Just a Short Note Now that Christmas is Over... :(

I feel the same way that Garfield does here... Christmas always comes and goes so fast! :( 

We spend so much time preparing, and try to linger the time with our families-before we know it-Christmas has came to an end... I wish people could be joyous all year long... 

Chinese Food = Yummy!

So in my last post, I spoke of my love for sushi. Not only do I just love sushi, but I also have a fondness for Chinese food. I have taken some time to write about some Chinese restaurants found in Mattoon, Illinois.

Now those who are from the area, have probably ate all 3 mentioned restaurants. But those who are coming to town to visit or shop, this can give you some ideas if you have a hankering for some good Chinese food.

Some of my favorites at the Chinese buffets are salmon, chicken and broccoli with rice, buttered shrimp and crab, egg drop soup and wonton soup, and crab rangoons. Although, I may fill up more on sushi, I do fiest on those other dishes as well.

So, if you are visiting or know someone heading to Mattoon, Illinois, read about the following Chinese restaurant options that you can dine in...

**CHINESE DINING IN MATTOON, ILLINOIS**

SUSHI... one of my favorite foods.

Those who know me, know my love for sushi.

My husband even got me a sushi making kit for Christmas last year (2008). It is something that I never knew that I would like. I got the courage to try it one night at a Chinese buffet and have never looked back. I love the stuff. California rolls, the ones with shrimp and crab in it, avocados, shrimp and cream cheese and more. There are still plenty more kinds that I have yet to try, and do plan on doing that some day! :)

I've still been focusing more on writing travel articles and have been covering restaurants and hotels. Awhile back, I even got the chance to cover some sushi restaurants in Boise, Idaho. I did some research and wrote about 3 Sushi buffet/restaurants found in Boise. Believe me-my mouth was watering by the time I had finished writing them! Made me want to go have some sushi!

I have been so blessed to have gotten the chance to write these type of travel articles through Demand Studios, and they are really starting to grow on me. I enjoy finding out about different hotels and restaurants. So far-restaurants are my most favorite thing to write about! I love learning about all of the different types of food made and sold!: ) IT sure is a lot of fun--even if it makes me hungry when I am finished! --ha ha


---If you would like to read my article about 
All You Can Eat Sushi Restaurants in BOISE IDAHO- CLICK HERE...

Merry Christmas from our house to yours :)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

November 2009 Earnings Report

I realized I was a little behind on posting my earnings for November 2009. I got most of them figured out. I still had some extra hours from my office job, so while I did quite a bit of writing, I didn't fully write an entire part time's worth... December will be a little more busy, as I have a long Christmas vacation from the office coming up. I will definitely have some time to write!

For those who are wondering how my writing endeavors are doing, here were November 2009's earnings:

                                         Demand Media:                             $ 296.22

                                         Ehow Page Views:                              83.21

                                         Associated Content:                           49.58

                                         Associated Content Page Views:       16.58

                                         Blogging:                                             19.12

                                         Private Blogging Client:                       3.00

                                        ______________________________________________

                                         TOTAL:                                            $467.71

_________________________________________________

Writing part time continues to pay off, and has also made me much happier. I enjoy being home, writing when I want, and having some time to get a few things done around the house now.  I have been doing part time for a month now, and wish I would have done it a long time ago :) ---I couldn't ask for anything better...

Traveling in Illinois

Since I live in the Midwest, I decided I may start posting some restaurants, hotels, tourist sites, and events going on around Illinois. 

I just recently joined a tourism committee in Arcola and will be helping out with PR. I also have been writing some travel articles for Demand Studios as well. While the cold weather is hitting us, I have been busy researching cozy hotels and cabins, and also restaurants with mouth-watering menus!.... 

One article I wrote recently for Associated Content covered a city that I am familiar with: Decatur, Illinois. I covered a few restaurants for dining choices should you ever decide to visit there or perhaps you might even be a resident looking for somewhere new to eat... 

If there is any place you would like me to cover, feel free to comment and provide your ideas--I would be happy to conduct some research for you !:)

For now-check out some of the Dining Choices in Decatur, Illinois.

