tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91014848275410765052024-03-20T08:51:40.723-07:00On the Green Planet....Social Networking, E-commerce, Tips, Advocate for Recycling, Green the Earth, Play outdoors, Growing up in the 50s, 60s, Art, Crafts, Antiques, Collectibles. A smattering of everything!On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-22565118710290966002012-10-01T05:17:00.001-07:002012-10-06T14:44:45.193-07:00Commuting and Pleasure travel on New Mexico's Rail Runner train<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgHWrq7bt14ItzZThidnC5F5y7sZf-h7KfVaLkh_HYTjy9-S4xRSoBdvq9UGRjjQel06GWeKu88NYi_Ieew6ZmVUdqFyFYBeEGGmB-ynSh9Rk8hCYd3Ader5tbjSJS5AgASpXmwiNIKk/s1600/railrunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgHWrq7bt14ItzZThidnC5F5y7sZf-h7KfVaLkh_HYTjy9-S4xRSoBdvq9UGRjjQel06GWeKu88NYi_Ieew6ZmVUdqFyFYBeEGGmB-ynSh9Rk8hCYd3Ader5tbjSJS5AgASpXmwiNIKk/s320/railrunner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"> Photo: Courtesy of Rail Runner Photographer: Ernie Montoya </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">Rail commuting and pleasure trips bring savings and convenience into life. Trapped in a car in Southern California for 28 years, logging 2-3000 miles a month commuting in a vehicle, working in the field, the pleasure of rail commuting or pleasure traveling makes dollars and sense. As New Mexico is now our home, Rail Runner is our choice. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">When looking for ways to cut expenses, enjoy a relaxing trip rather than stress on freeways, it makes every bit of sense to use the resources available to make a trip most enjoyable. The scenery is beautiful, seats comfortable, and the added thrill of riding a train is a "no brainer".</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">Comparing cost and time to our destination was done. We live in New Mexico now, where the fabulous </span><a href="http://nmrailrunner.com/" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">Rail Runner</a> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">commuter train lives. The Rail Runner runs between Belen, NM and Santa Fe, NM with bus transit and shuttle services at most locations or at least access to them.</span><br />
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<a href="http://nmrailrunner.com/" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; background-color: white; color: #009eb8; display: inline; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: none; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">http://nmrailrunner.com/</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>A comparison - Commuter train vs vehicle. Travel distance 100 miles.</i></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our trip is approximately 96 miles round trip. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">By vehicle - it takes us 1 hour and 20 minutes (sometimes more if there is a traffic snarl), traveling on a busy freeway, at the cost of $17.- 20. fuel cost round trip in one or the other of our vehicles</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><b>, vs $2. each, (senior fare) round trip on a weekend on Rail Runner. </b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"> A shuttle bus is present when we arrive, and the services are free. Fares are only slightly higher during the week, and still pale in comparison to driving.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">On the commuter train, it takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. We are leaving and arriving at the same destination for this comparison. The rail commuter offers free bus transit services. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><b>Entrapment - or vehicle dependence as we call it, makes no sense - particularly when options are available. If we make 100 weekend trips a year to this destination, which likely we will, - by travelling on the train, we will save 1300. - 1600. a year. </b></i><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><b>What uses can anyone find for 1300. - 1600. a year? There's no doubt that most people could find ten dozen uses for the money saved. Does it make sense? We think so. The added benefit to our environment could be multiplied to enhance a cleaner air for future generations is also a goal. </b></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" />On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-57404025408057439982012-09-27T04:36:00.002-07:002012-10-09T03:27:02.924-07:00Rough and tough recyled fabric dachsund toy survivesDenim doxie toy made with love and the wondering how long this rudimentary blueblood cloth companion would remain intact. It passed the test. After 11 days, only a tail is missing.<br />
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The denim fabric is durable and resistant to chew holes that expose stuffing. What a better way to repurpose denim jeans and pants? What doxie does not want to enjoy discovery of what's inside? It will be a challenge. Enrichment and problem solving? Hoping so. The entertainment value has exceeded most toy expectations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Ipgnru3GkCJHEp7V6f3cZqys5xmlDhOZKbsbfuQKdKU25UzWyGRouoES5WTPbMY-3sAdvrRhmQJHb3bIMHT5VV2L4nusY2iKLSsL8Dn0_iBYvZ4gzAVUhQwFy_wUTiwY0Q8fT0Ritc/s1600/corey+giraffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2Ipgnru3GkCJHEp7V6f3cZqys5xmlDhOZKbsbfuQKdKU25UzWyGRouoES5WTPbMY-3sAdvrRhmQJHb3bIMHT5VV2L4nusY2iKLSsL8Dn0_iBYvZ4gzAVUhQwFy_wUTiwY0Q8fT0Ritc/s400/corey+giraffe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWBLE8cQrkDVawAleEDPFcOh6v0Xohfadt2mM9BvFecLyGI9VsJeo6-Exa0fgRGWNJxKSZkR_WlrGR3pzofPr3azJxVWxgHXXrhRzt-nzG3Ez-vVCwks0elzQj7T5vfzG2Y-9cjVxWUk/s1600/doxie+toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWBLE8cQrkDVawAleEDPFcOh6v0Xohfadt2mM9BvFecLyGI9VsJeo6-Exa0fgRGWNJxKSZkR_WlrGR3pzofPr3azJxVWxgHXXrhRzt-nzG3Ez-vVCwks0elzQj7T5vfzG2Y-9cjVxWUk/s400/doxie+toy.jpg" width="400" /></a>\</div>
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On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-19173279427971373532012-09-14T05:44:00.001-07:002012-10-09T03:44:21.692-07:00Pleasing small dogs, dachsunds, any dog, with the right toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXGz1tmDgn3F4J-0JV8-KeAAP6yhsrL2y65DomUN0a6U4cCSW15-KsltQaWxCoxVyRYf-nQVwMowSd7AjN8PHCoBBU4q8Z40yRNQbKVVVU0A0HH5U3F9KNc3QaunE02jrwHw2_aZZvos/s1600/Corey+&+froggie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXGz1tmDgn3F4J-0JV8-KeAAP6yhsrL2y65DomUN0a6U4cCSW15-KsltQaWxCoxVyRYf-nQVwMowSd7AjN8PHCoBBU4q8Z40yRNQbKVVVU0A0HH5U3F9KNc3QaunE02jrwHw2_aZZvos/s400/Corey+&+froggie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Corey and his best buddy looking out the window)</div>
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Small dogs are eager and easy to please, like all others. The key is finding the safest, most indestructible toys that amuse your best friend.<br />
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Corey is our latest family member. A dachsund/min pin mix. He is a comic, dubbed court jester Corey. An active smoothie furred, short legged, shark tooth dynamo that loves to play. Young and courageous, his adventures lead to leaping from tall places and believing he is an eighty pound doberman. At 9 pounds, it is hard to imagine that one so small can get into a bit of trouble. Yet, if we were that small, there's much to find to get into mischief just six inches off the ground.</div>
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In a new experience with a small court jester is that toys become objects of great curiosity. Most all cloth doggie toys become "shredded wheat" in a short time. Forget squeaky toys which become the object of intense and wild interest until disabled. As we have all come to conclude, there is something very fascinating to most all dogs with toys that create noise. With the exception of a well constructed doggie toy that comes with a price, (there are some out there), toys are clearly our best pals best friends. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8_sdBXiWrBEbzePU8T-9V66J09D3odKR6R8njX38h-wzooRwAb5DOS0gopSxXrzNDFqqdVF1IA-tMCtYN3sjeEXiQ-RBeV5VfhcxPikZw9qqP7wTXev-ubEggDyioPFsVGTdvFGimyE/s1600/corey+in+laundry+basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8_sdBXiWrBEbzePU8T-9V66J09D3odKR6R8njX38h-wzooRwAb5DOS0gopSxXrzNDFqqdVF1IA-tMCtYN3sjeEXiQ-RBeV5VfhcxPikZw9qqP7wTXev-ubEggDyioPFsVGTdvFGimyE/s400/corey+in+laundry+basket.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Found a couple of solutions to the destruction. Create toys that keep Corey entertained, yet withstand the course of destruction and fun. Enrichment toys pose a challenge as with zoo animals, their forever confinement and need for stimulation. It is a source of fun to deliver treats in a manner to allow their instincts and thinking to "work" for getting things they want. Not having any experience in animal behavioral science, decided, what works for children, has gotta work for canines. Let me qualify this. Children are given toys to stimulate their growth and learning process, without the task of unleashing the Oreo cookies. </div>
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Have integrated a couple of challenges that enhance Corey's life with fun and lead to less destruction. What dog does not like a toy that can be rolled around, particularly if it rattles. </div>
