About Me

I grew up in South Dakota but lived in Australia, Ethiopia, Wyoming and California before moving to Mexico in 2001. I have had various careers as an English teacher, working in a television production company and as an artist on the arts and crafts circuit for 13 years. My avocations include being the curator of an art center and editing and co-editing two poetry journals. Most recently, I was the  coordinator of a local reading series at La Rueda (The Wheel) in San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico. This series has since been discontinued.

My poetry appears in a number of literary magazines and anthologies, and since moving to Mexico, I have written for several online and print English language newspapers, including the Ojo del Lago, available online from all locations, and have published seven books, all available on Amazon in print and Kindle versions. One more children’s book is completed and awaiting illustrations and I hope to make it into an animated film as well. I hope to publish a book of 50 years of love poems soon and have two other books written that just need adjustments and formatting. Too little time!

My blog postings include my poetry, photographs, essays and stories. Other pages include information about and links to my books. I also sponsor a weekly blog challenge entitled “The Numbers Game.” Please check it out and come play along.

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I hope to see you here often. Please post a comment to let me know who you are and what you think about what you are reading!
— Judy Dykstra-Brown

268 thoughts on “About Me”

    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Dear PTP–Thanks so much for nominating me for the award. As for prompts, I, too, have done nearly all of the prompts–one of them 3 times! They have run a few new ones, but I’ve found a new prompt site I really like. It is here: http://jennifernicholewells.com/

      On her site, you go to the topic generator and it randomly matches an adjective to a noun. If you don’t like the prompt, you can hit the generator as many times as you wish to come up with a new prompt. I’ve found these prompts are strange but as a result, inspire more original responses that are more creative and less predictable than the WordPress prompts. This may not be your cup of tea, but just wanted to inform you about them. I’ve found as you did that it is a nice and supportive community. I never expected this but now I’m addicted to it and would miss it if I withdrew. I have taken to posting the posts not only on JNW’s site but also on the Daily Prost. Since they give us the choice of using prompts other than the day’s prompt, I figure this is warranted. And, I stay in touch with the same bloggers. Another way to do this is through the Reader. At any rate, wanted to inform you about this and to thank you again for the honor of your nomination…Best, Judy

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      1. Vonita's avatarpassion through poetry

        Thank you for pointing me to the prompt generator. I like the idea and it is original, so I may do those. It was nice to see a fresh prompt today, there are so many dedicated writers I can’t understand why wordpress are not more supportive. Blessings, Vonita.

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        1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

          It is my understanding that they think mainly beginning bloggers use the prompts, but when you look at how the numbers answering the prompts have gone down, it seems to me that it is because established bloggers are no longer doing the prompts. I may be wrong, but look at the numbers and realize that they also include people who answered the prompt the first and sometimes second time as well as the ones answering it in the present. They don’t seem to be reading the posts and the number of people who are protesting.

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    2. kerry baker's avatarkerry baker

      Hi Judy, I live in Mexico and am working on a project. While I don’t think it would interest an artist/writer, you might know someone who would be interested. I was wondering if you’d consider e-mailing me 1)kerryinmexico@gmail.com or skypng kerry.baker68 so I could briefly present it. Thanks – Kerry Baker

      Liked by 1 person

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  2. bobmielke's avatarbobmielke

    I’m always interested in other artists. My passion for photography keeps me very busy in retirement. I maintain four blogs that all pertain to photography. If you’d like to see just my best photographs check out my simple Tumblr blog at:
    ungawa.tumblr.com Thanks for visiting my Northwest Photographer blog earlier today. 🙂

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      And you might have read my ravings about the complications of the Nat’l Geographic site…Sorry, but it was just impossible. I don’t know if my comments ever got through or not but your photos were wonderful. I’ll check out your tumblr. if I don’t have to spend another 1/2 hr. trying to register and get the comments to go through.

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      1. bobmielke's avatarbobmielke

        Your comments made it through. I left you a reply comment. Thanks for going through the application process. I’ve never had a non-contributing visitor go through that. Has National Geographic assigned you your own website yet?

