Months Later...

 Yes, I did fall off the edge of this flat planet. And you thought it was round, really... surprise. 

On a serious note, I could not continue with the theme I had selected for the A-Z Challenge - my bad, what was I thinking, oh, that's right, I wasn't. Too busy with "flat planet" stuff.

Okay, enough trying to make light of it all, but fact was, I could not continue, and fact is, it broke me.

Sorry... that's all I got.

I hope you're all well, and thanks to those that reached out - I didn't answer with personal replies, and for that I deeply apologize. I thought the least I could do was come out here and let you all know I'm struggling with trying to hold the pieces of me together. I keep coming undone.

Well, that's it. 

HTML CODE in comment area STILL WORKS

After much sleuthing, and getting nowhere, I called an expert in HTML coding...

the one

the  only

the one and only... Courtney (aka my daughter, Vancouver Mermaid)

Now, let me set the scene...

I'm no slouch at coding. In fact, me and precious (the one and only) took HTML coding together, eons ago. And, dare I say, I cottoned on pretty darned fast.

So then...

As I was checking out other like-minded A-Z Theme Revealers I decided I wanted to leave a Link Back (to my Blog) in my comments. So I looked back into my post archives and found the post I did on this very topic, years ago, for another A-Z Challenge when I was a co-host.

Here's where it gets interesting, so pay attention...

I opened a word document and proceeded to type the following code. 

Here it is... (zoom in if you want a really close look)

<a href=“https://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/”>PEARSON REPORT</a>

Can you spot THE PROBLEM?

It's not the coding - that part is correct - it's some of the characters.

Here it is again... with the CORRECTED characters... (zoom in)

<a href="https://pearsonreport.blogspot.com/">PEARSON REPORT</a>

Can you see the CHARACTER ISSUE... it's the quotation marks.

For some reason in my word document the quotation marks have little heads and tails, whereas the second HTML code has little marks that are the same at both ends of the URL tag with no curve to them, no little round ends. 

Courtney sent me this second HTML code and asked me to try it - it worked. When I used the first code (with the curvy quotations) a message would pop up saying, "Comment contains tags or attributes that are not allowed."

So weird. I mean really…

Yup, really weird. 

If you wish to leave a Link Back Tag to your blog in a comment you have to be mindful of the HTML code, AND THE CHARACTERS.

Below is the HTML code, copy it and paste it into a document - it will keep the correct characters. Then, add your information into the red and blue areas.

<a href="url">link text</a>

url is the address to your blog, located in your browser's address bar

link text is the wording that everyone will see and be able to click on

Remember, it has to be particular quotation marks. 

Use these  " "  not these  “ ”

Got it. Right? Right!

Okay, that's it. Now you know how to code a Link Back Tag. 

Question is...

Will you use it when leaving a comment so others can access your blog quickly?

Back to Blogging - Things Have Changed Out Here

************ 

Yes, a few things have change

First, I see many a blogger has moved on - living life and dealing with all that entails.

Second, this platform (Blogger specifically) has gone through some changes too.

A couple I noticed, and was able to deal with pretty quickly, were basic housecleaning stuff:

Reading List

I updated my Reading List (over on the right, part way down the side) making sure the blogs there still exist. Sadly, some don't.

As I was inactive for a few years I did not want to delete pretty amazing blogs that haven't posted these last few trying years. You all know what I mean, I'm sure. I'll revisit this regularly.

HTTPS Security

Then there's the issue of security - though almost every blog I visit is HTTPS secure, some aren't. I can't fix that for them, but I can suggest they look into it. It's a simple fix - in Settings scroll down to the HTTPS section and click the little button which will be blue when it's done. (Simple, right.)

Comments

Blogger is pretty straight forward with leaving comments. Overall, not much seems to have changed. More folks use the Captcha option now, to make sure I'm human. Others moderated comments before publishing.

Here I have moderation on for all comments left after 7 days of the posting. This is helpful with visitors to older post which I don't check on often. 

