Musings

Guest Blogger Month III: Post #16

~ Harper220 ~ 5 Comments

Well, we are more than halfway through the Month of LOVE Guest Blogger Series and the stories we have read thus far have been emotionally moving and spiritually inspiring. And that is all because folks have been brave enough to share their inner most feelings about a topic that is more than red hearts and romance novels. LOVE is indeed beautiful, refreshing, exciting, and tender but it is also at times challenging and gut wrenching. Today’s Guest Blogger Post #16 is from a Snapchat friend called Wundersnapper! This story is RAW! It is also written in a unique style, almost stream of consciousness. It might not be for everyone to read as the author says, so you have been forewarned.  But in spite of the loss and pain in this story, there is hope. And that hope lies in the most precious beings, Wundersnapper’s children.
Continue reading →

Guest Blogger Month III: Post #15

~ Harper220

Having a blog is a great thing. It is a fun and creative outlet. It is a form of self expression and it is a way to connect to others from all over the globe.  While I haven’t ever been paid for my blog or received free merchandise, I know for some it is a way to earn money and/or freebies from businesses.  Yes it is also work. But for me it is a labor of LOVE, especially during the guest blogger Month of LOVE series in February. As this is the third year hosting, some might suggest I’ve heard nearly all types of LOVE stories at this stage.  My answer is, NOPE! Not even close! Why? Because every person who submits a story is totally unique therefore their stories will be as well.

Case in point, today’s blog post by Ron Stefanaski. He contacted me back in August of 2018. He had read one of my stories and commented on the post. Then he emailed and asked if I take guest blog submissions. I shared with him these links for the first Guest Blogger series and the one from last year as well. And I told him for the entire month of February I accept guest blogger submissions but the only caveat is that they must tie into the theme of LOVE!

Ron replied that he had a story that might fit the theme and also help promote his own blog which is focused on helping teenagers find employment. Jobs for Teens HQ is his website which is a resource for teens looking for employment. But I found reading some of his blog articles that adults can be helped by some of his tips for teens in the work place. And Ron’s submission for the Month of LOVE guest blogger series here on Yankee Doodle Paddy is an example.  Continue reading →

Guest Blogger Month III: Post #14

~ Harper220 ~ 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day….It is one of the most emotionally charged days. Some love it and go over board with the chocolates, flowers and cards. It is a big day for engagements and even weddings. For others, especially some who might not have a significant other in their lives, they dread this day. But not because they don’t have a “sweetheart” to give them the fancy chocolates in the heart shaped box. For some it is a reminder of loved ones gone too soon. But maybe, just maybe we can take that pain and turn it into something truly LOVING, such as a written tribute. Like today’s amazing Guest Blogger. Lindsey is a lovely friend from Dublin who is beautiful, bright and funny. But she has a deep well of emotion, and for good reason. Today is her father’s birthday. However, as for many years now, she won’t be able to celebrate with him in this earthly life. So until we all meet again, she honors him and of course most of all, continues to love him and all her departed loved ones…. Continue reading →

Guest Blogger Month III: Post #13

~ Harper220 ~ 1 Comment

Today’s most unique Guest Blogger Post comes from Donegal, Ireland. It is written from the perspective of two sisters who happen to be twins. Jacinta and Joey have been Snapchat friends of mine practically since I started on there. And they have been super supportive and kind to me all along the way. Three years ago I was blessed that Jacinta’s daughter, Hannah Rose participated in the first Guest Blogger series. She was and still is the youngest blogger to grace the pages of Yankee Doodle Paddy.And now she will be the proudest as she reads the precious LOVE story of her mam and auntie! Continue reading →

Guest Blogger Month III: Post #12

~ Harper220 ~ 2 Comments

Today’s Guest Blogger is one of my first friends on Snapchat.  I adore Abby, who is from my soul home Dublin, Ireland. However we didn’t know each other when I lived there.  And we have yet to meet in real life. I say YET because I feel that indeed we will meet. We have lots in common, but tops of that list is the immense love and admiration we have for our fathers. Which is why my heart has been hurting for Abby these past couple of years as she was by her dad’s side during his illness. And like my dad, Abby’s dad is and always will be her hero! I am honored that Abby would share her LOVE story for her dad on Yankee Doodle Paddy’s Guest Blogger Series. A real tribute to an amazing man!  Continue reading →

Guest Blogger Month III: Post #11

~ Harper220 ~ 3 Comments

As I begin to introduce Guest Blogger Post #11,  I am also introducing a first on Yankee Doodle Paddy. For reasons you will understand once you read this LOVE story, the author asked to remain anonymous. It is a gut wrenching story and I need to say that in case there are any triggers or if you feel you have to be in the right space and place to read it. It isn’t graphic or anything, just that if you are like me, empathetic, you’ll want to reach through your screen and hug this person and comfort them. But here is the good news; by the grace of God and the writer’s angels (some of whom may even be reading this), there is a silver lining. And as I always say, our highest purpose often comes from our deepest pain. That is in fact how my purpose to spread LOVE was born. So thank you to the angels that helped this person! May we all be grateful to our angels, even if they are unaware of just what they did to help us! Our hearts know and are blessed because of it. And thank you to this guest blogger for trusting me with this sensitive and powerful piece….. Continue reading →

Guest Blogger Month III: Post #10

~ Harper220 ~ 4 Comments

Today’s Guest Blogger is the bigger than life, super talented Maryann “Boom Boom” Maisano from New Jersey. I fell in love with this woman the first time I watched her Snapchat story. She just made me laugh. Then I heard her sing and was blown away by her angel voice. So no surprise her LOVE story is going to be a bit different than the others you’ve read so far. She submitted a most amazing spoken word video compilation. But I asked if she would send me the transcribed words as well. If you can, read her beautiful story first, then at the bottom you will find the link to the Youtube to listen to her interpretation. Continue reading →