Snowman Door Decoration - Snowman Decoration - Snowman Home Decor

I am honored and happy to see one of my wood burnings getting so much attention on Pinterest!

My sweet snowman wood burning has a high number of repins and this number is growing daily!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/156148312052337490/

In actuality this snowman was made last year and sold. But I still have it listed on my website because I am willing to remake most my home decor designs. I've seen an interest in this piece on Pinterest throughout the year. However, because this is the season for winter decorating the interest in my pin has exploded. I get notifications from Pinterest every time one of my pins gets repined. This one is shared several times a day. I am now at the point where if I see one of these notifications I know it will be my snowman!

I am thrilled and happy at the popularity of my design and have remade a few for reorders. There are only a couple left in inventory so if you plan to buy one you might have to wait for me to make you another! They are going quickly!

More fun to come...until then,

Trying Out the Art Festival Scene

Years ago I set up tables at several local arts and crafts shows. The first couple of shows I did very well. But the more often I paid for a space and set up a table the less interest people had in my work. I think the biggest drawback was that my artwork was all custom made--house portraits and personalized signs and plaques. I honestly don't believe the disinterest came from lack of talent or that it wasn't good enough. My impression is that when people go to craft shows they tend to buy on impulse and they also tend to buy things that are less expensive. Believe me, I know my artwork isn't cheap but I refuse to compromise that area of my business. I work too hard to short sell myself. I feel that the issue for me was a result of trying to sell my high priced art work in a small town where the economy has been depressed for years. It's hard to get people to spend their hard earned money. So my participation in art shows went on the back burner and I concentrated all my energy on selling my products online. Thankfully that focus paid off well for my little home business.

Lately, though, I've been getting the bug to sell at art festivals. We had a beautiful event in the neighboring town last weekend and I decided to take a shot at setting up a table with my artwork. The financial results were 'fair' when you talk about the revenue generated from that day. However, I had a sample house portrait displayed along with my custom made note cards and the people were overwhelmingly interested in that product. I only took a handful of house portrait brochures with me because I didn't think that item would generate much interest. But boy was I wrong! All but two of my brochures were taken along with many, many of my business cards. I'm looking forward with hope that more money will be generated from that festival down the road.

Meanwhile, here are a few photos of my booth display along with a photos of some of my favorite items that were sold or at least generated the most interest that day...

This as the only original painting that sold that day...I love this painting and I plan to paint another one very soon!

My 'Orange Rose painting' generated loads of interest but, as I said, I don't think people go to these shows planning to spend a lot of money and, of course, my original paintings cost much more.

Here's another painting that people went crazy over. I love it, too, and a tiny part of me is glad I still have ownership of it! Sometimes my paintings feel like a child to me and I don't want to let them go! I know! Crazy, right??

My sweet little paper flowers were much adored, but I didn't sell any. I had only just made them a few days before the event and I didn't get a chance to price them. My plan was to only use them as part of my display. But people really took to them. So I'm in the process of making more for the next show. (My husband would say I'm a bit neurotic over these flowers, but I just can't help myself! They are so fun to make!)

Here's a photo of a seaside themed step stool top that I wood burned and painted and had for sale. The step stool was my highest priced item and while it generated load and loads of interest I again believe the price was too high for an art festival in our area of the country.

And last, but certainly not least, my sweet watermelons! We had cut down a tree in our yard that I blogged about it recently. My husband unintentionally cut a few pieces of wood into a wedge shape. As soon as I picked them up to move to the huge wood pile I saw a piece of watermelon! So I went out one day after we got done cutting down the tree, grabbed these two wedges and went to my little imaginary world of Jane Loedding Art and...voila! They are so doggone cute! These two little wedges got more attention and love than almost any other item on display. I love them and ended up selling one of them. Yahoo!

So all in all, I'm glad I decided to take this leap. I will be going to another local art festival in a few weeks and I plan to take a large variety of art prints to that show since they can be sold for much less that my original paintings. I'll be sure to let you know how that one goes.

Okay...it's time for me to get moving to today's work schedule! I'll be sharing more fun soon! Until then,

Interesting Rock Festival Statistics

Have you ever attended a rock festival? I've never been to one but I've heard about them my entire life. Who, like me at the ripe old age of 47, hasn't heard of 'Woodstock'?? I'm the youngest of 5 kids so this infamous rock festival was something I learned about years ago.

Then several years ago I was a fan of the hit TV show on MTV 'The Ozbournes'. Watching that I learned about 'Ozzfest' which is a music festival for heavy metal fans.

Here's a very interesting graphic detailing the statistics and demographics of rock festivals.

Infographic Provided by EquipSupply

I have to say that I can't help but scratch my head and wonder why people go to these events. They're obviously for the young...or at least the young at heart! I know I'm getting old, but have no desire to go and plant myself in a sea of strangers! Talk about claustrophobia and germophobia! I'd be freaking out in a matter of minutes!

And also in reading this graphic I'm flabbergasted at the ticket prices! If I wasn't panicking about the millions of people and germs surrounding me I'd certainly be freaking out over the cost just to walk through the gates! And I can't imagine the cost of any food or drinks once you get inside. The companies that provide the event supplies and concession machines must salivate at the idea of being part of these festivals. I'm sure they rake in the bucks at such events!

I don't want to be a downer. I was young once and went to concerts all the time. These festivals are similar to concerts...they just last longer...days longer. I'm sure those who attend these events have a great time and have lots of fun. But I think in my old age I've become too prudent and uptight! Rock festivals aren't created for an old and frugal mama like me!

Regardless if you'd ever attend any kind of rock festival I did find the graphic very informative!

