Tag Archives: writing

10 Insider Tips to Start off your Day Right.

Posted on January 23, 2012 | 14 Comments

Through God all things are possible.

1) Put your best foot forward.

Regardless of how many mistakes you have made in the past today is a new day. Just by making a decision now, you can make your dreams come true by believing in yourself. Think of the adage of the train who said I think I can I think I can. Before you know it you can overcome any obstacles.

2) Overcome obstacles.

It’s all about the way you view them. There is always a good side to every story. When a door closes a window opens. What could be good? Opportunity. The world is your oyster. There are infinite possibilities. Look at your obstacles as stepping stones to your future.

3) The world is your oyster.

God gave us this wonderful life so we could live it to it’s fullest. Now is your opportunity to live life to its fullest, love and learn.

4) Make attainable goals.

Simplicity

Out with the lists of stopping smoking, losing weight and getting rid of old habits. In with the lists of positive choices. Choose a healthy lifestyle that includes rest, relaxation, good food, exercise, abundance, lots of water and happiness. Make your goals to be state driven.

That means desiring what you have.

Set yourself up to play a winning game.

5) Have state driven goals.

It’s not the money that makes us happy, it’s what that money can buy. Let’s just jump over this hurdle and stop wanting more money. Start to have happiness in the terms of joy, love and peace of mind. You have all that you need in this moment.

6) Be the change you desire in the world.

Instead of complaining about what is wrong, start finding what is right and then start acting how you want to be. Decide to avoid any self negative talk. Your mind can hear you and it might just believe what it hears.

7) Model good behavior

So your not perfect, neither am I. But I do try. I set myself out to be the best I can be. At times I don’t know what good behavior is like so I find someone who I think is doing it right and I try to do it just like them.

*8) Be sensible my dear child

Get a good night’s sleep, drink lots of water, do some exercise, eat well and hug someone.

One thing I’ve learned is to moderate behavior. Make good choices because you think they are sensible, not based on desire. Be thankful for what you have and try to want less.

9) Go green.

Go green.

Start talking about recycling and then do it. Start dividing your trash into paper, plastics, glass and organic waste and then deposit them in the appropriate bins.

10) Laugh

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Dedicate some time of your day to things that make you happy, like love, family and friends.

Remember, live life with passion as if it were your last and first day. Live life as you were looking through the eyes of a child. All things are possible through God.

What do you think? What would be your insider tip to having a good life? I would love it if you left me your ideas in the comment section below. Thanks!

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Posted in happiness, Inspiration, motivation

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

Posted on January 19, 2012 | 34 Comments
Clear your heart. Let it go.

Clear your heart. Let it go.

Hi mom!

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?

Love God. Love others. Love yourself.

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.

Believe in yourself. I do.

Believe in yourself. I do, believe in you.

I like to to emphasize is a 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. 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.

almost late summer colors! Cheer up lovely Julie. You are smart, talented, beautiful and have an awesome family. You are more blessed then MANY so stop sulking and snap out of it...ha! xoxo

Beautiful happy, bright, Spring. My vase is over flowing. :)

When I put up my art work last week, it was the exact same feeling. Sure, some people have no problems writing and talking and showing off their work. I do. I have enormous insecurity problems.That is EXACTLY why I feel like this blog is growing steadily. It’s because I’m so darn afraid of failing, I putting every ounce of myself into making succeed.

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.

Newbie blogger tip ~ See how you can read words when you roll over my pictures? In your html code after the word title, change the text to what you see between the quotes. It’s really cool. Don’t forget that all of your pictures click through to links YOU choose, so you should do that too. {back to reading}

I don’t see what is wrong with it. 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. Leave your comments below where it says *comments*.

God bless.

Julie

She’s got gumption up the wazoo!

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Posted in happiness, Italy, learning, relationships, travel

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

Posted on January 14, 2012 | 19 Comments

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.

Have a blessed day.

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,

Smile. You're beautiful.

7. That it takes more time and dedication that 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.

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Posted in Inspiration, lists, writing

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How to increase blog traffic – 10 tips and tricks from jbulie’s blog.

Posted on January 12, 2012 | 27 Comments
ㄥ❀∨モ

ㄥ❀∨モ these great gift ideas.

If you want your blog or website to succeed, just love doing it. Easy.

I’m sharing with you what I’ve been doing over here to attract visitors and increase blog traffic.

Don’t believe the guys who say they get a million visitors a day. They are like kids in a candy shop, typing in numbers. Learn from doing first hand, and ask a blogger friend.

Here are the steps you can take to make your site grow.

