Island Whispers Blog

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T17:23:00.000-06:00

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Surprising snippets from Read-it-first

2010-12-10T13:06:00.007-06:00

If you love reading then be sure to read the following useful information:

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

In fact what are the benefits of this reading program?

It is easy
It is free
It is a time-saver
It is a great email book club
It is concentrated as there is only one title to read per week
Sometimes the titles correspond with the holidays
There are no annoying ads or popups as with some free read websites so you get good clean reads in your inbox
There are a variety of genres delivered to you
You can store the reads in your own Read-it-first folder
You can discover new authors with new stories to tell
You can also enter the contests to win delightful novels

"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." ~Chinese Proverb~

Really. Who does not like to sample products or services before a purchase?

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 Read-it-first.

Read-it-first receives nine bookmarks in my books!

Make Your Writer Statement Shine

2010-08-04T20:10:00.009-05:00

There 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?

If you cannot think of anything to write here are some questions to get you motivated:

How did you develop your writing?
What will you be writing?
Who do you or would you like to write like?
Where is your favourite place to write?
What do you use as writing instruments – pen and paper, typewriter, mobile phone, etc?
How is today’s writing going to shape your future?
Do you write fiction or non-fiction?
What is the one best piece of writing advice you have received or given?
How has your writing changed you or the world?
Why writing and say not landscaping or something else?
Do you have or believe you need a writing degree, certificate, diploma, etc.?
Do you belong to any writing groups, clubs, or organizations?

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 writer statement for that particular writing project.

More questions as follows:

Do you have a favourite or frequent word that keeps appearing in your work?
If you could be any writer from the past for one day who would you want to be and why?
Do you enjoy word puzzles, games, trivia, etc.?
What are some of your favourite writing movies?
Were your parents or anyone else in the family writers?
What are you writing now?
What fuels or inspires your writing?
What writing books, sites, courses are you currently reading/studying?
When is your favourite time to write?
What is your writing style?
What is your favourite writing device?
What is your favourite writing quote or proverb?
How long have you been writing?
What are your favourite writing snacks?

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!

Further resources on the writer statement:

"A WRITER'S STATEMENT--WRITING WHAT MATTERS"

"Writer's Statement - the shortish version"

Resources on the personal mission statement:

"What Is a Personal Mission Statement?"

"The Five-Step Plan for Creating Personal Mission Statements"

Bridge Kiss Memory

2010-07-21T12:25:00.007-05:00

Bridge Kiss Memory

Rousing in bed
Gold moonlight oozing over me
Dissolving sleep
Transcending memory…

Emerald fingers tickle lively bare toes.
Grey ladybugs sit up proud in the stream.
From three lanterns soft, plump light choruses, while
the mist struts and shakes embellishing its role.

With a hint of mint and jasmine beneath the rainbow upon the stone bridge
our hearts salsa while our lips tango –
my first kiss with you!

Copyright July 2010 Michelle Kafka

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Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T12:36:00.000-05:00

SUMLUV4U.COM

Have A Few Laughs Go Ahead You Know You Wanna

2010-02-19T16:08:00.012-06:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

"Laughter is the Best Medicine"

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T17:29:00.005-06:00

Glitter Graphics

Ten Out-of-the-Ordinary Valentine's Day Customs

Random Inspirational Quotes

2010-01-22T14:15:00.012-06:00

These 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!

"Art is a fruit that grows in man, like a fruit on a plant, or a child in its mother's womb." ~Jean Arp~

"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~

"Literature, the most seductive, the most deceiving, the most dangerous of professions." ~John Morley~

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Written quotes from Quoteland.com

Synesthesia

2010-01-08T14:59:00.010-06:00

While 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 smell 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:

to further learn what it is here is the link:

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8445

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:38:00.005-06:00

Just popping in to wish everyone a Hau'oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year!

The Maneki Neko on the right wishes you to have a healthy, creative, lucky, prosperous year too!

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Using Art To Overcome Writer's Block

2009-12-30T15:14:00.014-06:00

Writer'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.

