Run Drama Run

Yo my sis/bro #*@!-&

2012-01-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Are you running from the potty mouth slang or do you encourage it?

Professional, positive people are encouraging and helpful compared to those that don't show respect with their words.

BAD WORDS hurt and insult while positive words encourage, embrace and are highly respected.

Surround yourself with respect and run from the potty mouth.

Inspiring Story Shows How To Succeed Without Excuses [Video]

2012-01-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

It doesn't matter how bad the situation is, success can be achieve if you really want to. In the video below you gonna learn from an amazing story that is so inspiring and motivational that might make you cry.

This is a story of a homeless and very humble boy who beat adversity in his life to become what he is right now, and not only that he train himself to become an extraordinary singer that actually steals the show in a competition a little bit like American Idol.

Here is the story full of inspirational food:

What a beautiful story of courage and perseverance!

"Success is what happens when you stop creating excuses." - Luis Galarza

I leave you with that quote and my wishes to a better, successful and bless new year!

Yours truly,

Luis Galarza.
Positivity is my way to everything!

Connect with me on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
Also visit the Free Web Marketing blog.
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Time to Tweet - I Love My Life hashtag #lml

2012-01-01T12:10:00.001-08:00

It's New Year's Day! Time to celebrate. Hanging out on Twitter and I noticed some in twitterland using #fml and #happynewyear hashtags together. Well it's time to turn that around. Replace the "f" with "l" for love and see what happens.
Here's more about this idea to keep the positive thoughts going all through 2012 and beyond. Visit www.elegantkbdesign.com

Happy Drama Free 2012

2012-01-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone an AWESOME drama Free New year!
And if you missed the ball drop here ya go :
just curious, did Lady Gaga get a kiss from the Mayor of NY? I didn't see it myself and was wondering ... OH the drama, ,, lol HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Fabulous Friday is Contagious

2011-12-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

You are looking Fabulous today!

Pass-it-on and tell someone THEY look Fabulous too!

You Look Fabulous

2011-11-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

You are looking Fabulous today!

Pass-it-on and tell someone THEY look Fabulous too!

Pass on the Fabulous

2011-10-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

You are looking Fabulous today!

Pass-it-on and tell someone THEY look Fabulous too!

Don't Dread the Day Ahead

2011-10-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

We never know what will happen tomorrow or even today when we wake in the morning. Some days are just routine, the same as the day before, and the day before that. Others can present unexpected surprises, good or bad. Many dread expected bad surprises and it ruins their day even if the surprise isn't so bad after all.

A couple of weeks ago the day had finally come where I was on my way to the hospital to have a total knee replacement. I had dreaded this day for months. I don't handle pain well, so I was not looking forward to the coming week of surgery followed by weeks (months?) of rehabilitation (rehab). I also had to shut down my eBay business until I would be able to get around and pack things, ship things, or get out to source more products.

The first day after the surgery the leg with my new knee was in a lot of pain and I knew they would be coming to make me walk up the hospital hallway with a walker. I couldn't even move the leg a tiny bit without my pain level shooting immediately to 10! I was dreading this morning with all my being. The next thing I know, gentile hands were moving me and my leg out to stand at a walker. "Hey, this isn't so bad I thought." We walked up the hall and back. "Not Bad." Later we did it again, and again. by the end of the day my pain level was down to a 2 or 3. "Not bad at all."

To make a long story short, after three days in the hospital and one day in rehab, I was walking with a cane and after a few more days in rehab I was walking without a cane. Having read in the literature my doctor had given me a couple months before my surgery that I wouldn't be able to drive for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, I jumped for joy (not actual jumping) when twelve days after surgery he told me I could drive anytime I felt up to it, which of course was that same afternoon!

So, if you are dreading today or next week, remember that it is probably nowhere near as bad as you are thinking and may not be bad at all. Approach each day with anticipation and enjoy all the wonderful things that will happen.

Don't worry about tomorrow, let tomorrow worry about itself. Mt 6:34

God Bless,

Dr eBay

How To Find Success From Drastic Life Situations

2011-09-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life you need than just knowing how bad you want success, sometimes it takes a very drastic life situation to motivate you, to inspire you to achieve your true potential.

For many of you facing an extreme drastic situation in your life can forces a new perspective in your mind. And this new perspective can develop an outcome that will usually feels more enlightened than in the pass - and it creates a better choice in yourself.

Now life is giving you a lesson, is telling you that you can choose to hold onto suffering, anger and the drama...but, when you recognized decide to strip down the main issue to find the core of the problem or even better, simply let go of your pass beliefs, forgive yourselves, appreciate and be thankful of what you do have, that is when you can easily take all you've learned and make the most of this life.

That my dear friend is pure old fashion success!

Remember, this is your life and is time to decide to live it the right way leave a remarkable path for others to follow. A great example of leaving a remarkable is Steve Jobs!

Here is a very interesting article I found. This article shows that sometimes it takes a very bad situations to push people to do what they came to do in this Earth, or to really get to know their inner self and achieve true success.

Yours truly,

Luis Galarza.
Positivity is my way to everything!

Connect with me on Google+ or Facebook.

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Happy Friday

2011-09-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

You are looking Fabulous today!

Pass-it-on and tell someone THEY look Fabulous too!

Success: How Bad Do You Want It?

2011-09-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, the real question about success is not the 'how to get there?' instead ask yourself 'How Bad Do You Want It?' I found a very inspirational video that can help you get motivated.

Here is the video:

How Bad Do You Want It from Greyskale Multimedia LLC on Vimeo.

Now for get the drama, all the excuses, what others are saying, and simply get up and go it...

Do it the Nike way... Just Do It!...

To your success,

Luis Galarza,
Free Website Traffic Specialist.

Like me on Facebook for inspirational tips!

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How To Respond To Insults Like Steve Jobs [inspirational]

2011-09-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

In this old video made in a conference when Steve Jobs was called back to be Apple's CEO, one of the viewers doesn't agree with Jobs technical ideas and told him that he's completely clueless about the issue... Just watch how Steve Jobs handles the insult and turn it into a very inspirational speech!

What a great video! As you can see, admitting that you are wrong is perfectly fine, as soon you never go out of your success path.

Be true to yourself, and have faith in your believe!

God bless you everyone!

Luis Galarza,
Positivity is my way to everything!

Blog: Free Web Marketing.

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Motivational Monday

2011-08-29T08:18:00.001-07:00

Here is a clip to motivate you today! Happy Monday!

It's Fabulous Friday

2011-08-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

You are looking Fabulous today!

Pass-it-on and tell someone THEY look Fabulous too!

You Look Marvelous

2011-08-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

Billy Crystal - You Look Marvelous (1985)

Run Drama Run ----> YOU LOOK MARVELOUS .. lol

First List Of Top 10 Success Quotes To Live A True Life Without Drama

2011-06-26T01:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the first list of some of my favorite quotations, I truly think this are the top 10 success quotes of all times, because they are full of massive motivational power that can help you live a true life with no drama!

Here is the list of some of the greatest motivational phrases of all times:

1. Great things are not something accidental, but must certainly be willed. -Vincent Van Gogh

2. "A goal properly set is halfway reached." -Zig Ziglar

3. Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs. -Henry Ford

4. In the classic musical production Camelot, there is a line with words of warning for all. “We must not let our passions destroy our dreams.” - King Arthur

5. Be fit for more than the thing you are now doing. Let everyone know that you have a reserve in yourself; that you have more power than you are now using. If you are not too large for the place you occupy, you are too small for it. -James A. Garfield

6. If your Action speak more Louder than Words, you will eventually Living your Dream. -Criss Angel

7. Nearly every man who develops an idea works it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then gets discouraged. That's not the place to become discouraged. -Thomas A. Edison

8. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. -Henry David Thoreau

9. Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. -Herbert Meyer

10. Enrich your life with positive thoughts and let the power of positivity show the way to success. -Luis Galarza.

Now, be free of drama get inspired to live a remarkable and successful life and the then reciprocate by inspiring others to do the same...

Also check this top 100 success quotes for even more motivation!

Warmly,

Luis Galarza,
Positive Maniac And Web Marketing Specialist.
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Coffee and Water Do Mix

2011-06-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

I've been a coffee addict for years now and I've always had the problem to not drink water. My reasoning was that there is plenty of water in my coffee. Coffee is mostly water SO it made sense to continue on drinking several pots a day!

Thanks to my good friend Kathy Keefe, she had mentioned to me one day how she also had the love for coffee. Her work-around was to have a bottle of water with her coffee and I have been doing this ever since she shared this info with me.

Keeping a filled water bottle every day is my new goal. I still enjoy my coffee but now I enjoy them both! Coffee and water DO mix!

I wanted to share this with my fellow online friends that also have the love for coffee and are not drinking enough water. Since I've been struggling with my weight, water consumption is very important and coffee can cause dehydration. Many of us already know these facts but forcing ourselves to just DO it is another thing. eBay sellers that have the Kijiji water bottles, they are awesome for drinking water from. The built in straw makes it easy and I end up drinking more water each day because of the straw. You can still find people on eBay selling them: KIJIJI WATER BOTTLE sometimes and many are still selling my favorite coffee mug from eBay Live: EBAY COFFEE MUG

I hope this info will motivate you to drink more water and enjoy a cup off coffee too! **cheers**

Simple Recipe to Lower Your Stress

2011-06-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple recipe to take some stress out of your life or to help a friend. Pass it on!

Stress Kit Recipe
Item #1: An Eraser - to erase all your mistakes.

Item #2: Pennies – so you will never be broke.

Item #3: Some Marbles – in case someone says that you lost yours.

Item #4: Rubber Band – to stretch yourself beyond your limits.

Item #5: String – to tie things together when everything falls apart.

Item #6: A hug and a kiss – to remind you that someone cares.

Thoughtful Quotes

2011-05-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Good Words are worth much, and cost little. - George Herbert

Where can one better be than in the bosom of one's family? Traditional French song

Love's sweetest meanings are unspoken - Christian Nestell Bovee

Yesterday was my sisters birthday. I love these sentiments.

You know it's your sister just by the way your phone rings.

A sister's hug wraps you in the love and security of the home you grew up in.

So, brothers and sisters, as we go, Still let us move as one - Alice Cary

Sharing becomes second nature to sisters. It's holding back that takes effort.

Alll of these quotes came from a yard sale find (where else)
EVERYDAY THOUGHTS (tm) SISTERS published by New Seasons. Its a desk type standup display with thoughts for 365 days of the year.

Happy Weekend
Judy McGarry

Chinese Nervous Song

2011-05-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

The BGM is Chinese song where the singer is 龚琳娜 and the song is 《忐忑》mean nervous. No special lyrics, its just the music and vocal.

The boy did a great job with his acting talent.

.

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how can this be?

2011-05-09T05:36:00.001-07:00

how did it ever, ever

get to be this way

what could anyone,

anywhere possibly say

to a child who has to

pick his crumbs from

out of the dirt

while wars rage on

and billions are spent

in the business of hurt

we lock our possessions

up so very tight

and send the homeless poor

out into the night

to fend for themselves

in a world full of hate

where living and dying

are all left to fate

as prophets of doom

say that all is well

while all that is sacred

is condemned into hell

in a hand basket on

a bright sunny

Sunday afternoon

where lies are the truth

and truth is banished

and put away,

saved, I suppose

for some far off rainy day

when all hope is lost

and we finally

count the cost

asa

image; internet

Garden of Life #7

2011-04-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

While I was growing up, my "Garden of Life” included a best friend who was always there for me. Elementary school was not the most enjoyable time of my life, especially when I was in the fifth and sixth grades. I was the one the kids always picked on or bullied mercilessly. I remember nights when I’d lie in bed with tears in my eyes, hands clenched in fists, wishing that I “fit in,” that I “belonged.” I kept wishing, but it wasn’t meant to be. There were days when I’d tell my Mom that I wasn’t feeling well in hopes she’d let me stay home. She was a pretty savvy Mom and she would take my temperature, look me up and down and say, “No temperature, dear. If I can go to work when I’m not feeling quite up to par, then you can go to school when you’re not.” I knew she loved me but I sure didn’t love school.

No matter what happened during my school day, though, my best friend always made me feel better. He offered a shoulder to cry on and unlimited love and support. I would sit down with him and tell him all my “trials and tribulations” and he would quietly listen while I worked all that frustration out of my system. I remember a girl named Rebecca who was a new student and befriended me for a little while but then abandoned me to go hang out with the other girls. My best friend never did that; his loyalty was endless. It made me feel better to know that, in his eyes, I was ok just the way I was and that I was actually someone he looked up to. Because of the way he made me feel about myself, I felt the same way about him.

By the way, my best friend’s name was Thunder and he was a beautiful black German Shepherd dog with silver and tawny markings. We loved each other unconditionally for the 10 years I was blessed to have him in my life.

Have YOU appreciated and loved your “pet(s)” today?

Until next time. . . remember the roses.

Turn it UP!

