I blog the same way that I cook.   If I begin my cooking using someone else’s recipe…I can’t help but tweak it a little.  You know, a little of this and a little of that.  Spice it up and toss in a few ingredients that normally, one wouldn’t think would go along with that kind of a dish.  Well, it is going to be absolutely no different here with this blog challenge.  Sorry, Karin…I just never was one to color strictly between the lines.  So, here goes…

I am thinking…I write because it is what I do.  If I were to “talk” the way I blog…my rambling, over the top, shout it out thought process about whatever moves me, on any given day; it would drive everyone out of my life-except the random, unsuspecting person who stumbled along my path that day.  See, if I start on a subject, I have to examine it closely.  If it’s something that I am passionate about it could, and often does, get lengthy; and let’s face it, I am passionate about everything I write…otherwise, why bother?

And as far as 10 reasons why you should read my blog…well, I am just not sure you should.  See, #10. I have things to say and my family gets tired of trying to invent ways to escape the room when I am trying to move them to my point of view-really, you are doing them a service by reading the blog;   #9.  I am TV free and the issues I blog about are often news items that other people get to view nightly on TV and they often accept that subject as fact-on my blog…we discuss what ifs and what you think about that kind of subject;   #8.  I give you an opportunity to express your opinions on things from relationship issues, to health concerns, to spiritual matters, as well as subjects you may have never even considered before;   #7.   I am all about family, friends and heart matters-some people have a hard time with all of that deep thinking on touchy feely matters;  #6.   I have a lot of curiosity about the world and I am not afraid to indulge myself;   #5.   I find that blogging is a way for me to explore my deep need to understand myself and the minds of other people-Just so you know…in real life…people get weirded out when you push them to think deep and “talk” about it; as my profile on Twitter says, I am addicted to interesting people, places, and subjects and I blog about it all;   #4.   I need feedback and blogging is the best place in the world to get it without getting “stuck” in an uncomfortable conversation with someone if they get a little too intense on a subject;   #3.   I am very entertaining most days and even when I get serious about something…I try to be very sensitive to the reader because I never know who will be reading the blog and how it will affect them;   #2.   My blog has been known to create relationships – I found this especially rewarding on subjects such as triple negative cancer patients who were trying to connect with others with information that impacted their lives;   The  #1.   reason you should read my blog is because I think there are too many places in this world that focus on the negative aspects of life and really…life is too short to be focused on negativity…we need to encourage one another and find joy where we can.

As for the twist on the recipe part of the blog…here are a few added ingredients…I was distracted much of this summer from my blogging.   I need to feel moved to write; that is just how I was created.   However, consistency is a main ingredient for any blogging success.  My last post was August 16^th and today is September 7th.   I have needed a shot in the arm to get the creative juices flowing…and since it is the back to school season…immunizations are a big thing right now.  I want to thank Karin for giving me my booster shot.

My twist on this challenge is that I should have turned in a list of 10 reasons why I DIDN’T write more this summer…but really, those reasons would just turn out to be excuses with some mundane explanations thrown in the kitchen soup.  The truth of the matter is… that I was very busy living my life and enjoying it immensely.  I make no apologies for that.  I have gained some wisdom over the years and one of the most important things I have learned is that if you don’t take the time to enjoy life and merely become an observer (which in my mind is what I do on my blog…observe, document, inspect, and regurgitate for the reader) then you find yourself with many regrets at the end of your life.  I want no regrets.  Life is precious…I am greedy…I want to see, do, hear, witness and participate in all that I can, so that I can feel peaceful about how I spend the days of my life.  Thanks for being a part of it all!

            However, for those that do spend….they are quickly overwhelmed when they discover the amount of new skills and knowledge that they must acquire before they can even begin to make lots money…not to mention the discouragement that sets in when they realize how long it will be before they learn enough to make that huge investment of money back.  It just isn’t practical to spend thousands and wait 12 months to 2 years to learn enough knowledge and skills to make your money back.  Marketing is a system for selling products or services; and, because it is a system…that means there are many components. 

          What if you could learn some of the techniques that would bring in enough money to pay an extra bill or two a month?  Would that be a benefit to you?  I am sure that it would.  Rapid Cash doesn’t promise to make you millions or guarantee that you will be driving a new car in a week…that is foolishness.  On the other hand, Rapid Cash can add enough cash to your pocket to help take some of the pressure off the average person’s monthly struggles http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7 . 

