My List of Fabulous Finds: 12 Helpful Resources!

I mentioned earlier that I have been making some changes to my blog design and organization. 

For my List of Fabulous Finds this week, I am providing links to some of the resources that have been helpful throughout this process.  

All of these services can be used on a Blogger platform, and offer support in addition to the services already provided there.

Whether or not you have a website, if you do any creative work on a computer you may find about the first half of these links helpful.  

If you are a blogger, all the other links may be useful to you, as well. 

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Here are this week's links:

1. How to create a free online signature: My Live Signature

Here's mine: 

2. How to get a darker/lighter shade of any color: HTML Color Picker

3. My preferred online photo editor: Ribbet

4. A huge collection of free fonts that can be added to your computer: Google Fonts

5. A page creation tool useful for creating printable recipes: Google Sites

6. A useful way to search or share recipes: Yummly

I hope you use my Yum button on my posts, to share some of the recipes I publish!

7. “Manage your recipes and add a professional recipe page to your blog... for free!”: ReciPage

8. Create indexes of recipes or posts using photo galleries (I haven't tried this yet): Inlinkz

9. Add custom share buttons to your posts: Shareaholic

Mine look like this:

10. My new email subscription service is now: Powered by MailChimp

11. Generate a disclosure policy for your blog: DisclosurePolicy.org

12. Add a print button to your posts: Print Friendly

13. Code it Pretty and xomisse both offer detailed tutorials for adding a new Related Posts Gallery for Blogger.

14. If your website is on Blogger and you need any website help, I would highly recommend  the Blogger consultant: Kim Six Blogger Support!

She is very helpful and extremely patient, and I don't think there is anything she cannot do! 

At some point in the future, I may provide some more information about some of the services I mentioned here. Until then, however, if I've been able to figure them out, you probably will too!

I hope you find this list helpful - and I can't wait for you to see the rest of the changes we are working on for my blog ! I am pretty excited about them!

Have you ever used ReciPage or InLinkz? 

I'd love to know the pros and cons!

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

In the spirit of full disclosure, this post may contain an affiliate link. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of them, the price you pay will not be affected but I may receive some small compensation. All opinions expressed, however, are entirely honest and my own.

Words for Wednesday - and a Wonderful Surprise

Yesterday, our children surprised my husband and I the most wonderful 25th wedding anniversary gift. Thanks to them, we now have a beautifully assembled scrapbook of photos and memories from our married life, which includes some letters from dear friends and family. 

The time and effort that went into this project has totally has overwhelmed us, and it is

Notice Anything Different?

If you have been visiting this blog regularly, you may not have noticed the changes that have been occurring, one by one.  If you haven't been here for a while, you may be quite surprised by the design and layout that you see here now!

Changes in life are sort of like that, too. My husband and I were married 25 years ago today. We don't see much change in each other - but I suspect someone who hasn't seen us since our wedding day might think otherwise!

I'm hoping for (at least) another 25 years with this guy! xoxo

Some of these changes on this blog (like the color scheme) are purely cosmetic. Others (like reorganizing the content, and adding some new ways to follow the blog and share the posts) are more functional. The ultimate goal of all of it though, is to make visiting here a pleasant experience!

I have been so fortunate to have the help of Kim Six to help me implement these changes. She has been so easy to work with, very patient with all of my ideas, and very, very knowledgeable about how to work magic on a Blogger blog! I cannot thank her enough for her wonderful help, and I can't wait until you see the rest of what we are working on!

If your blog is hosted on Blogger and you are needing some help, I highly recommend you visit Kim's website Kim Six: Blogger Support and Troubleshooting, and contact her.

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Because I know that some of you can't wait until tomorrow - here are this week's Words for Wednesday:

 timer, sunshine, fan, bark, technical, crockpot

AND

business, application, rehearsal, experiences, significant, horizon

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This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

Happy Weekend!

My cat jumped on the counter, apparently with the intention of writing this blog post for me! 

I shooed him off - it's not a place he is allowed to be!  I also told him he should have picked a harder post to write!

Today, I just want to wish you a happy weekend!!

Week 14: My Week of Fabulous Finds (Good Deeds)

When we listen to the news, so much of it seems to focus on bad things that have happened. Too often, we hear of crimes committed, injustices and wrong-doings, hurtful actions, or disrespectful attitudes. Yet, that is not an accurate picture of our world. 

I truly believe that most people want to help others and do good things.

Gratitude.

Some bloggers write an occasional "gratitude post" in which they list the things in their life for which they are grateful. I enjoy reading these types of posts, because they invariably help remind me of the things in my life that I am grateful for as well. 

