Is your blog bloggalicious?

~ ~ ~

The wind longs to blow in your hair.

If someone is meant to be in your life, they will make sure they are. It is really that simple.

I saw a friend the other day. She asked me how I was. As a joke I said,

Haven’t you read my status update? Ba da bum.

We know we are in lives our changing and being enriched when every real conversation we have ends with I’ll send you a link.

Are bloggers the new journalists?

Now that I’m a blogger, I approach life a little bit differently. When I go out and about I notice more details. I started to talk to people and I’ve started to listen to them as well. I’m thinking I’m just basically scouting for stories so I don’t run out of things to write about.

Lord knows it’s hard to get me to be quiet so I don’t know why I would run out of ideas. The point is it’s time for me to zip the gab smacker known as my mouth and start listening.

I’m learning this from a blogger friend of mine. The way it works is this. You offer your story and then you ask to hear their story. So, letting caution to the wind, I say, hey, why not? I’ll give it a shot. Is your blog bloggalicious? Is your life life-alicous? Is your booty bootilicous?

Do you start every real conversation lately with I read your blog post or I saw your video on line?

Here’s a good one. When someone says they read your blog, do you sort of smile inwardly and think yeah, but did you leave a comment?

What do you think? People are reacting to me as if I were a writer. Now because I’m publishing a blog all of the sudden I’m a writer?

I’ll whip out some stories in the garage that I’ve kept for the last twenty years if you want to know that every day I’m a writer. The difference is that I’m now ready to share.

Did she just write what I think she just wrote?

Where’d I put the darn answer?

Joy. us.

Let your heart sing. Smile with your eyes.

I’m thinking Oscar buzz peeps.

I’m thinking Oprah’s on the phone spectacular.

I’m thinking out of control spectacular.

Did any of this make sense? Beuller? Beuller? Am I writing to myself again? Where’s my editor? Where’s my teacher? Anyone checking this for factual information?

Can I let this go? Will I let this go? When? Now. .•*¨`*•♫

Can I let this go? Will I let this go? When? Now. .•*¨`*•♫

If any of you are returning visitors here to my site I’ve been working hard updating it. If you are new here, well then *welcome*.

I’ve learnt a ton doing this blog about peer to peer marketing and overcoming fears. It’s actually increased my confidence as a writer. What do you think? Leave me a comment.

My friends have texted me that they find my blog and what I’m doing over here inspiring. If I had a dollar for every time.. ha ha ha.  That’s a good one.

I keep thinking about my blogger friend in Singapore who told me in a comment she thinks I’m technically gifted. It just makes me laugh.

I don’t know what happens but sometimes I am blogging and I get in a total programming zone where I have to get from point A to Z and until it’s there I don’t stop.

I’m super satisfied that I linked to five awesome charities in my right column. The one I hold dearest to me is for my high school friend Kelli, Living in Grace.

As always hope this post finds you lovely, lucky and in love.

Julie

My Amazing Students Success Stories also known as #MASSS presents Elena Tommesani | Sculpture Artist

Anna Maria and Elena
Anna Maria and Elena

I’m sitting down next to my student Elena reading through her résumé when two little words jump off the page: Sculpture Artist.

If you guys didn’t know, my mom is a sculpture artist and has her work shown in a museum in Los Angeles, AMOCA.

I ask Elena, Do you make sculptures? Can I see a picture?

She tells me sure. Then, she hits a few keystrokes and I’m looking at the picture I’m sharing with you here.

Tape Person on the Bus by Elena Tommesani

Tape Person on the Bus by Elena Tommesani

I told her about my mom and my blog and I asked her if it was okay to do an article on her. She was happy to share her work with me and granted an exclusive interview.

I thought, gosh, this girl is so creative.

She later emailed me higher quality pictures. So here you are. Here’s our interview.

Meet Elena Tommesani | Sculpture Artist.

Elena has recently graduated Accademia delle Belle Arte in Bologna.  She started making sculptures together with a friend when she enrolled at University five years ago.

Her idea to make people out of scotch tape came after she and her friend made a recording of the actual sound tape makes when ripping it.

They asked themselves what it would be like to make a person out of tape and so the idea was formed.

After completing her thesis, she walked through town with her friends and her life size people and took some pictures in various settings — a fountain, a bus, laying down. She told me people would ask her if they could take pictures. I could only imagine!

