Purple Star Lenses (and other honors) by Susan52
Ranked #2,699 in Squidoo Community, #209,534 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund
Purple Stars! What an honor!
I've been blessed to receive purple stars on several of my pages (called lenses) on Squidoo. Purple stars are a true honor, awarded only to the best lenses on Squidoo.
The purpose of this page is to list my purple star lenses and share a little bit of information about each one. To be honest, it's partly to help me keep track of my honors, but I also hope it will serve as a tool to encourage other lensmasters to strive for excellence as they create their own lenses.
It's always humbling to be singled out with an honor for doing something that I enjoy so much. I enjoyed making each of these lenses and I hope you enjoy reading them - and reading about them - as well.
Here we go. Time for some stardust!
The purpose of this page is to list my purple star lenses and share a little bit of information about each one. To be honest, it's partly to help me keep track of my honors, but I also hope it will serve as a tool to encourage other lensmasters to strive for excellence as they create their own lenses.
It's always humbling to be singled out with an honor for doing something that I enjoy so much. I enjoyed making each of these lenses and I hope you enjoy reading them - and reading about them - as well.
Here we go. Time for some stardust!
Contents at a Glance
Stardust: A Little Mood Music
Featuring the smooth vocals of Nat King Cole and gorgeous, starry pictures from the Hubble telescope.
curated content from YouTube
April 16, 2009: Kindle Wireless Reader
My first purple star lens.
The purple star program was initiated for Giant Squids on April 16, 2009. I was honored to be included in the first group of recipients with a purple star for my Kindle Wireless Reading Device lens.
This is one of my favorite lenses, my number one lens for over two years now. The lens has actually reached the number one spot on Squidoo and has resided in the top 100 lensrank on Squidoo for nearly two years after it started climbing following a mention in Seth's blog on June 19, 2008.
This lens was also voted Best Tech Lens of 2008 by Squidoo lensmasters, a very exciting honor awarded by my Squidoo peers.
This is one of my favorite lenses, my number one lens for over two years now. The lens has actually reached the number one spot on Squidoo and has resided in the top 100 lensrank on Squidoo for nearly two years after it started climbing following a mention in Seth's blog on June 19, 2008.
This lens was also voted Best Tech Lens of 2008 by Squidoo lensmasters, a very exciting honor awarded by my Squidoo peers.
May 1, 2009: Nurturing Imagination
Purple star lens number two.
This is another of my very favorite lenses, mostly because it includes my kids and experiences of our family. The lens features lots of toys and dress-up clothes that encourage playing make-believe. When my boys were little, they were always dressing up and playing "pretend." I believe that anything a parent can do to nurture a child's imagination reaps huge benefits as the children get older, and I explain why in this lens.
June 23, 2009: Cherished Family Favorite Recipes
Purple star number three.
I made this lens for a RocketMoms assignment. It was fun to pull out the favorite of my favorite cookbooks and share them, along with a real picture of my pantry's cookbook shelf, on the lens. The recipes are pretty good, too!
July 8, 2009: Typewriter History
Purple star number four.
This one was a challenge. During June and July 2009, Squidoo conducted "Summer School" for the Giant Squids. Our week four challenge was to make an "acknowledgments" lens, a lens acknowledging one of "the people who got you where you are, or helped with a particular project, or inspire you daily." The assignment wasn't easy, but it was worth the effort when the result turned out to be this especially crafty lens with an old-fashioned typewriter font and vintage artwork. Design-wise, this may be my most unique lens. And the person I acknowledged? My junior high school typing teacher.
November 5, 2009: Cancer Warrior
Fifth purple star lens.
When I was diagnosed with cancer in October 2009, I wasn't sure how much of my story to share publicly. A week before starting treatment, I decided that a lens would be the easiest way to keep family, local friends and, especially, Squidoo friends from around the world updated on how things were going.
The lens was very well received and I absolutely attribute how well I did through treatment and my good result to the thoughts and prayers of people who learned of my condition from this lens. And when I say "around the world," I'm not exaggerating. As of today, the lens has hosted visitors from 79 countries. And, by the way, I am now a cancer survivor and intend to stay that way from now on.
The lens was very well received and I absolutely attribute how well I did through treatment and my good result to the thoughts and prayers of people who learned of my condition from this lens. And when I say "around the world," I'm not exaggerating. As of today, the lens has hosted visitors from 79 countries. And, by the way, I am now a cancer survivor and intend to stay that way from now on.
