Ah, can you believe it's pretty much April already? Where does the time go...I know I say that every month, but seriously-time flies! Well one good thing about March ending is the group giveaway that my fabulous sponsors went in on-and this month we're giving away a $75 Amazon Gift Card! Are you excited? You better be! First let's meet the fab ladies behind this giveaway:
Maybe you know more than me, but this much is true
And this little heart and brain of mine say we're through with you
And I wonder does it blow your mind that I'm leaving you far behind?
I wonder does it stop your heart to know you're not my sunshine anymore?
Okay you're pretty, your face is a work of art
Your smile could light up New York City after dark
Okay you're cover boy pretty stamped with a beauty mark
But it's such a pity a boy so pretty with an ugly heart
Maybe you'll get married and she will kiss your feet
While I give all my rights away I won't lose no sleep
Maybe on your honeymoon you'll think of me
But if you don't won't shed a tear, yeah I can guarantee
And I wonder does it blow your mind that I'm leaving you far behind?
I wonder does it stop your heart to know you're not my sunshine anymore?
Okay you're pretty, your face is a work of art
Your smile could light up New York City after dark
Okay you're cover boy pretty stamped with a beauty mark
But it's such a pity a boy so pretty with an ugly heart
Okay you're pretty, your face is a work of art
Your smile could probably light up New York City after dark
Okay you're cover boy pretty stamped with a beauty mark
But it's such a pity a boy so pretty with
An ugly heart
An ugly heart
Okay you're pretty, your face is a work of art
Your smile could light up New York City after dark
Okay you're cover boy pretty stamped with a beauty mark
But it's such a pity a boy so pretty with an ugly heart
(Repeat)
This song is not chosen this week as something I'm relating to, but rather something that makes me smile. Every time I hear it, or watch the video, it makes me nearly laugh out loud. It's so upbeat, and also so funny. But we all know people like this-and not just men. For some reason there are just some pretty people out there who aren't as nice as their face would lead you to believe.
The sad thing is, that now I don't trust pretty boys. I automatically think if they have a "cover boy pretty" face that they aren't going to be nice. Pretty boys don't like girls like me. But, that's not always true. I need to stop judging a book by it's cover or a guy by his looks. People can surprise you.
Musical Mondays is a weekly linky party where you can share songs or other music-related posts each Monday and link up with the linky. Then you can enter the monthly giveaway and visit the other music posts linked up. To join us:
Write a blog post sharing music or something music-related.
Include the Musical Mondays button (code below) and/or a link back.
Link-up in the linky below.
Visit other Musical Monday links in the linky.
Enter the Giveaway below.
This month I'm giving away a $15 Amazon Gift Card. Giveaway is open Worldwide and ends on 5/1/15 at 12AM.
Happy weekend friends and readers! Today I want to introduce you to Cass from The Wolf and Me. Isn't that a great title? I mean you can take that so many places, but when you learn what it really means (she explains in detail coming up) it's even more perfect.
Cass is a blogger who is living with Lupus. For those of you who don't know, Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue instead of sickness. If you want to learn a little more about it you should read what Cass has to say below, as well as look it up. There is a lot I wasn't aware of when it comes to this, and thanks to Cass I'm now more aware and learned on the disease that so many people live with.
But Cass doesn't just talk about Lupus, she's also making her blog a place for anyone dealing with a chronic illness. Even just recently she's talked about Connective Tissue Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and more. Her blog is a real, educational, and inspirational look at living with a chronic disease like this, and I think it's great for both people who can relate and sympathize, and those who just want to learn more and be part of the support system.
Anyway, learn more about Cass by reading her answers to my interview questions here:
What encouraged you to start blogging?
I began blogging many years ago with a small scale fashion site that I loved to write my thoughts on. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, actually a number of illnesses and as this changed my life I began recording it. This lead me to begin The Wolf and Me so that I can help others to realise they're not alone and that there is empathy out there.
How did you come up with the name of your blog, The Wolf and Me?
I have always had difficulty coming up with names for blogs I have worked on over the years, but not this one. For years I have lived with a beast inside me that tries to drag me down and over the years I have learnt to make space for it in my life and a positive space at that. Lupus in Latin is translated to the wolf.....so this seemed like the appropriate place to start. As the blog is a mixture of a personal diary and lifestyle issues that those of us with chronic illnesses face, it was important that the name reflected this....so I stuck to simple and easy to remember....It's helped me to remain positive and passionate for the cause.
You blog about living with Lupus, can you tell us a little more about what that entails?
