Winners Never Quit & Quitters Never Win: Wrong!

Winners DO Quit . . .

sometimes!

Life is Short, it's okay to quit...sometimes! 

A quitter is described as someone who habitually gives up easily, someone who lacks mental stamina. A quitter is deficient in resilience, resolve, or purpose. A quitter is a loser who doesn’t hang in when the going gets tough, someone who abandons the game before it is finished - - and doesn't return later to finish the game.

Quitters constantly procrastinate; they would rather talk about it, read about it, think about it and, talk about it some more, but they never seem to do anything. Quitters are glad when the day is over.

Quitting isn't always negative; it may be exactly what's needed in order to move forward. You will need to get over any guilt feelings that come with it though, especially if you have friends or family members who believe totally and completely in the “winners never quit” philosophy.

Many times it is not “quitting”, it is simply changing the direction of your advance. It is not quitting if we consciously choose to switch directions; when we replace one goal with a new one that's more in keeping with our purpose.

Quitting might sometimes be the worst option, but “once a quitter, is not always a quitter”. The harsh reality is that many things are worth quitting. There is nothing wrong with quitting a venture that should never have been started in the first place. Walking away from something that is bad for you is not quitting. You only have one shot at life, so make sure you take it with both hands and squeeze every little drop out of it you can.

Here are a few uplifting and enlightening facts to consider: Shortly after quitting whatever you're doing that is going nowhere, your blood pressure, pulse rate, and circulation will all return to normal; your headaches will diminish and the churning in your stomach will soon calm down. So go ahead, quit some things.

Rather than believe that “Quitters never win and winners never quit”, I learned from many successful people that . . .

Sometimes, "winners DO quit" when we need to change directions to reach our goal.

 What do you think? Can we quit something without being labeled a "loser or a quitter"? How much do you care what others think of your projects or endeavors? Let us hear from you, someone is waiting.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Nothing NEW Under The Sun

There Is Nothing NEW Under The Sun

If you think it…rest assured that someone else somewhere has thought the same thought. If you have a mind blowing “light-bulb-moment” and dream up an amazing new idea, just know that it has been dreamed-up before. If you write it, many others have written about it also. 

Did you know? There is nothing new under the sun.

With that in mind, let’s address plagiarism which is more prevalent today because of ease of access via the internet. One simply needs to search for a topic and search engines quickly return thousands of results.  The problem of plagiarism enters the picture when one person copies those results and uses them for their own purposes.

How do we avoid plagiarism?  

In order to avoid plagiarism, write your story or article from your head, not from research gathered from the internet. Chances are, you will find some of the same ideas you have, but your ideas will be in your own words. Still, it’s a slippery slope.

When you DO use information gathered searching the internet, you must credit your source. Indicate where you got the information from. If you fail to credit your source, you are guilty of plagiarism.

So, your job is to present your ideas in a way that is completely different from any information you gather through your research.

There is nothing new under the sun. But, no two people talk exactly alike, and they definitely do not write in the same writing style and voice. Write your pieces in your own unique style and voice. 

Click image to view source 

How do YOU write your articles? Do you write first? Do you research first? What is your article writing technique?

The Great Punctuation Rebellion

 Sometimes I find myself rebelling against writing rules, especially the rules of punctuation.  More specifically, I often rebel against the comma.

For the longest time, I could not write and publish anything that contained a mistake of any kind. I tried many times, but I just couldn’t do it.

After writing almost continuously online since 2008, I began to question the need to stick strictly to the rules for using the comma. For one thing, using a comma to set-off a name within a sentence has become a real sticking point with me.

Most of the time, I don’t feel the need to use a comma before a name AND after the name to set it off while writing so casually on blogs, my website, and such. Sometimes I use the commas, sometimes I don’t. After all, it’s just me talking to friends through these writings.  

When I’m feeling full of myself, I bend the comma rule and only place a comma where I think necessary if I am dealing with a proper name. Other times, I don’t  use the comma at all if I am really writing the way I talk in person.

