Book Reviews

Since I began utilizing Library Thing back in July, I have written several book reviews and have snagged several advanced reading copies of books that have yet to be published (or have just recently been published). I'm debating whether or not to start another blog dedicated to book reviews. Until then, I will post them here. Below is a link to my reviews thus far:

My Library Thing Reviews

Lindsey

Interesting Developments

I received some interesting news today. In my inbox this morning, I received an e-mail from a gentleman compiling an anthology of myths and legends surrounding the mid-Michigan area. He thinks that my little piece on the Witchy Wolves of the Omer Plains would work well. I sent him a reply and am anxious to hear back. I'll post what becomes of the little piece I put together as soon as I know.

You can find it here and here.

Lindsey

Prolonged Absence

I've decided to take a couple of weeks off from blogging. There are several issues that I need to address here when I come back. In fact, there is so much that I need to do and say that I want to plan it out well. The latest I'll be back will be June 1st. Thanks for all of your patience and support. I hope that everyone is having a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.

Lindsey

Third Year Anniversary of Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

I still can't believe that I've been blogging for three years now. So much has happened in my life in those three years, it is unbelievable. There have been many struggles, but I'm beginning to think that life is finally going to be getting better soon. It is hard to believe that I didn't know much about blogs at all before I started writing. I've come across some great blogs in the last three years, and I'm amazed at what insightful dialog can develop on a blog. There is so much more I need to do with this particular blog, blogging in general, and Internet writing that I'll be here for years and years to come.

Lindsey

Another Great Political Blog...

I just quickly wanted to highlight this blog I discovered this evening. There are already two pieces that I plan on highlighting very soon. You can expect to hear much more from Joshua Rocks.

Order Vs Disorder

Lindsey Russell

Final Update on Michy

The title might be cryptic, but Michy is doing much, much better. She's been home for some time now. I can't tell you how happy I am for her! She has battled this infection for so long; it is amazing that it might actually be gone now. I'm looking forward to reading Michy's new work.

Please note that this will be the last medical update I do on Michy (unless, of course, she ends up in the hospital again). You can read previous posts here. If you want to keep up Michy, you can do so here. I recommend that you do. She is quite funny (just look at some of her older posts).

That's about it!

Lindsey

Myspace.com Blogs - Infection Free? - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

Myspace.com Blogs - Work? - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

Myspace.com Blogs - Life Outside - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

On A Personal Note... The Profile of a Writer Series and Much More

Many readers may have noticed the change in tone of this blog over the last few weeks. There is no doubt that it has become more political and less about the art of writing. As a result, the Profile of a Writer feature has been put on hold for now.

While I do hope to highlight other authors soon, as well as conduct interviews with a few of my favorites, I'm not sure exactly when that will be. At this point, I'm truly concerned about the state of Michigan, as well as the country. As a result, I'm slowly finding my voice in the political sphere. In addition, I finding it easier and easier to write about Turner Syndrome and other gender issues. As much as I don't like to admit it, Turner Syndrome affects me in a profoundly personal way each and every day. It is a part of who I am as a woman. There is little out there with regards to writing for Turner Syndrome girls and women written by women and girls who have Turner Syndrome. There may be a lot of information on the clinical features, but there is little regarding what it is actually like to live with the disorder. As a result, I feel as though I'm fulfilling a need.

There are so many issues to discuss and so little time. Please know that even though you may disagree with my viewpoint, my perspectives on world events, politics, gender issues, Turner Syndrome, and more are shared with the utmost conviction. In other words, when I share my perspective with readers, it is almost always due to the fact that I have very definite thoughts and/or beliefs on the subject matter.

Now that I have all of that out of the way, I also want to state that I do want (and need) to have fun with this blog! There are good things happening in the world, and they need to be acknowledged.

Lindsey

Michy Hospitalized - UPDATE 1

The latest two updates on Michy are included below. You'll find the original post further down. It looks as though Michy will be in the hospital for quite some time.