Two Tape People on a Swingset by E. Tommesani

Two Tape People on a swings by E. Tommesani

What inspires you? I’ve always liked drawing ever since I was a young kid.

Why tape? My friend and I started and we were fascinated by the sounds tape makes when you pull it off. We even made an audio recording.

We were so impressed, we asked ourselves if we could take it a step further. We then decided to make the tape into a person with muscles. The structure was formed including the person with all of its defects.

Tape person lying down.

Tape person lying down. Perhaps this is Ophelia?

So it’s a collaboration? Yes, I made some of these together with my good friend Anna Maria Muscaridola.

How many have sculptures have you made? About 15.

Where are they?  Some are stored in my basement and a couple of them are at my father’s store.

Have you sold any? Yes. We have.

Are they hard or soft? Hard but you can also move them. I’d say they are structured.

Tape Person Swimming by Elena Tommesani

Tape Person Swimming by Elena Tommesani

I saw there was one in the water. Don’t they ruin? Only the foot is submerged in the water.

After the picture, we hung the tape person out to dry without any problems.

Is your friend the one in your facebook page? Yes. We have been friends since the first year of University. We are so different but we enjoy working together.

Now she is attending the Erasmus program in Barcelona. When she comes back, we look forward to working again together.

What are you working on? For now, we are just taking a break. We are celebrating the fact that we have received our degrees!

Do you name your sculptures? Yes. Actually. I’ve called one of them Ophelia. Here Elena tells me a funny story about Shakespeare’s Ophelia who dies yet, luckily, her Ophelia lives.

Talk to me about color. You wrote that color is very important to you. Yes. Only the last sculpture is about color. In my thesis I wanted to represent how color effects man in everything, not only aesthetically. For example, yellow can mean joy.

Other sculptures are based on transparency so you can see inside.

Breaking Through.

What I find interesting is that you talk about color but your work is transparent. Why is that? I don’t know why but all of my work has always been transparent.
Here we both smile because of how funny that seems, the contradiction of it all.

Maybe you have seen my man who was laying down lit by blue light? He is peaceful, she tells me.

Calming Blue Light

Calming Blue Light

My favorite is the one on the bus. Yes. Thank you. He’s thinking.

What was your response to the attention? My face went read and I was blushing.

Why did you bring him around with you? He’s not static. He’s travels.

I say goodbye telling her I think she has incredible talent and I that she will have enormous success as a sculpture artist.

She thanks me and I say goodbye to a very sweet, charming talented artist whose hair matches her eyes. She blushes and says,

Thank you. I’m happy.

If you would like more information on Elena’s sculptures, to see what she has available for sale or to commission a sculpture, please write e.tommesani@gmail.com

#jbuliesblog supports #oohlabra w/@ideavillage at #NOEW2013 @silverlinecrm 18 Mar Wonderful job! Congrats @OohLaBra on #Leader $10k @salesforce @silverlineCRM Challenge!

How can you show your support? By sharing on pinterest, facebook or twitter. Thank you.

How can you show your support? By sharing on pinterest, facebook or twitter. Thank you.

Congratulations Lisa!

jbulie’s blog would like to extend a huge well earned mega congratulations to hardworking real life sister, Lisa, at OohLaBra.com. Lisa McKenzie is supported by family and friends when awarded the first prize for the sales challenge presented by multinational player Silverline.

In March of this year there was a conference for entrepreneurs called NOEW that stands for New Orleans Entrepeneur Week. I was thrilled when my sister called me a few months ago to tell me that her company, Ooh La Bra was selected as a finalist for more than three contests as the most innovate product. That call put her into the top five contestants as an entrepreneur.

In the following months, I watched my sister practice her pitch down to the last detail, including hair, makeup, market share and future projections.

Lisa McKenzie with her partner Susan Bopp, and members of the Salesforce and Silverline teams at yesterday's "Salesforce Challenge". Ooh La Bra was awarded the top prize of a customized software application, valued at $10k. Thank you Salesforce and Silverline!

Lisa McKenzie with her partner Susan Bopp, and members of the Salesforce and Silverline teams at “Salesforce Challenge”. Ooh La Bra was awarded the top prize of a customized software application, valued at $10k. Thank you Salesforce and Silverline. #NOEW2013

She’s truly amazing to watch as her friends can attest.

