There is so much information in social media venues that tell us what NOT to do and what we SHOULD be doing. The more blogs I read, the more evident it becomes, as to what works and what doesn't.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
7 Deadly Sins To Ensure People Won't Follow Your Blog
Your opinion please? As most bloggers, I read numerous blog posts a day. When setting up my blog, I did hours of research to determine what works and what doesn't work. Even though I was new to the blogging world, I quickly recognized 7 Deadly Sins that would make me X out and go to the next blog.
There is so much information in social media venues that tell us what NOT to do and what we SHOULD be doing. The more blogs I read, the more evident it becomes, as to what works and what doesn't.
There is so much information in social media venues that tell us what NOT to do and what we SHOULD be doing. The more blogs I read, the more evident it becomes, as to what works and what doesn't.
Monday, July 21, 2014
When Pushed Out of Your Comfort Zone, How Do You React?
Did
you ever force yourself out of your comfort zone in hope of reaching
your intended goal, but terrified you might fall flat on your face?
Sometimes we are pushed out of that zone by someone we love.
My
mother-in-law's mission was to motivate me to start a business
selling desserts to restaurants. It was an incredible idea but I had
never done anything remotely close to that and didn't know where to
begin.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
6 Tools To Keep Your Reader's Attention
All of us wrote essays in school. Many of us took various forms of creative writing classes. Most of us like to write and all of us would like to improve. If you want to write, there is an abundance of information available to help you.
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH. The crazy thing is, I did my research about creative writing after I published my memoir last year. I certainly do NOT recommend it, but I was totally unaware of the help available in blogosphere before I had completed the book. I was terrified when I started reading all the blogs about what to do and what not to do. I imagined I had done everything wrong and was more than shocked when I discovered that almost all the advice that was given, I had done. I had applied common sense, one of our senses that has our best interest at heart!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Swap Questions With Fellow Bloggers on #AskAwayFriday
Thank Goodness it’s #AskAwayFriday…Welcome to another amazing week of getting to know each other and our favorite blogger friends!
What is #AskAwayFriday? Well...
#AskAwayFriday was created by the amazing Penny from Real Housewife of Caroline County who will again be joining us from time to time, as a way to connect with other bloggers with a great Q & A session of 10 questions and 10 answers, between two bloggers! This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others while allowing others to get to know you and of course there is also the added bonus of making great friends along the way which is one of the best parts of this online world!
Now to welcome our wonderful #AskAwayFriday hosts...
Tamara from Tamara Like Camera,
Tiffany from Mrs. Tee Love Life Laughter,
Christy from Uplifting Families,
Stacey from This Momma's Ramblings
and
Amber from Bold Fit Mom
Please welcome our co-host, the amazing...Carol from Battered Hope!
Carol from Battered Hope is an author, public speaker, health coach and so much more. She shares all those sides of herself with you on her site. Carol is always willing to share her story and her encouragement with anyone who may need it because as she says, “If I Can Overcome Tragedies, So Can You."
So...grab our button, follow our amazing hosts and co-host, hop through the great link ups and make some amazing new friends!
It's FRIDAY! It's Ask Away Friday which is an excellent opportunity to connect and interview your fellow bloggers. Bloggers swap questions and answer them on their own blog. We would love to have you join us.
Today I am privileged to swap questions with Rabia Lieber, mother of three plus a career. She has coauthored the Mother of All Meltdowns and I am happy to get to know her better. Please visit her blog and read more about this awesome lady. Here are the questions she posed to me:
1. What was the first job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
My very first job would have been in a grocery store as a cashier. I was 15 years old and made 75 cents an hour. My boss told me if I could name the song playing on the radio, he would give me a 25 cent raise. I knew the song well, but I froze under pressure and couldn't think of the title. I learned to not react under pressure and I rarely do since.
2. You are quite organized while I am the absolute opposite. Give me a new mantra to get moving and organize my house.
That's an easy one. I have taught classes on this subject and recently wrote a blog called: Serious help for procrastinators. The problem most people who are unorganized have is that they put things off until later but there is an easy way to rectify this. The 'mantra' is what my father taught me as a young girl DO IT RIGHT AND DO IT NOW. Believe me it works. I use it every single day.
3. What first attracted you to your husband and how has that changed since you've been married?
I was listening to a guest speaker (my current husband) and I leaned over to my girlfriend and said "I am going to marry him someday." I chased him until I let him catch me! It wasn't how he looked, it is what he was saying that made me realize he was what I was looking for in a mate.
