I went to bed last night hearing the wind howling and, sure enough, by this morning the house was decidedly chilly. Not too bad considering that I am in Canada and winter is coming but enough that I was really loving my nice warm blankets. Until my little queen discovered I was awake and demanded her breakfast.

Well, that is okay I guess. That much sooner I get my coffee and get on to getting today’s Ramble written.

Onward to today’s rambling

Self Talk - Just Find It, Feel It and Do It

It’s not often I notice poetry enough to catch my attention, this one did. Read it carefully, it has a good message for us all. Well done Hive account@rezoanulvibes.

Gratefulvibes - Christmas Memories - Original Photography

Hive account@dmcamera takes us on a delightful tour of their Christmas ornaments and the memories they hold for the family. Nicely done.

False Flag - my entry for @v4vapid's Conspiracy Writing Contest #3

Hive account@gmuxx has written some fascinating twists and turns into this conspiracy theory story. I get the distinct sense that I’d not want to let him loose in the world to create actual conspiracies.

@aggroed bought me steak- a tallish tale

Hive account@limabeing shared her tale of a Boston meetup. A rather interesting tale and we get to see some other Steemizens. Nice work.

#11 Humans Of Steemit : @limabeing (A Vocal Active Steemian With A Heart Of Gold)

Have you ever wondered who this Hive account@limabeing is behind the STEEM name? Hive account@humansofsteemit is a series of posts which lets us get a peak at who is behind the name through a series of questions the member answers. Today’s Hive account@humansofsteemit is Hive account@limabeing.

Everything is Economics

I usually think of economics as being about numbers, more specifically, numbers expressed as dollars. Hive account@adamkokesh writes an excellent piece to put forth the argument that economics is the sum total of everything, expressed in numbers or not. The post is easy to read but should evoke you to stop and think before reaching a conclusion.

Are You Struggling To Know What You Really Want?

Hive account@steemonomics writes about the need to set goals and focus on what we want more than what we are afraid of. When we find ourselves zeroing in on fear, then turn that to positive. Nicely written and timely as we approach the end of the year.

While you are over checking this post out, click through to Hive account@steemonomics profile and have a look at some of the other posts. Hive account@steemonomics joined in November, seems to posting some decent content very consistently but hasn’t gained any notice. Have a look and consider giving a follow and some upvotes.

STEEM Solution: We Need To Do This To Make Steemit A Huge Success

Hive account@taskmaster4450 raises a good point about the importance not only of leaving meaningful comments on posts but also of upvoting people’s comments. We can complain about the curation rewards until the cows come home but let’s not overlook the smaller details like comment votes.

I generally upvote comments left on my posts. Well, except for the spam comments, then I’m just as liable to flag them for spamming.

Announcing: HardFork Writing Prompt Contest Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the Hardfork Writing Prompt contest. It’s great to see three of the very dedicated participants over at The Writers Block take the top three prizes. If you are serious about your writing, especially your fiction writing, you need to be over there.

Nice work Hive account@gmuxx, Hive account@rhondak and Hive account@creatr .. Don’t forget to click through to read their stories.

A Zookeepers Life #9 Saying Goodbye

This post was nominated by @LenaDr

Hive account@amavi writes a heartrending post about the animals she cares for at the zoo. Like our pets at home, zookeepers often become attached to at least some of those in their care and when the animals end up in distress or must be euthanized, it is very hard.

As I write this I’m reaching over my tomcat as he lays on his side across my lap snoozing. So, no, I’m not attached to my feline friends at all.

Meet The Writers' Block Crew #2: @RhondaK

Well, you noticed me mention The Writer’s Block earlier? If you are wondering what it is like but haven’t got up the brass to just join the discord, then have a look at this post Hive account@thewritersblock has put up interviewing one of the principle members Hive account@rhondak. Yes, that is the same Hive account@rhondak who won in the Hardfork contest.

The UNTOLD TRUTH OF MICROWAVES & The Effects On HEALTH ! Astounding FACTS + RESEARCH | Knowledge Can Save Our Life !

I’m not a fan of microwave ovens, never have been. My late husband insisted on us getting one. That 400W oven still sits on a shelf above my actual oven. I use the timer function to alert me to check food as I lack a sense of smell.

Hive account@esaia.mystic writes a very detailed report on microwave ovens and the dangers they present. She has a very good point at the beginning of how so many no longer understand the basics of preparing real food as they become reliant on prepackaged foods full of preservatives and chemicals.

I shop the outside aisles at the grocer, the produce, meat, bread and dairy departments are my main stops. Rather light on the bread and dairy.

Color Challenge Monday Red - "RED POPPY" ~ © Tiffany E. Reed

Hive account@thekittygirl writes a poignant story of love lost through the abrupt construction of a wall, the Berlin wall I assume, and a little girl’s desire to find that love for her mother. A lovely, well written story.

Smelled Teh Frowers - Bahbahra Buddy Contest (Week 6)Entry

So, Hive account@tattoodjay and his friend Bahbahra have been running this neat little contest every week where others ‘friends’ can join in to represent the theme of the week. Hive account@thisisrhoda, alter ego of Hive account@molovelly, recently introduced us to her friend Dennis. Hive account@molovelly and Dennis teamed up to create a delightful entry into Bahbahra’s contest.

Wrap-up on Day 133

Another day of great posts available. Some of the posts I read through had some interesting content but the writer could really use some guidance on effective writing.

A post has to catch my attention enough for me not to lose interest or the gist of the post part way through it to even get considered for the Ramble.

Don’t forget, tomorrow is Pimp Your Post Thursday.

Supporting and Upvoting

Let’s not forget folks. I’m sharing these posts not only because I like them. I’d really like to see them get support and upvoting.

Nominate Your Favourite Post

With all the chaff that I end up trying to sift through each time I sit down to do the Steemit Ramble, I think it is time to give you dear reader an opportunity to nominate your favourite reads.

Just visit the Steemit Ramble Discord and post the link in the Nominate-A-Post Channel.

As much as you may love your own post, I am really looking for someone else to say, “Hey, I like this post, have a look”. When I post a Steemit Ramble, that is what I’m telling my readers.

Once you’ve shared someone else’s post, you’ll be given access to a channel where you can share your own posts for me to consider them. It’s only fair for you to have the chance.