Overall, commenting on Blogger blogs is still the easiest. It can get a little frustrating with sites that require a lot of extra information about me. Sometimes I'm good with it, other times not so much.

Link Back Tags

Here is where I've had my biggest frustration. This was a feature I liked and posted about years ago. It's a handy thing, particularly during blogging challenges when leaving comments and attaching a Link Back Tag makes visiting my blog easier.

However, the HTML coding, though still viable, is not useable through Blogger. Or, am I doing something wrong? It seems Link Backs can be used as one commenter is doing just that. How?

This is what I've used in the past.

Now, when I try to add a Link Back Tag to a comment, it says, "Comment contains tags or attributes that are not allowed." 

All my research is not yielding me any explanation as to what I am doing wrong, or if there is some setting I have on that is preventing this feature. 

Your HELP on this topic is appreciated. Let me know in the comments down below if you have an answer for this mystery. 

THE SOLUTION TO THE LINK BACK TAG PROBLEM CAN BE SEEN HERE.

Anything else

No, that's it, for now anyway.

Are you managing your blog or website without too much frustration?

My Thoughts on Writing - Answers to Good Questions

The following questions were posted over on Coming Down The Mountain, by Karen Jones Gowen. I thought I would answer them here.

             ☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀                        

Are you excited about the idea of people reading your work, or would you rather keep it private? 

I share my flash fiction, but not my WIP book. My flash fiction stories are very short (about 500-700 words) they make for a quick read, so sharing them is easy.

Do you have an audience in mind when you write?

Yes, for my WIP book. No, for my flash fiction pieces.

Have you always wanted to write a book? 

No. I have always been a storyteller though, so it may be a natural progression.

If you have written your book, do you feel satisfied with it or discouraged and disappointed?

My current WIP book elicits many feelings. As to my flash fiction stories I feel satisfied with them.

How many forms of writing do you like to do? For example, journaling, poetry, blogging, fiction, personal stories, or memoir? 

I like all of those, but don’t do any daily or with serious intent – other than stewing over my current WIP.

Is your voice the same regardless of the format?

No, my WIP book voice is not what I use for writing flash fiction. On rare occasion my flash writing can take on a different voice too.

If you have published a book, what do you think determines how well it sells?

As a reader of published books I think it’s the “capture” that sells a book. How quickly I am pulled into a story, and held captive, is what I think makes a book sell.

How do you feel about critical reviews? Do you shrug and move on, or do you feel devastated by them?

I think reader reviews in general can be biased by personal viewpoints.

However, having a critical first reader for my WIP book has been very helpful. I appreciated the frank honesty of my first reader and knowing she was not afraid to tell me why she was losing interest (and when and where in the story this was happening).

Stephen King, in his memoir On Writing, wrote about his wife, Tabatha, not liking something he had written and told him to get rid of it – he said it was akin to “throwing the baby out with the bathwater” but that it needed to be done no matter how much he liked what he had written.

Critical readers (those in the trenches with the writer) are hard to come by. 

Do you feel that book publishing only counts if it's done in a certain way, such as through an agent or a particular publishing company?

No, I think self-publishing nowadays is a viable option – so long as the writer is a good editor or has one.

However, having a publishing team (with copy editing, illustrators, marketing, and more) can only make the process easier on the writer, and the book more successful.

The true success, however, is in the actual writing – have I captured my reader, captivated them until the end? If not, no amount of help from a great team will rescue my baby. Again… may I stress editing; it can kill the baby if left unattended.

 ☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀ 

In ending this post I would like to say…

I have never written a word with the soul purpose of fame or money. I write purely for me and if my writing touches a reader along the way – more the joy and happiness for me, and hopefully for them too.

My mother was my greatest first reader, sadly she is no longer with me. Fortunately she got me through the rough patches of my current WIP book – seaming it together has been easier because of her critical eye. And, let me say this, she did not spare my “feelings” as many a baby was tossed in the process. I dedicate my writing to her.