December 9, 2009: Pink Pickled Eggs
Number six.
This purple star was a bit of a happy surprise since it came several months after the lens was created. This was a fun lens to make and one of the very first lenses on Squidoo to use the (at that time) new photo gallery module.
The most fun part, though, is reading the comments section. Many people have never tasted pickled eggs and many haven't even heard of such a thing! The comment that made me laugh the most was among the first on the lens, posted by none other than Seth Godin who wrote, and I quote,
The most fun part, though, is reading the comments section. Many people have never tasted pickled eggs and many haven't even heard of such a thing! The comment that made me laugh the most was among the first on the lens, posted by none other than Seth Godin who wrote, and I quote,
"boy oh boy
what a great lens"
March 15, 2010: You're Only as Old As You Feel
Purple star lucky number seven.
When I first started on Squidoo, I wrote a couple of heartfelt lenses in the baby boomer niche. Although I didn't pursue that niche as I might have, the topic is still close to my heart (and my year or birth). More recently, I wrote a couple of articles about baby boomer women and used them as the backbone of this lens.
You'll hear this piece of advice a lot around Squidoo, and this lens is a demonstration that it's absolutely true: Write about something you're passionate about, from the heart.
You'll hear this piece of advice a lot around Squidoo, and this lens is a demonstration that it's absolutely true: Write about something you're passionate about, from the heart.
Thank You!
Thank you to each lensmaster who has nominated one of my lenses for a purple star, and to Squidoo for such a fun reward!
April 1, 2010: Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Spring
Purple Star #8
I honestly can't remember the reason for creating this lens, but I believe it was a suggestion from somewhere to make a "top 10" lens. "Top 10" lenses are a favorite on Squidoo, which is a good thing because they're favorites among readers as well. (David Letterman has thrived on top 10 lists for years.)
I do remember the day I made this lens, though. It was a wonderful spring-time Saturday, so it's no wonder I chose this particular topic. Hmm. I love fall, too. Adding that to my lenses-to-make list!
I do remember the day I made this lens, though. It was a wonderful spring-time Saturday, so it's no wonder I chose this particular topic. Hmm. I love fall, too. Adding that to my lenses-to-make list!
May 31, 2010: EBooks for Men
The ninth purple star.
I put this lens together with Father's Day in mind, but of course it's good all year 'round. Although demographics seem to indicate that ebook readers tend to be more popular with women, I know for sure that many men love them, too. I chose multiple categories and had a great time searching the Kindle store for popular titles especially for men.
Besides the content, I really think other lensmasters enjoyed this lens for the picture that I included at the very end, a take-off on a popular slogan for women, this time for men. I'm not going to reveal it here, you'll have to go look, but think "Calgon."
This lens plays an important role in the story of my next purple star lens, number 10 below.
Besides the content, I really think other lensmasters enjoyed this lens for the picture that I included at the very end, a take-off on a popular slogan for women, this time for men. I'm not going to reveal it here, you'll have to go look, but think "Calgon."
This lens plays an important role in the story of my next purple star lens, number 10 below.
June 4, 2010: The Quest for 20 Worthy Lenses
Wow! We're up to ten purple stars!
This lens most definitely has a story. In fact the lens IS a story, a story of a maiden who went on a quest for 20 lenses worthy of a purple star.
This was a very, very fun lens to make. To summarize, I won a Squidoo contest in which the prize was the power to award purple stars to 20 lenses of my choosing. The lenses, and why each was chosen, are included on the lens. The really fun part was that when I submitted the 20 lenses to fair Robin, mistress of the purple stars, she liked this lens and not only passed out stars to my choices, she threw in an extra that week for my lens, too.
Ah, the story is related so much better on the lens itself. I hope you'll check it out and check out the other 20 winners.
This was a very, very fun lens to make. To summarize, I won a Squidoo contest in which the prize was the power to award purple stars to 20 lenses of my choosing. The lenses, and why each was chosen, are included on the lens. The really fun part was that when I submitted the 20 lenses to fair Robin, mistress of the purple stars, she liked this lens and not only passed out stars to my choices, she threw in an extra that week for my lens, too.
Ah, the story is related so much better on the lens itself. I hope you'll check it out and check out the other 20 winners.
July 16, 2010: Team Cancer Warrior
Ten fingers and one toe, if you're keeping count.
Team Cancer Warrior is the name I chose for all those who supported me and my brother, and continue to support us, in our fight against cancer.
