tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19459871110471732472024-02-26T05:09:01.449-06:00Island Whispers BlogHello and welcomeMichelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-47049639098556632452019-12-01T20:23:00.002-06:002019-12-01T20:24:32.386-06:00Dear Santa, Define Good Book ReviewDear Santa, Define Good
Rie Anders
I received an ARC copy of the book by the author
This is the first I’ve read of this author. Dear Santa, Define Good is a stand-alone novella, which is number two in the Cabin Christmas Stories, which is a Contemporary Romance. It’s told in the first person POV.
Chapter One:
“Jacob! Wake up!’ I pounded on my brother’s bedroom door as I ran down the hall, frantically tying the belt on my bathrobe on my way to the kitchen.
Mumbling to myself about how late we were, I put on a pot of coffee and pulled two microwavable egg sandwiches from the freezer.” Pg.1
From this beginning excerpt, who is Jacob? Who is running down the hallway, and just what are they late for? These types of questions pull you directly into the story; which it did for me. A pair of family members own a winter store, and they just celebrated their birthday the previous night. One of the duos goes on to lead an adventure party outdoors.
In addition, Dear Santa, Define Good was a fast-paced, entertaining, smexy, naughty read with a twist. It pulled out all the feels – love, hate, naughty, nice, etc. This story is rich with relatable characters, and storylines. The story focuses on Mia, her brother, and a former friend. The characters are strong, and strong-willed. The story is full of action. The settings are believable; being their home, a shop, and a hotel. The outdoors could have used more description; however. Genuine symbolism arises in the story in the middle, and is quite interesting. Symbolism in the book is of an indoor, outdoor, flora, fauna type.
Furthermore, the themes of the story are love, lost love, new love, entrepreneurship, friendship, togetherness. This is a classic, cliched loved you then, and still, love you now kind of story. The characters are strong, and strong-willed. The story is full of action. It’s following the entrepreneurial trend going on in the real world now. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, the novella was a fun Christmassy kind of read.
Finally, the ending, of course, is a HEA! This story is one you’ll have to get into for yourself. If you want a feel-good swoon-worthy Christmas Romance read, then pick up this book today as I recommend. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I don’t want to give too much away. The cover of the book is cute, and cozy.
Review By Michelle Kafka
Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-36991005682437836392017-04-11T10:02:00.000-05:002017-04-11T10:02:30.443-05:00Jason B. Ladd E-course Review, Book Review Banzai The course is two hours, and 50 minutes long. It has 11 modules (with some having additional parts) in total ranging from five to ten minutes each with the exception of some being a bit shorter, or longer.
Module one begins with the course creator talking, and then launches into some pics, and how-tos. The tempo is a little fast. He is a speed-talker here. Jason gives out different info that isn't found all over the web. It is repetitious with the word "this". It's presented on parchment looking paper on a black background. All caps is used. It uses serif typography. There are headings. He is consistent throughout with the parchment paper, and black background. The text is light, and dark brown. The lessons are delivered in bite-size pieces. It is well-organized. It has a catchy name because it has onomatopoeia. It's short and easy to remember.
The reception is good. His voice is smooth, and clear. There is no background noise. It doesn’t cut out. It doesn’t echo.
Going further into the lessons, there are charts, demos, templates, tips, pics, and more.
I learned three and a half pages of info. The videos were short and sweet. The course was well presented overall. I would pay about $200.00 for this course.
The course is two hours, and 50 minutes long. It has 11 modules (with some having additional parts) in total ranging from five to ten minutes each with the exception of some being a bit shorter, or longer.
Module one begins with the course creator talking, and then launches into some pics, and how-tos. The tempo is a little fast. He is a speed-talker here. Jason gives out different info that isn't found all over the web. It is repetitious with the word "this". It's presented on parchment looking paper on a black background. All caps is used. It uses serif typography. There are headings. He is consistent throughout with the parchment paper, and black background. The text is light, and dark brown. The lessons are delivered in bite-size pieces. It is well-organized. It has a catchy name because it has onomatopoeia. It's short and easy to remember.
The reception is good. His voice is smooth, and clear. There is no background noise. It doesn’t cut out. It doesn’t echo.
Going further into the lessons, there are charts, demos, templates, tips, pics, and more.
I learned three and a half pages of info. The videos were short and sweet. The course was well presented overall. I would pay about $200.00 for this course.
Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-56968820895476165272017-04-10T16:33:00.001-05:002017-04-11T09:57:11.172-05:00Book Review: Emily's Day In The Desert By Giselle Shardlow
Author: Giselle Shardlow
Illustrator: Vicky Bowes
Pgs. 48
Genre: Children's
Ages: 4-7
Title: Emily's Day In The Desert:
The desert may be a dry, hot, almost barren piece of land, but the cover to Giselle Shardlow's new book "Emily's Day In The Desert" shows a bit different scene in where a child is quite happily demonstrating a yoga pose.