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:

1. http://www.mind-art.fr/mind-art.html

2. http://www.mrpicassohead.com/create.html

Also during my travels I found a very animated video highlighting things you can do to overcome writer's block. Here is the video:

Weeding Out Said

2009-12-16T18:29:00.004-06:00

What do gardening and writing have in common? Both contain weeds. Both need to be cultivated.

“That is well said, replied Candide, but we must cultivate our garden.” (… il faut notre jardin.) Voltaire, Candide

Appearing below is one example of wilted writing:

Example 1.

Turning to him she said “How’s Bobbi?”
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?”
Her eyes illuminated. “Aw.” She said.

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.

Revision 1.

Turning to him she questioned, “How’s Bobbi?”
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?”
Her eyes illuminated. “Aw.” She remarked.

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.

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!

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List:

Added
Admonished
Asserted
Agreed
Answered
Argued
Advised
Assured
Announced
Admitted
Barked
Bawled
Beamed
Bellowed
Bemoaned
Bemused
Breathed
Bubbled
Burbled
Buzzed

Cackled
Cajoled
Cawed
Chagrined
Challenged
Chanted
Chatted
Chattered
Chided
Chirped
Chortled
Chorused
Chuckled
Clipped
Clucked
Complained
Concurred
Confessed
Confirmed
Continued
Cooed
Coughed
Countered
Cried
Cursed

Declared
Demanded
Demonstrated
Denied
Directed
Drawled

Echoed
Ejaculated
Emphasized
Enquired
Examined
Exhausted
Expelled
Explained
Exploded
Expressed

Fidgeted
Fizzled
Flamed
Flared
Flirted
Fumed

Gasped
Gathered
Gestured
Giggled
Grated
Grilled
Gritted
Groaned
Grumbled
Gushed

Harassed
Hinted
Hissed
Howled
Hummed

Implied
Included
Informed
Injected
Interrupted

Jeered
Jested
Joked

Kidded

Lamented
Laughed
Lied

Managed
Mentioned
Mimicked
Mirrored
Moaned
Mocked
Murmured
Mused
Muttered

Nagged
Nattered
Nodded
Noted
Nudged

Offered

Panted
Parried
Pealed
Pitched
Prattled
Prayed
Pressed
Pretended
Prodded
Proffered
Prompted
Pronounced
Protested
Purred

Qualified
Queried
Questioned
Quipped
Quizzed

Ranted
Rasped
Rebuked
Rebutted
Rehearsed
Reiterated
Remarked
Replied
Requested
Returned
Revealed
Roared

Sang
Scoffed
Scolded
Screamed
Screeched
Shrieked
Shrugged
Shuddered
Sighed
Sizzled
Slung
Slurred
Smiled
Snapped
Snarled
Sneered
Snickered
Sniffled
Sobbed
Spat
Specified
Spewed
Spoke
Sputtered
Squawked
Squeaked
Stammered
Started
Stated
Suggested
Supplied
Swore

Tested
Told
Trailed

Urged

Vented
Voiced

Wailed
Whimpered
Whined
Whispered
Whistled

Yelled
Yodelled

Bit out
Blew out
Blurted out
Bore out
Burst out
Called out
Charged out
Checked out
Chiselled out
Choked out
Crammed out
Dropped out
Drove out
Fished out
Flung out
Forced out
Ground out
Hammered out
Harpooned out
Piped out
Pounded out
Raked out
Rang out
Rapped out
Rumbled out
Shot out
Sprang out
Spun out
Threw out
Thrust out
Thumped out
Tossed out
Tumbled out
Whooshed out
Wrestled out

Carried on
Cut in
Nailed down
Touched on

Happy Earth Day From Island Whispers Blog!

2009-04-22T13:39:00.009-05:00

Flash Toys

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.

Throw A Green Party

Perhaps you just wanna send an e-card instead.

Flowgo Earth Day E-Cards

Happy Easter Everyone From Island Whispers Blog!