To be totally honest, the purpose of this lens was to raise money to help me pay my medical bills. But the other, most important reason I made this lens was to encourage anyone who has symptoms of an illness, especially of cancer, but who has no medical insurance to call the doctor anyway. Indeed, putting off treatment could mean the difference between life and death. And believe me, I know.
I pray that this lens will help even just one person catch the disease early and save a life.
To be totally honest, the purpose of this lens was to raise money to help me pay my medical bills. But the other, most important reason I made this lens was to encourage anyone who has symptoms of an illness, especially of cancer, but who has no medical insurance to call the doctor anyway. Indeed, putting off treatment could mean the difference between life and death. And believe me, I know.
I pray that this lens will help even just one person catch the disease early and save a life.
August 9, 2010: Betty White Calendar
The dozenth purple star.
This lens is proof that everyone loves Betty White! Well, maybe not everyone, but certainly she is well loved. This lens features the 2011 wall calendar on which Betty stars.
This lens has a purple theme, so the star fits perfectly!
This lens has a purple theme, so the star fits perfectly!
August 18, 2010: Loco Moco Recipe
Lucky purple star number 13.
You know, I can't remember how I came across the recipe for loco moco, but when I did, I fixed it, ate it, loved it, and made a lens about it. Isn't that what Squidoo is all about?
Loco moco is a meal-in-a-bowl served in Hawaii, originally created to fuel surfers first thing in the morning before they hit the waves. It's a tasty, fulfilling meal that I call Hawaiian comfort food. Gosh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. If you haven't tried it, check out the recipe. It's easy and makes a nice meal for lunch or dinner, too.
Enjoy. Aloha!
Loco moco is a meal-in-a-bowl served in Hawaii, originally created to fuel surfers first thing in the morning before they hit the waves. It's a tasty, fulfilling meal that I call Hawaiian comfort food. Gosh, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. If you haven't tried it, check out the recipe. It's easy and makes a nice meal for lunch or dinner, too.
Enjoy. Aloha!
August 19, 2010: Dump Cake Recipe - A Family Favorite
We're currently up to 14 purple stars.
This purple star was awarded the day after the previous one! The lens has been around for awhile and happens to be a very popular lens for a recipe that is so simple, and that many, many people hear about, want to try, and have to go online to find the recipe. I'm happy to say that many of them find it right here on my lens.
This is one of our all-time favorite desserts. In fact, we just finished off a dump cake last night and I need to go wash the pan. Try it, you'll like it!
This is one of our all-time favorite desserts. In fact, we just finished off a dump cake last night and I need to go wash the pan. Try it, you'll like it!
Yikes! It's a Purple Star Monster Trophy!
And that's a good thing!
In September 2010, monsters arrived at Squidoo HQ and promptly took over our lenses - and we're loving it! Squidoo lensmasters earn points for various tasks we perform and with the points and tasks come trophies, delivered by cute little SquidMonsters.
This is the Purple (rhymes with "urple") Star Trophy, which I received on September 15th to award me for the purple star lenses I've created. Isn't it cool?
Have questions about the SquidMonsters? Check out the SquidMonster FAQ lens here.
September 15, 2010: Applesauce Recipes
Lucky number 15!
This purple star award came with a trophy, the one just above this module. Yes, that one. The lens was a new one that lensmaster pkmcr especially liked and nominated for a purple star which arrived when the lens was just a few days old. (Thanks, Paul!)
I always look forward to fall and, with it, fresh apples. And with the fresh apples, fresh applesauce! I've shared a few applesauce recipes in the lens. Hope you'll check it out!
I always look forward to fall and, with it, fresh apples. And with the fresh apples, fresh applesauce! I've shared a few applesauce recipes in the lens. Hope you'll check it out!
September 16, 2010: Humiliated Cats
Number 16 on the 16th!
What a surprise when less than 24 hours after purple star 15 came number 16! This is a much older lens, but one of my favorites. I had a great time making this lens which features cat humor, including some pretty funny pictures of cats. If you're a cat lover, you'll understand exactly when you read my description of how cats respond to humiliation (compared to dogs, who live to be humiliated).
Lensmaster vallain chose this lens to receive a purple star. She totally understands cat humiliation - she has a Cute Cats lens with a few cute kitties who've suffered their share of humiliation. But don't worry, they'll get over it. After they scratch up your best furniture. (Thanks, Virginia!)