Good Deeds.

This is not exactly a gratitude post - but more of a good deeds post. I hope it will serve a similar purpose though, and cause you to think about the good deeds that are happening around you - and what efforts you might be able to make to support them. I used to think good deeds should be done anonymously. Lately, however, I have realized that good deeds tend to be contagious, so it is perhaps okay to let others know of what you've done!

September is an active month for some of the charities that my husband and I support. Last week we donated to a number of different causes - and marveled at the dedicated efforts some of our friends and family on behalf of the organizations we were funding. 

My List of Fabulous Finds is focusing this week on some examples of these good deeds.

Here are this week's links:

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~ ~ Walk to End Alzheimer's Disease.

You may have noticed this purple badge in the sidebar of my blog. I place it there to support

Words for Wednesday - and a Prize-Winning Recipe!

Words for Wednesday.  What is this challenge all about? 

I will explain a bit - and then I'll share a recipe link and the word prompt for this week!

Delores of Under the Porch Light used to offer a weekly writing prompt called Words for Wednesday, and encouraged others to use it to write something creative.  Unfortunately, Delores began to have computer issues, and could no longer provide the weekly prompts. Elephant’s Child took over for a while, and then she organized volunteers to share the responsibility. Drifting through Life hosted in July, Randomosity in August.

Now, it is my turn to be the host for the month of September!  I have been surprised that the writing process of publishing a story from my own prompt has turned out to be not much

Blue Bird - Blue Bell - - Blue Bonnet!

Using the prompt from last week's Words for Wednesday challenge, I have written another chapter of my fiction short story that has become known as "The Mindy Story."  Mindy, the main character, lives a life that is never dull!

September is my month to host Words for Wednesday. If you are unfamiliar with this challenge, I will explain the rules tomorrow, when I officially post the prompt.  I have realized, however, that my Wednesday is quite late in the week for participants who reside in the Southern Hemisphere  - so a sneak peak of this week's prompt will be at the bottom of this post!

To catch up with the story so far:

Click here to read Part 1, Cleaning Products Don't Work Unless You Use them

Click here to read Part 2, A Perfect Match. 

Click here to read Part 3, Fiction, Sangria, Roasted Red Pepper Spread and a Picnic

Click here to read Part 4, Stitches and an Uncomfortable Surprise

Click here to read Part 5, A Banana Relapse Will Require a Repair

Click here to read Part 6, Capturing Fruit Flies, & Wine Glasses for Two

Click here to read Part 7, A Coffee Date and Cathedral Windows

Click here to read Part 8, Chicken Broth and Walnuts - - Oops! 

Click here to read Part 9, A Mystery and a Secret

When you are ready, here is Part 10 ...

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Blue Bird - Blue Bell - - Blue Bonnet!

Mindy stabbed ferociously at the ground with the dandelion digger tool, trying to dislodge both the stubborn weeds and her stressful emotions. She had volunteered to spend the whole morning getting the school garden beds tidied up and weeded. After lunch, a truckload of chrysanthemums would be delivered for other volunteers to plant. 

Digging around the base of a horse statue, one of several Mustangs that decorated the school grounds, Mindy wasn't thinking about weeds though. She was still fuming about the classified ad that had carelessly been published in the newspaper. At least 30 people had rung her doorbell in the past two days, asking to purchase the gourmet cookies that had been advertised as being sold from her address! A call to the paper had revealed the mistake. The ad should have read 9 Bluebird Lane, but 9 Bluebell Lane was how it had been printed! Mindy's lived at 9 Bluebell Lane - and that was why she was getting all the unwanted visits.

“Life is so full of ups and downs,” thought Mindy.  A week ago, she had been so unnerved at the thought of telling Ryan about her past life of petty crime, promiscuity, and the abortion. She had finally broached the subject last Saturday morning, while they were drinking coffee and guessing at the answers to the crossword puzzle together. He had listened to the whole story without saying a word, and then was very quiet for a few minutes. Finally, he had said, “Mindy, you know this doesn't change anything between us, right? We have both made a lot of mistakes as a result of painful experiences. You were very young when all of this happened. You're a very different person now, just like I'm no longer the person I became right after Ben died.”  

After that conversation, Mindy had been floating on air. She realized she was falling in love with Ryan, and she was fairly certain it was mutual. Everything in life seemed perfect, until all the strangers had begun appearing at her door, demanding to purchase gourmet cookies!