1. Get to know your readers. Share.

Spend a lot of time looking at your stats feature and try to understand where your readers are coming from. A lot of my readers have become friends because I hound them on facebook. Thanks guys. A lot are new, welcome. I’ve also found having a stats counter installed helps.

I’ve learned that they come from all over the world and different backgrounds and ages.

2. Participate in comments and conversations.

One of the best ways of inviting visitors to your site participate in conversations in the comment sections of blogs you like reading. Ever since I started my blog, I’ve learned a great deal in the comments section of articles.

3. Write good content.

Wishing you flowers today.

Wishing you flowers today.

My highest ranked day was when I wrote a piece about motivation. You can read it by clicking here.

4. Write from the heart.

Talk as if you were speaking to a few good friends. Write about what you care about people are going to be supportive.

5. Make it a goal.

I have also made it a goal of mine to have a lot of visitors so in my free time, I look read as many articles I can on the subject.

6. Use your real voice.

When I write, I like to picture I’m either standing infront of my peers and explaining things simply. Or, I try to imagine I’m writing my sister or mom and telling them how simple it is to make a blog grow.

7. Enjoy

You guys might have noticed how much I love to play around with my readers. I don’t think anything is more boring then being serious. I don’t take myself so seriously. In fact, I like to find aspects of life that are a little bit off, and hone in on them.

8. Add extra value, go the extra mile.

The more you give, the more you receive. It’s so easy to get great feedback ~ just give of yourself.

You are one person writing, right? Well, there are lots of people reading so the ratio is just immense. Give of yourself and you get back so much from some many people.

9. Be inspiring

You can be inspiring, funny wonderful, full of life. If you don’t believe in yourself, well then I do! You can do it.

We all have the ability to push ourselves to learn and make our lives better. You can do it. I believe in you.

10. Pay it forward.

Without my visitors, I’d just be here talking to my cat. She’s a good listener, however. To pay it forward it’s super simple. Just hit the tweet button if you have twitter, or share on facebook by clicking the link below.

Thanks for visiting. I appreciate your comments.

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Posted in happiness, Inspiration, learning, lists, motivation, writing

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ㄥ❀∨モ criticism ♥

Posted on January 10, 2012 | 20 Comments

Be your own critic~there are enough people out there to be mean to you. Be nice to yourself ¸¸.·☆

A couple of things on my mind

that I’d like to share today that have to do with reading, writing, creativity and comments.

I am thankful for the positive comments and encouragement I get from people who read my blog. When I started off blogging, the idea was to share. I have written since I can remember.

In fact, I remember a time in my life where I would fill my days writing.

Everyone is a Critic

When I made the decision to share my words with the world it wasn’t based on a self satisfying idea to could help one person out there. It was more the idea that I wanted to learn how to blog. I thought of instead of writing in my journal, I’d do it online.

It’s actually a bit of a risk, if you ask me, putting yourself out on the line to be judged by your peers.

Mimi Weddell

►ㄥife is nσt abσut waiting fσr the storms to pass. it's abσut ℓearning hσw tσ dance in the rain.►

I like the idea of learning by doing.

It’s one thing to think about doing something and a whole other ball game to put yourself out there and actually do something.

—What inspired this post was seeing the amazing things that are going on in your lives. I feel each one of you reading this is successful in your own way.

I’ve seen my friends overcome numerous obstacles to achieve their goals. I’ll give you some examples. One friend overcame the death of her parents at a young age to go forth and have a beautiful big family of her own.

She figured it out. Others have dreamt of becoming writers, business people, dads, teachers, artists, musicians, you name it. They haven’t given up and they are doing it—pursuing their dreams. Doing it. Loving it.

I have a friend who is scared of making a change in her life. Her entire family is relocating to a new city with completely new people, streets, smells, schools, every little thing in her life will be new.

But she did it. She said yes to life with the insecurity that comes from the future and not knowing what it would hold. Good for her.

Life is a journey. ♥ Set yourself up to play a winning game.

Another fantastic woman is traveling the world on her own. Such courage. Others dealing with heartbreak, love, life, raising families and work. They are figuring it out.

The more people who read my blog, of course, there seems to be always someone who doesn’t like it.

That leaves the question to me of how to deal with it. I either forgive, forget, overlook, pretend they aren’t there, or accept it.

Between saying and doing is an ocean of difference.

While I was on vacation for a week and didn’t have internet access I found myself missing my online community. I have made friends with unbelievable people I wouldn’t have otherwise met. We share videos, stories, pictures of our lives, you name it. For me being so far from my family I find it a great way of knowing what they are up to.

