As some of you may or may not know, our very own "The Lovely Wife" has been a bit under the weather lately and has been taking a break from the Rain. I have to admit I miss her. I miss her encouraging level headed approach to ActiveRain. Billie is symbolic of what makes ActiveRain great in my never humble opinion.
Many of you may miss her crazy, all-out sense of humor. The sense of humor that thinks it's funny to nail low ball offers to a tree and shoot at them with a shotgun. Some of you may miss her signature ROAR (can I even use this without reprecussions?) that accentuates every well thought out point she makes. Some of you may miss her Crap-o-rama blog posts. Some of you may miss her 'there's a booger hanging from your nose, haha made you look' wisdom. I miss all of those things...........
.......but I really miss is having her steady influence on me as I help guide this mighty ship, the USS AcitveRain. You see, Billie has always been willing to reach out when she could sense that things were getting stressful for me and offer her support and a caring word. I'm sure I have said thank you to her on the many phone conversations and emails that we have shared (I was raised by my mother and have pretty decent manners, no matter what Brad and Rich will tell you) but I want her to know how much it really meant and means to me.
I know I am not the only one that TLW has reached out to in the Rain.
I don't know if it was divine intervention, but I was the first person ever to comment on a post written by TLW. This was long before I was ever on board full time with ActiveRain. I was just like you, a member (who happened to share an office with the founders, but a member nonetheless). Neither of us knew that almost a year later I would be in a position to have an impact on this great community. She wanted to know how she could overcome her addiction to ActiveRain. Haha, her first post was about being addicted. I think she liked my answer because we have had a great relationship ever since.
I don't know if she agrees with everything I say or do, but she always supports the decisions we make because she knows that we truly have the best interests of the members and the community in mind. She knows this because she has gone out of her way to reach out to me when things are rough and even if I didn't take her up on the offer every time she did it, I always know that I have a friend in the rain that I can trust to talk with if I need advice.
This post was inspired by Jeanean Gendron's post. Jeanean had a great idea and we are going to make it a reality. I know that I don't have to bride you with points, but since TLW was always making smart ass remarks about getting her 25 points for commenting, your TLW love fest post is going to get you a whopping 25 points...........because I know she'd be pissed if I gave you more. So get your butt over to Jeanean's post and see what it's all about and let's lift the spirits of a lady who has meant so much to this community............or I'll sick Blogging Bertha on your ass!!
(I was going to hijack a photo of TLW but I just couldn't bring myself to do it......after watching her work that shotgun again, my palms were sweating as I hit the right click button)
PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU COMMENT: This post is not intended for you to leave a canned comment on. This lady really means a lot to me so if you plan on leaving a comment and it's going to be canned crap, just don't.......I will erase it. If you don't know TLW, go read some of her posts because you are missing out big time!
Friends, followers, and connections are the way of the future.
Make sure you check out some of our Facebook Fan Pages Too!
Find Foreclosures in Wallingford Seattle
Home in Green Lake with a basement
Bob, I know what you mean. Quirky but loving people like TLW, her hubby Broker B, Amanda Hall, Melody Botting... they made it so much easier for me to just be me. We do a lot of behind the scenes stuff over at Club Chaos that is so much fun because we truly care about our relationships. The Skype call conferences from hell are hysterical. Imagine hooking up 24 Rainers with quirky humors to chat about our kids, jobs, lack of a job, bills, stressful situations... Sometimes when I don't know what to do I come here because I know that I am not the only person who has a particular problem. There is always someone willing to put their neck out there and say something they believe needs to be said. That is why I was always lurking around BB and TLW. I read a lot, but rarely commented. I was to busy ROTFL and didn't want to ruin it with some lame statement. I miss her too... you just never knew where Billie was going to pop up. Just the fact that she might pop up made life exciting in the Rain. I hope she gets well. We are all saying a lot of prayers for her. She truly is missed... Your post touched me, so I decided to comment. Thank you for writing about your friend. She's everyone's friend @ CC.
I hope TLW gets better and we look forward to getting to know her more when she comes back.
OMG, Billie would shoot anyone who posted canned CRAP or comments. She is the one who taught me how to blog and build an audience/following. I owe her more than I can begin to list here but this ain't about me so...
