Madison Sanders Writes

People gravitate towards drama. We had an interesting discussion in one of my classes about how violence on TV affects one’s perspective. I believe it affects people because they become fearful of murders, being robbed, or some other vicious act. Gerber, the man behind the Cultivation Theory, made an interesting point when he said that the media becomes the social storyteller. In other words, they tell people what to think or believe. He also said that people start to believe what they see on TV is the reality in real life. No wonder this happens. People become desensitized to violence because it’s on several TV shows. I’ ve thought about another avenue that drama has crept in—blogs. Twists and turns are a part of life, which means it’s inevitable. What I’ ve found interesting is people’s reactions to drama compared to everyday life. Think about it. There’s no denying that people get more comments and views per posts when there’s drama involved. Yes, I've often wondered why peopl

I just finished Christmas Eve with my Dad's side of the family. I went to my Granny and Papa's Christmas Eve breakfast and rested in between. Christmas is different when you get older. No more Santa to anticipate. I guess I'm having a hard time adjusting. Opening gifts becomes somewhat familiar. Don't get me wrong, Christmas is still special, it's just special in a different way. It's a time with family instead of a mound of gifts. It's the smiles of cousins when their faces light up instead of a toy making a noise. Toddlers laughing and running around is replaced by jokes and countless pictures. Grandmothers getting out the video camera is replaced by a favorite TV show. Change isn't a bad thing, it just takes a little getting used to. Mama said that this feeling is normal. She said things would change when I have my own kids. I'm laughing to myself just thinking about that one. Oh, the fun times ahead. I got lots of fun gifts. I may post pictures

As you get ready to celebrate Christmas this morning and maybe even shake the snow flurries from your coat, grab a cup of hot chocolate as we learn more about Trish from Off Camera with Trish Van Pilsum . She's a reporter by day but mom is the title that tops them all. She is a person that has managed to find a balance between work and family, which is no easy feat, dear readers. 1. If you had to write a book about me what would it be about? If I were really going to decide what to include in a book about you I would spend time getting to know you and, of course, do lots of research as any good investigative reporter would. But since we are on a tight deadline I will just come up with an angle based on what I can glean from your blog. This is the story line: Our protagonist (that’s you) is on a campaign is preserve the fine art of writing. What’s great about this is that she is defying the direction the rest of her generation is going what with texting an all abbreviat

Probably everyone has heard the saying, "It doesn't take much to satisfy a child." For my brother and I, that was put to the test one windy day years ago. Mama knew we needed to burn off some energy for the day, but she had thought of all the obvious things already. She wanted something fun, something different. In a moment of genius, an idea came to her. We loved playing in the log house that Santa brought us, but why not "decorate" it, she thought? She found a can of shaving cream and was ready to unveil her plan. "Come here, kids. I've got something you'll love. "My brother's eyes light up at the sight of the shiny white spray can with the red letters. Ever the one to follow the rules, I waited for Mama's ok. My brother was hanging on her every word. "You can make a mess with the shaving cream on the house...but...." Oh boy! We get to make a mess! Our heads were spinning with ideas. Should we make Santa beards on each other

Thanks for all of the questions everyone! Jillian said: What is your favorite thing about Christmas? My favorite thing would have to be spending time with family. The atmosphere is quite magical, too. Kids are full of hope and in awe of everything. Meg said: What's the favorite gift you've ever given? This is kind of a hard one. If I had to pick a favorite gift that I've given, I would have to say the bag full of my Papa's favorite candies because I love helping my mom pick out things that I know he will love. A close second would be when I went in with my mom to get my brother one of those things that detects when the law is close. He really wanted that and I wanted to be a part of that. He wasn't expecting that at all. The Blonde Duck said: What's your favorite thing to eat? Without a doubt, it is my Memaw's fudge. So yummy! Q, La, and Gooner said: What is your favorite Christmas Carol? I can't pick just one on this one because there's too many g

My pick for Friday's Writer's Alcove has had some computer trouble. I promise to post it as soon as I have her answers in my possession. In the meantime, I'm going to do an About me Christmas Style. Fun, huh? I don't want to do a standard Christmas survery that dictates what questions should be answered. So get your questions related about all things Christmas, and I will answer them on Monday! You can also email me your questions if you want. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all come up with! Yes, even you who never comment. :)

My brain is tired. I'm finally done with finals. In an effort to make sure my readers get their dose of all things Making my Mark as well as make things easier on myself, here are some thoughts that I put together last week. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I had someone say something that took me by surprise awhile back: "I wish I had your testimony." I pondered as to why they would want my testimony. They responded by saying that "God had done a miracle in my life, which was cool". They didn't think their story measured up to mine evidently. I told them that everyone has a story to tell whether they realize it or not. Their frown turned into a smile at the thought that they had something to say that actually mattered. We were given an assignment in a class to write a story after looking at a picture. I will share mine. As my teacher went around the room inquiring about everyone's stories