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Took a margarine container, cut a hole in the top that releases tiny doggie bisquits when rolled around and toppled. This was the first test of enrichment. What was learned is that curiosity of noise became paramount. What followed was that the entertainment yielded a reward. After comparing the $9. treat buddy on the left with the butter container, the entertainment value was greater with the recycled container. The only difference is that the treat buddy, which is made of great durable rubber is that for a small dog, it's heavy. It unscrews and can be filled with treats, closing it to allow treats to filter out when played with. Although it comes in different sizes, purchased a small one and learned how heavy it was after dropping it on my foot. Found that it is a tad heavy for a small dog to engage wildly with it for long. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pAqnhUc1DY1G2TF4yYuOkTQgGJhggBK08OExnwNg19tsVnf9HL-UYebF-rMIEqRDBFHTce2i0lJD5MGGsmBeGXNJ-buGz7JRSOPlZQC6RSFnVwuhmsapZ3gBl3LlH-_g4JhLN7jndLc/s1600/blue+bonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pAqnhUc1DY1G2TF4yYuOkTQgGJhggBK08OExnwNg19tsVnf9HL-UYebF-rMIEqRDBFHTce2i0lJD5MGGsmBeGXNJ-buGz7JRSOPlZQC6RSFnVwuhmsapZ3gBl3LlH-_g4JhLN7jndLc/s400/blue+bonnet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Had to duct tape the lid after a first try. After that, the container stayed intact. Tiny bisquits can be inserted in the top. </div>
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The next level was creating a cloth toy that was indestructible. After trying many types of recyled fabrics, they all ended up in shreds. Got to thinking about closely woven heavy weave. Denim fit the bill. After creating a simple denim bone shaped toy on my sewing machine - and inserting a squeaky over a week ago, the solution was found. </div>
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Corey will also have his own personal doxie toy built from durable denim. There is still work to finish his own fabric buddy, that should provide the same durable fun as the rest without the shred mess. Does he mind that all his toys will be denim blue? If he likes the toy and it squeaks, it does not seem to matter to him what color it is. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCWcUbi1YO4gXyuWK4ag2yTsnJYEhdt_mxyo_Vac6qykRRLiHFuN-q6Lsjm_9fSYLDKDjmRe-1sJ7RYFTcn3gYxLcJOjlVEDUfoPz4FJW54peO5aXXjZrGteZWqWIz0gyhZHJ1sFNbQU/s1600/corey+-+denim+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCWcUbi1YO4gXyuWK4ag2yTsnJYEhdt_mxyo_Vac6qykRRLiHFuN-q6Lsjm_9fSYLDKDjmRe-1sJ7RYFTcn3gYxLcJOjlVEDUfoPz4FJW54peO5aXXjZrGteZWqWIz0gyhZHJ1sFNbQU/s400/corey+-+denim+toys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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No matter how our great companions and buddies are entertained, safety, fun and enrichment should be a goal. After all as humans, we know what we like and buy. Our best buddies should have the same. </div>
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"Chow" for now...and literally speaking,..rut roh, it's breakfast time, then a day of play and my 14 hours of sleep. ~ Corey</div>
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On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-5079757233609808892012-09-09T06:15:00.000-07:002012-09-09T06:28:07.027-07:00Little dogs vs big dogs - it doesn't matter! Big dogs, little dogs...a dog is pure joy! After having many rescues over the years, another has filled this house. Sitting at my feet, as this blog is written, is Corey, the "emperor of this kingdom".<br />
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Corey is the sovereign ruler of this empire and the Ambassador of household smiles and laughter. If the human heart beats at the rate of a peaceful creek, the job of a dog like Corey is complete. No medicine is a sure fire cure for what a pet companion can accomplish at the flick of chasing a tail.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever!"</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Please....rescue, spay and neuter. </b></i></span><br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6695395.750;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000024781945;pid=sku4964244;usg=AFHzDLuOdzNv2XJzyBuPBt_WGw0OGm0Qkg;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.samsclub.com%252Fsams%252Fnatural-pitched-roof-dog-house-large%252Fprod4570368.ip%253Fpid%253D_DoubleClick_Affiliates%2526ci_src%253D15781033%2526ci_sku%253Dsku4964244;pubid=566920;price=%24139.24;title=Natural+Pitched+Roof+D...;merc=Sam%27s+Club;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d2.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fsamsclub%2Fs7product%2F0401190539472_A.jpg;width=85;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="600" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6695395.118;sz=300x600;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000024781945;pid=sku4964244;usg=AFHzDLuOdzNv2XJzyBuPBt_WGw0OGm0Qkg;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.samsclub.com%252Fsams%252Fnatural-pitched-roof-dog-house-large%252Fprod4570368.ip%253Fpid%253D_DoubleClick_Affiliates%2526ci_src%253D15781033%2526ci_sku%253Dsku4964244;pubid=566920;price=%24139.24;title=Natural+Pitched+Roof+Dog+House+-+Large+-+Dog+Houses;desc=This+dog+house+has+extra-high+feet%2C+which+protect+against+humidity+and+cold+floors+and+ensure+a+good+air+circulation+below+the+dog+house.+It+is+winter+and+weatherproof+and+easy+to+clean.+Suitable+for+large+dogs+like+a+Labrador.;merc=Sam%27s+Club;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d2.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fsamsclub%2Fs7product%2F0401190539472_A.jpg;width=250;height=250" vspace="0" width="300"></iframe><br />
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<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="600" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6695395.152;sz=300x600;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000024781945;pid=sku8314399;usg=AFHzDLuh5lyi6EjyXpc_Pkx8EgzAPU9hKw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.samsclub.com%252Fsams%252Ftrend-lab-halloween-reflective-pet-collar-large%252Fprod7690430.ip%253Fpid%253D_DoubleClick_Affiliates%2526ci_src%253D15781033%2526ci_sku%253Dsku8314399;pubid=566920;price=%2410.88;title=Trend+Lab+Halloween+Reflective+Pet+Collar+-+Collars%2C+Leashes+%26+Apparel;desc=Get+your+favorite+pooch+ready+for+Halloween+night+with+this+reflective+skull+and+bat+print+collar+with+light+up+charm.;merc=Sam%27s+Club;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d2.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fsamsclub%2Fs7product%2F0084621602930_A.jpg;width=250;height=250" vspace="0" width="300"></iframe><br />On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-37792775281056739042012-08-25T06:18:00.002-07:002012-08-25T06:20:46.646-07:00Black bears feast on cherries in the wild. <b>What black bears do in the wild during foraging season. Soon black bears will begin scouting out dens for winter hibernation, birth of cubs in January, and their busy life continues throughout the year teaching their young and foraging. </b><br />
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<b> Wild Cherry Feast in the Great Smokey Mountains - Cades Cove. </b><br />
<b> Black bears doing what wild bears do.</b><br />
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<b> <iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="250" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6695395.850;sz=300x250;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000000024781945;pid=sku5764299;usg=AFHzDLsV3Lc2Sdq8wTS151wo9XI9byBTrQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.samsclub.com%252Fsams%252Fjeep-comanche-29er-mountain-bike%252Fprod5340301.ip%253Fpid%253D_DoubleClick_Affiliates%2526ci_src%253D15781033%2526ci_sku%253Dsku5764299;pubid=566920;price=%24233.88;title=Jeep+Comanche+29er+Mountain+Bike+-+Mountain+%26+Hybrid+Bikes;merc=Sam%27s+Club;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d2.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fsamsclub%2Fs7product%2F0001675102676_A.jpg;width=135;height=135" vspace="0" width="300"></iframe></b>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-49964089808493405572010-01-23T06:42:00.000-08:002012-08-03T04:08:36.857-07:00A bit of Nostalgia rekindles the soul...Santa Fe<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJV11HmpIqwlGM6llDalWf_14uaOert7iXpQlq4I_YWek0l69KPu9Haa7IHTg_bp4UovTh7NLO35irbI6w9ZIjFwMUoBiO1IPQa4bd2oHmF1eXCHMj5pqfG80aCcCFvVoitsQYSM4D3I/s1600-h/oldesthousexxxx.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429964131269332066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJV11HmpIqwlGM6llDalWf_14uaOert7iXpQlq4I_YWek0l69KPu9Haa7IHTg_bp4UovTh7NLO35irbI6w9ZIjFwMUoBiO1IPQa4bd2oHmF1eXCHMj5pqfG80aCcCFvVoitsQYSM4D3I/s320/oldesthousexxxx.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 203px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Facebook brings people together in more ways than can be described. Family, friends, interests groups and <b><i>Nostalgia. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">I recently joined <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=255718999262">"You know you are old school Santa Fe when..."</a>. After observing a small city triple in size in a few years (well...40 years), some people and places remain indelibly in your mind.</span></b><br />
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Santa Fe is the City Different. Growing up in an eclectic art center brought fascinating people. A town that had many dirt roads that would wind in no real direction. Colonies of artists, writers and simply interesting people walked the square in downtown Santa Fe. Rich in culture and tradition, the city thrives on being the "City Different".</div>
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Memories of a small city have taken this facebook page to levels that brings some warm memories of a place that holds special places in our minds. </div>
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As with all places, the memories of how it was is only compared to what generations today will say of places forty years from now. The only difference will be...that the names of eating establishments, stores, will likely be the same - MacDonald's, Carl's Jr, Big 5 and more. The days of independently owned businesses are so few and in this writer's opinion are not the same as those of today's generations. We knew the families that owned the businesses. They worked in the business and gave the best possible service to their customers. </div>
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Do not think that memories will flourish with today's generations as they did. Perhaps Nostalgia will be replaced with another word, with no frame of reference to what has changed. </div>
