trial in the Anthony case. I don’t always have the time to visit her blog, but love it when I do. (Heart out to you, Humble.)
Damaged Pets is a writer who has great insight about the Anthony case, especially. I get blown away nearly every time a comment is left because you get right to the core issue, Damaged Pets. (Heart out to you.)
Although I don’t always agree with GasCanGeorge, the comments give me a different perspective to consider, a different point of view. The beauty of living is that we all think differently. How boring it would be if there were no diversity of thought! (Heart out to you.)
Faith is very kind and knowledgeable and I always look forward to hearing from her! Like her name, her faith is so great. She is a true believer. (Heart out to you, Faith.)
Shyloh has been following the Anthony case, like most of us had, since day one, and her insight is rich, too. I love the name “Shyloh” too! (Heart out to you, Shyloh.)
And Lona1 is hysterical and always finds the best You Tube videos to share! I love to laugh with Lona! (Heart out to you, Lona1.)
Whistler’smother is another blogger with terrific insight who I love to hear from. Thank you for all the time you visit! (Heart out to you, Whistlersmother.)
KatyDid always has something kind and thoughtful to share…. I enjoy her visits so much! (Heart out to you, KatyDid.)
Linda, NancyB, Colleen, Addie, Another Andrea, Darlene, Michael D, Marcie, Margaret, Brandon Bob…. You continue to teach me so much….. (Heart out to all of you.)
And lastly, Sherry, who I mentioned earlier as one of the first to visit and write lovely and encouraging things to me, has been such a dear friend to me. Sherry, I think the world of you and I thank you for all you’ve given to support me these last couple of years. (Heart out to you, Sherry.)
I am sure I have forgotten to list so many…. It’s not that I forgot you, it’s just that I am bleary eyed and my mind is mush, mashed mush to be exact.
In closing, I’m not only dreamin’ any longer because so many lovely people have jumped into my heart and filled it right up!
only dreamin' 
Aw, shucks, dearheart, you’re making me blush! 😳
You do have alot of wonderful commentors. It makes me glad to have encouraged you! keep on dreamin’! I look forward to your posts!
Thanks Sherry! You’re right, I am blessed to have so many readers and commentators here! It makes it all worth the while…
OHMYWORD!! I read your blogs daily even if I don’t comment. Seeing my name was, well it left me speechless and teary eyed. I love the way you write and it shows love and concern. And you from what I have seen here are just a supper hero for lots of people who need justice.
Thank you for being you
and for all that you do.
I am sort of stuck with my name shyloh. And I sort of love it as well ha.
HUGS to you and all that comment here.
Aww, Shyloh! Well, I always look forward to reading all the wonderful things you have to say and,,,, just to know you’re out there reading is too wonderful, too! 🙂
What a thoughtful post Andrea. I too visit each day, even if I don’t comment. God bless you, and keep you in his loving care. By the way Andrea I am a she, Rob is my nickname.
Rob?? LOLOLOL! That is so funny!!!!! I never ever thought otherwise! Oh, that just threw me for a great loop! That’s why your comments are so sensitive and dear!!!!
😆 Maybe we should flip the gravatars upside down to check for sex~
I dunno Sherry – my little baby dragon may not cotton to being flipped 😉
Baby dragon can be any sex he/she wants…I’m stayin’ my distance! 😆
lol
Baby is a sweety – for now
You made me cry, dang it!!
I love reading your posts, my dear Andrea, because you have a gleaming humanity that lifts my fogs and warms my days.
We have blogged about many things but mainly about a precious child we never knew but came to love. As our lives take over please don’t let us part for long! I need the encouragement you bring!!
Oh, no Kim! We are next door neighbors on WordPress – I’m not moving anytime soon….:) Thanks for your kind words, too, Kim.
I heart you Andrea
Andrea, You always spoke with Your Heart and that is what I liked about Your Blog from the Beginning.
The Anthony Case was the Beginning of my posting on Blogs.
I never did it before.
It was nice to be able to talk to People about this aggravating and sad Case. I needed like so many other People to make my Opinion heard, in other Words it was good to have an Outlet for the Frustration I felt in this Case, also the Benefit of coming on these Blogs was I met a lot of good People, some of them maybe not so good, but thats ok too, I also learned from them, for one I didn’t want to be like them ever. 😆
Although I felt like so many Others that Injustice has been done in this Case, we have to move on knowing down the Road Casey A. will have to answer for what she has done, I am confident about that.
Andrea, it has been a Pleasure coming and reading on Your Blog.
You are a very sensitive and loving Person who is fair in what You write.
I am always looking forward to what Your next Topic will be.
Also I like to thank You for acknowledging all the People individual who visited Your Blogs over time, that is really a nice Gesture and is appreciated, I hope You know that.
You will be successful in whatever You want to do, that is just the kind of Person You are.