To read more about the contest, follow my twitter feed by clicking here.

Right after winning she was contacted by ABC to be interviewed. You can read and see the interview by clicking here.


http://landing.newsinc.com/shared/video.html?freewheel=91064&sitesection=wgno_newswithatwist&VID=24656069

Here’s the official press release.
Global Corporations, Investors, Startups to Convene in New Orleans for 5th New Orleans Entrepreneur Week

PR Newswire | February 25, 2013 | 12:52 AM EST

National business executives, entrepreneurs, MBAs, and globally renowned venture capitalists will meet for the 5th Annual. New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, NOEW, on March 16-22, 2013 to share best practices and celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship.

Event headliners include Walter Isaacson, President and CEO of Aspen Institute,  Hamdi Ulukaya, President, Founder and CEO of Chobani Yogurt and Dana Mauriello, Director of New Business Opportunities for Etsy.

Additionally, representatives from Fortune 500 companies, the most prominent venture capitalists, and notable entrepreneurs will be participating, including:

  • Lisa McKenzie: Founder, President of Ooh La Bra
  • Jim Coulter: Founding Partner, TPG Capital, L.P.
  • Donna Fenn: author; contributing editor, Inc. Magazine
  • Nick Friedman: Co-Founder, College Hunks Hauling Junk, College Hunks Moving
  • Patti Greene: Professor Babson College; National Academic Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
  • David Hall: Revolution Ventures
  • New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu
  • Mary Matalin: Political Consultant
  • Kathryn Minshew: Founder, The Muse
  • Wendell Pierce: star of HBO’s hit show Treme
  • Bridgette Sexton: Google for Entrepreneurs
  • Margaret Spellings: Former U.S. Secretary of Education; Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Advisory Council
  • Alan Weinkrantz: Global PR Expert
  • Tina Wells: Founder, Buzz Marketing; Huffington Post blogger; Black Enterprise columnist
Lisa McKenzie, Founder and President of Ooh La Bra an amazing person. We support her as she is a finalist at NOEW2013.

Lisa McKenzie, Founder and President of Ooh La Bra an amazing person. We support her as she is a finalist at NOEW2013.

New Orleans has one of the most dynamic and engaged entrepreneurial ecosystems in the world and NOEW is its premier showcase event. NOEW is hosted each year by The Idea Village, a 12 year old nonprofit that identifies, supports, and retains entrepreneurial talent in New Orleans. The week-long event is the culmination of The Idea Village’s nine-month Entrepreneur Season, attracting thousands of attendees.

This year, NOEW is expected to gather 3,000 of the nation’s most innovative business leaders, financiers, entrepreneurs, and students to support New Orleans entrepreneurs through over 55 events.

Highlights include Capital Pitch Competitions, which will award prizes ranging from $100,000 to a personalized, guided tour of Silicon Valley’s investment community, and an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Summit that will engage global partners to discuss best practices for sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystems.

All seminars, workshops, and keynotes are free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis.

These events range from one-on-one counseling sessions to specialized workshops on legal and marketing practices. Registration is open at http://www.ideavillage.org

SOURCE The Idea Village

How and Why I Self Published a Book

I remember one day sitting at a trade show booth in Las Vegas with my awesomely successful and lovely sister. Clients would come up to us and ask if we had any number of objects from Velco to copies, to faxes to signs.

We’d look at each other with a knowing smile, pretend to bend down and change hats.

One hat said Designer, one said Electrician, on said Copy Girl. Today my hat says Blog Writer.

i shall be calm in this moment. ♡

i shall be calm in this moment. ♡

I think that flexibility in skills in today’s marketplace is absolutely key to being successful.

One day I decided to write a book. It was so easy. I was sitting next to my fire while my family was either watching TV or playing cards and I was surfing the internet for interesting things to read.

Then I thought to myself, hey, if that person can write a blog or publish a book, then what is stopping me. So I did. I opened a blank document up and started to type. Before I knew it I was looking at my guide book called Zero to Blog.

Basically, it explains why I started a blog and how easy it is for you to do the same.

The steps I took to get my book available to the public were so easy. After you type up your book, you just need to design a cover. I had read about lulu.com where you can upload a book and name your price. I think I make half of book sales. I can’t remember exactly.

