I am honored to be named Blogger of the Month for September. I started just a few short months ago in March of 2018. My son (who was my baby) had just gotten married and I found myself being a little down and in a bit of a rut.
For those who know me well know that I have the “gift to gab.” I also love to cook at our office for my co-worker’s in our old ancient oven, I call Betsy. I was talking to one of my co-worker’s and said, “I think I will blog.” She encouraged me to do just that. Having an extensive background in computers and software applications, the technical part came easy. I knew that I didn’t want to blog all about myself. I wanted to share stories of others that have touched my life in some way. I also wanted to mix a food blog with a lifestyle blog in hopes that I would inspire others.
I found myself part of this wonderful group of Arkansas Women Bloggers and have been encouraged and enjoy being part of a group that supports each other. I sat down to begin blogging and I have become obsessive about it since. I am truly honored to have several articles published in OIA and have been able to write stories about some wonderful people that have blessed me tremendously.
My blog has really grown and has taken off in a short amount of time. The stories I have written about hospitality have been my biggest views. My nephew called and said he heard “The Buzz” talking about the blog and the story that I had written on Ronda at Chic-Fil-A. I was more excited to see how much Ronda loved all the attention. It was when I was recognized with a wonderful note from the Owner of Chic-Fil-A, that I knew I was to continue writing about others.
I am a Native Arkansan. It has been said that I am about as “southern sounding” as they come. I have been married for 29 years and have two beautiful children. I recently gained a beautiful daughter in February when my son walked down the aisle. I come from a huge family and I am the baby of seven. I have so many nieces and nephews that I must keep up with them in a spreadsheet. We have four animals. My little shiatzu is named Blake Shelton after the Country Singer. I am obsessed with NCIS and Elvis. Greg (I call husband) and I go to the movies just about every weekend.
Some fun facts about me that come to mind would be:
1. I would rather have a good glass of sweet tea than the best steak you could buy.
2. I was interviewed several years ago for an article for MSNBC.com about my name due to the attention of “pat downs” in airports. The article went viral which led to me talking on the air with the late Jay Thomas (Cheers Sitcom) on his morning radio show in New York. He picked up the paper on his commute to New York and saw my photo with the tagline “I am Pat Downs and I do not appreciate people not wanting me in their airports!” The author of the story, Chris Rodell and I have kept in touch since.
3. I have taught hundreds of people Microsoft Office Applications including being honored to teach some of Arkansas best “Your Honors.”
Thank you again for this incredible recognition. Please follow me on my social media accounts:
Blog: https://www.sweetyellowcornbread.com
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sweetyellowcornbread
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetyellowcornbread
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/patdowns1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetyellowcornbread and https://www.facebook.com/patdowns