Every yard used to have them. They were a nuisance to the ones that were in charge of cutting the grass. I'm talking about dandelions. One day, a family member showed me something that I've never forgotten. They picked a dandelion from the yard. "Now watch", they said. They blew on it, and I watched with wonder as the white wisps scattered everywhere. I couldn't wait to do myself. Unlike the person who was with me, I took my time selecting just the right one. I close my eyes, and made a wish. Then, I blew with all my might. The sun was beating down on my back as I squinted to follow the wisps with my eyes. I strained until the last fiber dropped to the ground. The little wisps got carried away by the wind. I was as carefree as the seeds as a child, getting to play "school" whenever I wished with nap time schedule in between. I remember wishing for frivolous things back then. As I watched the dandelion go from a flower to just a green stem, I always b

I was thinking about things after I read an article. As a result, I started thinking about all that has happened in my life. We always say thank you when someone holds the door for us. We say thank you when we' re given a compliment. The doctor was shocked that I thanked him after he'd injected me with three different medicines. Most people don't know that kind of thanks. The kind of thanks that flows from your lips because you're grateful he took a risk even when others wouldn't. The kind of thanks that means your thankful for relief even though you can't feel it yet. Most of us don't thank God for our trials even though it says it in the Word(James 1:2-3). You should be thankful for the trials of life not because of the pain they bring but because of the change they bring. Mama asked me after a sermon from a few years ago if I had thanked God for the trials that I had been through. I said no. I didn't understand what that meant and why it w

I don't usually post on Sunday, but this is an exception. My friend Louise, from Louise Franks Designs is having a giveaway. She's giving away a favicon . A favicon is one of those super cool totally custom little buttons that you see in the address bar beside people's URL. It's a way to make your blog stand out in the sea of favorites, browser tab, and address(aka browser) bar. Usually you just see Blogger's logo, but not if you won this. So, how do you enter? To enter: 1. Please check her giveaway terms and conditions 2. Make sure that you are a follower of her blog 3. Tell her what you'd like for your favicon 4. If you choose to enter some additional entries, please leave each entry in a separate comment 5. Giveaway closes at 8am GMT on 27 th December. Prize will be made in the new year Please make sure your email address is visible on your profile or leave it in a comment For additional entries: 1. Follow her on Twitter - my link is in t

Today we have Four Sisters Farm with us. You'll love their stories about chasing dogs, getting baby chicks, and might even see a superhero or two in the posts. Sit back as we learn about life on a farm! My comment is in italics. 1. What is a favorite memory you have at the farm? We have only been out here for 1 1/2 years. Our adventure has been short but amazingly wild! I have so many sweet memories already. In particular, I will always treasure helping Pop and my "save the old barn." We needed to stabilize one of the walls. Neglect and weather contributed to it's condition. We had to literally lift the barn roof up with jacks and replace the wall. We weren't strong enough to move the wall into place by ourselves so we had to enlist the help of our trusty " Fordy " tractor. Stabilizing the old barn was a priority to Pop. The barn is special to him. He has a vision for what it will look like when it has been totally restored. We all held our breath as w

I just got back from my doctor's appointment. It was a long day to say the least. We got there and the order for Botox was not approved even though my doctor had sent an urgent request in. They told us this as I was getting my blood pressure taken. Ha! I looked a the young girl and said, "That was a very bad time for them to tell me that. I know you'll have to take it again." The doctor came in and said, "I'm not going to let you leave empty handed. We'll discuss other things that can be done to help you." That was a huge relief because I have been sent away with nothing being done to help me. He said that he would prepare things as usual in hopes that it would be approved. One of my doctors said that Botox wouldn't help, but after two months of trying other things in physical therapy, we at least had to try. Since the illiotibial band is a fibrous tendon, Botox won't help. We decided that cortisone and a patch would be the next best optio

Did any of you participate in the Scavenger Hunt this time? How much did you know about me? Let's find out! What Christmas gift did I loathe so much that I made it stop talking? The doll that I got from my mom that came with its own microchip that annoyed me to no end. What is a game that my brother and I played as children? Superman and the Couch. That wasn't the game's officiaila name. We just played. My brother insisted on being superman though. :) What unusual place did my brother and I sometimes play in outside? The soybean mill. Name the band that I loved as a preteen. It was undoubtedly the Backstreet Boys. You can read the post I wrote about it here if you wish. What did I chew on at a friend's sleepover? A glow in the dark stick. Read all about the dramatic tale of a girl who thought her life was over then and there. A female Kohl's sales associate didn't know what this is. What is it? It was a camisole. Yes, my dear readers, a camisole. I was shocked