2011-04-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings to you on this mildly warm Monday morning! As your ready yourself for a kickoff, I do hope you had a wonderful weekend with friends, family and yourself. Time is ticking and we are in April. Geesh…and it’s not slowing down. So, today, let’s catch up and turn it up. The “it” of which I am referring to, is our internal voice.

Monday is here and it is truly easy and almost without any effort to fire off our “to-do” list, book meetings, read emails, and schedule other appointments. Pretty soon, you feel the pressure mounting in your shoulders or your mind. STOP! It is now time to include you on your list and listening to your still small voice that is urging you to recognize the voice and realign to hear the voice throughout your day of lists.

Recognize the voice – often times when we ignore the voice and do what is contrary to what we “know” to be the right choice. As a result, we now feel guilty, stressed, or tense. To avoid this negative feeling, take a moment to just recognize that small voice by being still for a moment. Even if it’s just five minutes, give yourself permission to honor your internal voice. It will bring you a sense of peace and guidance. Take a deep breath, say an affirmation or prayer, or just sit with silence to truly just “be”. Recognize the voice today in your busyness of life and work to truly connect with what matters and it will in turn allow you to approach your “lists” in a different manner.
Realign to hear the voice – As you review your lists of “to-do’s”, take a moment and include this realignment on your coveted “to-do” list. Example: 1) Schedule meeting with boss, 2) write white-paper on eco-friendly office furniture, 3) return emails from my vacation, 4) order lunch for board meeting, 5) schedule site visit for conference, 6) talk to HR about staffing issue…you get the picture. Example of realigned list: 1) Schedule meeting with boss, 2) write white-paper on eco-friendly office furniture, 3) Realign to hear the voice, 4) return emails from my vacation,5) order lunch for board meeting , 6) Realign to hear the voice, 7) schedule site visit for conference, 8) talk to HR about staffing issue, 9) Realign to hear the voice…etc. By inserting or scheduling in time to ‘realign to hear the voice’, it reminds you to do so. When we fail to realign, we run the risk of being burned out and running in circles without perhaps accomplishing all that we set out to accomplish. For better performance, today include yourself on your list that will bring a peace of mind and less stress.

Here’s wishing you a Monday filled with intentional peace and alignment for all you set out to accomplish!

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Please feel free to leave a comment and subscribe to be notified of new posts. http://StandingTallinLife.wordpress.com. You can repost or use this post with proper permission and links to Standing Tall in Life and Antoinette Sykes.

Garden of Life #6

2011-03-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

My "Garden of Life” (please see my posts from last year) revolves around one stable structure – the house where my husband and I have lived for over 13 years. It’s the first one we ever bought together. After all our Navy years of living in barracks, aboard ship, in apartments and in rentals, we purchased a place we could finally call our own. At the beginning, it was quite a novelty as we moved in and made it our home; then, after a while, not so much so. We “settled” in, took it for granted, and the only time it became a top priority in our minds was when something broke and needed to be repaired.

Through the years, an occasional “thought” would cross my mind that we were very fortunate to have a home. I’ve seen people lose their houses to fire, tornadoes, hurricanes and, lately, the economy. When we first moved to Florida, I worked for a charitable organization and met folks who couldn’t afford to purchase any house or apartment to shelter their loved ones. After I’d spend a day listening to them, I’d go home, walk through my front door, look around, and count my blessings.

That occasional “thought” suddenly took on blinding proportions when the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on 3-11-11. I watched the television in horror as walls of water swept away hundreds of homes. Many people are missing and those who survived are spending their days and nights outside with no place to get warm, no food to eat, no water to drink, no place to rest, no loved ones to cherish – all of these precious elements comprise the basic comforts of “home.”

Have YOU given thanks for your “home” today?

Until next time. . . remember the roses.

(Please continue to keep the people of Japan in your thoughts and prayers.)

The Art of Being an Overcomer

2011-03-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Monday Moments

Top of the morning to you! Hi there! Good morning! Morning! These are some of the few ways I greet you online and in person. Sometimes, it’s accompanied with a hug, but always with high energy and a big smile. So, this morning I hope you feel my sheer joy, enthusiasm and thankfulness to you, as I help you start your Monday on a favorable note.

Today, as I awoke, the thunder was rumbling and the lightening commenced; followed by downpours. For sure, I wanted to stay under the covers and listen and lull and just…you know…do all of those things when it rains. Relax and settle in. But, no-can-do! I must overcome this feeling and quickly overcome this feeling. After-all, I truly believe how we act and feel in those first moments of arising will set the tone for the rest of the day. Therefore, time to shift some energy to overcome this relaxed state!

So, today as we greet the second day of spring, let’s overcome. I like definitions, so we’ll start there.

Overcome(r) – Definition – to gain the superiority: WIN, to get the better of

Isn’t that good news? Thanks Merriam-Webster. Now that we know what it means, I want to encourage you to overcome these Monday blues that sometimes try to creep upon us or other “blues” that may try to rear its head today or this week.

1) Recognize the “blue” feeling and change it – this morning, I could have chosen to lie in the bed and feel ‘blah, blue or relaxed’. But, I also know there is lots to do and should I chose to ignore the many action items, later today I would be kicking myself for wasting time. NOPE! We have free will to choose another thought that will render us productive, happy, and active. Freely and intentionally choose the thought or best action that will serve you in a greater capacity.

2) How to change the feeling:

a. Say an affirmation – ex. Today is a great day, even in the rain. The rain allows me to wear my cute rain boots. Thank you for the rain and the stylish wardrobe to accompany this weather.

b. Turn on some “feel good” music that will enhance a happy feeling, thought or act.

c. Stand and give yourself a standing ovation for deciding to rise & shine.

d. Find a scripture – it will remind you that you are not alone and give you strength. (Phil 4:13)

e. Call a friend, family member or colleague for a quick hello and share your affirmation, wishing them well for today

f. Take ten minutes to stretch, have prayer or meditate

g. Exercise (time permitting) – get the endorphins moving with ten sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks – just MOVE!

h. Five finger rule – say aloud five things, events, places or actions you are thankful for, that you experienced over the weekend.

i. Expectations & Intentions - Expect today to be a GREAT day! Intentionally make it a GREAT day!

j. I am an OVERCOMER – repeat aloud ten times.

Go forth and overcome. Have a winning wonderful Monday and feel free to share your feedback on the blog or drop me an email. Oh, and by all means, share this Monday Moment with someone who may be experiencing a “blue Monday”.

----Antoinette Sykes, MBA

www.StandingTallinLife.com

Dalai Lama

2011-03-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

Dalai Lama

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/dalai_lama.html#ixzz1HD2VR1Mu

I went to this site and if you need positive quotes for your website this is a good place to go to. I heard an interview with the Dalai Lama and was impressed.

Spring Stride

2011-03-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

Warm weather is quickly approaching and with todays temps, spring is in the air. How excited are you to feel the sun on your face? Does it make you smile or raise your endorphins to see blooming daffodils and tulips? Even the flowers Stand Tall in this weather and so can you. For those of you who share in my excitement and are eager to usher in your own stride for spring, see below what it means to Stand Tall. While this word or phrase may not be apart of Webster’s lexicon (not yet at least), it is genuine, heart-felt, quite telling, descriptive and is sure to offer a new meaning to your world. That is my hope! Tell me, how are you Standing Tall, for this new springseason? How will you get your spring stride?

Me? Well, if you’ve listened to the Three Tips for Standing Tall audio (ahem…it’s a freebie when you subscribe to this blog), you are familiar with a few steps to Standing Tall. Haven’t subscribed? Click here to subscribe or visit the homepage of this blog to do so. Back to me. One of the ways in which I am getting my spring stride is retreating or connecting with friends and family that I may not have seen in a while. It is important to honor those relationships with nurturing intention. In fact, it’s needed for me and for them as well. Relationships and connections help us grow, make us laugh, support us in our tears, and hold us with strong arms…just to name a few. In fact, connecting with you via this blog is a connection that I cherish and nurture. Thank you, as I get my spring stride. I look forward to reading how you will get your spring stride! Send your "Spring Stride" emails to asykes@StandingTallinLife.com

Sweet Inspirations

2011-03-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Suffering with back pain has become a challenge for me this week. I am new to this kind of ailment and my internet time has become very limited because of the nasty pain in my neck, upper back and right arm. Poor poor me right? lol

I am seriously a baby when it comes to pain with a visit full of tears to the chiropractor and massage therapist this week in addition to all sorts of pill popping.

One kind word, one soft inspirational post can put the pain aside for a few moments and give me a smile, a virtual hug and cease it long enough to write a post of thanks!

Thank you to all the writers for the great posts. I sincerely enjoy reading this blog and sharing the love with everyone on the world wide web.

To play a small part of a "Drama Free Community" with inspirational posts is a true honor for me and I can't thank everyone enough. If I feel this way with hidden pain today there must be others out there feeling the love as well!

Thanks for the twitter post Luis:

luis_galarza luis_galarza

Congratulations to my Sweet DIVA Friend Danna Crawford (@PowerSellingMom ) for the increase of ranking of her blog... http://fb.me/O660ghWC "

That simple twitter post is a great example of HOW POWERFUL inspiration can be! Because of that post, I was motivated and inspired, running from the drama to write a post here on our blog with a smile!

Hugz and drama free blessings to all!

eBay and True TV not for sissies

2011-03-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

When I listed an action figure of Ben Affleck (from his 1998 role as AJ Frost in the movie "Armageddon") on eBay, I had no idea the handsome plastic prince would bring so much drama to my life.

The action figure was paid for on February 21 and shipped out to Santa Monica, California with little fan-fare on February 22 via USPS Priority Mail. On March 2, I received a frantic email from the buyer. It was one of those "Dude, where's my stuff!?" messages that set my heart racing. It seems "Ben" was needed as a TV show prop that was to be filmed the following Monday and she had to have him by Friday at the latest... that is, Day after TOMORROW!

Looking at the tracking information, I saw that the package had been delivered and a notice left, which usually means the recipient wasn't available to receive the item. After a few phone calls I left a message on the buyer's phone mail. Within the hour I received a phone call back and we agreed that it looked like the Ben was headed back to me. The buyer and I could not understand why it was held only a few days in Santa Monica Post Office before it was sent it back to me. I agreed to get it back to the post office and ship it Express mail immediately to get it to her the next day, her deadline was pressing.

This morning was spent with my usual eBay morning routine, getting shipping labels printed, researching the next items to put up for auction, and taking care of the 1,001 other details that all eBay sellers have to attend.

Noon came and went, no postman! One o'clock, still my postal box was empty. I began to really worry. I had the label printed (this time with the suite number which had been left off the original shipping information) and had researched the cost to Express mail "Ben" back to California. Suddenly, I decided to check the tracking information one more time. To my amazement, it showed the item had been received in Orlando (headed for my place), then sent back westward and received in California about 11:30 last night. Hooray!

I called the buyer (who from the sounds of it was in a meeting) and she told me she had called USPS with the tracking # and told them the problem and that she needed the package sent back to California. I managed to wheedle the details of the TV filming and found out it is to be a prop on TRUTV (network) in an episode that will probably be titled "Forbidden Storage". TruTV airs such shows as "Hardcore Pawn" a show that I personally enjoy which next airs Tue, March 8 at 10P and the very popular "Operation Repo" which airs Wednesdays @ 9pm. I will be looking for "Ben" on the upcoming show and will let you know more details as I get them.

Lessons learned today:

As a buyer, make sure your complete address is in the Ship To: address field.
The Post Office will not hold an item more than a few days if address is incorrect or incomplete
Never underestimate the importance of getting a tracking # and putting on each item you ship
eBay is successful, for one thing, because it encourages buyers and sellers to communicate. You won't find that on Amazon!

We Inspire Each Other

2011-02-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

What I need is someone who will make me do what I can. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

We all have goals. They may be small...or rather large and lofty, but we are all looking ahead to something. Perhaps we don't think we can actually get there. Or maybe we never doubt ourselves for a moment. Some of us work hard and keep our goals in focus. Some of us wish away our time and wonder where it went. Most of us do a little of both.

All of us need inspiration. A friend. A mentor. Someone to snap us back to reality when we dream too much and work too little or just plain give up. A positive shove in the right direction will do us good.

January is gone. February is over and done. March is here with another clean page and fresh start.

It is sure to be a great month if we make ourselves do the work. Ralph was right!

5 Easy Tips To Release Stress Today

2011-02-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

Release Stress - Avoid Drama!

Do you think is easier or harder to release stress now in days?

Our life lately has become a Star Wars journey to everything we do on a daily basics. Is an high tech world, technology that can make our life easier, but research shows that is also elevating our stress levels, because now we have more things to do or keep track of than before, things like:

Did you send that tweet on Twitter yet.
I need to tell my Facebook friends where I'm going right now.
Oh, man! I forgot to update foursquare with my current location.
I need to check my voicemail again.
Let see how many messages and spam I got on my email.
Oh, I almost forgot, I need to check my Facebook messages too.
As soon I have time I need to sign up for LinkedIn.
I hope I get to download my favorite song for my iPod today.
Etc..