2009-04-12T10:07:00.017-05:00

"For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born."
~Alice Freeman Palmer~

"Easter tells us that life is to be interpreted not
simply in terms of things but in terms of ideals."
~Charles M. Crowe~

Enjoy my Easter poem
*Needs*

Purple basket sits empty
longing to fill its womb
suddenly the seed planted;
colourfull, shapely, speckled
babies appear appeasing
the lone baskets needs.

A thoughtful, inspiring, and well-read Easter poem for your enjoyment!

Needs Poem copyright Michelle Kafka

Quotes from: Quote Garden

Poetry: Neon Nightlife

2009-04-07T21:32:00.006-05:00

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!

provided by: www.myspacesupport.com

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Neon Nightlife

Never using the ceiling light
cutting the sandwich with the across-the-street hotel’s flashy neon lights
sipping coffee past his bedtime
flipping calendar pages
counting down the days he quits his dead-end job
giving the nine-to-five obituary
only to resurrect a relevant invitation with much serendipity
to working at home instead!

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Poem Copyright Michelle Kafka

Junk Mail Jellie

2009-03-31T17:50:00.004-05:00

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.

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.

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?

What Key Factors Can Inventors Teach Freelancers?

2009-03-27T13:45:00.003-05:00

Create Your Custom Message

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

So what key factors can inventors teach freelancers? Inventors teach us:

1. What if?
2. Stay in it from beginning to end
3. Look at objects/the world as children do
4. Keep dreaming and jotting down ideas and thoughts
5. Stay focused and encouraged
6. Experiment, experiment, experiment to perfection!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T11:09:00.010-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

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May all the writer's receive all their writing wishes come true this year and let it be a happy, healthy, plentiful writing year!

May all the luck roll in everyone's favour!

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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?

Who Let The Dogs Out?

2008-12-19T13:06:00.005-06:00

Freelance writer Michael Kwan did with his analogy post combining dogs and freelance writing.

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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.

Here's the link:

Michael Kwan's blog - "beyond the rhetoric"
"What Freelancers Can Learn From The Dog Whisperer"

Enjoy the link and let me know if you liked the analogy too?

Writing Tool For The Writer/Virtual Office - Zoho

2008-12-05T12:09:00.006-06:00

I was searching for local writing groups and came across an ad in my area. I responded to the ad. The advertiser wished to start a writing group in our area but because of people's different schedules, etc. decided against the idea and instead came up with a new idea.

She now wished to begin an online writing group which I thought was a better idea.
She e-mailed me a link to where we could meet, discuss, share our work, and thoughts online.

I signed up at the link she suggested.

So what's this mysterious link I've been talking about you ask?

Zoho
http://www.zoho.com/
Zoho is a place where one can organize most of one's items very easily. In short, it's a handy organizer. Zoho offers the free membership or the paid membership.
In Zoho Personal there are applications that one can add to or delete.

The applications include the following:

* Mail
* Calendar
* Documents
* Desktop
* Writer
* Sheet
* Show
* Wiki
* Tasks
* Notes
* Links
* Contacts
* Notebook
* Meeting

With Zoho you won't miss a deadline again or forget where you put that cover or query letter. You can keep track of all your writing projects in one neat place.

I have yet to try out all the apps. But am happy with what I have tried out so far.

Bless this fellow writer for posting the useful, helpful link.

If you're in need of a great organizer, than the link is defo worth the visit!

Blog Action Day 2008 - Poverty, Island Whispers Blog

2008-10-15T11:45:00.024-05:00

Poverty is today's topic at Island Whispers Blog because today is Blog Action Day where vast numbers of bloggers join hands to post on poverty issues.

A good resource to look through is Blog Action Day including another awesome link 88 Ways to Do Something About Poverty Right Now

Poverty can and does hit anyone at anytime. I have come from a background of poverty/rough times. So let's together take a bite out of poverty and expose its rotten core!

What action am I taking for Blog Action Day 2008 - Poverty?

