My name is Charles Gulotta, and I have worked as a freelance writer for the past thirty years. I’ve done a great deal of corporate advertising and marketing, and have published six books. But what I enjoy most is writing essays. They tend to be about the struggles and frustrations of daily life, and are written with a humorous outlook. A few are more serious, just because not everything is funny.
I resisted blogging for a long time, but I’ve gotten hooked. Now that you’re here, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to look around and read a few pieces. I’d love to hear what you think. I welcome sincere feedback and promise to reply to every comment.
Thank you for visiting!
Doreen Pendgracs
February 7, 2011
Hi Charles:
I found your blog thru the link on Heidi Turner’s blog. (She and I are colleagues at PWAC.)
You have an amazing following! How on earth do you get so many comments per blog post! I’ve had one post that got 40 comments, but usually it is considerably less.
Would love for you to drop into my writer’s blog and give me some feedback. Will be posting a new post on Wednesday, but have been away and just catching up. (Also have a travel blog which I did update on the weekend, but the writer’s blog is due for a new post this week. Each blog gets a new post every other week.)
Please drop into http://doreenisthewizardofwords.blogspot.com/ and say Hello.
Thanks,
Doreen Pendgracs
bronxboy55
February 8, 2011
Dear Doreen,
I’m still pretty new at this, so I don’t necessarily understand what’s happening. But I don’t see it as a following. Rather, it seems to be like a colony that’s growing. My blog is one little piece in the colony. I visit all of the other blogs, read their posts, and leave comments. They mostly do the same. It’s a mutual respect kind of arrangement. Then magically, someone new appears (as you did) and it keeps building. It seems to be based on the things we were all taught are supposed to work out in the real world, but often don’t: honesty, courtesy, trust, encouragement.
That’s all I know. And about the comments, those numbers are somewhat inflated: for every comment that someone leaves, I respond. Sometimes we go back and forth two or three times; so interacting with one person could show up as six comments.
I will definitely visit your blog and see what you’re up to. It was great to hear from you.
susielindau
June 30, 2012
You summed up the blogging community so well!
Hurricane Rita
May 6, 2013
I showed up…random person in the community. I think you’re funny.
bronxboy55
May 6, 2013
I’m glad you’re here, Rita. Thank you.
mybusinessaddiction
February 7, 2011
I stumbled onto your blog from Margaret Reyes’ blog. You have a great blog here and I love many of your posts. You have marketing experience AND you have written books- two things I’m very interested in
! I’m currently in marketing although my background is engineering (you’ll understand when you read about me on my ABOUT page). I’ve procrastinated on writing on NaNoWriMo for years… I guess I’m just worried it’ll be complete rubbish. Anyway, Margaret has said I should just write so this November is the time. Nice to meet you. K
bronxboy55
February 8, 2011
Dear K,
Margaret is one of my very favorite bloggers, and I’m hoping she’s also a long-lost cousin.
Thank you for the nice words. I didn’t even know what NaNoWriMo was and had to look it up. So you’re just beginning to write fiction? I am, too, and have the same fears. I keep reminding myself that most of what I write is rubbish anyway, so why would fiction be any different? That’s just the nature of writing, and I hope you won’t let it stop you. Don’t forget, when you see or hear any finished artwork (music, play, film, book, sculpture, painting), you’re only seeing the final product, and not all of the stages of rubbish that came before.
I’ll visit your blog sometime today. Nice to meet you, too!
shalahowell
October 26, 2011
Hi K,
Just saw your comment here (I found Charles’ blog today and I’ve been surfing around it on and off this afternoon — greatly enjoying my visit, I might add). Anyway, with NaNoWriMo starting up in just a few days I thought I’d offer you some encouragement. Frankly, the only way to kick out 50,000 words in 30 days is to allow them to be awful. Just rip-roaringly bad. Turn off your internal editor completely, and promise yourself you’ll come back in March for NaNoEdMo (national novel editing month) and turn your pencil sketch of a first draft into something a little bit more like art.
Good luck!
Doreen Pendgracs
February 9, 2011
Thanks for your reply, Charles.
Yes, I know what you mean. I consider those who follow my writer’s blog to be part of the same “tribe.” That’s why I named the entity of declared followers to be the “tribe.” Join us! We have great discussions.
This week it’s on honesty and our prime virtues.
writerwoman61
March 22, 2011
Hi Charles:
I’m adding some new folks to my blogroll in honour of my one year “blogiversary” tomorrow…I would like to include you in “He Said” if it’s okay…I truly enjoy your writing, and I think my readers will too!
Wendy
bronxboy55
March 30, 2011
I don’t know why it took me so long to see this comment, Wendy, but thank you for the honor. And happy blogiversary!
writerwoman61
March 30, 2011
Thanks, Charles…done!
Terrance H.
April 1, 2011
I just found this blog, Charles, by way of Snoring Dog Studio. I think I’ll subscribe, because, after all, those seeking to become a better writer have a greater chance of success if they read good writing; your blog is filled with it.
Thanks.
bronxboy55
April 1, 2011
Thank you, Terrance. What a nice thing to say. But if you want to read good writing, there’s no need to look past SDS’s blog; she’s one of my very favorites. I’m going to visit yours today, too. Thanks again.
Josè Pascal
April 12, 2011
Congratulations for your blog. Your posts are very interesting.
bronxboy55
April 18, 2011
Thank you, Jose.
Josè Pascal
April 19, 2011
You are welcome into my tin box. http://parolesemplici.wordpress.com/mytinbox/
Have a nice life
Andrea Noble
May 17, 2011
Hi Charles,
Thank you for making me laugh! I know it’s cliche, but your blog made my day. While avoiding work and surfing the internet, I found your site this afternoon via Heidi Turner’s blog. Love your writing style — so clean, clear and funny. And the cartoons… simply awesome!