There are a couple of more instances where I rebel against traditional punctuation rules, but this is #1.

There you have it, my rant for the week.

Do you ever knowingly NOT follow traditional punctuation rules? Do you always follow the rules exactly? Which punctuation rule would you choose to rebel against? 

If I Were a Blackbird

If I Were a Blackbird

If I were a blackbird sitting high in a tree,

I’d fly away from everyone that keeps messing with me.

People with their begging and their constant needs,

I’d find myself a secret place and go hunting for some seeds.

 If I were a blackbird all sleek and shiny,

I would get away from people that are constantly whiny.

I’d find myself a quiet place to rest in peace,

I wouldn’t go back until the neediness has ceased.

 Awww, But “IF” is such a useless word, it doesn’t do much good.

It accomplishes nothing, so I never understood

why I indulge it and use it, it doesn’t help one bit,

So if(ing), could(ing), and would(ing), I had better quit.

©2014 by ~dellgirl~

Daddy’s Legacy

Daddy's Legacy 

 Six feet tall in his stocking feet with an inch or two to spare,

like coffee laced with whipping cream, his skin it was so fair.

Above his lips below his nose his moustache did stand out,

all neatly groomed and trimmed it was without a minute’s doubt.

He was long and lean and lanky, he was handsome as could be.

He always tamed the hats he wore with creases A to Z.

His khakis creased and starched from waist to spit-shined shoes,

all bathed and dressed and smelling good he’s ready for some blues.

Daddy loved and cherished Mama, she was his all and all

He showed her his devotion when he called her “Baby Doll”.

He always tried to snuggle at the end of every day

It did us kids a world of good to see our dad that way.

Daddy loved us kids a lot, we knew that from the start.

The attention he provided us came from deep within his heart.

1975

Six feet tall with mocha skin and wise beyond his years,

he left this world in ’88 I cried a many tears.

I wiped my face I dried my tears my dad’s life was over.

He lived his life he gave his best, And, now he’s with Jehovah.

Now that Daddy’s gone I know the lessons that he left,

everything he taught me makes me be my better self.

His legacy is simple; 