How has that changed? Over twenty years ago, he was in a car accident and suffered brain damage. Nothing has been the same since and although it has been very difficult, I have become the world's most patient person. Considering I am a Type A personality -- not an easy feat!
4. In high school, which crown did you fit into (jocks, nerds, band, art, etc.)?
In high school the two groups were called the Frats and I honestly cannot remember the other name but they were the 'bad' kids. I was studious and on the basketball team. The Frats were getting ready for college.
5. Tell us something happy that has happened to you in the past week.
I have met two awesome women on Google + that I will be working with and it thrills me. But, more importantly, my 2.5 year old grandson calls me almost every day -- just 'cuz!
6. What is your dream vacation spot?
I am not big on traveling and can take it or leave it. We traveled a lot before my hubby was hurt and so glad we did that. My dream spot would be Tofino, British Columbia at the Wickaninnish Inn. It is his favorite place and I love going there and doing NOTHING.
7. Tell us in five words what describes you using the letters in your first name: CAROL
C - Caring
My husband would say the AR = Always Right :)
A - Ageless
R - Responsible
O - Optimistic
L - Leader
8. What would you rather watch - a scary movie or a funny movie?
I don't like scary movies. I like nail biting drama that could possibly be categorized as scary but love comedies and a good funny movie is hard to find.
9. If you could spend a week 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future, which would you pick and what would you do?
My father was born in 1903 and my mother in 1907. I would go back to their childhood and live like they lived to understand them even more. Here are some lessons this amazing man taught me including how to stay organized!
He is the little guy on the left.
10. Do you have a favorite charity or non-profit that you support?
That's easy. The local SPCA or Paws for Pets. I do not give to organizations where I cannot see exactly where the money is spent. Most of my research shows me that it is usually misappropriated. My love for animals, dogs in particular, is where my funds go.
Those have been great questions, Rabia and I look forward to seeing your answers to mine.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page "AskAwayFriday" for a great place to meet up and send out a #BuddyRequest if you need a partner to swap with!
Would you like to join in on the #AskAwayFriday fun as a co-host? Click on the link below and fill out the form!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UhIFHDZT8-hFtNjHU7v5HHqM1N9JWq7eSd_5aO_MOdY/viewform
By adding your email to this link up, you will be added to email correspondence that may be sent by one of our hosts, you may opt out at any time.
Host's reserve the right to remove any links that do not pertain to the #AskAwayFriday theme.
Carol from Battered Hope is an author, public speaker, health coach and so much more. She shares all those sides of herself with you on her site. Carol is always willing to share her story and her encouragement with anyone who may need it because as she says, “If I Can Overcome Tragedies, So Can You."
So...grab our button, follow our amazing hosts and co-host, hop through the great link ups and make some amazing new friends!
It's FRIDAY! It's Ask Away Friday which is an excellent opportunity to connect and interview your fellow bloggers. Bloggers swap questions and answer them on their own blog. We would love to have you join us.
Today I am privileged to swap questions with Rabia Lieber, mother of three plus a career. She has coauthored the Mother of All Meltdowns and I am happy to get to know her better. Please visit her blog and read more about this awesome lady. Here are the questions she posed to me:
1. What was the first job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
My very first job would have been in a grocery store as a cashier. I was 15 years old and made 75 cents an hour. My boss told me if I could name the song playing on the radio, he would give me a 25 cent raise. I knew the song well, but I froze under pressure and couldn't think of the title. I learned to not react under pressure and I rarely do since.
2. You are quite organized while I am the absolute opposite. Give me a new mantra to get moving and organize my house.
That's an easy one. I have taught classes on this subject and recently wrote a blog called: Serious help for procrastinators. The problem most people who are unorganized have is that they put things off until later but there is an easy way to rectify this. The 'mantra' is what my father taught me as a young girl DO IT RIGHT AND DO IT NOW. Believe me it works. I use it every single day.
3. What first attracted you to your husband and how has that changed since you've been married?
I was listening to a guest speaker (my current husband) and I leaned over to my girlfriend and said "I am going to marry him someday." I chased him until I let him catch me! It wasn't how he looked, it is what he was saying that made me realize he was what I was looking for in a mate.
How has that changed? Over twenty years ago, he was in a car accident and suffered brain damage. Nothing has been the same since and although it has been very difficult, I have become the world's most patient person. Considering I am a Type A personality -- not an easy feat!
