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Thursday, April 5, 2012

"Elizabeth Grace is a slave-driving pain in the ass." :OD

Eleven months ago I was introduced to a group called GBE2 by my friend Gary Smith. (Thank you Gary) He was a member and his friend Elizabeth Grace (yep, one and the same) was the administrator of the site for bloggers. I was expecting to write my little mind numbing blogs and maybe a couple of people would read them and maybe I'd learn a thing or two about proper writing techniques or at the very least, I'd learn not to write sentences that could easily be broken into 5 or 6 sentences if they were being written by anyone other than long winded and wordy me with no thought as to how normal people breathe.  Obviously, I learned that!

Okay, so now here we are 11 months later and I have made so many friends in this group that I sometimes forget that I don't know them at all. Except maybe I do because they are writers. Writers open up their laptops, sit at their desk tops or grab a notepad or tape recorder and tell their stories. Then the bloggers share them. With each other. We really do know each other very well. We know the essence of each other very well.

That is what qualifies me to take on this subject even though I am NOT participating in the a-z challenge thingy because I don't like that kind of commitment. It feels like work to me. I'm not into work anymore.

I have known Ms. Grace for 11 months and though we are virtual friends, she has shown me her heart a hundred times or more. She has shown me her strength an equal number of times. I know who she is.
She is a slave-driving pain in the ass. Oh, sure, she's cute. She inspires me often with her writing. She moves me with her words or makes me giggle like a 5 year old whose favorite uncle is tickling her, but she is a pain in the ass.

Every week she posts topics or prompts or pictures and we are supposed to get inspiration from that prompt and go out to our own pages and write awe inspiring posts. That's all, just go out there and make her proud!

How's that working for most of you?

I'll tell you as a regular reader, it's working really well for a whole big gigantic bunch of you! These posts are so well done, so well thought through and sometimes so damned funny that I can hardly get through them.
You are without question, as entertaining a mix of humans I could imagine in one place.

She is a slave-driver. She is a pain in the ass. "Put your stuff here, not there."  "I'll post that for you cuz you keep putting it in the wrong spot." "I'll be dropping by and commenting, so be careful what you say about me." 'That was an interesting post." (That isn't good, btw.) "What an unusual take on the prompt." (Also not good,)

Then as if that wasn't bad enough, each week she posts her own blog offering. Of course, it's always (nearly) fantabulous. If it isn't, she'll tell you it is crap in the first paragraph. If it doesn't have a warning label, it's going to be good. Week after week after week. She sets a high standard and I have to admit here, don't share this with her, she doesn't read my blogs, I totally love and admire this woman I have never met. She holds my utmost respect and admiration. Not for doing it all, as she sometimes feels she has to do, but for doing what she does better than anyone expects. I admire her good heart and kind soul and I (tribute here) lovity love love her to pieces!

Have I personally learned anything from hanging out with her virtually?  Hell no, I already know it all. There is nothing I could possibly learn from a young 'un like her. I've got mascara older than she is! Good grief! I am still writing my mind numbing blogs and reading my comments, but I do have a lot more than a handful of readers. That makes me so happy. I don't think she made people come read my blog, but maybe she did!

But you less aged ones might learn something from her. You might learn how to construct a sentence or spell check your work or maybe even write a blog that makes sense!  Oh, not that anyone in this group would ever do any of those things, that would be an example of hyperbole. There is, however, a point in there, if you look hard enough.

Bethie should take a big ole bow and then pat herself on the back because truth be told, she just rocks the writing world all the way around. I am proud to be a part of this group and very proud to call the pain in the ass my friend.

*Raising my glass of raspberry-chocolate wine* Here's to you Miss Beth with my respect and gratitude for a job well done day after day after day.
♥♥♥

Jo

54 comments:

  1. LOL this was an 'interesting' take on todays challenge...(wink ..just kidding) I love it..and love Elizabeth...Shes the best and I am so grateful to be a part of her herd!! Great post !!!

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    1. What an interesting reply! LOL I just read your post and wanna tell you to Go For It! Get those ears! But you still have a captcha and I just gave up on those danged things. ♥
      Thanks for sharing. She is the best and so is this group! ♥

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  2. If there is one thing I can count on from you Jo, is that you always tell it like it is. Nothing gets passed you. So Beth might be a pain in your arse, but you, my friend, don't take any bull$hit. Thanks for being a straight shooter, and a friend that I can rely on when I need to hear the truth!

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    1. LOL...of course you all know, she is not a pain in anybody's ass, but she said that and I just had to run with it!
      Thanks Susan and you can certainly count on me for the truth as I see it.