it is awesome with its power,

to live and love to sing and dance 

and to embrace the hour.
~~~~~~~~~~

RIP Daddy: 

Hermise Mason Wilkins ~

July 25, 1918 – September 3, 1988 

 © 2008 By Leona G. Shankle

All rights reserved

What Is Your Writing Style?

Photo © by dellgirl

     

Writing style and writing voice are what separates good writing from great writing. Likewise, writing style and writing voice separate good blogs from great blogs. Although writing voice and writing style have a lot in common they are not the same thing. The difference between great writing and mediocre writing is - individual style.   

What is writing style? Writing style is not always easy to define. It is something that cannot be taught, you either have it or you don't. Writing Style is a product of our ability to learn by reading and listening to people talk. Our writing style is simply the way we construct a sentence and the way we put sentences together.  

Your writing style is not what you say but how you say it.

Many of us are already writing and have no idea what our writing style is. Some of us are not even aware that we have a writing style. No problem, because perhaps ironically, the best writing style is invisible. 

Developing your writing style is important to your becoming a good writer. If you try to write the way other people write, to duplicate their success, you may find that you are unable to imitate it. That is simply because you have a different style of writing than they do.  Don't copy a writing style from another writer. Write to make your style your own. 

Think of it this way, "A man's style in any art should be like his attire - it should attract as little attention as possible.” It is apparent that the writing style is simple and informal.

 Photo © by dellgirl

The best writing style is the one that is apparent to the reader, although the meaning of the term writing style might somehow escape the writer. With that in mind, writers should simply write.

Your writing style will make itself known in the way you construct sentences and more so in the way you put sentences together. Say what you have to say – your way.

That is your unique writing style.

What is your writing style? Do you know what your writing style is? How would you find it? 

How to Publish a Great Blog Post

Lately I have been visiting new blogs to interact with new people. An hour ago I clicked over to a new blog from a friend’s blog. The background was light pink with a slightly darker pink font color. Oops, this is not good (for me anyway). I tried to read the blog anyway so I could make friends with someone new.

The blog post was very long. Paragraphs were each 6 to 8 inches of words, words, words. There were no intermittent paragraph breaks as far down as the eye could see.

I am an older, notice I didn’t say OLD, person with imperfect eyesight. I find it hard to read posts because they are not divided into paragraphs. Many times a compelling title makes me TRY to read them, but it is so very hard to do. I often have to click away from the blog post because of this.  

I am also a retired teacher who loves helping others. So the following information is offered as constructive assistance for anyone wanting to improve their writing.

Directions for creating a great post:

1.Type your first two or three sentences.

2.Hit the “enter/return” key two times. This will give you a space between your sentences, creating paragraphs.

*NOTE: You will repeat this process throughout the entire post. Type two or three sentences. Then click the return key two times to leave a space. (Repetitious on purpose)

When you compose and type your post leaving space between every two to three sentences, it will be easier to read and to understand. This will keep readers on your page longer.

3. Another good idea for an easier to read blog is to be careful with your background colors and font colors. Not all color mixtures make for easy reading. The wrong color mixture could cause some readers to leave your blog without reading it.

Try these tips and you will love what you see.

Is this information understandable? Did you find it helpful? Why? Why not? Do you have any tips to share with us? We’d love to hear them.

Image source

The Bench by the Back Door

A Tribute to Friendship

By the back door on a bench I wait after work for my ride.

I sit with my books my bags and stuff on the bench right by my side.

People rush by on their way out and smile as I sit alone.

Nobody knows nobody cares I’m here long after they’re gone.

There’s one who doesn’t pass without asking if I’m fine.

She joins me on the bench and puts her things down next to mine.

We chit and chat and talk we laugh and sigh a bit.

I’m glad to have her company while on the bench we sit.

Gathering her books and things she stands prepared to leave,

but not before she asks again “Can I help you, please?”

Holding the door open a tiny crack she asks if I need a ride

“I’ll gladly take you home,” she said, juggling her books on her side.

Her sincerity is from deep within As she wonders what to say,