And the list goes on, and on... There are many other element that are contributing to this, like unemployment levels, fear of loosing your job, slow economy, working long hours, dropping sales in your business, and more. The fact is that almost any negative factor in our life can get us to get stress.

In a tech based world like ours a simple note written by hand can make a remarkable difference. Here are a few tip to help you release your stress today:

1. Start by handwriting a positive statement on two clean piece of paper, then posted on your fridge or desk and send the other copy to a friend or family member that might need some motivational help.

2. Show stress the way out by decreasing tension in your shoulders. You can do this by simply raising them towards your ears, then you need to hold that position for three seconds, then exhale while releasing them.

3. Show you are accessible by sending a small email or message to one of your top business leads or prospects you got this week. Just remember to show that you are ready and willing to help them.

4. Energize your body during the day with healthy snacks. So, be sure to keep a good supply of protein bars, dried fruits, nuts, or other type of healthy snack you can find at your local super market.

5. Did you visualize achieving your goals yet? If your goal is to have a very productive day each and everyday, just close your eyes for about 60 seconds in the morning, then generate a positive vision focusing on the way your want your day to be.

I hope this little tips can help you to said bye to stress today!

Luis Galarza,
A motivated and crazy entrepreneur!

My blog: Free Internet Marketing.

Connect with me on Twitter or Facebook.

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Stop Sabotaging Your PR Efforts

2011-01-27T19:42:00.000-08:00

It is 2011 and what better time than now to begin to build your clear media message and image. After all, as a business owner, sometimes, you may have to rely on your own PR skills, so you may as well get it right. In my day-to-day life I'm a PR expert, coach and speaker. This year, I kicked off the year offering relevant PR tips to capture media for my book clients. However, I quickly realized, it can be translated into other industries (or as a solo-preneur) as well and I thought I'd share.
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Be bold and relevant in 2011! Are you handling your own PR Campaign? Just know that PR success can be obtained. Here are 3 ways to ensure exposure and credibility with your PR efforts. I like to call them the 3 C’s of a Book Publicity Campaign:

Consistency - Having between one and two media appearances (radio show, TV or print) will NOT skyrocket your business to the top of Google or on the front page of the paper! As an "top leader" responsible for your own PR efforts, it will take more than a few appearances. It takes months and consistent publicity to have your media outreach efforts payoff; sometimes even longer. But, you must stick with it and be consistent. A lot of times when you see important people (READ YOU) make appearances on major shows like the Oprah Show, Regis & Kelli & GMA; that buzz started regionally. It is critical to build the buzz around you, your hometown and then regional/statewide.
Covet local press – There are some golden opportunities to covet your local and regional press. Do not make the mistake of overlooking this opportunity. Business leaders all want that coveted role of landing on some "Best Businesses to know..." type of list or status. But, often times, that happens due to the local buzz and local support of regional media. People will love to cheer for you and your business success. If you get coverage, your hometown or state gets coverage too. It’s nostalgic and heart-warming for the town, the state and the business owner. Covet the local press and do not count them out. Local and regional press have a nationwide reach.
Creative Pitch – Does your service offering or product have a current event theme? Can it be related to a business scenario currently happening in the news? What‘s in the news? Be sure you know what reporters, journalists and the media is talking about BEFORE you call to pitch a story to them. For example, if your book is on “Surviving Divorce”, perhaps you pitch a story to the media during Valentine’s Day about “Four ways to love your way through divorce”. This creativity can certainly land you in the news, as most of the stories will be about “love, finding your mate, celebrating love…etc. A lot of times, the media needs a twist on a story…make it creative. Make it relevant, before you pitch.

CONGRATS on your PR efforts in 2011! Implementing these 3 C’s above will add value to your campaign approach. See you in the news! Remember, your image matters! Make it a positive one!

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You have permission to reprint this article with this required author credit:

Antoinette Sykes offers a free Book Success eZine at www.TCBoutik.com. She also offers consulting and holds Book Publicity events. About Author: Antoinette Sykes is a PR expert, speaker and coach operating a boutique PR agency that focuses on authors and event PR.

Nothing is as easy as it looks!

2011-01-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Sometimes insight comes from funny places – literally. Today it was from a silly comic strip, Rhymes With Orange, in the local newspaper. Two people looking at a distant snowman, one remarks that the snowman is so peaceful.

The next frame shows the snowman up close. He is worrying to himself…sleet, sun, dogs, rabbits...

For me, this is a reminder that nothing is as easy as it looks from the outside. Time and time again I am surprised to find out that someone that I admire has to work at success – they make it look so easy! Or I make the mistake of forgetting that nobody has the perfect life or situation. We all have obstacles and challenges to overcome. We all have advantages, too. Fortunately, unlike the snowman, we can act to change the course of our days.

New Vision creates a New Victorious 2011

2010-12-29T11:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all, may this be the most prosperous year ever for you. We have the ability to have hope or defeat for our future. We NEED vision in our lives because it's what sets our course and gives us hope for our future.

Lift up your heads, because in 2011 you will celebrate victory over the things that mastered you in 2010. We must begin to see ourselves in the role we will be in a year from now, a decade from now and even further.

We are in a time of transition and a time of fresh vision. Transitions are healthy and good for us. When we allow ourselves to be stretched into a new place we will experience fresh joys on the other side.

It is important that we open our hearts up to fresh vision. It is too easy to go through life without any definite direction. If we allow this to happen we feel like we are in a hurry to head nowhere fast. A life without vision is a life that is destined to be a life without purpose.

The Powers of a Positive Attitude

2010-12-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

I am going to ask you to something very weird right now. First of all, I want you to listen to your thoughts. Now tell me, what thoughts fill your head? Would you label them as positive, or negative?

Now let's say you are walking down the street with these thoughts. Do you think anyone who would meet you would be able to tell you what’s on your mind?

The answer to number one is up to you. But, the answer number two can be pretty generic. Although people will not be able to tell you exactly what you think, they will more or less have an idea of how you are feeling.

Here's another question. When you enter a party filled with friends, do they all fall silent as if something terrible had happened? Or does everybody there perk up as if waiting for something exciting to happen?

You know what? The answer to all these depends on your frame of mind.

Thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude. The attitude you carry reflects on your appearance, too – unless, of course, you are a great actor.

And it doesn't end there. Your attitude can also affect people around you.

The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive or negative.

Positive thoughts have a filling effect. They are admittedly invigorating. Plus, the people around the person carrying positive thoughts are usually energized by this type of attitude.

Negative thoughts on the other hand have a sapping effect on other people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a funeral wake.

A positive attitude attracts people, while a negative attitude repels them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative attitude.

We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you choose to focus on the negative things in the world, more or less you have a negative attitude brewing up. However, if you choose to focus on the positive things, you are more likely carry a positive attitude.

You have much to gain from a very positive attitude. For one, studies have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. Those with this kind of attitude also have more friends. projecting a positive attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than those who have a negative attitude.

A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you will love the way you are and are satisfied, confident, and self-assured, you also make others are around feel the same way.

A negative attitude, on the other hand, has, of course, an opposite effect. So, carrying a negative attitude has a twofold drawback. You feel bad about yourself, and you make others feel the same way.

If you want to have a positive attitude, you have to feature healthy thoughts. This is probably very hard to do nowadays since, all around us, the media feeds us nothing but negative thoughts. A study shows that for every 14 things a parent says to his or her child, only one is positive. This is truly a saddening thought.

If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well. So, what can you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie, you could play with children, spend some time telling jokes with friends. All these activities fill you with positive stimuli, which in turn promotes positive attitude.

Although it is impossible to keep ourselves from the negative things around us, you can still carry a positive attitude by focusing on the good things, the positive things in life.

And this positive attitude you now carry can be of benefit to other people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people mostly do is try to give them advice. But sometimes, all they need is somebody to sit by them, and listen to them. If you have a positive attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say anything.

If positive attitude is really great, why do people choose to adopt a negative attitude instead? One who carries a negative attitude may be actually sending a signal for attention. Before you get me wrong, feeling sad, angry, or gloomy is not wrong itself. But dwelling on these thoughts for far too long is not healthy either. There is a time to mourn.

As always, if you are beset by troubles, even in your darkest hour, focus on the good things in life, you will always have hope. Problems become something you can overcome.

You do not have much to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude. Studies show that such an attitude actually retards aging, makes you healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So, what's not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.

Our Tree Of Grace

2010-12-22T10:39:00.001-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

It is Christmas time again and let me first say Merry Christmas to all of my friends. I hope and pray that you have a wonderful holiday season and that you are all richly blessed. 2010 has been a difficult and painful year in many ways yet a very blessed one all the same. My family and I have been through a lot and have learned a lot. We still have a long way to go but with God's help and friends support we will reach the finish line.

We look forward to the year ahead as we say goodbye the this year and all of it's trials and blessings. In 2011 we anticipate the return of our son Nathan from over seas and the wedding of our oldest daughter Amber. All still months off but the excitement and anticipation is already building.

There are some obstacles in the weeks and months ahead and we do not know what we may have to face but we are standing firm. We know from past experience that God will take our hand and guide us through what ever the year ahead brings. We hope for the best year ever and many blessings for us and for all of you.

One thing that has been in short supply is money and with the early arrival of winter is has been even more evident. Christmas is going to be old fashioned this year to say the least. A message from Nathan, some friends and family, a good holiday meal and a few small gifts for the children are all we are hoping for. Hearing from Nate is most important and most unsure at this point. We are not sure where he is, so we pray for him, and all the service members over seas and for all their safe returns.

Due to the struggles of 2010 we almost did not get a tree. My wife and I were not too troubled by this but out 13 year old daughter was. That made me feel differently and I had no idea what to do so I ask God to help. I was not sure what to do and I waited and He came through, as He always does. Sometimes we have to wait and sometimes things do not turn out our way but He is always faithful and always sees us through.

Deborah was the answer to the question and to the prayer this time. (As she often is for me.) She was making a rice bag for a friend and had gotten some money for supplies and material to make it. When she left her friends house she when and bought the supplies needed and found there was some money left. It had been agreed upon that since this rice bag was for free and not for sale so any money left over from supplies was Deb's.

On the way home Deb stopped by a Salvation Army thrift store just to see if there were by chance any artificial trees there for sale. She found one tucked away in a corner. It had a run over by a truck look to it and seemed hardly worth any money or time. Still she felt that she should get it. “It had a lot of potential.” she said. I was not sure how it would turn out but we had a tree. Our miracle tree. Our “Tree Of Grace.” I am amazed at how it all came to pass from start to finish.

It started with a poem that turned into a prayer that turned into a little girl's answer to prayer. It makes the struggles worth it all when the amazing and miraculous results come about. The tree ended up being a very nice artificial tree that was once a beautiful holiday treasure only to be injured and mistreated and ultimately discarded. Only to be rescued by someone who saw the potential. Now it is once again what it was meant to be. A magnificent symbol of grace.

We worked hard undoing scrunched up and bent over branches but in the end it was a work of love and tenderness that paid off. Just like Charlie Browns tree, ours was transformed from an ugly damaged thing to a beautiful work of our Father’s art. Wow!!!! Breathtaking!!! We are all so thankful for this blessing and this symbol that has been placed in our lives when it was beyond our means. Grace and mercy for today, hope for tomorrow. A child's and her families Christmas tree of grace from God. I am so blessed to be a part of it all. May you be blessed as this year ends and the new one begins. May your dreams all come true and when they don't may you see the blessing even in that. Good always comes around if you wait. Happy Holidays to all.

asa

photos by; asa

Desire Is Life Source Of Fire

2010-12-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

If you want something badly enough, you're sure to get it. You need to get up and do something to get it, you need visualize getting it, see yourself having what you want, this way you will boost your personal desire for what you want in life.

Your desires will in time externalize themselves into concrete fact.

You will have the power to avoid any Obstacles, in fact obstacles will not matter. Painful or hard circumstances will be part of the journey. But, if you want to do something or get something bad enough, you'll find a way to make it happen.

Your reality will build around your commitment to succeed, making your path to universal attraction an easy one. If you're willing to work hard and be very focus on your goals, your circumstances will certainly change for the better.

You only have to have great love to get what ever is than you want in life.

To your success,

Luis Galarza,
Motivated Internet Marketing Specialist.

Connect with me on Facebook or Twitter to get to know me better, or visit my blog for some free Internet Marketing tips you can use on your business today!

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Compassionate Christmas Tree

2010-12-12T06:17:00.001-08:00

Look at the compassionate Christmas tree

All decked out, such a symbol of grace

Colorful lights and brilliant sparkling ornaments

Bringing joy and delight to many a face

Across many great lands of this world

A beautiful act of annual congruity

If only if could be always so

That the people of this world

Diverse though they may be

Could be drawn together

Into the boldness of unity!

