Hello, my blogging friends!

Oh, how I did miss thee…🥀🥀🥀

Hello, my lovely friends. It is so funny how I build up quite a significant blogging momentum and then out of nowhere “BOOM.” Back down the dark empty hole of nothingness!!! The “hole of nothingness” is an inability to write. Work, Work, and more work is the culprit. Lately, I have been working so much that I feel like a zombie. I don’t like that feeling, and I try my best not to be bitten. I have had few close calls! This is my way of shooting it in the head then burning it! LOL!!! To a certain degree, I need money to live, so I have to work.  I have done just a little writing other than articles and content for websites. I have written another short story and posts for Two Drops of Ink. Work- life balance is the key, but it is easier written and talked about than actually living.

 

Well,  I can’t say that I have been all work and no play. Life has been treating me quite well. I have been full of smiles, and laughter. Living in my happy field of lavender lilies and butterflies. I have had beautiful days with no real complaints. Happiness and positivity fill my heart. I’m in love with people, life and all it has to offer.

 

So, this post is not to say that I’m back full time 3- 4 days per week. I don’t really foresee that happening right now. I’m just too busy for that!!!  I will post as often as I can to build back up my momentum and attempt to keep it at a steady pace.

How has life been treating all of you? Any big news or life changing occurrences?

All images courtesy of pixabay.com.

 

 

 

 

Real Neat Blog Award

Guess what friends; I have been nominated for another blogging award. I am so happy that my blogging friend rniks24I14 nominated me.

According to the rules, I’m supposed to answer 7 questions. I will respond to the questions posted on https://rniks24l14.wordpress.com/2016/12/27/real-neat-blog-award/.

1. Why did I start blogging?

I have been journaling and writing for myself for many years until I stumbled upon blogging. I thought it would be great to share my life, passions, and love of writing with others.

2. Who do I love the most in my life?

My family as a whole they are important to me. My love extends beyond my immediate bloodline. I love ALL   people!!! We were left with one commandment, and it was to Love each other. What if you had no family? Would your love cease to exist?

3. Who is your oldest friend with whom you want to spend the most time?

I would also say myself… It’s important to me as I age to take inventory of my accomplishments and continue to re- evaluate myself. One of my fears is becoming stagnate. I want to reach all the goals I set out for myself and continue to grow as a person. I would hate to look back later in life and say… What if? I should have. I could have. If only I would have.

4. What are your extracurricular activities?

Writing, social media marketing, reading, cooking, shopping with my sister, continuing education. I would love to do more traveling in a few years.

5. In which country do I dream to live?

I have been to a few countries, but America is the place I want to be for right now. I always have wanted to live in Canada. So who knows, if our government can’t get their act together then Canada here I come.

6. What would I say about how the world treats women?

This question deserves a full post!!! (Laughing) It is definitely despicable the way women are viewed in American society. Despite the fact that women have come a long way from back in the 40’s and 50’s we are still not equal. Although, we also have to look at the way we present ourselves in society. When you offer sex as your self-image, then that’s what you will be seen as. When you sell yourself into oppression to the highest bidder than wear your chains with pride. If you are strong, independent and can carry the same load as your male counterpart than hold your head high and never fold. Society should and must treat us as equals, and we should all eat an equal serving from the same plate.

7. A few words to the person who nominated you.

Dear https://rniks24l14.wordpress.com,

I want to thank you for following my blog. It is a pleasure to accept your nomination for the “Real Neat Blog Award.” As I read through your acceptance after being nominated your words gave me insight into you as a person. There is nothing in life that you can not accomplish. You are on the right track! Remain confident and steadfast, and you will accomplish all of your dreams. The word “Can’t” should be erased from your vocabulary, and if anyone ever says otherwise, they are not worthy to be in your life. I wish you much success in your blogging and everything you set out to do in life. Always feel free to say hello!!! J

 

The envelope, please!!! My nominations are…

 

Solsbury Hill

 

Wendy Macdonald

 

Kristen Twardowski

 

Scribbled Verse

 

Congratulations to all the nominees. I look forward to reading your posts.

 

Mood of The Day😊

Today’s prompt for the 30 day blog challenge is “Mood of The Day”. I have been trying to keep up daily but with being so busy it has been quite difficult. Today, I have a little time to spare so I decided to participate.

My “Mood of The Day” is many moods wrapped up in one beautiful package called Lydia with a big beautiful bow.

I am happy because I have been blessed to live another beautiful day. Life is precious and to be treasured and grateful for. I’m happy to have gained two clients, one client employs me to do freelance writing (SEO articles), the second is a social media management client.

Excitement is a mood I am feeling because all of my hard work is paying off. Rebuilding and re-branding my virtual assistant business and making time to write my book. Everything is falling in place and it is cause for excitement. It’s great when you can watch all your plans and efforts come together.

Motivation is what will keep me on the road to successful business owner and published author. It’s the same motivation that burns in me at this very moment that will allow me to reach my goals and encourage others to do the same.

