Midnight Wanderers

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
Edgar Allan Poe

The Society of Midnight Wanderers

'It is for all the writers who go the extra mile on being creative, fret over their next post, spend the late hours or early morning hours thinking and writing down ideas, keep a notebook for those sudden flashes of inspiration AND place great emphasis on composition. It is simply a symbol from other writers (your peers) as recognition for your work. If you can write, if your passion is writing and you want to belong to an exclusive club you will be accepted. It’s not an award. It’s not money (unfortunately). It’s different. It’s a mark of respect.'

'Everyone will have the designation of Official Member. New members may suggest another blogger for membership; but in order to maintain the true spirit of The Midnight Wanderers, the founding members must review them for admission.
If someone is offered the badge and refuses to display it, that is their right; however, they will not be able to call themselves a member of the Midnight Wanderers. If they change their mind and want to join after a refusal, they can be inducted after writing an essay proving their value to the founding members. The essay’s length and subject matter is to be determined by the founding members, will be tailored to the abilities of the blogger in question, and will be posted on their blog for a three day period.
Membership of any new member may be revoked at any time by a consensus vote of the founding members for any conduct, which calls into suspicion their dedication the cause of the Midnight Wanderers, degrades the group, or demeans another member of the Midnight Wanderers, or if that member engages in hate speech demeaning another’s race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.
All members of the Midnight Wanderers will exhibit high standards for writing, a dedication to their craft, and continue to promote the craft of the written word with their unique styles and literary voice. That is the mission of the Midnight Wanderers.'

Writing has always been my most favored pastime as far back as I can remember. Since journaling can elicit minimal (if not zero) interaction, much less critique, I started blogging some 6 months ago. Since then, I've refused to have my blog monetized for the simple reason that I love blogging so much that doing so would make me feel like an utter sellout.

It's the wonderful reviews and touching comments I receive that have managed to compensate my sleepless nights.

From Visitant - Part 2 (Syned: Shadow Interaction, Chapter 2, "Lycanthropic Daydreams, p.112)

"I stumbled onto Ivy’s site when I first started blogging and have been hooked since. There is something about her writing I find intellectual stimulating and addictive. To me she epitomizes class. Class in her writing, and her personality . . . . . . ."

From The Battle (Syned: The Antithetical Order of Knighthood, Chapter 1, "The Beginning", p. 01)

"Ivy, my dear Ivy. Class in the world of cutthroat blogs and readership. Ivy is my “haute couture”, the gauge of high fashion in which I aspire. The clean, crisp words that emanate from her site are truly inspiring and a excellent read. Her site always makes me smile. I consider her one of my dearest friends are truly deserving of this award."

This wonderful and exclusive accolade; however, is my most treasured plum so far.

As this exclusive and ritzy honor was bestowed upon me by my unofficial blogging benefactor J.D., I choose to entrust it back to him. I'm deeply humbled, exceedingly delighted, and extremely grateful.

Thanks again J.D. for being such an amazing friend, and bless you for the honor. Best wishes as well ;)

Hitting 100

After blogging for a little over 4 months, my blog has eventually broken a hundred posts. *Yay* To celebrate, here's a list of the recent honors I've received from some very generous bloggers.

Given by Jay of 'Dat' Curious in commemoration of his 100th post.

From Annita of Footprints
Another friendship badge, this time it's from Annita
I received this sometime ago from Tatiana, which I got again from Annita
Again from the equally (if not more) fabulous Annita
Last but not least, one of my most treasured awards from a treasured friend. From J.D. Beaudoin of The Uneasy Supplicant

Thanks again to Jay, Annita, and J.D.

Since it's my blog's (post) anniversary celebration, I hope you don't mind if I keep these to myself *heh* just this once.

Here's to my next hundred :)

Honorarium

It's been 4 days since I last posted. First it was PMS. Now, I'm down with the flu *sniff sniff cough cough*.

Thanks to some generous bloggers, I feel somewhat better. Since I've been laid up with malady for 2 days and counting, what better way to lighten up than to share a few plums.

Without preamble, here are my nominees.........