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        1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

          Are you kidding? I thought I was just getting permission to leave you a message. You are kidding, right? I am curious about whether you have ever traveled to photograph animals in the wild or if all of those fabulous shots are taken in zoos? Also, were you a photographer in your work before retirement or is this something you have turned to after another career? I just keep thinking of that photograph of the orangutan. There was so much personality displayed.

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          1. bobmielke's avatarbobmielke

            I’ve been a photographer for 45 years. I was a professional wedding & family portrait photographer for many years before giving up the professional side. After turning to digital photography in 2006 I started photographing animals. I tal the vast majority of my animal portraits at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, OR. I do not travel on photo safaris but stick close to home.

            About your difficulty leaving a comment I’m serious. You will probably be assigned your own National Geographic website. Check out this program at: http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com.

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            1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

              Well that would be embarrassing. I’ve been looking at your photos on your WordPress site and the difference between your photographs and mine is like the difference between a child learning to walk and a ballet dancer. I am not a planner. I just love to photograph what I see and then to play with what I have captured to see what else I can do with it. I do it like I do my art–unplanned and intuitively. I was looking at the two birds of your protege on your blog site. They are really incredible–each separate strand of each feather…That kind of fine focus detail is as much a science as it is an art. Really lovely. It has been a surprise to me that having a blog has developed my appreciation of photography and given me a wonderful excuse to spend vast amounts of time playing in that area–probably as much or more time than I spend on writing, which is my lifetime pastime. At any rate, Love your photos and your writing and envy your success in simplifying your life! Mine just seems to get more complicated by the year…Ha.

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            2. bobmielke's avatarbobmielke

              THe friend that got me into blogging is the same lady who will be my new landlord on October 3rd. She & her husband, Garry, have been friends for years. We met on a photography forum that fell apart so Marilyn suggested I try blogging. That was 3 years and 4,800 followers ago. I now maintain 4 blogs, all photographic, so so that my friends can share my experiences. I also teach photography. Liz, who shot the condor pictures you mentioned. She’s developed into a very good photographer in the past year. I’m very proud of her. We were together at the Oregon Zoo the day she took the Condor photo.

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            3. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

              I have become very fond of Marilyn and Garry over the past year–all via blogging. In addition to photography and writing, we have bonded over the fact that they have a female Scottie and I have a male Scottie who look pretty much like twins! Small world.

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            5. bobmielke's avatarbobmielke

              I was going to mention that you should upload a few photos to your new NG page. It’s fun getting responses from the photographer. There are so many talented people of all levels of photography. One of my favorite shoots sunsets and sunrises with a Canon Elph. Amazing!

              Liked by 1 person

  3. Charron's Chatter's avatarCharron's Chatter

    I grew up in MT for a spell…a Kalispell (ho ho, actually Bozeman) and wendt a circuitous route via Switzerland and the Vegetables (!) to Kali–been here for my entire yout’ and middle age…agery…
    my point? (scratch–scratch–hmm…) nahh. We are soul sisters! Growing up (formative years for me) out thattaway makes you an automatically cool AND nice person; voted most likely to say “hi” to passing neighbors, and sometimes forget to lock the door…
    wanted to say: those bougainvillea look more crisp and lifelike than Life itself. Fine shutterbug’istics….