4. In high school, which crown did you fit into (jocks, nerds, band, art, etc.)?
In high school the two groups were called the Frats and I honestly cannot remember the other name but they were the 'bad' kids. I was studious and on the basketball team. The Frats were getting ready for college.
5. Tell us something happy that has happened to you in the past week.
I have met two awesome women on Google + that I will be working with and it thrills me. But, more importantly, my 2.5 year old grandson calls me almost every day -- just 'cuz!
6. What is your dream vacation spot?
I am not big on traveling and can take it or leave it. We traveled a lot before my hubby was hurt and so glad we did that. My dream spot would be Tofino, British Columbia at the Wickaninnish Inn. It is his favorite place and I love going there and doing NOTHING.
C - Caring
My husband would say the AR = Always Right :)
A - Ageless
R - Responsible
O - Optimistic
L - Leader
8. What would you rather watch - a scary movie or a funny movie?
I don't like scary movies. I like nail biting drama that could possibly be categorized as scary but love comedies and a good funny movie is hard to find.
9. If you could spend a week 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future, which would you pick and what would you do?
My father was born in 1903 and my mother in 1907. I would go back to their childhood and live like they lived to understand them even more. Here are some lessons this amazing man taught me including how to stay organized!
He is the little guy on the left.
10. Do you have a favorite charity or non-profit that you support?
That's easy. The local SPCA or Paws for Pets. I do not give to organizations where I cannot see exactly where the money is spent. Most of my research shows me that it is usually misappropriated. My love for animals, dogs in particular, is where my funds go.
Those have been great questions, Rabia and I look forward to seeing your answers to mine.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page "AskAwayFriday" for a great place to meet up and send out a #BuddyRequest if you need a partner to swap with!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
One Heroic Dog's Story
One Dog's Story. One Heroic Dog's Story. For all you dog lovers out there - this one is definitely for you.
Meet Brutus, a military K9 at McChord. He is the first K9 to receive the Medal of Honor for his tour in the Middle East. Brutus tops the scales at 200 pounds. He is part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff - quite the combo!
Here is his incredible story:
Meet Brutus, a military K9 at McChord. He is the first K9 to receive the Medal of Honor for his tour in the Middle East. Brutus tops the scales at 200 pounds. He is part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff - quite the combo!
 | ||
| Brutus is running toward his favorite - a TREAT |
Saturday, July 12, 2014
How to Handle the Little (Big) Things
Stress Management. How many articles and books have been written on this subject? How many medications are taken daily in hopes of managing the stress we experience? What coping mechanisms can we practice?
 |
| Stress...how to cope
As a health coach, I regularly see people suffering from various health issues as a result of being under too much stress. Since Battered Hope has been released, one of the questions I get most often is, "How did you endure all the trauma?" After 42 years of marriage and surviving often insurmountable circumstances, (including being arrested) my response is almost always the same, "I learned how to laugh!"
|
Friday, July 11, 2014
Which High School Would You Rather Attend - Then or Now?
We all need a good laugh. Sometimes the things we laugh the hardest about are actually very sad. Recently I have read a few posts recalling childhood memories, such as the one I did here.
When I read the following differences between what high school was like in 1957 versus what it is like today, I had to laugh and cry at the same time. I know many of you will relate and if you have any similar stories to share, I would love to here them.
HIGH SCHOOL 1957 vs. 2013
Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.
1957: The Vice Principal comes over to Jack's truck, looks at his shotgun and then goes to his truck and shows Jack his shotgun.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
#AskAwayFriday Another Great Exchange
Friday is here again and in the midst of enjoying family time, cookouts, and fireworks, it is also time to enjoy another amazing week of #AskAwayFriday!
What is #AskAwayFriday? Well...
#AskAwayFriday was created by the amazing Penny from Real Housewife of Caroline County as a way to connect with other bloggers with a great Q & A session of 10 questions and 10 answers, between two bloggers! By offering a wonderful opportunity to get to know others while allowing others to get to know you and of course there is also the added bonus of making great friends along the way which is one of the best parts of this online world!
Now to welcome our wonderful #AskAwayFriday hosts...
Tamara from Tamara Like Camera,
Tiffany from Mrs. Tee Love Life Laughter,
Christy from Uplifting Families,
Stacey from This Momma's Ramblings
and
Amber from Bold Fit Mom
This week we welcome a brand new co-host, for the next two weeks, the amazing...Carol from Battered Hope!