Cheers,
Andrea
bronxboy55
May 20, 2011
Thank you, Andrea. I just visited your website and was equally impressed. I’d love to discuss the freelance writing business with you sometime.
The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife
June 7, 2011
I can see how a person gets hooked on blogging. Appreciate the realness of your blog… Keep writing!
bronxboy55
June 14, 2011
Thank you. I appreciate that. Your blog is wonderful, too — great writing and photographs.
ALIVE aLwaYs
June 7, 2011
Your blog is wonderful and you writing is definitely witty. I admire the art to put out words in humorous outlook, it kind of gets in head more sound, and many a times, it tends to affirm on a more serious note than even the most serious pieces, with a hint of sarcasm and humor. As for your posts intrigued from daily life, every newness comes from newer perspective, not the same old jargon of famous instances of past.
So Charles, I guess I will be visiting more. Keep going. Love it here.
bronxboy55
June 14, 2011
Thanks, Alive. I appreciate the kind words.
Brown Sugar Britches
June 7, 2011
you’re fantastic!
bronxboy55
June 23, 2011
Thank you. That’s a nice thing to say.
Jennifer Avventura
June 8, 2011
Ciao and thanks for stopping by my blog and liking it! I was born in Ontario, Canada but as you now know I live in Sardegna. I hope to one day discover your native land, tis really only a hop skip and a jump for me. All the best from the Med.
bronxboy55
June 23, 2011
I’m always surprised when I see a map of Italy and Sardegna isn’t there. How can they leave out such a big and beautiful place? I will visit there someday.
Mun
June 8, 2011
Read the post that got FP’ed today, laughed my head off at it, figured you’re subscribable
Look forward to coming back and exploring more thoroughly!
bronxboy55
June 23, 2011
Thank you, Mun. I just visited your blog, too. Beautiful prose and photography.
girl in the hat
June 14, 2011
Hey, Charles: I just wanted to give you a little blog award and tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. See it here: http://thegirlinthehat.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/the-free-love-blog-award%E2%80%94no-strings-attached/
Thanks!
Anna
bronxboy55
June 23, 2011
Anna,
I apologize for taking so long to reply. That Freshly Pressed thing was pretty overwhelming. In fact, I still haven’t answered all of the comments, but I’m working on it. And I’m trying to decide what to do about the award you so generously offered to me. I’ve done two (or is it three?) posts based on blogging awards, and I worry that readers will roll their eyes at yet another. But I’m off to visit your blog now.
Brown Sugar Britches
July 6, 2011
Mr. Charles, can i call you Charles? as we only know each other via blog comments, i didn’t want to make any assumptions.. however, i find that we share a like of each others posts. yours make me laugh out loud in the dark and mine make you tell me to “write a book”. that’s just amazing. thanks for the frequent visits and the comments. they are always welcome and encouraging. by the way, i’m Tanisha. Tanisha Ware. nicetameetya! gladtaknowya!
bronxboy55
July 7, 2011
It’s nice to meet you too, Tanisha. Before I started blogging, I had no idea how many wonderful and talented writers there were out there. It’s been fun to read their work and get to know them a little. I’ve quickly come to think of you that way. And I mean what I say about writing those books!
http://brownsugarbritches.com
Miles Long
September 9, 2011
Charles,
Your work was recommended to me by a friend of mine: Iced Tea with Lemons (Karen Eubank).
I have read a few of your postings already and enjoy your style. I will be watching your blog for new posts!
I am an engineer by trade but recently I have been exploring writing and photography. Creativity liberates me from the rigidity of engineering. I believe it has helped me “think outside of the box.”
I am a fledgling writer, hopefully, slowly developing my own style.
Thank you again for sharing your writing!
Jamie
http://laughingbunny.wordpress.com/
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
Miles, your comment ended up in the Spam folder. I don’t know why that happens, but I don’t check it as often as I should. I’m glad to hear that writing is helping you express your creativity. Keep working at it. And any friend of Karen’s is a friend of mine!
slavesincorporated
September 25, 2011
Charles, I have nominated you for ‘The Versatile Blogger Award’
Since you have already received this award before, it would be understandable if you choose not to accept it this time.
Yours is one of the few blogs I follow and it is a genuinely rewarding read at that. Most of the posts are showered with 50+ comments, some as big as the post itself. So, I refrain from adding to the melee.
bronxboy55
September 29, 2011
Thank you, Slaves. This award and several others have been circulating for quite some time. I may do another post with it, just to publicize a few great blogs I’ve discovered in recent months. Either way, I appreciate the recognition.
aunaqui
October 13, 2011
Wow! I knew, from the moment I read your “freshly pressed,” featured blog post, that you were more than just a blogger. Your writing is incredible! 6 published books? Congratulations. Question: out of all six, which are you the most proud of (in other words, which book should I start with?) I love and admire your style of writing. I’ve written in journals for the past 10 or so years (I’m twenty now) and I’ve been a blogger for alittle over a year. This November will be my first whole-hearted attempt at a novel (I’m participating in NaNoWriMo). I’ll be keeping up with your posts and am certain I’ll be able to learn a lot from reading what you’ve written.
Aun Aqui
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
Thank you for asking about the books. I worked hard on all of them. I guess I’m most proud of Writing Rules! It allowed me to be creative, but also precise. And I learned a lot while writing it.