Need a little help with Christmas This Year?

With the economy still shaky, and many unemployed, there are a lot of people feeling the money pinch this Christmas. It's true we all want the best for our children at Christmas, and want them to have something special, but when our budgets have been slashed more than half, it can make that innocent Christmas list pretty dismal. 

Although, the true meaning of Christmas isn't always about receiving, and we do our best to instill that message in our children...But at the end of a year, when they have worked so hard, or we want to give them some type of reward, it can weight on the heart when you can't get your child what you want to give them. It doesn't necessarily have to be a big pricey electronic, an overpriced toy, or anything like that. The gift can always be something small or even necessities like that cool new pair of shoes or a new outfit. Of course, if you don't have a job or the money-trying to purchase these items can be hard. Pretty soon, there may be decisions to make such as if you should pay the rent, pay the utilities, or buy food to put on the table...

Christmas should be about spending it with your family...Enjoying the time together by reading Christmas stories, drinking hot chocolate, or playing games. There should be no need for worry--And there are organizations and clubs out there who are willing to perhaps make your Christmas just a little bit extra special---until you can get on your feet. 

There is no reason to feel bad, or feel embarrassed that this Christmas just might be tough for you. At one time or another-everybody needs an extra hand, or that gentle push. There is 

Christmas assistance out there-someone can help you purchase Christmas gifts for your children...

If you are finding yourself in need this year-or know of a family who needs help, 

read this article to find out where you can get the help that you need...

Perhaps you can be a Christmas angel this season--or invite one into your heart...

Applying for LIHEAP in Illinois

When the budget at home is tight, or you are unable to work due to illness or a disability, 

the LIHEAP program can be a life-saver for your utility bills. LIHEAP is the LOW INCOME HOME and ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

It gives individuals and families a one time credit towards their utility bills. It is a program that is based on the amount of gross income in a household within the past 30 days. The LIHEAP Program can provide assistance for electricity, gas, propane, oil, and even some wood suppliers for those who burn wood to heat their homes.

There are several agencies and non-profit groups across Illinois that provide applications and assistance to help others sign up for the LIHEAP program.

To learn more about this program, how it can help you, and perhaps how you can sign up, CLICK HERE.

Thanksgiving is Coming Soon!

Wow, it seems like we were all still in the midst of summer, and now Thanksgiving is just only a couple weeks away and we are into the fall season!

Many of us may be wondering how we are going to afford a dinner this year, or figure out how we can cut corners on the dinner and still make it feel and taste like home. With many of those out of work, or not working many hours, it can be hard to come up with the money to celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

There are ways to save money and also still celebrate the holiday without being too down in the dumps about the economy. Many of us can still be thankful that we are alive, have good health, a roof over our heads, and have friends and family who love us. While employment and money may lay heavy on many minds, we still have the gift of life to be thankful for. ...

--As they say..."This too, shall pass.."

If you are looking for ways to save money on Thanksgiving, I do have a great article you can read for some ideas to inspire you... Feel free to check it out:

How to Save Money at Your Family Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration

Total October 2009 Earnings

Well, this week, the first week of November marks the beginning going part time at my current place of employment, and then two days per week of full time writing. I will still do a little writing in the evenings throughout the week, but will save the bulk of my work for Thursdays and Fridays.

I am happy about going part time at my agency because I have been wanting to devote more time to writing. I would have liked to maybe have wrote 3 days a week, but the only position that was open for part time was for 24 hours-So I went ahead and took it :)

I got around to doing some final accounting on all of my writing, and have added up my October earnings... Again-this wasn't full time writing-it was only about half time -from writing in the evenings.

_______________

Demand Studios:           $338.61

Ehow Page-Views          $48.72

Associated Content       $40.02

A-C Pageviews:                $27.52

Edubook:                             $20.00

Constant Content:         $5.20

____________________________

TOTAL:   $480.07

____________________________________

I look forward to see what November will look like with me having some extra time to devote to writing:) Plus-- I need some extra money for Christmas! It is just only a couple months away now! ... I also gotta pray for good health!---my sinuses and allergies have been bugging me today :( It seemed like everybody around me was burning leaves...ughh...Smoke bothers me a lot!...