~ I am posting videos made for the event.
~ I am donating a portion of my today's wages to a local food charity.
~ I have spoken to my kids about poverty issues.
~ I am posting poverty quotes.
~ I am linking to relevant blog posts on poverty issues.

I found my favourite poverty quotes and wish to share with readers/friends/contacts here at IWB:

~~~~~~~~~~~Poverty Quotes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. "Poverty- one thing money can't buy."
(Lynwood L. Giacomini)

2. "The rich would have to eat money, but luckily the poor provide food."
(Russian Proverb)

3. " Poverty makes you sad as well as wise."
(Bertolt Brecht)

4. "Blessed is he [she] that considereth the poor."
(Bible)

Also upon my meanderings of poverty issues I came across some children's poverty quotes that are heart-wrenching and I think the children are hit the hardest when it comes to poverty. Child Poverty Action Network CPAN

Sources: YouTube

Famous Quotes & Authors Poverty Quotes and Quotations retrieved Wed. Oct.15/08
<http://www.famousquotesandauthors.com/topics/poverty_quotes.html>

Thanksgiving

2008-10-10T12:26:00.003-05:00

Hi to all.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canadians out there!

There are many things I am thankful for in no particular order including:

* being blessed with three great children,
* friends/family/contacts
* freedom
* shelter
* writing and reading ability
* getting over a lengthy illness
* and so many more wonderful things

May you all have an awesome, blessed Thanksgiving weekend!

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Here is a link to The History of Thanksgiving:

The History of Thanksgiving

Freelance Writing Jobs - Seeker

2008-09-05T11:52:00.005-05:00

Just a quick post today. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I visit my favourite freelance writing job site to look for writing jobs/clients. While searching for the jobs I found a really good post on some of the do's and dont's when applying for the writing job from some of the writing employers. Here is the link to the post at Deb Ng's "Freelance Writing Jobs" site:
http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/09/05/deal-makers-and-deal-breakers-how-to-get-your-resume-to-the-top-of-the-pile/

And here is another great link about writing job responses from Misti Sandefur who operates "Life Of A Writer" which I am also a regular reader/viewer of:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/334791/responding_to_freelance_writing_jobs.html?page=2&cat=3

New WAHM Contest

2008-08-29T14:35:00.011-05:00

Hi everyone. I just checked my messages at MyBlogLog and found a really cool message about a new WAHM contest. It is called "The New Look Giveaway." It is their first contest ever. The prizes offered are awesome take a look and get the contest details here:

http://thewahmblog.com/2008/08/29/new-look-blog-contest/

Here are their sponsors links:
http://www.earnontheside.com/

http://moneybites.com/

http://www.rockfuse.com/blog/

http://thoushallblog.com/

http://20dollarbanners.com/

The contest begins Fri. Aug. 29/08 and ends Fri. Sept.12/08

Brain Food – Food For The Writer’s Mind – Blueberry Bonanza

2008-08-29T13:04:00.005-05:00

Do you need coffee to get your motivation rolling and creativity coasting?

Nearly everyone enjoys the first cup of coffee in the morning, but have you thought of what else can motivate you and help you create better? How about round berries not much bigger than your thumb-tip? That’s right. Blueberries!

Blueberries are brain food. Blueberries’ benefits can be reaped in forms of fresh blueberries, dried blueberries, frozen blueberries, and blueberry extracts.

Blueberries can keep the mind young and fresh and help elevate creativity levels; which as writers we all need that extra creative kick at times to deliver quality content to our readers.

Now blueberries are not the only brain foods available. I have created a link list over to the right under the heading (Creativity Coast) if you are interested in reading more info. on the brain foods and creativity.

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Writers Tip: Keep a baggie full of brain foods next to you and nibble prior to writing and during the writing process to enrich your content.

~ Writing is creating. Creating is writing. ~

Orble.com

2008-08-15T13:01:00.005-05:00

I have just recently signed up for Orble.com which is a blog type community where you can create blogs that you write topics for. The blogs range in topics, there are really cool pictures, and it's easy to use. You can connect with other bloggers and you can vote on the blogs. To see more of what Orble offers:

the Orble homepage is http://www.orble.com/

My Orble blog is titled "Writing Fiesta" found at http://www.orble.com/writing-fiesta/b1/
It is a writing for children type blog.

My Orble profile is http://www.orble.com/writing-fiesta/u1/

Pretty Potent Petals

2008-07-29T13:08:00.022-05:00

Floral Roles

The classic Japanese garden has it all when it comes to flowers and beauty. However if you do not have the time or space to equip yourself with such extravagance; and you require that zen-like state, then you could bring it down to a much smaller level to elevate your mood and brighten your life. How? You could drizzle floral essences around your home, office, or body (providing there is not a restriction due to allergies). You could purchase floral wallpaper. You could invest in floral linen or clothing, or any number of floral items.

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On another note, a loved one is in the hospital or has passed; flowers are sent immediately. At the wedding, the flower girl tosses lovely flowers from a basket.
Flowers, chocolate, and poetry go hand in hand on Valentine’s Day. And of course “flower power” overpowered the 60’s.

Flowers in all shapes, sizes, and colours take center stage in many people’s lives when there is a significant statement or sympathy to be expressed.

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Medicinal Usage

A number of medical staff believes the fragrant foliage to have another use – a medicinal use. Flowers aid the emotional illnesses some people suffer like headaches, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The healing ability of flowers is termed “flower remedy or essence therapy”. Negative emotions can be turned into positive emotions by the release of neurochemicals in your brain just from the flower’s aroma.

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Floral Essence History

The Native Americans among other ancient civilizations believed in the power of floral essences to combat illness. Furthermore, Edward Bach, an English doctor, sometime during the 1930’s authorized the way in which flower therapy was to be used. The doctor took several years of testing flowers and came up with thirty-eight flowers and trees that would aid in the healing process. These thirty-eight foliages were rendered the “Bach Flower Remedies.”

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Preparation

The first step in the method was choosing dew soaked flowers. Next the items were set in a dish filled with spring water and left to absorb the sun’s rays. After this, the liquid was poured halfway in a bottle. In the other half of the bottle brandy was added.

The remedy’s strength was dependent on the type of illness. If one wanted to one could take some of the liquid just below the tongue; or if that was too potent, then one could pour a small amount of the flower remedy in a glass and add water or juice to satisfy one’s taste and to dilute the contents.

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Alternative Health

Alternative health care professionals or naturalists use alternative remedies as opposed to modern medicines, as do many medicine men and women of Native heritage still today. Some natural therapies, flower remedies being one of them, work on the emotional state - from the inside out.

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Source:

As paraphrased by Michelle
Mariah Jager
“Alternative Therapies An A-To-Z Guide
© 1998 Ottenheimer Publishers, Inc.
Owings Mills, MD
Pgs. 107-112

Other Sources For Reading:

Dr Edward Bach Center

greenliving Bach Flower Remedies to the rescue

Animal Communication & Distance Energy Healing Flower Essences

PetSynergy Flower Essences

Random House Illustrated Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies

Lasting Impressions - Emphatic Words

2008-07-18T10:29:00.004-05:00

First impressions speak volumes. First impressions are vital in relationships and job interviews aren’t they? Well what about last impressions? Shouldn’t they count for something? Guess what? They do. More specifically in writing these last impressions are called emphatic words. These words are the last words of a sentence; you want to leave a lasting impression on your reader so you concentrate on the end. Emphasis can also be placed on the last sentence and last paragraph (think of your favourite novel).

Let me show you what I’m talking about

i.e. The author wrote a book titled “Writing 101 – Tips and Advice”

In the above example, the emphasis is on the book’s title.

Here’s another example:

I have sent the invoice in the amount of $ 100.00 to you, please pay by July 30.