How sweet of you, Hilde. Thank you for your kindness. You have been there for a long time and I am so thankful that you are here still. I love hearing from you, and glad that you picked this blog as a recipient of your thoughts and feelings, that so many of us share. 🙂
Late last night I read this, and was too choked up with the ever lovin’ kind words from Sherry, to you. I could read no further. True blessings come in the unlikeliest of places. Today, i was able to finish reading, teary eyed, again. Andrea, your blog, is a gift, that I get to open up every day. (And I barged in, like a bull in a china shop, and made myself at home. Thank you for being kind, and accepting me anyway, lol!) Again, Thank you, Andrea. You ALL are, truely a gift, and a blessing~with much love, RahRah
RahRah, We are all grateful for you – especially me! Your reactions to things remind me of how I feel so often! And, you are no more a bull in a china shop than I am a truck driver! LOL!
You truly are a sweetheart. . . And you definately know how to make someone feel special. Thank you for that, and for everything else you bring us. Your commitment to writing daily, especially after working the long hours you do, is special and means much to all of us. You have an incredible way of sharing your thoughts, ideas and beliefs, and being permitted to peak into that HEART of yours, is truly an honour! Thank you so very much, Andrea! You inspire me. . . To keep DREAMIN’!
A big ol’ DITTO
Wavin’ atcha, Cap! Hope you are getting well-er! :mrgreen:!
Ditto Ditto!!!
CptKD…. You are special, and you inspire me, too with your courage and commitment to be so strong. You’re a wonderful writer, too. I am amazed that I could inspire you… you inspire me, too. so we both inspire the other! How perfect!.
It is PERFECT!
And I thank you again – For everything!
I was new to online forum and blogs when something from your blog was posted on a forum with a link. I’ve never been anything but thankful that I clicked on that link and read your blog for the first time. Then I went back and I think I read everything you wrote on the murder of a beautiful little child named Caylee. I cried when I saw the picture of Caylee’s Angels and was dumbfounded as I watched when the verdict for KC was read. Now I feel sorrow for those jurers who have been exposed to what KC and the entire defense team are really about. I could not believe they didn’t understand about the tape,the smell in the car,or why they didn’t ask to see any of the evidence or hear any of the Universal tapes or jail tapes again. Their names will be released sometime in the future and they now have to live with the decision they made. I hope they are at peace with their decision.
As for KC only time will tell.
You are truly a gifted writer and please continue this wonderful blog. It’s a gift to so many.
Faith, I’m glad you clicked that link, too! I love that picture of Caylee’s angels. And, we know the State didn’t fail Caylee – not in the least. The jury failed her. I just wrote something about that tonight in fact. When I saw that DCF report it just brought all the anger of the verdict right back….
I agree with you that we should hope the jury is at peace, somehow. We have to be at peace with their terrible decision…. they have to live with it and I wouldn’t want to be them…. what a burden they’ll have to carry….
Awww, Andrea, you’re so kind. I do remember when we first met. I kept going back to that live-chat, which had become pretty much a ghost-town. Out of frustration, I think I posted something like “WHere is everybody?” and you gave me the update and let me know about your blog. And here we are!
Yeah, you choked me up and got me all misty-eyed just now. 🙂
This is a very good place to be. A while back, I had gotten in on some other blogs and found myself (much too easily) following form and being a person that I don’t really think I am, and didn’t want to be. I went by a different name, and that’s why that darned name is still stuck with me (when you hover over my avatar). I just don’t know how to get rid of it.
Anyway, my grandson is calling me to dinner, so I’ll wrap this up real quick. It’s just great being here.
Kitt, I really enjoy talking with you here, and I’m grateful that you didn’t give up on blogs completely after the experience you had. No one will ever say anything hateful here…(I have a delete key!!!)
It’s so great to have you here. 🙂
LOL! Kinda funny…I just now hovered over my avatar, and somehow, that old name isn’t attached to me any more! Like magic!
Hi Andrea, I heart you and your blogs…. You always have WONDERFUL guest.. I don’t comment alot but I do read your blog daily.. You are always kind and understanding to everyone .
I love when you write about your brother, your niece and your Mom………and your pets…..
That also says something about you…….So keep on blogging and we will keep on reading……….
Thanks Linda! I’m so glad you said that about writing about my family! i was hoping I wasn’t boring anyone! LOL! It’s lovely to know that you’re out there reading every day! This is what I was dreaming of all along – like when Sally Field said when she accepted her Oscar,… she said, “you like me, you really like me?” It’s a terrific feeling!
Aweeeeeeee Andrea, Louie and i are very humbled that we got mentioned on your list. Your a doll to do so and we love you and your blog. You have been such an inspiration to Caylee and all of us with your fantastic insights and wonderfully thought out intellectual posts. Here’s to many more years to reading your blogs and having you as mine and Louie’s best friend. Thank you so much~~
Louie and i heart everyone that is here today and that means Louie is waving at all of you too. Now off to find Andrea’s newest post. nitey nite~~
Okay now I’m jealous! You mentioned knight owl’s cat so I’ll mention my companion.
Remember dogs have masters.
Cats have staff!
Well I am the staff of a very mouthy mostly Siamese cat(his mother was indiscreet). He nags me when he needs the water in the bathroom sink turned on to drip. He sleeps on me when I’m on my Lazy Boy loveseat and even beside me in bed depending on his mood and the weather.