I received the Egel Nest Blog Award from the lovely Tatiana

Since the eagle is associated with strong soaring flight, I would like to share this one with some eminent blogger friends - Melai, Beng, Ghee, Leena, Liudmila, Annita, Gale, and Cyberpunk. I wanted to share this with you J.D. but since we received this award together, I'm giving you the next one whether you like it or not lol...................

Awarded to yours truly by the beautiful and sexy Ghee

This one I'd like to share with with some of the most beautiful and sexiest in blogosphere - Beng, Melai (again), Canuck Chick, Lyka, Josey, Joanne, Nessa, Tatiana, and yes, J.D.

The next one is quite special to me as it is the first one I received. But being a blogging newbie (read: imbecile), I didn't even know what to do with it then. This 'Sweet Treat Award' was given by the glamorous NessaTo share with my sweetest blog buds - Melai (Yet again. Happy birthday in advance dear pal :), Annita, Julie, Piko, Lord Manila Stone, Lazarus, and Zang.

Again, thanks to Tatiana, Ghee, and Nessa. I'd love to give you guys a hug, but alas I'm still a walking viral plague lol.......*sniff sniff cough cough*

A Tribute To Amazing Bloggers

I've been sitting on a number of memes for quite sometime now and just as (I thought) I'm about to use them up, they spawn anew. I'm not even being a prima donna about the whole thing, in fact it's the other way around. Regardless of how dismal or ballistic my current mood is, my happiness index skyrockets whenever I get tagged for memes. I merely take my time as I appraise its appropriateness.

A few days ago Joel asked me why I continue to blog. He's predominantly concerned as I've managed to shed even more weight sans dieting and exercise. I do not receive monetary gain for my blog. I can even say it's a form of divestiture on my part because of the time it consumes.

Like I said, I relish small guerdons. Whether it be a comment or a meme, to me, they are surprising tokens of gratitude.

I received this one from Zang who, for some reason, claims I'm among his chosen few who have made an impact on his blogging life.

In the spirit of gratitude, I'd like to share the badge with bloggers who have remarkably made an impact on mine. I know I've probably tagged most of them a couple of times already and I'm not even sure if they've received this but they are my chosen few. To

Melai
Jon
J.D.
DW
Rino
Lord Manila Stone

Grab it along with my eternal gratitude and my humblest benediction.

Memes such as these are probably something a non-blogger would never understand. But being my soulmate, seeing me break into a smile is more than enough justification for him. I'm one hell of a lucky woman.

Guerdon: Be The Blog

In the two and half months of my blog's existence in blogosphere, I never cease to be amazed at how much I get to learn every single day. In that amount of time, I consider myself fortunate enough to have chanced upon some very genuine people. THAT is probably my greatest reward.

Touching comments and heartfelt expressions are also big bonuses. Being tagged for memes, that's another reward. I was bloghopping yesterday when I chance upon my name 'tagged' with this honor. I was tagged by Piko A.K.A Wonder Mum with this meme



In turn, I pass this on to fellow bloggers who have in one way or another 'moved' me

J.D. Beaudoin
Canuck Chick
Gale
Lord Manila Stone
Ghee
A2Z

You can go to 'Me and My Drum' and take your pick from 3 cool badges. Now it's your turn. Be the blog.........


P.S. Thanks again for this wonderful suprise Piko. You are such a darling.

P.P.S. I've been 'hair-obsessed' these past few days and am now facing a huge backlog. I have 3 more memes to pass on this coming week so watch out peeps ;) YOU could be next..............

Alter Egos

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.

Anais Nin


Among the determinants I've noticed that has made me aware I've turned automaton is that everyday (sans an alarm) I'm up at 3 in the morning (my internal clock is seriously messed up, I know). Being the hormonal bitch that I am, there are days I feel like putting an end to my blogging nonsense. Presently, blogging serves as my primary creative outlet although I constantly question myself until when I'd be willing to do this.

As much as I try to focus my attention on my 3 boys, I find myself so preoocupied with blogging. But one thing I'm quite certain of is that my career as a wife and mother is my top priority and it is something I'd happily endure for as long as I live.

Writing? Definitely. Maybe not through my blog as I still manage to update my journal but with absolute certainty, something I'd continue until the day I cease to exist.

Wakeboarding? Well, since I feel I've reached mid-life, if and when I do reach the age of 60, I'd still want to carve wakes no matter how wrinkled, saggy, or creepy I'd look by then. Mark my words haha.