I have also met people from all over the world. I love that. Our world truly is getting smaller. So on a spiritual path to enlightenment, I believe we are all interconnected. All of our actions effect each other.

I’m working through this confusion with the help of my friends and so thankful for them.

How do you deal with the critics? Is it better just to not share?

Thanks for visiting, commenting and a very special thank you for people who bid and have purchased my artwork. I hope it smiles at you every time you look at it.

You an also buy my art at my online stores here and here.

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Posted in happiness, journal, learning

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46 Ways to be a Better Person.

Posted on January 8, 2012 | 48 Comments
It almost always seems impossible until it's done. ♡

It almost always seems impossible until it's done.x♡o

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Here’s a quick list that will get your started on having a nicer day now. Good luck and let me know how it goes.

1. Take a deep breath now, hold it as long as you can. count to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, release, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ~ and now another.

2. OK, two more deep breaths. Relax.

3. Concentrate on this word <<oooaahhhhmmm>> and close your eyes and take another two deep breaths, in through your nose out through your mouth.

4. Meditate. Concentrate on your third eye and just be peaceful. You can stop reading this! It’s okay!

5. Slow down. Try moving slowly.

6. Start each day as Gandhi did: Be the change you want to see.

7. Look for ways to help people.

8. Treat yourself great.

9. Be your own friend.

10. Go to the mirror and make funny faces.

11. Make yourself and/or a friend a nice cup of tea or coffee.

12. Take a long walk without music or distractions.

13. Clean. Go left to right, it works.

14. Be young in your heart.

15. Hug a tree.

16. Jump on one leg. Now the other. Do this in your mind’s eye. Or for real.

17. Spin like a child with your eyes closed. Do this in your mind’s eye. Or for real.

18. Hug someone. Even yourself.

19. Next time you see someone on facebook that’s down, get involved. Try sending links, messages.  Or, how about a phone call?

20. Believe in miracles. :) I do.

21. Be inspirational.

20. Believe in miracles. I do.

22. Listen to the next sound you hear.

23. Push yourself to be a little bit better.

24. Count to ten before reacting. {or better yet, just let it slide.}

25. Pet an animal.

26. Turn off the tv.

27. Sell something on ebay.

28. Give something away to charity.

29. Treat yourself to a day spa.

30. Take a nice long relaxing bath or shower.

31. Bake.

32. Organize your files.

33. Make a list of three things you don’t want to do and then do them.

34. Eat well. How’s a salad sound for your next meal? A big one!

35. Exercise.

36. Take a risk with love.

37. Write a message on someone’s facebook wall saying thank you for being there.

38. Enjoy this moment.

39. You can reprogram your mind to believe anything you want it to.

40. Shine the light that God has given you.

40. Shine On!

40. Shine the light that God has given you.

41. Tell someone you love them.

42. No matter what your age, dream ~ even big if you’d like.

43. Remember a moment when you were blissful. Hold on to it.

44. Accept yourself for exactly who you are.

45. Send a REAL letter in the mail.

46. Give yourself a little break.

Thanks for reading and have a great day. I believe in you. I do.

In the comment section, I’d like to know what you can hear, smell and feel in this exact moment. What is around you? I can hear  boys playing, the washing machine spinning and a distant car passing.

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Posted in happiness, Inspiration, journal, learning, lists, motivation

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Is your blog bloggalicious?

Posted on December 26, 2011 | 26 Comments
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 du dum.

We know we are in trouble 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. I also made myself laugh in my Services tab up above. You’ll like it if you click on it. Want a link? ;)

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

Julie

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Posted in happiness, Inspiration, Italy, journal, writing

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On why I stopped writing.

Posted on November 29, 2011 | 2 Comments

I was reading through my archives this morning and getting a bit nostalgic. I was looking over the people who I have met through blogging and how blogging has changed my life.

I was thinking how thankful I made that decision to blog a couple of years ago. I mean, through my blog not only did I get a little creative outlet, I set up my little shop. I’m not sure how it is going to go. Sometimes, I feel as if it is a little self defeating. Other days I feel like it’s going great.

I don’t know where this post is going to go. That’s okay. I’m going with it. I’m going to let the thoughts just flow here now and I’m in the mood to share. I have so many thoughts. Is it possible I can just stop them? Organize them? Make sense of them?

Write them?

I’m trying. I’m trying to make sense of the world we live in. The world the includes social media. I am trying to understand how the 500+ people who I have on my fb friends’ list have entered into my life, if I know them at all.

Of course, some of them yes. But when I started sharing on facebook it was really just to show my sister and mom who live half way around the world, pictures.