---Well...I'm gonna turn in for the night...See ya at my next post...

Need some extra money for college?

When we are on a budget, or the economy is a bit frail, it can be hard finding the money we need to further our education. Financial Aid can be helpful, but sometimes may not pay our entire tuition for college. By the time we pay for classes, supplies, book fees, and living expenses, it sure doesn't leave us with much money left in our bank account. Many college students work part time jobs just to make ends meet, because of the costs of college.

There are loans that you could be eligible for to attend college and to help pay for the expenses. Some of those loans include the Federal Stafford Loans and the Federal Perkins Loan. If you meet their eligibility requirements, you just might be able to pay for some of your college tuition....

Read more about the Types of Student Loans, that you can get get for college...

Facebook Fun

There are some fun websites on the Internet to "waste time" on or to just kick back and relax at. One website I like to spend time on to reconnect with family and friends, or to play games is Facebook. There are several applications on Facebook that are great "time wasters." Some of the Facebook applications are actually very useful too.  Some of my favorite games on Facebook include "Restaurant City,"  "Yoville," "Uno," and "Hell's Kitchen."  I also enjoy using the notebook feature to post blogs on, and to share events about what may be going on in my life. It's also been a great way to reconnect with family or even meet family that I haven't met before as well...

I wrote an article an Edubook to talk about some of the Best Facebook Applications...

Feel free to take a break to read! :)

Ariana R. Cherry-Shearer's Profile

Create Your Badge

Beginning Part Time Writing Soon!

Well, I won't be moving to complete full time writing, but I will be trying out part time writing. There was a part time opening in my agency, and I applied for the position. I will be working three days a week and will be off on mostly Thursdays and Fridays. I will only usually work one Friday a month most of the time. So this will leave me with 4 day weekends a lot.

I'm hoping this schedule will be less stressful and I can end most of my weeks with some fun writing and earning at the same time. I will start part time writing in November. Most of the websites I will be writing for will include Demand Studios, Associated Content, Edubook, Ehow, and a couple private clients of mine too. I make a nice side income writing, and having 2 full days to write will be nice to have instead of just evenings to do my writing.

So far, earnings for October hasn't been too bad either...
 Below are my earnings so far from October...
***(These are from articles that I write in the evenings after work-note -i do not write every night though)

• Demand Studios:  $278.61                                   

• Associated Content:  $40.02               

• Constant Content:  $5.20 
  

• Monthly Pageview Earnings so Far at Ehow as of 10/24/09: $36.45

 _______________

I do hope to have increased earnings as I start writing full time two days a week tho! I know that I can make $90-$100 a day no doubt :) Wish me luck! :)

Magnetic Jewelry

Often when I am browsing flea markets and festivals, I see vendors selling magnetic jewelry.  Many of them explain how magnetic jewelry can be essential for your health, and also help heal pain.  I myself have never experienced the healing of magnetic jewelry, but I have been doing some reading on it recently. I even wrote about an article about it.  I was quite surprised to find out about all of the different types of pain it can help--especially joint pain and even headaches. Although, if you are going to use magnetic jewelry for treatment-I would definitely speak with your doctor, and make sure that you are getting the actual true magnets. Some of the cheaper versions may not be the type that could be beneficial for your treatment if you are interested in trying it out...

You can read more about how magnetic jewelry can help heal your pain on the link to my article below:


"Is Magnetic Jewelry the Right Treatment for You?"

Handmade Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is coming soon, and it's time to dress up, and go candy hunting! :) Well-for the little ones that is... With the economy still shaky, and most of us on really tight budgets, it could be more affordable to create a Halloween costume with items from home. Handmade costumes are also more unique and end up being original too!...  -Not to mention-environmentally friendly!

If you can find old clothes from home, buttons, big boxes, glasses, wigs, and your personal make-up collection-there is a costume waiting to be created right at home....

If you need some ideas for Halloween costumes-check out this fun Halloween article that gives you some tips on making your own costume.  