You know TLW how much you mean to all of us here, newbies & oldies so please get well ASAP and come back to the Rain where you belong! {{{miss u BIG time hugs}}}
The first time I saw TLW was the shotgun approach to lowball offers you mentioned. Though I can't say I know either of them well, I have since watched several videos by her and Broker Bryant and always come away with a smile.
TLW, I hope you feel better soon.
TLW - aka ROAR! is the one who taught me how to embed video into posts and even into comments. She needs to get her butt back here and pretty dam spiffy quick!! She promised that when I get out there someday, she's going to teach me a few more things like how to do this: lol~
Canned crap? Has TLW gone into a side business I didn't know about? This was really, really nice Bob. TLW is a class act, through and through. I'm just checking in tonight to see if BB has posted an update! We need her well so she can go ROARing through the forest.
Bob, I always love TLW's irreverent form of humor and talking straight. There is no one who ROARs better.
Loving irreverence and straight talk, and then some, I've enjoyed TLW for quite a while and was saddened to read BB's post a few days ago that she was 'not up to snuff.' Here's hoping she will be back soon, more irreverent than ever.
Been praying for her all week, thanks for doing this, both you and Jeanean. I wish I could post a video in a comment but this link is for her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM3r1aJvKJE
Brad, I missed that particular video. Too funny.
Missy, thank you for the link.
Bob & Carolin, I know exactly what you are talking about when you say "snag a picture" (LMAO).
I miss TLW... (sigh)
Bob - I have never been fortunate enough to speak with Billie, but I read her posts faithfully. She is truly an institution at AR. I believe it goes without saying, but we all wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return to a splash in the Rain. She is, by far, one of the most intuitively interesting people on this network.
My prayers are with her and BB. A speedy recovery is all that's needed.
Thanks Bob, for your tribute and awareness regarding TLW. My message is: GET WELL TLW, you are an inspiration and we all appreciate your power here on Active Rain. It is a pleasure and an education to learn from and be challenged by your entertaining no crap attitudes and resourceful commentary. Keep on keepin on we will all be sending you our encouragement to get well soon. Thanks.
I am still a reader on Active Rain, trying to find my voice, needless to say, I know you have found yours and it is a pleasure to hear from you.
Doreen Johan, RE/MAX Sunset Coast, St. Joseph, MI
Bob somehow I had missed that TLW was under the weather until a few days ago. I miss here as well. She has a terrific sense of humor! I hope she gets well soon and is back with her CRAP.
Bob, so well done....Thank you for helping me pull this off. She IS such a unique and wonderful person ( she would hate that)....but we are going to have to face the truth here and as Kathy McGraw said...."Well at least she can't shoot us if she's in the hospital". I know this is the BEST medicine. Looking forward to those posts from people with great stories to tell. We'll give it the weekend and then try putting them together. Thanks everyone.....I love her and I know you do also. Bob nailed it so well!
Bob, I met TLW & BB on my first day here and saw her videos and they made me laugh. Why? Because she was real and didn't care about what anyone else would say. While I have not had the opportunity to get to know her as well as you have, I think she still has a great impact on so many people here in AR. If ya need someone to just vent to bro, you can always pick up the phone and call me. I love listening to pissed off people, I find it hilarious..and I am actually pretty good at problem solving.
Hopefully she will be back soon, the rain is not the same without the Roar.
I miss so much when I'm not on here everyday - this news sadden me :( TLW spreads her ROAR throughout the community and sprinkles *love* in her own way......
I love the ROAR DUST Billie sprinkles along her path at ActiveRain and I wish her the best ever - and that BB of hers too :)
I haven't been "raining" as much as usual these days....but I didn't think I was totally in the dark. However, I didn't even know TLW was not well. I had noticed she was posting anything new, but didn't know why. I hope it's not serious, but I'm guessing from the comments that its not trivial. GET WELL SOON TLW - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hi Bob,
I miss her too! She was one of the first to encourage me to start blogging. Its too quiet around here...:)
Oh Bob, This is the nicest post I have read dedicated to another member. I miss having TLW around the Rain so, so much. As a matter of fact I have been missing her so much that I've been going to her blog and re-reading some of her older posts. TLW, here is to you and a fast and easy recovery.
