Memories of the Inauguration

So, just published my article on the inauguration on Associated Content! And I've actually gotten 2 recommends :-) Look for it over in the left column.

And, last night was my first crochet class! Three lovely women signed up for my Introduction to Crochet class, and I think it went well. They were pretty fast learners, so it was actually pretty easy. I think it helped that all three had had some knitting experience, but it is quite different. I can relate to their stress because I'm the same way when I'm trying to knit. Anyway, I really enjoyed and I hope they did too. I'm going to check on them later in the week because I'm afraid they're going to forget everything we went over (I packed a lot into the 2-hour class!). I've got to figure out a way to help reinforce the class lesson. Mmmm, maybe I'll create my own videos -- yeah, right. Actually, I really don't need to, the ones on www.nexstitch.com are really good. Ok, now off to work!

Today's Thought: It's snowing here in DC! So, if it's snowing where you are, take the time to play!

We're Now on Flickr!

Ok, so I've finally managed to set up a Flickr account for Many Creative Gifts. There should be a link located over in the left-hand column. I've tried to put up a variety of projects, and I'm sure there's much editing, rephotographing, labeling, etc. to be done!

Sorry for the short post, but gotta get back to work!

Review Stream

Ok, you know by now that I am always looking for angles to generate "multiple streams of income" (hey, it makes up for all the $$ I end up wasting somehow or another!). So, now, I've come across http://www.reviewstream.com/. It's a site on which you can either check out reviews by other people about travel, products, etc., or write some of your own. If accepted, you get $2. I just finished and got accepted two reviews, which I hope you will check out and vote for!

http://www.reviewstream.com/reviews/?p=56743

http://www.reviewstream.com/reviews/?p=56737

What else have I been up to? Besides freezing and trying to finish up my "Introduction to Crochet" book, not much else :-) (I guess this is what you call a teaser~) I decided to have a handout for the folks who attend my crochet through Knit-a-Gogo, and it seems to have taken on a life of its own (15 pages and counting!), so stay tuned on that.

Today's Thought: One more pitch for http://www.reviewstream.com/ -- check it out!

Ramping Up!

So, I'm starting to get nervous! I'll be giving my first crochet class for Knit-a-Gogo in about 2 weeks! I've been preparing, mainly by putting together an outline of the topics I want to cover in those 2 hours, but with even more information in it that the students can take home with them and refer to later when they're on their own.

It's really been fun in a way, thinking about the process through which I went to start crocheting. I'm looking forward to helping others learn too -- it's such a great life-long hobby, activity, way to de-stress, however you want to look at it.

I keep working on the business as well. I've gone back to the materials and coaching that Frederic Patenaude provides. I really like his approach. He's not necessarily telling you anything you don't already know, but he's very encouraging but realistic and helpful in getting your thoughts and actions organized. His primary focus is the natural health movement, but his advice relates to any type of business someone might want to start. Check it out! www.fredericpatenaude.com

Today's Thought: Persimmons are very high in antioxidants and are really tasty, but be sure that they are very ripe before you eat them; otherwise, they can be bitter and have a weird texture and aftertaste!

We've Got a Facebook Page!

Ok, so I've finally gotten lured onto Facebook! I have to say, it's pretty cool and easy to load pictures, post events, etc. I'm also creating a link to the blog by getting "verified" (that's what the little widget on the side is all about). Whether this business ever really takes off or not, I really have learned a lot through the process -- website layouts, how to create html widgets, posting and linking -- techie terms are just rolling off my fingers!

Anyway, if you're a member of Facebook, please search out our page, take a look at our photos, leave us a comment, enjoy!

New Year, New Challenges

As I continue to feebly prepare myself for going back to work for a whole 5 days in a row (something that hasn't happened in a while ;-), I find myself madly organizing, doing laundry, all the mundane stuff that gets put off til it can't be put off any longer. I think I'm almost actually "there", wherever there might actually be (clean clothes, no dishes in the sink, etc.). All of this of course is an attempt to avoid tackling the worst job of all -- cleaning off my desk and filing away all the paperwork, endless paperwork! I can't seem to stay ahead of it, but I keep trying to remember the tips I learned in Getting It Done by David Allen: try to touch each piece of paper only once (either take care of it if it can be done in 2 mins or less; file it in your file system for later action, or throw it away). Not sure I'm managing the one-touch thing so well, but the inbox on my desk is close to empty. I'm also trying to consolidate all those little bitty pieces of paper onto which I jot down "important" websites to visit or ideas to pursue. I've now got a big ole spiral notebook (yes, that's right, the old school spiral!) to write them all down in AFTER actually checking it out to see if it's worth keeping. A little pat on my back :-)

Today's Thought: PayPerPost has some new deal where both you and I can earn $$ for reviewing blogposts. Here's the link

Happy New Year!

Can't believe how time is flying by! Well, like it or not, 2009 is here. Once again, I'm trying to get "things in order" to start off the new year in a serene, stress-free way (yeah, right, that's going to last long). Anyway, so, I'm going through my piles of catalogs -- I can't bear to throw them out before at least flipping through once, so piles is a literal description. Sometimes, I do get ideas for crochet projects or color combinations, or language for product descriptions, etc., so I think of sitting and looking at catalogs as "business time" ;-) I have to say, I came across the funniest exerpt in Wisteria, a catalog of antiques and decorative items for home and garden. The item is a (beautiful) leather and stainless steel chaise lounger (though I think I would prefer a smoother leather than the distressed look of this one). The description starts "Why be a couch potato when you can be a chaise frittata?" Chaise frittata?! Somehow, I don't think that's going to catch on and become a part of the English language lexicon, but it did make me chuckle (and get really hungry!), so I thought I would share!

Ok, that's all I've got for now, but blogging is one of my NYRs, so stay tuned! And, thanks so much to those of you who verified my authorship for Facebook's blog app (the rest of you, get on it!)

Today's Thought: Go Falcons!! The playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals is on at 4 PM EST.