I designed the cover according to their requirements. They needed the cover to be a certain exact size, so I did that following their directions.

Then, all I had to do was upload it and there you go. I linked it to my blog so anyone who is interested can download it.

You don’t know actually need any authorization or approval from anyone in particular in order to write or sell a book.

You just do it.  Simple, right?

I also like to go the extra mile so I’m sharing some adjectives here you can use to spice up your writing. Have fun and let me know how your projects come along.

Here are 9 rockstar blog words for dummies smart people.

1) Barbra Streisand She’s amazing. She’s everywhere. If you don’t quite get it, neither do I. I am almost sure it’s just playing around. I love people just like to say it. If you know why they do, please tell me. :)

2) Life Hacks I’ve noticed a lot of the seriously smart blogging blogs are using Life Hacks in a positive way. Life Hacks offer simple solutions to every day problems.

3) Wicked As old as this seems I’m still coming across Wicked in in well written headlines. It’s still works. At least on East Coast it was big when I was a wee tot. On the west coast we used a little bit more surf slang. You tell me, do people still use this? I try to use words that I say. I’d never say killer buzz words. It sure looks good in a title though, doesn’t it?

So I heard you been jammin’ down some gnarly tunes on your guitar?

That is just so wrong on so many levels. This gem was offered up last summer at a barbeque.

Be a free thinker.

4) Zen Whether it’s Zen Motorcycles or Zen Journey or Zen Habits people love anything that will make their lives more zen like. It’s an art. It conjurs up images of peace. Oaahhhhhmmmmmmm.

5) Simplicity I like any website that promises a simpler better life. I remember reading one day less is more. Or was it every day one thing less? My goal in my life is to get everything put away before I die. One thing less. Simple Life, Simple Pleasures, Simple simpleness. Simplify your life. It’s simple.

6) Social Media I don’t truly love this term. I bought a book at a garage sale in Pacific Palisades, California from a nice lady. I wanted to keep in touch with her so I asked her if she was on facebook. She said, no I don’t like social media. It was the first time I heard the word. Now it seems to be everywhere and growing. I still can’t use it in a sentence though.

Take the road less travelled.

7) Non Conformity If we are living parallel lives as avatars in another planet, I think we’d all be driving Prius’s and living in solar powered houses. The idea of non conformity offers you the possibility of changing your life for the better by choosing to do what you love.

Be a non conformist. Be a free thinker. Turn off the news. Get informed. Read. Stay informed. Make up your own mind.

~8)  Trending It seems like people say Trending and then whatever new thing is out. I don’t know because I’m not trending anything!

*9) Boomz Thanks to one of my super cool blog writer friends like Tiny Island who shares with us some Singaporean coolness from their beauty girl Ris Low. I love they they just have fun and play with language. I used to do this when I was a little girl. I wonder why I no longer do. That’s just Boomz {hands out}.

It’s time for reader input ~ what are your thoughts?

What do you think? I think these words are on their way out: Dude, Alternative, Rad, Stoked, Factoid, Gnarly, Social Media and SEO. Those are lame in my opinion.

I think these words are up and coming: Blog, Boomz, Fluffy, My Bad, Hiney, Smile and Nod, Shiny, happiness, writing and Talk to the Hand.

I don’t know about you but I don’t take criticism too well.

Ready. Thx JC for pic.

Ready.

People who read this — God bless you — know that I had to overcome a lot of fears to set up this blog. Would you like to know why?

Because writing for the public is similar to public speaking. You talk to people and they can smile, judge, laugh, agree or disagree. Sometimes they throw tomatoes right at the computer screen. I don’t suggest it.

I like to emphasize the learning by doing aspect. For example, if any of you have ever travelled, I bet that what you saw first hand is different than what you read in books.

Believe in yourself. I do.

Believe in yourself. I do, believe in you.

It’s like a thousand reflections in a mirror. Until you go and experience something first hand, they are all just stories on a page.

Writing a blog is an ongoing learning experience. Please don’t think I know what I’m doing. I’m rather new to this @$#% blgng bznss.

it was the exact same feeling when I first showed my art work. Sure, some people have no problems writing and talking and showing off their work.

I do. That is exactly why I feel like this blog is growing steadily. It’s because I’m so darn afraid of failing, I’m putting every ounce of myself into making it succeed, doing the best I can do with the knowledge and awareness I have.