Bob~ I hate it that TLW is not her funny self.... Her posts are just so funny and I love it that she isn't afraid to be herself! She is truly a what you see is what you get kind of person and she is so loved here! We need her spunky personality back here in the rain!
The Rain is Not the Same with the ROAR! Hurry Back TLW!
I wrote a post the other day for my ONLINE legacy and as always ...TLW popped up in my head for the one who taught me about balance in my blogs... directed us where to go to learn about psychology of cyberspace ....and continues to support new people and such throughout her interactions here.
I'm just glad she's doing better....
Bob, this is such a great idea and hopefully will lift Billie's spirits. She is definitely ONE OF A KIND! Who could have imagined it was possible for anyone to make crap so popular with the masses?
Love the person, hate the ROAR... My son ROARs whenever he is upset about being told to do (or not do) something that is counter to his wishes...
But, TLW swoops in and smacks down errant bloggers, or posts a supportive comment when needed. Great fun to watch.
CRAP? Now what makes you think we would even think of writing CRAPPY comments about such a kind post for such a special lady. I remember the first time TLW and I had a back-and-forth joke fest...I felt like I had finally arrived. She has a way of making us all feel her insatiable desire to just have fun and laugh at ourselves. Plus, TLW always has a way of putting us all in our places!
I can only say, I miss her too.. .while BB is a great blogger and has a fine sense of humor the ROAR being absent is apparent. Hurry back TLW, we all miss you.. thanks Bob for pointing out the link to Jeanean's blog.
As a regular reader of TLW and a person who has been hijacked a couple times by her, I do miss her quick wit and reality check that she throws are way. Her camera work with Bertha does need some help though.
Todd
TLW and BB were the first real Active Rain people that I identified with, read, and had the pleasure of meeting in person - as they are close to my local area. I admire their enthusiasm for Active Rain and their practical defense of the AR community. They build their business on line, they have fun blogging with all of us and they build the Active Rain Community with every post and comment. They have individual personalities (and blogs) and they are a great team.
Best wishes Billie for prompt recovery and quick return to the TLW blog. You are missed.
Hi Bob,
The Rain is not the same without the sound of TLW's "Roar". She has always supported and encouraged new member (myself included) and her humor is infectious.
In an attempt to NOT write a Canned comment
I believe many of us look forward to TLW returning to the rain once she is well. I especially enjoy her "off the wall" sense of humor.
Best of luck and get well soon TLW.
Sean Allen
Bob - I'm sure she will feel the love when she reads your post - I hope she gets well quick, there is no one like her.
Widow Maker....
I can barely type right now. So please forgive me my messy comment. I tried to round up some tuna for it but alas the nurses just don't understand me or the reason i would want tuna :)
Anyway I thought I should at the very least let everyone know I have read this blog and many others. Blog Boy is correct they've cheered me up but I wasn't crying. Really. I had an allergic reaction that has not been diagnosed yet :)
I will be back as soon as i am able. I have much to say that will regrettfully have to wait until I'm feeling a bit better.
My Love To All...
TLW...ROAR!
TLW- I heard that allergy is contagious... so be careful not to pass it on to BB! Glad to see things are getting better and can't wait for your return!
Bob- I always seem to be lucky and come on one of these Posts after a BB Update :) I just wrote my TLW Post.....who knows if it is what you wanted, but hey I wrote it....that's 3 Posts in one day ~ I wrote my Monday Post today too while I was on a roll.......now can I have my 25 points LOL :)
TLW ~ heck of course those allergies get to us at times, we all know that :) My Post even has hot links...the kind you prompted me to learn :) think of panties and pot.......:)
Bob: Funny that you added the 'canned comment' disclosure at the bottom of your post! I used to be very shy here in the RAIN and when I read something that I didn't like, I simply would not comment; conversely, when I read something that I did, all I would write was: "GREAT post!" TLW is the one who began conversations (written) with me and really taught me that we ARE here to communicate with one another! Now, EVERY time that I read a smart as& comment on her blog about "Great post," I get a chuckle out of it because I KNOW that she's referring to ME! (jk--I know that many others do the same thing but, some do it just for points--I was doing it out of ignorance!! [TLW--that was for YOU!])