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</div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-89048059121281687332010-01-11T08:23:00.000-08:002010-01-13T07:25:10.230-08:00Rubber Bands and Maturity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3UIsgE-AszpvHU-IntS1i1BThVOT2n9x4sx4W6976xvuwbs8EiUJKXx1q_SDw4SxClMkxNIKRVFnjlHCqSCVz6RuLxf5O1Z0V2zVW3WWweI_ZDNd7eIiNYMy4-blwIDMDnt3Iw8R47g/s1600-h/MVC-007F.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3UIsgE-AszpvHU-IntS1i1BThVOT2n9x4sx4W6976xvuwbs8EiUJKXx1q_SDw4SxClMkxNIKRVFnjlHCqSCVz6RuLxf5O1Z0V2zVW3WWweI_ZDNd7eIiNYMy4-blwIDMDnt3Iw8R47g/s320/MVC-007F.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426235890692444226" /></a><div>Recently conducted some business, removing papers from my purse with a rubber band around them. The young lady that attended me remarked that she loved how "older" people are so organized. Did I feel mature and organized? She smiled and remarked that older people are always so well organized. They staple, paperclip or use rubber band papers to hold their "stuff" together. I was not sure how to feel, but this was the first time someone referred to me as "older". Did that mean I looked 80? Am quite a few years away, yet a couple generations removed, guess that I am "older". After getting home I looked around to see that lots of papers were in bundles, either clamped, stapled or rubber banded. After looking back a number of years, my memory served me much better in organizing papers without the" gathering attachments."</div><div><br /></div><div>Got to thinking about this and wondered "<b><i>am I adding to my maturity further</i></b>" by using rubber bands, staples, paper clips and clamps? I was amused and flattered by her comment. Being organized lends itself to chronological maturity I guess, or at least someone thought so and decided that the rubber bands, clamps, clips, and stapler should stay.</div><div><br /></div><div>Concluded that her comment was complimentary and was delighted that I was not fumbling through an old candy box of unorganized papers (guessing that will come later).</div><div><br /></div><div>In any case, guess it was the first wake up call like the one I remembered being called "that lady is looking at us" (at age 28). That the was the first time I had not been called a girl. So as we move into stages of maturity, our habits change that present illusions of maturing, or maybe just reality.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we move into different stages of our life, habits change. Guess bundling things in an orderly manner is one of the benefits of not relying on memory. It presents me with more time to do some of the things that I enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>So much for rubber bands and maturity!</div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-64718407857928277672010-01-09T06:25:00.000-08:002010-01-11T16:08:15.716-08:00Hats for every reason<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmOfNIBuRv3vGcCJxG56KzQuzD1gf2H770bsJhJrplkJKx7kpG6pJRu1oD-LUDGwEKOeySTH_Ob4I7YUW_JZC5BkqppJmyw_kEroo35Np61YkGiTVOAMJh_bQbQjVnJsbwk9cY5gr8EI/s1600-h/giner.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmOfNIBuRv3vGcCJxG56KzQuzD1gf2H770bsJhJrplkJKx7kpG6pJRu1oD-LUDGwEKOeySTH_Ob4I7YUW_JZC5BkqppJmyw_kEroo35Np61YkGiTVOAMJh_bQbQjVnJsbwk9cY5gr8EI/s320/giner.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424753740603858578" /></a><br />Always wondered why some people wore hats all the time. Like today's trendy tattoos, I have come to conclude that hats define individuality. My husband has been lamenting the follicles that challenge hair growth with each passing year. It seems to bother him more than anyone else. This past year he began wearing a driving cap, which sometimes goes to bed with him. I try not to chuckle until he has fallen asleep, then remove the cap from his head, without a twitch that might awaken him. Guess when you wear a hat all day, you forget it is there. <div><br /></div><div>Scoring through boxes of old pictures, found that my folks felt a need to place a hat on my head from the time I was an infant to heaven knows when. It might have been the flat spot on my skull that they were trying to hide. Having been graced with lots of hair, I do not believe anyone would have noticed the flat spot. </div><div><br /></div><div>The 40s, 50s and 60s were hat days, and really did not pay much attention to who wore hats in the late 50s, but remember women wearing all kinds of hats in the 60s. Plumes, net, flowers, felt, woven, scarves, snoods and other couture hats that were simply hideous. Never really had a desire to wear one then, yet I enjoyed entering my Godmother's closet that held dozens of fancy hats. Then there were the gloves that matched the hats - short, long, fancy and just plain awful. </div><div><br /></div><div>One lady in the neighborhood wore one of those Little House on the Prairie bonnets when she worked in her garden. As a kid it was confusing as to what era we were living in, but heck it was her choice of hat. It did not stop us from jumping the fence to pick green apples off her trees. She would coming dashing out of the house with a broom, hollering, with her bonnet flapping in the wind. We never determined what kind of hair she had or the color. It was only a guess what she was going to do with the broom. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can fully understand and appreciate a knitted cap that covers the ears and nose in cold weather. That gives much purpose to a cold head and appendages that when cold, the entire body trembles with a desire to be warm.</div><div><br /></div><div>So much for hats in our lives. If the hat fits, wear it! Just waiting for the trend to turn around when hats are in vogue. Not really sure that I will take to anything but a woven cap in the winter, but hey, they are fun to observe. I still enjoy seeing pictures of the Queen because hats still live on with royalty. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-38771887210029001342010-01-07T14:30:00.000-08:002010-01-07T16:10:19.543-08:00Pea Shooters and Comics CapersMemories are the one thing no one can take from you. During a gathering of friends on New Years, there was much laughter about crazy times growing up. It is a wonder we all made through childhood, teen years and through the tumbler twenties. No wonder our parents had gray hair, wrinkles and cringed every trip we made out the door. <div><br /></div><div>I was lucky enough to grow up with dozens of cousins. Since we all lived in close proximity, would guess that the neighborhood thought we were a gang. There were gangs growing up in our small city, but somehow we never crossed their paths, nor they ours. Perhaps they knew we existed, but were afraid of us because we could shoot peas out of a pea shooter from the roofs of abandoned buildings with them never knowing from where they got "pinged". </div><div><br /></div><div>Wandering further than instructed was a secret that was well kept by all of us. No snitches in this group. Every week the comics distributor would tear off the cover of last weeks unsold comics and they were dumped at the city "dump" as it was called then. Today, we know the dump as "landfills". Still find that a landfill is where they collect anything people do not want - a place to dump trash. While the walk was four miles from the neighborhood, it was taboo and punishable to wander this far. Taboo to kids? Are you kidding? </div><div><br /></div><div>Why buy comics when you could get your fill of Blondie, Archie, and Tarzan minus the cover for free. With ten of us that could carry ten to twenty comics, there was much swapping during the week until the next trip. On the way there, a stop at the local candy store meant we loaded up with all the sugar that kept us bouncing off walls for the next couple of days. </div><div><br /></div><div>We thought our parents were clueless as to what plans we had for the summer day, but they always seemed to possess a sixth sense, or so we thought. Someone would see us and snitch, so this sixth sense stuff went out the window. Did it stop the comic collection caper at the dump? Not hardly, and punishment was always worth another trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were many adventures that kept us physically fit. Foot power was certainly the only way to get to where we wanted to go. Cannot imagine asking Dad for a ride to the dump to collect comics. While our capers may not have been prudent, they sure were fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></div></div></div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-34355045450270400982009-11-28T06:55:00.001-08:002009-11-28T07:38:58.279-08:00Creating a Rose Bush tree with recycled stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXywNKHZJ3eihEaH5CTyJF9sKl1JBlGqB4_81JcP1f5PHAfVqEyXJKxPZxj0dNJ5TJtNDXTUYPmBXoGGUs_ngZddazuyGbsgkdi-CUOBpq8x4OPOLiEu53mnqNFnavwaEfLM5xHmkZH18/s1600/MVC-008F.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXywNKHZJ3eihEaH5CTyJF9sKl1JBlGqB4_81JcP1f5PHAfVqEyXJKxPZxj0dNJ5TJtNDXTUYPmBXoGGUs_ngZddazuyGbsgkdi-CUOBpq8x4OPOLiEu53mnqNFnavwaEfLM5xHmkZH18/s400/MVC-008F.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409173559231931986" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRCzL9fxwGIYV7ScyJ43jML23Uc72f2eUr6leeOL4HxroXVVsDtbbBiq_kiB0xP4npkrqcPbuiZRnQ1ib8h8rZDtpmYIbJOXh-YQWC8lqoBvp2Mi9w-QBtWt0cyZaBleRJqDBvcVxJBM/s1600/rose1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 183px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRCzL9fxwGIYV7ScyJ43jML23Uc72f2eUr6leeOL4HxroXVVsDtbbBiq_kiB0xP4npkrqcPbuiZRnQ1ib8h8rZDtpmYIbJOXh-YQWC8lqoBvp2Mi9w-QBtWt0cyZaBleRJqDBvcVxJBM/s400/rose1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409168480477170194" /></a> The holidays add juices to creativity. After looking around found much that could be recycled. As a horder of old laces, fabrics, and styrofoam, decided to get busy and make some fun things for the holidays.<br /><br />Items used: A block of styrofoam (from old packaging), an old lace curtain, lace, wire, yarn, duct tape, pins, a dried bush branch, antique leaf paint. I used a piece of pyracantha - a bit thorny, but sturdy.