Three animals are shown who seem to be interested in what the child is doing. The sun is peeking just behind the mountains.
Vegetation lingers, and rocks are scattered about. The colours used to illustrate the cover blend between light, and dark while the majority of colour used is a brown sandy colour.
The illustrations are simple in design.
The story is set in Death Valley. It begins by mother and daughter standing in the desert with a lesson taught by the mother.
The family members venture on to have breakfast together, and meet some animals along the way. The little girl's enthusiasm, and eagerness is quite apparent. Travel is on foot, and by jeep.
Emily carries around a journal with her checking things off on her list. With all her heart there is one thing she wishes to see the most!
The little girl takes photos to remind her of the adventure. The story wraps up in the evening with the family resting.
Emily's Day In The Desert encompasses subjects such as science, geography, movement, visualization, imagination, photography, animals, and air pollution. Yoga poses vary from the Cat Pose to the Pigeon Pose.
Kids are able to identify with the characters. It is meant for the 4-7 year old group. Short sentences, and simple language make up the structure.
I recommend this book to kids, parents, yoga lovers, teachers, doctors, groups, classrooms, libraries, and music/dance studios.
My favourite part of the book is all the diverse animals. They are not your ordinary animals.
The book comes with instructions, and a parent-teacher guide. The book is informative, and educational, and has many great themes.
Ratings:
Cover: 5
Storyline: 5
Illustrations: 5
Unity And Originality: 5
Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-27608037904104222692016-03-22T13:54:00.000-05:002016-03-22T13:54:38.106-05:00The Magnificent ManifestoA manifesto is composed of either an individual or a groups clear motives, views, or intentions. The manifesto is usually made public, or has appeared in published form. It contains three essential parts: the beliefs, the goals, and the wisdom. Many types of manifestos exist from artists to writers.
Here are some examples of good manifestos:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-awesome-inspirational-manifestos.html
http://www.buzzfeed.com/monicatan/11-manifestos-that-could-change-your-art-life-ehq1#.qqoA0W7oK
http://www.chowhound.com/manifesto
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/02/art-manifestos-and-their-applications-in-contemporary-design/
I will be posting my manifesto at a later date on this blog. Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-76514832216399279492016-03-01T15:29:00.001-06:002016-03-01T15:40:46.018-06:00Good ReadingHere is a link to some good reading material, a good author, and a good contest for today.
http://www.ebbrown.net/march-fiction
“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” ~Ernest Hemingway~
“What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.” ~Anne Lamott~
Enjoy! :) Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-65324080386230690222016-02-27T11:32:00.002-06:002016-02-27T11:32:52.273-06:00HaikuIsland drapery
dissolving purple-stained sky.
Coloured sensuous tales wake.
Copyright Michelle KafkaMichelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-66513653610205897712011-01-01T17:23:00.000-06:002011-01-01T17:24:02.161-06:00Happy New Year!<br><a href="http://www.spicecomments.com/new_year/00011/2/"><img src="http://img.spicecomments.com/new_year/00011.gif" border="0" alt="New Year"></a><br><b><a href="http://www.spicecomments.com/">New Year Comments</a></b><br><br>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-67596566440801881672010-12-10T13:06:00.007-06:002010-12-10T13:53:24.111-06:00Surprising snippets from Read-it-firstIf you love reading then be sure to read the following useful information:<br /><br />Read-it-first is a practical program wherein you get to "try before you buy." Books that is. How? St. Martin's Press offers Read-it-first with the editor Suzanne Beecher delivering a sizzling new "in bookstores now" or a pre-released title straight to your email address every Monday morning. Throughout the week you are guaranteed to receive a few more chapters of the title. Then you decide whether to pass on or to purchase the entire book wherever it is you buy your books from. Furthermore, Suzanne begins with "Dear Reader," and then she launches into a personal anecdote. The free read follows. For example, this week the book is "The Christmas Journey" by Donna Van Liere. Additionally you can take a look at some stats on Read-it-first at http://www.trendscape.com/site/read-it-first.com<br /><br />In fact what are the benefits of this reading program?<br /><br />It is easy<br />It is free<br />It is a time-saver<br />It is a great email book club<br />It is concentrated as there is only one title to read per week<br />Sometimes the titles correspond with the holidays<br />There are no annoying ads or popups as with some free read websites so you get good clean reads in your inbox<br />There are a variety of genres delivered to you<br />You can store the reads in your own Read-it-first folder<br />You can discover new authors with new stories to tell<br />You can also enter the contests to win delightful novels<br /><br />"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." ~Chinese Proverb~<br /><br />Really. Who does not like to sample products or services before a purchase?