Manners

As a Gen-X-er, I understand that manners have all but been lost, and are an ancient art. However, I still value them.
In conjunction with Lovellas and Jill's blog, here's my 2 cents.
Pretty much, write for yourself. Be proud of what you write. Make sure it's suitable for your boss, or your mother, to read it. These things last forever, and you certainly don't want anything written in virtual stone for all time. It's amazing how things do come back and bite you.
As a reader, it is always polite to acknowledge to the reader that, indeed, you did take the time to read their work. Even better, offer an opinion, formed in responce to the posting. It's like virtual gold, and a little goes a long way. A lot is even better! Obviously, if someone has taken the time to write a blog, they have something to say or share. Responding is validation and encouraging to a blogger.
As a writer, proper grammar and spelling is always appreciated. That spell check is there for a reason. (On a personal note, no, I don't ever use it. I always misspell the same words: their, responce, etc)
As a write, it is appreciate if you have clear in your mind the purpose of your blog. Is it purely to share pictures and experiences of your life and travels? Is it to be an instructional blog? Is it a stress relief and outlet for aggressions and frustrations? Is it just for everyday chat and for keeping in touch with your friends? Once you have a clear impression, it is easier to keep a better focus. A suggestion: have separate blogs for work/vacation/ kids/ pets, whatever.
Above all, thank yous and complements are always appreciated when commenting. For me personally, any "why it's good to be Me's" are just the best!
It's good to be me when my opinion is sought out. Unfortunately, I don't link to other's blogs, but I don't mind them linking to mine. Opinions are just that, opinions. And there is no such thing as a "wrong" opinion. Just be respectful and go back to the golden rule. treat others as you want to be treated.
Oh, and read the post below. I actually got 2 posts in on 1 day! It's good to be me!

A touch of Dallas

Ah, the Dallas skyline. I do adore a good skyline! I always wish I could get the shot at night, but I have yet to invest in the way wicked awesome technology they have come out with to take those shots. This one in particular, was shot out my sunroof over my shoulder, while driving away from town. Mind you, my eyes were glued to the freeway in front of me, so don't go thinking I was driving dangerously. Even though my arm was up in the air with the lens facing the opposite direction in 70 mph speeds. That's why it took about 15 shots to get this one. Turned out pretty good, don't cha think?


This is one of my favorite spots in Dallas. I forget what it's called, I think the Old Red Building Museum or something. Everyone from Dallas will know which building I am talking about. However, I am not a fan of reading, as my friends and family are well aware, to my librarian Mother's dismay. That said, my ambivalance to reading extends to signs and plaques stating what things are and their history. My bad! Lucky me, to have a research librarian at my disposal who will probably inform me as to what it is really called. Love ya MOM!

This is the real John F. Kennedy memorial. Most people don't know that. It looks to me like a big leggo box. Inside there is what looks like a pedistal that a monument or statue should have been placed on. But there is nothing on top of it. Except when I stand on it and pretend to be my own statue. Much more fun!

I believe that someone once told me that it was supposed to look unfinished, just as JFK's life was

'unfinished." Hmmm. Interesting. I guess.

Anyhow, it's still cool to pose on the stand.

It's good to be me, and I am glad to have been able to capture a bit of Texas that I actually like.

The Time had come

I have been wanting to go to Medieval Times since I first saw it when I moved to Dallas in 1998. So it took a whole 10 years. At least I finally made it! It was wicked cold out, but worth braving the chill to stand outside until the squire basted his horn to announce the arrival of the King, and to be formally invited to come into the kingdom, dine and be entertained.

I think this just might be as close as I will ever get to my knight in shining armour. Good enough for me! There were approximately 7 other armoured knights, suprisingly on sale for only $3,000! Probably cheeper than a real husband and a wedding. But no, I didn't buy one.

This was the ceiling. I am not sure if it is Dallas's coat of arms, or just a made up one. Cool either way.
While waiting for the banquet to be served, they had actual knighting ceremonies for those wishing to make the occasion just a bit more special. Big swords, I tell you! The entire staff remains in character. "Good day, my lady! How might I be of assistance?" My lady, or my lord if you are a boy. Fun, fun, fun!

The dining experience: and no, I didn't finish that big old beer. Good heavens! Everything really is bigger in Texas! I had front row seats and sat next to a nice couple and their daughter, who was a self proclaimed Princess. Needless to say, she was a lot cuter than me, and caught the flower thrown to her upon the victory of our knight in a jousting match.

The menu: or as described by my "bar wench", bread, Dragon blood soup, falcon, dragon toes, dragon eggs, and a fine dessert. All was eaten without use of spoon, knife or fork, so pardon the lack of pictures of the actual food.

When you enter the castle, you are given a crown of the color of the knight you will be cheering for. Mine was yellow. Or golden, as I prefer to think of it.

It was a grand experience. It is good to be me, and it is good to have finally been able to cross another adventure off my list!