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Hello fellow bloggers - this is a community service post to encourage you to SECURE your blog.

I've made a short (2:49) video for you to see where you need to make this change on your blog.

HTTPS: ARE YOU SECURE

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In the Blogger Settings, under Basic, you will see the option to change the HTTPS setting from No to Yes.

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

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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.

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Your blog will be secure after that.

All websites need to use encryption to ensure secure transfer of information – 
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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 the heck is a Limited Edition Collector Story Card?

You've heard of Collector Cards, right? Pokémon cards?
Maybe called Trading Cards... Sports Cards...
Ring any bells?

Well, this is MY version of that concept... 

The Limited Edition Collector Story Card.

I write Flash Fiction - but not just any old Flash Fiction - you know, Flash Fiction which needs to meet the not less than 500, not more than 1000 word count, needs to have a character arc, needs to have a beginning, middle and end - no, I'm not talking about that kind of Flash Fiction.

I do something a little different - I write Photo Prompt Timed Flash Fiction, yeah, yeah, I know it's a mouthful, but hey I've never been known to nibble.

What all that wordage means is this... more words, hahahaha - here's what I do...

I love writing these mini tales - some complete, some not; characters can be anything from human to insect, to vines, to viruses - oh yes, I have a virus doing a little storytelling. 

Over at TAKE FIVE I will be featuring, from time to time, one of my stories. I will also be featuring the next Story Card - out very soon.

Now, I hear some wheels turning - questions brewing - and one is, "How do I get my hands on one of these Story Cards?" The curiosity factor is high on this one, so I'll cut to the chase and say - for now, the only way to get one of these cards is...

- Be given one by the author (ME)

- Find one at various locations (oh yes, they will find their way all over the place... I have my ways!)

- Ask for one, provide mailing info and let's see if your luck holds.

These cards are LIMITED - only 100 per story run.

Half of each run is personally signed by the author (ME) (geez, I do get around, eh!!)

The first Story Card, 21 - Keeper of the Marsh Trees, is now up, drop by - take a look, and a read.

COOL, right!

Come on, admit it - you think it's a cool idea and wished you'd thought of it first. 

HA - too bad, too sad - got here first! Hehehehehe, wee bit of a smile crawling up the right side of my face as I think about how excited I was when I thought it up!

I'm even more excited to see it come to fruition - so happy, so stoked.

Join me on this fun little adventure! Let's see where it goes. 

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. 

Life is a SMORGASBORD. How much is on your PLATE?

As I return to my roots - here, at Pearson Report - I have discovered how easy it is to take on WAY TOO MUCH stuff.

While cleaning up my blog, placing many posts in Draft Mode, I realized how FLIGHTY I have been.

I looked up FLIGHTY and found these synonyms:

inconsistent - mercurial - whimsical - capricious - skittish - volatile - impulsive

INTERESTING...  (A true Piscean... sorry my fellow fishys, the truth hurts, I know.)

I picked "flighty" because it describes my tendency to be all over the map. Which, I confess, I am.

It's the nature of my beast.
See... I can own my baggage... I don't like my baggage, but, I will own it.

Okay, this baggage I love! (Miss CP and I on route to Disneyland!)

Here are words I think describe me, when it comes to how I tackle life, and the things I think of as my passions.

ambitious - zealous - distracted - eager - motivated - determined - enthusiastic

Yet, things don't get done, completed or otherwise finished.

Is this PROCRASTINATION?

No, I think it's having too many plates on the go at the Smorgasbord.

Is there a quick fix - NO, there is not - and don't let anyone tell you there is. They are lying!

So then... what is the REAL QUESTION I need to ask myself?

Why, dear ME, do I need to taste everything at life's SMORGASBORD?

Time to scrape off my many plates and start over again with an eye to filling one (small) plate,  satisfying my immediate cravings. Ah, what joy, what happiness will then be mine. I smile at the thought.

Why does seeing a smile make us want to smile too?

(Original artwork by me!)

I see, from perusing my past posts, I have, on several occasions, left this blogging platform - YET, return time and time again.

WHY?

Well, the easy answer might be, because I like it. 