Good luck with your novel. Please let me know how it’s going.
etomczyk
October 13, 2011
Hi Charles. I’m here because I always check out the freshly pressed blogs, especially if they have to do with writers. Then I realized that I recognized your name because I had read an article you’d written about self-publishing not too long ago. I am a writer and after 2 years of shopping my memoir around to agents who gave me great feedback but no cigar, I’m chatting with a publisher who was given a sample of my writing by one of their signed authors. However, nothing is in writing as I wait on pins and needles to see if the publisher will pick up my manuscript for publication. If he doesn’t, I will try to (very reluctantly) go the self-publishing route. I understand how serialized books about teenage vampires can become a success online via self-publishing, but the memoir of an unknown seems dicey. It burns my cookies to see books published by Sarah Palin, Snooky, Justin Bieber, etc. while legitimate writers languish on the vine.
I love, love, love, your blog and it will be my constant companion. I have subscribed. Congrats on being FP’D!
http://www.howthehelldidienduphere.wordpress.com
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
Eleanor, I know exactly how your burned cookies feel. Publishers are zipping up their wallets left and right, but they’ll throw tons of money at people who couldn’t write a book if their lives depended on it. It’s all about risk and potential sales — not necessarily about quality work. But you already know that. I’ve read enough of your blog to recognize that you’re one of the good ones, and I hope you’ll open up to self-publishing. Write the best book you can, sell thousands of copies, then let the publishers come to you with offers.
Thank you for the kind words. I’m going to visit your blog again, once I get out from under the FP flood. (Please remind me if I don’t.) And keep in touch, especially if you want to talk about self-publishing.
Luna Kadampa
October 13, 2011
You have such a bright mind, light bulbs going off all the time!!
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed again. I managed to fluke it once, but my blog is perhaps a little esoteric for most, whereas yours is very accessible. And funny as anything!!!!
What are the titles of your books?
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
I think I’ve fluked it twice. I’m pretty sure it’s mostly luck.
Thank you for the kind words.
You can see the books here: http://www.mostlybrightideas.com.
I’m also working on a book of blog posts. It should be available in the next month or so.
Luna Kadampa
October 14, 2011
Thanks, I’m going to go take a look. If you get a moment in your growing fame to check out mine, it is http://www.kadampalife.org.
Tiffany Hall
October 13, 2011
The more I read, the more I aspire to BE you. I’m pretty sure that when I was a little girl enthusiastically saying, “I wanna be a writer!” I was referring to a life similar to your own. You’re quite an inspiration!
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
Thank you, Tiffany. That’s nice to hear. In fact, I don’t think anyone has ever said they wanted to be me. (Sometimes I don’t even want to be me.)
I’m sure your kids will give you plenty to write about.
cosmoloren
October 13, 2011
Hi,
Your title of Don’t Ask, Don’t Yell caught my attention. As i read it, i was fascinated and completely enjoyed reading your piece. By the end, I kept wondering if you were a writer and turns out you are! I plan on reading more of your blogs, and the reason I started blogging was because my journalism professor encouraged me (she was also one to resist blogging, so it was quite a surprise). I hope to be a freelance journalist, one i finish my education, so if you have any advice, I would gladly hear it. Thanks and hope to read more of your work!
btw, the last post was from an old account I used in one of my college courses. Didn’t realize I was on the account I do not use. Sorry for the misunderstanding
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
I don’t have a lot of advice. Just remember that writing takes a lot of work. Never be satisfied. Be a perfectionist. When people tell you how good you are, believe them just enough to keep writing. And don’t give your work away for free just for the sake of being published. If you want people to value what you do, you have to value it just as much.
That’s all I have. Good luck, and keep in touch!
Prudence
October 14, 2011
I really wish there was a “Like” button for comments, because this is a wonderful piece of encouragement:
“I don’t have a lot of advice. Just remember that writing takes a lot of work. Never be satisfied. Be a perfectionist. When people tell you how good you are, believe them just enough to keep writing. And don’t give your work away for free just for the sake of being published. If you want people to value what you do, you have to value it just as much.”
I found this blog through Freshly Pressed and am glad I did. I’ve already been browsing and will continue to browse. It’s nice to meet you!
bronxboy55
October 18, 2011
It’s nice to meet you, too, Prudence. Thank you for the kind words.
Diane Epling
October 13, 2011
You have so many terrific posts that I’ve decided to put you in my favorites and just take my time getting to know your work. I’ll get myself a nice cup of tea. Maybe, even, a couple of tea biscuits.
Congratulations on being “Freshly Pressed.”
Kaukab’s daughter
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
Thank you for saying that. Being Freshly Pressed is a great way to make new blogging friends.
Allyson Hoffmann
October 14, 2011
May I ask a question, Charles! Are you ´just` writing whatever you´re writing, is it sitting down, typing and there it is or are you sketching, and doing all sorts of stuff up front your writing, getting an idea of where you´re heading? Thanks for cutting out time, to anwer!
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
Sometimes I write in my head, like when I’m driving or in the shower. Other times, I’ll just sit down and start writing something, with no real idea of where it’s going. If I think I may be onto something but afraid I’m going to lose it before I have a chance to get it typed and saved, I’ll draw a mind map of the main ideas. Most of my first drafts are pretty bad. The process for me is a little like polishing wood — I may have to repeat the whole thing quite a few times before anything begins to shine. I also read it out loud to myself, and fix every little thing that bothers me.
What is your process like?
Joe
October 14, 2011
I stumbled upon your blog as a result of seeing your Freshly Pressed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Yell” post and I’m sure glad I did. I love your insights! Of the posts I’ve read so far, your ability to intertwine comedy and every day important life lessons is genius.
I’ve subscribed to your blog after reading a few selections and I’m hooked. Keep up the good work!
bronxboy55
October 14, 2011
Thank you, Joe. And congratulations on your new blog. I hope you’ll keep up the good work, too.
My condolences on the Braves, by the way. It was an odd ending to the season, and the playoffs have been pretty unpredictable, as well.
