I have been staring at my title for the better part of two days - not because I have writer's block but because I didn't know where to start! This is not a bad problem to have unless your goal is to create consistent blog posts and get back in the saddle again.

But I digress, it's so good to be here reading through the posts, leaving comments, and feeling the pulse of our growing platform. I have so much to be thankful for and I attribute much of it to the Steemit community.

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Giving Thanks

1100 followers!

WOW. I am truly floored by this and I think many of you are new to the platform. Thank you for putting me on your reading list! I don't think I have a niche. I really just like to share the stuff that comes to mind whether they are memories, helpful tips, art, stories...

One of my ultimate favorite quotes:

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Since joining Steemit I've begun to lose my filter and my eyes have been open to new possibilities. My writing has become more honest. I have never felt the need to be apologetic for existing here. Considering my youth, this is a 180° turnaround!

11 months on Steemit

June 22 will officially be 11 months since I've joined Steemit. I went from being nearly homeless to planning two trips to South Carolina to watch my sons graduate from Marine Corps bootcamp. I wrote about the need to power down to cover costs. Honestly, if I didn't have Steemit, there is no way this would have been possible. In addition to being blessed with 192 upvotes and so many wonderful comments, I want to shout out a few people who gave generously when they did not have to! ^{(25 STEEM and 59 SBD total)}

@hanshotfirst | @klye | @nextgen622 | @exyle | @lloyddavis

I endeavor to be a good steward to the Steemit community and will continue doing #payitforward initiatives to keep those blessings moving forward.

#payitforward

There are currently two ongoing initiatives that I am participating in.

#hamburgersaintproject

I was able to donate $66 SBD to @lexikon082's project of love and legacy. As one of the recipients of the first gift, it is now my honor and privilege to find two Steemians who will carry on the project. To learn more about the Hamburger Saint Project, in memory of Sgt. Michael Barkey (KIA), please visit my gift reveal post and consider following @hamburger-saint.

By the way, in case you missed it,
I still need two volunteers to forward gifts! Will it be you?

A call for help

@thecrazygm has been dealing with pain for the last ten years since he's broken his back. Lately he's been falling down because of partial paralysis in his legs and he's been in the hospital. The bills and copays are piling up and he could use our help. Visit the #payitforward post and read about ways to help him out

Support the Steemit youth

I wish we had a sister site called SteemitKids because I am seeing more and more young ladies and gentlemen embracing this wonderful platform.

I'd like to bring your attention to a few young Steemian entrepreneurs/creators who are using Steemit as a piggybank for their future. I'm sure many of you have misgivings about young people on the site, especially with the adult content. I know I can have a potty mouth but their accounts are supervised by their parents.

My boys' battalion colors and platoon number

Mighty Mikes	Easy (Evil) Echo
Follow me on Twitter or visit my website to connect. _{All images are mine unless otherwise noted. Green Guy courtesy of Pixabay CC0 public domain}