But it's more than that - it's about community - about common ground - real people sharing real stuff.

That's the real answer.

Yes - Twitter IS fun. I mostly use it to keep up with the LCHF (low carb high fat) community and give my local transit company the gears (they are really bad at transportation).

Yes - Instagram IS fun. I like the ease of using it. I like seeing what friends and family are up to, in very quick bites. No lengthy ramblings (like here, eeek). But... it still lacks that something I'm looking for. 

Maybe... the reason I keep coming back here is because it allows a certain freedom - I love writing (typing too), I love reading, I love sharing my journey - and this platform fits those best.

Long and short... in a nutshell, I need to

- being everything to everyone
- having so many project on the go at once
- putting off the thing that needs to be done now (okay, I hear the paperwork for tax time calling)
- letting my mind wander to greener pastures (read, yet more ideas/projects)

And finally I need to STOP saying YES to things I don't want to do.  (this is a biggie)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a pushover - I just like being helpful... to everyone but ME.
Yikes... there, I said it out loud.

Now, I'm outta here - time to go for a long walk and clear my mind of the clutter that's stopping me from reaching my potential.

(Yup, I drew this!)

You got baggage?

What do you do with yours?

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?

Rainy day chore - housecleaning my blog.

The rain is making puddles deep enough for cars to disappear in. It is warm in my home, for this I am grateful. I can't imagine braving the streets today on any level.

Yesterday I posted, after a few months absence. I miss blogging if you really want to know.

Since my car accident, back on Feb 4th, I've shied away from time at my computer, well, unnecessary time that is, which sadly is what blogging is for me at present. I do have to sit and do some business related work on my computer, that's the extent of how uncooperative my neck and shoulders are.

A few weeks ago I started with a Chiropractor - amazing.

He did stress I was to stay away from anything that required me to lower my head (chin to chest stuff) and that is exactly what working on a computer encompasses.

I created a standing work station which has been great, but I fatigue very quickly and as such get discouraged and then resign myself to not even bothering. Hence my absence here.

Blogging seems to have changed - how do I know this?

Well, I took a trip over to the "Manage Blogs I'm Following" page and saw I was following 257 blogs.

I now follow 73.

Yes... that's right 73.

Sad state of affairs because virtually all I deleted were inactive. Meaning no new posts in the last 2-3 years. I figured if a blog did not have a new post in over two years it was time to say goodbye to it.

I was stunned by the number that were outright shut down. A sign of the direction blogging is taking I thought.

And yet...

There is something about letting fingers fly over the keyboard (thank goodness for backspace) and sharing a little of one's world with others.

Whatever that something is we do like sharing, don't we?

We also like knowing we are visited and read (from time to time), that makes the whole experience all the more special.

I am satisfied with my housecleaning. Yet I wonder where those inactive bloggers have gone to, what they are up to, and if life is treating them well. My simple wish is that it is. This little wish accompanied every tap of the button which would forever remove those blogs from my list.

Sort of sad, eh.

But, life drifts on, regardless.

Hmm, that was my sentiment yesterday and it still hangs in the air today.

I realize life really moves at its own sweet pace. For some that means staying the course (blogging with some regularity), for others it means veering left (or right) and finding a new path.

To all the bloggers remaining on my List, thanks for blogging, for visiting, for adding a little something extra as I make my way through life - you are a part of the path I am presently on.


Now tell me...

Have you done any blog housecleaning of your own?

 

I HAVE BEEN SELECTED.

This is pretty epic for me.

Some of you loyal hanger-ons ,dropping in now and then to see if the vultures have stopped swarming around my carcass, know I am passionate about writing.

Well, did you know I am also passionate about reading.

Last year I ventured down the Flash Fiction highway and loved the journey.

So much so, that I’ve been putting my stories together for a book.

The ISBN number is waiting patiently as I stumble and trip over the “how to get it published” part. Which, by the way, lead me to discover I don’t need the costly addition of photos to actually print the stories. 

Well, blow me down and fluff up my feathers - I did not figure this out until July 12th.

July 12th...

a day to remember, well, until August 9th arrives, and then that will also be a day to remember.