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  3. First-- pass me some of that Raspberry Chocolate wine- I don't need a glass--the bottle will do. *Hiccup*

    Second-- what an awesome post Jo!! Bethie is sure to learn a thing or two stopping by here to read this. She will learn that you do know it ALL & she's one spectacular, well-loved lady!!

    *sip-sip* And this is what makes you wonderful Jo-- you aren't afraid to say it like it is!! Love ya! Jenn.

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    1. Well, that part about knowing it all...maybe not. Maybe not at all, but it's fun to say!
      I'm happy to share my yummy late night wine with you!
      Enjoy.
      Thank you for all the nicey nice things you say here and always, I appreciate it so much. ♥

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  4. This was great Jo... :-) I directed traffic back to yours because, well it's late, I'm tired and you did a better job of explaining the details. I love you guys!

    Too Many E's in My Soup Bowl

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    1. I read it and loved it! You make me laugh so much. ♥
      I'm tired, too and I'm off to bed in a couple.
      I love you and being in this group is just one of the most fun things I've done in a long time.
      Glad you liked the idea and the post.

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  5. Maybe we should call Beth "Little Miss Perfect" ROFL.... J/K...I love her to pieces too. And I admire her energy to do all that she does.

    Thanks for the giggle. I love this blog!!!

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    1. Oh gosh now! She isn't perfect, but she is awesome. If she were perfect, how awesome would she still seem? Nope, it's the humanity of her that makes her so Bethie. ♥
      Glad you giggled and glad you loved it. My work here is done.

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  6. I love it! You feel my pain! :) I am new to all things Elizabeth and I absolutely love her already!

    AND after checking around your blog I'm lovin' you too! Oh, and am now officially "stalking" you. :) Not like creeper stalker, like bloggee stalker. :) You were my first post I read this morning and I look forward to reading more!

    Btw.. How is that chocolate wine? I'm an Italian woman, I seen that bottle and it scares me!

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    1. Thank you MiMi and I'm happy to meet you! Glad to have a new stalker. I'll be stalking back, cuz that's how I roll.
      And the raspberry-chocolate wine is amazingly and surprisingly delicious. It is a dessert type wine which I enjoy in the late evenings. Okay I also enjoy it mid-afternoon once I can go sit outside and sippity sip. The one I enjoy is from Cascade Winery right here in Mid Michigan. A little pricey for me, but a nice little splurge now and then.

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    2. First let me correct my grammar. "I've" seen that bottle..
      Second! You're in Michigan? Me too! Up north in Charlevoix! :) We go down state a few times a month. I will def. be stopping at that winery!!! AND I will be buying that wine!! Thanks for the tip!
      So happy to have found you! :)

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    3. Yep, I live right off of 69 in Durand. They also have a delicious cherry wine there, which I drink all summer. It's light and fruity and yummy.
      Taste that one when you stop there, too.

      So if you're coming from charlevoix to GR, you'll most likely be driving right by my house!

      I'm happy to have found you, as well. Efriends and most especially this group, are just the best finds! ♥

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  7. Jo, you made my day. My week. Maybe even my month!

    I appreciate your kind words so much--and you give far more credit than I deserve. The GBE really is a wonderful bunch of folks. Every day, people gather there to write, laugh, and support one another through things big and small. Amazing.

    Oh, and you just taught me one thing: I need to be careful what I say and suggest!!!! ;OD

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    1. It was a pleasure to salute a job well done continuously. ♥
      And on the last statement ~ no, I disagree. I was obviously just poking fun, you should never be careful of what you say or suggest. A straight shootin' chief is what we all need and LOVITY LOVE LOVE!

      I shoulda mentioned the ultimate comment from Beth is "All sorts of good!"

      Thanks for having a sense of humor, for giving me the idea and for always being there for all of us. ♥

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  8. This is *awesome.* What a way to put Miss Britches in her place. ;-)

    I'm pretty new to the crew, and I already lovity love love the whole she-bang, including that pain in the ass group leader.

    Thanks for telling it like it is and making me giggle before I'm even verbal this morning.

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    1. Thaks so much M and thankfully she also liked it! Whew!

      This is a kick-ass group and I am so proud and happy to be part of it all.

      Glad you giggled. ♥

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  9. What a delightful tribute. Being new to the site, I am just learning of the "awesome" that is a dynamo named Beth. Being the administrator of a site like this is HARD WORK, but she does it with grace and humor and I keep coming back for those things and the wonderful people I've met and the stellar writing.

    Now if we could just find a way to virtually share that wine, it would all be perfect! Fabulous post Jo!

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    1. Sorry Amy, you were spam meat until I just now checked my spam folder! It likes to throw Darlene in there, too. ugh!
      The wine is good stuff! They have a web site and you can order from there. I'll go post it on your page in a little while.

