SOCIAL MEDIA SUNDAY, A SUMMER SALAD & STUFF

Before we get started, let's give a super shout out to my girl Kim of http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/ who lovingly does her weekly meme every Sunday about news, reviews, books and great info.  Hey there Kim!

No clue what I'm doing, so I had
to get a book. (lol)

Thanks to all that watering of everything out front, I've actually seen a watermelon in the garden!!!!  Can you believe it? That's the only thing I know about for sure, (lol) but I'm going with it.

Bookmark is courtesy of the very
cool Kelly Mc, who is
one of the kindest people I know.

I know a lot of people have already
read these back in 2013, but I'm giving them
a try because it's something different for her.

Sadly, I DNF 2 books that shall remain nameless at this time, but I did manage to find Daniel Silva's latest, The English Spy, that I'm really enjoying.  The legendary spy and assassin who just happens to be a world renowned painting restorer, does it again, and I'm all on board for the nail biting action.

As usual, I can't tell you what in the heck I did with the rest of my week because I don't remember. (lol) Oh did I forget to mention it was my birthday month? (lol)

The other day I was speaking with a young person about social media, and when I mentioned that I share my posts via Facebook, he told me that "only old people use that".  Huh?

It took me a long time to jump on board with Facebook at all, so I thought I was doing really well, dang it. Apparently I was wrong. Dead wrong.  According to him, I'm supposed to be hanging out on Twitter instead.  I have an account there, but the last time I actually wrote anything was at least 2 years ago, but occasionally, I'll receive a message that someone new is following me.  I'm sure this only happens because of my Twitter name, which is sort of interesting. *heh*

Statistically, he may be on to something...sort of.  There are about 1.25 billion active Facebook users on a monthly basis versus 215 million Twitter users, and  Google+ boasts about 361 million customers.  These are all pretty significant numbers as of 2013, and could be even higher.(Social Engine Journal).  Using all forms of Social Media, 18-29 year olds are at the top of the list with 89%, 50-60 year olds - 60%, and 43% for users 65+ years or older.

There's so many places for bloggers to post, that I'm sure I don't know even half of them.  Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Tsu, Tumblr, Myspace, (is that even still around?) and Google+ are the ones I've heard about.  How in the world can everyone keep up? What's the secret to staying in the know and connected, yet still maintaining your sanity whatever your age?

What about you?  Are you a member of several Social Media groups?  Do you have a strategy for how they're managed?  Do you sometimes pull your hair out? Is one more popular than another, and do you spend more time in one place?  Is Facebook really only for us elderly folks? (lol)

WATERMELON GOAT CHEESE SALAD
Since a watermelon is growing nicely, I thought it applicable to share this simple recipe. Do you have leftover watermelon and want to try something different?  Why not try it into a summer salad that's perfect for a get together, and the kids will love it!

INGREDIENTS
8 Cups Cubed Watermelon
4 Ounces Plain Goat Cheese, Crumbled
8 Small Basil Leaves, cut into small pieces, or use the kind in a container
2-3 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Sugar

DIRECTIONS
Spread all the watermelon on a wide serving platter, then sprinkle with goat cheese and basil.

If you're doing in advance, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill.  Right before serving, remove from the fridge, and separate into plates. Mix the sugar with the balsamic vinegar and stir well.  Drizzle over each plate of salad and serve.

If you want a sweeter taste, mix 1 cup of balsamic vinegar with 1/2 Cup Sugar and heat in a small pot.  Bring to a simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves and gets syrupy.  Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle over the salad.

RENEGADE FAIR
All you do it yourselfers, foodies and crafty people unite for the 2015 Renegade and Craft Fair.  Celebrate with good food and community events, sponsored by Martha Stewart.

The event will be held in Brooklyn, NY from 11am - 6 pm at the Brooklyn Expo Center on September 12 + September 13.

If you're in Chicago, check out the festivities on September 19 + September 20 on Division Street from 11am - 6pm.

These events are FREE to attend, and will show up in various states up through December 2015.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
A very close friend of mine is going through a really rough time these days. Struggling in a verbally abusive marriage, coping with the loss of her job, gaining 50 pounds, and dealing with the threat of eviction from her home, she's not herself.  To make matters worse, when someone invited her to a new church, she looked through her closet realizing that all of  her glamorous clothing no longer fit.  Gathering her courage, she told her husband she just couldn't go because she had nothing to wear.  Yep, that sounds like a cliche and a copout. It wasn't.  Instead of hugging and helping my friend feel better as the tears started to fall, he yelled and told her "she needed to get her fat ass out and exercise instead of complaining". Then looking at her with disgust he left the room.  I offered my feedback, but I'm curious. If this happened to a friend, your sister, cousin or niece, how would you handle this situation?