In the above example, the special attention is on the due date.

Put in this perspective, think of emphatic words as your parting words or your parting gestures to a friend or relative that you have not seen in awhile. What would you have them remember? What would you want them to remember?

In addition, emphatic words can be used with any sentence length or structure.

To give you a little more information, Dictionary.com states “Emphatic 1. uttered, or to be uttered, with emphasis; strongly expressive. 2. using emphasis in speech or action.”

Copyright © July 2008 Michelle Kafka

Let me part with this emphatic message to you:
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Happy Canada Day!

2008-07-01T13:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Canada Day to all the Canadians out there today!
Canada Day is the unity of the Upper and Lower Canada. Canada Day used to be called Dominion Day. The paper was signed July 1, 1867 for the unity.

HubPages

2008-06-27T11:50:00.003-05:00

I have been “surfing” around HubPages this morning. It is quite really an interesting site.
It is a site where one can write freely on any topic one chooses. The benefits of HubPages are as follows:

· Articles are posted to the left with relevant ads
· Pics. and other items appear with the articles
· Profile blurb on the right
· Tags box underneath
· Related Hubs below this
· Comments section at the bottom of the page
· Lots of white space
· Very easy to use
· All browsing and signing up at the top of page
· It’s free

Some of the topic items or headings are as follows:

· Children
· Food
· Music
· Recipe
· How
· Health

One can earn money writing for this site. I read somewhere that this site pays $25.00 - $45.00 per article and the writer can also earn ad revenue. It looks to me as a very promising site so therefore in the next day or two I think I will sign up. One can get good writing exposure here and make new friends/contacts.

The URL is HubPages

“How To Write Free Verse Poetry” Article

2008-06-24T14:15:00.009-05:00

"To have great poets, there must be great audiences." ~Walt Whitman~

Free verse is just that – free verse. It is free. It is liberal. It is dandelion fluff blowing on the summer breeze. Poetry in any form is creation, is life, is oxygen, and is water. Free verse is an art form.

Free verse is hugely popular in modern poetry. Free verse is poetry with no rules, no borders, and no hidden agendas. It has no set rhyme or metre, (although rhyme may appear sporadically).

It should not be confused with ordinary prose where there are few if no bells and whistles, no fancy frills. Prose is written in paragraph form where free verse is written in stanzas. Free verse poetry is meant to show not tell.

Free verse may borrow from other poetic forms. Alliteration, onomatopoeia, metaphor, personification, simile, imagery, repetition of words or phrases, or any other poetic devices may be used. Emphasis is placed on the end word, the end line, and the end stanza.

Free verse can be viewed through many eyes. It is open to multiple interpretations by many people.

The poet or poetess of the poem makes their own rules as they go along for free verse has no set pattern. In free verse line length has numerous possibilities – three lines, eleven lines, fifty lines. You decide.

Free verse poetry can be on any topic. The poet or poetess has a wide choice.

Free verse can have any layout. You can mould free verse in to any shape.

Free verse is similar to fashion design:
an idea is born
pieces are fitted together
the whole is tried on – maybe altered, maybe not
free verse walks the runway and has an audience.

Steps:

· Pick a topic or idea
· Write it using poetic devices if you desire
· Edit
· Publish (homemade i.e. on a card,)or( professionally,) for yourself or someone else

Tips:

· Keep a positive image or someone in mind as you write your free verse
· Do avoid clichés
· Look to Walt Whitman, Ezra Pound, and Carl Sandburg for free verse examples

In essence, free verse poetry is an opportunity to express you in a number of ways without any real restrictions. You may write about whatever comes to mind, in any tone with any emotion, using any imagery or poetic devices.

"If you done it, it ain't bragging." ~Walt Whitman~

Source: Walt Whitman Quotes Brainy Quote Retrieved June25/08 http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/walt_whitman.html

Copyright © June 2008, Michelle Kafka

Enough Fluff

2008-06-23T11:07:00.006-05:00