All he has to do is look up at me with his amazing blue eyes and I’m done,I simply melt.
Boy howdy! Am I glad to know that my cat is not the only one who begs for the bathroom sink water! He’s an inbred and not too bright so I figured it was another one of his quirks I had to live with.
LOL! “Like”
Faith, that is soooo true! Cats do have staff….Oh, I’m a sucker for my Beau, that’s for sure…. 🙂
Imagine being bossed around by a single cat!!
I am so lucky – I have 3 dogs that have me leaping to their every demand! They even tell me when to go to bed!!
I’ve heard of cow-tipping, but dragon-flippin??! And masters, and wait-staff! Oh my goodness I’m laughing so hard!! I love you guys!!
Caution with the dragon flipping!
Baby seems to resent tail lifting
Andrea, just wanted to let you know I am still alive and well. I do read on occassion, but to be honest with you, I have had my fill of Casey. The trial is over, what’s done is done and we can’t change it. I read about boycotts, letter writing campaigns, etc and it makes me cringe. I have wasted enough of my time over the past 3 years. So anyway, I am alive and well, living my life and loving my family. I hope you, Kim and Weezie are well.
EDRN!!!!!!
I have missed you so!!!!!
Oh, EDRN! How lovely to hear from you! I was sure you were doing well, and figured you were saddened by the outcome of the case. And, I totally agree with you, too. The trial is over, the jury spoke. Sadly, they were not the jury we thought they would be. They were a jury for the defense, much to my surprise and amazement. I respect their verdict but i do not agree with it, of course.
It’s wrong to be a hater as a result of the verdict. It’s wrong to torture another person over the outcome of a trial in a court of law. It is best to do exactly as you have done – turn away from it – to dwell in hatred of another person, even if it’s Casey Anthony, is unhealthy. It’s never a good idea to allow such negativity and hate of someone dwell within us. I think that people who are so nasty and hateful are only hurting themselves – it’s not hurting Casey Anthony.
I was so angry at the verdict for the first couple of days. I was angry because there was no justice for Caylee. But then I realized that the trial, for good reason, was not about Caylee. It is only ever about proving or disproving the culpability of the accused. The victim does take center stage, but the show is about the defendant, you know what i mean?
Anyway…. I understand about needing to move away from the case….I am still fascinated by it and love to write about it because I find that in nearly every twist and turn in this story, there is a moral and there are always fascinating things to learn, too. 🙂
Big ole hugs to you!!!!!
Hi Kim, I have missed you too. I had to take a break and get on with my life. So all is well here. How are you? All things good?
It’s hot and sweltering! But it is Texas, after all!
I am healed well – been told it can’t be seen – I say BS 😉
We can blog about anything your heart desires! tell me what sparks you, woman!!
You make me laugh! Hmmmm….what sparks me? I will have to give it some thought. I am worn out about missing/abused/killed kids, the economy, the recession, healthcare etc….I want to talk about happy things, lovely things, so I really don’t know.
Laughter – love –
canning
tell me!!
By celebrating the joys and beauty in our lives we reduce her
she becomes nothing
as it should be
What have you done since you left us…
I have spent time with the gr dgts, did arts and crafts, went to the park and played on the swings, slid on the slides, jump roped etc. I have continued to crochet, cook, spend time with Steve etc. We went on a road trip this summer, started out in NY, drove to Indianapolis, ate at a restaurant we saw on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, spent the nite then headed to OK. Spent a few days there with family, then went to Nashville and spent 4 days listening to music, touring the County Music Hall of Fame, The Ryman Theater and Grand Old Opry and of course the whole city of Nashville. Then we headed to Gettysburg, spent a couple of days there exploring the battle sites, then headed home. It was a great trip. We have been going to lots of Arts and Craft Shows, festivals etc…always on the lookout for Christmas presents. How about you?
I LOVE it!!!!
I have been dealing with my scars, had lots of wonderful people help me. I am working full time and I am now focusing on loosing all the weight I packed on during my feel-sorry-for=Kimmy bit
Yeah, I am still trying to lose weight too….who would have thought it would be so hard to lose when it was soooooo easy to put on?
I’m sure your scars are much more bothersome to you than to anyone else. If you can’t hide/fix them, celebrate them! They are you. Think of them as your hard earned battle scars. Embrace them!
I am learning to – I am hard to keep down and oh well, don’t like it, don’t look – ya know?
Good for you……rock on!
Besides – there are far worse things as we all know
Can you send me an email (if you still have mine) so I can have yours? My computer died last month and I lost all my addresses. Luckily I had the warranty and got a brand new shiny one.
on its way!!
I hope I sent it to you!!!
lol
let me know, Doll!
Got it…thanks
damn I’m good 😉
I lost all my contacts, when my PC crashed and erased all my contacts and my calendar from my iPhone…. Send it to me too, Kim….pretty please?
On it’s way!!
Oh gosh, Kim, I hope you recover good as new! I will keep you & CptKD in my prayers. ~gentle hugs