Joe
October 14, 2011
Thank you for the congratulatory comments. My blog is young and seemingly unnoticeable right now so I certainly appreciate someone such as yourself who has hundreds, possibly thousands of followers, taking the time out to visit my blog.
I am taking your advice though. I read on your blog that it’s important to visit other people’s blogs, comment, like, etc., and in turn they will likely do the same. So true! I have found the WordPress community is extremely supportive of each other.
I know in time my blog will grow, I’ve just got to be patient. But because of people like you, it’ll be there in no time!
Thanks again!
bronxboy55
October 15, 2011
As soon as this Freshly Pressed storm has passed, I’d like to keep in touch. Yes, the blogging community is very supportive — for the most part — and that was a pleasant surprise for me.
Tanner Brumbarger
October 17, 2011
Hi, Charles,
I would love it if you traveled to my blog. I am hoping to get a larger following. I like to publish my opinions whether people agree with them or not! http://www.opinionzmatter.com
Thanks!
Tanner
bronxboy55
October 18, 2011
I will visit your blog as soon as I can. Good luck with it, Tanner.
bronxboy55
October 18, 2011
I’m glad you like it, Anika. Isn’t it amazing how you can start writing one thing and end up with something completely unexpected? It’s part of the fun. I’m interested to see what a bilingual blog looks like.
I’m in eastern Canada. Where are you?
Adirana
October 19, 2011
I am multicultural. I am German and live in Germany, the Netherlands and in the USA (San Francisco) – actually I am in the Netherlands
Where in Canada are you exactly? Sadly I have never been there but would love to go there …
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
Prince Edward Island. It’s a little tricky to find on a map, but it’s there.
Allyson Hoffmann
October 18, 2011
Hey Charles! Thanks for your honesty. For me there´s always a gut feeling first. Then I sit down and write until I`m finished. Can be for a couple of hours, can be for a couple of days or (with that first book) weeks on end. The moment I`m in I`m in. No way out. Like glued to the chair. Not able to think about anything else. Energy level on top all the time. Bad part is when I`m finished I`m finished. I have no more feelings for what I wrote. Nothing. This is why I put everything aside when I was writing my whole life. Cause the moment I was finished it had no more meaning to me. Sounds stupid? Sure feels like. But if (for whatever reason) people got to read my stuff they loved it. I like to provoke. I like humor. I like poems. I have been a photographer for ten years but let that go last year. The commercial part took my love for that away. Now I`m trying to think of a way to put both things together… Turned 45 couple of weeks ago, maybe it´s just a midlife thing! Talk to you soon!
bronxboy55
October 18, 2011
Couldn’t you continue to combine photography and writing on your blog, and eventually produce a book (or two)? I can’t read the words, but some of the images are beautiful.
Happy Birthday! What a great age 45 is. I miss it.
Keep in touch!
ptigris213
October 19, 2011
Hello, Charles, and congratulations on being “Freshly Pressed”. I like your writing. If it makes you feel any better, I was a ‘questioner”, too. I think one of my most vivid memories is that of my mother. I was probably four or five. She stood there, yanking her hair in frustration and saying, “Child, you are going to ‘why’ me to death.”
Which, of course, you know what my response was…
Thanks!
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
My mother used to tell me to “get out of her hair,” which always confused me and surely led to more questions.
Thanks for the comment. I’m sorry it took so long for me to reply.
Çiğdem Tanker
October 19, 2011
Hello Charles,
Like ptigris213, i saw your blog posts on being “Fresly Pressed”. Your blog is very good. Congrats.
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
Thank you, Çiğdem. Do you also write in English? I’d like to read some of your writing. And what is your native language?
rachnapithawala
October 20, 2011
hello Charles,
read your blog through freshly passed. i enjoyed your writing. i have many ideas running in to my mind. i want to give words to everything i see around me. but it is difficult for me to give my thoughts words. you are gifted with nice word. nice blog. keep up good job.
rachna.
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
It’s difficult to translate thoughts into words, and usually takes me several tries before it makes any sense at all. If you enjoy writing, keep working at it. And thank you for the nice comment, Rachna.
joseph
October 21, 2011
although I am a techie…….but I love some of your hilarious posts…………..
Thanks.
Joseph
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
Thanks, Joseph. I appreciate the feedback.
camary1996
October 21, 2011
Don’t know how I found your blog….but wow….you have a gift! I hope you’re makin’ some bucks off it. I just started blogging a few months ago to my shock and amazement…because I did horrible in school. I have found great joy in blogging. I have a chronic illness and it helps me to stay focused on something positive.
I love your blog because from the comments….it bringing JOY and a SMILE to people and we need it in the world today.
So dude…you are super cool …and I just want to say. …May the Lord continue to bless you! Keepin’ smilin’!!
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
Thank you for the nice words and the good wishes. I wish you all the same. I hope your health improves and your writing continues to bring you joy.
Colin James Morrison
October 22, 2011
Hey Charles
Came across your blog through Freshly Pressed and I must say in just a few lines you’ve completely won me over, and I can only hope to someday write as well.
Thanks for the laughs. And the competition
Cheers,
Colin
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
I’ve been doing my best to reply to all of the great Freshly Pressed comments, but it’s taking me much longer than I’d hoped. Thank you, Colin, and I hope you’re still writing.
bittercharm
October 23, 2011
Hey Charles,
I will be honest that, when I woke up this morning I just needed something to read… I could have easily settled for the classified section of a newspaper if nothing else, that desperate I was. But I got lucky and I found your blog instead. Read a few posts and your about me section with a long tail of comments… its fascinating. It’s not just the freshness of ideas that I loved but also your way of expression and choice of words… so simple yet so effective… Magical! I was working as an Ops Manager and recently quit my 10 years career to really live my life. After wasting almost 4 months, today I was determined to really get to my 2 passions, reading and writing and I am glad I am starting with your blog. I badly lack consistency so I can’t promise but I will surely try to keep up with your blog and finish the rest of the old stuff as soon as I can. Thanks for sharing this wonderful material. Keep blogging.