So all of these emotions are my mood of the day!!! Share!!! What are you feeling today?

Woman with laptop courtesy of ijmaki via pixabay.com

Happy emoticon created by 95C on pixabay.com

Brain, emotion, emoji by johnhain on pixabay.com

Every new Reader is a Milestone to Treasure!

Useful Tips to gain new readers by Peter Giblett

Writing… What Will It Do for You?

“It’s hell writing and it’s hell not writing. The only tolerable state is having just written.”
― Robert Hass

My literary muse arises most when I’m passionate about a subject or an event. The ability to provide information, to entertain, or share some great epiphany I may have had. All of which motivates me to get out of bed in the morning, enjoy each day whether good or bad. Life and all of its occurrences gives me something to write about later.

A day ago I was on “Two Drops of Ink” blog, reading and commenting on articles. I read a post by writer and editor Peter B. Giblett, entitled “Do You Ever Promote Your Older Articles”.  In his piece he writes about the benefits of promoting your older articles. I was thoroughly educated by it and I encourage you to read it for yourself.

Persuaded to revisit past work online, in notebooks, stored on thumb drives and disks. As I reviewed these pieces, I found myself on a trip down memory lane. I noticed how my writing changed over the years and during different stages of my life. Being the hoarder that I am of notebooks, journals and various storage devices, I was surprised that I was only able to go back ten years. Although, those ten years seemed like an eternity.

As I embarked on the journey down memory lane, I felt as if I was intruding on the private thoughts and life of a stranger. Observing the knowledge, wisdom, love, sentiment as well as the trials of this seemingly unknown woman. With every written reflection, article or blog post, I noticed her evolution and growth. I do admit, I have a long road ahead to get to who I truly want to be. It’s amazing how writing can foster change, not only in the style of writing, but in life as well. After turning 39 a few weeks ago, I’m anxious to see where my writing will take me this year.

Writing itself is a process and like other skills and routines the longer we do it the better we become. We get better at the art, but we also work out the things that haunt us as well. A tool to inspire thought, writing brings about ideas, emotions to life and educate our peers. Allowing us to come to a resolution as if it was some sort of complex equation.

My ability to write developed from my love of books. I longed to be as eloquent and creative as the authors I read. There are many reasons to write and ways to develop your writing. To build or advertise a business, reflecting on life, spiritual growth and nurture relationships.

As I looked through all of my past work, it became clear that subconsciously a part of me was writing for life. Life Writing is the recording of selves, memories and experiences, whether one’s own or another’s. Applying to many genres and practices under which can be found autobiography, biography, memoir, diary, letters, testimonies, personal essays and more recently, digital forms such as blogs and email. My past worked contained most of these!

Most people don’t write as much as a grocery list. They aimlessly wander down grocers’ aisles hoping to remember what they needed. Jotting a thank you letter is not a life changing experience nor will it win you a Pulitzer Prize. Adding writing to your lifestyle can be helpful in many ways. I challenge you to read the article by Peter Giblett and with an open mind look over your past works to take inventory to see how writing has helped you. If you are not a writer…. Write something today, even if it’s just a simple thought. Most great things began as a simple thought!

 

Do You Ever Promote Your Older Articles by Peter Giblett

https://goo.gl/Fizaay

Wikipedia: Life Writing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_writing

Word Cloud Image

http://worditout.com/

 

Press Release: “A Truckers Life” Blog

A Truckers Life Blog

 

 

Press Release

 

For immediate release

Contact person: Jimmy Lewis III Blog name: A Truckers Life Twitter: @TruckersLife09 Website address: https://atruckerslifeblog.wordpress.com/

 

 

The Real Deal About Line- Haul Trucking

U.S.A, December 21, 2015 — Are you a line haul truck driver? Do you have an interest in truck driving? Maybe you are interested in learning about the “Real Life” of truck driving. A Truckers Life is a blog started by Jimmy Lewis III that will give true insight into the day to day life of truck drivers. The posts will contain both educational and entertaining information beneficial to truck drivers, non- truck drivers and those wishing to start a career in truck driving.

 

 

Recently, Jimmy Lewis III was asked why he wanted to start a blog about truck driving and what he hoped to accomplish. Jimmy stated “I want to share my love of line haul driving. I know there are other drivers out there like myself who absolutely love driving trucks. I want to help build camaraderie among drivers.”

 

 

A Truckers Life will contain daily blog posts, including real life pictures and video of what happens on the road. Its readers will have the ability to track the states, roads and weather conditions encountered on a daily basis. Jimmy plans to give his readers the reality of truck driving through the eyes of the driver. To learn more about “A Truckers Life”, subscribe to Jimmy’s blog and follow him on Twitter.

 

“ENDS”

 

To our loyal readers

Merry Christmas to the Two Drops of Ink Family and All of our readers.

Because I Could Not Draw, I Became an Artist with Words

A wonderful depiction of the art of writing.