United we stand divided we fall

Joined together for the common good of all

And for the one who made us for each other

Each one of us together taking our place

Doing our part for our human race

Everyone taken care of, no one left out

From the great and tall to the weak and small

No throw away people here, not one

All can be redeemed all can be fixed

No Scarlet Letter

No Mark of the Beast

Only love and peace and hope for all

From the greatest of the great

To the very last, the smallest of the small

No one is too broken

No one is beyond repair

When it is pure Love's acclaim

That the living truth does spare

So many lives shattered

So many lives filled with shame

So many wounded, hurting souls

Bearing all the guilt and all the blame

For the evils pressed upon them

They gather around the trees

Praying for hope and peace to be there

Two trees standing in the garden

One a tree of grace

One a tree of despairs

One tree's beautiful lights

Announcing a new birth of hope

One tree stark and barren in death

Hung with compassion and care pronouncing

For all to see that there is hope

To be found in the tree of despairs

Life springs anew from the bareness of death

Both trees a symbol of the One True King

The Master of unity who one day will bring

His Kingdom to the humble ones

Who wait for His glorious return

Look at the beautiful Christmas Tree

Look at the tree of despairs

Where love and compassion were hung

For us, to show how much He cares

So take the time to think deep, breathe in

All that this means and how glorious it is.

Oh Christmas tree spectacular and vivid

May you speak your magic to the hearts of all.

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image by; asa

Let Your Fire WORK!

2010-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

It is only a few days into December as we plan for celebrations in life this year; while expecting bigger in 2011! As I write this post, I was truly touched by Katy Perry’s track “Firework”! The song, the beat, the meaning, the celebration, and its overall inspiration is truly eye-opening and timely for this end of year time-frame! It sparked something in me! (LOL) You see, it is during this time of year where people all around begin to reflect on their accomplishments, joys, sorrows, business success, losses, and the mere ups and downs that have occurred. In doing so, these events bring on a gamut of emotions, that if not watched carefully the “not so successful” moments will trigger a deeply rooted sadness that lingers for way too long causing you to cancel all celebrations and those GOOD feelings that come along with those events. Cue the big red STOP sign! Tis the season to reflect, remove, and realign.

Reflect - Take a moment to truly assess and reflect on where you are, where you want to be. In doing so, honor each feeling, each up, each down and then learn the lesson.
Remove - In your introspective time, remove the negativity – people, places and things! Need I say more…ahem…you are reading Run Drama Run blog…so…it’s only befitting!
Realign - At this point you start to feel lighter and that “pep” in your step is fully apparent. Celebrate! Let your FIRE work! It is in realignment that we start to feel whole, energized and purposeful. Your soul celebrates and now you can too!

So, as welcome December, also take a moment to welcome your inner spark! For more information on Bouncing Back in 2010 (yes, there’s still time), visit me at GoAntoinette.

Wishing you Dynamic Success,

Katy Perry Runs from the Drama

2010-12-04T07:07:00.000-08:00

I just found this posted on my Facebook Wall by a fellow motivating friend: GoAntoinette.com
And since I am already a Katy Perry Fan I did click to watch the video BUT this time, this darling singer has outdone herself with the powerful message inside this great hit!

Enjoy and FEEL IT ......... RUN from the DRAMA in YOUR LIFE:

Do You Attract Success Or Create Success

2010-12-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

What are you doing right in this very moment to help you achieve remarkable success on whatever you want from life.

We all have all of the divine birth gifts inside of us. It is our job to bring them out.

Napoleon Hill, the father of self improvement and one of the most influential people of the 20th Century spoke about our birth gifts and how our life experience depends solely on whether or not we choose to use them.
One thing I learn from Napoleon's lessons is that mostly we are not attracting reality to us but creating it within and watching it manifest without.

By going within and getting in touch with our birth gifts we can manifest what ever we desire. In order to create we need to we need to have a blue print. That blueprint is the knowledge and belief that we have been blessed with the all of gifts that we need to manifest our purpose.

We all need to look within and adopt the mind set that we have been given the divine spark to create that which we were intended to create.

What is the richest place on earth? Simply put, in a cemetery, you fill find that there are books that were never written. There are songs that were never sung. There are ideas that were never acted upon. Inventions lost in the wind—dreams that were long forgotten.

What is the legacy each of us will leave. Believe in your creative capacity. You were given these gifts for a reason. Now is your turn act upon on it.

Remember this is your time to act and attract and create success for you and inspire others to do the same!

Yours truly,

Luis Galarza,
Motivated Marketing Specialist.

My Internet Marketing Blog:
http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

The marketing I recommend!
http://bit.ly/i9m3ZF

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Relieving Stress this time of year

2010-11-30T10:17:00.001-08:00

One of the things I find so valuable when I treasure hunt is to keep in mind what my family and friends collections, hobbies and things that are important to them.

Recently a very dear friend was saddened at one of her favorite collectibles breaking. So as I was out doing my "normal" shopping/treasure hunting, there on the shelf of a thrift store was exactly the item she broke!!!!! Can you imagine the thrill when she opens her Christmas present and see's her beloved little treasure in the box.

No it does not cost very much, but yet it is the fact that I listened to her and remembered what was important to her.

It is not about how much you spend, it is about how much you care. It cost me just a few dollars, but it will say so much to my friend to know that I listened to just a passing comment from her.

Your ears are a very important tool, but sometimes we do not use them as we should. Remember we have 2 ears and 1 mouth, and we should use them in proportion to that.
Boy am I speaking to me on this one!!!!!

During my weekly visits "treasure hunting" I am always keeping an eye out for just the right thing for someone special in my life. It has nothing to do with being "cheap", but everything to do with the fact that they are on my mind and I remember what is important to them.

So this coming year why not make a practice of really looking with your heart and eyes to what might be a special treasure to someone on your Christmas list. You will save so much stress at this time of year, and you will bless someone with the gift of "YOU are important to me and I listened to your wants and needs".

Think about how you can stay within your budget and yet have the most wonderful Christmas or other holiday ever!!!

How would you feel if when you opened up your gift that it wasn't so much about what was inside but that someone really cared enough to keep you on their mind? The fact that they actually listened to you and what was important to you.

This is the time of year to show that you care. It is not about buying expensive gifts that will break or wear out, but to truly say "I love you and you are my TREASURE"

Take Action And Live The Life You Want

2010-11-29T22:44:00.001-08:00

Don't let drama eat your life.

This is just one life, which mean that now is the time for you start living it. This life is your only chance to make happen.

It's time to live with all your priorities in mind and stop waiting for a miracle to change anything or wishing things were different.

It's time for you to make things different.

It's time to stop over drinking or eating and start exercising and eating healthy.

Time to stop procrastination and take action on your to do list... Go head make that appointment, write that articles, call that great business connection you haven, just don't stop and get it done.

Time to hug and kiss your child or children, it doesn't matter if they're sleeping, kids always feel the love.

Tell your family members, friends, and online connection how much they mean to you.

It's time to turn that dream into the business you want. Read that book you bought a few weeks or months ago and now is just collecting dust.

It's your time to take action and make a difference in this world!

Quote: "The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it." - Anonymous.

So, don't wait until next year...

It's time to stop waiting and start living the life you want and deserve.

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Motivated Marketing Specialist.

My Internet Marketing Blog:
http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Tweet with me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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One Millimeter Philosophy By Anthony Robbins

2010-11-28T23:12:00.001-08:00

What will it take for us to realize our potential? Could we be so close that the next step could be the one that opens the door? I love the 1 millimeter philosophy by Anthony Robbins.

l closer than we might imagine. Dr Terry Paulsen even goes so far as to say that we might be winning and not have realized it. Whether we have already won and haven't realized it yet or are 1 millimeter away focus on what you want to accomplish and why you want to accomplish it. Know that you can make a difference by persevering.

Having met and worked with a lot of very successful people I know that they are not much different from everyone else. They have had doubts, fears and frustrations along their paths but they believed in themselves, knew why they were making the necessary sacrifices and went the extra millimeter.

One Millimeter is the difference from average to great. Now is your time to take the next step and change the world.

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Motivated Internet Marketing Specialist.

Marketing and Trends tips at:
http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Let's tweet at:
http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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Gratitude Is Power

2010-11-27T19:37:00.001-08:00

What's gratitude for you? Did you how to take advantage of the positive power behind it?...

So much of the input we receive revolves around what we don't have. Leaving us perpetually seeking something that will make us happy.

That's why I love the simple message behind the words thank you.

Gratitude is the key. It softens the times that we feel down if we can make a conscious choice to think about what we have to be grateful for. It empowers us and inspires when we think of all the positive elements of our lives.

It also liberates us to be creative and productive by lifting the shackles of fear and the need to search for something or someone to fulfill us. It allows us to be a positive force in the world to inspire others. What are 10 things that we have to be grateful for right now? Things like:

- Your health.
- Than you are alive.
- Your job.
- And if you unemployed, the help you get the government and from family and friends.
- For the meals you had today.
- Your kids.
- Your wealth.
- Your car.
- For public transportation, if you don't have your own car.
- Your easy to ride bike.
- What about that faithful dog or cat.
- The Internet.
- Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube...
- Etc..

I know you can come up with a bigger list than mine... Add your below.

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza.
Motivated Marketing Specialist.

My marketing blog: http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Tweet me at: http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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Time: Life Lessons From A Musical

2010-11-23T22:51:00.001-08:00

Enjoy this beautiful poem from a famous musical!

"Stand before me on the sign of infinity all you of the earth. With the granting of the law of provination comes the application of change.

I will give you the key.

And with this knowledge, please realize, comes the responsibility of sharing it. I will show you the way,
it's very simple.

Throughout the Universe there is order...

In the movement of the planets, in nature and in the functioning of the human mind. A mind that is in its natural state of order, is in harmony with the Universe. And such a mind is timeless.

Your life is an expression of your mind.
You are the creator of your own Universe.

For as a human being, you are free
to will whatever state of being you desire through the use of your thoughts and words.

There is great power there... It can be a blessing or a curse; it's entirely up to you.

For the quality of your life is brought about by the quality of your thinking...
Think about that.

Thoughts produce actions...

Look at what you are thinking. See the pettiness and the envy and the greed and the fear and all the other attitudes
That cause you pain and discomfort. Realize that the one thing you have absolute control over is your attitude...
See the effect that it has on those around you.

For each life is linked to all life, and your words carry with them chain reactions, like a stone that is thrown into a pond.

If your thinking is in order, your words will flow directly from the heart, creating ripples of Love. If you truly want to change your world, my friend, you must change your thinking.

Reason is your greatest tool, it creates an atmosphere of understanding, which leads to caring, which is love.

Choose your words with care.

Go forth...with Love."

From the musical "TIME"
narrated by Sir Lawrence Olivier (as timelord)

I hope you enjoy this wonderful poem full of wisdom!

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Motivated Internet Business Specialist.

My Marketing Blog: http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Connect with me on Twitter at:
http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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Keep Positive By Avoiding Vampires

2010-11-23T06:13:00.001-08:00

Do You Believe In Vampires?

Have you noticed lately that certain people just drain your energy and being around them for too long definitely impacts your positive energy level? I know I have. I call these people energy Vampires...for a good reason.

Most often, their personality is one of negative attitude and pessimism. They tend to complain about their life, but they do nothing to change it or improve it. They just complain about this...and they complain about that.

I always try to motivate them some how, you can actually help them by providing a positive comment. But, the Vampires are those that will just answer back with some type of negative feedback, and no matter what you said to them they will always find the "bad" in it.

You have to be careful with this type of people, they have so much negative energy that can also impact your life!

Don't waist your time and energy with them and focus on those willing to put a positive change in their life.

Now, if you like me and still want to help the poor vampires, at least not to do it to close. If you want to help them do what I do; I find other ways to motivate them. Like:

- Send them a motivational card or email.

- Send a funny card or text them a joke. Laugh is a great wait to release stress.

- Send them a random thank you for being your friend.

- Send them a random card or text to let them know that you believe in them.

Those are just a few ideas, you can also put your creativity to work and come out with even better ones.

...Because

If you have a lot of love in you, why not share it to help fill some else heart with love too!...

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Motivated Marketing Specialist.

My 'Free Internet Marketing Tips' blog:
http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Tweet me your thoughts at:
http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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Giving Thanks to the Past the Present and the Future

2010-11-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Be Blessed and Give Thanks!

Large family, small family, young, old, only a few, one or two it does not matter how big or how many. What does matter is to give thanks!

Take a moment and remember a time "back in the day" and be thankful to have such grand memories! Life is far to short to play the "would of - Could of - Should of been or if I only knew" game of life!

I'm a firm believer we all walk a path heading for a brighter future. We go through "stuff" to build better tomorrows.

During Thanksgiving Day, spend a moment and be thankful for all you've been through and what you are about to see. Call it prayer, call it grace or just call it no matter what your faith, take a moment for yourself and be thankful!

I'm thankful right now for you to take the time to read this message. It is not by chance that you are here. There must be a meaning to what I typed or I would not have typed it!