Back to the 12th though - I went to the Cottage Bistro and bent an ear while 10 storytellers did their thing. 

It was then I figured that I too would like to tell a tale - a scary, spine chilling, freak-you-out sort of story, you know, the kind I like to write.

SO.... I ENTERED THE DRAW. 

That would be the draw to be a storyteller for the upcoming August 9th Vancouver Story Slam.

And today, after four days of suspense - where I confess I breathed in deeply from my lavender essential oil bottle and imbibed of the red wine spirit (gods come in many forms) - I was sent the email bearing the subject: “Story Slam draw results”.

I HAVE BEEN SELECTED.  THAT’S RIGHT - ME.

So, look out Vancouver - I’m ready to rumble... well, okay...

I’m ready to read! (then rumble!)

If you’re in the hood - drop in and listen, if not... say a word or two to your favourite spirit. Hey, you never know.

Alrighty... 

I’ve even got two stories I’m polishing. I’ll decide the night of which I’m going to read. 

Kudos to my mother, the great IZ (kinda like OZ, eh) who’s been my audience of one while I read and reread my selections. 

I mean to go in prepared, and come out feeling like I did myself proud.

A special thank you to Bouncin’ Barb and Bushman - two of the best readers a girl could know. Your supportive comments over at WBC (under construction) has brought me to this spot. I’ll take the stage on August 9th knowing your spirits are with me.

To your health

Current Read

Primal Body, Primal Mind (1st reading)

Beyond the Paleo Diet

for Total Health

and a Longer Life

by

Nora T. Gedgaudas, CNS, CNT

Twitter @NoraGedgaudas

Finished Reading

The Big Fat Surprise (read 7 times)

Why Butter, Meat & Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet

by

Nina Teicholz

Twitter @bigfatsurprise

Grain Brain (read 6 times) and Brain Maker (read 2 times, 3 coming up)

by

Dr. David Perlmutter

Twitter @DavidPerlmutter

You may be wondering why I read and re-read these books. Well, simply put they are worth it. The information in them isn't just a one-off pass for me. I read them several times so the information sinks in.

Let me start by saying this about me - I like using my brain. I like thinking for myself. I like digesting information - fact based, well researched information. I then take the time to implement what I have learned and test the theories for myself.

Even before reading these excellent books I shied away from the propaganda which has veiled much of North America in a massive and sad health crisis since the early 1950's when Dr. Ancel Keys, with the support of the AHA (American Heart Association), hypothesized that all fat caused coronary heart disease. To date, this hypothesis remains unsubstantiated as Dr. Keys was unable to show conclusive proof for it.

As my parents are from Austria eating animal fat, particularly butter, was part of my upbringing. My father forbid any form of margarine and refined oils in the house. Food was as unprocessed and unrefined as possible, with much of the protein that made it to our table coming from my father's hunting and fishing efforts. We had a large and abundant garden. My mother baked using only lard and butter - no Crisco or "fake" shortening ever made it into our kitchen.

Sadly, even with all this wonderful wisdom it was easy to get caught up in the hype of what was good for heart health. Even my dear mother succumbed to the ravages of diabetes because of bad advice from dieticians which were told to promote carbohydrates over protein and fat.

If you suffer from any of the Western Diseases (also known as Diseases of affluence) such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression than you really need to read the aforementioned books. NOW!

I would recommend starting with The Big Fat Surprise. You will be in for a rude awakening. Further, if you are an American you will be angry with your government for allowing this heart/diet hypothesis deception to continue.

But... here's the clincher... sadly, we have only ourselves to blame.

What ever happened to DUE DILIGENCE?

At what point are we responsible for our wellbeing and health related choices?

At what point did we stop questioning and become puppets, manipulated by the likes of Dr. Ancel Keys, the AHA, and even the government of the day into thinking they know what's best for us?

Take back your brain, and start using it.

Of course, you might want to first start by feeding your brain what it's been craving these past sixty years - FAT - saturated fat to be more specific.

Look for a follow up post on FAT... and its wonderful healing powers. Don't take my word for it though, eat some and see how your brain responds.

Written with your good health in mind.

Cheers, Jenny