<br /><br />Now if you are in pursuit of something to read with your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, or if you need a good quite read while kids nap, or you have at least five extra minutes to spare then I urge you to sign up at <a href="http://www.read-it-first.com/">Read-it-first</a>.<br /><br />Read-it-first receives nine bookmarks in my books!Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-70049443608687834852010-08-04T20:10:00.009-05:002010-08-04T20:44:38.701-05:00Make Your Writer Statement ShineThere are many ways to structure the general writer statement and many things to include in such a statement. You can begin by offering a literary quote, a memoir, an example, a statistic, an anecdote, etc. The writer statement answers questions; it responds to questions of past, present, and future. It is your statement. It is a definition. It is a personal choice. In addition, choose a focus and set up a foundation for your statement. Write about your experiences. Give information that tells the reader something. Give something more than just common knowledge. Make it unique. Make it you. Show your passion by showing emotion. Give some depth. Use correct grammar and “show don’t tell”. Use sensory details like how the pen feels when you are writing. Last, what is important to you in your writing? What are your writing goals?<br /><br />If you cannot think of anything to write here are some questions to get you motivated:<br /><br />How did you develop your writing? <br />What will you be writing? <br />Who do you or would you like to write like? <br />Where is your favourite place to write? <br />What do you use as writing instruments – pen and paper, typewriter, mobile phone, etc?<br />How is today’s writing going to shape your future? <br />Do you write fiction or non-fiction? <br />What is the one best piece of writing advice you have received or given?<br />How has your writing changed you or the world? <br />Why writing and say not landscaping or something else? <br />Do you have or believe you need a writing degree, certificate, diploma, etc.?<br />Do you belong to any writing groups, clubs, or organizations?<br /><br />Moreover, the point of your writer statement is to help yourself and people understand why you do what it is you do. To share your thoughts and feelings on your writing journey is another reason why one should write a writer statement and make it shine. For each piece of writing you can compose a <a href="http://www.writer2writer.com/writers-mission-statement.htm">writer statement </a>for that particular writing project.<br /><br />More questions as follows:<br /><br />Do you have a favourite or frequent word that keeps appearing in your work?<br />If you could be any writer from the past for one day who would you want to be and why?<br />Do you enjoy word puzzles, games, trivia, etc.? <br />What are some of your favourite writing movies?<br />Were your parents or anyone else in the family writers?<br />What are you writing now?<br />What fuels or inspires your writing?<br />What writing books, sites, courses are you currently reading/studying?<br />When is your favourite time to write?<br />What is your writing style? <br />What is your favourite writing device? <br />What is your favourite writing quote or proverb? <br />How long have you been writing? <br />What are your favourite writing snacks?<br /><br />Finally, the writer statement can be written in the present tense as if you have achieved all that you desired. The length of your statement does not matter. If you wish to make it two sentences or two pages – go ahead. Also remember at any time you can change your writer statement. Check back with it in a month, or quarterly. Review your answers and alter if necessary as you achieve, achieve, achieve!<br /><br />Further resources on the writer statement:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.redroom.com/blog/larry-r-smith/a-writers-statement-writing-what-matters">"A WRITER'S STATEMENT--WRITING WHAT MATTERS"</a><br /><br /><a href="http://meika.loofs-samorzewski.com/statementshort.html">"Writer's Statement - the shortish version"</a><br /><br />Resources on the personal mission statement:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-personal-mission-statement.htm">"What Is a Personal Mission Statement?"</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.quintcareers.com/creating_personal_mission_statements.html">"The Five-Step Plan for Creating Personal Mission Statements"</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-23257671286450171662010-07-21T12:25:00.007-05:002010-07-28T11:05:40.023-05:00Bridge Kiss Memory<strong>Bridge </strong><strong>Kiss </strong><strong>Memory</strong> <br /><br />Rousing in bed <br />Gold moonlight oozing over me<br />Dissolving sleep<br />Transcending memory…<br /><br />Emerald fingers tickle lively bare toes.<br />Grey ladybugs sit up proud in the stream.<br />From three lanterns soft, plump light choruses, while <br />the mist struts and shakes embellishing its role.<br /><br />With a hint of mint and jasmine beneath the rainbow upon the stone bridge <br />our hearts salsa while our lips tango –<br />my first kiss with you!