Be blessed and give thanks!

Get The Fire Back In Your Business

2010-11-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

I want to Introduce you to the "Mind Set."

The fire mindset reminds us of the "Wisdom Of The Ages", which is simply:

- To make wise decisions.

- Maintain good sound judgment.

- And work to incorporate the teachings of new learning into our existing business systems and life.

So, forget drama and reboot your life and business to a new better type of mind set that put you on the path to success!

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Motivated Marketing Specialist.

For free online marketing tips visit my blog at:
http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Also connect with me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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An inspiring thought for today

2010-11-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

Your achievements are not determined by your ability alone,but by the desire you possess to reach them.

There are worlds outside of those you created for yourself, and the only boundaries are those you establish and choose to look within.

Heart Desires

2010-11-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday is gone... Let it go... It is hopeless to worry about it for it will never come again! No matter how many times of failures and disappointments that you may have encountered, YOU can Still make your life, your career a Glorious success! It is NEVER to late to start. TODAY is the Only day that matters!----use it as a start towards the things your HEART DESIRES!

Keep this in mind, as you start each day, and make it your goal to reach your hearts desire! Only you can set your goals! Never Give Up Trying!

There Is No Failure, Only Success

2010-11-16T06:33:00.001-08:00

Here is a great lesson from my friend Raymond Hollohan about success vs failure.

"There is no failure except in not trying. You cannot be beaten at anything, until you quit in your own mind. There is no defeat except from within.

You have no really insurmountable barrier except your own inherent weakness of purpose.

Consider yourself on a very long journey. Sustain your personal vision of success.

In the end, you can only fail if you do not try.

Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is."

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
A Motivated Marketing Specialist.

My blog: http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter if think I'm likable! :o)
http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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The Driving Force Power Of Your Mind

2010-11-11T13:33:00.001-08:00

Napoleon Hill use to call this "Power Of The Mastermind!" Here's what I learned from his popular book series "Think and grow rich":

In his book Think And Grow Rich – Power Of The Mastermind. He provide detail lessons on a chapter title "THE DRIVING FORCE", in this chapter he give you his ninth step towards riches... When I said "riches" he doesn't talk just about getting wealthy, but also he helps people to improve their personal life by becoming happy, motivated, action takers, goal focus individuals!

This is a powerful chapter, in the true sense of the word.

Napoleon Hill states: "POWER is essential for success in the accumulation of money. PLANS are inert and useless, without sufficient POWER to translate them into ACTION."

He goes on: "POWER may be defined as 'organized and intelligently directed KNOWLEDGE.'"

And: "POWER IS REQUIRED FOR THE ACCUMULATION OF MONEY! POWER IS NECESSARY FOR THE RETENTION OF MONEY AFTER IT HAS BEEN ACCUMULATED!"

Let's translate this, when he said power he referring to doing or putting PASSION in all your actions so you can make all your plans succeed.

So, whatever your goals are, make sure to pursuit with love and passion that way every action you take will fulfill every moment of your beautiful life!

What is your opinion ? I always love your feedback, so please leave me a comment with questions, thoughts, or feedback.

And (yes, here's my call to action) please share this post with your Twitter and Facebook friends. I appreciate you telling others.

To a prosperous life,

Luis E Galarza,
A Motivated Marketing Specialist.

My blog: http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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Positive Thoughts

2010-11-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry, everyone how I have lapsed with an entry to this blog. I have no good excuse since I have wifi some of the time while RVing and having fun. Breaks from home are surely worth it and one sure is stimulated by the sights and sounds of other places to appreciate home. You also get new ideas for your networking and also online selling. On this last trip I bought lots of things to sell and with relisting other items I am up to 26 auctions and still going. Ebay must have felt my positive vibes as they called me today on Veterans Day. Wished to share about the advantages of delivery conrfirmation purchased thru eBay and how it can automatically give you a 5 rating on shipping when the item arrives at its destination. The Ebay girl was very nice and did not get pushy and she is sending me more information through an e mail. Thanks to our soldiers out there and Happy Veterans Day.
Judy
(papel1)

A Quote From Ronald Reagan We All Need!

2010-11-05T20:48:00.001-07:00

Let's remember this excellent quote by our ex-president Mr. Ronald Reagan that comes very handy in this present hard times.

"I'm convinced that today the majority of Americans want what those first Americans wanted: a better life for themselves and their children; a minimum of government authority. Very simply, they want to be left alone in peace and safety to take care of the family by earning an honest dollar and putting away some savings. This may not sound too exciting, but there is something magnificent about it. On the farm, on the street corner, in the factory and in the kitchen, millions of us ask nothing more, but certainly nothing less, than to live our own lives according to our values—at peace with ourselves, our neighbors and the world."

By Ronald Reagan

What's your thoughts about his quotation?

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Marketing Specialist.

Free Internet Marketing Blog:
http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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How to Use Visualization To Get What You Want

2010-11-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the law of attraction? This is an universal force that can be use to achieve what you want in life, and visualization is the number one law in the rule book. Use it right Be A Law unto Yourself!

This is the same technique use by top athletes to visualize themselves winning. Is also the law teach by many top personal development experts and have been use by many of the most successful people in the world.

So, let's put a stop to the drama and start attracting the success and anything you want in life!

THE TECHNIQUE!

So, how you can use visualization to get what you want in this life?

Visualization and guided imagery are among the mightiest healing powers of the mind. The rule of visualization needs only one thing to make it work - the astonishing creative ability of your own imagination.

Using visualization or imagery, you heal yourself by building strong pictures in your mind of what you want to happen and then believing that those mind pictures are real.

The secret to building positive images in your mind is to visualize precise details. Imagine how something looks, sounds, smells, feels and tastes.

You do your part and I have done mine....

Now apply this technique into your life for everything you want to get or achieve. Trust me it works, if you believe in your thoughts!

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,

"In a quest to inspire and
motivate as many people
I can!"

Blog: http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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Having Goals Is As Important To Your Personal Life

2010-11-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Having goals to make your life, the way that you want it is important. You should think about the different levels of success that you want and how far you are willing to go after them. Think about all the different methods you can come up with so that you are using your best interest to be as successful as possible.

Being committed is going to be something that anyone who is serious about his or her success should do. You need to be committed in life to thinking about all the different strategies that you can work up. Are you are able to be strong and determinate in life to be a huge success? If so then, you are ready to take the next step in life. This step is going to be one that takes you over the top and gives you the ability to be as successful as possible.

There is nothing in life that you cannot do. All you really need in life is to have a great determination and a strong personality. You should always be ready for what you need to do. Having goals is one way to make sure that you have the power to be a huge success and able to make dreams happen. Your dreams are very crucial to your happiness and all the goals that you have. Without goals, you are going to be a sad and very unstable person.

Being goal oriented is going to make you appreciate everything that you do in life. You should always think about the things that you do and how they are going to affect your life. Are you doing everything that you can to be as successful as possible? Make sure that you are doing all that you can to stay on top of what you need to do. If you plan something, the best thing that you can do is stick to it. You have to make sure that you are trying your best to bring all of your goals to the front of the line and make them happen for you.

Commitment to everything you do is going to be especially important. You should work hard at what you are doing and keep an open mind to all of the possibilities in life. Choose your thoughts carefully and be willing to go to the next step. You should always work hard and think about what is most important to you. There is nothing that can stop you when you have the right thoughts jammed into your head and thinking about it all the time. You will find more satisfaction in your life when you are sure of what is going on and how hard you have to work.

Others will see your commitment and what you are doing. Once you are recognized for all your hard work and determination, you are going to feel great about what you have achieved. You are going to have more success and know that you did what you had to in order to be a great success story in the end. Do not hesitate to be sure, of what you want in life. When you are setting goals and making commitments to certain things in life, you are the one that is going to be in control and choose what you do next.

Remember goals can be made everyday. You are the one that is going to be able to choose your goals and everything that you do. Make sure that you have something in mind for your life and then go after it. Do not let anyone stand in your way of making your dreams work for you and go after each and everyone. There is no stopping you when you keep all the power within yourself and use your goals to keep you committed to what is most important.

Help The Big Cats Today

2010-10-31T20:53:00.001-07:00

I just got a email from The Animal Rescue Site. They always post a spotlight on domesticated cats, but this time they want to talk to you about the plight of some much larger, less tame cats: Africa's lions.

Yes, the king of the jungle need your help!

There are an estimated 20,000 lions left in the wild areas of this massive continent, an alarming decline from the roughly 450,000 that existed in the 1940s. With the loss of their native habitat, poisoning through the use of dangerous pesticides in farming, and the still lucrative poaching market, the King of the Beasts could face extinction in their native land in a mere 10 years.

We can help today by signing a online petition to Help Save Lions And Other Rare Animals. This online action will send a message to U.S. senators, asking them to support the Great Cats and Canids Act. This vital legislation will provide financial support for groups working to protect rare great cat and wild canine populations outside of North America. Many of the countries native for these species lack the resources to conserve these animals within their borders...a global effort is needed.

Help these majestic creatures survive: take action today! See more at their website:
http://www.theanimalsrescuesite.org

Thank you for helping animals in their homes and yours.

Yours truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Marketing Specialist.

Blog: http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Luis_Galarza

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I can see autumn from my house

2010-10-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

We were happy to move this year. Each changing season has shown us new things on our new property, filling our year with fun surprises.

Autumn has turned our front yard tree a lovely shade of red. I enjoy the view so much I had to take some photographs to share. Most of our backyard trees have already dropped their leaves, but this tree is hanging on. It's nice that our neighbor's tree is a match to ours. I will be looking forward to these beautiful red leaves every fall.

A Remarkable Birthday Wish

2010-10-30T00:44:00.001-07:00

Is giving part of your life, if not it should be... You missing out on the fulfilling emotion that you can expienrence by giving to those in need.

I want to tell a little story of a wonderful person that made a remarkable birthday wish!

Her name is Tonya and she did something awesome, she donated their birthday to charity! Yes, instead of asking for gifts, Tonya started a Birthday Wish event to raise money for a great cause. Here's the full story in her own words:

"I can't stand to see animals abused!!! They are God's creatures too!!! Even though I have a very bad allergy, to animals, they still have a special place in my heart!!! I now have 4 dogs and they are like children to me!!! I love them with ALL my heart!!!"

So please check out Tonya's Birthday Wish, spread the word, and make a donation if you can at:

http://www.causes.com

Thanks so much!

We're so lucky to have such awesome people in this world.

Your truly,

Luis E Galarza,
Markting Specialist.

Blog: http://LuisGalarza.blogspot.com

.

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Never to old to learn

2010-10-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

Upon going through some papers the other day, I came across this. I'm sure some of you might have already read it, but this will be just a reminder.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm 87 years old. Can I give you a hug?" I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze. "Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked. She jokingly replied, "I'm her to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of kids.." "No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. "I always
dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next 3 months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went...She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her 3 by 5 cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so may people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are 19 and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn 20 years old. If I am 87 and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn 88. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over 2000 college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never to late to be all you can possibly be. These words have been passed along in loving memory of Rose.

REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.

We make a LIVING by what we get, We make a LIFE by what we give. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it--He will bring you through it. Lord I love you and need you, come into my heart today. For without you I can do nothing.

My you have a blessed day.

Attutude -- It really is everything

2010-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

I got this in an email today and it spoke to me! I didn't want to keep all this attitude for myself, but thought it was worth sharing with everyone! This is the way I try to live everyday.

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one

morning, looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'
So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.

'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a

pony tail.'
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror

and
noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her

head.
'YAY!' she exclaimed. 'I don't have to fix my hair

today!'

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary,

for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of

battle.

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly,

and pray continually.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

It's about learning to dance in the rain

An Angel Was Watching Over Us

2010-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things work out in ways we never expect.

Last spring my daughter needed us to be in Chicago for a very serious surgery. While we were there a (Danna Crawford - PowersellingMom.com) invited us to a memorial service for her Grandma.

As a side note we met "Grandma" several times when we visited and stayed at Danna's house while we were visiting Ocala, Florida. She was a lovely lady (in the truest sense of the word) and loved Gene, even proposed to him while they were joking around one day.

I feel we were privileged to share a few hours with a wonderful person.

So back to Illinois - We had driven our RV to a campground in Joliet and the service was about 30 minutes away. As we were driving to the small farming community I notice yard sale signs. Wow there was another one - Hey look there is the same sign on each corner. Turns out it was the day for the community yard sales.

We went to the lovely service and after we left decided to stop at several of the sales. Even though we have been selling on eBay for many years, I don't have alot of experience in yard sale buying for reselling.

That day we found what we though were many great deals and unique things.

We listed them almost right away and as of today of the 30 items we bought 25 are sold at a 3 -5x what we paid profit.

Both us truly believe Grandma was helping us, directing us and giving us the tap on the shoulder to say - "way to go"!