       You see, what alot of those big named gurus and their programs promise you is unrealistic when you think about it.  In their sales pages and videos…they are flaunting their cars, their mansions and piles of money.  Yes it is possible to acquire those things; however, what they often don’t tell you is that it has taken them years and tons of money to learn how to earn the kind of skills and knowledge needed to make that happen.  It does not happen overnight like that for the average person.  It takes alot of work…and a whole lot of expert help to get to that level. 

          People are often manipulated by those ads to believe that they can achieve that level of success quickly.  Realistically, learning is a process and everyone has to start somewhere.  I am an affiliate for Rapid Cash Marketing.  http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7   They teach you how to use skills and knowledge to earn extra money while you learn those other things about making money online, learning a proven, in- depth internet marketing system that can lead to a higher level of internet marketing success. 

       There is a team of coaches who are there to teach you how to pick up extra cash to supplement your income with skills that you may already have or can quickly develop.   They are knowledgable in many areas and use these skills themselves to earn money online.    Do you have digital photo experience, interviewing skills, graphic arts skills, writing skills, direct marketing skills, writing sales letters, video skills,  voice over abilities, editing skills, etc?  The list goes on…but, if you could learn how to use those skills in an effective way to earn enough money to take the edge off of your present financial situation it would be a blessing right?  

          If you are willing to learn and willing to take action towards achieving some financial success online then check out this link:  http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7   Yes, I will get a financial reward if you were to purchase…but, if their program improved your finances; then, I think you would thank me anyway!   I think you will see the wisdom in investing a small amount of money that will quickly repay your investment if you put in the effort to do what the successful internet marketers Jeff Wellman, Dixie Brown, and Paul Counts instruct you to do. 

         What don’t YOU know, that you can learn to use to make an impact to change a situation that needs changed, at this moment in time?   Let’s both get busy learning so that we can use what we learn to positively change a situation that needs changing today!  It is a great big world out there…someone has a situation that needs changing and you could help by being the catalyst that makes it happen.  Volunteer, take a class, write about what you learn, educate someone,  open your eyes, hear and listen to what is going on around you…choose to take action in a positive way to make a difference today.   Come back and tell me all about it!

         Have you ever read a book that was boring, or seemed to have no direction or purpose?  Some people live their life that way.  Often, people will reach a point in their life when what they value most is threatened or is lost to them.  It is only then that they understand why they value what they do…and what they were supposed to do with the gifts that they were blessed with.  For others, it is the trying times in their life that seems to highlight some sort of  life lessons that they were meant to teach, inspire or encourage others with. 

          My pastor says that there is a difference between purpose and assignments.  He says that we are trusted with many assignments; and, that they are in alignment with our pupose in life but, that we only have one true purpose.  What do you think your life story is?  What are you supposed to accomplish?  Do you think it would benefit anyone to read your life story if you were to write it?  What would it say…what would you wish to communicate to others if you had the opportunity?

         Well, there is something out there that can be highly effective and it doesn’t have to include mortgaging your home to pay for it.  Several financially successful marketers are on the cutting edge with powerful techniques and Keith Wellman is one of them.  He has come up with the idea of how to make super effective sales videos that pack a powerful punch when it comes to providing you with the right approach to making sales online.  Keith is one of those  online marketers, that other marketers watch closely so that they can learn how to put the same techniques to use, when it comes to making money online.  Keith’s video formula increases sales in a big way; conversions increase and maximizes your marketing efforts. 

       If you would like to learn some great content for free…watch this:  http://tinyurl.com/m8sfcl  He has the knowledge and the track record to prove he knows what he is talking about.   You too, can learn to communicate confidently through sales videos to push yourself ahead of your  competitors that are  in the same business niche as you.    It is possible to be considered a leader in the areas of financial opportunities.   Give yourself some time to watch and learn…you too could be growing your income in a more profitable way!

       In the entrance of the yard, is the driveway.  When you first drive in, you see two very large, showy lilac bushes of a reddish grape color; and, one of a light lilac pink splash on the opposite side of the driveway.  Straight away, dead on is a very old and dilapilated arbor that had made a statement attesting to it ability to outlast anything newly purchased. 