 

Until the next post…

I leave you with 2 questions:

If you write, why do you write?

If you read, what holds you to the end?

A-Z Challenge 2024 Theme Reveal - Into The Hole

 Many miles and a lifetime ago I used to write.

I would write daily - photo prompt flash fiction. Enjoyed it. Sure, it was stressful - what with giving myself 15 minutes to write to a photo prompt I could not see until I opened it, but still I enjoyed it. In fact, I wrote 151 stories back to back - then life got crazy. 

So, this brings me to the question of giving it a go, again... you know, that A-Z thingy... I have missed it.

Yes, you read that right, I have missed the stress, the pressure, the deadlines. Okay, I lie. I don't miss any of that. 

Then what brings me to why I want to do the A-Z Challenge, again, you ask. 

Well, my life is a little different now. Loads of pressures are gone, I'm semi-retired, I'm in the right headspace, and most importantly I have always enjoyed the camaraderie of this writing/blogging community. Friendly, supportive, and good for lifting one's spirit. 

With that said (no stress, hahaha) you all have your work cut out for you if you drop by to read what I write. The lifting of my spirit might require lifting of actual spirits (a little imbibing joke) to make it through my ramblings. If you do, thanks, and consider yourself hugged. If not, no worries - as Chuck used to say, "There's no bad part." And, there really isn't. So take a hug either way.

Now comes the big reveal.

I've been fond of winging it. I'm older now and value the concept of staying well out in front of the running bulls - these days, however, I opt for sitting on a balcony looking down at those running bulls, trampling whatever stumbles before them. Egads, there's a visual. 

So, I will err on making this whole participating in the A-Z business less of a challenge and more of a "look Ma, I can still do it" sort of thing. Ma's gone, I don't have my cheering section, hence the spirit thing. Big long inhale. Slow long exhale. Life still goes on. Until it doesn't.

My theme will be...

THE ABYSS - LIFE ON THE EDGE.

I could tell you all about it here... but then I'd be done. What's the fun in that. So, until April I bid you all a safe remainder of March, and remember, "There's no bad part." So I've been told.

Joy and Happiness to you all,

PS I have posted an UPDATE to this REVEAL giving a little more context and insight to this theme.

YAWN... good grief, is it 2023 already.

 Hello out there,

I'm still here. Well, out of sight, but still here. You get my drift.

I thought it would be neat, cool, nifty, you know, random, to post and see what happens.

Life happens, yup, it does. 

Is it happening to you? Or, are you still sleeping off the last 3 years. 

Curious minds want to know. Okay, maybe it's only me that wants to know. Either way...

 Till the next time I wake up.

RED WHEELBARROW - WEP August 2019 Challenge

Link List

THE CENTREPIECE.

When she bought me I wondered if it was purely because the price tag was greatly reduced.

I had been left out in the rain, in the yard of the co-op, for what seemed like weeks. It had only been a few days, over a holiday weekend, but the damage was done.

Howie, the boss’s son was at fault, but hey, he was just a kid, that’s what his mom always said coming to his defence; and the boss always shrugged as he shook his head in disappointment. 

I wasn’t the only one being forgotten, but on this day, I was the only one being scrutinized. The woman grabbed my handles and moved me back and forth. She kicked my tire, and sighed. 

“John,” she said to the man standing off to one side trying to avoid me as I was jostled from side to side, “the tire looks flat already. Do you think it has a hole?”

“Nah, it just needs air.”

Well, I was relieved to know that all that was standing between me and a new home was some air. If I could breathe I think I would have taken in a long breath and slowly exhaled. But all I could do was stand there now that she had let go of me and watch as she slowly made her way around me eyeing the visible rust. 

“The rust won’t be a problem, it’ll get rustier with what we’re doing,” she said to the fellow that still seemed weary of getting in my way. If I had feelings I think I might not have liked him very much, he seemed rather indifferent – not sure if it was toward me, or toward her. And, feelings or not, I liked her.