Okie dokie enough fluff. I got my feet wet. Lately I have been spending time on getting the site to look great with links and eye candy. Now it's time to get into the real intent of this blog - the meat of this blog. The intent is to secure readers, inform readers, enlighten readers, laugh, and cry with readers because it really is all about the readers and what I can offer you right? So the next postings will be writing related of course - a little something about article writing, a poetry posting or a how-to about writing, or a website review I have not decided yet. But I will keep you informed either way. Thanks. Have an awesome day everyone!

Refreshed Blog

2008-06-17T23:39:00.004-05:00

Hi hope all of you are having a good evening. Well I have been busy with things not to mention my keyboard broke so I was unable to post a few times. Anyways I have refreshed this blog and am happy with the positive changes.

Travel Guides, Travel Brochures

2008-06-06T16:59:00.005-05:00

For the last month and a half I have been receiving travel guides and brochures that I signed up for in the mail. I have received info. on such places as Wyoming, Colorado, California, Manitoba, and most recently Maui. Some of the contents include:
"Calendar of Events," "Things To Do," "Places To See," "Tips," and such. Most of the travel articles are great but the photos are awesome, captivating, beautiful. I signed up for the items because I would like to include travel writing in my freelance career. The guides are a starting point as well as some of the travel websites I have recently visited to get ideas on how to travel write.

Mailbox

2008-06-03T11:47:00.005-05:00

Upon checking my mailbox this morning, I discovered a small neat envelope addressed to me from North Carolina. The envelope's contents? A birthday card from the place where I am a virtual volunteer. I thought how nice. The card has a yellow border with blue lettering for the greeting. A monarch floats just above a white daisy. The card has a green background inside. On the left hand corner is a religious scripture. On the right hand is a beautiful lake scene with red verse underneath and the signatures.

Hot Dog Hunt

2008-06-03T11:18:00.004-05:00

Hubby and I agreed to have hot dogs for supper two nights ago. I went to our local 7-11 to buy the hot dogs. None were available. I walked over to the Husky gas station and none were available there either. And so our journey began. So now we're in the vehicle heading over to Shopper's Drug Mart. This time we secured the hot dogs but no hot dog buns, over to the other 7-11 across the street. No hot dog buns in sight just hamburger buns - no good, (I did manage to pick up our drink.) Back to our area for the hot dog buns. Bingo hot dog buns and a few candies in the bag! That was an interesting hunt.

Bricks Saves Lives!

2008-05-30T18:26:00.008-05:00

I got a phone call at 10:50 a.m. today. On the other end was my offspring's friend. She told me that a drunk driver crashed into the front of her house, rattled the stairs, broke the stove, and nearly killed her grandma who was sleeping in the front porch. The friend said she woke up at 4:00 a.m. to police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. Thankfully everyone is o.k. About ten minutes after she called I walked down the street to check it out. There were tire tracks and broken car parts strewn all over. And the eavestrough was bent and crooked. The bricks of the house were barely touched. Surely angels must have been watching!

Garage Sale

2008-05-27T12:51:00.004-05:00

Two days ago I went to a community center garage sale looking for good bargains on items. I went with my offspring. We were looking around when I spotted some shoes my other offspring would enjoy wearing. As I picked up the shoes, I felt a tug on my neck. Originally I thought it was my purse strap brushing against my neck. I went to rub at and adjust the strap. I took my hand away and felt a horrible pain in my neck. I looked into my hand and there sitting annoyed, was this Yellowjacket hornet. Horrors, how could I have gotten stung? I did not provoke the thing. Actually I never even seen it coming. It was just there. Immediately I told my offspring to stay put and watch our items while I went to the restroom to cleanse the stung area.

After washing up, I sure stayed away from that shoe section like the plague. I think the last time I got stung was on the hand from a bumblebee. I was twelve. I was at my cousins house and she told me to rub onion on the sting and the juice would take the sting away. What did my cousin know? The sting didn't go away and it still hurt alot!

Mary Kay Party

2008-05-23T13:34:00.009-05:00