Lensmaster vallain chose this lens to receive a purple star. She totally understands cat humiliation - she has a Cute Cats lens with a few cute kitties who've suffered their share of humiliation. But don't worry, they'll get over it. After they scratch up your best furniture. (Thanks, Virginia!)
My Top 25 Purple Star Lenses
I've been blessed with even more purple stars on my lenses, so many it's hard to keep up!
As I update this (July 17, 2011), I now have 32 purple star lenses. Here are the top 25 by lensrank. Thank you, thank you, Squidoo and friends!
Just Had to Share These Purple Lenses
This made me laugh.
As you know, Squidoo is supported in part by advertising revenue generated by click-outs on ads automatically placed on each lens. After this lens was published, I noticed that several of the ads were for "lenses," as in eyeglass lenses. So I went searching and, indeed, I found these John Lennon glasses with purple lenses. I thought it was a rather appropriate way to close out this, uh, lens.
Click to buy these "Love Around the World" John Lennon Glasses
8 Colors Available - Including purple - to match all your stars on Squidoo!
Have you received a purple star for one of your lenses?
Or is a purple star a goal of yours?
Tell us about it in a comment here.
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vikksimmons
Oct 15, 2011 @ 6:24 pm | delete
- Wow, what a truly impressive list and what an inspiration. I've just received my 4th purple star a couple of months ago. Love those glasses.
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bhthanks
Sep 23, 2011 @ 1:06 pm | delete
- I hope to get a Purple Star !
I joined squidoo earlier this month and I've been active here.
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TeaLady
Sep 5, 2011 @ 11:47 pm | delete
- Susan, you lenses really are wonderful. Congratulations on all the Purple Stars! I have two purple stars.
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nuestraherencia
Aug 25, 2011 @ 2:56 pm | delete
- I just received one for a lens that is true to my heart...I am so excited...what an honor!
You have an amazing collection of lenses...very well deserved purple stars! Congrats!
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alwaysjules
Aug 13, 2011 @ 5:23 pm | delete
- I just received my first one and I'm super excited. It makes me want to do more research and develope ways to make my next lenses even better and more interactive. What a boost of encouragement You must feel amazing having earned so many!
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alwaysjules
Aug 10, 2011 @ 10:14 pm | delete
- I'm so impressed with your success. I'm very new to squidoo- barely a week-- and I'm doing all I can to learn how to be better. I really enjoyed looking through your pages and feel like I've learned a lot. If you have any more advice you'd like to pass on (maybe in another lens), I would love to read it. Kudos to the good work.
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bakerwoman
Aug 6, 2011 @ 2:41 pm | delete
- What a lens for mega-purple lenses. This is indeed a collection you can be proud of. Keep up the great work.
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Helenee
Aug 1, 2011 @ 5:40 am | delete
- Bravo, Susan! You deserve the purple stars, you're a terrific writer.
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Heather426
Jul 30, 2011 @ 6:51 pm | delete
- Yes, I have 16 purple stars and it is always a huge deal when I get one!
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OhMe
Jul 29, 2011 @ 6:07 pm | delete
- It was fun to see all your well deserved Purple Star Lenses. Thinking of you!
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More Honors and Lenses from Susan52
And today's top five lenses overall.
Are you new to Squidoo? I was, too, in April 2007. It has taken me over four years to accumulate these accomplishments. I got where I am by making one lens at a time and learning and improving along the way. I am sharing these honors, awards, and top lenses here not to boast, but to encourage. You can do it, too, one lens at a time. Keep on keeping on - and enjoy the journey!
A few of the honors Susan52 has received on Squidoo:
* Proud member of the Giant Squids 100 Club!
* Lens of the day recipient - five times!
December 28, 2011 for Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon
September 29, 2011 for Housework: Make it Fast and Keep it Fun
February 7, 2010 for Are You a Squidoo Nobody?
How to Become a Squidoo Somebody in 6 Easy Lessons
May 21, 2009 for Kris Allen, American Idol and
November 3, 2008, for Making Fun of Sarah Palin - Has Political Humor Crossed the Line?
* 2008 Best Tech Lens winner for
Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon
* Received the coveted Purple Star award multiple times. Thank you, Squidoo!
by Susan52
Susan52
Susan52 enjoys writing, spending time with her family, and consuming therapeutic quantities of dark chocolate. She writes about things that strike her... more »
- 249 featured lenses
- Winner of 26 trophies!
- Top lens » Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon
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