          Oh, to be sure, the lattice work is warped here and there; a little out of alignment with it’s orginal design..but, that is alright…it has staying power.  Besides, the arbor has been integrated with the beautiful coral trumpets that push through the white, peeling slats of the lattice work and the dark, shinny green foliage of the trumpet vine itself.  Its aged vines have woven themselves throughout, until they are somewhat tree-like in their strength.  The vines are twisted and knotted like an elderly great -grandmother’s hands that have lovingly provided for her family over the years.  It has earned it’s bends and twists by being adaptable to the growing environment.

        If, I were so bold and destructive, why I could cut the lattice work and unweave it from the web of vine; but, I admire the arbor’s desire to stand there and make a statement about it’s ability to stand and deliver.   It’s a bit tilted despite it’s original, solid 4 x 4 construction, many a year ago. 

         Now, I forgot to mention the airy and pristine white of the delicate, bridal veil (white spirea) bush that stands next to the grape colored lilac bush.  As you drive around the tear drop shaped circle drive, you will pass a strand of four differing types of apple trees.  As we speak here, they are in various degrees of dressed up pink and white star shaped blossoms that flutter to the ground as the beautifully scented air mixes a smell to rival the best canned air freshener you can buy on the market. 

         At the foot of the apple trees are the day lillies of varying colors…still just sporting their dark, spiky green foliage.  They are awaiting warmer weather to dot the canvas with their showy, single and double petaled flowers.  In between this are a few scattered rose bushes that are struggling to survive the occasionally, and unpredictably waterlogged clay soil that is mixed with the rocky gravel from the driveway.  Under laying this is the emerald green myrtle ground cover with it’s beautifully, low to the ground peri-winkle star shaped flat flowers.  In a tarzan attempt to stretch to great feats of purpose is a purple wisteria that took many years to finally bloom; after almost being consumed in a fire.  It’s  drooping  grape -like cluster of flowers look lush over the homemade arbor going into the secret garden area. 

        As you enter that…there is a hugely over large honeysuckle bush that defies any attempts to keep it in line; with the limited pathway to the small wooden bride that crosses over two largely neglected man-made ponds.  They are filled with a burst of lemony yellow irises that are almost ready to appear.  Along behind that, is a beauty bush that smells like  cinnamony cloves when the weather warms it’s pretty pale pink, deep bell -like flowers that the bees can not resist buzzing.  Behind those bushes are some more lilacs…this time in the common lilac color along with a new younger white lilac that has chosen to produce some double blossoms.  Here and there I have added one of my greatest loves; that is asiatic and oriental lillies.  The oriental lillies have the strongest scent…they are clove-like in scent…and at night… they entice you to walk among them and just inhale for the joy of it!  There are some that are white- and some that are scarlet with a deeper magenta accents…they are called stargazers.  Those are the lillies that inspire a person to a sensual awakening.

        If you continue to travel on…there is a small straight row of  medium pink peonies  mixed with some crowding bishops weed with it’s tall spiky white flowers which resemble Queen Anne’s Lace but to me doesn’t quite measure up.  A green grape grows on the corner of the pagoda here.  Then, there is the campfire area where we will be spending much time this summer. 

        Crossing the driveway once again you see the main garden in the center of the teardrop driveway.  There is another small man made pond.  This one has a wooden deck built around it with a wide variety of flowers meant to produce a richer tapestry of colors and smells.  Here you will find japanese koi in the pond along with some black and some gold fish.  There are water lillies still to come…some white, some pink, one yellow.  Only the pink one smells, much to my sadness.  Surrounding this pond is another apple tree, also in full blossoms at the moment.  There is at the foot of that…some variegated hostas, sweet lilly of the valley, some bleeding hearts, more rose bushes, some ajuga with it’s deep purple, spring flowers that are low to the ground.

         Around the perimeter of the teardrop you will find a mix of perrenials and annual flowers.  There are multiple day lillies, roses, catcuses, virginia bluebells, a wild rose bush, snap dragons, moss roses, irises, tulips-some that are flaming yellow with red streaks or, as I call them…my pretty painted ladies.