Lindsey

Myspace.com Blogs - Michy @ the Hospital - Day Three - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

Myspace.com Blogs - Michy @ the Hospital - Day Four - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog


There has been a lot going on in my life recently. The father of a family friend passed away (I didn't really know him, but I knew one of his daughters and her family well), I found out that two teachers from my childhood have cancer (one is terminal), and the son-in-law of dear family friends (my parent's neighbors, who are essentially like adopted grandparents to me) passed away too. Then, last night a couple of things happened. First, I found out that a house down the street was robbed close to a week ago. Not only that, but some neighbors saw four men trying to break into another house last night. It was a little disconcerting to say the least (our neighborhood is normally very quiet). After making sure that all the doors were locked (twice) and making myself something to eat (I couldn't sleep), I learned that one of my oldest and dearest online friends is in the hospital.

She is a wonderful writer and has inspired me more than she'll ever know. You can read all of what I've written about Michy here. She is doing well enough (at least at this point) to write from her hospital room. She's already blogged her first two days. I will be adding to this post as she continues to write about her ordeal. I encourage everyone to read her writing. It is funny, pertinent, witty, and informative. She is the most prolific writer I know.

Myspace.com Blogs - Michy @ the Hospital - Day One - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

Myspace.com Blogs - Michy @ the Hospital - Day Two - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Lindsey

Michy Hospitalized

There has been a lot going on in my life recently. The father of a family friend passed away (I didn't really know him, but I knew one of his daughters and her family well), I found out that two teachers from my childhood have cancer (one is terminal), and the son-in-law of dear family friends (my parent's neighbors, who are essentially like adopted grandparents to me) passed away too. Then, last night a couple of things happened. First, I found out that a house down the street was robbed close to a week ago. Not only that, but some neighbors saw four men trying to break into another house last night. It was a little disconcerting to say the least (our neighborhood is normally very quiet). After making sure that all the doors were locked (twice) and making myself something to eat (I couldn't sleep), I learned that one of my oldest and dearest online friends is in the hospital.

She is a wonderful writer and has inspired me more than she'll ever know. You can read all of what I've written about Michy here. She is doing well enough (at least at this point) to write from her hospital room. She's already blogged her first two days. I will be adding to this post as she continues to write about her ordeal. I encourage everyone to read her writing. It is funny, pertinent, witty, and informative. She is the most prolific writer I know.

Myspace.com Blogs - Michy @ the Hospital - Day One - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

Myspace.com Blogs - Michy @ the Hospital - Day Two - Michelle L Devon (Michy)™ MySpace Blog

Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Lindsey

I Am Bossy

I came across this very snarky website thanks to my cousin. It is a great read! Enjoy.

i am bossy

Lindsey

Profile of a Writer - Bob Younce

There are many reasons why this installment of Profile of a Writer was delayed for two weeks. First and foremost, I just don't know exactly where to begin with Mr. Bob Younce. I stumbled across his work by happenstance some time ago, and I was surprised to learn that he is from Mid-Michigan too. He is a full-time writer who has worn many, many hats over the years (you can read all about it on his website The Writing Journey).

Bob Younce is what I'd like to call a Writer's Writer. He loves to write about the art of writing, especially online. Those wishing to make a living writing online need to wear many hats, and Bob explains the intricate nature of his profession well. In fact, I personally need to spend more time over at his flagship blog, The Writing Journey. If you have ever had the writing bug, Mr. Younce has some wonderful advice.

This small introduction is just the beginning. I will be interviewing Mr. Younce soon, and I will be sharing it with you over the next couple of weeks.

What is the Writing Journey? : The Writing Journey (All About Bob)

Blogger: User Profile: Bob Younce

The Writing Journey

Bob Younce: Helium – Where Knowledge Rules (Profile)

Bob Younce: Helium – Where Knowledge Rules (Articles)

Wild About Words: Guest Blogger -- Bob Younce

The Writing Journey Blog - Information, Comments, Reviews // BlogCatalog

Lindsey Russell

Living Life to the Fullest

I came across this article as I read the newspaper this evening. If my Mom happened to read it, I'm sure that she'd be calling me up to tell me that I need to read it. A lot of her advice can be found in the article (and my Dad's too; he's always known how to get what he wanted out of life). Anyway, it is a great read for anyone. I just need to take some of its lessons to heart, specifically asking for what you want. It is becoming clearer and clearer what I truly want. I need to get up the strength to simply ask. There are even a couple of different people and institutions I can ask. I really need to come up with a concise plan.

