Bang, Bang --Celebrating 500!

I hope that my title was enough to peek your interest and to open this article up to find out what I'm celebrating 500 of! And if you are reading this now, I got cha!

Today I'm posting my 500^th article written for Associated Content. I've been here for several years and I've enjoyed the challenges that have also made me a better writer, the new friends I have made, connecting with old friends from other sites and expanding my horizons.

This article isn't about anything in particular, other than to celebrate an accomplishment of hitting the big 500 mark on articles written for Associated Content. Actually, Associated Content has become my favorite site to write at. And this is mainly due to you! My fellow writers here produce excellent work, keep me inspired and also lend a hand or ear when needed. The friendships I have made here are the best. So, I decided to celebrate this accomplishment with you and give a few of my fellow writers a shout out!

The last couple of years have been pretty rough. My father had a lengthy illness before passing away in September 2010 and this kept me busy with family matters. I haven't written much at all this past year, but have been pecking at the keyboard whenever time permitted--and that wasn't much after family obligations and working full time. I am hoping to get a few family matters taken care of soon and back to writing in my spare time. So, if you have been wondering where I've been--that's it in a nutshell. I'm trying to get back in the swing of things by submitting a few articles and back to reading all of the great articles here from my fellow contributors.

Now, to pay tribute to a few of my fellow writers that have inspired me to keep going, kept me laughing when things were not going well, or for other reasons just connected with my heart. I really do thank you all for your talent in writing and inspiring me to hang in there. Of course, I can't mention all of my wonderful friends in this particular article, and I don't want to offend anyone. This group I found to be my rock in the last year. I always enjoyed reading their work and got something from it. If you are not familiar with any of them, I encourage you to check them out!

Cindy Tuttle

Cindy Tuttle has been one of my favorite writers at Associated Content for a couple of years now. I believe Cindy first discovered me by reading one of my poems. She is an ace at writing inspirational poetry and a wonderful testimony through her writings sharing her Christian beliefs. Cindy's poetry is simply beautiful. Cindy has a book out titled, "Joining the Dance of Life" that promises "30 days to a happier you." This book is a wonderful resource for finding yourself. It contains reflections, poetry and places throughout the book to jot down your own thoughts and memories. I am just starting on this journey but plan on reviewing the book when I'm finished.

Cindy also has new book coming out next month in November 2010 titled, "Finding the Light of Jesus." This book contains both reflections and prayers. I can't wait to read this one!

Be sure to check out Cindy's work, if you haven't already. I'm sure you will find Cindy's writing as inspiring and uplifting as I do.

Linda Louise Johnson.

Another of my favorite writers here is Linda Louise Johnson. Linda lets her personality shine through in her writing and many of her articles will literally leave you in stitches. This is why she came away with the Funniest Writer Award for 2009 here at AC. I firmly believe in laughter and Linda keeps me with a good supply. She also has a well stocked library of articles on a broad range of topics. Be sure to check out her stuff!

Maria Roth

Maria Roth is another great inspiration at AC. Maria is a wonderful writer (and mother) who has a large array of interesting articles. Maria has a daughter who is currently in remission from a diagnosis of leukemia that she received when she was only four years old. Audrey is now five and just celebrated one year of being in remission from this dreadful disease. Maria has shared her journey with fellow AC writers through her articles and updates on Audrey. Any parent can relate to the heartache Maria has been through. Her articles are a witness to anyone who reads them, and especially anyone with a child diagnosed with a chronic illness or disease. Maria has a strong faith that has guided her and her family through Audrey's illness. Drop in and read some of Maria's great articles if you haven't already!

These three ladies are just a few of my wonderful friends from Associated Content. They all produce great content and are a huge asset to the community. I thought this would be a nice way to pay tribute to you here in my 500^th article here at Associated Content. I also want to thank all of my friends here. You are what makes AC such a great community!