<br /> <br />Copyright July 2010 Michelle Kafka<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dazzlejunction.com" title="Myspace Comments"><img src="http://www.dazzlejunction.com/greetings/love/loveu_84.gif" alt="Myspace Comments" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://www.dazzlejunction.com/greetings/love.php">Love Comments</a> - <a href="http://www.dazzlejunction.com/layoutsV2/main.php" title="2.0 layouts">Myspace 2.0 Layouts</a><br>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-31460945397882614562010-03-17T12:36:00.000-05:002010-03-17T12:37:23.019-05:00Happy Saint Patrick's Day!<a href="http://sumluv4u.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="GO TO SUMLUV4U.COM" src="http://sumluv4u.com/pics/Holidays/st_patricks_day/0110.gif" border="0"></a><br><a href="http://sumluv4u.com/" target="_blank"><font size=1>SUMLUV4U.COM</font></a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-68649371462065653832010-02-19T16:08:00.012-06:002010-02-19T16:57:29.652-06:00Have A Few Laughs Go Ahead You Know You Wanna<a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2010/02/07/funny-pictures-joke/"><img title="funny-pictures-kitten-liked-joke" src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/funny-pictures-kitten-liked-joke.jpg" alt="funny pictures of cats with captions" /></a><br />see more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com">Lolcats and funny pictures</a><br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vcM9JmSbvNg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vcM9JmSbvNg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kNpOcxDI_sI&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kNpOcxDI_sI&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nYm2G4MnSkY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nYm2G4MnSkY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm">"Laughter is the Best Medicine"</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-54558328502013130902010-02-14T17:29:00.005-06:002010-02-16T15:00:31.534-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!<a href="http://www.sweetcomments.net" target="_blank" title="Glitter Graphics"><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd1/cmts/images/valentines-day/bear-valentine.gif" border="0" alt="Visit SweetComments.net"></a> <br><a href="http://www.sweetcomments.net" title="Glitter Graphics">Glitter Graphics</a><br><br /><br /><a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/83831057.html">Ten Out-of-the-Ordinary Valentine's Day Customs</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-48653059459932723022010-01-22T14:15:00.012-06:002010-01-22T15:41:54.318-06:00Random Inspirational QuotesThese quotes are meant to inspire you to go write an article, essay, short story, novella, novel, etc. These quotes are also meant for you to go paint or draw a picture. They are here to make you ponder. They are here for you to ask "What if?" Maybe you need inspiration. Maybe you need a kickstart. Maybe you need a kind word. Maybe you need advice. Whatever it is you need, I hope you find it today. Enjoy! <br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cPUc2eW9kr4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cPUc2eW9kr4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />"Art is a fruit that grows in man, like a fruit on a plant, or a child in its mother's womb." ~Jean Arp~<br /><br />"The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build your life by, and this you will become." ~James Allen~<br /><br />"Literature, the most seductive, the most deceiving, the most dangerous of professions." ~John Morley~<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.JellyMuffin.com/images/quotes/"><img src="http://images.jellymuffin.com/images/quotes/images/25b67697e5ff78ae6a6d6134da8.gif" alt="JellyMuffin.com - The place for profile layouts, flash generators, glitter graphics, backgrounds and codes" border=0></a><br><a href="http://www.JellyMuffin.com/images/quotes/" target="_blank">Quotes Graphic Comments</a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.JellyMuffin.com/images/quotes/"><img src="http://images.jellymuffin.com/images/quotes/images/apic21.jpg" alt="JellyMuffin.com - The place for profile layouts, flash generators, glitter graphics, backgrounds and codes" border=0></a><br><a href="http://www.jellymuffin.com" target="_blank">Myspace Stuff</a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.JellyMuffin.com/images/quotes/"><img src="http://images.jellymuffin.com/images/quotes/images/apic22.jpg" alt="JellyMuffin.com - The place for profile layouts, flash generators, glitter graphics, backgrounds and codes" border=0></a><br><a href="http://www.JellyMuffin.com/images/quotes/" target="_blank">Myspace Quotes Graphics</a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.JellyMuffin.com/images/quotes/"><img src="http://images.jellymuffin.com/images/quotes/images/apic228.jpg" alt="JellyMuffin.com - The place for profile layouts, flash generators, glitter graphics, backgrounds and codes" border=0></a><br><a href="http://www.JellyMuffin.com/images/quotes/" target="_blank">Quotes Graphic Comments</a></center><br /><br />Written quotes from <a href="http://www.quoteland.com/">Quoteland.com</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-91881311260536574962010-01-08T14:59:00.010-06:002010-01-10T16:59:31.639-06:00SynesthesiaWhile reading a book today I learned a new word that I would like to share with you. Synesthesia. It is a mingling of senses; that is, with this ability one can <em>smell</em> the colour red. It can be psychological or even emotional. It is a more unusual or higher sensory description skill/condition. Some composers, artists, and even some writers possess this skill/condition and these are people who are are termed synesthetes. On that note:<br /><br />to further learn what it is here is the link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8445">http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8445</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-39460094744947461762010-01-01T17:38:00.005-06:002010-01-02T21:25:39.037-06:00Happy New Year!Just popping in to wish everyone a Hau'oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year!