Then I had problems with privacy. I don’t mind sharing photos sometimes but not all of the time. The ones that are up are up. But, lately, I just don’t know.

It’s all about being public. And private.

Maybe that’s why I sometimes just recycle old posts or put favorite posts on my front page. I just take an old post that’s good and change the date. That’s fair, right? It is my blog after all, right? Can I just write on one date and publish it on another date? Is that lying if the post says one date and I wrote it on another? Like my about page says, my goal in life is to be honest.

Not always easy. Good goal though.

Prayed last night with my family about my work situation.

It’s dramatic and depressing. I lost my job in May and I’m not at all okay with that. All of my posts, all of my life has been dedicated toward teaching. Yes, I found a small teaching job at four hours per week, but that’s not enough to live on, to get by on and frankly my savings is dwindling.

Crying. Laughing. Such an emotional git I am. So darn human and vulnerable.

I look at my pretty paintings and they cheer me up and they tell me a story. I think of your comments that just play in my head over and over much like a song you can’t get out of your head. I think about the girl who says look at her, look at her, she’s got it, the art, the house, the husband the kids.

I try to live in a state of blessings a state of grace.

I try.

I’m no where near there. I call on my parents. I call on my family. I call on my best friend. I call but no one seems to have the answers for me. Only me of course. And God.

What makes me happy is my children. I wish and I’m saying it here loud and clear, I wish someone told me that motherhood would be what it is! They try, don’t they? What it means to make Christmas happen. What it means to add the sunshine into the day, to be a a guide when you don’t know how, to give of yourself completely to try to find words for something you cannot possibly explain with words, but only with glances.

My readership.

My readership has grown and changed and slowly evolved into something I can’t understand or make heads or tails of. It’s a strange thing, it is. There are the people who I started blogging with who have stopped reading and stopped commenting and stopped blogging. Then there are the lovely ones who I’ve met along the way who have entered into my heart.

Then there are the people who I care most about who send me love and encouragement. Then there are lately the non commentors who quite frankly just I don’t know how to say it, I don’t want to say freak me out, I just want to say, I wish they would just say hello. Maybe they are shy. Maybe they are just reading. Maybe they are just observing. Who knows.

Maybe that’s why I stopped writing. Because I see person after person stop in read what I say and then move on. Why? Why read? Why even visit?

I know, I like to read and visit too. I’ll give you a concrete example. One of my favorite bloggers, actually two of them, don’t have facebook accounts. When they write a post, it’s not unusual for them to receive up to ten comments on the same day.

I’m not saying I’m comment deprived, I’m just saying, I don’t post regularly, I have way too many friends on facebook, and I can’t make sense of this social networking, so I’m not writing. Just recycling.

Does it really matter if someone comments here or on facebook?

That should keep away any visitors, huh? Also, like I’ve said before, I cannot stand email. I just don’t like it. So now that people get my posts by email, it really bothers me. It’s as if I’m writing straight to you. I’m not trying to do that! I’m just trying to get my thoughts on my journal and make them public. I didn’t mean to send you an email. I know you opted for it, but it’s just not my thing. I delete upwards of 30 emails a day. I can’t stand it!

So there you have it. My view on why I stopped writing. At least for now. You never know though. People are strange. They can change their minds at a whim.

On a happy note, my shops are doing well. I appreciate that. You are welcome to visit my stores and see my art work here and here.

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Posted in journal

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‘Let’s eat Grandma!’ or ‘Let’s eat, Grandma!’ Punctuation saves lives.

Posted on November 25, 2011 | 13 Comments

Hi guys and welcome back to my blog. Thanks for dropping in.

Do you often check your stats?

I was humbled when doing my internet research and came across blogs that have a reported reader base of 300,000. I was so excited about my first 1,800. I went into the kitchen and told my husband. He was lovely and supportive. He said Julie, give it a chance, you have only just started.

Time to reflect.

Time to reflect.

He’s absolutely right.

I am reminded to thank God for my many blessings.

I spend a lot of time figuring out the basics, how to choose a picture, how to get my categories and my archives visible.

There’s a lot of behind the scenes work going on that I don’t know if my reader is aware of.

Here’s a little award going to the behind the scenes workers at this blog. Someone needs a little love and appreciation today. Smattering of applause.

Some people added me to their lists of blogs they like to read. This brought new visitors. Thank you. It is a nice friendly surprise ~ sort of like a present you didn’t expect.

More Readers Comments.

I set you free now and every moment.

Be young. Go ahead do something impossible. Could anything be more sweet?