Once in the back of their truck I bounced about as we made our way somewhere; somewhere other than where Howie would be and that could only be good.

Their yard needed work, and I could see right away what my job would be after my tire got air – I would be hauling loads of old bricks from what was once a chimney to what looked like a garden.

The bricks chipped away at my beautiful red finish leaving even more bare metal exposed to the elements. Yes, I was left outside; now that I belonged to someone I knew that would be my fate.

Finally, the last brick was placed around the newly planted flowerbed and I was given my first long cold rinse. Ah, how I loved feeling clean. But what did I look like, I wondered, how badly had I been damaged? I had felt the dents, the scratches, and even the harsh bangs as I was put through my paces. That was my job, so who was I to complain. But I did wonder, why paint me and make me look so good only to take it all away?

The sun beat down on me and I dried up to a point where the remaining paint started to flake. Next came a rough brushing followed by suction. Not sure what was going on, but I loved all the attention. I was being cared for and I liked that feeling. 

Days passed while I was left in the blazing sun. 

Alas, a day came when I was wheeled into a shed, it was dark, and if I dare say, a little dank and musty. I really wanted to be outside – oh the irony; you see, I had gotten used to the weather and its company. 

Something tickled me, all over, it was cool, slightly sticky. I felt fresh, new, as if I was young again, right out of the factory. Wonderful feeling indeed.

A few more days passed before I was wheeled outside and placed right in the centre of the flowerbed. I was covered in a cloth, heavy rocks were added, next came dirt. I wondered what was going on – where would I be taking this load?

The cloth was trimmed, flowers were added and positioned. How strange that such care was taken with this load. I was confused.

Suddenly, I heard her exclaim, “John, it looks amazing, that wheelbarrow worked hard helping us make this garden look so beautiful. It’s the perfect centrepiece.” 

Word Count 710

NCCO


I decided to participate in this writing challenge - I got the idea from DG Hudson, a blogger I follow - she posted for the last one and I really enjoyed reading her piece The Jewel Box of Mystery.

 WRITE...EDIT...PUBLISH is the website hosting these challenges.

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed The Centrepiece.

STOP

Please SECURE your blog.

I have posted a short (2:49) video on how to easily correct this issue

HERE

Or, go to Settings, click on Basics - change HTTPS Redirect from No to Yes.
Your blog will be secure after that.

All websites need to use encryption to ensure secure transfer of information – 
sensitive or not.

What's on your Book List - Episode 4

For previous episodes click on their respective links:

Episode 3

Episode 2

Episode 1

Welcome to Episode 4 of What's on your Book List.

I'm a avid reader. Or, more to the point I'm an avid listener of audiobooks.

Note: In this post I am listing the book title first, in caps, followed by the author's name and whether it's fiction (F), or non-fiction (NF).

I do not write reviews - too many other places are doing that so feel free to google any of these titles for more info on them. 

Also, if I don't enjoy a book, I move on to the next one on my book shelf - I haven't the time to waste on poorly written, or boring books. 

What you see here are books I've read and thoroughly enjoyed.

Here is the list of books I've listened to (and/or read) from June 17 - August 21.

THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV, Elizabeth Berg (F)

DAVID AND GOLIATH, Malcolm Gladwell (NF)
Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants

MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON, Elizabeth Strout (F)

THE STRANGER BESIDE ME, Ann Rule (NF)
Ted Bundy: The Shocking Inside Story

THE SMART ONE, Jennifer Close (F)

THE ROOSTER BAR, John Grisham (F)

THE TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS, David Rosenfelt (F)
Andy Carpenter Series

OUTFOXED, David Rosenfelt (F)
Andy Carpenter Series

THE HAPPINESS EQUATION, Neil Pasricha (NF)  *yes, listened to it again!
Want Nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything

FIRE AND FURY, Michael Wolff (NF)
Inside the Trump White House

THE UNDOING PROJECT, Michael Lewis (NF)
A Friendship That Changed Our Minds

THE BOY ON THE PORCH, Sharon Creech (F)

COLLARED, David Rosenfelt (F)
Andy Carpenter Series

WRONGFUL DEATH, Lynda La Plante (F)
Anna Travis Series

TWO GRAVES, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (F)
Pendergast Series

NOTORIOUS, Allison Brennan (F)
Max Revere Series

SILENCED, Allison Brennan (F)
Lucy Kincaid Series

THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (F)

SILENT SCREAM, Lynda La Plante (F)
Anna Travis Series

BLOOD LINE, Lynda La Plante (F)
Anna Travis Series

BLIND FURY, Lynda La Plante (F)
Anna Travis Series

BACKLASH, Lynda La Plante (F)
Anna Travis Series

THE WINTER PEOPLE, Jennifer McMahon (F)

NIGHT SCHOOL, Lee Child (F)
Jack Reacher Series

MAKE ME, Lee Child (F)
Jack Reacher Series

SNATCHED, Karin Slaughter (F)
Will Trent Series

GRAIN BRAIN, David Perlmutter, MD (NF) *listened again!
The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Cars, and Sugar - Your Brains Silent Killers

CRIMINAL, Karin Slaughter (F)
Will Trent Series

BUSTED, Karin Slaughter (F)
Will Trent Series

THE WITCHES' TREE, M. C. Beaton (F)
Agatha Raisin Mystery

THE OUTSIDER, Stephen King (F)

PLEASE DON'T TELL, Elizabeth Adler (F)

THE VISITORS, Catherine Burns (F)

WHEAT BELLY, William Davis, MD (NF) *listen again to this awesome book!
Lose the Wheat, Lost the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health

THE BROKEN ROAD, Richard Paul Evans (F)
The Broken Road Series

LAST TO KNOW, Elizabeth Adler (F)


There you have it, my reading (aka listening) list from June 17 to August 21.

You'll see I do revisit books, particularly those pertaining to LCHF (low carb high fat). It's an area of interest and one I feel needs more exposure. 
Visit GUT INSTINCT - my LCHF blog, for my complete reading list.


How's your list looking?

What's on your Book List - Episode 3

For previous episodes click on their respective links:

Episode 2

Episode 1

Welcome to Episode 3 of What's on your Book List.

I'm a avid reader. Or, more to the point I'm an avid listener of audiobooks.

Note: In this post I am listing the book title first, in caps, followed by the author's name and whether it's fiction (F), or non-fiction (NF).

I do not write reviews - too many other places are doing that so feel free to google any of these titles for more info on them. 

Also, if I don't enjoy a book, I move on to the next one on my book shelf - I haven't the time to waste on poorly written, or boring books. 

What you see here are books I've read and thoroughly enjoyed.

Here is the list of books I've listened to (and/or read) from May 1 - June 14.

THE LAST ORIGINAL WIFE - Dorothea Benton Frank (F)

STARGIRL (Book 1) - Jerry Spinelli (F)

LOW PRESSURE - Sandra Brown (F)

BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME - Ta-Nehisi Coates (Autobiography)

THE ACCOMPLISED GUEST (Stories) - Ann Beattie (F)

BROTOPIA - Emily Chang  (NF)

Breaking Up the Boys' Club of Silicon Valley

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A FUCK - Mark Manson  (NF)

A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

THE SIXTH EXTINCTION - Elizabeth Kolbert (NF)

An Unnatural History

THE NORTH WATER - Ian McGuire  ((F)

THE NEW JIM CROW - Michelle Alexander  (NF)

FAHRENHEIT 451 - Ray Bradbury  (F)

THE WIFE BETWEEN US - Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen  (F)

THE CHILD FINDER - Rene Denfeld  (F)

ZERO TO ONE - Peter Thiel  (NF)

Notes on Startups, or How to Build a Future

THE HAPPINESS EQUATION - Neil Pasricha  (NF)

Want Nothing + Do Everything = Have Everything

There you have it - my reading list covering May 1 - June 14.
Some books, like ZERO TO ONE, made my "Must Buy" list. Others, Like BROTOPIA got a second listen.