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      1. Charron's Chatter's avatarCharron's Chatter

        no, it’s right on…I got to thinking as i typed how I now live in “Kali” (a nickname even) and I lived in MT for a “spell” (so works the old noggin) but here: here is a lovely wiki image of Kalispell, which looks as much like Bozeman as a twin shoe. A beautimous if freezin’ neck o’ North America…

        http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/Kalispell_MT_looking_toward_Glacier_National_Park_from_Lone_Pine_State_Park_January_27_2010.JPG&imgrefurl=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalispell,_Montana&h=2592&w=3888&tbnid=ABMYduE0Jw3fXM:&tbnh=160&tbnw=240&usg=__r4pnbher8LZgHt8ASLDLowAzVeU=&docid=BXOCtIk9bF1jpM&itg=1

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        1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

          It looks beautiful. It also looks like you are right next to Canada. I fly into Billings to visit my sister and friends (and formerly my mother) in Sheridan, Wyoming, but I think that is the only part of Montana I’ve ever been in. What you say about people from the plains states having something in common for life is very true. Especially if they have actually left home for awhile-as you did or forever, as I did. I’ve noticed how people who grew up in the same type of place and who eventually wind up in the same place do have a natural camaraderie as well as a compatible sense of humor in spite of whatever other differences there may be. Thanks for the Kali info.

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  4. Dreamer of Dreams's avatarDreamer of Dreams

    Dear Judy,
    You are an amazingly accomplished and multi-talented person, and I’m in awe. Looking forward to seeing/reading your work!
    Peace,
    Vijaya
    P.S. Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind and thoughtful comments!

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  5. Pingback: Update on Changes and New Challenge | Cee's Photography

    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Duchess–First of all, congratulations on your nomination. Secondly, thank you so much. I am very honored by your nomination. Right now I have so much on my plate that I’m not going to participate, however. Just knowing that you enjoy my blog and take the time to comment is actually the best award I could receive anyway! xo Judy

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        1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

          Thanks, Duchess. I don’t like to post as a blog free site because I’m afraid it looks like I am belittling the awards. They are so exciting when you are starting out and necessary to help bring a new blog to the attention of readers, but they do take up so much time and it is hard to decide who to pass the honor on to once you know so many excellent blogs…So I just thank people like you for giving me the honor! Not to mention the honor you give every time you read my blog and comment or “like.”

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  9. Pingback: Photography Roundup Week 5 / My Music | Mars Gone Mad

    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Hi Marty, Nothing really happened here. Only 4 inches of rain instead of the projected 20 inches and no 100 mph wind. An electrical power pole down in area where I went after evacuating my house was the worst problem–and having to walk up the hill to retrieve my belongings and dogs…luckily I’d driven my car out before they closed down the road. So, it was actually worse in the place I went to to escape the potential dangers of landslide at my house! They still have no electricity. But, couldn’t take the chance of staying here. We are back home with much activity going on re/ the construction of the new room. Sunny today although still a bit hazy. Everything turned out so much better than expected. Lucky Mexico! Thanks for asking. Judy

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Hi Danielle. I opened my blog to promote my book “Lessons from a Grief Diary.” Very quickly after that, I started doing NaPoWriMo and found out I loved writing a poem a day and posting. At first I only posted during April and then a year ago last April I decided to just keep on posting every day–to the Daily Prompt. Then I discovered Cee’s photo prompts and Nancy’s and started doing them. By then, I was addicted and I know do three to five prompts a day. Watch out! I may need a recovery program–Blogging Anonymous.

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Ok. All is forgiven. I am a kidder and some people may take occasion to it but hope you know that I would never ever say anything with the intention of hurting or making someone look small. It is actually a sign of affection! I accept the start over, Bob–Judy

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  13. Wild Daffodil's avatarWild Daffodil

    After your lovely comment on my blog, I popped on over to have a look at your retablos – I’ve not seen individual, personal, homemade ones before – they are fascinating and intriguing – i never knew their name before and now I want to make one!

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Hi Silver Thread. Can you tell me how to send you a copy of the book? Do you prefer Kindle or Amazon hard copy and for either, where do I send it? I’m also unsure what you mean by a link to the book. Do you mean a link to where it can be purchased on Amazon and Kindle? Thanks, Judy

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      1. Colleen Chesebro's avatarSilver Threading

        Hi Judy. A Kindle copy works for me (mobi). You can use my email: silverthreading@gmail.com. Please fill out the form on my blog so I have all your information in order to do your book review. Look on my menu and click on Submit a book for Silver’s reviews. Thanks again. 💗

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            2. Colleen Chesebro's avatarSilver Threading

              I understand. I wrote a post a while back about an author’s media kit. If you put that together as a “Page” on your blog menu, people will know where to find your books and information. I think that makes it easy to do some marketing. Every little bit helps. ❤

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            3. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

              I have a page entitled Book for adults that has that info but I’ve just noticed the links no longer work. I guess it is a good idea to check them now and again. Thanks for the pointers.