          Around the waterfall, is some wild butterfly weed, some pink mallow, marigolds, dark purple clematis on a fancy metal trellis.   In a half of a blue barrel is planted some annuals , some geraniums…and what I am told is called, the American running bean-or as Thomas Jefferson  (deceased American President) once called the most beautiful bean plant ever created.  That is an unusual plant.  In the fall, it gets a deep burgundy pod (looks like an overlarge green bean pod).  During the summer, it gets a two toned flower a light pink and a darker purple petaled flower climbing up the vine.  Truly lovely to look at.

           Around the chicken coops we have planted some pear trees, some more day lillies, a current bush, some blackberries, and some rhubarb.  Turning to the right…you will see a chainlink fence that surrounds the food garden.  The fencing is a necessary evil to protect against the maurading deer and rabbits that come to feast on the bounty that is my yard.  I dont mind sharing a wee little bit…however…the stems and leaves that they leave behind …truly don’t amount to much food for the family. 

         So, I suffer the indignity of the fence and disquise it behind a wall of morning glories who are more than proud to show their pretty pantaloons of pink, white and purple as they flutter in the breeze.  As a backdrop behind the food plants, I make sure that i plant two rows of dancing sunflowers…just so that the birds are tempted to come and graze; hopefully they are gratefully distracted by the tempting sunflower morsels that they leave the garden produce alone.  Ha…it is my attempt to find a balance between the need to grow food and nurture nature.

         In my garden you will find peace, you will find artistry, you will find butterflies and hummingbirds, and a few random bees.    The garden was meant to please and to instill a desire to admire beauty.  The wind chimes tickle the ear with their different tones from a high tinkling to a throaty singing; I love them all.  Mix in the flapping of the United States flag and the Marine Corps flag as they snap in a brisk wind and you have a day to brag about.  During this Memorial weekend…it is a sense of patriotic pride that causes me to look up and remember why that flag is allowed to fly free…because our military men and women have fought for and defended this country to give us the right to live freely.  They deserve our respect and gratitude not just on this weekend…but every other day of the year for the sacrifice they have given.

          I am most thankful for my painted ladies…I can dine with them, I can sit and stare…they don’t seem to mind a bit.   I can relax in my own back yard and enjoy the freedoms earned by our miliary men and women around the globe; my own family members have served and, I am proud of them.  I try to thank members of the armed forces whenever I can.  In fact, I encourage you to send thank you cards to this non-profit project at:  http://www.make2tell2.com/ .  They deserve our thanks and our support. 

            In honor of those who serve our country daily, I will try to find an opportunity to post a picture or two of  my yard this year!   I hope that when they come home, from whatever post they have served at; that they would have a garden of peace to enjoy as well.   Please pray for our service people…they can never be thanked enough for what they go through.   Would you like to see some pictures of the painted ladies?  Or have I described them well enough?

        In what turns out to be a case of self-fulfilling prophecy, Claire is kidnapped.  She was faced with a scenerio right out of one of her nightmares when a stranger forces himself into her home and attempts to steal her young daughter.  In a desperate moment of complete mother love, Claire trades her freedom for her child’s potential imprisonment by this stranger.  As the knowledge of what she has done sets in, Claire’s internal panic mode sets in.  It is her nightmare come to life; that lack of control over what is about to happen to her…she feels trapped and powerless to guarantee a good outcome.  Claire’s husband has been living a secret life; maybe that is true but, so has she.   These things are revealed slowly to her, during her time in captivity. 

          This taking of her freedom is what ultimately sets Claire free and opens her eyes to the life that surrounds her.   Come and see how she puts the pieces of her life together, into a framework that allows her to live her life in appreciation of beauty, instead of fear; with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the things she holds dear.  By the time the book was completely finished, I thought the title should have read; Still Standing!   I loved this book, and you will too.

           If you have ever had any relationship with an irrational fear, panic attacks or an anxiety disorder this book will feel like someone is speaking your language.  A sister who shares your thoughts and feelings…she gives you hope that life can be different, freer, and more peaceful once again.  Read the novel, soak it up and enjoy the knowledge that this author, Kelly Simmons, doesn’t make light of those who know what Claire has been through!

            You can learn more about the author here on her website:  http://www.bykellysimmons.com/  There you can also find a link to purchase her book.  You wont be sorry that you did.  The book, Standing Still, was published by Atria Books and copyrighted in 2008.   They are a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Going out to eat when you are trying to save money means, well, that you eat off of the dollar menu at fast food places.  On the rare occasions that you treat yourself, for those who are strapped for cash, you generally can’t find healthy food cheap; so…just know that going in.