<br /><br />1. Cut your styrofoam block then dig a hold in it with the back of a small paintbrush, poking it in about 4 inches.<br /><br />2. Prep your twig,(about 2 ft) by cutting off the lower branches, to slip it in the styrofoam after you have added a piece of lace curtain around the the stryofoam. Leave enough lace to folder over the top and bottom. I used pins to fix the lace in place. I added the same lace used for making the roses around the top lip of the styrofoam and pinned it. You can use a glue gun, but my preference was to use pins.<br /><br />3. Cut a piece of cardboard for setting your styrofoam vase. I painted this with green acrylic paint, then took a piece of duct tape, rolled it around, stuck it on the bottom of the styrofoam, and attached it to the base. It can be affixed with a glue gun. <br /><br />4. Making roses are easier than you think. My lace is 3" wide. Fold the lace in the center, then gather the lace around four times holding the base of the rose. Cut a small piece of floral wire and twirl it around the bottom, leaving enough wire to attach it to the branch. Take a piece of yarn and tie it over the wire, pulling the yarn to stretch it on the sides, giving it a leafy effect. <br /><br />5. When you have finished attaching all the roses you choose, take your twig and place it in the hole you made in the stryfoam. If you are using a thorny twig as I did be sure to put on garden gloves.<br /><br />6. You can add some glitter to your lace rose bush by brushing on some antique leaf paint on the twig stem and leaves. I also added some gold lace to the tree as a garland.<br /><br />A fun project and definitely have someone in mind that wanted something pretty for their vanity!On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-88332522625301911672009-11-17T05:46:00.000-08:002009-11-23T06:34:15.157-08:00Basics in life - tie wraps, duct tape, post-its, microwave oven<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutbVH5HrbxbvXN8O_GtimRSELBUkpnhAwuBRuJKeoMlaOTLa45_FDw8H-j2YBI_kP5T-M1gdzZovU7ApUeOhHD_iIINnm9mZUeTu32c-2hxIk4Pragt-6ZEuXNXWEcVKe4g4f3tdQe2Q/s1600/ducttape.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutbVH5HrbxbvXN8O_GtimRSELBUkpnhAwuBRuJKeoMlaOTLa45_FDw8H-j2YBI_kP5T-M1gdzZovU7ApUeOhHD_iIINnm9mZUeTu32c-2hxIk4Pragt-6ZEuXNXWEcVKe4g4f3tdQe2Q/s400/ducttape.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407289444417999538" /></a><br />A gathering of friends led to a discussion of those "things" which most people could not live without. Interesting but not surprising results. The general consensus from both genders included a microwave oven, cable tie "ty" wraps, duct tape and post-its. Essentials for every household. <a href="http://http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/FromCaliToYou/items/T_Shirt_Mens_Medium_38_40_Duct_Tape_University">Duct tape</a> and cable tie "ty" wraps are rudimentary quick fixes, that ranked highest. Post-its adorn every refrigerator, daily planner, computer and wall in the world. To think, the invention of the Post-it was originally a "mistake". <br /><br />A microwave to heat food snacks that you need to "energize" for projects that require tie wraps, duct tape or leaving a reminder message to oneself.<br /><br />The uses for duct tape, its history and the end product has been written in the annals of history. Our own duct tape story is from an offroad rally, straddling a boulder, that pierced the oil pan. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Duct tape to the rescue!<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> A bit of clay and duct tape solved the problem to continue running the rally until repairs were made.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/cwbylover01/items/Container_of_1000_Assorted_Cable_Ties_4_to_11_Inch_Size">Cable ties (ty wraps)</a>, have it over rubberbands, rope, string, tape or any other materials used to hold neatly anything together. Rubber bands rot, rope and string deteriorate with weather and time, and "tape" other than duct, dry up or expand. <br /><br />Duct tape and cable tie "ty" wraps may not be green friendly, but figure that most objects held together in this manner never get taken apart anyway. Seems most folks are storing an item, finding a quick fix for a project that will hopefully be completed in a lifetime. In many cases seems they are used to store or "garage" items in the rafters until the house is sold or hold together those computer wires that are always in the way.<br /><br />For more duct tape fun - calling this <a href="http://octanecreative.com/ducttape/art/dtgallery4.html">website</a> unique is an understatement! Tim and Jim have taken duct tape to levels that one cannot imagine.<br /><br />Can't wait for the next life's critical elements discussion with friends. Duct tape, cable ties "ty-wraps", Post-its, and Microwaves rule!On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-15279274788949353212009-11-11T04:52:00.000-08:002009-11-11T06:45:45.501-08:00Yuletide Season - the true spirit! Life lessons for ten children<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJwktiAAS50c9h3UhVgxL2b1zF79iv9mK-G_o9ZTPDR3Y2-MJGV4t7hzs-YVcLdwwW6Ut0fXqwZvrU8qqREuhzbBeTJi0SKZku8IaLLo6bKESm2AMRNiVODNWGZiVMsx3dA_B8cE__fQ/s1600-h/crafts.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJwktiAAS50c9h3UhVgxL2b1zF79iv9mK-G_o9ZTPDR3Y2-MJGV4t7hzs-YVcLdwwW6Ut0fXqwZvrU8qqREuhzbBeTJi0SKZku8IaLLo6bKESm2AMRNiVODNWGZiVMsx3dA_B8cE__fQ/s400/crafts.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402853928884467010" /></a><div>A favorite time to remember, the Yuletide Season was the busy work of a family of ten children. My best friend, the oldest, was appointed Lieutenant in charge. The month of December was filled with daily after school activities to keep ten active children busy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The goal was to stay within a frugal budget for Christmas and give Mom some respite. Conventional purchases by Mom and Dad were limited to one meaningful gift for each child, although their list may be long. Ten children then drew a name of a sibling and secretly hid the name. Their job was to create a gift that brought meaning to them with their sibling in mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout the month of December, the family thrust themselves into creating gifts for each other. Crafty items were purchased and saved during the year. Old and new fabric cut into squares, yarns, ribbon, scrap wood, paper, beads and all that could be salvaged went into this concerted effort. </div><div><br /></div><div>After school, the children would gather at a large table for a couple of hours. This time not only presented an opportunity to gather as one, but to work selflessly with others. The older children helped the younger children create a sock monkey, rag doll, or paint wooden toys that their father cut. </div><div><br /></div><div>One week was spent creating new Christmas tree ornaments, stringing popcorn, cut and paste Christmas scenes for refrigerator exhibits. </div><div><br /></div><div>How else would the matriarch prepare and freeze breads, pies, and other holiday treats? This was truly a family to emulate, living within a frugal budget, and learning important and valuable lessons that would carry all of this wonderful family to great success. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having come from a small family, my inclusion in their family venture holds an indelible memory. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I learned from this family venture is that collectively a family can learn that thoughtfulness of each other is pivotal in life. </div><div><br /></div><div>In a frenzied commercial world, Christmas has lost an element or two. Be it a family of two or three, these same principles can be applied to bring value to the spirit of the holidays! The added value is that Mom is given a couple hours of respite!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-8099784061560232502009-11-07T03:15:00.000-08:002009-11-07T06:57:05.309-08:00Shopping cautiously online.....Shopping online is a great way to take the stress out of the mall crowds at Christmas. Like everyone else I enjoy the holiday decorations that no dime is spared to lure us in! <br /><br />Saving time, energy and getting the best value prices at the most hectic time of the year, shopping online makes every bit of sense! <br /><br />This is also the time to beware if you are buying a unique and pricey item touted as being original. <span style="font-weight:bold;">If the price is too good to be true, might be wise to think again.<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span> Would have to ask myself why I would buy a purse that retails for $2000., created by a manufacturer that sells only through licensed shops bearing their name. At first glance, the online selling price of $900. from a non licensed dealer would send up red flags all over the place. <br /><br />High end fashion and accessory shopping online of new products, poses a problem if you are not purchasing directly from the authorized and licensed store. With so many fake items bearing the hard earned reputation of signature manufacturers, exercising caution is all I can advise.