              Liked by 1 person

      1. janebasilblog's avatarjanebasilblog

        Doyou mean you’re not accepting the non-nomination, or that you’re not not accepting it? I do wish you’d make youtself clear, although I suppose the result will be the same whatever – i won’t be looking forward to not reading your post of non acceptance, and your own non-nominations.
        Enough silliness already!
        This was the inspiration for the post:
        http://soulgifts.com.au/2015/12/12/dragons-loyalty-award/
        Raili has a handle on the true spirit of blogging awards.

        Liked by 1 person

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  16. Soul Gifts's avatarSoul Gifts

    Well, I came here to look ‘cos of Jane’s non-nomination award to lifelessons 🙂 I also noticed you’d been for a visit to mine, so thanks. You lead a very busy life by the sounds. Just skimming through these comments has left me wondering about daily prompts and Na…. whatever it was, and other bloggy stuff that I haven’t heard of. So much to learn, and so little time, lol! I need a housekeeper.

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  17. lassymac's avatarlassymac

    Judy!
    Happy Holidays from the not-yet-snowy shores of Canada! We did receive your book (thanks again!) and Dot loves it. And now it is finally seasonally appropriate!!! I hope that all is well with you. I will take more time soon to wander through your blog as I’ve missed your wit and wonderful stories. Somehow I’ve managed to lose momentum in my writing (and wordpressing in general) but hopefully I’ll get back in the saddle in the New Year!
    xo

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Well, I’m sure it is hard for moms to find the time. It is so good to see your name again. I didn’t recognize lassymac at first and was trying to figure out who I sent a book to!!! Is your “baby” three years old now? I have really missed your writing and thought of you just yesterday. The charm worked I guess. Send us a blog for old time’s sake. Don’t wait for NaPoWri Mo. Give Dot a kiss!

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  21. Pingback: Three Day Quote Challenge: Day 3 – Worldly Words

  22. Patrick Slater's avatarPatrick Slater

    Judy,

    How can I send you a photo of you reading at Monday night’s Story Slam?
    Loved your dog story. I too am a dog lover.

    Patrick
    slaterpf@gmail.com
    p.s. With a bright lamp perched beside the readers’ heads, lighting conditions were very difficult and I was further handicapped by not wanting to go prancing around in front of the audience to get a best camera angle.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Ha… a friend had just asked if I took pictures and I had admitted I forgot to. I have a very sweet one of Joy taking a video of you at Open Mike, though. She has such a tender look on her face. I’ll send it.

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  23. May J's avatarMay J

    Hi Judy, nice to meet you! I stumbled in your blog through the daily prompt. I loved your entry on those red high heels shoes! And I’m loving everything you’ve written before! Nice to meet you.

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. Jennifer Nichole Wells, BFA's avatarJennifer Nichole Wells

    In case the email doesn’t come through. Here’s what was sent. Let me know if you need the interview questions.

    “Hello and thank you again for your contribution to felan.
    Attached are some interview questions. If you choose to answer them, they will be published with your contact information on felanzine.wordpress.com.
    For examples of past interviews click here: https://felanzine.wordpress.com/category/interviews/
    To see when this issue’s interviews will post, click here: https://felanzine.wordpress.com/artist-interview-schedule/

    Your selected piece(s):
    – Routes Laid Out by Heavenly Bodies (image and poem)

    Your contact information (please let me know if anything needs to be corrected, added or removed):
    Judy Dykstra-Brown
    San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico
    jubob2@hotmail.com“

    Liked by 1 person

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  25. C thehappymeerkat's avatarthehappymeerkat

    Hi, I just wanted to thank you for liking a blog post I made for the daily prompt ‘price’ the other day. It was the first time I’d done the daily prompt and also the first time I’d ever posted any poetry online, so it means a lot that anyone liked it :).