“You sure you don’t need a ride home?” Thanks, but maybe some other day.”

The next few days and the next few weeks as I sat on the bench by the back door,

She never passed without taking time to sit and talk some more.

Then one day I swallowed my pride. I accepted her offer, I took the ride.

Never again did I have to ask, I never had to say,

“If it is no bother can you give me a ride today?”

My friend will never ever know just what she did for me.

There’s no way to repay her, so I want the world to see.

A friend like my friend Dorothy is a rare and precious jewel.

I’ll be forever thankful how we met that day at school.

I say thanks to my pal Dorothy for being my best friend.

I will cherish what you gave me from now until time ends.

e

©  2008 by ~dellgirl~

Image source 

Meet Erica & Cody Wagner - Twin Teenage Writers

Meet Erica and Cody Wagner, they are published writers.  And, guess what? They are teenagers! Erica and Cody are homeschooled, 13 year old twins. The twins have been writing books since they were 10 years old. Cody loves cars, he is a car guy.  Erica, on the other hand, is all about science. 

Separately, Erica has written two books, and Cody has written two books. The twins also co-authored a book, Minecraft for Parents by Cody and Erica Wagner, together.

I am happily excited to introduce the twins for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they are successfully doing what many of us have only dreamed of doing - - they are writing. Their work is published and available for us to read and enjoy.

Erica and Cody’s books are available on Amazon, which is another reason I am thrilled to introduce them to you. Many of us also wish we were featured on Amazon.

Erica and Cody’s Kindle Book titles are:

Minecraft for Parents by Cody and Erica Wagner

The Stick, A Turtle and a Fish by Cody Wagner

My Quest to Catch a Fish by Erica Wagner

Erica's Guide to taking care of a Grasshopper by Erica Wagner
Legend of the Viper according to Cody Wagner

Erica and Cody have also created Udemy Courses and they are premium instructors on Udemy. They were interviewed on their local Fox News for their Udemy courses. How awesome is that for 13 year olds!

Erica and Cody’s  Udemy courses are:

How to Play Minecraft for Parents by Erica and Cody Wagner

Pic Monkey for Beginners - Erica Wagner

Automotive Tips for Women - Don't Get Scammed by Mechanics - Cody Wagner

Do you have or know a young person with potential for writing? Do you wonder how you can help them get started? Visit Erica and Cody’s Amazon Author Pages for inspiration and motivation:

Erica Wagner - - Cody Wagner - - 

There you have it, my introduction of Erica and Cody Wagner, two amazingly awesome teenage writers! 

Let’s Go To Galveston

Fasten your seat belts. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, Mike’s driving. As we head for the Beltway we stop behind a big dump truck at the red light. You remember, the one with the big rock perched high on the back and the sign warning followers not to get too close.

The signal light changes and we follow the dump truck through it to complete our left turn. That done, Mike smoothly changes into the left lane beside the truck and gets us out of harms-way. We easily enter the beltway and head for the open road.

Galveston, here we come!

The sun is high in the sky, shining brightly, intermittently making its way through fluffy white clouds. There’s hardly a patch along the way where the entire sky is not filled with puffy cotton candy-like clouds. As we approach the I-45 exit, traffic is deceptively light, not many people traveling this particular stretch of road right now.

We exit the Beltway and head south on I-45. Galveston, here we come! Oh, I said that already, didn’t I? Traffic is heavier now, this is more like it. There is usually always moderate to heavy traffic on I-45.

We’re getting closer, you can see palm trees lining the streets and beach houses in the distance. I’m beginning to feel lighter already! Mike and I both have looked forward to this trip for quite a while. So, we ride along quietly contemplating how we’ll spend our time once we get there.

Before I realize it, we’re at the corner of the Galveston Seawall & Heaven.

We make our way to the hotel, just a short distance to the left here. We sign-in and get directions to our room, on the 12th floor. Inside the elevator, I breathe a sigh of relief. We made it, finally! Two weeks in a row we had to cancel our trip because of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.

This place is amazing, breathtakingly beautiful! I might never go back home, Mike’s going to have to pry-me-loose and drag me to the car to go back.

We’re really here!!! Look at that view of the beach from the balcony of our room. Now I understand why Mike wanted a room so high off the ground, makes a world of difference in how things look. We spend a while taking in the view and chatting.

Back inside the room, we decide to order breakfast and eat a bite before embarking on any kind of adventures. The words sleep and rest keep popping in and out of our list of things to do. While we wait for breakfast, we decide on a definite plan. We’ll eat, then rest. And if we feel like it, we’ll venture out to see some sights and such afterwards.