Read them, enjoy them, then move on to the next good read.

How's your list looking? 

Share titles in the comments if you feel like it. I'm always open to reading a book that comes with a strong recommendation.

What's On Your Book List - Episode 2

If you missed Episode 1 click on the link to go there. Great authors and books await.
This link will give you more info on the audiobook app I use, called Overdrive.

I am a huge reader - or more accurately - a huge listener of audiobooks.

I listen to between 4 and 6 books a week. That's right - A WEEK!

So, without further ado - here are the titles of the books I have listened to during the last two weeks (April 16-30):

These are my recommended reads - for story info/reviews visit Goodreads.

EMMA FLINT - Little Deaths

Inspired by a true story. A great audiobook, the narration was very enjoyable. As a single parent I found myself getting very frustrated with the main characters, a useless mother and her pathetic husband. That said, I was curious enough to want to find out what happened to the two children in this story. Overall, I did enjoy this book. And, whether I like it or not, parents, like those portrayed in the novel, definitely do exist.

LAUREN WOLK - Beyond the Bright Sea

There was something about the cover and title that made me read "more" and I'm glad I did. This was a very interesting read. Written as a fiction, but full of historical non-fiction facts. I ended up learning something about the leper colonies in the USA. Quite interesting.

JEFFREY KLUGER - The Narcissist Next Door: Understanding the Monster in Your Family, in Your Office, in Your Bed - in Your World (Non-Fiction)

This is a book everyone should read - not only to recognize what's going on in other people's mind, but to take a hard look at our own personality - it's never too late to take stock.

JERRY SPINELLI - The Warden's Daughter

Believable characters, interesting plot - from start to finish this was a great audiobook. Lots of wonderful personalities woven in the story.

LAURA DAVE - Hello, Sunshine

Suspenseful and entertaining, compelling and funny. I was taken with the storyline and characters. Try living an authentic life at a time when one has little public privacy. Yup, that's why I'm not on Facebook!

DOROTHEA BENTON FRANK - Same Beach, Next Year

This was such a delightful read - loved the two couples, loved the heart and soul you could feel in the written word. As these characters bonded you could really feel their emotions.

J M BARRIE - Peter Pan (for the umpteenth time - love his storytelling skills)

This is research reading - I've read Peter Pan more times than I can count. If you've never read it (on what planet do you live) then get with it!

NEIL GAIMAN - Trigger Warning

This is a collection of short fiction stories - read by the author. Some I really liked, others I confess I did fast forward. I'm a fan of Neil Gaiman so I wanted to give his short stories a perusal - overall worth picking up.

NANCY MACLEAN - Democracy in Chains (Non-Fiction)
THE DEEP HISTORY OF THE RADICAL RIGHT'S STEALTH PLAN FOR AMERICA

A great read - in fact - a MUST READ for anyone with a mind of their own. I listened to it twice - yeah, it was so necessary. I needed to fully grasp the influence US politics have on all of us. (I'm Canadian.)

PEARL S. BUCK - The Good Earth

A book many have read - quite frankly I think I read it long ago, but I so thoroughly enjoyed it this time.

Please note - I am providing recommendations only, not reviews. My intention is to share books I've enjoyed. As for reviews there are lots of sites which do just that. Goodreads offers book reviews and information about the books - check out your local library as well.

Welcome to "What's On Your Book List" - Episode 1.

I am a huge reader - or more accurately - a huge listener of audiobooks. (I do also turn the odd page, when I want to study what the written word looks like on a page, and when working with Flash Fiction writing partners.)