I am willing to take a risk and show you my work. Put down that tomato. If you want to succeed in today’s market, I believe you must be willing to talk about your work.

It is not the critic who counts — not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and bloody. 

Teddy Roosevelt

I don’t see what is wrong with blogging. Like I told my blogger friend, it’s fat free, unless, of course, you are eating a lot of food while writing.

I also love reading and studying and learning from other people. That’s why I spend a lot of time on other people’s blogs to see how they approach the same question as mine.

How do you, as a blogger or website owner, reach an audience, connect with them, share information, and grow as an individual?

Give and ye shall receive. No, it’s ask and ye shall receive, isn’t it?

I’m willing to try. I’m willing to learn. In the meantime, I hope this post finds you happy, lovely, lucky and in love.

Your encouragement is what pushes me forward. Pleave your comments where it says *comments*.

As always, I hope this finds you lucky and in love.

Julie

wordpress blog stats

Twitter Facebook Faceoff ► Which one do you prefer? #ff @jbuliesblog

Hello!

I’m thinking about my friends clicking in here from all over the world. How awesome is the world wide web? Shout out to the www.

Hello World Wide Web.

Today I’m talking about twitter and how hard it is to understand as least for someone like me.

Please tweet or pin. Thanks!

Please tweet or pin. Thanks!

I’ve had some great great comments on my facebook page. Facebook rules by the way. Twitter, well, it’s new all new to me.

Go facebook, go!

I got comments about how to use twitter since it’s such an enigma for me. David Letterman figured it out by getting a laptop and one of his techies to turn on his twitter page so he can update it during the show.

If David Letterman can do use twitter, certainly I can do it too, right?

Are you like me? Curious about new technology?

Keep a journal. Really. It's lovely.

Keep a journal. Really. It’s lovely.

First step. I try to google twitter tips. You know what I get? More questionable information.

So for you, my friends, I’m offering you here from jbulie’s blogs, that’s me, @jbuliesblog. Please follow me on twitter, my

Top ten reasons why I prefer facebook to twitter.

1) Because I can’t figure twitter out.

2) Because one of my favorite artists, Nev, has about 22,000 twitter followers, so obviously, he rules.

3) I added a so called twitter expert to my friends list and tried to follow his instructions. He’s on my facebook account, check him out, 21 year old millionaire. Really. ;)

4) Apparently, I need to fork out cash to automatically to add friends according to the automatic instructions.

5) Nearly all articles I have read about twitter say how people don’t like twitter.

6) Celebrities are thriving on twitter. I love celebrities. I’m following them all. I can’t figure out twitter. I’m not a celebrity. Let’s do the math A + B = C No twitter followers over here, yet!

Yes. Please.

Inspired choices. Yes. Please.

7) Writer fell asleep. No number seven. Shout out to Apple and the ipad.

*8) The boy genius expert advised me to use his software to add all followers of a famous person, well, there is no add all followers button. I can’t even believe I spent time looking for it. Can I have my two minutes back?

9) Someone out there knows how it works. Now I am back to square one. I know my friends on facebook say leave it alone, but I cannot deny it is a big presence in social media.

Stop thinking about it and just do it.

I’m no social media expert, and in fact, I’m going back to being a mom and wife. It’s much more satisfying. Lots of hugs and kisses, and unexpected words.

Your turn. Going the extra mile here kids.

11) What is your take? Do you like twitter? Do you use twitter? Is it basically another social media network? Is it a cell phone application? The people who are bloggers with lots of twitter followers, do you think they did it by using automatic applications that tweet for them?

As always, thanks for following. I ♥ my readers. You guys are awesome. Hope your day is beautiful and filled with love.

Thanks for leaving your comments. I appreciate them.

My list of 100.

Feb 10, 2013, September 8th, 2011, April 20th, 2011, reposting.

August 8th, 2010 Reposting my first blog entry. ~ J

This chick is so cool. She's thinking about you. ❀

I can see you. Just tell me everything is going to be okay. It will! ´¯`»¸¸.·☆

I’ll be perfectly honest, this is my first post and my first blog. I have been faithfully reading some excellent blog sites and came across a nice guy who recommended some list making to help with decisions. This is a challenge to help you get your thoughts straight. The way it works is this: you write a list called 100 things, then you write something that has been on your mind lately, that is a decision you have to make.