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      I read your poem again and still think you did an excellent job of it. Too often people think merely thinking up a rhyming word makes something poetry, but yours scanned, was clever and had a purpose. I too often dispel gloom or sadness or anger by writing poetry. It is so cathartic and bends the negative into the positive. Just forge ahead like the three billy goats gruff and forget there are trolls under that bridge!

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      1. C thehappymeerkat's avatarthehappymeerkat

        :). Thank you, indeed I really felt better and it helped stop me going into a depressive mood. Thank you again, you are very kind with your words to me, I’ll check out more of your blog soon :).

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Ha. I saw this on your blog first and was pleasantly surprised as you are one of my favorite playmates and I’m nominating another! I take it we just post it without linking to any central blog.

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  27. Pingback: Today’s Flowers – Royal Poinciana Clusters – Blog of Hammad Rais

  29. mia's avatarmiathelunatic

    Hi Judy,

    Thanks for following my petite petite blog! Your writing is soooo great. I am feeling honoured to be discovered by you, and I am super happy to discover your blog!
    Also, just a small question, do you have any tips for getting more followers? Because your blog is such a great community. Does having your own custom domain help?

    Thanks and sorry for rambling on so much, ❤
    Mia

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Mia.. I got my custom domain because I ran out of room. I wasn’t reducing the size of my photos and they gobbled up all my free space very quickly. I think the best way to get followers who really read your blog is to read other blogs and “like” and comment on ones you admire.. Then follow them. Eventually, they’ll view your blog and if they like what they see, they’ll follow you. The other thing that caused my views to mushroom was to post at least two blogs a day and to make them ones people want to read. I am retired so I can spend the hours it takes each day. Since you are younger and going to university, I believe, I’m sure it is much harder to find the time to post each day, but your work is good and I’m sure people who read your blog will, as I do, continue to read it each time you post. There are people I have seen posting for years who write each day but who don’t really say anything. They are randomly talking as though in a diary..including spending a good deal of time talking about how hard it is to get into the topic or how they don’t have anything to say ….this goes on and on and if they ever do get to the topic at hand, they have already lost their readers. If you are writing primarily for yourself, this is fine, but if you are writing for an audience, be sure to jump right into the action without all of this prelude. I’m sure you would never do this, but now you have me up on my soapbox and I am bound to expound! Ha. At any rate. Just keep doing what you are doing. Your followers will come in time. I’m sure there are lots of tricks to get thousands of followers, including people you can pay to boost your numbers, but unless they actually read your blog, it seems like they are just numbers. Having a healthy number of blogging friends who read and comment on your blog and whose blogs you enjoy and comment upon seems to me to be the most rewarding part of blogging. Uh oh. My soapbox seems to be caving in.. Better end my sermon! P.S. When I started to add my own photos to every blog and to participate in a few photo prompts, my numbers of followers and viewers also greatly increased. Now it is one of my favorite parts of blogging. I suggest Cee’s prompts, and she also participates in some other good photo prompt sites.

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  30. manqindi's avatarmanqindi

    Gidday from Stralia! You have attracted a lot of comments, so i won’t say much save that a read of your grieflessons struck a chord. Maybe I can sit at your feet and learn for awhile.
    Tooroo

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  32. Susanne's avatarSusanne

    Hi Judy, I found you through Jan Wilberg. I just finished a tough read called “Telling: A memoir of rape and recovery” and am now onto something fictional called “Look who’s back”.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Hi Susanne. Hope to hear more from you. The very big reward of the time spent on blogs is the time others spend in responding and passing on their own information. And you are a serendipitous event yourself as I came on to reblog Jan’s last post and then forgot what I came on to do. Seeing your comment jogged my memory and so here I go. Loved her last piece especially. You might be interested in an anothology just published that I am in, but so much good writing in it about the subjugation of women and their empowerment, that that is beside the point. It is “Veils, Halos and Shackles.” If you search with those words, you’ll find plenty of info on it. If not, comment to me and I’ll give you a link. Thanks so much for commenting.