Bitter Charm
http://reeflections.wordpress.com/
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
I don’t look at this page too often, which is why I’m just getting around to replying to your thoughtful comment. I hope you’re enjoying the decision to switch tracks in your life. Have you been writing? Let me know if you need someone to nag you!
bittercharm
December 2, 2011
You have no idea, how long I waited to see if I will get noticed in long list of fans here. I am not doing so well in terms of ‘enjoying the life part’ but I did surprise myself by reading your blog frequently, I can safely say I have finished reading most of your work here.. And I am so happy with the idea that you have published a book, I am gonna get my hands on it as soon as I can. Oh I so need someone to nag me back to life…
Carol Deminski
October 23, 2011
I laughed so hard at your Don’t Ask, Don’t Yell post I cried.
I found you on Freshly Pressed, along with the 126,745 other bloggers and blog readers. Freshly Pressed is like the Oprah exposure of blogging, it’s incredible. Congratulations.
If this is one minute out of the fifteen minutes of fame we all supposedly get, I can’t wait to see your other fourteen.
Keep on keeping on!
Carol
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
It has been incredible, Carol. I don’t usually take this long to reply, and I feel bad about it. But thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate that you took the time, both to read and comment. I hope you’re doing well.
djmiller878
October 24, 2011
My dream is to be a writer I love blogging as well. I have no collage under my belt but I do think I have some creative talent will you check my blog out djmiller878.wordpress.com and give me some advice my stuff is about my trials that I have dealt with read the about me first and you will understand .. I wrote a book too im in the final copy stages i have some parts of my book on my blog
I just read about the questions kids and adults come up with.. I love it !! Your essays are wonderful pieces of art . That is what writing is an art form Thank you for taking the time to read my comment
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
I read some of your stuff and was impressed with the intensity of your writing. It’s honest and emotional. I have one piece of advice (since you asked), but would rather send it privately. Here’s my email address:
mail@mostlybrightideas.com
shail
October 25, 2011
I reached your blog via the Freshly Pressed on wordpress.com.
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
I’m glad you did, Shail. It was good to hear from such an experienced and accomplished blogger. Thank you!
http://shailsnest.com/
Brown Sugar Britches
November 10, 2011
i love your writing. i loved it when i discovered it. i have loved it every moment since. particularly in the wee hours of the morning when all is still and quiet and i burst out into a gut wrenching guffaw at one of your posts.
but today, today you are my hero. thank you for sharing everything that you have shared and always making me smile, laugh and reflect.
i applaud you.
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
Tanisha, I don’t know what I could have possibly done to deserve such praise, but thank you anyway. I’m glad we’ve become buddies, and I look forward to our dessert marathon — someday! Meanwhile, please keep writing, and please keep being my friend.
Mahfooz
November 11, 2011
Really great blog of high quality, and very engaging. Another mention for you here, I’m sure you’re used to it now
– http://wp.me/pPN5N-bC
bronxboy55
November 14, 2011
Thank you very much, Mahfooz. I appreciate the award, but am not sure if I’ll do another post with it. (There will always be other worthy bloggers to pass it on to, but I may have run out of things to say about myself!)
♡ The Tale Of My Heart ♡
November 19, 2011
I have nominated you for the award please have a look as given below; http://justsimplyinlove.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/the-liebster-blog-award/
Thank you
Regards,
Zahir
bronxboy55
December 28, 2011
Zahir, I’m sorry I never responded to this. The end of November was a little crazy. But thank you, and Happy New Year!
bladenomics
December 3, 2011
Hi Charles. Usually don’t prefer to leave comments ’cause silly Google shows it up when my name is searched. Nevertheless, I ve read your current blog since I finished undergrad school a year ago. Have “followed” and subscribed to so many blogs but only some blogs like yours, I don’t wait for an email notification but I come often to read your old posts. It often feels like you put into words, in the best possible way, what I have always wanted to say. Pass on the links to some of your posts to my friends. Reading your posts, especially your Still Human category, makes a hard day seem light. Nice work. Hoping to read your book soon. Regards Karthika.
bronxboy55
December 28, 2011
Karthika, thank you for this thoughtful and sensitive comment. I appreciate your kind words, and look forward to reading more of your wonderful blog in the new year.
Emily Clark
December 11, 2011
Yes, I teach in Taipei, Taiwan. I specialize in puzzles, Dora ones mainly. Other than the fact that I’d prefer to do less talking, I’m really liking this job.
By friends I suppose you mean the internet variety? I’m going to guess you don’t live in Taiwan. The Bronx? Since I desperately need friends, I’m willing to forgo hanging around “you” while eating broccoli, squash… or artichoke as long as you promise to stop sending hate mail to the Squash Eaters of America Coalition Force Union Alliance.
Deal?
bronxboy55
December 28, 2011
I never send hate mail. I swear, it wasn’t me. I have been saying bad things in private, though. But if you’d really be my friend, I’ll stop.
I hope the new year is a great one for you, Emily. Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts.
Coalition Force Union Alliance?
Betty Londergan
December 16, 2011
Charles!! For some reason, I can’t seem to find your email address — but I wanted to let you know that I had mentioned you (and your blog, of course) in my post today – and linked to you.
I think you’ll enjoy the reference …. ha!! xoxoox B
bronxboy55
December 28, 2011
You could have come up with much better examples than me.