There are only two rules. First you must start and complete the list all with in one sitting. Next you must start all of your 100 entries with the number 100.

I’ll give you an example of one I just made. Good luck and have fun.

I called my list 100 reasons

    1. 100 new flowers
    2. 100 houses to see

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

  1. 100 reasons to be happy with what I have
  2. 100 ways to do more yoga
  3. 100 excuses on why I don’t feel like it
  4. 100 times I have cheated on my diet
  5. 100 ways to be positive
  6. 100 things to teach
  7. 100 ways to be silent
  8. 100 ways to be kind
  9. 100 ways to learn
  10. 100 kisses for my family
  11. 100 papers to correct
  12. 100 meetings to attend
  13. 100 breaths to take
  14. 100 comments to make
  15. 100 pages to read
  16. 100 pages to write
  17. 100 rooms to clean
  18. 100 roses to smell
  19. 100 ways to fix your house
  20. 100 ways to make yourself happier
  21. 100 ways to think happy thoughts
  22. 100 ways to build your character
  23. 100 ways to avoid actual work
  24. 100 smiles
  25. 100 gifts to myself
  26. 100 things to throw away
  27. 100 friends I want to see
  28. 100 friends I want to hug
  29. 100 friends I’ve left behind
  30. 100 friends I have in my heart
  31. 100 days I’ve spent alone
  32. 100 times I’ve said I’m sorry
  33. 100 times someone has hurt me
  34. 100 times I’ve become a better person
  35. 100 calls to my mom and dad
  36. 100 thoughts about my sister
  37. 100 wishes for my brother
  38. 100 hearts filled with love
  39. 100 days of gratitude
  40. 100 days of eating well
  41. 100 days of running strong
  42. 100 positive thoughts
  43. 100 friends on facebook
  44. 100 places to go
  45. 100 silent moments
  46. 100 flowers to paint
  47. 100 possibilities
  48. 100 jobs I don’t want
  49. 100 jobs I do want
  50. 100 ways to be peaceful
  51. 100 times I’ve kissed my husband
  52. 100 times I’ve hugged someone
  53. 100 things to put away
  54. 100 trips back and forth
  55. 100 times happier
  56. 100 times believing in myself
  57. 100 times I do it alone
  58. 100 times I know I have help
  59. 100 times I don’t ask for help
  60. 100 times I cried myself to bed
  61. 100 places I want to go
  62. 100 smiles in 100 days
  63. 100 smiles in 100 ways
  64. 100 cities in the world
  65. 100 miles in a day
  66. 100 pictures that I cherish
  67. 100 what am I doing here now self doubts?
  68. 100 deep deep breaths
  69. 100 rants
  70. 100 things that make me laugh
  71. 100 perfumes to make me happy
  72. 100 deep tissue massages
  73. 100 feet massages
  74. 100 times I’d listen again
  75. 100 times I wish I had learned the first time around
  76. 100 things I want to accept
  77. 100 years is all I have
  78. 100 soft things like jelly, silk and cashmere.
  79. 100 dinner parties
  80. 100 things that I regret
  81. 100 things I think I deserve
  82. 100 things for which I am truly grateful
  83. 100 phone calls to make
  84. 100 worries I shouldn’t have
  85. 100 times I’ve told myself
  86. 100 times I’ve felt alone
  87. 100 times I’ve felt complete
  88. 100 toys to put away
  89. 100 investments I should have made
  90. 100 investments still to make
  91. 100 best cities to visit
  92. 100 best places to eat
  93. 100 illuminations
  94. 100 good things I’ve learned
  95. 100 things I want my children to know
  96. 100 ways to say yes to life
  97. 100 ways to share

100 miracles I see now.

13 things I wish I knew before I started a blog.

1. That I would be so visible in all of the world wherever there is internet. For some reason I thought I was still speaking to my immediate friends.

Six Simple Rules to live by: Be happy, be nice, be a leader, be organized, be a lifelong learner and be healthy.

Have a blessed day.

2. That people could laugh at me if they wanted. Sometimes they do but I mostly get compliments, thank goodness.

3. That everyone uses their blogs however they want in different ways to represent their own style. Some blogs have comments, some have books, some have lists, some have videos. Each person can make their blog completely personalized.

