My Old Packard Bell

"Let the light from your soul shine as a beacon of warmth, and positive reactions will follow..."

This is an example of thoughts that guide my life. I am what you would call a changed person, by that meaning I have stumbled my way through a majority of my time here on Earth. How did I arrive here, invited to participate on this page? I see many names I know listed as contributors here on the Blue Ribbon Blog, and they are all well respected favorites of mine. Also - some that I am unfamiliar with. In the following weeks I plan to visit each and every blog found on the sidebar.

This is the short version of my life. My name is Eric ... better known as "Speedcat Hollydale"

This is a picture from my childhood. I grew up in a classic middle American family with strong family values. I really do not have many sad memories from youth, and am grateful and blessed with a past of hugs, love, and guidance. I never realized just how lucky that is until later in life. From my eyes, the world was a perfect place.

Of course the world is not really perfect, far from it really. I am not perfect either. I have made many mistakes, hurt people, let people down, and ultimately let myself down.

I have a history of alcoholism in my family, not my immediate family, but it's there. I am one of it's victims. By saying this, I still take all responsibility for all that has transpired in my past, just that I believe some are more prone than others to be inflicted with the crushing consequences of drinking. I nearly destroyed everything I had ... my health, my relationships, my job, and mostly my pride and self worth. These horrible things ended over 5 years ago.

I did not change my life, nor did a group like AA. The good Lord did. I realized my powerless condition and asked to be saved. That day will forever be my greatest day! Imagine, just one simple thing, changed everything.

I have brand new eyes. Eyes that see possibility, hope, and a future that can be as great as the effort you impart. I have also realized that what really counts in life are the impacts that you have on others. You can never share or care too much. Connections of love are those that bind us, and create a real happiness, not a short lived feeling or emotion. I had no idea that when I started blogging one day on an old Packard Bell computer that these very things could happen across an Internet connection. That's the key word - "connection". I have witnessed and read so many stories from bloggers that open their hearts and share the stories and thoughts from past and present. It seems like the warmest and most caring people are attracted to blogging. Have you ever noticed that?

Back to the people involved with this page. I am honored to be invited to this group. How this came to be, I'm not quite sure, but I must tell you that it is a nice feeling. This is one day, and one post, that will always be special to me.

This picture was made by Ann from "A Nice Place in the Sun". I think it looks like the new me. "Hello everyone!!!"

Speedcat Hollydale: still working from an old Packard Bell