I like the sound of that it’s exactly what I need…rest! One day and one whole night of nothing but pure honest-to-goodness sleep sounds like sheer heaven! Go for it, DellGirl! ZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

Warning Sign

Mike’s behind the wheel and I’m riding shot-gun as we head for the Beltway. We pull up behind a big dump truck at the traffic light, which was red. I silently read the sign on the rear of the truck with a slight chuckle, and quickly whipped out my camera to snap a picture or two. Just so you know, I’ve turned into a real camera/photo fanatic.

Before I finished putting my camera away, Mike commented, “They give you fair warning, don’t they? Look at that big rock sitting up on the back there.”

It only took a second for me to see the huge rock and realize the implications. Needless to say, Mike and I had quite the lively comedic conversation about the possibilities of the damage that gigantic rock would cause if it fell and hit someone’s vehicle. The signal light changed and we followed the dump truck through it to complete our left turn. That done, Mike smoothly switched into the left lane beside the truck and got us out of harms-way.

We laughed and talked about the what-ifs and so forth for another mile or so, stopping only because Mike paused to check his GPS for directions. The Warning Sign and the precariously perched rock started me thinking.

It made me think of some of the street signs, signs posted on and in buildings, roadside signs, and so on that have made me think twice. Have you ever seen a sign that made you stop and think? What did it say? Do you have a favorite sign you’d like to tell us about? We’d love to hear it.

Happy motoring & stay safe. Don’t go driving close behind big trucks with Warning Signs posted prominently on the back!

Bought Wit

As a kid growing up, I heard "Bought wit is better than told…" often. I had no idea what it meant. I only know that it was used whenever someone did something they had been warned against doing. I can still hear it to this day, "bought wit is better than told." It rings loud and clear whenever my gut says not to do something.

By the time I married and had my first two children I had become the frugal little housewife/mother. Not much excited me more than finding a great bargain. I preferred garage sales and thrift shops over shopping at the big department stores. Coupons were like dollars to me, the more I had the better I felt. I couponed like a champ.

Deep inside my frugality there was an innocent ignorance though. Little did I know that "cheap" was not the best criteria for judging if you had a good bargain. So, time after time when that "cheap" package of toilet tissue or that store brand of dish washing liquid ran out before I could get it home and put away, I still did not "get-it". Even when 4 cups of detergent didn't make suds in the washer, I couldn't go down without a fight. I switched to another "cheap" brand. Same thing. No suds. Had to use almost half a box to wash one load of clothes.

It took a while, along with quite a bit of visual research - in other words, watching how other people's things did or didn't last. The real kicker was a bit of sarcastic humorous teasing from my brother. He laughed, talked, and joked for days about my "cheaply" pitiful paper towels, said they fall apart so badly I might as well take some dollar bills out of my wallet and throw them in the trash. After all this, something began to sink in - "this bargain hunting and frugal couponing is NOT working."

Not being stupid, I gradually began buying quality name brands. It hurt my pride as much as it hurt my wallet to buy the three dollar and something (almost four dollars) 4-roll pack of toilet tissue so I said nothing - not to anyone. I noticed the difference immediately but, still said nothing. Instead of the usual three to four days that the cheap brand lasted, the name brand was still around three weeks to a month later. WOW, big difference - and savings ( didn't have to keep going back every few days to buy more cheap stuff.

Same thing happened with the dish washing liquid. I drug myself kicking and screaming into the store to pay a dollar and something for dish liquid as compared to my usual sixty-nine cents. But, wonder of wonders, the name brand lasted a good two to three weeks. Cheap stuff? Only lasted four days. And, so it went, on and on, right? Each time I bought quality over cheapness -- quality won.

"My bought wit"? - I paid the price and learned my lesson - the hard way.

So, there it is…

"Bought wit is Better Than Told".

Detour Ahead!

Many of life's detours are forced upon us by circumstances beyond our control --they are but cul-de-sacs along the way. They are not always something of our own choosing. Often these perplexing detours in life are not easy, but hanging in there when the going gets rough is the key.