Rooha Tariq
January 11, 2012
One of the most amazing blogs I’ve seen till now, which is the reason I’m nominating you for the “Versatile Blog Award”
you are mentioned here: http://envisioningfuture.wordpress.com/2012/01/11/the-honor/
Everyone being nominated is presented with the award and hence they have to fulfil their duties respectively. The rules are as follows:
1. Thank the award-giver and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 personal things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along to 5-15 recently discovered blogs you enjoy reading.
4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
Regards!
PS: do check out my blog
bronxboy55
January 15, 2012
Thanks, Rooha. I’m trying to think of a fresh way to treat the award. I certainly appreciate it.
lostnchina
January 12, 2012
Charles,
Not that you need another accolade to throw onto the heap you already have, I’m awarding you with the Versatile Blogger Award. You know I’ve enjoyed your posts, particularly the post about moving to Canada. Your observations are always spot on and humorously expressed.
http://lostnchina.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/hyperactive
Thanks for your blog.
Susan
bronxboy55
January 15, 2012
Thank you, Susan. I always appreciate that you take the time to read my posts, and to leave such kind and supportive comments, as well. I’ll try to do justice to your award.
Joe
January 17, 2012
Charles,
Please join me in the protest against SOPA/PIPA. Visit my blog for more details. If you want to black out in protest as well, log into your dashboard, click “Settings” then “Protest SOPA/PIPA then select the option you wish.
Thanks,
Joe
bronxboy55
February 29, 2012
Thanks for letting me know about this, Joe. Sorry I just got around to replying.
MissMeddle
February 5, 2012
Drop by anytime. Cheers.
http://missmeddle.wordpress.com
bronxboy55
February 29, 2012
I hope everyone will.
mostlikelytomarry
March 2, 2012
I am sure that you have been nominated too many times to count, but I’ve just nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. There is truly no obligation to this. I don’t expect you to comment, I just really wanted to let you know how much I appreciate what you write.
http://mostlikelytomarry.wordpress.com/2012/03/02/thank-you/
Thank you!
Tammy
MostLikelyToMarry
bronxboy55
April 20, 2012
Tammy, I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to reply to this comment, but thank you. As you know, it’s always nice to get some positive feedback.
cat.
April 22, 2012
Just stumbled upon your blog, and subscribed to it. So much to check out and to ponder about. Thanks, Charles. My main blog is in blogger. Drop in any time. http://catsruledogsdroole.blogspot.com/ Be well. Love, cat.
bronxboy55
May 4, 2012
Thank you, Cat. I visited your blog about an hour ago, first the one with the incredible photographs, and then the beautiful poetry (and typography).
Nectarfizz
May 27, 2012
Since you and I have a common way of seeking to understand the world. I wanted to introduce you to the blog entry that is currently making me feel amazement and no end of envy over the completely awesome writing in this entry. I give you this: http://1000awesomethings.com/2012/04/18/2-remembering-how-lucky-we-are-to-be-here-right-now/. I will just say you are welcome, because I know before you even read it..that this is going to make you feel amazing after you read it. Like you want to embrace the whole damned world and race around in circles like you did when you were a kid and felt incredibly happy and lucky to be alive. Did I mention I think being alive is awesome?
B
bronxboy55
May 31, 2012
Thanks, Bekki, and you’re right: Being alive is amazing, and we spend too little time rejoicing in that fact. It’s good to have a reminder now and then.
The Wanderlust Gene
June 16, 2012
Had a little look around – isn’t it nice to be able to do that, pick things up and have a squizz, meander around, and walk out again, without hurting anyone’s feelings? But I won’t be doing that, because I’m hooked, and will be back again soon:)
bronxboy55
June 16, 2012
I’m glad you liked what you’ve read so far, and I appreciate your kind words. But right now, I have to go find out what squizz means. Thanks!
The Wanderlust Gene
June 19, 2012
Oops! Every now and again I forget which language I’m speaking. Just in case, try this: http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html#S
bronxboy55
June 19, 2012
Thanks. It’s a great word. I’m going to start using it around here.
The Wanderlust Gene
June 19, 2012
Don’t you just love cross-cultural fusions?
ctolle
June 19, 2012
Dear Charles, c/o Mostly Bright Ideas,
You have made it to my blogroll for your attention to the craft of Storytelling. Thank you for your reflections on the human experience.
If not for your being Freshly Pressed, I may not have ever read “Don’t Ask, Don’t Yell.” Then again, I am certain I have lived the experience. Ah, the power of the story.
Sincerely,
http://ctolle.com/
bronxboy55
June 19, 2012
Thank you, Colleen. As I sit here struggling with my next post, your comment and its encouraging tone arrived at exactly the right time.
Amy Duncan
June 29, 2012
Hey Charles! Stumbled across your blog today…love your writing. Great word choices and so darned funny!
bronxboy55
July 1, 2012
Thank you, Amy. I appreciate that.
Donna Scuderi
June 30, 2012
Everything Amy Duncan said, and this–your writing delights and inspires…glad I found your blog!
bronxboy55
July 1, 2012
Thanks, Donna. I’m grateful that you took the time to read some of my posts, and to offer such kind feedback.
lillydumar
June 30, 2012
Hey! I nominated you for the Most Inspirational Blogger award
You deserve it! You can find out more about it here,
http://lillydumar.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/i-won-an-award-someone-tell-my-mom/
bronxboy55
July 1, 2012
Congratulations to you, too, Lilly. And thank you.
Chandan Mishra
July 1, 2012
Hello Sir… i read your few posts on your blog today… and i really liked them…
I wish to publish a book too… 
Lets see what happens… 
Have a Good Day… 
I am inspired by your writing, though i am more in writing poems and songs… but your posts are inspiring…
Keep on writing… Nice Work…
bronxboy55
July 2, 2012
Thanks, Chandan. You keep writing, too.