Some of the ideas include a rock star or a ghost...Click below for inspiration...


"Fun Halloween Costumes You Can Make At Home..."

Article Publishing/Payment Update

Here are some of my article earnings update from doing some part time writing with a couple of websites. By November, I hope to go part time at my current full time job, and do some writing maybe 2-3 days a week full time...I will keep you updated as that position progresses.  Looks like I will be working full time at my current position till the end of October.... 
____________________________________________________

Demand Studios:                                                                                            

I had another set of articles published and paid for on Tuesday from Demand Studios....

• Top 5 Baby Nursery Ideas for Girls, $15.00
• Tips on Selecting a Computer Chair, $15.00
• Top 5 Baby Nursery Ideas for a Boy, $15.00
• Skin Care for Kids, $15.00
• How to Keep Rabbits Out of Flower Beds, $15.00

Total of $75.00 for Demand Studios 

****************************************************************

For Associated Content, I have gotten 2 offers on 2 articles....

• A Shopping Guide for Newborn Gift ($5.14 Offer) 
• Activites for Children to Do on Fathers Day at Church ($5.00)
• Page view earnings so far: $18.12
  

**********************************************************

Ehow.com

• Waiting to be paid for September page view earnings: $31.11

• Page-view earnings so far as of October 6th, 2009: $9.23
  

Shopping for a Newborn?... Here are some Ideas...

One of my new articles that I wrote recently is about shopping for gifts for a newborn.  Everyone likes to look at baby clothes, toys, and all of the little tiny items that you can adorn for a baby. Although, sometimes it is hard to find something unique, but purchasing the essentials are always a plus too.  When you do go shopping for a baby shower gift, keep the parents in mind, and perhaps what kinds items can make bringing home the new member of the family less stressful, and perhaps decrease reasons for them to make trips outside the home for the first few days. 

It's always a special occasion when a newborn arrives into a family... So if you need some ideas to shower a gift to celebrate the gift of life, check out this article: "A Shopping Guide for Newborn Gifts."

Need Heating Assistance this Winter? How to Sign up for LIHEAP

LIHEAP stands for "Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program." It is a useful program for those needing help with their utility bills. LIHEAP is offered mostly in the winter months, but is also sometimes available in the summer for cooling-although it depends on the funding for the season.

Read an informative article on how you can apply for the LIHEAP Program Illinois. It could pay towards your winter heating bills... This would be extremely helpful for those that are low-income, currently out of work, or on social security benefits...

Published Content Update...

I have gotten word and payment so far for some of the articles published at Demand Studios... 
 I just wanted to share with you some of the articles that I have been paid for and those that were published. Most of these were from my 3 day writing trial run test....

Articles that were published ( i hope to have links up soon!)

• Definition of Human Papillomavirus: $7.50
• Earache Symptoms: $7.50
• New Baby Gift Checklist: $15
• How to Keep Cats Away From Houseplants: $15
• Romantic Gift Ideas: $15
• Types of Composting Methods: $15
• Fun Family Vacations With Small Children: $15

Total of $90.00 from these articles

I also sold an article on Constant Content, and got $5.20 for that one as well. It was titled:
"How to Purchase Beads While the Cash Flow is Low." It was not for full rights though. It was just usage rights. I still own the article-the person who purchased it will just place it on a website somewhere.

I still have another 6 articles in que at Demand Studios that need published and paid for. I will get information on those by Tuesday hopefully. Demand Studios is now paying their writers twice a week: On Tuesdays and Fridays...In my 3 days of writing, I wrote about 18 articles, but 3 did get rejected :(  So, those were submitted to Associated Content. Next week, I hopefully should find out if I get offers there.

On Associated Content, I have four articles waiting to be reviewed, as well as I am up to $15.27 in page-views there. At Edubook.com, I still have four articles that need to be written, and that will be another $20.00.

I am pretty happy with the outcome of my work from article writing this week, and I am sure when I go part time, I will have more completed work. For those who want to stay updated, just come back to my blog to read more :) ....

The Last Day of Writing Test Drive

(sigh)... Today was my last day of the test.

