What is the difference between failure and success?
Listening, course corrections, and perseverance
Did you ever play the "hot" and "cold" game as a child? Or perhaps, depending upon where you grew up, you called it something different.
The game goes like this: one person in a group is drawn away from the group and taken to a place where he/she is not able to see or hear what is going on in the other area. While that person is away, an object is hidden. Everyone in the room knows where the object is, but the person who was lead away does not. After the object is hidden, the person is brought back in with the purpose of trying to discover where the hidden object is. The people in the room can only give two clues: hot and cold. The closer to the object the person gets, the more people shout out "HOT". The farther away the person gets, the more the word "COLD" is shouted.
If you have ever seen one of these games in action, it can be a lot of fun. Chaos is likely, laughter is definite and at any given time, people can be shouting both "hot" and "cold" all at once. It's wild. It's truly hard to know exactly what direction to go in if you are the one searching for the hidden object. The goal seems illusive at times. You get conflicting information. You find yourself turning in circles. Sometimes you get frustrated and other times you just have to laugh. At some point, you'll start to hear "hot" more than cold and you'll alter your path until you have everyone shouting "HOT" at the top of their lungs. Eventually you find the hidden object because you listen to what is going on around you, you make the appropriate course corrections and you don't give up.
Hmmmmmmmmmm.
If you want to achieve the goal, you have to be willing to hear negative feedback, make corrections to your course and be persistent.
Why is it that when we do this as a game, it's fun and when we do it in real life, it's work? ;)
~Carla
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Herbal Remedies - The Medicine Hut
Well, strangely enough, I find myself in the unusual position of having purchased a new website. I'm in the process of changing the layout and the format of the site. It's going to be great once it's shaped-up.
the link: The Medicine Hut
The concept of herbal remedies is new to me, but I've been gardening for years and have certainly read about and heard of the medicinal qualities of a variety of plants. When I took my Master Garder's training a few years ago, herbs weren't really discussed in great detail, so I will need to do quite a bit more research.
I do want to live a healthier life, so hopefully, this will give me some solid information to use in preparing and eating better foods.
One thing I have noticed already is that the books I have started to purchase are making me re-think everything from drinking more water to stopping those McDonald's fast-food urges. I had no idea just how unhealthy that food was.
So, here's to learning more about good health and using herbal remedies when possible to heal my own body.
Enjoy your day!
~Carla
the link: The Medicine Hut
The concept of herbal remedies is new to me, but I've been gardening for years and have certainly read about and heard of the medicinal qualities of a variety of plants. When I took my Master Garder's training a few years ago, herbs weren't really discussed in great detail, so I will need to do quite a bit more research.
I do want to live a healthier life, so hopefully, this will give me some solid information to use in preparing and eating better foods.
One thing I have noticed already is that the books I have started to purchase are making me re-think everything from drinking more water to stopping those McDonald's fast-food urges. I had no idea just how unhealthy that food was.
So, here's to learning more about good health and using herbal remedies when possible to heal my own body.
Enjoy your day!
~Carla
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Point of No Return
My website efforts - well, really my on-line efforts - have reached a critical point of no return. When I started my first website, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I had a goal of bringing in a supplemental income so that our family could enjoy more vacations, eating out (more) and just a few luxuries that we'd not been able to previously afford. I had no idea at the time that I was going to create my own little empire.
While the work I do now on-line relates to my web sites, it has developed over a period of three years and in no way resembles what I first started. My first website was created using a block-by-block method of building a website as I didn't know html at the time. To this day, I haven't changed the format of the site. It is still my highest earning site even given it is created in a simple format. I suppose that in itself is testimony to the genius behind the software I used to create it.
Here is a link to that first site: Professional Resume
On my most recent site, I am using a css/html transition template and I love the flexibility: Best Friends Forever
It's a fairly new site, but I think it has a lot of potential to help teens and young adults.
My comments about the whole little empire thing stem from everything that has transpired since I started that first site (which is 3 years old this month). I now help other people create their websites. I work as a coach during the week, showing others how they can create a site that generates income, too. I was actually hand-picked a few months ago to work with a best-selling author to help him (and his team) set up a website that would drive more traffic than what their old site was getting. Within a few months, it will be gaining great momentum and they are all going to be delighted with the results.