<br /><br />The Maneki Neko on the right wishes you to have a healthy, creative, lucky, prosperous year too!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sweetcomments.net" target="_blank" title="Glitter Graphics"><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd1/cmts/images/new-year/2010-black-gold.gif" border="0" alt="Visit SweetComments.net"></a> <br><a href="http://www.sweetcomments.net" title="Glitter Graphics">Glitter Graphics</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-84771512834850452322009-12-30T15:14:00.014-06:002009-12-31T11:33:35.681-06:00Using Art To Overcome Writer's BlockWriter's block is an inability to write due to a variety of circumstances. The blockage of writing can have a short life-span or a lengthy life-span. <br /><br />Next, through my travels along the WWW path I have encountered two unique activities that I would like to share with you in hopes of eliminating or lessening your writer's block. In fact the first is an activity where you can create a colourful piece of artwork. The second activity is dragging and dropping to create another masterpiece. If while doing the activities you still are blocked than you could perhaps write on the topics of what were you thinking while doing the activities? What is your favourite type of art? Who is your favourite artist? Which landscape painting could you see yourself in? These are just some of the art topics you can write about to aid in the stressful writing period. Finally here are the links:<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.mind-art.fr/mind-art.html">http://www.mind-art.fr/mind-art.html</a><br /><br />2. <a href="http://www.mrpicassohead.com/create.html">http://www.mrpicassohead.com/create.html</a><br /><br />Also during my travels I found a very animated video highlighting things you can do to overcome writer's block. Here is the video:<br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DORlyIIljWA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DORlyIIljWA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-49949365011927100632009-12-16T18:29:00.004-06:002009-12-16T19:16:48.148-06:00Weeding Out SaidWhat do gardening and writing have in common? Both contain weeds. Both need to be cultivated.<br /><br />“That is well said, replied Candide, but we must cultivate our garden.” (… il faut notre jardin.) Voltaire, Candide<br /><br />Appearing below is one example of wilted writing:<br /><br /><strong>Example 1.</strong> <br /><br />Turning to him she said “How’s Bobbi?”<br />He smiled and said “Bobbi let Daddy know he wanted his treats. He looked at me and said “Meow, meow, meow.” Daddy said “Bobbi’s a good boy isn’t he?”<br />Her eyes illuminated. “Aw.” She said.<br /><br />The above snippet of he said she said is flat and monotonous. Writers definitely do not want to write said repeatedly. So how do you the writer shear, trim, or pull said and change the landscape? Simple. Let us take a look. <br /><br /><strong>Revision 1.</strong><br /><br />Turning to him she questioned, “How’s Bobbi?”<br />He told her “Bobbi let Daddy know he wanted his treats. He looked at me and announced “Meow, meow, meow.” Daddy exclaimed, “Bobbi’s a good boy isn’t he?”<br />Her eyes illuminated. “Aw.” She remarked.<br /><br />The flow is better. The writer is not redundant. Said is a dandelion – a weed, but a useful weed as dandelions can be used in salad making. Use said sometimes.<br /><br />Planted below in alphabetical order is a list you can use to create your own written lush garden with. Water it – use it and watch your garden grow!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dazzlejunction.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l23/dazzlejunction/0ag/greetings/flowers/love-language.gif" alt="Myspace Graphics" border="0"></a><br> <a href="http://www.dazzlejunction.com/greetings/flowers.php" target="_blank">Flower Comments</a><br><a href="http://www.dazzlejunction.com" target="_blank">Myspace Comments</a> - <a href="http://www.dazzlejunction.com/layoutsV2/main.php" target="_blank">2.0 Layouts</a><br><br /><br /><strong>List:</strong><br /><br />Added <br />Admonished<br />Asserted<br />Agreed<br />Answered<br />Argued<br />Advised<br />Assured<br />Announced<br />Admitted <br />Barked<br />Bawled<br />Beamed <br />Bellowed<br />Bemoaned<br />Bemused<br />Breathed<br />Bubbled<br />Burbled<br />Buzzed<br /><br />Cackled<br />Cajoled<br />Cawed<br />Chagrined<br />Challenged<br />Chanted<br />Chatted<br />Chattered<br />Chided<br />Chirped<br />Chortled<br />Chorused<br />Chuckled<br />Clipped<br />Clucked<br />Complained<br />Concurred<br />Confessed<br />Confirmed<br />Continued<br />Cooed<br />Coughed<br />Countered<br />Cried<br />Cursed<br /><br />Declared<br />Demanded<br />Demonstrated<br />Denied<br />Directed<br />Drawled<br /><br /><br /><br />Echoed<br />Ejaculated<br />Emphasized<br />Enquired<br />Examined<br />Exhausted<br />Expelled<br />Explained<br />Exploded<br />Expressed<br /><br />Fidgeted<br />Fizzled<br />Flamed<br />Flared<br />Flirted<br />Fumed<br /><br />Gasped<br />Gathered<br />Gestured<br />Giggled<br />Grated<br />Grilled<br />Gritted<br />Groaned<br />Grumbled<br />Gushed<br /><br />Harassed<br />Hinted<br />Hissed<br />Howled<br />Hummed<br /><br />Implied<br />Included<br />Informed<br />Injected<br />Interrupted<br /><br />Jeered<br />Jested<br />Joked<br /><br />Kidded<br /><br /><br />Lamented<br />Laughed<br />Lied<br /><br />Managed<br />Mentioned<br />Mimicked<br />Mirrored<br />Moaned<br />Mocked<br />Murmured<br />Mused<br />Muttered<br /><br />Nagged<br />Nattered<br />Nodded<br />Noted<br />Nudged<br /><br />Offered<br /><br />Panted<br />Parried<br />Pealed<br />Pitched<br />Prattled<br />Prayed<br />Pressed<br />Pretended<br />Prodded<br />Proffered<br />Prompted<br />Pronounced<br />Protested<br />Purred<br /><br />Qualified<br />Queried<br />Questioned<br />Quipped<br />Quizzed<br /><br /><br />Ranted<br />Rasped<br />Rebuked<br />Rebutted<br />Rehearsed<br />Reiterated<br />Remarked<br />Replied<br />Requested<br />Returned<br />Revealed<br />Roared<br /><br />Sang<br />Scoffed<br />Scolded<br />Screamed<br />Screeched<br />Shrieked<br />Shrugged<br />Shuddered<br />Sighed<br />Sizzled<br />Slung<br />Slurred<br />Smiled<br />Snapped<br />Snarled<br />Sneered<br />Snickered<br />Sniffled<br />Sobbed<br />Spat<br />Specified<br />Spewed<br />Spoke<br />Sputtered<br />Squawked<br />Squeaked<br />Stammered<br />Started<br />Stated<br />Suggested<br />Supplied<br />Swore<br /><br />Tested<br />Told<br />Trailed<br /><br />Urged<br /><br />Vented<br />Voiced<br /><br />Wailed<br />Whimpered<br />Whined<br />Whispered<br />Whistled<br /><br />Yelled<br />Yodelled<br /><br />Bit out<br />Blew out<br />Blurted out<br />Bore out<br />Burst out<br />Called out<br />Charged out<br />Checked out<br />Chiselled out<br />Choked out<br />Crammed out<br />Dropped out<br />Drove out<br />Fished out<br />Flung out<br />Forced out<br />Ground out<br />Hammered out<br />Harpooned out<br />Piped out<br />Pounded out<br />Raked out<br />Rang out<br />Rapped out<br />Rumbled out<br />Shot out<br />Sprang out<br />Spun out<br />Threw out<br />Thrust out<br />Thumped out<br />Tossed out<br />Tumbled out<br />Whooshed out<br />Wrestled out<br /><br /><br /><br />Carried on<br />Cut in<br />Nailed down<br />Touched onMichelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-40902837254388078052009-04-22T13:39:00.009-05:002009-04-22T14:07:28.694-05:00Happy Earth Day From Island Whispers Blog!<center><embed src="http://www.wishafriend.com/pf/crazytext/swf/circles.swf" FlashVars="t=Happy Earth Day!&u=http://www.wishafriend.com/pf/&tc=0x00FF33" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" width="500" height="100" name="wishafriend" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /><br /></embed><br><font face="sans-serif" size="-2"><a href="http://www.wishafriend.com/pf/">Flash Toys</a></font></center><br /><br /><strong>Psst. Wanna know how to have a green party then read this article I found and throw an awesome green party for your friends, co-workers, or family.</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/entertaining/article/planningagreenparty">Throw A Green Party<br /></a><br /><strong>Perhaps you just wanna send an e-card instead.</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flowgo.com/category/10239_earth-day-e-cards/">Flowgo Earth Day E-Cards</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-21538077453409250312009-04-12T10:07:00.017-05:002010-03-25T14:22:55.292-05:00Happy Easter Everyone From Island Whispers Blog!<strong><br /><br />"For I remember it is Easter morn,<br />And life and love and peace are all new born."<br />~Alice Freeman Palmer~<br /><br />"Easter tells us that life is to be interpreted not <br />simply in terms of things but in terms of ideals."<br />~Charles M. Crowe~</strong><br /><br /><br />Enjoy my Easter poem <br /><strong>*Needs*<br /><br />Purple basket sits empty<br />longing to fill its womb<br />suddenly the seed planted;<br />colourfull, shapely, speckled<br />babies appear appeasing<br />the lone baskets needs.</strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>A thoughtful, inspiring, and well-read Easter poem for your enjoyment!