4. That the blogger community is extremely supportive. If you need help with anything there are endless forums to help you answer your questions. Or, you can post a new one. I did and got tons of quick answers.

5. That words are important. And can save lives. Take for example:

Let’s eat Grandma! versus Let’s eat, Grandma!

Believe it or not, a lot of people find my blog by typing those words into google.

6. That some people make money with their blogs,

Hi Mom!

Smile. You’re beautiful.

7. That it takes more time and dedication than I thought. But like most projects the more you put into it the more you get out of it.

8. That I ♥ blogging.

9. That 97 percent of people want to write a book.

10. What’s a widget. I thought a widget was that wooden triangle piece you slip under a door to hold it open. Boy was a surprised. I have since discovered that widgets are the spice of life. You can see all my widgets on my right column. They are things like being able to see your categories, most popular posts and facebook links.

Bike today. Yes please.

11. What’s a theme? Believe it or not, you get FREE themes. Themes are the overall looks of your site and you can choose whichever one suits you, just like a jacket.

You can even change as often as you want. I like mine for now but you never know. People love new looks. And it’s free.

12. That blogging would bring me increased confidence just like overcoming a fear.

14. That you would be reading this.

and just for fun, I’ll add another one. What would you add? What’s your number 14?

14. I wish I knew what social media was and how incredibly far reaching it is. I had seriously only heard the term social media at a garage sale buying a book.  Things you should look into are twitter, facebook and now pinterest.

I’m seriously in awe of the amount of times I see people in real life who have read my latest posts.

What about you? What are your favorite widgets? Why do you blog? Why don’t you blog? What are your favorite blogs and why?

As always, thanks for visiting and commenting. Nice to see you.

  1. Write down my goal in very specific terms.
  2. Practise visualisations daily.
  3. Stay positive and have an attitude of gratitude.
  4. Tell people about my goal repeatedly and publicly.
  5. Act as if I had already achieved it.
  6. Take massive action to make it happen.

What am I reading?
My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House

Sharing some of my art with you today.

I painted another baseball mural AFTER pic. jb.

This is a picture of a wall I painted to promote sport in our town. It was plain cement before. Size wize about five cars park here.
I painted another baseball mural DURING pic. jb.

I took a picture of myself while I was painting. I had fun music on and rode my bike to the field this day..

I painted another baseball mural BEFORE pic. jb.

Here is what it looked like after I painted the wall yellow, then I added the logos.

Here's the picture that recently won 5th place at a local art fair contest. It was super fun to paint. My first landscape.

This found a happy home in Milan and won a prize too. — It was a local contest. :)

Painted on white cardboard.

Displayed at Coto de Caza, California. Sunflowers. My first commission. This is an oil painting.

For my BFF at Coto de Caza, California. Sunflowers –my first commission. This is an oil painting.

I love how a group of flowers adds a touch of fun and color to this room.

One of my paintings went to double G. {xo♡}

One of my favorite places, down at the ball field.

This is the idea I came up inspired by my hometown gym.

Chassity's in New Orleans, Louisiana

This is at my friend Chassity’s house in New Orleans, Louisiana

Flowers in a vase.

Vase of flowers on table.

Vase of flowers on table.

Flowers

Flowers

Pastel Mums

Pastel Mums

Comments I copied from my facebook page.

Your paintings rival Mattisse.  Mika M.

I love these paintings. They remind me of a friend that I love and adore. Deb H.

It looks like Van Gogh stopped by your house. Tanya M.

I love mine. Kelli B.

Oh, these are just wonderful! What a great collection! Tracey H.

Love your art work Julie. Love that it comes from within and shows your true spirit about life, love and true happiness. Rose O.

I like the frame and picture……..Jon D.

It looks even better on my wall! Chassity H.

Me too!!! LOVE love LOVE it! xox  Diana O.

I LOVE it!!! Stephanie M

Your painting looks amazing! — you absolutely hit the mark! Good job! Maria P.

So pretty julie bulie. you’ve got talent baby Reka C.

Are these for sale? Nicholas M.

When I look at this it makes me feel happy, happy, happy! Rose O.

It’s very warm, I like it. Peter B.

Julie I just want to say good job! I have noticed that sverytime you post a painting they keep getting better and better! I think you are better than Picasso! James L.

Ma quanti…che belli!!! Deborah L.

Julie, don’t mistake innocence for childish, their beautiful!! Dieter B.