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  34. Pingback: The Black Cat, Blue Sea Award | Caboosemama Little Pleasures

  35. Greta Lamfel's avatarGreta Lamfel

    Hi Judy

    Thanks for the follow! How have you been and how’s your blog doing?
    I created a blogger tips group to connect with all my long last WordPress blogger friends, and to help all of us to learn from each other. I would love for you to share your knowledge in the group and connect with other bloggers. Here’s the link:
    Blogger Tips Group

    Finally, here’s a blog I thought you may find interesting:
    The Ripple Effect of Blogging

    Best regards,
    Greta
    Founder of Healthy Living
    http://www.healthyliving894.com

    Liked by 2 people

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  38. carol1945's avatarcarol1945

    Judy, I was using my iPad and I loved your Sweet Violets post, but now I am on my computer and I cannot find it. Also, is there a way to email you? You made me so happy to bring back good memories with that song. I cannot tell you what a great experience hearing that song after so many years. I could picture my parents and my childhood home in a way that I have not done in years. Thank you, thank you.

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  40. Gary Antosh's avatarGary Antosh

    Hey judydykstrabrown.com,

    Gary here from PlantCareToday.com

    I’m emailing you today because we just updated our article on growing Heliconia.

    Do you have a favorite heliconia? Mine has always been Rostrata.

    While updating the article, I noticed you linked to:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zingiberales

    in your post here:

    https://judydykstrabrown.com/2017/07/

    You can review the article on these beautiful plants at:

    https://plantcaretoday.com/heliconia-plant-care.html

    Might make a great addition and resource to your page?

    All The Best,

    Gary
    PlantCareToday.com

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  41. Hamza Balol's avatarHamza Balol

    Hello Ms. Judy,

    Hope all is well with you across the miles. Are you the same Judy Dykstra-Brown who wrote the wonderful story “Waking Up,” from a recently published book for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series? The story, however, touched my heart in a very positive way.

    All the best,
    Hamza
    Saudi Arabia

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      1. Hamza Balol's avatarHamza Balol

        Thanks for writing back, Judy. I really can’t recall the time I contacted you before, did you write any other short piece before this one and we shared our thoughts about it? This is the first time I read this story of suffering a lot with your contractor to build your dream house and then to find yourself in writing. The story was beautifully written indeed and it teaches us so many valuable lessons in life. The most important lesson is that if we want to make our dreams come true, the first thing we have to do is to wake up immediately. Remind me please if I did forget? My memories has become very weak LOL.

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          1. Hamza Balol's avatarHamza Balol

            Ok thanks for your kindness, Judy. I sent you a very heart-warming story to your FB page, please add me your friends’ list if you don’t mind. Have a nice day. I translated the story from Arabic into English several years ago.

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  42. Hank's avatarHank

    Congrats on being published! I hope you keep sharing your work and writing from a place of getting your words out to the world! Hope your 2018 has been well!

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  45. Frank Prem's avatarFrank Prem

    Hi Judy.

    Thought I’d drop by, also. I’m just beginning the process of POD self publishing a book of poetry, and hope to travel the amazon, kindle, e-book and print route. Not having to live with book stock forever leads me back into these murky depths.

    I’ll look forward to reading your work, when I can.

    Cheers,

    Ffrank

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Thanks, Frank. I’ve done the self-publishing a few times through Create Space and Kindle. I’m not good at all at self-promotion, though. I just don’t have the patience for it anymore. Just want to keep writing! Would that we all had good publishing fairies who would just take the entire chore off our backs!