Three days ago I attended a Mary Kay party. I have not been to one since I was much younger. The participants were treated to lovely facials of highlighters, bronzers, foundations, eyeshadows, lipgloss, and we even tried out handcreams. The party itself lasted about two hours. The consultant was very competent and informative. She is also a seller and purchaser of the products. Seven people attended the event. I left feeling smooth, refreshed, and rejuvenated. I also left with a brochure of the items for sale.

Here is the link to Mary Kay:
http://www.marykay.ca/en/

Eco Fair, Earth

2008-05-16T12:12:00.005-05:00

I just finished dropping off my offspring's lunch at school and I noticed a flyer that mentioned the school is going to have an Eco Fair on the first week of June, which will include guest speakers and drawings. It is refreshing to see that the students are being taught about Mother Earth. We did not create Mother Earth but she was placed here for us to sustain and support so young and old should help to keep her vital and vibrant. And you just never know if we get other-worldly visitors; so we should stand proud and say "This is our Earth and we're proud of it!"

"Ursi's Eso Garden Your Competent Esoteric Guide" Heads Up

2008-05-13T09:50:00.007-05:00

When I was searching for some paranormal info. I came across "Ursi's Eso Garden Your Competent Esoteric Guide." This is the first blog I ever found. It captured my attention immediately. Ursi's blog is green with pink highlights. The header picture is of a beautiful pink flower. On this particular blog there are such topics as "Angels & Heaven" right down to "Yoga & Fitness." This blog is highly packed with interesting info. Other features include videos, links, poetry, articles, pictures, amazing art, and a whole lot of other features. Ursi has very regular posts.

You may find the link here: http://www.eso-garden.com/
Ursi also has another blog titled "Ursi's Blog Fine Things For Your Delight" This blog is dressed in white and blue and has water droplets for the header picture. It runs along the same lines as the first blog. This blog is an extensive collection of general knowledge material.

You may find the link here: http://www.ursispaltenstein.ch/blog/
I enjoy the fact that both blogs use calming colors and have so much to offer.

Just thought I'd share my two favourite blogs with you.

Mother's Day Church Service

2008-05-12T12:59:00.005-05:00

Mother's Day - a day to celebrate mothers which originated in ancient Greece, how wonderful a day.

For Mother's Day I attended a church service with a live four person band who performed beautiful music. The pastor delivered his speech including such references to pearls and diamonds. The pastor then gave out "The New Testament" written in plain english mind you. Afterward a nice dinner of chicken, veg., and potatoes followed. During this dinner however, draws were made. Guess what? I won a draw. My prize is a gift certificate to a certain mall. Not bad for someone who barely wins any draws.

I just wanted to share my experience of something I have not done on any previous holiday and I did enjoy trying something new.

Hope everyone else's Mother's Day was great for you too!!!

Inspiration

2008-05-12T10:09:00.003-05:00

One name. Susan Gregg. She is a talented awesome lady. Awhile back when I was searching to post interesting items on another Piczo site I operate besides Island Whispers, I found Susan's site. I was searching for healing items and found it at her site. I looked around her site and signed up to receive her newsletter and daily inspirational emails. I'm glad I did for the emails prompted me to write more seriously. If you haven't yet heard of Dr. Susan Gregg, then I encourage you to take a peek at her site: http://www.susangregg.com/ Susan has a nice yellow friendly inviting homepage. Dr. Susan Gregg is based in Kurtistown, Hawaii. She has books, articles, classes, tapes, cd's, links, photos, workshops, and etc. She is a teacher, blogger, author, healer, and meditater. Her blog can be found at http://susangregg.com/blogCheers!

Welcome To Island Whispers Blog

2008-05-12T09:47:00.004-05:00

A hearty good morning, afternoon, or evening to you. Welcome to Island Whispers Blog. Please vacation here for a short while but always make sure you come on back. There is a plethora of panoramic views. Here, the weather is always sunny and cheery.

Drop in by air, rail, RV or what have you.

Come tour with me and when your eyelids droop - sign in to a comfy B&B right here on this jewel of an island.

Take you time and walk through the Island posts or if you're in a hurry you may even fly through, but always always embrace the rich wilderness, culture, and heritage at Island Whispers. Perk your ears and listen for all the island whispers.

I'll be seeing you soon!!!