On any given day, life is full of "cross-roads", "side roads", and "back roads" -- that are either straight curvy, wide, narrow, smooth or bumpy. With that in mind we can't be so focused on one goal that all other opportunities in life pass us by.

Life isn't always about taking the road less traveled. It is about making the most of and enjoying the road you ultimately find yourself traveling on.

I've detoured around and through many cul-de-sacs in life. I've even parked in a few just to smell the blooming honeysuckle or to watch a flock of beautifully colored birds land chirp, chirp, chirp, and take off again into the wild blue yonder.

I'm not where I thought I'd be now. I'm also not where loved ones might wish I were on this, my life's journey. I definitely am nowhere near where I believe God has destined me to be. I'm working on it, though.

Many of life's detours are fun, but it may be time to take a side road back over to the trail to move toward a bit more inner peace. That road (to inner peace) may be long and very often it is convoluted and frustrating.

Just for today, I choose to park in the cul-de-sac, and to be thankful for honeysuckle to smell, grateful I can smell them, glad to have a car to park, and most of all…

I am prayerfully thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed upon me through all of life's detours.

---

What new and interesting things have you been doing lately?

---

Up At the Crack-of-Dawn!

That's 7:00am dellgirl-Texas time; crack-of-dawn somewhere. I grab my trusty old broom and dustpan and, get busy sweeping out trash and debris. Be sure to get behind that chair and under the desk really "good". Make the room sparkle and shine brightly for this glorious new sunshiny day.

A smooth flowing fine-point writing pen is my broom and a pretty new fabric-covered journal is my dustpan. The pen records the jumbled clutter that infests the corners of my sleep-filled mind. The journal, my dustpan, holds the brain-garbage I want to dump.

Ummmm...maybe the journal is a trash can instead of a dustpan.

Okay, okay! So, what is the purpose of these early morning journaling exercises? The purpose is to help me learn some things about myself. What exactly is it I am supposed to learn about myself by journaling at ridiculously early hours of the morning, when I could be sleeping?

Well, I will learn what I like and what I don't like.

I started this so, I will continue with it. It certainly can't hurt, except to cause me to lose some sleep. What about you, do you journal? What do you think of the concept? Does it clear your mind of clutter? Does it help uncover anything you did not know on a conscious level? Does it open you up for greater creativity?

I'll Always Remember The 3rd Of September

The past week or so I've had to work really hard to overcome some sad feelings. When they first started I'd shake the feeling and move on. Yesterday it dawned on me, September 3rd is the day my daddy died so it took a while longer to get-myself-together. Today wasn't so bad as I spent time riding with Jordyn running errands. Back at home I realized what my problem was...thoughts of Daddy.

Last year I posted the following. I am re-posting it in its entirety -- just because.
____________________________________________

I'll Always Remember the 3rd Of September

"It was the third of September. That day I'll always remember, yes I will. 'Cause that was the day that my daddy died."

"That is as far as the similarities of Daddy and the lyrics of the song go. Beyond that, nothing else in the song applies. The music is - the hook.

September 3, 1988 was the day my daddy died. The phone rang about 9 p.m. and a family friend informed me that Daddy was "gone". Not understanding or not wanting to understand, I question, "Gone? Gone where?"

She answers, "Your mom asked me to call and tell you that your daddy passed away. He's gone."

Suddenly a dark cloud covers me like a blanket. I can't cry like I want to. My nine year old is right here, I have to keep it all together for him. Hubby hovers characteristically close, waiting for my reaction. He asks if I'm okay or if I want to go outside with him.

"I'm okay," I reassure him.

The older two kids are at a football game. Jordyn is a cheerleader, oldest son is on the team. I want to go home - now -but, I have to wait for the kids to get here. I excuse myself with "I need to go and pack so everything will be ready."

In the privacy of the bedroom my tears flow unchecked, but only momentarily, the baby is at the door wanting in. I quickly dry my tears shake myself together and get on with the business of packing.

With a million and one thoughts crowding my numb brain, I silently occupy my self and wait. Finally, the older kids are home, hubby has the car packed and I gather them around to tell them about Papa. They react as expected, tearfully, grief-stricken and full of questions.

Among explanations and reassurances I head them toward the car for the long painful ride home. All is quiet in the backseat after a few miles and I am thankful for the darkness that conceals the anguish that now consumes me.