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      1. Frank Prem's avatarFrank Prem

        Amen to that one. The need to self-publicize killed my first efforts, but I’ve been re-inspired. We’ll see what happens.

        Sadly no-one buys poetry anymore. Ah well.

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  46. Lynne Lightowler-Buck's avatarLynne Lightowler-Buck

    I love the synchronicity of finding your blog off a site of women supporting each other on Lake Chappala! (Lakeside Newbies on FB) I read your Agustin’s story and loved it . . . and would love the food. Much change at home in New York State, and have been thinking of where I can affordably live. Ajijic came to my attention, though you’re in another town on the lake. Any advice would be wondrous. Blessings!

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      I’m very close to Ajijic. I’ve lived here for 17 years and love it. Many artists, musicians, writers and actors..Friendly people and lots of activities. Check out the Lake Chapala Society website and also there are a number of films about the area and people online on Youtube and other places. San Juan Cosala..about 5 miles from Ajijic..is where Agustin lives and where his restaurant is. I live on the mountain just above the town.Buses run every 10 to 15 minutes along the road between Chapala , Ajijic and jocotepec…the three largest villages on the north side of the lake. We are an hour from the airport and Guadalajara where there are Costco and Sam’s Club. There is a Walmart in San Antonio.. a suburb of Ajijic..and a couple of grocery stores that cater to Expats–where you can get about anything you’d want. Many other small Mexican grocery stores that have staples if you don’t want to pay the premium that imported goods charge. You can definitely live here for much less than in the states, especially if you live in Joco or Chapala or San Juan Cosala rather than Ajijic. You should check it out. During the busy season–October through March, I’d guess (I keep forgetting to notice the exact dates when things start to get busy, but someone on Lakeside Newbies can tell you) it can be hard to find accomodation, so would be a good idea to arrange for it in advance. People are flooding in from the States. Ironic that we are welcomed when we’ve made Mexicans so unwelcome in the States. To get a permanent visa, you have to prove that you have a certain amount of income per month or that you have a certain amount in the bank. This has changed so i’m not sure of the amounts. I think it is always good to learn enough of a foreign language to function in the country it is used in, but it is not necessary. You will not feel that limited by not speaking Spanish. You should check it out.

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  47. Jaye's avatarJaye

    This may be a shot in the dark. Hello Judy, my name is Jaye. My 90 year old uncle, Lou Sowersby, is looking for some of his old friends. I am helping him.
    He had a dear friend named Herbert Piekow. Through the use of Twitter, my husband, who has an account, found your name. Is it possible you know Herb? Herb’s Twitter account and Facebook account have not been active lately. I messaged him on Facebook twice and have not heard back.
    If you don’t know him, I am sorry I have troubled you. I will enter my email address in case you do know him or perhaps someone that does.
    Thank you and happy holiday!

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  49. WriterTammy's avatarTammyB

    Sorry! I got your email! I am excited I won!
    Reading is Fundamental is the charity I choose for the money to go to please!

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    1. lifelessons's avatarlifelessons Post author

      Thanks, Tammy. I’ll check to see if I can find it on Paypal. Why don’t you add a pingback to your Cat in the Window post to the comments on the blog post where I announced you as the winner? It will get you some more views, perhaps..

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  50. sarahsouthwest's avatarsarahsouthwest

    Hi Judy, it’s Sarah here from fmmewritespoems. I’m looking for a favour.

    I live in a small town in Devon, England. Over the last few years the town has raised money to renovate our small town hall, originally built in 1763. It’s now a community space. A friend of mine, Anne Tattersall, is now managing the place. She’s planning a Festival of Women’s voices for next March – International Women’s Day – and I offered to contact some of my poetry blogging connections around the world to ask if they would be happy to donate a poem? We’d be looking at a display, but maybe using some words on tea-towels, etc. This is a fund-raiser for the building’s upkeep, so we’re asking for a donation of a poem. If you’re interested, please let me know. I don’t have full details yet – I’m just putting out feelers to see if this is a goer.

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