      Thank you for the nice words and I couldn't agree more that she is one of a kind! ♥ that girl!

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    1. Really?

      I'm running with that one all day, Maria!

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  11. you know, that got me thinking - how did I wind up in this group anyway? Oh well no matter, love the GBE2 too, all the awesome weirdness in a one stop shop- led by the ever-perky Beth. :) great post Jo

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    1. Yep, Perky and weird...two words that are often used about this group and our fearless leader!
      Thank you very much.

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    1. *blushing again* Thanks Amy.

      I kinda think you are, but we can discuss that over my raspberry chocolate wine another day. It's all gone right now.

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  13. Jo, I always knew you were wonderful and now I have proof. I am not sure I would say Beth is a pain in the arse. No, the Beth I have encountered is the nicest, fairest lady I know with infinite knowledge and always a kind word and smiley face for me. I have come to love you too Jo, and honestly I can't imagine the world virtual or otherwise without either one of you in it!! Lovely tribute!

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you for all of your wonderful comments and all the love you hand me daily, Kathy. I appreciate it and love it so much.

      I find being a pain in the ass a good thing, so please don't feel bad for her and remember she is the one who suggested that title! Being a pain in the ass leader means she is doing her job and keeping us on track. Keeping our page somewhat organized and if we need to be straightened out, count on her to get 'er done!

      ♥ to you and yours.

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  14. This was great fun to read! And, the A to Z Challenge is more of a temp job than actual work. There IS an end in sight. I've slacked off my blog for far too long as well as GBE2, but I am trying to slowly recover my blog legs starting with the challenge. Totally enjoyed reading this.

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    1. I have missed you! Glad to see you back.
      Thank you very much. I sure enjoyed writing it!

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  15. Great post, Jo - I think you've created the best ever word picture of our wonderful GBE2 leader!

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    1. That's a lovely compliment Paula, thank you.

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  16. This was the best I read for E :) love it!

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    1. Truly high praise! Thanks Claudia and have a great vaca. ♥

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  17. Great and hilariously funny post. Beth is an awesome, generous soul.

    And so are you. It's been a pleasure e-knowing you - and here's to continued association.

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    1. Thanks Beverly and I feel the same! I love my efriends so much.

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  18. It's not all Elizabeth's fault, you're just a girl who cain't say no. Don't let her be a pain in the arse. And as far age, Beth is pretty darn old. ;)

    Catch My Words
    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    1. LOL...I hope she comes back to read these!

      She may be an old hag, but I'm still over a dozen years older! Dang it!

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    2. Jo, if Beth is old, where does that leave us?

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  19. Nice post, Jo! lol

    Beth has the most graceful way of correcting us and putting us back on track, doesn't she! I'm very grateful to have found the group and especially grateful for our "fearless leader," Beth.

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    1. You are exactly right! I am always saying how much I enjoy reading the posts. I don't often say how much I love the comments and the support both writing and otherwise I get from this group.
      She is amazing and has collected an amazing group of writers and friends.

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  20. I am so glad to know you, Jo - and Elizabeth too, and all the rest of the bloggers in the group. It's so comforting to know that, no matter what, someone will read what I write if I post it in GBE2!

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    1. I know right? They are the best readers and commenters ever!
      I'm proud to know you too Sharon and I've learned a lot reading your posts. The Passover post was really good and I am going to try that recipe.

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  21. Yay for Beth. Some of her prompts are just so hard but amazing what everyone comes up with. GBE2 is a great group to belong to.
    What a nice tribute to a friend. Jo, you are a wonderful person too.

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    1. Thank you Suzy, really. I am impressed every week with how diverse our posts are.

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  22. Jo, that was such an awesome tribute to Beth who is just as wonderful as you say she is. I am so glad she invited me to join GBE 2. She makes it such a fun place to be. If she is a pain in the a?? then I want to be just like her! And by the way, all those nice things you said about her are just as true about you. You both, along with several others (and you know who you are!) make blogging so much fun and so welcoming to greenhorns like me. I love you all! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

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    1. Thank you so much. I obviously think she is a very special woman and her friendship is very important to me. I have made such good and fun friends here that are so smart and talented. What a group!
      I am thankful she invited you to join also, because I love reading your work.

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  23. awesome jo! your love for beth is shining through.... :D

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    1. I know. She is so special. and not in the helmeted kind of way, I don't think. :)

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  24. I just popped back in and read all of the comments. You guys are the best bunch of folks--fun, funny, kind, and brilliant.

    And Joyce is right--I'm pretty darn old. :OD

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    1. You are old, but I'm an antique so my mascara is still older than you!

      And they are a tremendously talented and giving group of peeps.

      ♥ to all of you~every stinkin' one of ya!

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