I listen to between 4 and 6 books a week. That's right - A WEEK!

Last year I listened to over 200 books. WOW, even I'm impressed.

I have decided to share my reading list here on Pearson Report.
Why?
Well, I'm a huge fan of getting great book titles from other readers/listeners and felt you might enjoy a recommendation, or two hundred, from me as well.

Reading or Listening - let's take a quick look at this first, shall we.

I listen to audiobooks for the convenience it affords. When I'm cooking, tidying up, making my bed, dressing, doing laundry, ironing, and everything else my hands are preoccupied with I find having someone read to me is not only enjoyable - it's also highly entertaining.

Yes, music is an option - but, as I wish to learn a little something on my journey through life, listening to books has become a great source of knowledge as well.

Which brings me to what I read - Fiction and Non-Fiction alike. I always have a variety of books in the Bookshelf Folder of the reading app at any given time. Depending on my mood I will listen to all manner of interesting writings.

The reading app I use is available for Android and iOS platforms, and is free. It is called Overdrive. (The link will take you to their info page for mobile devices.)

So, without further ado - here are the titles of the books I have listened to during the last two weeks (April 1-14):

P G WOODHOUSE - My Man Jeeves, The Inimitable Jeeves, Jeeves, The Code of Woodhouse and The Mating Season

I'm a fan of old English writers - and when I want comedic writing there's nothing like a book by P G Woodhouse to make me laugh. As you can see, I had a run on a few - needed to have some humour and quirkiness in my world. These hit the mark. Part of the enjoyment is listening to the character voices read so brilliantly by the readers. 

DION LEONARD - Finding Gobi

Speaking of finding things, when I saw the cover and read the Overview (provide with a book when searching the titles through the library) I knew I had found a great book. A must read.

WILLIAM GOLDING - Lord of the Flies

I never did read this in my school days. When I came across it I went for it - well, as we all know - it's excellent. If you have not had a chance to read Lord of the Flies now's a good time.

NOAH HAWLEY - Before the Fall

Great storyline, well constructed characters, many twists and turns. Overall, I highly recommend Before the Fall. Whether reading it, or listening, it's a page-turner. 

COLSON WHITEHEAD - The Underground Railroad

All I can say about this book is WOW - I learned so much about the life of a slave in the late 1800s, early 1900's that I could not stop listening. At times my shock and revulsion at what was happening to the key characters was overwhelming. Yet, I was filled with awe and admiration for the way they endured and rose above the atrocities, even when the odds were stacked against them. This was such a well written book, the audiobook reader was amazing too. 

JOAN BAUER - Almost Home

I finished this book yesterday - here's another outstanding author. The flow of this story was seamless, the characters and storyline so real, very believable - I had strong feelings for them and their struggles. How quickly a life can change, and when it's a young one that has no control of parental units, it has that much more power to shape our emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Again, if you're looking for a solid, well-written book this is a good find.

Please note - I am providing recommendations only, not reviews. My intention is to share books I've enjoyed. As for reviews there are lots of sites which do just that. Goodreads offers book reviews - so does your local library. 

ENJOY listening to (or reading) some of these amazing books.

Look for Episode 2 of "What's On Your Book List" in about two weeks.

Feel free to share your favourite titles in the comments below - I'm always looking for a great read. 

Summer, Winter - take your pic(ture).

Ever wonder where time goes?

Yeah, me too.

Well, don't look here for the answer - 'cause I ain't got it. (gotta love good grammar, eh!!)

That said, we just hit the, "Oh my God (aka OMG) it's SUMMER and I haven't even put away my WINTER clothing", time of year.

Finally SUMMER has arrived. It'll last 5 minutes, but hey, it's here - PARTEEEEE! Yeah, right!

Of course if you're a Down Under dweller you've got that, "Oh my God (aka OMG) I'm so glad I live here not there where it's WINTER 365", thang going on.

So.....

I thought I'd pop in here to my dormant blog and say....