With it being the last day--and not to mention the last day of my 3 day break, I decided to take it a bit easy today. After two successful days, I do know that I can making my goals of writing at home a success. I rewarded myself with some lunch with friends, and had an easy dinner from Subway with my husband. Not to mention-I got one last afternoon nap in-it was quite nice!

The weather here was so rainy and so dreary today-it was just one of those days you wanted to stay in. While I did take it easy, I did get some writing done. I had an error to fix in one article, and then wrote three more today. I was checking my pageview earnings at Ehow, and I had earned $31.11 in just page-views for the month of September (which accounts for about two $15 articles anyway), and I had submitted those extra two articles to Associated Content yesterday. So I believe I deserved a bit of a break today.

I have to admit, it will be hard going back to the office tomorrow-but at least it is a Friday!... I do know that I can easily get used to being at home. My daughter isn't really looking forward to going to daycare ,and I know Miss Kitty will miss me as well. She has followed me around the house relentlessly for all of the 3 days I have been home. My cat has been quite the companion...

I really don't want to rush time-but I really want to know what the future holds... I guess after being spoiled for 3 days-I want an answer now...lol. But in reality-I know that isn't possible. After October-perhaps I can begin going to work 2 days a week, or begin writing full time.


For those who are interested...Here is what I wrote today:

• Skin Care for Kids
• How to Keep Rabbits out of Flower Beds
• The Benefits of Organic Fertilizer

 Yesterday I submitted these two articles to Associated Content:

• Birth Control Options for Teens
• Activities for Children to do on Fathers Day at Church

My article earning the highest pageviews at Ehow.com currently is:

• How to Sign up for Liheap in Illinois  (It earned $11.61 in page-views for Sept)
• Monthly page-view earnings: $31.11

______________________________________________

I believe I have had a pretty successful trial run, and know that I could make all of this a possibility. Now I just have to play the waiting game, and continue to write in the evenings, or on the weekends until October is over. Thanks for all of those who tuned in to my trial run-and I will continue to keep sharing current articles that I am writing on :) --and also thanks for all the best wishes and good luck too! )

( *I will share the total earned in the 3 days once all of the articles have been published)

Day 2 of my Writing Test Drive

So, day two has come and gone, and it has been a somewhat successful day. I made most of my goal even with some tummy problems. My IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) seemed to be acting up today, and wasn't too much fun, but it did let me have some time to think.. (ha, ha)...

I began my morning with a nap that lasted longer than it should have. I didn't really feel too well. When I logged into my account, I did find some rewrites which needed to be completed from yesterday. They were minor errors-mostly making proper corrections to image copyrights. There were some changes made, and I needed to give them proper credit. So that put me behind somewhat.

In the end, I completed five $15 articles today, and submitted two articles to Associated Content.

*Family Fun Vacations with Children
*Tips on Selecting a Computer Chair
*Best Baby Gifts for a Newborn
*Top 5 Nursery Ideas for a Girl
*Top 5 Nursery Ideas for a Boy
 ________________________________________

• My expected income from those are $75
• I hope to get at least a $4 or $5 offer from the two that I submitted to Associated Content. I may not know about those until next week though. 

So I again, I met my $75 goal....(plus a hopeful extra nine or ten bucks at Associated Content)


Tomorrow is the last day of my test, and I must admit, I have enjoyed my time at home.  It has been nice to have some peace, no television, and have some time to just think, and let my mind do the writing. It would be lovely to be able to do this during the majority of my week, but that decision will not be made until the end of October. So on Friday-it will be back to the office... But..I am hoping for a 4 day weekend soon!---My daughter has the 9th off, and our office is closed the 12th.--I'm gonna see if I can take October 9th off...

I just pray for strength to make it through the end of October, and hope that I can go part time at the office, so that I can do more writing...My daughter has also enjoyed coming home from school, and I think even my kitty cat has enjoyed my company....  I seem to have found more peace within myself---- It has been nice...