Even though the service was a celebration of her life (and her 'famous' cookies) it was still sad to know she was gone. And what could have been a reflective, sad day turned out to be joyful and a true celebration.

Thank you Grandma!! ((( )))

Challenge, Photography and Flowers all-in-one

2010-10-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of you'll like challenges and many want to improve their photography skills, so I thought this might be of interest. I just ran across this site while challenging the left brain. I think you may like the entire site and the flower challenge looks like fun.

Jim

Blueberry Craft and Hobby Time
Craft and hobby ideas, weekends in Ireland and my attempt at photography

Pandora Radio Plays Happy Music I Like!

2010-10-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

Music! What we do without it? When I want to change my mood, I play a song. Turn it up loud and enjoy life. When I need a quick listen I turn to Pandora.com. I listen on any computer, work, personal, even my Android mobile phone. The great thing about Pandora is how it selects music to suit your mood. Enter a song that you like, create a station and Pandora selects other similar songs. You get an automatic playlist, called a "station". You can like and unlike the songs to narrow it down to your taste. You can also see your Facebook friend's stations. I play my Paul Simon station a lot lately! It was my brother's station originally. I recommend you have a listen to the Paul Simon station - you will feel happy!

Here's a link to my stations:
elegantkb Pandora

The Power Listing Day

2010-09-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

Thursday, I participated in the Power Listing Day on Virtual Online Learning with Danna. This challenge motivates you to set a goal on how many listings you think you can do and then you see if you can meet or exceed the goal. It is a very motivating challenge to me. I set a goal of listing 5 items, auction only. I haven't listed many so I wanted to list an amount I felt I could do. Well I met the goal. It felt good to be able to set a goal and meet it. I will try for double in the October challenge. Thanks Danna for setting up this challenge. Here is a link to my listings on ebay.

http://shop.ebay.com/gvtreasures/m.html

Please leave a comment if you want. Thanks

Pumpkin Time

2010-09-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

We are now officially in my favorite season. Fall. It is time to break out the long sleeve shirts and jackets. It is time to take walks in the afternoon to look at the fall colors of the leaves as they change from greens to brilliant oranges and reds. It is time to see the corn fields bare after the combine has made short work of the crop. It is time to pick out your favorite pumpkin to carve and put on your front step, or maybe even best of all, have your grandma bake a pumpkin pie with her recipe that you are sure is the best in the world.

Why do I, in particular, love the Fall of the year? It was in the Fall that I first fell. Fell in love with my wife I mean. We met and went on a chuck-wagon date where we ate steaks cooked over an open fire and sat around a camp fire with people that my wife knew, but who were mostly complete strangers to me. I loved the Fall before that, but I sealed the deal with my favorite season the year I met my wife.

Do you have a favorite season? What memories do you associate with it? I can only hope that they are as fond and pleasant as mine.

Another time management tool

2010-09-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Another time management tool; but this one is to manage the time when Drama Starts creeping in, just click on a circle and throw it against the wall.
Take care, Jim

forked from: forked from: forked from: [Stardust] KiraKira Waypoints - wonderfl build flash online

Always Give Thanks

2010-09-12T12:45:00.001-07:00

Always Give Thanks

I guess lime most people we all look forward to a new day, week, month or year. We have been going through a very good spell, our sales are up, we have been able to source some wonderful items to list, people are talking to you, and there are no cross words with anyone. You could say life is good.

But then we wake up one morning and from the time you open your eyes to you go to bed everything seems to be going wrong. Orders do not turn up, you get bad feedback, and those people who were your best friends seem to have dropped you for a new set of friends. You look at your life and say "I have done nothing different what has gone wrong" - Well it could be Life. You see in life we have good spells and bad spells. But it is how we re-act to the bad spells is what matters.

When "Bad" stuff happens we should not lash out at people, or when we get a return, we should not take it personally, but we should say "Ok,I have had a bad spell, So what and move forward and not dwell on the bad hours or days in our lives.

Yes we may go through long spells on a down period, but it is how we react, that makes us grow. We need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and get on. Yes we may fall over loads of times, we need to pick ourselves up and watch our steps. Check our roadmap for ourlives and see if we need to pick another route, a route with less stones in it to trip us up.

But even when we trip up and fall down we need to say what have a learnt from that fall and how can I make a difference from what I learnt when I got back up. And no matter what if we have had a good day or a bad day we need to give thanks to those around us, to those who support us when we feel down and to those who give us a smile or a phone call.

More important we need to say Thanks to God, for the wonderful day, we have had, for the air we breathe and the birds in the air. We need to thank Him for the clothes on our backs, the internet we use day in and day out to make a living. Just a Simple thanks will do, but it will make all the difference.

Love People, Not Things

2010-09-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

"What most people need to learn in life is how to love people and use things, instead of using people and loving things."
-- Author Unknown
When I came across this quote, I had to stop, reread it, and then thought about what I had just read. How true this statement is! Today, in this crazy fast paced world that we live in, we have a tendency to forget what really is important, and the basics of what we were taught as children. If everyone would just take the time to behave towards one another as we ourselves would like to be treated, life would be less hectic and chaotic. People would respect one another, and the love of things would decrease.The stress to be the best, regardless of who gets stepped on in the process, would be less because everyone likes to be treated with respect. No one likes to feel like a door mat and be walked upon. Even the little things add up. So as you go through daily chores, and come in contact with other people, remember to treat them as you would like to be treated. Don't let the love of things take priority. Put the love of people first and use things not the other way around.

Greetings To All My Poetry Friends

2010-09-11T08:09:00.001-07:00

Greetings to all of my friends and fellow poets. I just wanted to take a moment to write and let you all know that I have been sick and unable to do much on the computer as of late. I hope to be in a better place soon so that I can write and post again. I miss it, which is a good sign because for a while now I have not cared about writing or the computer or anything. So I hope you are all well and I look forward to hooking up with you all again soon.

Also I have been wanting to share something with you. I have a friend who makes dolls. Her name is Jodi Gains and she has made over a thousand dolls and shipped then world wide. As soon as I discovered her I knew that I had found the doll maker who could make my dreams come true. She made a doll of me and my scarecrow (from when I was a boy), and Ryan and his monkey, (his boyhood toy that is in heaven with him now.) Nathan also had a stuffed monkey when he was a boy. The dolls remind me of Coraline who I love a lot. She has Coraline dolls by the way! She did an awesome job and the dolls have been so comforting while I have been struggling with my mystery illness again. This time I am seeing a neurologist and I hope she will shed some more light on a life long battle.

So I will write more about the ragdolls and about what happens in the weeks ahead soon. Don’t give up on me! I will be back. In the mean time check out my dolls and Jodi’s sight and blog. She is so cool and the dolls are very nicely made. One day she will be famous and these early works will be collectors items. I will get more dolls from her if my fortunes ever change. I already have some new ideas. Please check her out! She is most definitely worth the time and the dolls are priceless.

Thanks and hope to be back up and running again soon.

love, asa

http://jodiscreepydolls.blogspot.com/2008/02/rag-dolls.html

http://www.tatteredrags.net/

image collage by; asa, ragdolls by, Jodi Gains of Tattered Rags

5 Happy People to follow on Twitter!

2010-09-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

I like to tweet. Twitter is fun and friendly and drama free when you are tuned in to positive people. These friends will make you smile. The stream of updates they put out are inspiring, interesting, and nice!

@kathykeefe This lady is super smart, genuine and friendly. She shares news, tech trends and ideas for small businesses. You can tell she is having a blast.

@AnitaNelson puts out hugs, smiles, cheers, funny stuff and tips for entrepreneurs and twitter success. She has a lot of klout and a huge heart. She is at the top of my positive people list!

@lovepeaceunity for inspirational, feel good reminders all the time.

@lorinmoreno lovely quotes, the stream theme is love and giving.

@seasonedWTime is a friendly ebay seller with a passion for books and puzzles. She treats others with kindness and is another positive person to follow.

You can follow me too @elegantKB. Happy tweeting!

Fall Weather - Time For Pumpkin Cookie Mix

2010-09-04T13:23:00.001-07:00

This mix is a wonderful gift for someone that likes to bake but doesn’t have much time. It is also good to make ahead of the holiday time crunch. You can make homemade cookies later when you are short on time.

Pumpkin Cookie Mix

Makes approximately 12 cups dry mix

2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 TBSP ground cinnamon
2 tsp allspice
2 tsp baking soda
1 ½ cups butter or margarine, softened
3 ½ cups uncooked rolled oats
1 cup nugget cereal
1 cup raisins or craisins
1 cup chocolate chips

In large bowl, combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, allspice, and baking soda. Using pastry blender or knives, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in oats, cereal, raisins, and chips. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

4 dozen cookies:

6 cups Cookie Mix
1 cup solid pack pumpkin
1 egg, beaten
1 TBSP vanilla extract

Blend cookie mix, pumpkin, egg and vanilla, mixing well. Drop rounded tsp onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 12-15 minutes. Cool slightly. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

How To Be Happy Being Yourself

2010-08-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

How to Be Happy Being Yourself

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Being yourself is the easy bit, but being happy is difficult. They are similar but the results are massively different.

Steps

Be yourself! This means doing what you want, achieving your goals not living up to others expectations because this is your life. It's just tuning out the little voice that says "What will so-and-so think."
Accept and forget. Write down all your flaws everything you don't like about yourself. Divide them into three columns: worth worrying about, who cares? and why is it even on this list? Rip them all up. This is not about changing yourself. This is being yourself and loving yourself for it.
Eliminate! Identify places or people or things that make you feel uncomfortable with yourself. Eliminate this stuff from your schedule. You have no time for people who don't accept you.
Forget others' opinions. If you feel fat because someone said you were they were probably covering up for their own insecurity problem. Feel superior, take the high road and forget.
Learn to forgive. Once your self-esteem is booming and confidence glowing I bet at least one person will be sorry. Forgive and forget. Everyone makes mistakes. You did by listening to them.
Enjoy yourself! Life is short. Live it well. Never back down from an obstacle you face. And always remember,you are number one. You are you and its only the world around you.
Learn to have a good laugh everyday. Call it your daily dose of laughter. Laughter has been proven to help you relax, boost your immune system, protect your heart, and help you just feel good in general. Think about old stuff that you thought was funny and laugh about it again!
Enjoy what you do, and don't let ANYONE get you down because they don't do it, or they don't like it. No one can be normal because everyone's unique.

Tips

Listen to Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful' and Sugababes' 'Ugly' and other mood boosting songs.
When you're forgiving someone - forgive them, then move on! Don't rehash or remind. It doesn't mean that it didn't happen... regain your power and choose to release yourself from the situation. Mistakes happen, people may or may not learn from them. Forgive.
Try helping others. There is nothing like helping someone else to help improve your self confidence.
Do something that you want to do, or like, every day. Whether it be listening to the song that you love, or dancing in your underwear in your bedroom, it doesn't matter. Just do it and forget about other people. Enjoy the moment of being free, and carry that with you for the rest of the day.
It's your life; so live it how you want to! But be aware of what you are doing.
Make a "happy" songs play list to listen to when you're not feeling so good. This especially helps at the beginning of your day.
If you are feeling lonely spend some time doing fun things with the people that are close to you.

Warnings

Could result in excessive happiness.
-May also cause over-confidence and cause you to do things you wouldn't normally do!

Things You'll Need

Confidence
Patience
Hopefulness

The Unbee Tree

2010-08-26T16:26:00.001-07:00

The Unbee Tree

rests deep in the wood

where a cacophony of sound

inhales woodsy tones

rich earthy smells

that make the heart beat

and the chest swell

with all the sights

and sounds and

fragrance sweet

that make this

wondrous place

such a special treat

for all His little ones of

The Unbee Tree

sitting nestled in deep

soft luscious green grass

where His children play

and feel good all day

where never is there

a harsh word to say

where no heart is blue

and the sky is not gray

Under The Unbee Tree

boys and girls are

all safe and sound

there is no one

to hurt them and

no monsters around

no one even gets wounded

if they fall from the Unbee

Tree down onto the ground

into the soft green grassy

days of sunshine and glee

all the children are happy

all the children are free

each day anew for

each lad and lass

not a worry not a care

no school, not even a class

so frolicky free in the

warm summer sun

every day with Jesus

is going to be fun

and all the days will

soon be unending

in the eternal realm of joy

where our gentle priest king

loves and cares for each

broken little girl and boy

unkempt little ragdolls

just dying to see

what life is really like

under The Unbee Tree.

asa

Might as Well Watch Oprah

2010-08-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Might As Well Watch Oprah (article taken from blogcatalog.com newsletter)

Mark Jackson, President and CEO of Vizion Interactive, sometimes meets with resistance when trying to convince companies to add blogs to their corporate sites. When Mark posed the idea to one particular client, he responded by saying, "Blogs are just places where people can hear themselves talk about how smart they are and then other people link to it so they can get more people to their blogs so they can hear how smart they are – might as well watch Oprah."