My little empire is growing and the rates that I can charge for my work are increasing little by little. It's a confidence booster to know that I can earn a good income from my home office and still have the flexibility to pick and choose my hours. Things have gone so well, in fact, that in another 6-10 months, I may be out-earning my Master's degree, former Air Force Captain husband. ;) Don't tell him I said that, of course. ;)
So, I have reached the point of no return. I am a success at my web ventures and do not expect to go backward to my former life working 9-5 for anyone else.
Yes, I still have that teaching certification that I can fall back on should I need to for any reason. AND, I am still proud of the fact that I earned it. I think everyone should have a back-up plan. I just don't foresee being an elementary teacher in the near future. I do love teaching - but making money is best when coupled with flexibility.
Right now, thanks to an awesome God, I have it all.
~Carla
While the work I do now on-line relates to my web sites, it has developed over a period of three years and in no way resembles what I first started. My first website was created using a block-by-block method of building a website as I didn't know html at the time. To this day, I haven't changed the format of the site. It is still my highest earning site even given it is created in a simple format. I suppose that in itself is testimony to the genius behind the software I used to create it.
Here is a link to that first site: Professional Resume
On my most recent site, I am using a css/html transition template and I love the flexibility: Best Friends Forever
It's a fairly new site, but I think it has a lot of potential to help teens and young adults.
My comments about the whole little empire thing stem from everything that has transpired since I started that first site (which is 3 years old this month). I now help other people create their websites. I work as a coach during the week, showing others how they can create a site that generates income, too. I was actually hand-picked a few months ago to work with a best-selling author to help him (and his team) set up a website that would drive more traffic than what their old site was getting. Within a few months, it will be gaining great momentum and they are all going to be delighted with the results.
My little empire is growing and the rates that I can charge for my work are increasing little by little. It's a confidence booster to know that I can earn a good income from my home office and still have the flexibility to pick and choose my hours. Things have gone so well, in fact, that in another 6-10 months, I may be out-earning my Master's degree, former Air Force Captain husband. ;) Don't tell him I said that, of course. ;)
So, I have reached the point of no return. I am a success at my web ventures and do not expect to go backward to my former life working 9-5 for anyone else.
Yes, I still have that teaching certification that I can fall back on should I need to for any reason. AND, I am still proud of the fact that I earned it. I think everyone should have a back-up plan. I just don't foresee being an elementary teacher in the near future. I do love teaching - but making money is best when coupled with flexibility.
Right now, thanks to an awesome God, I have it all.
~Carla
Thursday, July 31, 2008
I do not only what I must, but what I can.
I remember writing down a quote about twenty-ish years ago that went like this: I do not only what I must, but also what I can.
So often, we focus on our own needs, our own desires and we fail to see the countless opportunites that cross our paths each day - opportunities to make a difference in someone else's life. We use "being busy" as an excuse, but it really boils down to selfishness. And yet, if more people understood the exultation that comes from serving/helping others.
One of the greatest needs that humankind has is the need to be appreciated. I certainly want to be appreciated. It is difficult to be appreciated for buying groceries for your own family... however.... if you buy groceries for someone who is home-bound, you'll discover that your worth to another person goes up dramatically.
Yes, sometimes we want to be appreciated for "who we are" rather than for what we do, but oftentimes, the two go hand-in-hand. If I live in such a way that my actions, my words, my decisions (my LIFE) establish me as a kind and good person, then I will be appreciated for "who I am".
When I was a youngster (say, 10 or so), my mother would take me with her to nursing homes to read the Bible to the residents. We would take turns reading to them, and at the time, it didn't seem like it mattered much. In fact, sometimes, I imagine it was a bit boring and tiring. Most of the people we met with didn't have family come to visit them very often - and even if they did - we were still a welcome sight to them.
When my children were born, they started to go with me to visit people in nursing homes. My oldest started at age 2 and my youngest started at 6 weeks. We talk with them, sing to them, read to them, make cards for them - whatever they like and whatever we can do. I have even hemmed pajamas, purchased small items and other such tasks. But what each person enjoyed most was our presence. Touch. Laughter. Listening to stories.
And, we have been to their funerals. Death is a part of life.
When you take the time to make a difference in someone else's life, you can't help but make a difference in your own. Paying it forward is based on that concept. It is one way that I can make a difference.
I do not only what I must, but what I can.
~Carla
So often, we focus on our own needs, our own desires and we fail to see the countless opportunites that cross our paths each day - opportunities to make a difference in someone else's life. We use "being busy" as an excuse, but it really boils down to selfishness. And yet, if more people understood the exultation that comes from serving/helping others.