Day 1 of Test Drive

 While still having a doctor's appointment this afternoon, I still accomplished my goal of writing 6 articles today at 

Demand Studios. I wrote four $15 articles and two $7.50 ones. My expected daily income is to be $75.  But I will not know for sure until I have my articles reviewed, and see if they get accepted.  Hopefully they will get reviewed by Friday... 

Some of the titles that I wrote about today included:

• Types of Composting Methods
• How to Keep Cats Away From House Plants
• Romantic Gift Ideas
  
• New Baby Gift Checklist
• Definition of Human Papilloma Virus
• Father's Day Activities for a Children's Church

I've also spoken to my place of employment and perhaps I may be able to go to part time. It will either be for a new position (with hopes of a higher pay?), or a simpler version of a position I already have. My ideal situation would be to work two days at my current job, and spend three days out of the week writing... I really do enjoy helping others, and would still like to have some sort of involvement with our agency. 

Two more days of the test drive!---and by the end of October..perhaps I will know where I will stand on making this thing a reality! :) .... 

If you would like to see other articles I have written at Demand Studios 

(most of them go to Ehow), you can see them by clicking on THIS LINK....

Active Roles in Church...

It's always great to be involved in your church in any way that you can. Whether it be you help with crafts, organizing Sunday school, or even making visits to the elderly who can no longer attend services. I have been a deacon in my church for a couple of years.  I started as a junior deacon back when I was a kid, and am now one again along with my husband as well. 

Deacons help hand out the morning programs, set up communion, and also get the church ready for morning services.  Being a deacon is a fairly easy role to have in your church, but it also an important one as well.  They often involve monthly meetings, and helping with reaching out within the community as well.

I wrote a small article at Ehow to give tips on being a Deacon, and perhaps it could be something of interest to you for your church if you aren't already signed up :)...

You can check out the article below:

"How to Be a Church Deacon"

The "fun" of Bladder Infections...Home Remedies

So, I got the liberty of writing about bladder infections and home remedies at Edubook.com.  Bladder infections are indeed no fun.  I actually suffered from a terrible kidney infection about a couple months ago. I had horrible pain that lasted for at least a few weeks.  It began as pain that felt like a knife stabbing my sides, and then protruding into just something awful, and just--a lot of bad words that I shouldn't say!... 

So, I was sort of glad to get a chance to check out some of the home remedies for bladder infections-Just in case one should ever pop up again. I sure hope it doesn't!...  I feel for anybody who has been through one and have had the symptoms of bladder infections...

--If you are looking through natural ways to treat one, be sure to check out the article link below-and remember-to always talk to your doctor before attempting any of these or trying new treatments...

"Home Remedies for Bladder Infections.."

Two Weeks Till Test Run

So...I will work another full week, and then the week of the 28th, I will begin the trial run. I work a full day on the 28th at my full time job, and then September 29th-October 1st, I will test the writing schedule for three days.  I will see if I can pull off my schedule the way I would like.  My plan is to try to make anywhere from $75-$90/day. ($400-$450/week).   My hours are planning on beginning at 9am..then work till 12. Have some lunch. And hope to be done around 2 or so. If I need to go till 3... I will. But I would like to be done before my daughter gets home from school.

I plan to do the majority of my work with Demand Studios (www.demandstudios.com)  and Edubook (www.edubook.com) throughout the day.... In between, the week, I will write a few articles for Associated Content (www.associatedcontent.com), do a couple of my blogs, and still have my residual monthly income from Ehow.com and Associated Content.  I may have another gig coming in November to write for another website too. 

So...all of you be crossing your fingers, and saying some prayers for me ...  I really want this to work, and plan to make writing my full time job... Would make some things less stressful and perhaps more $$ too I hope ;)

--For those of you who think I am crazy...maybe I don't blame you, but I have faith...and I am pretty sure God has faith in me too... Somehow--I think this is what he wants me to do...

What would you write in your Memoir?

So if you had or could write your memoir, what would you put in it?...  

 Our life is full of so many twists and turns-whether it be sad and happy,--or full of adventure.  Sometimes, even just leaving behind a journal for our children or other future generations to read is a great gift.  Memoirs can be filled with your own life lessons, pictures of special events throughout life, or heck-even be full of your own favorite recipes that can be used for eating-and living! 