Nothing against Oprah, but blogs are amazing tools for communication and provide many benefits for brands that watching Oprah simply can't. Jackson explains these benefits by covering a few key areas: thought leadership, adding depth to a website, the use of human language, getting links, and the benefits of fresh content.

It's worth a read. Plus, Oprah will be leaving her show in the near future, and maybe then all those naysayer executives will be forced to start looking for well-informed people to run their blogs.

The title of this section will link you to Mark's post. If you like what has to say you can follow him on Twitter at @vizionweb or visit Vizion's SEO Blog.

Submitted by Judy McGarry

Sweet Refreshing Summer Treat

2010-08-19T05:59:00.001-07:00

Angel Food Cake Tropical Pineapple Strawberry Parfait Dessert

Hot weather and cool desserts go hand in hand and this dessert is easy to make, your family and friends will just love it!

The word Parfait in French means Perfect. In 1894 Parfait began being to referred to as a frozen dessert make of sugar, syrup, egg and cream.

Parfait made in America is made with cream, ice cream or jello layered with ingredients like yogurt, fresh fruit nuts, or whipped topping served in a tall glass showing off the layers. Even the Sundae traditionally could be referred to a Parfait.
This Angel Food Parfait is a take off of the Parfait and when done layering this dessert does look similar to the Sundae.

1 Small Angel Food Cake
7-8 Fresh Strawberries
1 Jar Strawberry Glaze
1 8 oz Size Cool Whip or Whip Topping
1 4 oz pkg Vanilla Pudding
1 20 oz Can Crushed Pineapple
1 Small Bag Sweet Flaked Coconut
1 TBL Sugar

Rinse Strawberries and cut off the tops. Slice length wise. Put into bowl, add sugar, toss and leave out about 20 minutes. (If your Strawberries are very sweet, skip this step)
In a strainer, drain the pineapple. Place pineapple in mixing bowl and add dry pudding, mix well. Fold in Whip Topping and mix until all blended, set aside.
On a cutting board, slice Angel Food Cake into bite size squares and put into pile.
Pick out your dessert glassware. They could all be the same or different designs, but try to pick them out to be close to the same size in width and height.

Assemble the Dessert:
Place a spoonful of the Strawberry glaze in the bottom of the glass.
Place 1 or 2 pieces of Angel Food Cake.
Add spoonful of Pineapple filling.
Add 3-4 Strawberry slices
Couple more pieces of cake
Drizzle another spoonful of Strawberry Glaze
Add spoonful of Pineapple filling.
Couple more pieces of cake
Drizzle another spoonful of Strawberry Glaze
Add spoonful of Pineapple filling.
Add a couple more slices of Strawberries to the top
Drizzle another spoonful of Strawberry Glaze
Top with Coconut

Makes 5-6 Parfait’s

Dessert Glassware
Strawberry Kitchen Decor
Pineapple Kitchen Decor
Pineapple Glassware

Go To MagiesPlaceCookbook for more family favorite recipes :}

I LOVE BUTTERCUPS

2010-08-08T19:41:00.001-07:00

I LOVE BUTTERCUPS

bright yellow sun shining

on lazy days Buttercups

blowing in the

warm summer breeze

little boys running

in childish glee giggling

pick one up chin up

to see if you love butter

glowing with boyhood

in awestruck wonder

of life, rolling and tumbling

in the soft white and

yellow peppered lawn

to the sound of

approaching thunder's

hoof beats as we lay

in the Buttercups

drifting on boyhood dreams

watching the clouds

roll quickly by

in all the shapes that

catch a young boys eye

elephants and freight trains

a cow that says moo

jellyfish and monkey brains

ewww,ewww,ewww

all we love to see and feel

most anything that we fancy......

except that itchy scratchy grass

was feeling kind of antsy,

and our fantasy's drifted

on the wings of the wind

….to the echoing sound

of a distant calling

….....boys come in....

....a storm is squalling...

and so like clouds

our wispy dreams

roll away as we

save them for another day

and head inside

to dream and play

leaving our sunny

Buttercups for Resse's

Peanut Buttercups

until the summer storm

goes on it merry way

asa

images; internet, collage; asa

STAYING YOUNG

2010-08-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Don't know who the author is, but I thought I would share this.

1.    Throw out non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight, and height. Let the doctor worry about .
   them. That's why you pay him/her

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep Learning! Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening,...whatever! Never let the brain idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop." The devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young, that's all you can afford. When they're in college,
that's all you can afford. After you retire, that's all you can afford!

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in
the store by your distinctive laughter!

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is
ourselves. Be alive while you are alive, don't put out a mailbox on the highway of death and just wait in
residence for your mail.

7.   Surround yourself with what you love. Whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies,
       whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health. If it's good, preserve it. If it's unstable, improve it. If it's beyond what you can
   improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take FUN trips......go tothe mall, the next county, a foreign country, but not to a
guilty country.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them,.....at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER, LIFE is not measured by the number of breaths we take, BUT by the
MOMENTS that take our breath away!

Never Give Up

2010-08-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

There will be days and times when you, just sit there and think to yourself, My business is just not going anywhere, I have not sold much this week, and some of my products have not sold in months. Take a deep breath, get up from your desk and take a walk. Better still go for a long walk, clear your head. Now while this walk will not cure all your problems, you will come back feeling refreshed and your listings will look alive again.

Also at times your listings will just sit there and one day suddenly they will sell. For instance I had an item that had been sitting there for 12 months and as it was in my shop on a buy it now I knew that it was due for a new listing fee in a few days so I had made up my mind the next day to take it down and give it away or something. Next morning I turned on my computer and had an email to say it had sold for the asking price of £50.00 !!!!! So it pays never to stop giving up hope.

Again being honest here, at times items will just sit, and never sell, it is at times like this to cut your losses and either give the items to a Charity shop or sell at sill prices to just try and get your money back. But like anything in life or business please never ever give up. Why ? You never know what is going to happen the next day. You need to dream big dreams and tell yourself you are a real winner.

You are a winner, and if you work hard, and reach for your dreams one day you will be able to say , I am glad I never gave up. For more ideas and articles please take a look at my blog over at http://www.MyAuctionEmpires.com

How Loud Do Your Actions Speak?

2010-07-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

We all have heard throughout our lives that "Actions speak louder than words". But do you realize how LOUD? "The Butterfly Effect" is a short movie that illustrates just how loud our actions speak and how we each do make a difference not just right now, but in generations to come. It's about two and a half minutes long but speaks volumes. I hope you take a few minutes to watch
this beautiful movie!

Garden of Life #6

2010-07-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday, I volunteer six hours of my time at a tiny, two-room library in Reddick, Fla. For me, it's just like being a kid in a candy shop so it astounds me to watch little kids and teenagers walk by hundreds of books on the shelves only to sit at computers and watch videos for hours. They have no interest, whatsoever, in exploring all the different worlds which quietly reside in those precious volumes of paper, ink and cardboard.

Books have always been special treasures in my "Garden of Life." I was an only child and books kept me company by taking me on amazing adventures with all kinds of fascinating people and animals. I read science fiction, fantasy, and stories about dogs, cats and horses. My absolute favorite book when I was growing up was "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell -- the life of a horse, through his eyes. I read my paperback copy of BB so much I practically had it memorized. And all these years later, I still have that very same ragged copy in my collection. It's way too special to ever throw away.

Now, as an adult, when I hold a book in my hands I realize I am holding someone's dream, sweat and tears. It's an incredibly difficult process to write a book, let alone get one published. Writers who have successfully done so may have received numerous rejection slips before their dream finally became a reality. No matter what obstacles they faced in the publishing arena, though, they didn't give up. They kept trying, kept reaching until they were finally able to share their world of "pure imagination" and/or research with the rest of us.

So, have you picked up a good book lately? Better yet, have you shared one with a young child or teen?

Until next time. . . remember the roses.

Sing it to me James Brown

2010-07-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

I FEEL GOOD
James Brown

Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you

Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you

{ sax, two licks to bridge }

When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love won't do you no harm

and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you

{ sax, two licks to bridge }

When I hold you in my arms
I know that I can't do no wrong
and when I hold you in my arms
My love can't do me no harm

and I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you

Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would
So good, so good, I got you
So good, so good, I got you
So good, so good, I got you
HEY!!

How about you?

Grab a hold of some of these "Feel Good Vibes" I am sending your way today and have an AMAZING day! HEY!!!!

The excitement of children

2010-07-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Our oldest son and his family were here to visit last week. We do not see them often as they live in Germany while he is stationed at the Air Force base there.

I have to laugh at my comic strip life and the timing of things. I lost my voice to allergy problems and talked in a squeaky in again off again whisper for most of their stay. Chase is 6 and Parker is 3. Parker now thinks his grandma Leah doesn't have a real voice. We whispered to each other a lot.

The boys enjoy our fish tank, especially the baby guppies. As a surprise, we took them to a local pet store to pick out fish. The idea being that they could name the fish and leave them at our house here in the states. A fun conversation starter for future phone calls.

We took them around to see the other animals first. Once that fun was winding down we headed to the fish tanks in the back of the store.

Imagine...we are walking...grandma says in a whisper "You get to pick out..." and that is all that was heard before they began jumping up and down and yelling with excitement. Chase says "Wow! We get to pick out animals!! I'm getting a parrot!!" Parker, wide eyed and thrilled, responds "I am getting a cat!!" I had to laugh. I couldn't be heard. Grandpa Scott to the rescue.

We left with 2 new cory catfish for the tank. A green one named Rocky and a spotted one named Tigger. Gotta love it!

Positive Quotes

2010-07-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

"A strong positive attitude will create

more miracles than any wonder drug."

Patricia Neal

"Our attitude toward life determines
life's attitude towards us."

John N. Mitchell

"Having a positive mental attitude is
asking how something can be done rather than
saying it can't be done."

Bo Bennett

Its hard for me to actually come up with positive quotes, stories etc. so I went to this website for my 3 quotes.
http://www.positivequotes.org/
Judy

Life Is Like A Cup of Coffee - Inspirational Video Movie

2010-07-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

I love this video and it is so true. Hope you like it.

Purple Star Party!

2010-07-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm celebrating my eBay Purple Star today. This means I have sold over 500 items on eBay since I started selling in 2005. On my eBay Summary page I scroll down to see my feedback score. The next color star that I can shoot for is only 500 transactions away!

498 of my transactions have been drama free. I’d like to believe it’s because of the positive energy I’m putting out. But as many of you know, it’s a lot of hard work and good customer service. I may also be a bit lucky. After the first 100 stars I didn’t worry too much about reminding people to leave feedback. I’ve let my feedback grow organically. This means that I didn’t ask for feedback in the package and I didn’t remind people to leave feedback for me. People might say I was not being proactive in soliciting feedback. Could it be that I did not “ask” for drama?

So I will recognize the big 500 as my accomplishment today and celebrate. I somehow managed to turn this fun past time into a small business and people have noticed along the way! I plan to celebrate with my small staff that includes a husband and a teenage daughter. I want to include all the blog readers here at RunDramaRun in my Purple Star Party. Many of you can relate to the star feedback system and the rewards of hitting milestones as you sell on eBay, get Twitter followers, or reach new heights in blog traffic. So please join me in a toast of whatever you are drinking. Cheers!

???????WHO???????

2010-07-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

Who will weep for the children?

Who with broken heart will come?

Who will dare with open eyes to look?

Upon the horror being done!

Who can bear the agony?

The depths of untold pain!

Who can bear this burden?

Yet keep from going insane?

Who can know the secret?

And not cry out in shame!

A people who abuse its children???????

Are we not all to blame?

Who will come to their senses?

Who will cut against the grain?

And stand no matter the cost?

With the children and our pain!

asa

This is only a positive message if people will hear it and do their part to heal our land. Each generation is weaker than the previous one because of this disease that everyone involved needs to be healed from. Independence Day just past and we honored our soldiers once again for their service in acquiring our freedom. What soldiers are fighting to acquire the freedom of the suffering boys and girls on the front line in the war of child abuse. The wounds that are being inflicted every day against these lonely, silent, innocent victims are devastating to the core and leave life long scars. I know. Please do not turn a blind eye towards the child or adult victims of this hideous secret malady. They are all suffering! They need a lot of love and encouragement. Everyone should be free and not living in a prison forged by child abuse. That is not freedom at all. I know. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Someone may appreciate it some day.

Garden of Life #5

2010-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, in our "Garden of Life" we take for granted the very people who are the closest to us -- our spouses. We might have a bad day and end up taking it out on them. We might forget to say "please" and "thank you" for everything they do for us. We might forget an anniversary or a birthday and say a quick, unthinking "sorry." We might "tune out" when they are telling us something that has happened to them during their day. For those of you who may be experiencing these types of situations with your "significant other," I submit the following:

There Was a Time. . .

There was a time when I was lonely,
Then you came.
We built our friendship
Slowly, carefully, tentatively.

There was a time when my life was dark,
Then you brightened it.
You showed me how to chase
Away the shadows of mistrust.