<br /><br />Have to question online sellers that lure unsuspecting online buyers to purse and accessory items bearing names such as Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Gucci, Tiffany, Chanel and more. Many claim to belong to groups that can validate authenticity. <br /><br />Seems that valid authenticity can only be validated by the creator of such products. Knockoffs have become so sophisticated in workmanship, that the average person might have difficulty spotting an unauthentic item. From the smallest piece of hardware to product materials used, many duplicates have been reproduced to incorporate all that that "experts" caution buyers to look for when making a purchase. Doubt that that designers of exclusive items have turned over or licensed people to authenticate branded items. If designers accepted the practice of outside "expert advice", have to wonder why the designers of these products do not link to outside "experts"? <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">If you are buying a new pricey product outside of its element, then you have right and obligation to question the authenticity. Ask questions, determine online presence credibility, and then follow your own intuition cautiously. </span> <br /><br />Like the old adage - if it is too good to be true, likely your dream is that, an online pipeline dream that may bring you disappointment at a hefty price. <br /><br />To assure authenticity of such items seems only logical to visit licensed stores bearing their name. Several years ago, visited an authorized Gucci and Hermes Store. It was like visiting a museum hosting the Hope diamond. The priciest of their handbags were under lock and key, with security so tight that I was afraid of staring too long - the security alarms might go off. <br /><br />While is say this in jest, my curious window shopping trip to visit these exclusive stores, lead me to realize that high end designers take extreme measures to insure that their products remain exclusive. They have spent mega-dollars to keep this exclusivity for the affluent buyer. <br /><br />Knock offs and replication of products today is incredibly sophisticated, but illegal. The reproduction of tags and authenticity certificates are produced to dupe even the most sophisticated customer. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beware, be careful and if you think you are getting a real deal - watch out!</span>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-44347377830476847802009-11-03T06:06:00.000-08:002009-12-17T05:13:33.106-08:00Engaging people on Twitter....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnjFGvR1zd2kmvWP2n4OWGYo2yOCy82ueMtOC2FZ-xH4_F9eTSFLNJ-PqGpdcJNSY4trqFraLU-moXxH02mdnJVYvu6nNCGddiTabhLIVazLkZoQOBVfAtPmVUlei-SgxRg_j2Ptlx78/s1600-h/Ginger.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 95px; height: 117px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnjFGvR1zd2kmvWP2n4OWGYo2yOCy82ueMtOC2FZ-xH4_F9eTSFLNJ-PqGpdcJNSY4trqFraLU-moXxH02mdnJVYvu6nNCGddiTabhLIVazLkZoQOBVfAtPmVUlei-SgxRg_j2Ptlx78/s400/Ginger.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400265621494084578" /></a><br />Twitter and social networking - not much different than attending a conference and meeting people. Acquaintances, so to speak. <div><br /></div><div>The only difference that separates us at that conference are the interests we have outside of the social setting. As we all know upon meeting others, similar interests may become apparent immediately, and then we choose to keep this acquaintance for future reference.</div><div><br /></div><div>Engagement on twitter is not much different. Interests of twitterers are critical to twitter following, and those you choose to follow. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Your Profile:</b> A diverse smattering of personal interests is critical in your profile to attain goals you may expect of twitterers or "tweeple." Amazing how new words such as "tweeple", evolve with changing social needs! </div><div><br /></div><div>More serious twitter followers are interested in who they follow, or at least should be. Otherwise, the result may be spam from people you follow of the highest order. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you are selling for profit or fun - an idea, item, wisdom, knowledge, education or just simply bored, twitter can bring you engagement in a social setting that conveys your idea through your link on your profile page. If people are interested in knowing more about you, what you sell, what you do in life, they will click on your link. My approach is to use my link sparingly in a tweet, unless conveying a message in a new blog or a Squidoo lens. My link may change in twitter from time to time, but my links contain links to my other interests. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>What you say on twitter:</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Your message can be influential and/or informative, and those tweets are ones which I follow by virtue of my personal interests. Very good chance that tweeple of similar interests will retweet my message, or vice versa. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Setting goals: </b></div><div><br /></div><div>What are your goals on twitter? If you sell goods or services that enhance another's ability to sell, inform or educate, the focus will be to twitter or retweet those that mirror your own. By limiting the scope of your interests on your profile page, you may be finding yourself with followers that do only the same thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Does this exclusive following or people you follow maximize your experience? Probably not. That is why expanding your interests will bring a more diverse following. If you are an online seller, why would you expose yourself only to people that do the same thing. While online sellers are buyers also, why not expand your scope significantly by interesting others that have not shared the experience of online buying. They might just click on your twitter link to learn a new experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am passionate about art, music, ecommerce, environmental issues, self development, social issues, antiques, collectibles, outdoor play, online sales and much more. My goal on twitter is to engage with those that have similar interests. This brings diversity to my followers and those I follow.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>How long does it take to build a following: </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b></b> Twitter is like any other network of people that we build throughout our lives, in business and social lives. If I like what someone has to offer in the way of information, my own tendency is to remember that person, jot down their phone number, ask for their business card, or jot down a website link. Twitter is no different. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following cutting edge technology online brings knowledge, information and tools that enhance my own experience. For that reason, I follow <a href="http://mashable.com/">Mashable</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Like any other venture, the time it takes to build a network, success in your goal to build a following naturally follows. This is not an overnight undertaking if you seek the followers that bring value. For those tweets that want to rush followers to you on twitter, my only thought is to think about the value you wish to bring to your goal. After a time, tweeple recognize twitterers that are not merely "bots" twittering without a real live person behind the scenes. This is critical to those you follow.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>How to engage: </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b></b>If you liked a tweet and it brings value to you and believe it may bring value to others - <b>retweet</b>. Sometimes a brief comment to that tweet and your retweet can pique others interest. Simply retweeting a tweet is enough to allow others to know that you find that tweet valuable. In my opinion, that it strengthens your own credibility and influence. A useful tool to determine whether my tweets get or lose followers is <a href="http://tweeteffect.com/">TweetEffect</a>. By knowing what treats are productive, the process of improving quality tweets that will engage others is learned through this valuable tool.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>To summarize - </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Improve your profile page on twitter, What you say - is it value added?, Target Goals, Building a quality following and Engagement are critical to successful twittering. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>These are a few of the many people I follow on twitter that bring value to my twitter networking: </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/renagades">@renagades</a> A music expert that writes for the Examiner, sells online, and reaches a broad spectrum of twitter users with similar interests. By following this twitterer, I follow and am followed by some of the fascinating people that they follow. Music is a passion in our family, and the tweets from this twitterer offer information, entertainment and value added information about music.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/eleesha">@eleesha</a> Words of wisdom from this sage twitterer brings light and perspective to each day. This twitterer offers daily inspiration. Everyone that she touches is done with the personal touch. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/balmeras">@balmeras</a> An expert, author, and staunch advocate for outdoors play #playoutdoors. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/booksbelow">@booksbelow</a> A most engaging and interesting person to follow. A diverse twitterer that adds value to each tweet. An antiquarian book expert that engages other twitters in a unique manner.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/ColderICE">@ColderICE</a> - Ecommerce writer - brings flair to his blogs, videos and can raise a chuckle or two. Does not mince any words, and brings light to what is happening in the Ecommerce world.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/jamiroeclectica">@Jamiroeclectica</a> - This savvy website builder, graphics designer brings value by virtue of her experience and knowledge.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/eclecticdealer">@EclecticDealer</a> - An antiques collector and jewelry expert that knows her business and is willing to share what she knows.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/gypsytrading">@gypsytrading</a> - This twitter favorite engages a diverse group of people. An antiques expert that is transparent in her field of expertise, yet can engage people in a unique way. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="http://twitter.com/AriaaJaeger">@AriaaJaeger</a> - Inspirational and talented. Love her music and look forward to her daily tweets filled with wisdom and understanding. Truly an advocate of life and living. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>With over 1500 people that I follow, these are just a few that bring to me, daily value. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-12791798639150925662009-08-17T12:59:00.000-07:002009-11-07T10:26:22.753-08:00An Antiques and Jewelry Expert that lays it on the line!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHZU6doJL7yu337k96z28S9TY6vRPuIHhzCZ9umeECbRHGzGo2zPuvllackMFmLbCXqJpzPAYI4ZT728AeHmmEf2-ZbSboGJkCF3HNkVeEx8G01qOlC1UBAxVWNnACIadrj3JNrhsj5w/s1600-h/BrWat2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHZU6doJL7yu337k96z28S9TY6vRPuIHhzCZ9umeECbRHGzGo2zPuvllackMFmLbCXqJpzPAYI4ZT728AeHmmEf2-ZbSboGJkCF3HNkVeEx8G01qOlC1UBAxVWNnACIadrj3JNrhsj5w/s400/BrWat2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397724683809224370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00JLtToLw_kubfoJUk4vaVO6ft6R-DPcIKHetDRcdXl409DVYl8HGEopv4Qk920JqxYyoIUci1n9YW5CQYDdzvHy7VqbJQbMm2mKWrs17TZEqfBuS83HvRWp2aEl4hakxDTWvHFwFluE/s1600-h/brwat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00JLtToLw_kubfoJUk4vaVO6ft6R-DPcIKHetDRcdXl409DVYl8HGEopv4Qk920JqxYyoIUci1n9YW5CQYDdzvHy7VqbJQbMm2mKWrs17TZEqfBuS83HvRWp2aEl4hakxDTWvHFwFluE/s400/brwat1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397724019439596626" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/business/yourmoney/24ebay.html?_r=1"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><a href="http://bonanzle.com/eclecticdealer">One expert you can count on when it comes to antiques and jewelry is Paula at her booth -ECLECTIC DEALER on Bonanzle!</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paula’s name frequently comes up in discussions about antiques and jewelry. A Bonanzle seller at her Eclectic Dealer’s booth on Bonanzle.com, </span><a href="http://bonanzle.com/eclecticdealer"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paula</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> brings many years of antiques and jewelry advice expertise. Buyers can feel confident that when they purchase from Paula that she has carefully done her homework for each piece listed.</span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paula’s knowledge and information comes from a base of expert years in working with anything vintage or antique. A certified gemologist adds to her expert portfolio. Paula is also a seasoned online power seller on eBay and in the last year has expanded the venues where she sells her treasures. </span></b></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 204, 0); font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/business/yourmoney/24ebay.html?_r=1%20%22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Kate Murphy of the</span></a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/business/yourmoney/24ebay.html?_r=1%20%22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><b><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/business/yourmoney/24ebay.html?_r=1%20%22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">New York times interviewed Paula in 2004.</span></a></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It looks to me that this savvy antiques aficionado can view a picture and a description, and identify its origin and and it's approximate value. Anyone that is not an expert, would not be able to differentiate between something old or an item manufactured </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">to appear old. We all know that items have been reproduced and passed off as originals. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paula knows her business and can spot a reproduction a mile away!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Virginia:</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Paula to what do you attribute such vast experience in antique/vintage collectibles and jewelry?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;"><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paula:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> My parents were collectors of fine porcelains which included Dresden, Meissen and Spode, all first factory. We attended auctions at Sotheby’s ~ Parke Bernet, </span></b><span class="caps"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">NYC</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> whenever there was an auction, so, antiquing is really in my </span></b><span class="caps"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">DNA</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. I attended </span></b><span class="caps"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">GIA</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> and became a Graduate Gemologist. After my schooling I owned a Jewelry store in New York dealing in Fine Gems. My personal collection leans toward Oriental and my greatest finds are Strait’s porcelain pieces.</span></b></p></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Virginia</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> How do you select items for sale online?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#666666;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#3366FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Paula</span></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When buying items for sale on Bonanzle I buy with my heart and only items that I would want for myself. I try to research the items to the best of my ability so when I present them I can give an honest description. My commitment to my buyers is a promise of honesty.</span></b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am most privileged to spotlight this savvy seller and expert on my blog - </span></b><a href="http://bonanzle.com/eclecticdealer"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">Paula Amato - Eclectic Dealer</span></span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> on Bonanzle. Her comprehensive <a href="http://eclecticdealer.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;">blog </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">"Eclectic Dealer's - Bringing you Antiques from Around the world"</span></a> highlights areas of gemology, antiques, and much more.</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><ul class="posts" style="list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: none; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; "><li style="background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 1.3em; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); line-height: 1.4em; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-image: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; text-indent: -15px; background-position: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); line-height: normal; font-weight: bold; font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;font-size:16px;">Thanks Paula!</span></li></ul></span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Virginia</span></i></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica;color:#333333;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;"><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I most most unusual item in Paula's Bonanzle booth. A </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/EclecticDealer/items/Asian_Samovar_Champleve_Enamel_Tea_Water_Heater_19c">19c Asian Samovar Champleve Enamel</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/EclecticDealer/items/Asian_Samovar_Champleve_Enamel_Tea_Water_Heater_19c"> </a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><a href="http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/EclecticDealer/items/Asian_Samovar_Champleve_Enamel_Tea_Water_Heater_19c">Tea Water Heater</a></span> pictured at the top of the page. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102); font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">New York Estate: This is amazingly old. I was told it is from the late 1800's, water heater and dispenser made from Brass and is decorated with Champleve enamel medallions on three (3) sides and hand painted porcelain disks.</span></span></p></span></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Helvetica;font-size:12px;"><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, FreeSans;"></span></span></b></p><b><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102); "><span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The top has a double hinged handle, either side has a single hinged handle as well. There are four (4) parts to this, an inner tube that holds what I assume would be coal or hot rocks, a cover for the tube and the base which has reticulated Oriental designs beside the enamel work.</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102); "><span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The piece is approx. 10" tall x 5 1/4" wide on all four sides, the handle in an upright position would add another 3".</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102); "><span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The condition is fantastic for being lovingly used and well over 100 years old. There is a latch is missing from one side and minor chipping on a few of the porcelain disks (shown in the photo ) this does not deter at all from the look or the use and took me days to realize that it wasn't there. There are many more rare and unique items from this collection in my listings.</span></strong></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#003366;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></b><p></p><p style="margin-top: 12px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/business/yourmoney/24ebay.html?_r=1"></a>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-89178027262528067302009-07-15T06:44:00.000-07:002009-07-15T07:09:01.994-07:00Camping and being one with nature! No convenience camping for us...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPOqv4bUB3jT0GqArc37-bwk3xGFo5f4y4Vpg8n_zbtJCdIfWZBnjb6FptSV24ijWnYzIdccL5u38vGg9Lsf3TBe47SVOkSJ9rYCeLHtmK6wwbrnjBUPgH6H4xoy6S4Dh044JGwDUgMw/s1600-h/MaroonBells4X.