HAPPY SUMMER

and

HAPPY WINTER

Make the most of the season you're in because you'll turn around twice and the whole deal will be done and you'll be wondering what the hell just happened.

Life happens - help it along - enjoy - party on - stop and smell a rose, or at least take its picture.

A rose by any other name...

Having fun with #HASHTAGS

So much has changed, out here, and behind the scenes. Hence the long hiatus.

I'm dropping in to say HELLO.

I have been using Twitter for a while now and can be found @PearsonReport where I share a thought or two. With Twitter's 140 characters limit I can easily send out a quick tweet without investing the time normally needed to put a blog post together.

However, as I have said before I miss blogging and feel it's still a great way to share bits of our selves on a platform that has a few more options, as in more words, more pictures... a little more room for content.

Let me state, for the record, I do not do Facebook. Never felt the calling. I do feel the wine calling though! So, for me, it's a win-wine thing! LOL

As of 03/10/17, upon the encouragement of my daughter, Courtney, I have made the leap into the wide world of Instagram. Yet another bit of social media.

Will I last? I think so, as it seems the ideal in between fix - not quite a tweet, and not quite a blog post. I like it!

I can be found @jenny_pearson_report where I have, at the time of writing this, a total of 6 posts. Go me!  LOL

As with Twitter, and even out here on Blogger, I follow that which I know I will look at, read, enjoy and otherwise feel happy about investing time in. Please do not read anything into this, I only mean that as time is so limited I really keep my followings reigned in.

The reason for my visit here, today, is to share a little HASHTAG 101 on social media, in particular Instagram, and to a lesser degree Twitter.

I have discovered the real way to get exposure is not by worrying about your Followers, they will come and stay if the content is to their liking, but by knowing how to use HASHTAGS (#).

That's right... it's all in the hashtags. And how do I know this... well here, let me explain.

When I signed up with Instagram I had NO followers - stands to reason, right. So, the first thing I did was I followed my daughter's two accounts and a couple of friends. Okay, so far so good.

I then posted a picture of some colouring I am doing. Yes, you read that right. I am colouring a horse - call it mental relaxation therapy, as it is mindless and truly relaxing. I also find it is getting me comfortable with working with colours, and colour shading.

Here is the photo I used for my first Instagram post... click on it to see the bird on the back of the horse. I am still finishing this piece as the shading takes time. But, I'm in no rush.

When I posted this photo I used 6 hashtags in total.
The viewing potential was limited, and I received 4 likes, which I thought was so exciting.

It was during my 1st post and 4th post that I did some extensive Instagram research.

How does one get VIEWED... that was my question and I went searching for answers.

Did you know on Instagram you can use up to 30 hashtags - more and your post won't show any. I found this out during my research phase.

So, here is the picture for my 6th post...

During my wanderings around Instagram I found some incredible 2D drawings that looked like 3D. I was so fascinated by @willie_hsu_art version of this, which is totally amazing, that I had to figure it out.

NOW HERE'S THE EXCITING BIT... I used 29 hashtags, all art and drawing related.

I got 44 likes - and 9 followers (some from my 5th post as I employed my hashtag principle there too).

So... if you are on Instagram, and want more VIEWERS then you really need to focus on adding hashtags. (they work great with Twitter too - upping the exposure of Tweets)

Here's a little bonus... I made a hashtag folder in the Notes section on my iPhone - this take a few minutes to do, but I made up 3 different versions (portrait work, random sketching, and a LCHF version for my baking). This way I can copy and paste my hashtags without much fuss.

Yes, leave it to me to be that organized - time is money. Hashtagging takes time, so I've taken that step out of the process.


In closing... may I just say, I still visit, I seldom if ever comment, and I'll understand if you don't either, time being what it is - in short supply and running out fast.


That said... here is my question (yes, I still ask questions).

Do you use HASHTAGS, and if so do you find they help bring visitors to your social media sites, like Instagram and Twitter?