-If I wrote a memoir, I may include special birthdays, favorite holiday gatherings, people and family members that I admired, and perhaps my own advice for living.  I would try to pick out the best memories in my life-that would be able to help others learn a lesson or be inspired....

--At Edubook, I had to write an article on how to write a memoir. So if you feel like this is something you would like to do, feel free to read my article, so that you can begin writing yours :) 

"How to Write a Memoir"

So..I'm gonna take it for a test drive...

I've been speaking of going full freelance writing for awhile. Perhaps most you think I am crazy for making such a rash decision with the way the economy is.  And --who knows..maybe I am. But I honestly believe that there is money in online media. I have about six different outlets right now that I can make money from --all by writing from home.

I also believe I can make a larger income that my current $8.17/hr job. I do love what I do, but it has become somewhat stressful at times.

Writing comes naturally and it is what I enjoy doing. -Plus -I could set my own hours, take my own days off, and ---be home when my daughter is home. She would love that a lot.

--So on the days of September 29th-Oct 1st- I am taking a few days off from my current full time job and taking a test drive to see what kind of work I can get done in those days.  I will post what I get done, and if I meet my goals. I have my work area set up, and all I need to do -is just test to see if it my schedule works.

---I will let you know how successful I am... and make the final decision there....   

( i have partially made up my mind--but I just want to make sure I can do it!)......until then--stay tuned--with other inspirational words...or..articles..

Should you Set up a Trust Fund for your child?

In this economy, many of us can hardly fathom the idea of even having extra money.  Many are out of work, unemployment insurance has been exhausted, or we attend work every day-worrying if we will have a job or not. I don't care how many times congress says that it is getting better---I don't believe it isn't. Or else, now it has finally begun to trickle down to us middle and lower class.  Retail stores are still closing, filing for bankruptcy, or cutting hours of their employees.

--While presently, the econmy is shaky, we still are concerned for our future--and definitely those of us who are parents-we worry about our children. How will we pay for college?... what about when they start out on their own? ...or when they get married?..

Sometimes when we come across some extra money-and can afford to put it back into a savings account--or perhaps a trust-it is a good financial -future-move.  Setting up a trust fund for our children is quite easy--once we have the funding that is.

--I had to write an article about how to set up a trust fund for your child, and if you have the means to do it, it really could be a great decision. ...

---Read the link to the article below, if you would like to set up a trust fund for your child--or perhaps grandchild some day--it can provide some good tips....
http://www.edubook.com/setting-up-childrens-trust-fund/13464/

Allergies and Anxiety...(Article has been published and posted)

In my last post, I spoke about my research of how anxiety and allergies are related. My article was accepted and has been published at Edubook.  After researching-it actually did make some sense...

If a person can't breathe well-they are going to get a bit worked up... But I promised I would post a link once it was published, so if you would like to read further about allergies and anxiety...here is the link to my article:


http://www.edubook.com/can-allergies-cause-anxiety/13460/

...Somewhat Difficult article---Allergies and Anxiety...

So I just finished an article on allergies and anxiety....

I will include a link once it is accepted and published...

It was one of my topics for Edubook.  While performing research and trying to interpret the right wording for easier understanding-at least I learned something new along the way!...

---For those who suffer from allergies--and that is many of us!--I actually learned that fifty million Americans suffer from allergies every year (including myself!)...   And that anxiety can become a result from allergies!

While science hasn't completely confirmed this, there has been test groups to prove that this is a possibility. Of course-it does make sense.  When one can't breathe-obviously--there is going to be some stress involved!...

But difficulty in breathing-or even something nearly close to an asthma attack-could bring on a panic attack...Some research from an achooallergy.com website also stated that people miss at least 4 days a work a year because of allergy related illnesses--Hay fever being one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor!....

-So while trying to type up and research this yet-very difficult topic-I did find out that allergies can really screw up our lives---or breathing---and our mental health....  

So--there is your health lesson for the day!

Choosing the Right Path...