Here's hoping for a VERY speedy recovery for TLW and to BB, we're keeping you both in our hearts and prayers as we know this is rough for you too!
Love TLW and BB....without them...I wouldn't be the educated agent that I have become from their advice and direction that I am today...now...TLW...do you want me to send you some "Brownies" that ....kidding, that was funny...
Now,,, how many nurses did you threaten to kill (j/k) over the care you are receiving and the food you are being served?
Love you and hope you get to go home soon...
I can't wait to read your perspective on your hospital experience...I'll bet the bag will be a few dumsters! Or a dump site...(((huggggssss))) to you my dear friend...Karen Monsour
I'm a big fan of TLW's blogs, I just wish she wouldn't beat around the bush and get to the point!
Hoping you are back here soon and for goodness sake while in the hospital I hope you remember the 2 gown rule. You know.... one tied in the back & the other tied in the front if you are roaming the halls.
Bob - thanks for letting us know about TLW so we can be praying for her speedy recovery.
TLW - laughter is the best medicine and you make all of us laugh with your comedic, spot on thinking, so I hope you are making yourself laugh so that mysterious allergy has no chance to bother you anymore!
Deb in Charlotte - That is what I LOVE about the rain. There is no comdemnation here, everyone is friendly and helpful. I have been on other email serves where it was intimidating to venture forth and say something. :)
The thing I hate most about not being in the "Rain" everyday is for reasons likes this. I miss being able to support people who have supported me and who make such a colossal impact on others like TLW. I didn't know she was under the weather...that sucks!!! I'll have to check out the other post and think about what I can do to send a smile her way like she has done for me! Thanks for the heads up Bob!
Bob - I backtracked from Jeanean Gendrons post to your post to BB's post to see what was amiss. I know I have not been following TLW's blog for a while but she is a remarkable lady and our thoughts and prayers are with her and BB.
Just as in my life – it’s the same for me here in the rain… I’m always the last to know. Bob – your post is one of the reason’s I stay here in the rain… caring. I’ll keep TLW in my thoughts and prayers. As a babe chick here in the Rain she’s been awesome to read and learn from. Please keep us posted - thank you.
Raleigh Realtor – Pamela St. Peter
WidowMaker...
I came all the way back here, almost a year later, to leave you that song :)
I will continue to always be there for you and so many others :)
TLW...ROAR!
And For Prosperity Reasons, this belongs here :)
TLW...ROAR!
Great stuff!! Jon and I are bobbing our heads in the office right now.......and we 'love a rainy night' just as much as anyone!!
Good...
Glad you Guys enjoyed it. Gotta Go. Way back when, I promised you I would not blog while under the influence of really good meds. I've kept that promise :)
P.S. No. My fingers are not crossed :)
TLW...SNORING :)
Karen...
Thank you. But just so you know, I'm not in the hospital or sick or anything. I'm okay. And I can't blog on meds because I never make a promise I can't keep :)
WidowMaker...
Love the new pic. You seriously look like my WidowMaker. Great stuff. Oh. And I brought you another song. I can't share this one unless you're the first receive it :)
TLW...ROAR!
WidowMaker...
I like that picture better. You handsome devil you :)
TLW...ROAR!
thank you!
Jon made me do it......
Ditto Bob...second TLW.
This is where I can put them.
Just do that hide and seek thing you do with the God button :)
TLW...ROAR!
Would care to go halfs on a video game with me?
<CLICK CLICK>
I'll be back :)
I point. You load.
CLICK CLICK
Wonder if they remove crap?
CLICK CLICK
This isn't MySpace, right?
CLICK CLICK
A stun phone? Now we're talking my language.
CLICK CLICK
Wanna help me clean a carpet or perhaps a couch?
CLICK CLICK
I'll buy the bike you buy the helmet.
CLICK CLICK
I think this one is a cry for help.
CLICK CLICK
Don't mind the short but could do without the fat.
CLICK CLICK
I don't think I want to know what a Zelda game is.
CLICK CLICK
That's a good start. It's quite time consuming but I'll be back :)
TLW...ROAR! (twelve)
TLW, where do you find the time to search these out? My kids played Zelda - it was a pretty harmless game by today's standards. Or maybe they didn't play it. Anyway, I remember the name of it.
