Amazing Desktop

You look at your desktop day-in and day-out. I don't pay it much attention. I've always opted for a calm, bland, no-thinking, no-search alternative.

Well, I suddenly have new wallpaper on my desktop and it takes my breath away. It's an image called 'All is Well' by Deanna Hancock. The image is nothing more than an open book, some eyeglasses and the most incredible inter-play of detail and light. It's a pleasure to behold.

I found Deanna's piece in the user gallery at http://www.digitalblasphemy.com . Ryan Bliss showcases his work on this (his) site and there's wonderful stuff here. I expect that in a week or two I'll be ready to try one of Ryan's many wonderful images.

The site has both free and subscription options (I've only seen the free stuff). It's worth a few minutes of your browsing time.

By the way, I found this site through This is True - an entertaining free e-newsletter that always leaves me shaking my head. You can preview it or subscribe at http://www.thisistrue.com

Powered by Constant Contact

I added a link to Constant Contact today. Yes, it's in my own self-interest. I get $2 every time someone tries them out, and a bit more if they actually open an account. I'll never get rich, but , I'd like to learn something about affiliate programs. Since I've been recommending Constant Contact to people anyway, what better place to start?

So, yes, this is an advertisement for them. It's a great service if you're planning to publish an e-newsletter. They take care of all those tedious things like the correct formats for AOL, managing bounces, keeping track of the regulations -- everything but the writing and pictures. And that's why you have me.

Well, we're not a package deal. You can use them without me to do your writing. But, you'll be happier if you use us both. Think about it. A nifty e-newsletter keeping your message in front of your audience. With no pain.

Just call me, 845-339-6568, or email me at wahtera@adhoccopy.com

Crucial Conversations

This week, I picked up a book called Crucial Conversations – Tools for talking when stakes are high – authors: Patterson, Grenny, McMillan. & Switzler. It speaks directly to how we (and organizations) can make it safe to have, and be honest in, crucial conversations.

The book provides a framework and, best of all, specific tools. Their website, www.crucialconversations.com , has discussion guides, role playing scripts, audio tapes...a plethora of resources. It’s all very well done, and it's based on many years of research and workshops teaching the tools.

I'm personally and professionally excited about the potential impact of this book for my life. What could be better than improving the quality of our dialogue -- especially when the topic is one that gets the adrenalin flowing, the blood boiling, and the blood pressure escalating!

Expressing my gratitude

Here's a web site that may enrich your life. I've been passing it on to all my friends and family. www.gratefulness.org I especially like lighting a candle. Pausing to reflect on what I'm grateful for brings me a sense of peace. Visit the site. See what appeals to you.

The new year is well underway. Time flies by. I'm blessed to have work that I enjoy and good friends to share the holidays. Now, if I can just get back on a healthy diet -- break that sugar addiction that re-emerged with a vengence. But what's worse than a blog that rattles on about me.

Let it snow...

Spent part of the day shoveling and part working on the time management workshop for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Winter is well underway. This is our second big storm.

I've done so much work on the workshop that I'm considering turning it into an e-book. And/or marketing the workshop. Years of researching and trying out ideas, looking for the best approach. Interested?

Oh, BRAVO! I finally figured it out! Guess I can call it a night now.

I never was successful on Thanksgiving. I finally gave up and went to dinner. It's taken a week for me to regain my courage to try again. Maybe it's not courage...patience, determination, time and energy.

well, I'm making progress

25th try never fails!

One more time

Try again

Third try. I'm determined to get this blog working. I know you don't have to be a techie. And I can read instructions. So let's try this again.

Well, this is my second try at fighting my way through technical gobbledy-gook to set up this blog. Let's see if it works.

If you're reading this I've been successful setting up a blog. I've wadded through terminology I don't understand and bulleyed my way through the instructions. Hard to believe it works.