</strong><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7RODe9l9SM0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7RODe9l9SM0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong> Needs Poem copyright Michelle Kafka</strong><br /><br /><strong>Quotes from:</strong> <a href="http://www.quotegarden.com/easter.html">Quote Garden</a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-66917584489126976072009-04-07T21:32:00.006-05:002009-04-07T21:56:40.070-05:00Poetry: Neon Nightlife<strong>Hello, I enjoy reading and writing poetry. This post is dedicated to all the freelancers who have quit their jobs to pursue the writing life. Enjoy! <br /><br /><center><param name="movie" value="http://www.myspacesupport.com/myspace-generators/flash/neon_text/output.swf?fonts=Neon&txt=Neon Nightlife&fsize=96&bgimg=pic2.jpg&textxpos=0&textypos=-2&blinkspeed=0.9&glowstrength=4&glowopacity=0.7&glowcolor=0xFF0000&domainname=www.myspacesupport.com&swfw=468&swfh=325&path=http://www.myspacesupport.com/myspace-generators/flash/neon_text/"><param name="quality" value="high"><embed src="http://www.myspacesupport.com/myspace-generators/flash/neon_text/output.swf?fonts=Neon&txt=Neon Nightlife&fsize=96&bgimg=pic2.jpg&textxpos=0&textypos=-2&blinkspeed=0.9&glowstrength=4&glowopacity=0.7&glowcolor=0xFF0000&domainname=www.myspacesupport.com&swfw=468&swfh=325&path=http://www.myspacesupport.com/myspace-generators/flash/neon_text/" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="468" height="325"></embed><br/> <a href="http://www.myspacesupport.com"> provided by: www.myspacesupport.com</a></center><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bigoo.ws"><img alt="myspace layouts" border="0" src="http://media.bigoo.ws/content/75/265875/Neon.gif"></a><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><a href="http://www.bigoo.ws">myspace layouts</a></p><br /><br />Neon Nightlife<br /><br />Never using the ceiling light <br />cutting the sandwich with the across-the-street hotel’s flashy neon lights<br />sipping coffee past his bedtime<br />flipping calendar pages<br />counting down the days he quits his dead-end job<br />giving the nine-to-five obituary<br />only to resurrect a relevant invitation with much serendipity <br />to working at home instead!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bigoo.ws"><img alt="myspace layouts" border="0" src="http://media.bigoo.ws/content/75/265875/Neon.gif"></a><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><a href="http://www.bigoo.ws">myspace layouts</a></p><br /><br />Poem Copyright Michelle Kafka</strong>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-10807260450146989212009-03-31T17:50:00.004-05:002009-03-31T18:11:02.096-05:00Junk Mail Jellie<strong>Jellie Jardine’s ears tingled. Rolling over in bed she recognized the loud clank. Rising out of bed she tossed on her fluffy green robe and walked to the front door. With the husky-wolf pup just behind her she opened the door, reached around and slipped her hand into the box. Quickly she snatched up whatever the mail carrier brought her for the day. The stack in hand, Jellie closed the door and immediately begun sorting the mail. Bills, personal letters, junk mail. The bills and letters carted to the kitchen table while the junk mail got tossed into the trash with no further thought. Jellie went over to put coffee on so she could sit at her cherry wood table and read her newspaper and her mail.<br /><br />The above scenario is common. Perhaps it’s even you. Jellie hates junk mail. You hate junk mail. But somewhere amongst that heap of junk mail is a stamp ahem “gem.” Interesting factual information can be gleaned from the pile o’ papers. Fashion trends, hairstyles, makeup applications, business opportunities (such as the new company not yet online who could use a web designer or content writer,) pricing, advertising how to, and new products for review can be pulled from the “ waste of paper and ink,” which can lead to a whole package of article ideas.<br /><br />I gave you the beginning of a story. You can fill in your own middle and end. As a forethought though, just how will the story end? Will Jellie continue to throw away or recycle the flyers/unwanted mail without even glancing at them or will she take a closer inspection one day and find something no matter how small or seemingly insignificant she thinks it is file it away and put it to another use later? </strong><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.freefoto.com/imagelink/?ffid=04-27-6&s=m" ></script>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-14481481244605586642009-03-27T13:45:00.003-05:002009-03-27T14:23:17.870-05:00What Key Factors Can Inventors Teach Freelancers?<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyMzgxNzk1MTQzNDMmcHQ9MTIzODE3OTUzMTI2NSZwPTU2MjYxJmQ9Jmc9MSZ*PSZvPTc3M2Y*NmYwNjJjNjRhNmFiMDhhMzk2MjIxYjFkNzk5.gif" /><p align='center'><br><embed src='http://files.myspace-toys.com/Files/Gens/lightbulb/bulbplayer.swf' FlashVars='msg=%22To%20have%20a%20great%20idea%2C%20have%20a%20lot%20of%20them%2E%22&bg_mc=16049994&txc=15260695&sh_distance=0&sh_angleInDegrees=0&sh_color=0x000000&sh_alpha=1&sh_blurX=5&sh_blurY=5&sh_strength=3&sh_quality=2&sh_inner=true&sh_knockout=false&sh_hideObject=false' wmode='transparent' quality='high' width='250' height='166' name='bulbplayer'></embed><br><a href='http://www.myspace-toys.com/' target='_blank'><small>Create Your Custom Message</small></a><br></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Thomas A. Edison said, “To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk.” Edison also acted upon this statement by relaxing in a chair while holding ball bearings in one hand he would doze off. Upon entering his hypnagogic state (being the point between waking and sleeping;) he would encounter vivid visual and auditory hallucinations. Hand muscles relaxed, the balls loudly plopped to the floor jolting him awake. What followed next? Thomas carefully wrote down ideas and thoughts that drifted in his mind while under the “dreamlike spell”.