Mindy had been steadily weeding, lost in thought. Having worked her way around to the southern side of the building, Mindy suddenly realized how late it was. The tour of the new school wing was to start in five minutes, and she didn't want to miss it.  Standing up, she tapped at her knees to knock the dirt from her pants.

This morning's tour was sort of a dress rehearsal for the school children who would be giving tours that evening - a chance to practice what they would be saying. The school trustees were really honored the school had been recognized with the coveted National award of being named a “Blue Ribbon School.” The timing coincided nicely with the completion of the remodel, so a huge assembly open to the public had been planned for that evening. 

While waiting for everyone to gather for the tour, Mindy's mind wandered absently. It was funny how the color blue seemed to keep presenting itself in circumstances of her life right now. Blue Ribbon ... Blue Bird ... Blue Bell ... Blue Bonnet ... hmmm, baking with Blue Bonnet Margarine ....

Suddenly, Mindy had an idea! Why, of course! The ad mentioned that the cookies had won first prize in a baking contest several years ago, sponsored by Blue Bonnet Margarine. She could probably find the Chocolate Toffee Coffee Cookie recipe on the Blue Bonnet website!

Mindy began to scheme. It appeared she already had free advertising for a product she could probably produce and sell herself! If she googled the recipe, and then baked up a bunch of cookies from it, she could sell them for quite a profit right from her door! No one would even have to know that it wasn't her who placed the ad or won the contest. Who knows, maybe she could even enough make enough to pay for a really nice honeymoon for her and Ryan some day! What a shame that she had told those first 30 people to go away!

Mindy couldn't wait to tell Ryan her brilliant plan!

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The Words for Wednesday words used in this segment of the story were:

classified, mustangs, honored, award, tour, baked

AND / OR

plant, beds, gourmet, tapped, crossword, southern

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For those of you who don't just can't wait ... here is the Words for Wednesday prompt for 9/16/15:

gutters, garlic, lint, mix, flowers, reduce 
AND/OR 
lemonade, deck, musical, automatic, flag, search

I will be reposting this prompt tomorrow. with the full Words for Wednesday instructions.

 

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What do you think? Is Mindy's plan a good one?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

In the spirit of full disclosure, this post contains an Amazon affiliate link. If you make a purchase after clicking on it, the price you pay will not be affected but I may receive some small compensation. All opinions expressed, however, are entirely honest and my own.

Happy When Hiking

When my dog is with us on a hike, she suddenly looks much younger than her 12 years. Too bad hiking doesn't seem to have that sort of permanent affect on me!

I hope you will visit this blog again next week. As always, there will be a variety of ideas for how to make the most - - of all you moments. Next week I will also be publishing more of “The Mindy Story” and hosting the Words for Wednesday writing challenge.

Have a safe, healthy, and happy weekend. I hope you get to explore a mountain trail, get lost in a good book, or do something that rejuvenates you. 

See you Tuesday!

What is your favorite weekend activity?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!

Week 13: My Week of Fabulous Finds

On this day, September 11th, people all over the world take a moment to pause and reflect.  It is a day marked by bravery, loss, tragedy, and hope. It is a time in our history that we all wish we could erase, but one that we should never forget. 

I invite you to take a moment to remember, before you read this post.

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Welcome - or welcome back - to My Week of Fabulous Finds! 

“Same - but different” 

• It wasn't until after I compiled this list that I realized that two of the links refer to two types of (B)bears! 
• I mention Whiplash - but not the kind that makes your neck sore. 
• Fog is the most natural reason for hazy skies - but  two very different causes of reduced visibility and particle-filled skies occurred this summer.
• I'm so impressed: Lauren Singer taught herself to live a “zero waste” life, I've struggled just trying to use up all the zucchini I grew myself! 

I hope you enjoy this week's links!

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~ ~ I was introduced to Bear Grylls 

No, I did not meet him in person, but when my son was in middle school he could impersonate him with precision. This “Bear Gryll” persona would appear during our hikes and entertain us with his accent, while educating us about every rock, plant, and potential predator lurking around each corner. We would be in stitches, laughing so hard we had to beg my son to stop so we could breath.

President Obama recently spent some time filming with the real Bear Grylls. While I have no doubt he enjoyed the experience, I bet the President would have had just as much fun listening to my son's impersonations on one of our hikes!

• President Obama Visited Alaska, and meets “Bear”

I couldn't find a photo from those hikes, but here is one of my son from about that same time period. Bear Grylls fed the president salmon left over from a bear; my son's method of catching fish was with a rod!

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~ ~ When you come across a bear, there's no time to research what to do! 

None of us every really knows how we would respond if we encountered a bear while hiking,

Words for Wednesday - How will the prompt inspire YOU?