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 86px; height: 61px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPOqv4bUB3jT0GqArc37-bwk3xGFo5f4y4Vpg8n_zbtJCdIfWZBnjb6FptSV24ijWnYzIdccL5u38vGg9Lsf3TBe47SVOkSJ9rYCeLHtmK6wwbrnjBUPgH6H4xoy6S4Dh044JGwDUgMw/s400/MaroonBells4X.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358687010276351474" /></a><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">Play outdoors - Adults and Children alike! </span></b>Our excursion to Colorado is filled with excitement and adventure! As an alternative to convenience lodging, we filled our vehicle with camping equipment. As avid camping folks, we know how to pack and keep it all in one place, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">the number one rule.</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Researching campgrounds that have shower facilities are a must, although if primitive camping is in order, we have a handy dandy Coleman shower complete with a shower curtain placed around a hula hoop. </div><div><br /></div><div>Choosing to camp "roughing" it, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">is not so rough</span></b>, when you plan the essentials to take! Everything fits in a small vehicle trunk. That gives our precious border collie the opportunity to enjoy the entire back seat. Just wonder who enjoys the trip most! Give her a lake and she is the first to jump in - wish that were true of bathtime!</div><div><br /></div><div>Essentials:</div><div>Tents - two popups one to store our stuff and the other to sleep in.</div><div>Sleeping bags</div><div>Coleman stove</div><div>Coleman shower</div><div>Tarp</div><div>Small Grill top</div><div>Cooler</div><div>Skillet, coffee maker, utensils, paper products (no plastic)</div><div>Lantern, flashlights, kitchen matches, rope</div><div>Rain slicker (cannot say how those inexpensive slickers have save us from getting drenched).</div><div><br /></div><div>Play outdoors is for everyone!</div><div><br /></div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-31841283144226644442009-07-13T04:58:00.001-07:002009-07-13T05:39:24.541-07:00Cleo Thinks Green<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;">Bringing awareness to children about our earth and the need to recycle is a pleasant and growing venture. Parents, educators, schools and the world is increasing awareness to think green. We follow websites and projects on Twitter that bring the earth's awareness. We recently spent an afternoon helping kids create with discarded egg crates! What fun!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;">All can begin daily by recycling. Last year we began shopping by taking our own cloth bags to the market. They are washable and the collection of plastic bags has practically been eliminated in our household</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b>Reminder: To insure that you take your cloth bags to the store, place them in the trunk of your vehicle after emptying them. We keep a few extra in the trunk in case we forget. </b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:12px;"><embed wmode="transparent" src="http://www.zazzle.com/utl/getpanel?zp=117617556641412559" flashvars="feedId=117617556641412559" width="450" height="300" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><br /><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/">make custom gifts</a> at <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/">Zazzle</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /></span>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-27615003726293427192009-04-14T15:13:00.000-07:002009-06-20T21:06:22.783-07:00The "Other Half" of the Partnership in Life!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9Bc6J0X3iMIc9dxNLTL5wRjgNGqaDi196xLEUt6jqwT0XfsxV82ntqUlSSKNU_RkdS8T7Kkx7Hi9BrelKXkIZ4iQX1r3_oyvhRkLm43YcTQjXdncJW9KfzSNSnZbaCyHfOtyuGwUJgI/s1600-h/Rainbow_Tropical_flower_Avatar_thumb128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324674176871586002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 128px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9Bc6J0X3iMIc9dxNLTL5wRjgNGqaDi196xLEUt6jqwT0XfsxV82ntqUlSSKNU_RkdS8T7Kkx7Hi9BrelKXkIZ4iQX1r3_oyvhRkLm43YcTQjXdncJW9KfzSNSnZbaCyHfOtyuGwUJgI/s400/Rainbow_Tropical_flower_Avatar_thumb128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Keeping busy in retirement is not difficult. All those tasks you "needed to get done"- repairs on the house, gardening, painting interior and exterior walls and the back burner stuff, it's time to move on. Can keep oneself busy and out of trouble for a couple of years after retirement. Then it's on to new or old hobbies - the "fun stuff".</div><div></div><div>My husband Don has lots of interests - collects stamps, postcards, loves to fish, camp and does graphics. He recently returned to graphics after a few years out of it and opened a gallery on Zazzle.com.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><a href="http://zazzle.com/cleosclassics">Click here to see his gallery!</a> </span></strong></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#33CC00;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div> </div><div></div><div>After spending about ten years designing logos, cards, and business cards along with a full time job, now it time to really have fun, if nothing else to show the world new and original graphics. </div><div></div><div>Every few minutes I hear - "dear" take a look at this cool new stuff. The new stuff is getting rather "out there", but fun. Remember when people would say that we sometimes revert back to childhood as we grow into the "golden years". Does not bother us at all...because a big part of life is having "fun". </div><div></div><div>We look at the "golden" years as truly a time to reflect and integrate. It is also a time to move on to new ventures, friends and a slight change in values. Seems life's experiences and how we valued each triumph or crisis (regardless of outcome), is one that adds to a base of wisdom. Equally important in to keep the "child" in us as we enjoy this next phase. </div><div></div><div>Not 80 years old yet - quite a ways from that by twenty years, but given each day at a time, the value of each day is a gift! Visit Don on Zazzle! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-34987316211102526842009-04-13T07:37:00.000-07:002009-07-13T04:33:10.101-07:00Social Networking - What to expect!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mVt4JkwK-zwqbsorIROdRYz3IiFHJZJ1bsuS3oYQj-auDkfkIWPcbsMiy_rGknYVaendLt3C7nacl_pu0hl7u3BiFgff8e5ep7rf7Wbt09pOlcjKEg4MWDN8AlZFz7wkWTaAoV5ONsU/s1600-h/logo_h_sm.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324186514735588338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 59px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mVt4JkwK-zwqbsorIROdRYz3IiFHJZJ1bsuS3oYQj-auDkfkIWPcbsMiy_rGknYVaendLt3C7nacl_pu0hl7u3BiFgff8e5ep7rf7Wbt09pOlcjKEg4MWDN8AlZFz7wkWTaAoV5ONsU/s400/logo_h_sm.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Networking on Squidoo - </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>The worldwide web</strong> offers sites which offer stellar networking that can drive traffic to your business. Anyone can set up a page whether it be a blog, Squidoo lens, ning, or other social networking site. The optimum networking is how the owner/administrator of that page networks to get optimum views from an audience. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>What follows</strong> is how to move that page on the web so buyers other than other sellers are viewing it. While sellers are buyers, there is a limit to how much sellers buy from each other, so prospective new buyers that are not sellers must be targeted. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Choosing Squidoo</strong> was a wise choice and learning how to use it has taken much time. The question I asked myself then, is "how will people know I have a Squidoo lens?" This is where the "hard work" starts. The process is a continuing one that requires information to be updated and regular networking.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>If we want to think</strong> about our personal lives, how does our network of people grow. Take for example that we attend PTA meetings, and meet other parents and teachers. Exchange of information is critical. We are there to learn, offer information, or perhaps find a reciprocal solution to our purpose in attending the meeting. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>For example</strong>, a parent that works, has a transportation problem getting their child home from soccer practice. They learn that another parent lives in the neighborhood and their own child plays on your child's team. A new acquaintaince makes an offer to drop your child off at home after practice. As our networks in real life work, so does social networking on the web. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Another example</strong>...if you have a garage sale, you place an ad in Craigslist, or newspaper, put out effective signs and call your friends.</div><div></div><div><strong>Social networking</strong> is no different and as powerful as our daily networking with people. We are exchanging information that allows someone to either read, give out our link to another person, or move it ahead by sharing it via other social networking exchanges, Twitter, DIGG, Stumbleupon and many others. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>A written page</strong> must move on the web to be effective. If you write a page and expect people to find you, it is not going to happen. It is like publishing a book. If you do not advertise your book, the likelihood of selling it is not very promising. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>This is where the "real work" starts</strong> with social networking. Roll up your sleeves. Writing a Squidoo lens for the first time, is unchartered territory. Do so with an open mind, and that it is not going to be written and marketed in one day. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>For those that say they are technically challenged, most networking sites like Squidoo have created user friendly pages that move you easily through their process. It may take you a few hours, days or months, but the first step is a commitment to use it. Working a new page is best done when taken in little bites. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>If I can do it</strong> without the benefit of having honed technical computer skills, so can you! It has taken me nearly one and a half years to learn how to use most of the tools which Squidoo offers. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Key to successful networking on Squidoo</strong> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Your topic is critical.</strong> Decide what interests you have and then move your selling subject into it if you are a online seller. Like any story or information you wish to impart, the who, what, how, when and where are important. - Once you have written your lens, remember it is only the beginning! </div><div></div><div></div><div>It will require updating frequently and is wise to never bite off more than you can chew. - What do I do with this publication once finished? </div><div></div><div>The first key to networking is letting the people within the Squidoo network know you have a lens. Reading is key to networking in Squidoo. Reading others lenses on different topics is pivotal. If you like what you read and know someone else would, you likely will refer the link to someone else - or at least should. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Squidoo happens to be one of those sites where the author may allow comments from readers, be favorited, join their fan club, roll the lens so that when you have a message you want all in your network to know, they are on the list/roll you have created. There is a star system that allows you to give the author a heads up that you like their lens. By merely going in to leave a comment without doing the rest shortchanges the full advantage you have with Squidoo. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>By favoriting their topic</strong> and joining another's fan club, your picture and link appear on their lens. A picture of yourself is wise. It tends to lend more credibly that a "real" person exists. As with all networking, posting in forums, as we do in cyberspace, it will have a similar effect as when we meet and deal with people in person. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I have read almost 200 Squidoo lenses, commented, favorited, joined fan clubs on topics that interest me, (not just sellers or people that sell online). Those are folks that may and do reciprocate curiously, or with interest read my lenses. In turn some will comment, favorite, lensroll, and join my fan club. Social networking is key to marketing any message and bring in people that share common interests.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>To further your goals of moving your Squidoo lens outside of their site</strong>, it is necessary to apply other networking systems such as Twitter, DIGG, Stumbleupon and others you choose. You need to sign up for those services. When you do so, be sure to set up your profile page with those networking sites. Just merely signing up for other networking systems is not fully effective unless people know your interests. If it's searching for treasures, say so! There are lots of treasure hunters out there. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Built into the Squidoo</strong> process is a direct application that allows you to go direct to twitter, DIGG, Stumbleupon using your password. Sites like this are especially nice because you can do it direct from your lens. Networking takes sustained time and effort. Your network will not happen overnight. Your effort may not be apparent for months or years, but once established it can be most effective for traffic. In time, people get to know you and vice versa, and bring in new people to your network. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>There are many Squidoo lensmasters that I regularly follow because of their topic content and others that bring stellar marketing tips critical to selling. As more people follow those people, you expand your own networking because a new reader may click on your link, comment, roll your lens and become a fan. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Blogs and other social networking</strong> work the same. Reading a blog, following it, or moving it along with a friendly twitter, DIGG, or Stumbleupon may result in someone else doing the same for you. Networking is about sharing, not just your own links, booth or store, it's about moving others with you. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>When commencing my selling venture on alternative sites in early 2008, there was a fellow seller immersed in social networking, and were selling "successfully". What I did was to key in their seller name in google and pulled up each place with a link. Perused the sites where they were networking, and what I learned from that experience was critical to selling. I followed them into territories that were well established. Squidoo was one of those sites. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Networking should be a twofold venture.</strong> First to bring interest and a buyer base to a new and budding selling venue, and secondary to one's booth specifically. Many times, sales result from this joint effort which makes it a win-win for all. With this in mind, consider that all effort made by sellers to move ahead a new selling venue, makes for a successful investment in Bonanzle's future. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div></div><div></div>On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9101484827541076505.post-26358112372546166372009-02-20T07:23:00.000-08:002009-04-14T13:20:14.661-07:00EnthusiasmEnthusiasm - according to Wikipedia "In current English vernacular the word simply means intense <a class="mw-redirect" title="Enjoyment" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enjoyment">enjoyment</a>, <a title="Interest" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interest">interest</a>, or <a class="mw-redirect" title="Approval rating" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Approval_rating">approval</a>."<br /><br /><br /><br />This brings me to my topic today about intense enjoyment. A human need is to feel intense enjoyment. Would have to question anyone that does not have that need, but that is another topic. Without saying, when we are intensely enjoying ourselves, we are meeting life goals.<br /><br />We are happy, motivated, and much creativity perpetuates itself as a result.<br /><br /><br /><br />Like the company we keep. Jovial, upbeat and motivated people inspire me. Some people may say that passionate may be synonymous. Wikipedia defines passionate as "<a title="Passion (emotion)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passion_(emotion)">Passion (emotion)</a>, feeling very strongly about a subject or person, usually referring to feelings of intense desire and attraction, be very passionate about something.<br /><br /><br /><br />Enthusiasm and passion may go hand in hand, but their definitions are different. Am not an expert here, but the emotion of passion can take a positive or negative role. While I am not one to express "passionately" issues that are my own opinions, my preference is to express them down the enthusiastic road. That sounds more positive.<br /><br /><br /><br />Let me give an example. I sell online as a hobby. I am enthusiastic about selling on Bonanzle.com. My first impression there was the professional humor of the owners. Is there a difference between professional humor and humor as we know it?<br /><br /><br /><br />Professional humor in business to me is when you take someone that "reads" people well, listens, and then injects humor in the solicitation for problem solving. It inspires me to be enthusiastic. No one has to prompt me to take the gift of inspiration to the enthusiastic level. Just happens.<br /><br /><br /><br />Never thought of myself as part of a flock, yet one bit shy to say that my opinions should count. Believe that enthusiasm cannot happen unless it comes from within.<br /><br /><br /><br />Another term that may seem synonymous with enthusiams and passionate is zealous. The dictionary defines zealous as: " filled with or characterized by zeal : marked by fervent partisanship for a person, a cause, or an ideal".<br /><br /><br /><br />Guess I could call myself enthusiastic and a "zealot".<br /><br /><br /><br />How we pursue our enthusiasm or zealousness defines who we are, and not what others may perceive. But how does one go about the process of defining the genuiness of these terms when we apply them to people. These areas are as gray as my hair, but human perceptions of body language are likely the best and how well we know the other peron.<br /><br /><br /><br />Is there any way of guessing the bona-fides of directional enthusiasm and "simply" innate enthusiasm in the written and published world. Do not think so. To write about it and place it into a perspective of ethics is where I have difficulty. Guess that is why we have Supreme Court justices that decide the gray areas of law. As a common person, I would not want to take perceptions and label them. Would I leave myself open to conflicting sides? Absolutely.<br /><br /><br /><br />For example, if my son or daughter accomplished a great sports feat, most people would be enthusiastic and bellow this out to the world. Another person might be passionate about the ethics of sports and the use of sterioids. To question or write about whether the use of steroids might have contributed to this child's feat without little basis would create furor for those that know the child.<br /><br /><br /><br />Do not wish to rewrite the dictionary, but find that there is little between passion and enthusiam/zealousness.On the Twitter Planethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08711757982244233666noreply@blogger.com0