Life can be difficult. Full of choices, events, relationships, and so many decisions. We sometimes stop to question ourselves if we are making the right choice. These days-we may be even questioning the government on the choices that they make. All around, life can be pretty darn scary-while its sweet at the very same time.

Writing can be the same way. You make decisions about how to present material. You decide on a subject, a title, and what perspective you want to share with the reader. There may be a few bumps in the road, but you always come out okay in the end...After its all been said and done, you can have a pretty great story.

This can compare to life. You make choices. You learn from your choices. And you move on. But in the end, somehow-life always works out. It won't be easy, but we eventually pull through until we ourselves see the light at the end of the tunnel....

The move to writing freelance full time is scary. I am taking steps in doing so. I know it can work, and I have shared my ideas and worries on message boards with other full time writers. Many write full time, pay their bills-work hard, but have not regretted the choice that they have made. I feel in my heart-it is the right thing to do, and its almost as if something else is at work-telling me to go for it!....

One of the members on the board had one very insightful-yet short statement:

"You only live once.".....

That is a bold, short, yet meaningful statement. ---It is true....

Yes, the economy is down. Yes --we have financial limitations. We have families to care for. But if you have planned out your choice carefully, written all of the positives and negatives, and believe you have the heart to do it--Then why not go for it?......

--My desk at home is ready. It is set up. I am gonna make the move soon... I just have to do it....

The path is right in front of me--I just need to make sure I have the correct map-so that I can find the bright light at the end of the tunnel...

...Ever heard of a festival that celebrates Cheese?

So, my area had a festival that celebrates cheese. They even hand out free cheese every day for 3 days!... The small area used to have a cheese factory where cheese was made every day. Of course, I can't say much-my hometown has a celebration that is about brooms....

I wondered-is this something that I could write about? Do people find cheese interesting? ... Maybe it's only when they place it with wine-at the wineries. --Most often they serve cheese with wine. Well...there wasn't any wine at the cheese festival-so, I probably figured it wouldn't catch many people's attention. More than ever-I bet tourists want to know about the horse and buggies that transport through out town every day. I even saw some people getting a bit excited about the buggies at the festival-not to mention that they were giving out rides to those who wanted them--at a small price... I didn't partake in those services when the festival was only blocks away from my home...

So, this week I embark on some new subjects to write about. ... I will be checking to see what my next few assignments may be, and I just might decide to give that article about the history of the horse and buggy a try... I might even get some pictures....That could really catch the eyes of those who don't see them on a daily basis....

For now...I will be writing about setting up a children's trust fund, the effects of low estrogen of women, allergies causing possibly anxiety, and how to write a memoir..... I will post links once the articles have been finished....

Writing at Home in a small town...

Welcome to the rural area. Yes-I see horse and buggies every day. The town I grew up still has a brick road on it's main street uptown. Tourists are amazed at the horse and buggies, and of course the brick roads. I see them every day. While it is great, that such a tradition and way of life has survived all of these years, it's nothing unusual for me.

Some of you may know me from my other blog, "Writing by the Cherry." I mostly just post links to recent articles I have written to share how-to's for life, and occasionally I might post a poem or some funny joke. But I've decided to have more of a personal relationship with readers through this blog. So I may begin to tie these two together...

You will learn what it's like to be a writer in a small town, and still the trials and tribulations that occurs. I may even write about what the current topics are for the week and my take on them...

I just wanted to let my readers know who I was.... I wasn't just the girl that posted half paragraphs and links. I also wanted to share some work at home writing jobs, and other tips too. I am actually in the works of trying to make such a decision---I would like to stay home and write-because I believe I could make more money than my $8.17/hour 40 hour job. I love my job--don't get me wrong. But in a way-I will never move up, or expect a raise-except for the rise in cost of living raise. I did get a .13 cent raise a few months ago. I believe it was the most I had gotten in the six years that I have been there... Once I make such a decision-I will be sharing it all with you, and each month, the monetary goals that i reach....

So for now, this is my introduction. --Enjoy looking through the virtual windows of my rural area... --Us writers like to hide in small cracks--we don't always just roam the cities-We too, like wide open spaces....