Carol from Battered Hope is an author, public speaker, health coach and so much more. She shares all those sides of herself with you on her site. Carol is always willing to share her story and her encouragement with anyone who may need it because as she says, “If I Can Overcome Tragedies, So Can You." So...grab our button, follow our amazing hosts and co-host, hop through the great link ups and make some amazing new friends!
I am honored to be co-hosting this week's Ask Away Friday. It is one of the best blog ideas I have seen for getting acquainted with your fellow bloggers. I encourage you to check out all the links and give it a try. You can be involved as often or as little as you want to be and I know you will also enjoy being 'interviewed' and sharing your story to other bloggers.
This week I am swapping questions with
mom to six children in what she calls 'Team Haywood.' Their ages range from 19 down to 3. Specifically 19, 17, 15, 7, 5 and 3. Whew! I get tired just thinking about that! She is an active blogger. She is SUPER MOM and SUPER BLOGGER and I hope you check out her site to enjoy her laughter and positive attitude. She has been labeled a blogging ninja.
Here are the questions she posed to me this week:
1. I see that you have a love for dogs. Have you always enjoyed dogs and their company or did it develop later in life?
I can't remember a time I didn't love dogs. I wrote 26 dog posts in April using the 26 letters of the alphabet. These are stories of the dogs I have had and those I have now. They will make you laugh and of course, cry.
2.You love to cook ethnic food. What's your favorite dish to make and why?
We rarely eat 'American' food so it is difficult to pick one as a favorite. My hubby can't get it spicy enough and although I like it a bit more mild, we love East Indian, Mexican, Jamaican, Szechwan Chinese.
3. You say you are the most patient person in the world. Has there ever been a situation where someone wore that patience thin?
Every day. Right after I say I am the most patient, I say am the most impatient. I am a Type A personality. I want it done NOW and if I expect that of myself than I expect it from everyone else. That is where my impatience shows. But.......my hubby was in a car accident 20 years ago and suffered a brain injury, a stroke and dystonia. He was bed ridden for six years. You learn patience real fast. I learned quickly how important it is not to allow him to see the difficulty I had in dealing with his problems, his disability or his frustration. I had to bite my tongue, wipe away tears and make life appear as normal as possible. Patience is a virtue and although I have learned a lot, I still have a long way to go.
4. How did you discover your love and passion for public speaking?
My father was a minister and it was expected of us kids to be ready to do whatever dad needed us to do -- play the piano, sing a song, share a story, teach a class.....
When I was three my daddy wanted me to sing a song for the Christmas concert. When it was my turn, I marched up on the stage, turned around, bent over, pulled up my dress and said, "LOOK....NEW PANTIES." Maybe it was that first laugh I got from the audience that made me realize this is what I wanted to do with my life.
5. What is your favorite summertime activity?
Hate is a strong word -- but I do not like summer, at all. I love winter, spring and fall. If we didn't need to have summer, that would be fine with me. I have always had an internal temperature higher than most people, maybe due to the crazy pace I keep. Consequently, I don't function well in warm weather and stay indoors as much as possible in the summer. Weird, huh?
6. If you could have a public speaking engagement anywhere and to any audience where and who would they be?
Mmmmmm....... I love all audiences and I can always get them laughing and crying, no matter what the venue. So, I am not sure. The bigger the audience the better (more interaction).
7. Where is your dream vacation destination (cost is not an option)?
My daughter asks me this question a lot. I just don't have an answer. I am a workaholic who doesn't think about vacations (crazy, huh?) But, I would have to answer this by saying ----- Disneyland with my grandson.
8. Use these three letters to describe yourself: L D and T
Interesting choice of letters. L for Leader, D for Determined and T for Tenacious
9. Ice cream, cake or pie: which would you pick for a dessert?
You mean I can't have all three???? Ice cream, ice cream with cake, ice cream with pie. Chocolate, of course.
10. What is your favorite way to cool down on a hot summer day?
Don't leave my AC in my office.
I loved Mrs. Tee's questions because it made me think. She made me realize how much I need a vacation -- maybe I should rethink the whole vacation bit. The problem is, I would always be worried about all the work that would be piling up and waiting for me when I got back home.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page "AskAwayFriday" for a great place to meet up and send out a #BuddyRequest if you need a partner to swap with!
Would you like to join in on the #AskAwayFriday fun as a co-host? Click on the link below and fill out the form!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UhIFHDZT8-hFtNjHU7v5HHqM1N9JWq7eSd_5aO_MOdY/viewform
By adding your email to this link up, you will be added to email correspondence that may be sent by one of our hosts, you may opt out at any time.