Most comments are super supportive and positive. Thank you! A guy left a comment saying anyone who writes their biography in the third person is a dork. I deleted it. I reserve that name for me from people I truly love like my sister, my husband and my best friend – who by the way also call me Mutt, Monkey, Jules, Julie Bulie and JB.

Each Word You Say Represents Who You Are

Often when my younger students use questionable language, I sometimes give them a tiny note, a wink and a smile.

Give.

They told me in person It’s not our fault.

I told my sweet and smart students I’m going to buy you a shirt and write It’s not my fault on it for the amount of times I’ve heard that. I love that they have added me to their facebook accounts and include me in their lives. Hi guys! :)

They gave me a couple of toys to play with at school: a spinner top, a stand up Winx as big as my index finger and a poofy top Cars pen.

Smiles. Silliness. Wonder.

Just how cute this is? Wouldn't this make a great gift?

Everything is going to be okay. Really!

Life is Participation.

I walked into class and some of my students noticed I got a new hair cut. They gave me compliments. I think were sincere. Although at the moment my hair is getting really long.

I’ve learned so many things from people and living lately. I would say the number one thing I have learned is how to be a nicer person. I mean it. I surround myself by lovely people and I thank you for being here right now in this minute reading these words. Hi! Welcome.

I’m Still Smiling.

I received a ton of stuff from my loved ones. Thank you so much. They continue to spoil me. I don’t know what I have done to deserve such wonderful treatment but I try to be humble and thankful.

My kids got a lot of clothes, toys and candy. I get love.

We talk about health, not smoking and going the extra mile – and flossing. how knowledge will make you a better people. We talk about how making decisions now effect the rest of our lives.

Miro. Love it!

Miro. Ha!

I feel privileged to be a writer and a teacher, to talk to them and to you too. I’m also enjoying every beautiful minute of this glorious day. Thank you.

I know I got through to my class because they got real quiet and started listening, eyes transfixed. We talked about health we talked at length about existentialism, fatalism and Christianity and dreams. They get it. Kids are smart. They are our future.

As always, I hope this finds you well, happy, lucky and in love. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read and visit. Have a great day.

Julie

Be inspirational. Be inspired. Note to self: Try harder. And smile. Everything is going to be alright.

A Sweet Afternoon ~ Semi Abstract~Fine Art Canvas print

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If I can figure out how to write a blog, anyone can.

Posted on November 21, 2011 | 14 Comments
Beautiful table setting.

Would you like to write a blog? Please do.

If you would like to be a published writer, it’s easy, just do it. I started writing as soon as I got a crayon in my hand.

When I was 11, I started keeping a small lock and key diary with a bright yellow and red Snoopy picture. I would write whatever came to a 11 year-old’s mind.

I have entries in my diary about what I would do for my birthday party, where my family went and who I liked and didn’t like at school. The diary entry that makes me laugh is My sister hit me. Now I realize the importance of those four words.

I found a place for myself, a place to put my own thoughts but most importantly I have proof 30 years later that my sister hit me. ;)

As I got older, I started writing travel diaries. I have about 15 handwritten diaries in my garage that I wrote when I was between 19 and 30. Sometimes I would like to burn them because I’m afraid what my children will think.

They probably won’t be so interested in my life. Still, when I travelled I always kept a journal  before I decided to give writing a try.

If you want to write, do it. Just take out a pen and write. open Word. I use WordPress to blog.

How to get published.

The first time I got published as a writer I was in high school. It helped to have friends. I was president of my high school so the job was sort of just assigned to me. One of my teachers came up to me and said Julie, you are going to have to write a weekly article for the school newspaper.

A couple of weeks later, I saw my name in print for the first time with a headline saying Howdy Cowboys. What a laugh.

From then, I moved to Europe and remained one of the few people who actually knew English so it was pretty much certain that I would get published in the first English magazine in our city. Luckily for me, the publisher was a good friend of mine. She had great taste in style and the magazine was a big success in my humble opinion.

From there, I just continued writing. I would write or suggest stories to my publisher and she usually printed them. Sometimes, my publisher friend, Ali,  would give me assignments, for example she’d say Julie, there’s a new art opening on Friday, can you cover it? I continue to write for pleasure just as I continue to paint pictures of flowers, just as I love reading other people’s stories.

Also, I would suggest you write from the heart and write as you speak. Finally the easiest way to get published is to publish yourself ~ just as I am doing here.

Thank you for visiting. Comments are appreciated. Have a great day.

Have you ever been published? What sort of things do you like to write about?

I’d love to hear if you’d like to leave a comment below. Thanks.

Country Side Tulips Laptop Sleeve electronicsbag

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