<br /><br />Furthermore what Willard Boyle a physicist stated is, “Any creative person - whether inventor, painter, author, or other - is a dreamer in a larger sense.” Bizarre, outrageous, outlandish, unique ideas do not deter inventors. Additionally dreams are embraced and emphasized.<br /><br />Inventors consistently ask what if… What if I try this? What if I did this? What if I did it this way? What if that happened? What if I combined this and that? Inventors are out to experiment and get results. It is the process of being curious and wanting to know more. Sometimes the results are even more spectacular than one can imagine.<br /><br />Inventions like the art of writing can take years to perfect and even the written project itself can take several minutes or years to form into a whole, however does the payoff come at the end of the invention or written project? Not necessarily unless that is of course the only focus, the only goal.<br /><br />Each step of the inventing process is a reward, is a chance to make mistakes and learn similar to the writing process. Both inventors and writers ask themselves, how can I make it better? How can I improve what already exists? Intellectual curiosity. Both make necessary revisions.<br /><br />Looking at the world through a child’s eyes is what inventors do. Ask questions and always see new possibilities. Think outside the box. Dreams, faith, determination, patience, and risk-taking are all qualities of an inventor.<br /><br />Discouragement and rejection may bite inventors on the backside but keeping ideas flowing and experimenting will usually result in an attractive end product that the public will appreciate because it is the end product that the public will be able to hold and use.<br /><br />How inventors get to the end product is through the process of discovery; there is a beginning, middle, and an end just like in a short story or novel. Looking further at Thomas A. Edison, he also stated, “ The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are: Hard work, Stick-to-itiveness, and Common sense.”<br /><br />So what key factors can inventors teach freelancers? Inventors teach us:<br /><br />1. What if?<br />2. Stay in it from beginning to end<br />3. Look at objects/the world as children do<br />4. Keep dreaming and jotting down ideas and thoughts<br />5. Stay focused and encouraged<br />6. Experiment, experiment, experiment to perfection!</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.123rf.com/photo_2665186.html"><img src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/noam/noam0803/noam080300027/2665186.jpg" border="0" alt="studio still life of four cog-wheels photo"></a>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-33798274653364140682009-01-02T11:09:00.010-06:002009-01-12T21:43:04.020-06:00Happy New Year!<strong>Happy New Year to everyone!<br /><br /><a href="http://commentcafe.com/hdj/" target="_blank" style="color:red; font-weight:bold" ><img src="http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s54/hostdrjack/newyear/126128.gif" style="height:325px; width:325px;" border="0";/><br />SEXY & HOT COMMENTS</a><br /><a href="http://www.photobucket.com/register.php?pbaffsite=294" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hostdrjack.com/pblogo2.gif"><br><font color="#3399FF" size="-3">CLICK HERE!</font></a><br /><br />May all the writer's receive all their writing wishes come true this year and let it be a happy, healthy, plentiful writing year!</strong><br /><br /><strong>May all the luck roll in everyone's favour!</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://commentcafe.com/hdj/" target="_blank" style="color:red; font-weight:bold" ><img src="http://hostdrjack.com/customcomments/samples/10913.gif" style="height:400px; width:400px;" border="0";/><br />SEXY & HOT COMMENTS</a><br /><a href="http://www.photobucket.com/register.php?pbaffsite=294" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hostdrjack.com/pblogo2.gif"><br><font color="#3399FF" size="-3">CLICK HERE!</font></a><br /><br /><strong>Please feel free to share some of your writing wishes/resolutions or any 2009 wishes here. Will you be bold and daring and try something new?</strong>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1945987111047173247.post-5017176349109842072008-12-19T13:06:00.005-06:002009-01-12T21:22:40.624-06:00Who Let The Dogs Out?<strong>Freelance writer Michael Kwan did with his analogy post combining dogs and freelance writing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.commentcherry.com"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff240/commentcherry/cherrytap/comment_graphics/cute_animals/images/a12.gif" alt="Myspace Comments"></a><center><a href="http://commentcherry.com">Myspace Comments</a></center><br /><br />I like both dogs and freelance writing and thought this to be the best analogy thus far and wanted to share this with readers/writers/friends of Island Whispers Blog.<br /><br />Here's the link:<br /><br />Michael Kwan's blog - "beyond the rhetoric"<br /><a href="http://btr.michaelkwan.com/2008/12/15/what-freelancers-can-learn-from-the-dog-whisperer/#comments">"What Freelancers Can Learn From The Dog Whisperer"</a></strong><br /><br /><strong>Enjoy the link and let me know if you liked the analogy too?</strong>Michelle Kafkahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16066285390140403685noreply@blogger.com2