My Last Lecture | PARADE Magazine

Lindsey

UPDATE: After a little research, I found an interview with Professor Randy Pausch. You can read it here. This may make me a geek, but I love Reader's Digest due to interviews like this. Professor Paush's story makes me think of my Grandpa Russell's story. He died at 46 (colon cancer), leaving two kids. I never knew him. It also made me better understand what my Aunt and Uncle recently went through. After Christmas, their family went on a vacation to Florida. My Uncle, who is a professor (late 40s), had a seizure in a pool and almost died. They have three kids. He is very lucky to be here, and recently, my Aunt and Uncle went on a vacation alone. I can't imagine facing mortality at that age, knowing what I had to lose.

Living Life to the Fullest

I came across this article as I read the newspaper this evening. If my Mom happened to read it, I'm sure that she'd be calling me up to tell me that I need to read it. A lot of her advice can be found in the article (and my Dad's too; he's always known how to get what he wanted out of life). Anyway, it is a great read for anyone. I just need to take some of its lessons to heart, specifically asking for what you want. It is becoming clearer and clearer what I truly want. I need to get up the strength to simply ask. There are even a couple of different people and institutions I can ask. I really need to come up with a concise plan.

My Last Lecture | PARADE Magazine

Lindsey

A Little More Introspection...

Over the last few days, I've read some great materials regarding politics, the War on Terror (or as it is now being called, The Long War), Jihad, the increasing Muslim threat in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, racism, and much more. It is deeply disconcerting to me that we in the United States don't pay more attention to what it is really going on in the wider world. We may be at War, but one would never know it. We are supposedly the great bastion of democracy in the world (and have been since World War II), yet now we have a large portion of our population actively working to hinder our efforts to defend our very existence.

Long-time readers will know how I've struggled with the direction of this blog. I don't want it to become overly political. There is a need for more art, literature, and music in the world right now. I enjoy all three immensely, and I enjoy sharing things I love with other readers. At the same time, I can't stand back, observe, and not share what I find concerning the most important political questions of our time.

In my opinion, we are rapidly sacrificing our Freedom of Speech on the alter of extreme Political Correctness. If you think that I'm being paranoid, you need to familiarize yourself with the plight of Lionheart in the United Kingdom. You can read much more about his plight here. RADARSITE does a great job of explaining the situation (read it here). The Midnight Sun takes it a bit further. You can read Aurora's take on things here and here. It simply amazes me that such things could be going on the United Kingdom, Canada, etc., even if only half of what is written is true (especially regarding the United Kingdom).

I think that it is best that people educate themselves on what is going on. It isn't pretty, it won't be easy, but I do have hope. I still hope that the U.S. will wake up and actually fight. If we are to once again be the hope of Europe, not to mention protect ourselves at home, we have to quit worrying about "offending" the enemy.

Lindsey

Update on Profile of a Writer Series

While there will be no "Profile of a Writer" this week, there will certainly be one on Monday. I was waiting for an e-mail from the author I'm going to profile. If all goes well, I will have an interview along with a profile of his work. I'm looking forward to the finished product!

Also, the launch of JamsBio should be on Tuesday. I can't wait to share that body of work with everyone. It was a lot of fun to write. I'm just frustrated that I can't share it just yet.

Lindsey

A Little Introspection...

Introspection is badly needed on the blogosphere. All too often bloggers regurgitate stories that were previously thoroughly dissected by prominent bloggers such as Michelle Malkin. I am the first to admit that I'm horribly guilty of this. I feel the need to comment on a variety of prominent articles and make my views known. In that process, I forget that I need to delve a little deeper and discuss things that are on my mind.