Hosts reserve the right to remove any links that do not pertain to the #AskAwayFriday theme.
This week we welcome a brand new co-host, for the next two weeks, the amazing...Carol from Battered Hope!
Carol from Battered Hope is an author, public speaker, health coach and so much more. She shares all those sides of herself with you on her site. Carol is always willing to share her story and her encouragement with anyone who may need it because as she says, “If I Can Overcome Tragedies, So Can You." So...grab our button, follow our amazing hosts and co-host, hop through the great link ups and make some amazing new friends!
I am honored to be co-hosting this week's Ask Away Friday. It is one of the best blog ideas I have seen for getting acquainted with your fellow bloggers. I encourage you to check out all the links and give it a try. You can be involved as often or as little as you want to be and I know you will also enjoy being 'interviewed' and sharing your story to other bloggers.
This week I am swapping questions with
mom to six children in what she calls 'Team Haywood.' Their ages range from 19 down to 3. Specifically 19, 17, 15, 7, 5 and 3. Whew! I get tired just thinking about that! She is an active blogger. She is SUPER MOM and SUPER BLOGGER and I hope you check out her site to enjoy her laughter and positive attitude. She has been labeled a blogging ninja.
Here are the questions she posed to me this week:
1. I see that you have a love for dogs. Have you always enjoyed dogs and their company or did it develop later in life?
I can't remember a time I didn't love dogs. I wrote 26 dog posts in April using the 26 letters of the alphabet. These are stories of the dogs I have had and those I have now. They will make you laugh and of course, cry.
2.You love to cook ethnic food. What's your favorite dish to make and why?
We rarely eat 'American' food so it is difficult to pick one as a favorite. My hubby can't get it spicy enough and although I like it a bit more mild, we love East Indian, Mexican, Jamaican, Szechwan Chinese.
3. You say you are the most patient person in the world. Has there ever been a situation where someone wore that patience thin?
Every day. Right after I say I am the most patient, I say am the most impatient. I am a Type A personality. I want it done NOW and if I expect that of myself than I expect it from everyone else. That is where my impatience shows. But.......my hubby was in a car accident 20 years ago and suffered a brain injury, a stroke and dystonia. He was bed ridden for six years. You learn patience real fast. I learned quickly how important it is not to allow him to see the difficulty I had in dealing with his problems, his disability or his frustration. I had to bite my tongue, wipe away tears and make life appear as normal as possible. Patience is a virtue and although I have learned a lot, I still have a long way to go.
4. How did you discover your love and passion for public speaking?
My father was a minister and it was expected of us kids to be ready to do whatever dad needed us to do -- play the piano, sing a song, share a story, teach a class.....
When I was three my daddy wanted me to sing a song for the Christmas concert. When it was my turn, I marched up on the stage, turned around, bent over, pulled up my dress and said, "LOOK....NEW PANTIES." Maybe it was that first laugh I got from the audience that made me realize this is what I wanted to do with my life.
5. What is your favorite summertime activity?
Hate is a strong word -- but I do not like summer, at all. I love winter, spring and fall. If we didn't need to have summer, that would be fine with me. I have always had an internal temperature higher than most people, maybe due to the crazy pace I keep. Consequently, I don't function well in warm weather and stay indoors as much as possible in the summer. Weird, huh?
6. If you could have a public speaking engagement anywhere and to any audience where and who would they be?
Mmmmmm....... I love all audiences and I can always get them laughing and crying, no matter what the venue. So, I am not sure. The bigger the audience the better (more interaction).
7. Where is your dream vacation destination (cost is not an option)?
My daughter asks me this question a lot. I just don't have an answer. I am a workaholic who doesn't think about vacations (crazy, huh?) But, I would have to answer this by saying ----- Disneyland with my grandson.
8. Use these three letters to describe yourself: L D and T
Interesting choice of letters. L for Leader, D for Determined and T for Tenacious
9. Ice cream, cake or pie: which would you pick for a dessert?
You mean I can't have all three???? Ice cream, ice cream with cake, ice cream with pie. Chocolate, of course.
10. What is your favorite way to cool down on a hot summer day?
Don't leave my AC in my office.
I loved Mrs. Tee's questions because it made me think. She made me realize how much I need a vacation -- maybe I should rethink the whole vacation bit. The problem is, I would always be worried about all the work that would be piling up and waiting for me when I got back home.
Be sure to check out our Facebook page "AskAwayFriday" for a great place to meet up and send out a #BuddyRequest if you need a partner to swap with!
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