Blogging? Hmmmm........ I really don't know. Every single day I find myself with a different answer so I'd have to get back to you on that.

As I was saying (I've strayed far from topic lol), this particular morning I received a pleasant, unexpected suprise (translation: another reason to recommence). A 'tag' from one of my inspirations, Rino.

Rino is a pro biker, whilst I, on the other hand, am not one to mount anything with 2 wheels. So what do we have in common that I've considered him an inspiration? First, we share a deep passion for our chosen sport. Second, a genuine concern and conscious effort to protect the environment. Lastly, we are both full-blooded Pinoys. Again, my heartfelt thanks for passing me a friendship badge.

Since I am not a woman of few words, instead of the usual 'tag', I'm stating why I considered them such. Also, there has to be something we have in common. Without further ado, here they are.......

Jon. I'm not even sure if you've already been 'tagged' but I'm quite certain you'll get 'tagged' a lot. You are such a blessing. Your words and photographs convey much love, faith, and hope, entities that our world is in desperate need of right now. Thank you for counting me as your hero. You are my hero as well. And I do hope you continue with your work for as long as you can as it will never be quite the same without you in the blogging world, as in the real one.

Melai. Yes I am fully aware you were tagged by Rino as well. But being among the most genuine bloggers I know, you are also the very first 'blagista' (your term, pahiram muna lol) I came into contact with. Thank you for being a constant reader, a wonderful advisor, and an avid commenter. I know that doing such eats up a lot of time so I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you've done.

Jason. The real tests of courage are not restricted in the battlefield. Knowing what you've been through, I know you are a living example of true courage. Thank you for your trust and confidence in me.

Julie. Your youthfulness is such a blessing. Thank you for the frequent visits and all your wonderful comments. I really appreciate it.

And to the new friends I'm starting to get to know,
Leena,
Liudmila,
Nessa,
Lizeth,
Nick,
Frogster, and
Rolando.

Thank you, thank you, thank you..........

Tag, You're It

"How do you see yourself? As a free spirit? Do you recognize the goodness in you that others do? Is there something extraordinary about you that you do not recognize as extraordinary? Is there a chance that your life is more wonderful than the way you currently see it? What does that mean to you?"
John, Chimeric Day Dreams


The other day my fellow blogger Melai, tagged me. In return, I'm supposed to tag 7 other bloggers who have managed to inspire me. A pretty difficult task for a newbie like me as I do not know a lot of bloggers out there. I do read a lot of other blogs but not for purposes of inspiration. I admit to being drawn to 'darkness'. Not for anything else, but seeing 'darkness' makes me appreciate the radiance and magnificence of 'light' even more. Twisted analogy, I know.

I thought I would need a full month to find them. Maybe it was divine inspiration, maybe even fate that I have found 7 bloggers that have managed to inspire me.

Without naming them, I'm supposed to write a sentence or two about them. Here are my messages to the 7 people who have inspired me...................


1. Your warmth is such a blessing, like a cold breeze through the desert in mid afternoon. Your humor and laughter, infectious. You are a true inspiration in every sense of the word.

2. Your honesty to a point of sheer brutality never fails to impress me. Do not let other people intimidate you.

3. Your sincerity and courtesy shine through in your posts. You illuminate the blog world with your wisdom.

4. Your wisdom, depth, and compassion managed to inspire me in more ways than one.

5. Your generosity in sharing your knowledge is Godsend. Keep doing what it is you do.

6. The things you do, I can only dream of. Keep doing what you're doing and inspire more ladies.

7. Your passion for what you do is amazing. It makes me want to do more.


Here's to you Melai, Corrina, Ate Sienna, John, Peter, Elay, and Rino.

You're it. Who's your big 7???


P.S. O hayan Melai, bayad na utang ko haha.........

P.P.S. I do not mind being asked questions. I believe, however, that there is an appropriate time, place, and setting for such. The manner in which it is said counts as well. I get a little feisty especially when aggravated. That explains my corrosiveness yesterday. Or is it lack of sleep? Sinabi naman pati sa inyong hormonal at bugnutin ako.

P.P.P.S. Have a blessed Sunday!!!