Chandan Mishra
July 3, 2012
I will…
hemadamani
July 1, 2012
Hi Charles! came across your blog via FP. loved and enjoyed the blog. delightful!
bronxboy55
July 5, 2012
Thank you very much, Hema. I hope you’ll visit again.
Rick Ondrusek
July 1, 2012
Hello Charles,
I try to take some time on Sundays to work on my project and wander around the world of blog. Today I wondered in to your part of the blog world and really enjoyed reading the stories about family. That is something that folks take for granted and to share family stories and events is something that I hope inspires us to make family more important in our lives then it has ever been.
I would ask if you would take a minute to look at my project as I am reaching out to folks who have the gift of writing. It is still under construction,but I am finding young people that are passionate about their craft and have expressed interest in participating in my work. I can not get in depth at this moment in regards to specifics of the project but I am curious if you would have time somewhere along the line to perhaps contribute in a way that might be of a mentor to these young and upcoming journalists.
Thanks for your time and keep the stories coming !
Rick Ondrusek
bronxboy55
July 5, 2012
Thanks for thinking of me, Rick. I’d be happy to talk about it with you when the time is right. Meanwhile, good luck with your project. It sounds worthwhile.
raondrusek
July 7, 2012
Appreciate that response Charles. I am excited about the project ! At this point we will be taking a more serious step in enlisting a project manager to keep us on track. I really need to spell check as I continue to “wonder” around the world of blog !! Thanks again,RickO
bracken5
July 3, 2012
Hi Charles, just stumbled across your blog, thank you. I’m looking forward to working through your archives. Really insightful and funny.!
bronxboy55
July 5, 2012
If you had to stumble, I’m glad you landed here. Thank you for the kind words.
Josephine Rose
August 5, 2012
Hey there Charles,
Not sure if you’ve been given this award already…haha, it might be childish, but I wanted to present you with it anyway! The Kreativ Blogger Award! http://thenecessaryblog.wordpress.com/2012/08/05/kreativ-blogger-award/
Cheers!
bronxboy55
August 24, 2012
Thank you, Josephine. Sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. I’ll try to think of some way to treat the award — kreativly, of course.
Priya
August 16, 2012
WP is not sending notifications of my posts to you, you tell me. Please do refresh your subscription; it helps, I am told.
bronxboy55
September 17, 2012
I tried. They’re still not coming through. I’ll have to keep checking.
Ruchika
September 14, 2012
Nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award.
Check out the rules at my post for the same- http://addressisnotavailable.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/the-one-lovely-blog-award/
bronxboy55
September 17, 2012
Congratulations on getting the award, Ruchika, and thank you for passing it along to me. I’ve already done a couple of award posts, so I’m not sure what I’ll do with this one. But I really appreciate the gesture.
Ruchika
September 18, 2012
I didn’t get the award, I was nominated myself. I’m good with anything you decide, but I had to let you know, in case you wanted to write the required blog post.
Great writing of course. Keep going!
Nectarfizz
September 15, 2012
I have missed so many posts. I will have to rectify this on Sunday. Ah yes. Reading back posts will be fun. Expect an explosion of comments. LOL
bronxboy55
September 17, 2012
Thanks for the warning, Bekki. I’m prepared.
Nectarfizz
September 17, 2012
I read only 2 posts. I am such a lightweight. I have been working so much and sleeping so little I got woozy after reading only 2 posts. No, your writing did not put me to sleep (before you even suggest such a thing) I just need to rest now that the weather is going from warm to cold. During these periods my Fibro gets so much more painful. I think it’s time for me to start my cardio again.
Just over a month until I get to go back to England to see M for 2 whole weeks. I am soooo excited. I promise to share photos when I get back. I have off tomorrow and I plan to really get comfy and read.
Nectarfizz
September 15, 2012
Ps. I wonder if you will ever do a post about the things that make you nuts while waiting in line. My biggest is the person talking on the cell phone. There there is the person who just needs to run out to their car or back into the store aisle for something but refuses to leave the line and instead sends their clueless kid to get it. The person who is sure there is a coupon in their purse if they just dig deeper. The person who wants to delete half the items once they hear the total. The person who brings in a return with no tag or bar-code and then grumbles because you have to find a similar item to get the bar code off. The person who cuts in line. The person who asks for something after the entire order is complete and you are about to take the money (anyone in retail knows once you are on the pay screen there is no going back after that so you end up having to void the entire thing and start over. ) Then there is my ultimate favorite the customer who comes in and complains about something and then learns that this is not even the right store for the item they are complaining about. Please, please, please consider sharing your favorite line waiting pet peeves.
bronxboy55
September 17, 2012
You just wrote the entire post. I think you should publish that. Really.
Nectarfizz
September 17, 2012
Sort of did.
You are soo good at getting me to write. Best part is that all you have to do is write awesome stuff like you already do. Win-win. 
http://nectarfish.wordpress.com/2012/09/15/what-the-frick/
ZinalBhadra
September 17, 2012
Hey Charles, Your blog is great so I just nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. Follow http://zinalbhadra.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/221/and accept your award. Congratulations!
bronxboy55
September 17, 2012
Thank you, Zinal. Please see my response to Ruchika, above!
The Retiring Sort
September 29, 2012
Just wanted to let you know I have nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I hope this will be welcome news for you. If you prefer not to accept the award, I certainly understand, but I hope you will visit the other nominees, and they will visit you, just the same. To see more about the award and accepting this nomination, please visit my post at http://wp.me/p2ekZU-E4. All the best!
bronxboy55
October 1, 2012
Thanks, TRS. That’s an impressive list of bloggers you put together, and I appreciate that you thought to include me.