I could be here all day talking about this, so I will keep it short :) When I was first diagnosed I was terrified and there was a severe lack of both positivity and information that felt human to read. I got really fed up with reading medical facts and not personal experiences, tips or even just words of faith and encouragement. I realised that over the past 10 years I have found out so much about being a strong, independent warrior that I could bridge a gap between other chronic illness sufferers and the medical profession. I tell it like it is, whilst remaining optimistic. Living with this is extremely hard, it's a daily war....but it is also eye opening. I am lucky enough to know more about myself than I thought possible. I know how tough I can be and I also accept that I am allowed to be weak sometimes. It's very freeing.
You're also writing a book about this, what inspired that?
The book began off the back of the blog. I get a lot of questions for people looking for advice or help and I realised that all the information people are looking for could be best placed in one place. As a young person with a chronic illness, there are many questions such as continuing to work, having relationships and doing all the things we want to do in our 20's and 30's that I have had to answer. Now I want to give back and help others to achieve these dreams.....because they can be done! Hopefully the book will be the start of a new journey for me and if I help just one person I will be a very happy girl!
Note: If you want to help donate to the cause and get this book published, please go HERE. Where do you see your blog in 5 years?
In 5 years I would love the blog to have turned into a community. I would love to have a team of warriors with a variety of illnesses sharing their experiences and information. I just want it to be a safe space for advice......I just want it to be happy. I would also like to start fundraising through the blog, raising money for different causes so that I can give back.
When you're not blogging, what do you do in your free time?
When i'm not blogging I am doing something creative....I am never not doing something, mainly because the distraction helps with the pain. I love to knit, scarfs and handbags have been my favorite so far....but I have a book of knitted animals to get through next. I love to paint and draw also I just wish I had more time for this haha. My favorite thing to do though is to add to my vinyl collection. I find music to be the best therapy! Whatever emotion you are feeling there is a song that will fit it to a tee!
If you won the lottery, how would you spend it?
If I wont the lottery I would start off by giving some to Lupus UK and Molly Fund in the USA. They have helped me so much I would want to help them back. I know it's cliched but if I wont the lottery I would buy a house in the countryside and simply live a life at peace....quiet countryside near the sea would be perfect. Mostly I would just love seeing the faces of my friends and family as I help them too....just to be happy!
Want a taste of what Cass offers at The Wolf and Me? Check out these well-written posts:
Just around the corner from my apartment is this lovely park called Libert Park. It has a pond, complete with paddle boats in the summer, and a small amusement park that has a carousel and a mini ferris wheel. There's a place to buy food, lots of spaces to BBQ, volleyball courts, and more. It's darling and even when those things aren't running due to the cool whether it's still alive with birds, joggers and rollerbladers, people walking their dogs, and photography students like my class and me. In fact we all went out together to take these photos a few weeks ago, so I thought I'd share them here too.
This park offers stunning views of the city, views of the mountain surrounding the state, and so many adorable little things.
Manhattan is a famously fabulous area of New York City, with plenty of things to see and do that you can tick off your bucket list.. Here are just a few places that should grab your attention.
New York Historical Society
The New York Historical Society is both a museum and a library, and it's one of the major historical and cultural institutions in the United States. At over 200 hundred years old it's also New York City's oldest museum! The museum hosts exhibitions and collections that reflect not just New York City and State, but the US as a whole. The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library is home to a staggering two million manuscripts, while the Children's History Museum is aimed at showing youngsters that history can be fun too. Lectures are held in the museum, which also has programs and resources that bring the past into the present.
At the Heart of America's Theatreland
For theatre goers, visiting Broadway will prove to be an unforgettable experience. With dozens of top class venues putting on beloved shows it's no wonder that Broadway is known around the world. It's unquestionably the most important location regarding theatre in the US, and, with Broadway's wide range of shows there's bound to be something that will appeal to everyone.
American Museum of Natural History
On the Upper West Side is the American Museum of Natural History. It's really like several museums rolled into one, and there's even a planetarium here. Whether you're interested in dinosaurs or space this museum will have something that appeals - and don't forget to visit the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life and be awestruck by the near 100 foot long model of a blue whale!
The Empire State Building
Any visitor to Manhattan should take the opportunity to visit the building that King Kong climbed all those years ago! Synonymous with New York City, the Empire State Building is, of course, one of the world's most iconic buildings. Though it's an impressive sight from the outside, inside the Empire State Building you will be able to marvel at spectacular views of the city and, weather permitting, for miles around.
The magic of Manhattan captivates all that live and visit there, from musicians, to artists to those just looking for a big break. Be a part of it and discover its fascinating history by touring its incredibly enlightening museums.
Image by Hrag Vartanian, used under the Creative Commons license.
Compensation was accepted for this post, which was written by a guest writer.