The journey through the thick East Texas woods is quiet, the silence broken only occasionally by a question from hubby about how I am doing. We arrive at Mama's about 2 or 2:30 a.m. Rousing the kids from their sleep we gather our luggage and start for the front door, for the beginning of a life without Daddy. At the steps I stifle the threatening tears, catch my breath, grit my teeth and prepare to go inside.

I have no idea what lies ahead or what it is like to lose someone this close. I do know that a special light has gone out, a era has come and gone. And with it, the love of my life - my daddy.
* * * * * * * * * *

Today, September 3, 2009 I am left with Daddy's . . ."Legacy of Love".

© 2008 by Leona G. Shankle - All Rights Reserved ▪ Dell Girl Publishing

How to Write for Money Online

Choose What You'll Write

by Angela Booth

Want to write for money online? Writers are in huge demand, so just about anyone who can put together a sentence and paragraph can be paid for their writing.

Choose What You Want to Write

There are two primary ways to get paid - by writing for others, and by writing for yourself. Of course, you can combine the two, but when you first start out chances are that you will write for others so that you can get some cash.

You choose what you want to write. You can write: articles, reviews, advertising, news reports, blog posts, ebooks, complete Web sites... there's no limit to what you can write.

When You're Starting out: Get Paid to Write for Others

Every business of any size - and many small businesses too - needs words. Finding those businesses is easy. Just go to any of the out-sourcing sites, and bid on projects. Write the projects you win, and ask your buyers for testimonials.

Those testimonials are vital: once you've gained some testimonials, you can make more money than you ever could on the out-sourcing sites by creating your own Web site, and selling your services there, directly to buyers who approach you.

When You Have Some Experience: Get Paid to Write for Yourself

Once you have some experience in writing for others, you can write for yourself. You'll make money from your writing in similar ways to the people who hired you to write. You can write and sell articles, ebooks, entire Web sites... and much more.

One of the best ways to make money writing for yourself is to write ebooks. Ebooks on many topics are in demand, because people go online looking for information. If you can provide that information in an ebook you'll be paid for it; your ebooks will go on selling for years.

Writing for money online is largely a matter of experience. You will earn as you learn. Please don't be disappointed if you make just a little money when you start out. The more you know, the more you can earn. As you gain experience, your online writing income will increase. Many writers make six figure incomes online, and they started just as you're starting out, by writing word by word, and payment by payment.

Enjoy your writing - there's never been a better time to be a writer. You can write for money online - just get started.

__________________________________________________
About the Author

Discover how to make money online in your spare time with Angela Booth's Sell Your Writing Online NOW training. Not only will you discover how to write and sell articles, you'll get complete training in how the Web works, so you can take advantage of the unlimited opportunities.

__________________________________________________

Sharing Poetry - Inspiration

To all the wonderful people in my life:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person...

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for a reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Sometimes people come to your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. BELIEVE it, it is REAL.

But; only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Happiness Is...

Happiness is Sunday morning church with loved ones.
It is a journey, not a destination.
Happiness is a choice.
It is grabbing all the gusto you can get from life.

Happiness is sometimes strange in that it varies with time, experience and wisdom.
Happiness is in giving something to someone, although you still need it.
There is happiness in braving life’s storms.

Happiness is warm, yes it is.
It comes from within us, welling from the depths of our souls.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
It's smiling at a stranger as you pass by, and having them smile back.

Happiness is saying 'Yes' to life and 'Thank you' and 'I accept everything’.
Happiness is living as large as we can and saying, 'I'm so lucky to participate in this experience.

How we react to the changes of fortune often determines our happiness. When we are willing to let go of how we need to influence the outcome, to make things happen, and instead learn to enjoy the process and gifts we receive along the way, we can find happiness.

Happiness is being off on a lazy Sunday afternoon thinking back over the work-week,
basking in the warm glow of time well spent with family,
and giving thanks to God for His many blessings.

Make a grab for that golden ring of happiness.