Sharon...
I make the time because some of these folks are just swiping our AR Juice and bandwidth. That is worth my time :)
TLW...ROAR!
WidowMaker...
As much as I enjoy shopping I'd rather buy products that relate to AR or this industry :)
CLICK CLICK
I already told you I won't do drugs while on AR :)
CLICK CLICK
Do we really need an impotance consultant around here. Don't blush :)
CLICK CLICK
How about engagement rings. We could throw a wedding :)
CLICK CLICK
I kinda wish I knew what this one says :)
CLICK CLICK
Hey. I bet a few of us could use a good diet plan :)
CLICK CLICK
Do you want to be the one to tell this one if Mickey catches her she'll be slammed dunked with little mice turds :)
CLICK CLICK
I don't even know what this one is selling. Way out of my area of expertise :)
CLICK CLICK
More Boots. Ugg :)
CLICK CLICK
WTF? Mail boxes :)
CLICK CLICK
Okay. I have to stop for now. My eyes keep crossing :)
TLW...ROAR!
Wanna play poker with me? They have every game we can imagine.
CLICK CLICK
A social network for teens. Yah. That's just what we need around here.
CLICK CLICK
Hmm. Better to just leave this one with you.
CLICK CLICK
I gotta wear shades. La La La.
CLICK CLICK
Ever wish you spoke French or Parlez Vous Francais? Shhh. Don't tell. But I speak enough french to get by. I guess I won't be needing his services.
CLICK CLICK
Need a good dentist?
CLICK CLICK
Please don't allow service dogs in here. They'll scare all the cats away.
CLICK CLICK
Good Cause. But inappropriate, as you've said. It's also a mess.
CLICK CLICK
We just never know when we're going to need a job abroad.
CLICK CLICK
On line data entry. Government auctions. Reverse Phone Dectective. Interesting mix.
<CLICK CLICK>
Want to buy me MP3's for my comments?
<CLICK CLICK>
Have you ever offered to take me to the movies?
<CLICK CLICK>
This peaked my curiousity and I know this is not how AR does things.
<CLICK CLICK>
Well. If you're going to take me to the movies how's about buying me a satellite dish?
<CLICK CLICK>
This is a test. Are we supposed to change the channel?
<CLICK CLICK>
True blood. Makes me wonder if they mean real blood.
<CLICK CLICK>
I think you should buy Kelan a luxury car.
<CLICK CLICK>
She's cute.
<CLICK CLICK>
Her too.
<CLICK CLICK>
What'd you do fire all the guys? :)
<CLICK CLICK>
Now I'm really curious.
<CLICK CLICK>
<CLICK CLICK>
Kelan would really like this one.
<CLICK CLICK>
One hour pay day loans. That's a great way to see some of our Members get in trouble.
<CLICK CLICK>
Wonderful. I wish I had boobs and these Men wish they didn't.
<CLICK CLICK>
Hand held barcode scanner. We should send one to Bush. Shhh. I didn't say that.
<CLICK CLICK>
WidowMaker...
I have to share this with you. I don't feel right sharing it with Blog-N-Roll and not you. In order to watch it you must be signed in to your FB account:
And nope. I have nothing better to do than to screw around with the web cam on the new Piece of Crap :)
TLW...ROAR!
Do it again...
But be sure to pee before you watch it. Oh. Wait. You're not the depends gen. I am :)
Log into FB. You can watch it right here. I'm just making you laugh :)
TLW...ROAR!
Time to do some smiting. Can I just have my own smite button? :)
Should we all take a moment to clean our colons? Or perhaps a reverse phone look up is in order?
CLICK
CLICK
What are these? Cemetary plots? I have no clue and honestly don't want one :)
CLICK
CLICK
CLICK
If I accumlate enough points can I trade them in for a new or used car? :)
CLICK
These are slamming the front page this morning. Got to get through them to get to The Real Rainers.
CLICK
Click
Click
Click
Click
Click
Teeth Whitening. C'mon :)
Click
Here's some serious key word stuffing.
Click
:)
WidowMaker...
Please tell me you remembered to uncheck everyone. We have the room, right?
TLW...ROAR!
Geesh...
I just read all of this again. Sniff Sniff. Roar :)