Oh, Julie! These are just lovely! Tracy T.

I like the colors very much. Susan W.

Your brilliant…. many blessings to you! Go girl !!! Brenda W.

Sarah.

Fur Elise.

You can see more comments by clicking here.

Comments below are from an earlier contest that is now closed. Thank you guys for leaving your lovely messages.

I’ve read three of her books, and in all of them, she encouraged women to have a steely work ethic, to dream big, and to pursue goals with all their might. She talked about being the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave. Pinching pennies. Exercising. She was brazenly candid about how she pursued her goals. Comment left on Helen Gurley Brown’s Obituary.

Life is participation.

Vision Boarding

Vision Boarding

I don’t know about you but I keep coming across one crazier story than the next. Humanity always seems to surprise me. For example, I’m reading stories about real stalkers, robbers, ATM blow ups, unfortunate home violence, earthquakes, and flying machines. Yeah right.

I started this blog four months ago and either I think I’m Crazy News Central or my readers do. Welcome. You might be new here, so please make sure to add a bookmark above, follow me on facebook or follow me on twitter.

♥Take me out to the ballgame♥

I KEEP getting some fairly random messages and emails, one more surprising than the last. It must be me. I attract the nutters? Not you, obviously, them. Let’s try to get it on the page and make some sense of it all.

How are you? How are you doing these days? You look great. Really. Strong and Lovely.

So wonderful to see you. Thank you for dropping in for some blog copycoffee. Happy? Well fed? Smiling? Living, loving? Being a good person? Aiming at being a better person?

♥Without my readers I’d only be writing to my cat.♥

I had a talk yesterday with one of my best friends about having over 300 friends on facebook. She said I think you should just stick to a core group of friends.

Hmmm. Made me think.

When I started this blog I had 200 friends, now I have over 300. I’m still the same person sitting at my macbook type typing away. When I started this blog I was writing to my cat. I now have 6,000+ visitors.

After I thought about it I got back to her and told her, Yes, you’re right, you must know who your true friends are. However, I do believe that with internet our lives have become more global. We have to now think in new shiny ways. We are no longer limited to our direct surroundings.

The world is getting smaller. Heck, you can book your own travel. Now THAT’S what I call progress.

What really amazes me is how these names and profile pictures are ACTUALLY real truly wonderful people who have taken a minute out of their day to read my blog. I thank you for that.

You meet them, you share part of your life with them, and believe it or not, you both influence each other and the lives of people around you. Are our comments just random thoughts in each other’s lives? Or, do you think about them, mull them over in your head during the day or before going to sleep?

Making any sense?

As my mom friend put it, Julie, you really are busy. :)

Well, I meet wonderful people in my circle of friends.

Team Update ~ ♥l i t t l e p u n e y♥ ideas ~ BIG results.

By the way, we are doing really well on promoting our little event in our little town. So far we have organized a little stand with coffee, water, drinks, ice cream, and a little bbq with hamburgers and hotdogs. That’s it. That’s the big plan.

The parents have offered to man the booth if I can figure out how to set up the gazebo thing~a~ma~jig. One sweet grandpa in particular is bringing an air popper for popcorn.

Another has offered to donate a coffee machine. My friend and I are painting park benches the worst color or rust I have ever seen.* The mayor of our little town is going to throw the first pitch of the season. He’s hot a handsome gentleman by the way, in case you haven’t noticed.

We’ve organized the event for May 1st, 4:00 p.m. Come!

Now that it’s all organized and going well, I can’t help but think, was it worth all of the trouble? Many words, hours, meetings, fun, ideas, new jackets, pictures and press are all flying about. But seriously, folks, haven’t we got better things to do? Apparently not.

Now it’s your turn. What do you think?

Do you agree with me that life is participation and it is better to be involved and make things a little bit better? Or, do you think life is strictly a spectators sport? Should we just go, grab a drink, have a laugh, watch and cheer as the others run about? Or maybe it’s better to come up with a good idea and try to implement it? Hmmm.

Let me know. Leave a comment.

I hope this message finds you happy and well where ever you are. Be a leader. Change by doing. Smile. Enjoy life. Laugh a little, for goodness sakes. Muah.

You’re gorgeous.

Julie

* It was in my garage for three years. Wrong choice of colors. Don’t ask.