I'd mentioned some time back in one of my blogs that I'd inquired to our local newspaper to see if they'd be interested in publishing my stories. Well they were and they do...  They don't print them on a weekly basis...but close and so far they've published 8 of them.
I keep them on the light side but occasionally weave a little bit of seriousness between the lines.
I recently wrote a 2 part blog in AMD concerning spousal abuse...very serious and it was suggested that I submit it to the newspaper. I knew this would need special permission...and the original blog re-written for the general public. I talked with the publisher and he said to submit it and he'd consider it. I've still to rewrite it...a work that will take time.
I'm a little leary of going this direction as I hadn't planned on getting serious or into anything controversial...or anything that could eventually spark people to seek advice as this topic could do.
But so far people seem to enjoy my stories and I'm enjoying my 15 minutes of fame....  At the end of 6 months they'll re-evaluate and we'll see where it goes from there.
The following is a copy/paste of one of my blogs as it appears in the paper...
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Bloggin’ Softie Style
Pack rat and other idiosyncrasies
Every year, along about March I get an early case of spring fever. Actually it starts nibbling at my heels in February but by March it’s full blown. Every day that the thermometer reaches at least forty five I’m dreaming of daffodils, green grass…and all that summer stuff waitin’ in my shed.
Fall is the flip side and time to store it all away. That requires strategy; after all, I’ve had all summer to fill up those empty spaces in my shed that in April held my summer stuff.
I’m not a pack rat, never have been. But I’m afraid I do have idiosyncrasies. I have a penchant for saving empty cardboard boxes…all shapes and sizes. It’s almost impossible for me to tear one up and dispose of it. I use to flatten them so I could fit a whole bunch of them in one box. I did give that up…reluctantly. Now I just stack them inside one another from larger to smaller.
Then there’s Styrofoam. Not pieces or peanuts, but those chunks they use for packing small appliances in. I’m not sure why I keep it but I know they can be cut to fit a flower pot to stick silk flowers in. Actually they’ve come in quite handy over the years for numerous things…but I’m bereft at remembering just what, so you’ll just have to trust me on that one.
Then I have a box of bubble wrap. Now there’s some handy stuff to have around. Of course it’s good for packing away breakable items or use as stuffing for mailing gifts to family and friends. If all else fails, it can be fun just popping those bubbles…there’s just something about it that’s therapeutic. Alright, so I’m easily entertained…what can I say?
I’m a keeper of odd things. I have the indoor window shutters that were over my kitchen sink in my old house that was demolished. I haven’t a clue why I kept them as I have absolutely no use for them but I couldn’t stand to see them just be destroyed. Another item I kept was the wooden toilet seat from the bathroom in that house. That I do use. No sentimental value to either…just a whim. (Those I have a lot of…uh…whims that is.)
Although I don’t lean towards being sentimental, I occasionally find some things that tug at my heart. Like those old wooden lawn chairs that’s about as comfortable as sitting on cement. But they were my Dads and I think he made and painted the wooden slats for them. I’m figuring they must be around fifty years old. One has a broken slat and maybe I’ll fix it someday. Dad has been gone now for forty years. Gosh I still miss him.
So as I’m cleaning out my shed for storing my summer things, I do manage to let go of some boxes and some chunks of Styrofoam. I ran across a very old pair of suspenders that I found in the attic of that old house. I kept them because; well, because they’re old and kinda neat. Besides, who knows maybe someday I will meet a man who needs them. They say miracles do still happen…
Two days later I start on my house. It must get ready for winter too ya know. Bring out the winter clothes and put away the summer. I moved in here last year in late spring. I was starting all over again and starting from scratch. My house is small so it’s a good thing I’m not a pack rat.
Yet the challenge is to gather up those odds ‘n ends and get them to the thrift shop and not leave there with more than I took.
Continued in comments.....
Copy & paste to friend: (Click inside box; Ctrl + C to copy; Ctrl + V to paste)
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| Pack rat and other idiosyncrasies |
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newpatches
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Nov 23 @ 2:33PM
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Pack rats may have the advantage of having what they need when they need it. That is if they can just find it.
But it’s idiosyncrasies that are rather neat and quite individualistic and often quaint. It’s a trait that makes me; well, me…and maybe you, you. It gives our relatives something to chuckle about…you know, that aunt or grandpa or cousin that’s a little strange in their ways. I think every family needs a few and I’m glad as I seem to be the one in my family.
Now…does anyone have a need for some really nice indoor shutters? I just might make ya a good deal for some empty boxes and some bubble wrap…
Until next time...keep smilin'...
Softie
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kywonder
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Nov 23 @ 2:39PM
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Patches, I find it so hard to get rid of my things sometimes. I keep telling myself as soon as I throw that away, I am going to need it. Do I ever need it? Not until I throw it away. So I hang to them and see if the need ever arises.
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newpatches
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Nov 23 @ 3:53PM
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I use to have it all...I could shop for Home Interior right from my closet...change pictures, sconces, you name it, I had it.
I did crafts and had everything imaginable. I was a "jack of all trades/master of none" so any tools or other odds 'n ends...I had it.
The after Wayne died there came a day when I felt not only overwhelmed but burdened with so much stuff 'n things and the garage sales started and every year I let go of more and more and I felt freer and freer.
When I moved to Arizona in '07 it all went...if it didn't fit in my car it didn't go. Did I miss it all? No. In fact I could hardly name one thing that sold. When I came back to Indiana to start over with only my car full of stuff it was delightful. I have not had that need to accumulate anything since and it feels good.
The fun part of shopping at thrift stores is...it's so cheap that when I get tired of it I just donate it back and for a handful of change I can replace it with something "new".
My house is no showcase but I get all kinds of compliments...it's just homey in an old fashioned comfortable way. 
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malexand
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Nov 23 @ 4:26PM
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I am THE ULTIMATE pack rat. I have shelves 12 foot high in the shop. All full. Everything in boxes with names. Seperate sections include: electrical (auto and home), plumbing (metal and plastic), classic auto parts, new auto parts, used auto parts, stereo equipment from when I was 18, reel to reel tapes, cassettes tapes, 8 track tapes, computer parts out the ying yang, bolts, nuts, washers and the list goes on and on. A stepvan that I used to work out of two trucks ago is my garden shed. On wheels and mobile.
It might take me a while to find it, but I bet ya I've got it.
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missliss78
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Nov 23 @ 5:04PM
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 Uh, I have a few boxes, myself. And the bubble wrap, too.
I try hard not to accumulate too much stuff, but I am guilty of holding on to some stuff far too long. Matter of fact, I have a large collection of cassette tapes somewhere....and no players to play them on!  Next time I run across them, I may just toss the whole box.
Enjoyed the blog, patches.....Thanks for the share!
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UnicornLover1962
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Nov 23 @ 7:05PM
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i too, am a pack rat. and proud of it...lol!
loved the article. always, your writing is great.
huggles
mel
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