Celebrate Life…. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. It’s important for me as a woman and a blogger to join in on the fight and build awareness. This subject is not only important to me but to other women and men who are affected by breast cancer.

I heard that forty was the recommended age for mammograms. Although, this morning while watching the Today Show, the American Cancer Society says 45 is the age to start getting mammograms. The constant change in recommended starting age for mammograms can be confusing. As my 39th birthday approaches I tend to be more health conscious than usual and breast cancer is not something I or any woman would want to take lightly. Practicing monthly self-exams are important, mammograms have the ability to detect what we cannot see or feel. The best method of early detection!

Yesterday, I visited http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org to do research and to further educate myself as well as my readers. The National Breast Cancer Foundation website is very informative. You have the ability to gain knowledge on the stages and types of breast cancer, read survivor stories, donate and create an “Early Detection Plan”. I created mine and advise other women to do the same! It’s a great way to be proactive when it comes to our health. You will get reminder emails to do monthly breast self- exams as well as the proper way to do them. It truly taught me a few techniques I did not know. Schedule your clinical exams and your mammogram ahead of time. I scheduled my mammogram for February 14, 2016, I plan to stick with my original schedule for forty as my first mammogram. It’s a month after my birthday, I just felt that is the best Valentines gift of love to myself.

I did not have knowledge of this statistic before signing up on the National Breast Cancer Foundation website. I learned that benign tumors start as damaged cells that can become malignant tumors that are cancerous.  My mother detected her tumor when it was the size of a dime she stated within a week it was the size of a golf ball. Thank God when she went to the doctor it was benign that was eight years ago. Early detection works miracles!!!

Uninsured? The National Mammography Program partners with medical facilities across the country to provide “FREE” mammograms and treatment. That is true blessing to those who cannot afford health insurance or treatment. Our donations are truly saving lives in many ways! There are so many ways we can help, donate $100 to provide a mammogram for a woman in need or conduct a fundraiser. Visit the website to see all the options available.

Janelle Hail is the founder and CEO of National Breast Cancer Foundation. On the NBCF website there is a link to her blog Live Life with Janelle Hail who is also a survivor. Her story is absolutely wonderful, I’m personally grateful for her foundation. I love the transparency of her blog, Janelle Hail encourages other women who are fighting breast cancer to share their story. As a woman who does not have breast cancer I find her story and the stories of other survivors very inspiring.

Take time today to visit the NBCF website, celebrate the life of others by giving or your life by signing up for the early detection plan.

Links to websites:

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://janellehail.wpengine.com/janelle-story/

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/news/american-cancer-society-releases-new-breast-cancer-guidelines

Images courtesy of:

Pinterest

http://freeallpicture.com/we-support-breast-cancer-awareness-month.html

The Importance of Writing

When I was asked to write about “writing” I was immediately excited. My excitement was not just because I love to write, but because there were so many ways I could approach the subject of writing; all of which allowed me to be imaginative!

I chose the “importance of writing” because writing is an essential part of my life, whether it is my blog, expressing my thoughts and feelings to others, or in my professional field as a virtual assistant.

Writing is important because it gives us the ability to express a thought and deliver information, using words or symbols. In the simplest manner, writing is: words and symbols on paper.

We have grown considerably from the old way of jotting out letters, essays and greeting cards.

Writing is involved and evolving: we text, email and utilize blogging as well as other types of social media to get our messages out there for others. We now write on a MacBook, IPad, Laptop, and Smartphones.

Conveying the Important Information

Have you ever attempted to express an opinion or provide information about a subject but didn’t know where to begin? Outlining your ideas, thoughts seems like a daunting task for some; myself included some days.

However, if I begin by brainstorming and developing various aspects of my topic, I find I have a lot of information. Then I can begin to research all the diverse aspects of my subject and help me solidify my writing objectives.

What is The Important Objective in Writing?

The ultimate goal or objective of any writing is to ignite a particular reaction from the audience. The way in which you use the words in the composition determines the response of the reader. What response are you hoping to receive?

Whether writing to advertise, educate, deliver a speech or entertain; the way in which you choose to present the topic is important. Determine the type of audience you intend to attract.

Research and brainstorm any topic and write, just don’t forget to rewrite; it’s not as in-depth as you may think, and it pays off in the end.

Writing does not require you to be a creative genius or literary scholar. All you need is the ability to convey a thought or emotion in the form of words.

I often find myself writing articles, advertisements, call- to- actions, and blogs, for those who deem themselves incapable.

It is not that they don’t have the ability but that they don’t know where to start. Begin by writing down the subject matter of your composition that may consist of a compilation of thoughts, research and statistical data.

Once you have completed this process, you can start to build your final piece from there. My advice is to write from the heart even when including all other information.

My joy of writing comes when I write using my voice and emotions coupled with all other data.

And it’s that personal quality that makes my writing important to me; it’s authentic, easily understood by others and just maybe in time, it will have importance and give hope and encouragement to someone else to find the importance of writing.

Just Write!!!