Try it, and happiness will find you.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

What Are Some Facts About Poetry?

Writing poetry is a wonderful outlet for expressing ideas. Writing poetry is the highest, noblest, art form; and poets are those who can feel what can be beautifully expressed as in poetry, as poems. It involves not just scribbling in a notebook, but also undertaking a way of life, one in which you value being creative and sensitive.

Writing poetry is not always an easy job but, it could be your cup of tea. Writing poetry tips are helpful guidelines, but not the rule of thumb, they're not etched in stone - as a poet you set your own rules. Writing poetry has always been about emotion; thrilling, bitterness and even humorous. It is like jumping off a high dive at the deep end of the pool, exhilarating.

Poetry can be used to convey ideas, information and feelings but, above all, it is a great means of entertainment. Poetry is the poetic, beautiful, expression of the poet's passion - in poetry poets express passions sensibly and beautifully.

Poetry is meant for the ear; listen to the sounds the words make. Poetry in rhyme sounds more pleasing - rhyme adds to its beauty. Why not 'cash in' on that in your poetry. Poetry can be as complicated or as frivolous as possible, it's all up to the author. Poetry is food for thought and for the soul. All food has its ingredients and, so does poetry.

Writing is a passion of mine that brings relief. Writing styles, subject matter and even childhood memories influence a lot of our choices. Writing in "free verse" does not excuse the poet's obligation to please the ear though. Writing, reading and falling in love with poetry are all processes.

Writing has always been a form of self therapy, an expression of emotions too intense to keep inside, an expression of thoughts, feelings, and meanings. Writing about painful subjects is also a great way to deal with that pain, write it out. If it’s too painful to share, keep it for yourself. But, do write it out and feel the healing power of putting those words on paper.

Be yourself when you are writing poetry. Explore your different sides through your poetry let the different facets of your personality take center stage. Be happy writing poetry, this is your time to expand and write whatever comes into your mind. When nothing comes to mind -- start writing, very fast --any word, a phrase or simply a sentence or two that pops into your mind.

Try using writing poetry as an excuse not to do other things. Yes, that’s right, if you’re not already doing so, start writing poetry now. There are still several months left in the year, this is the perfect time to embark on a new adventure, so why not seriously consider writing poetry and sharing it with others this year.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle

Stress Less

Most of us are probably coping with some level of stress and we need to learn how to relieve it. Effective stress-relief techniques focus on relaxing your mind and your body. For starters, we can relieve a lot of stress from our lives by dumping limiting beliefs - - those things you believe about yourself that place limitations on your abilities.

Limiting beliefs can be difficult to change because we often don’t realize they exist but, they can easily be overcome with desire and determination. It is imperative to first identify them and how they have served you in the past so you don’t beat yourself up for having had them.

Limiting beliefs almost always begin with “I can’t because…” Examples include “I can’t find a good job because I never went to college, diets don't work for me, I don't have time to exercise, or my company isn't giving pay raises this year.”

Can you really get beyond your limiting beliefs? Fortunately, yes. It is possible to get rid of these beliefs and replace them with more positive ones but, you first need to identify your limiting beliefs. Then to change limiting beliefs, you will need to break the thoughts that reinforce your belief that you are unable to do something.

Is it possible to relieve stress? Yes. Before we go on, if your level of stress is serious, consult your physician. But, if you think you can take charge of your stress, here are a few things that can help.
- Learn to have a sense of humor
- Try yoga: no legs behind the neck here
- Aroma therapy works wonders
- Exercise for 30 minutes
- Lift weights but don’t go overboard
- Take a walk in the fresh air
- Try dance and creative movement
- Chocolate, eat it in moderation though or open a candy bar and just smell it
- Relaxation & deep breathing exercises provide immediate relief
- Take a six minute vacation
- Communicate: talking with friends, family, a counselor, or a member of the clergy about your feelings is a healthy way to relieve stress
- Set more realistic goals: for yourself and others
- Develop a hobby: fishing, knitting, photography, woodworking, anything. Do something fun with your hands

Find your inner peace - - learn how to relieve your stress by finding what works best for you. Let us know your favorite ways to de-stress.

© 2009 by Leona G. Shankle