September is my month to host the "Words for Wednesday Writing Challenge."  Today I am sharing a set of words that I hope will spark your creativity this week.

Creating an essay or story from a prompt is a lot of fun, and can take your writing in directions you would not normally go. Reading a piece written from a prompt can be fun too. Often the prompt words are so seamlessly woven into the story that you will not even realize which ones they are, until you see the list.

Delores of Under the Porch Light used to offer a weekly writing prompt called Words for Wednesday, and encouraged others to use it to write something creative.  Unfortunately, Delores

A Mystery and a Secret

This is Part 9 of my fiction short story that doesn't yet have a permanent title, but has become known as "The Mindy Story".

The main character is Mindy, a delightful young woman who has struggled with some hoarding and compulsive shopping tendencies, and whose life is never dull!

To catch up with the story so far:

• Click here to read Part 1, Cleaning Products Don't Work Unless You Use them
• Click here to read Part 2, A Perfect Match.
• Click here to read Part 3, Fiction, Sangria, Roasted Red Pepper Spread and a Picnic
• Click here to read Part 4, Stitches and an Uncomfortable Surprise
• Click here to read Part 5, A Banana Relapse Will Require a Repair
• Click here to read Part 6, Capturing Fruit Flies, & Wine Glasses for Two
• Click here to read Part 7, A Coffee Date and Cathedral Windows
• Click here to read Part 8, Chicken Broth and Walnuts - - Oops! 

I wrote this segment of Mindy's story (like all the others) using word prompts from the Words for Wednesday Challenge.  

The Words for Wednesday Challenge was originally started by Delores of Under the Porch Light. It was continued for a while on the blog Elephant's Child, then moved to River's blog Drifting Through Life in July and now to Randomosity this August. This month it is my turn to provide the word prompts for the challenge! 

I wondered what it would be like to write from a word prompt that I had supplied myself - but I was still quite surprised by the turn this story took. Lighthearted up until now, the mood has changed a bit.

When you are ready, here is Part 9 ...

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A Mystery and a Secret

Mindy realized the time had come for full disclosure.  She and Ryan had been seeing each other exclusively for six months. He had given her every reason to believe that she could depend on him to be

Gray Skies and Gratitude on Labor Day Weekend

The sky is gray and our mountains have disappeared from view yet again. Today, it is because of clouds, not smoke from forest fires. We are getting a steady, soaking kind of rain. 

Even our dog seemed to welcome the rain this morning. She chose to get wet, versus going in her doghouse or asking to come in!

I don't usually hope for rain on a holiday weekend.

This is certainly not the kind of weather I would normally hope for on a three-day weekend, especially as we have a number of outdoor things planned. However, this downpour is just the sort of rain needed to dampen forests and help extinguish wildfires. It would be selfish for me to complain, or wish for drier weather this weekend! I just hope it is enough water to quell the flames and enable the firefighters to return home.

Last year I wrote two posts about Labor Day. One mentioned the weather, and in the other, I reminded everyone to be extra-careful driving during the increased holiday traffic. The best advice though, is really just to be careful all of the time! 

An unavoidable accident

Coming home from a high school soccer game this past week, on a fortunately fairly empty highway and traveling the speed limit of 70 mph, our car struck a deer. It was unavoidable, and I was grateful for my husband's defensive driving skills. Had he not slowed as much as he had in the instant after we saw the deer, or if he had swerved or hit the brakes hard, the outcome might have been much more dire. The only damage done was to the poor deer and the front of my car. 

This collision with a deer has me thinking about a lot of things.

• It's hard to believe an impact with an animal that probably only weighed 100-to-125 pounds can do that much damage.
• I hope I am as good of a person as the woman who gathered the parts of our bumper up off the road, and stopped to be sure that we were okay. We didn't learn her name, and I was on the phone with 911 at the time, so I didn't even get to thank her. We were very grateful for her help!
• Most of us feel like we pay too much for insurance - but right now I am very glad we have it.
• I locked eyes with the deer just before the impact. I can't get the vision of her lovely face out of my head, and I wish that she had leaped safely off the road. I am grateful her body did not come through our windshield, or cause anyone traveling behind us to have an accident.
• We think we are in control of our lives - but circumstances and priorities can change instantaneously.
• Being happy has less to do with what happens to us, than with how we view the things that happen.

In this moment, we could have complained about the rain pelting the front windshield - or felt lucky for the beautiful scene behind us.

Whatever the weather, whatever your plans - -

I hope your weekend is safe and wonderful, and that you 

make the most - - of all of it!

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!