TAE
October 2, 2012
I’ve started reading your latest “series” and I’m looking forward to the next (last?) part of it. Reading it you (well, I) get a feel for the anxiety of a child’s world collapsing. It’s like finding out about Santa^10.
Anyway, I didn’t really want to comment much on it before you open the comments over there, but I did want to say hi. So there, hi.
bronxboy55
October 18, 2012
Hi, TAE. Thank you for taking the time to read these posts. They represent a temporary change in direction, but I hope to lighten things up again soon.
TAE
October 18, 2012
Well, it’s the gloom that brought me
It’s often cathartic to write it all down. It’s a great process.
cat
November 6, 2012
I wil be following you … no matter what .. mainly because you seem to be a ’55er as well … Don’t know right now how and where to steer my life right now … something will come up or go dow … I guess … always appreciate you blog entries, Mr. Bronx Boy 55 … Love, cat
bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
Thank you, cat. I hope you’re okay.
nailingjellotoatree
November 19, 2012
Charles! would you consider a reblog?!
I’m trying to help my friends raise the 18,000 smackeroos needed to adopt from Uganda. Would you consider a reblog to help raise awareness and money for this amazing raffle basket? The raffle closes in just 13 days and as of today, she still only has 150 in donations! Crazy for such an amazing basket.
http://wp.me/p1VHpt-fa
Thanks! Sandra L.
bronxboy55
November 20, 2012
I’ll get it done today, Sandra. I hope it helps.
throbbingsofnoontide
December 23, 2012
You have a trillion awards already. I just lost my award virginity. I have nominated you so that the 5 people in the world who don’t already know you might find you. Don’t feel obliged to do the full award kerfuffle, but you may want to read the compliment. Who doesn’t want to read compliments?
http://throbbingsofnoontide.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/an-award-i-got-an-award-an-actual-award/
bronxboy55
January 5, 2013
I haven’t read the post, but I will. Thank you, and Happy New Year.
Laura Aanenson
January 6, 2013
Congratulations! I’ve nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award. For the rules and my 11 questions of you, please visit my blog post at http://where2look4ancestors.com/2013/01/06/award-winner-who-me/
bronxboy55
January 9, 2013
Thank you, Laura. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the award, but I certainly appreciate the gesture.
raeme67
February 20, 2013
I thought this a good as place as any to say how flattered I am that you come to my silly little blog at all! I enjoy this blog very much.
bronxboy55
February 20, 2013
Your blog isn’t silly, and I enjoy it, too.
raeme67
February 20, 2013
Well, it can be a little silly at times, that is how I roll! Glad you like it.
Daily Rants with the Bitch Next Door
February 25, 2013
Hi, just wanted to let you know I nominated your blog for the Sunshine Award. You can find the info at my page.
http://dailyrantswiththebitchnextdoor.wordpress.com
bronxboy55
March 2, 2013
Thanks. I’m not sure I’m going to do another award post, but I’ll let you know. And I definitely appreciate the gesture.
Judy Smith
March 6, 2013
I stopped by your blog after seeing a comment you made on Stacie’s page. And now I’m following you so I won’t miss anything …
bronxboy55
March 7, 2013
Thank you, Judy. I hope you won’t be disappointed.
Judy Smith
March 7, 2013
Aw, buck up lil’ buckaroo — disappointed? I think not.
thepolkadotskirt
March 8, 2013
Congrats! You’ve been given the Versatile Blogger Award. Pick it up here if you like – http://thepolkadotskirt.net/2013/03/07/versatile-blogger-award-and-the-seven-things-about-me-you-probably-didnt-know/
bronxboy55
March 16, 2013
Thank you very much. I’m not sure I’ll do another award post, but I appreciate the thought. And congratulations to you, too.
Arsoleen Woolcock
March 9, 2013
Hello,
I am very glad I visited! Congratulations on the six books! I must purchase Writing Rules and One Thousand Words. Being a writer and teacher, I know that learning never ends. It is an on-going process. Many times, I wonder if I am using the rules correctly. (Like, should there be a comma between times and I in the previous sentence? I really hate being wrong.) Being a GED teacher, I know that I can benefit from relearning difficult rules and, especially, I look forward to reading what you have to say about essay writing. (And now, I’m overly conscious about what I’ve just written.) Anyway…I really enjoy your posts! Thanks for sharing.
bronxboy55
March 16, 2013
Thank you for the comment, Arsoleen. One of the things I learned while writing the book was that many rules are less rigid than I’d always thought. And some aren’t rules at all. (It’s okay to start a sentence with “and,” for example.) I would’ve put a comma after times, too.
ayahs93
April 3, 2013
Your cartoons are really interesting – did you draw them yourself?
bronxboy55
April 5, 2013
The original artwork for most of the cartoons was done by Ron Leishman. I then modify his drawings to relate them to the post, usually adding dialogue and captions. You can find his work at http://www.toonclipart.com.
godtisx
April 10, 2013
Interesting blog you have here…
bronxboy55
April 11, 2013
Thank you, Tanyeno. So is yours.
godtisx
April 11, 2013
SoundOfLaughter
April 11, 2013
I have nominated you for The Super Sweet Blogging award. http://thesoundoflaughter.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/sweet-blogging-award-nomination/
bronxboy55
April 11, 2013
Congratulations on getting the award, and thank you for passing it on.
Katie Sullivan
April 18, 2013
I stumbled upon your blog from the freshly pressed area. I am very new at this, but I just wanted to let you know that I am enjoying your perspective! Thank you!
bronxboy55
April 18, 2013
Thanks, Katie. I haven’t been Freshly Pressed recently, so you must have found me some other way. But I’m glad you did.
MissMeddle
May 18, 2013
Hi, I nominated you for a Liebster. Check it out here http://missmeddle.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/of-awards-and-reasons-to-post/
Cheers