There was time when I felt unloved,
Then you loved me.
No strings, no pressure --
Just "unconditional" love.

There was a time when I was sad,
Then you brought happiness.
You helped me shed my tears and
See the rainbow beyond the storm.

There was a time when my life was empty,
Then you filled it
With forests and beaches, autumn colors,
And winter wonderlands.

There was a time when I was afraid,
Then you brought courage.
You said we could face together
Whatever Fate might bring us.

There was a time when I stood alone,
Then you joined me.
We stood on an altar and
Pledged our lives and our love.

There Was A Time. . .

But that was before You.
Thank you, my Love, for changing my life. . .
And Times.

(From Marie to Husband, Joe; 1991)

Have you let your spouse know how much he or she means to you today?

Until next time. . . remember the roses.

Appreciation Will Bring A Smile

2010-07-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

How often have we gone in to a shop, bought something from the cashier, paid and then left the shop and the only words we said to them were a quick thanks ? We are all humans and I think we all have done this. But a would like to challenge you to try something a bit different -

The next time you are out and about and in a shop or restaurant, just spend a few minutes and say to the waiter or waitress "Thank you very much, tell them how well they served you, and how they helped you enjoy your meal with the way the served you" As you say those words to them you will notice how their body language will change they will be made to feel important and valued.

Right the above was quite easy and once you have done it a few times it will be easier and you will find yourself just doing it naturally where ever you are. Now I want to up the game a bit. When you see someone who is cleaning a shop, public toilets, offices, stop and have a chat with them and tell them what a difference they make to the place they clean and what a pleasure it is to go there.

By doing this you will make these people valued, and will put a smile on their faces. Also encourage your family and friends to do the same and over times think of the difference you will make to your town and city.

Have a Blessed Day

Andrew

My Auction Empires

Don't bungee jump naked!

2010-07-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

My cousin Opal and I are always trying to top each other on tall tales, so I had my tongue in cheek when I read it and nearly bit it laughing.

Be ready to laugh out loud!

Click here: YouTube - JEANNE ROBERTSON VIDEO! Don't Bungee Jump Naked!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=L1_W0LCHwK4

Drama Comments

2010-07-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

Do you know someone that "drama" comments?

This means someone that has thought up of creative wording to express themselves by turning a blog post or an article into a dramatic bunch of nonsense!

Most drama commenters don't show their "real" name as they hide behind their words. While you are reading you can actually hear them yelling "neener-neener" from the back of your mind!

Remember the bully on the playground?
This is the perfect example of a drama commenter!

The purpose? See how much attention we can get! Sometimes it can be a "stunt" like a publicity stunt where the blog or website owner will encourage someone to post negative comments. Negative comments can bring in attention to a site because of all the lurkers the site would then get many hits. Some people love drama and will go out of their way to be part of it. Little do they know that the drama has just added a bit of madness to their life.

Opening up the door to negative energy will grow like a ball of snow rolling down a hill! The negative forces will surround you until you cannot feel the smiles on your face anymore.

RUN from the drama. Avoid the drama and most of all don't FEED THE DRAMA!

Almost arrested at the airport

2010-06-30T08:38:00.001-07:00

Wait until you find out why!

Show Appreciation And Customers Will Flock To You

2010-06-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

As human beings we crave to be loved and also love being told we have done a good job. But how can we apply this to our online business and to your customers. Well before I give you a few steps, I just want to tell you a story, which I hope will paint a better picture.

At our Church we have started a program which has got the whole Church involved. The idea is that when we go into a shop we compliment the shop owner or the person serving us, on what a good job they are doing. Now I know at times customer service is not what it should be, but there will also be something that we can say that will bring a smile to the persons face and make them feel special.

Well recently I was sitting in a reception area and was doing some work while waiting for someone to finish a meeting. The reception area and down stairs office was manned by a mixed age range of male and female, and I over heard a girl great an older lady with "Hi you gourgous girl", then again I heard this same girl say the same thing to another girl, and as I worked, I listened and I noticed this was a greeting the girls made to each other no matter the age. When they saw a guy it was a similar greeting.
This was something that they did out of love for each other.

A little while passed and two older guys came off the street for some help. Now these were not smart well dressed men, but from the way they walk, talked, and were dressed they lived rough. They came in and said they had a meeting. They stood around and had a drink of coffee. A little while later, this same girl I mentioned earlier walked through the door. She was guess early 20's bubbly type, she saw these two guys and went up to them and gave them both a big hug and said hey great to see them and how they looked fantastic.

Now outwardly they looked far from fantastic, they looked sad, lonely, but as soon as she had said this, these guys smiled, looked alert - they were made to feel special, by just a few words.

Now how can we pass this on to our customers ?

1) Also be prompt with our emails, and always let them know what is happening with their order.

2) When we send the order out include a small gift as an extra.

3) Always include a thank you note with the order, people will remember this.

Just go that extra mile with your customer, treat them like you would like to be treated.

CURIOUS BANDIT

2010-06-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

You think children are curious? Well....they aren't the ONLY ones! Ha!Ha! I have a 6year old Shih Tzu that is just as bad, if not worse! LOL! His name is Bandit, and he is a BIG boy! He is a standard Shih Tzu, and weights 22 pounds. I've had him since he was a year and a half old, and he is Delightful company! Sometimes he sleeps with me at the foot of my bed, and sometimes he sleeps in his bed beside my bed. (I have put things under my bed and between my bed and the wall so he can't get under it). Well,...the other morning, when I woke up he was sleeping on my bed at my feet. I got up, but he really wasn't ready to get up yet so he stayed in bed. Sometimes he does this. I came out to the kitchen and made my coffee and was sitting there planning my day, and I hear him woolf! It was just one woolf, and not very loud. Pretty soon, he woolfs again and I think he must be dreaming! Then all of a sudden he starts in barking!! As I go back towards my bedroom, I say to him, "What's the matter?" When I get to my door, I don't see him anywhere! I say to him, "Where are you?" He in turn answers me with a "Woolf" and I know he is UNDER my bed! I pull some things out from the side, and he crawls out wagging his tail and is all excited that I had rescued him! I petted him and made over him and asked "How did you get under there?" Upon investigation, I saw where he had pushed some of the things I had along the wall away just enough he could crawl down and under the bed and get trapped! Needless to say I fixed that! LOL! Now, he has been sleeping in my bed for years, and has never even bothered to investigate that area! Why he did now, I have no idea, but I don't think he will do it again anytime soon! Ha!Ha!

I hope you enjoyed and got a chuckle out of my little story today. Just put a smile on your face and greet the new day! Remember, it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile ;), and besides, with a smile on your face, people will wonder what you have been up to! Ha!Ha! Have a WONDERFUL day, and God bless! :)

Kiva - An Experiment in Empowering People

2010-06-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have been involved with Kiva for a couple of years and enjoy watching folks bring positive changes to their lives through hard work and a very small helping hand.
These folks are not the ones out begging for money or asking the Government to take care of them. They want to take care of themselves, their families and their future.
A normal loan is about $25.00 and almost all the time those loans are paid back. The amounts paid back now make it possible for me to make two or three loans each month, just from the payments on previous loans.
Stop by and check the site, there are explanations, statistics and human interest stories galore for your viewing.

Take care and have fun,
Jim

What is Kiva?

Kiva's mission is to connect people, through lending, for the sake of alleviating poverty.

Kiva empowers individuals to lend to an entrepreneur across the globe. By combining microfinance with the internet, Kiva is creating a global community of people connected through lending.

Kiva was born of the following beliefs:
* People are by nature generous, and will help others if given the opportunity to do so in a transparent, accountable way.
* The poor are highly motivated and can be very successful when given an opportunity.
* By connecting people we can create relationships beyond financial transactions, and build a global community expressing support and encouragement of one another.

Kiva promotes:
* Dignity: Kiva encourages partnership relationships as opposed to benefactor relationships. Partnership relationships are characterized by mutual dignity and respect.
* Accountability: Loans encourage more accountability than donations where repayment is not expected.
* Transparency: The Kiva website is an open platform where communication can flow freely around the world.

...more Kiva information...

Good Rembrances

2010-06-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

How many of you like to play “remember when”? I know I always have. It is nice to remember the old home place that your family came from and the events that took place there. Or to remember the good times that happened to you and your best friend when you were teenagers. We can even play “remember when” with ourselves as the lone participant. In fact most of us do more often than we realize. Right now I am remembering my maternal grandparents and how much I loved them both. My grandfather was born in 1895 and my grandmother was born in 1903. They saw a lot of startling changes in their years on Earth. At family holiday get-togethers, my grandfather would play his harmonica and tell stories from a long time before I was born, and my grandmother’s claims to fame were her love and her talent as a cook. Her huge meals for our large family are historic. In fact, I can say with some authority that she was, and is to this day still, the best cook in the world. I miss them both.

Another memory I have is how I felt when I moved back to my home town in Illinois when I was in my early 20s. I drove cross country from Colorado to Illinois to get home. My most vivid memory of that event is when I crossed into Illinois from Missouri, and I was immediately assailed by the best smell I had smelled in years. It was the smell of rich black loamy dirt. A few years earlier, before I had taken off to see the world, so to speak, I would have never given the smell of the dirt a second thought, but after being in the desert southwest for a few years, I was back in the land of moisture and rich soils.

Another memory I have, and by no means the least, is the sight of my wife the first time I met her. I had never seen her before but I had talked on the phone with her. I didn’t know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised. She was beautiful. She had wonderful eyes and she was easy to talk to. It was the best first meeting of my life and I will never forget it. And thankfully that first memory is not the last. She is still the maker of good memories for me in this stage of my life and I am grateful for her.

These are my memories. They mean something to me and to no one else, at least in the personal sense. Are you making good memories? Remember I said earlier that we all play “remember when” with ourselves. The best advice I could give anyone whether young or old is to strive to make good memories to hold on to. Find people to love. All of my best memories are from relationships I have had. Don’t stop making memories and connections to people. Don’t just live on the past. Make new connections and strengthen the ones you already have. Memories are better than gold when they are good memories.The Th

Garden of Life #4

2010-06-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful elements in my "Garden of Life" is music. I started singing and playing guitar in junior high school then did solo work and sang in choirs right up to the present day. My love of music came from a Mom (singer and dancer) who listened to all the pop musicians current for her time -- Tom Jones, Elvis, Engelbert Humperdinck, etc., and my Dad (played piano by ear) who enjoyed movie music -- "Dr. Zhivago," "Cleopatra," -- and classical works -- Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." For me, it was The Carpenters, Neil Diamond and more musicians, bands and movie scores than I could ever list here.

Now days, many of those "old" songs take me back to nostalgic times in my life -- school, college, church, my wedding, and so much more. I've listened and sung to music when I felt joyful. . . and let it heal me like a soothing balm when I've felt sad. It is certainly true when they say "music is a universal language" -- it can be a complex process to write and perform, but one which, when completed and heard, touches the most simple emotions of people all over the world.

Have you listened, danced or sung to your favorite music today?

Until next time. . . remember the roses.

DareTo Dream

2010-06-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

In life from an early age, we all have chooses. Some are easy as do I want to have milk or water to drink, but as we grow older the chooses we make can alter our lives. The people we mix with, the jobs we take, the food we eat. But in all these things we need to have goals and dreams.

Today I want to say to you, please keep hold of your dreams, let no one steal them from you.

@ Make a list of your dreams and goals, and do not limit yourself. Write them down as big and crazy as you like. For if you want your dream bad enough it will come true.

@ Watch who you share it with. Some people will tell you that you will never do that - it may be hard, but you need to cut them out of your dream life. They are your dreams. Find friends who believe in you and push you to that dream.

@ Have fun, and do small action steps each day that will take you closer to your dream. For each step will take you closer to the big picture.

In closing I want to share a true story. Here in the UK we have just had a TV program to choose a Dorethy for a new production of the Wizard of OZ produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber. You had him, three judges and people were able to vote on the phone. The program started with 13 girls and on the last night we were down to three, and over the next hour or so the judges and viewers took it to two girls.

Now all along each girl had talent, were good but the two at the end just had the edge. The judges all said their bit, Andrew lloyd Webber his bit, the lines were opened for the last time. The winning girl was asked to sing that famous song from the show "SomeWhere Over The Rainbow" And when she came to that line "The Dreams You Dare To Dream Will Really Come True" you could see her smile and laugh to herself.

The dreams she alsways had, had of sing on a big stage in a West End Musical, had just come true. So Go............ I dare you to dream big dreams, and as you dream them, they will come true.

A Lesson in Life

2010-06-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, if they be events, illnesses or relationships, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere.

If someone hurts you, betrays you , or breaks you heart, forgive them. For they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to who you open your heart to.

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.

Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either.

You can make of your life anything you wish. Create your own life and then go out and live it.

I love to read positive thoughts so if you want some more positive thoughts go to this website http://www.indianchild.com/thoughts_for_life.htm. Hope you like this post.