One of the greatest needs that humankind has is the need to be appreciated. I certainly want to be appreciated. It is difficult to be appreciated for buying groceries for your own family... however.... if you buy groceries for someone who is home-bound, you'll discover that your worth to another person goes up dramatically.
Yes, sometimes we want to be appreciated for "who we are" rather than for what we do, but oftentimes, the two go hand-in-hand. If I live in such a way that my actions, my words, my decisions (my LIFE) establish me as a kind and good person, then I will be appreciated for "who I am".
When I was a youngster (say, 10 or so), my mother would take me with her to nursing homes to read the Bible to the residents. We would take turns reading to them, and at the time, it didn't seem like it mattered much. In fact, sometimes, I imagine it was a bit boring and tiring. Most of the people we met with didn't have family come to visit them very often - and even if they did - we were still a welcome sight to them.
When my children were born, they started to go with me to visit people in nursing homes. My oldest started at age 2 and my youngest started at 6 weeks. We talk with them, sing to them, read to them, make cards for them - whatever they like and whatever we can do. I have even hemmed pajamas, purchased small items and other such tasks. But what each person enjoyed most was our presence. Touch. Laughter. Listening to stories.
And, we have been to their funerals. Death is a part of life.
When you take the time to make a difference in someone else's life, you can't help but make a difference in your own. Paying it forward is based on that concept. It is one way that I can make a difference.
I do not only what I must, but what I can.
~Carla
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Bullying in Schools
Over the years, few things have stirred me like the articles Robert Ringer has recently published on his site regarding bullying in schools. It is a topic often ignored - certainly by the mainstream media - and typically by administrators and parents alike.
If you have a moment, take a look at this series of articles. They will open your eyes to things you never expected to see before - and not all of what you see will be pleasant.
RobertRinger.com
If you have a moment, take a look at this series of articles. They will open your eyes to things you never expected to see before - and not all of what you see will be pleasant.
RobertRinger.com
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Family Vacation in Branson, MO
If you have never taken a family vacation in Branson, MO, you need to consider making plans now for a fun-filled trip to one of the craziest and most enjoyable places in the midwest. Our family just returned from an action-packed trip - so much so that we need a vacation from our vacation.
One of the highlights is Silver Dollar City. We went on roller coasters, ate food that we'd never fix at home (funnel cakes) and went on rides that got us wetter than if we had simply taken a bath with our clothes on. It was wonderful - especially for our children. Our oldest daughter turned 16 while at the amusement park during the trip and our youngest is 8 years old, so no matter how old your children are, they will have a great time.
The best part, in my opinion, is that it is a park filled with family fun and family values. You don't hear foul language. If someone bumps into you, they apologize. The experiences your children are exposed to are wholesome. It's a delight.
Take your next vacation in a place you'll remember forever as one of the best vacations you ever took.
One of the highlights is Silver Dollar City. We went on roller coasters, ate food that we'd never fix at home (funnel cakes) and went on rides that got us wetter than if we had simply taken a bath with our clothes on. It was wonderful - especially for our children. Our oldest daughter turned 16 while at the amusement park during the trip and our youngest is 8 years old, so no matter how old your children are, they will have a great time.
The best part, in my opinion, is that it is a park filled with family fun and family values. You don't hear foul language. If someone bumps into you, they apologize. The experiences your children are exposed to are wholesome. It's a delight.
Take your next vacation in a place you'll remember forever as one of the best vacations you ever took.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
SiteBuildIt - SBI - Website Hosting on Steroids
This is one time when steroids is allowed. If you have a passion, you can make money with it.
If your hobbies aren't making money for you like mine are for me, you need to get started now. You can earn thousands per month just by putting up a website based on something you love.
Here are a couple of my sites:
http://www.professional-resume-example.com
http://www.best-friends-forever.com
If you can write a coherent sentence and follow a 10 step action guide, you can earn extra money, or like some people (I'm not quite there yet), quit your day job and live off of your web site earnings.
Money back guarantee, too.
If your hobbies aren't making money for you like mine are for me, you need to get started now. You can earn thousands per month just by putting up a website based on something you love.
Here are a couple of my sites:
http://www.professional-resume-example.com
http://www.best-friends-forever.com
If you can write a coherent sentence and follow a 10 step action guide, you can earn extra money, or like some people (I'm not quite there yet), quit your day job and live off of your web site earnings.
Money back guarantee, too.
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