Wanting to see a movie; prepare to spend, spend, spend…unless you rent a video/dvd….do people still do that?  Going out to the movie theater means spending money for the ticket, for snacks and for drinks; it becomes quite costly.  For years, our family just purchased dvd’s and video’s, so that they could be rewatched, saving  us a pretty penny.  If you happen to do yard/garage sales you can save even more by purchasing your video/dvd’s at a pre-owned price.  At the same time, buying things pre-owned is a way of reusing, reducing (trash), and recycling items by repurposing them for someone else’s use.  I like that!

The trick to saving money when it comes to your personal or family’s entertainment is to look for coupons, specials, two-for-one deals or even free entertainment.  What’s that you say…what is free now days?

When it comes to free entertainment…I believe people are going to go back to the old fashioned entertainments.  You will begin to see individuals and families going back to the basics with gardening, picnics, swimming, sports, walks in the park, short sunday drives, and yes, even reading.

What other kind of entertainment can you get as much bang for your buck?  With a book you can travel the world, educate yourself, comfort yourself, ride the waves of emotions, connect to people, places and time, have a historical encounter, explore a new culture or career; you will be able to read people’s minds through the expertise of a great writer!  A great writer knows how to take you on a trip and make you feel like you could smell the flowers on the page of the most vividly described page in the book.  A great writer will make you feel like you have just  met the most physically attractive and the most impeccably dressed individual you have ever known.  You will grieve when you have to part at the end of the book.  A great writer, or word specialist, will take their time to make you feel, see, and hear the story that they have to share with you.  It is their skill with descriptive words that takes you to the world between the pages.

I recently heard, on a Good Morning America video piece, that sales in the romance book industry is flying high.  http://www.abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7603141 It  is cheap entertainment to pick up a romance book/or other paper back books for a mere $5-$8.oo investment.  It is a book…it can be read over and over again; or, creative people can do book exchanges with one another.  Those with a real frugal personality, and maybe a greener nature  than the average bear, can be found at the library…checking out books for free; just so that they can occupy themselves with the cheapest form of entertainment there is: reading!   Let’s not forget the techie who often reads books/novels on their kindle…therefore wasting little money and no trees that were cut down for printing of the book.   Ok people, go amuse yourselves!!!

     The interesting thing about this particular book deal is that Mr. Vaynerchuck is not a writer, to my knowledge…he is a video blogger on the internet.  He is well known on the internet as a businessman and a commentator/educator on wines here: http://tv.winelibrary.com/.   He teaches people all about wine and how to explore the world of wine.   On Twitter he is known as @Garyvee.  He has a very large following which translates into strong loyal connections with his followers .  Those connections become very influential when it comes to leveraging power in business; and, publishing is a very large business…one that supposedly has a very narrow margin of profit/loss. 

        For many people wishing to break into the world of traditional publishing, this book deal is encouraging.    Writers have been conditioned to believe that getting published is an extremely difficult thing; many writers have turned to digital or online publishing as a way to make a name for themselves.  Websites, magazines on writing and publishing experts have been expressing their concerns about how the world of electronic publishing would impact the traditional publishers.  Some people love the e-book concept…even going so far as to spend $3-$400.00 on a Kindle ( an electronic reading device) to read their e-books.  This sort of changes the face of how publishing can continue to meet the wants and needs of their reading customers; and, still stay in the profitable zone. 

        People in the know, understand that publishing is in a place of transition; and, no one wants to be left behind on the latest trends, that could offer them an opportunity to step out and be a writing/publishing superstar.   So, how could this situation affect other writers/publishers?

        Those who are on the internet and have a large following with the online traffic that they have formed a relationship with, could turn that relationship into financial influence towards purchasing power of any books that they write.  I like to use social media and www.alphainventions.com to increase traffic to this blog.    Increased traffic can lead to success for both the writer and the publishers, just because of the power of pursuasion.  Authors who publish a book, can gain credibility and become an expert within the area addressed in their books.    So Gary Vaynerchuk, aka @Garyvee on twitter, do what you normally do in the world of wine education/promotion/business and lead the way…open doors for those who will follow in time!  Congratulations once again on your success!