My mind has been quite unsettled lately as I've been dealing with some fundamental issues in my life. For example, at age 27, I'm trying to determine what I want to do with the rest of it. That is a big question. As I've mentioned several times since the inception of this blog nearly three years ago, everything is in place in my life the way I would like with the exception of my career (incidentally I have a weight issue that I need to resolve too, but having confidence in a career would go a long to rectify that issue). Frankly, I have an educational background that doesn't mesh well with the current economic climate of where I want to spend the rest of my life. When I made my decisions concerning my career, I didn't plan on having the opportunity to move to Bay City, Michigan so soon. While I've wanted to live in Bay City since childhood, it was more of a long range plan.

So what did compel me to move back so soon? It is certainly my family and other personal relationships. Brian is from Bay City and his entire family is here. My Grandpa Buttrick was very sick at the time, and I couldn't stand the thought of him passing away while I lived so far away. The last two years of his life provided me with the opportunity to get to know him better (the silver lining of being unemployed during that time), and for that, I'll always be grateful. My Grandmas are still very much vibrant women whom I love dearly. I've had the opportunity to get to know them better during this time too.

Right now, I'm right back where I started from. I need to carve out a space for myself here. As I've become reacquainted with the area, my childhood friends, etc., it has become painfully clear to me that I need to work to find myself a niche here. I tried once and failed, but I still know that I'm needed somewhere in this community. Sometimes it just feels as though I'm up against insurmountable odds. I truly love and care about this community and the state of Michigan.

Am I crazy to face such hardship just to live in this area? Sometimes it feels like it, but then I spend a nice evening at home with Brian and Sparty or a nice day with my Grandmas. At those times, it all seems worth it. People and relationships are so much more important to me than money. I'm not out to make a lot of money; I simply want to take care of my own expenses.

You can read the article that inspired this introspection (by Bob Younce) here.

Lindsey

Yet Another Apology

I'm not sure why I feel the need to apologize when I'm away from the keyboard for a day or two, but I do. Even though I blog for myself, I owe it to my readers to provide an explanation if I'm suddenly gone for a few days.

In this case, it wasn't just one thing, it was several. I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle a couple of delicate situations, I didn't receive the necessary information to do the in depth profile of a writer as I had hoped (I still want to do it this week), and I had to take care of some things around the house. Nothing exciting, just life in general.

From the time I was ten years old, I've wished for 48 hours in a day. There is so much that I want to do in life that I feel as though I never have enough time or money. It has always been that way, and it is really paralyzing me (actually, it has since I graduated in 2004). I need to make some decisions and have the gumption to follow through and actually put my whole heart into it.

Lindsey

Five Feet of Fury

When I came across this blog the other day, my first thought was "Why didn't I think of that?" It is surprising how much the author and I have in common. We're both female conservative bloggers who happen to be on the shorter side. I simply laughed when I came across it. What were the odds? I even wrote her an e-mail; I hope that she writes back!

There is a lot to explore, and I've added several new blogs to the blog roll. Please check them out.

Five Feet of Fury

The Main Stream Media At It Again...

Below are a few pieces discussing a well-worn topic at my house - the increasingly left-wing Main Stream Media. Some have gone so far as to say that there are almost NO conservatives in the Main Stream Media.

What really gets me is that the Left loves to cite Fox News as completely Right Wing. Not so fast. They actually take the time to discuss BOTH sides of an issue. It is a seemingly novel idea to those in the Main Stream Media. Comments over at Dr. Helen indicate that there are at least some people who think that the Main Stream Media simply can't comprehend the opposing viewpoint. I hate to say it, but as someone who grew up and loved academics, I have to think that they have a point. It appears to be the same in academia. That said, I knew at least a couple of professors who are CLOSETED conservatives. If they feel the need to be closeted, doesn't that tell you something? Something to think about.

Lindsey

Dr. Helen - The Lone Libertarian
NewsBuster
The Press Bias Brawl - 1 - SLATE
The Press Bias Brawl - 2 - SLATE
The Press Bias Brawl - 3 - SLATE

My Guest Book!

I mentioned in passing that I now have a guest book on my blog, and I thought that I'd take a moment to mention it again. I haven't had anyone sign it yet, and it looks a little lonely.

You can find the guest book here. I'm looking forward to reading your comments.

Thanks!

Lindsey