Okay...more fun and interesting information coming soon...until then,

Omaha Bankruptcy Attorney

Bankruptcy. It's an intimidating word. I get a knot in my stomach just typing it. Thankfully my husband and I haven't had to deal with bankruptcy, but being self employed I have to admit that the subject creeps into the back of my mind every so often and I get nervous...very nervous. As the saying goes, "No one knows what the future holds", and with a high anxiety personality like mine I've contemplated the subject and how we would handle it if it were to become a reality for our family.

Though not an issue for us we have a family friend who has had to live through bankruptcy. And we have another friend who could be headed down this same path if he can't work out his debt issues. In talking with these friends over the past few years I've learned a little bit about the different types of bankruptcy.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can completely wipe out credit card debt, medical bills and utility bills, but the bankruptcy court could order you to sell some of your property so you can repay your creditors. However, this practice varies from state to state.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to work out a repayment plan in bankruptcy court regarding your mortgage and auto loans. And if you have credit card debt or medical bills you may be able to reduce or eliminate those bills as well.

Although I shouldn't generalize I blame the bad economy for one friend choosing to file for bankruptcy. He and his wife were self employed as mortgage brokers and they basically lost everything in the drastic economic tumble from a few years ago. But many people have gotten in over their heads financially through a variety of means and many times it can only be blamed on reckless financial decision making. No matter the reason bankruptcy occurs more often now than ever before and it doesn't seem to have the stigma attached to it as it did in the past. Just about everyone I know has had to deal with looming debt of some sort. Many friends have made great changes in the way they handle their money and worked very hard to get their financial lives back on track. Others feel they have no other option but to consider bankruptcy. Since there is no 'one-size-fits-all' answer everyone has to choose the path that works best for them.

Bankruptcy laws were created to help you get out of debt. If you are feeling completely overwhelmed and nervous and need some guidance you can find relief. Contact an Omaha Bankruptcy Attorney for advice on the subject. They have the expertise and experience in helping people figure out a solution to their debt issues.

Bankruptcy can be an intimidating subject, but there is help out there so don't be afraid or too embarrassed to ask. You certainly are not alone.

Okay...more discussions to come...until then,

Computer Issues

A few days ago we had a major computer crash. I was working on my website when all of a sudden everything shut down. I couldn't get it back up and running for anything. Thankfully I have a laptop from which I can also work so I wasn't completely out of commision. But the main desktop computer that went down is the one I use for business and it has all of my artwork photos as well as my personal family pictures, videos, documents, etc.

I went into complete panic mode worrying that I lost so many precious memories along with a large number of important papers and work photos. Suddenly I gained a new appreciation for the term 'back up'...something I've only done on occasion! (Yes, I know that is such a sad statement to make considering I've been in business for so long. But apparently I had been in denial thinking that something like this wouldn't happen to me.)

As well as the laptop I use I have another older laptop that still runs, but the power adaptor needs replaced so that computer wasn't working either. Therefore we were down to only one computer and we had to take turns using the laptop. My whole family was sort of wondering around in circles all weekend! It was kind of sad to see how we are all so addicted to our computers.

But I tried to make lemonade out of my lemons! Here are some of the things I took care of while living somewhat computer-free for a few days:

• I cleaned out my pantry.
• I cleaned around our computer desk as well as under the desk where all the dust bunnies love to hide.
• I had all the laundry done way before Monday--which rarely happens around here.
• I learned how to use our external hard drive--which will be used on a regular basis now!
• We got all of our tax papers together and had them ready to drop off.
• And on Sunday morning as I wondered around the house trying to find something to do I kept telling myself, "Jane, it's okay if you lost all of those photos. What's more important is that your family is together. You have three beautiful and healthy children. Your husband loves you. You have a roof over your head..." and so on. So even though I was worried I knew everything was going to be okay.

Finally Monday morning arrived and we dropped off the computer for repair. We assumed the hard drive was fried. But thankfully it wasn't!! It was just a virus...which amazes me somewhat. We have Norton Internet Security and it has been installed on this computer since we bought it and it's been updated. However we suspect that a stinking virus or malware or whatever somehow got into our system and the Norton firewall was turned off. It's simply criminal how these things work!

But I'm completely thankful that it was easily repaired. I have all of my important files back in my hands and they have all been unharmed! Now I will be backing things up constantly!

So over the past few days I learned a huge lesson from many aspects. First of all...Back up your work! Secondly when you are forced into some down time you have to pick yourself up, get busy and get those things you've left on the back burner taken care of. And finally and most important, look around you and focus on and realize what really matters in your life!

Okay...now that I have my favorite computer back there will be more on the way soon...until then,

19 Kids and Counting

Posted by Arden Wallace

I think the average American family these days has 1.25 kids or something like that. I personally have no children but that is because I also don’t have a husband which is, I think, an integral part of having children. There are other families in America who have many, many more children than 1.25. I am talking about the Duggar family which can be seen on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting. The Duggars have nineteen children living in their house all at one time. That is basically like having a classroom full of children in your house for your whole life. It is a fascinating show to watch. What I find interesting is how well behaved all of the children are. You would think with that many kids everywhere you wouldn’t have the time or the mental capacity to discipline them effectively but the Duggars really know how to handle their children and they all seem like well rounded individuals. I watch TLS on Dish Network. You should check it out and see when 19 Kids and Counting comes on in your area.

Self Publishing a Book

  
   Self publishing a book is something I've looked into in the past. A friend of mine wrote a cute holiday story for children and about 10 years ago we collaborated our talents. Our plan was that she was in charge of the writing and I was going to do the illustrating. We spent months researching the idea of submitting her story to well known book publishers. Worried that the story would get overlooked or worse...rejected...we thought perhaps self publishing was the way to go. But through our research we learned that it was pretty costly and back then we had to order tons of books ahead of time. We didn't have the money to invest in a large number of books. And even if we did have the money we feared we might have hundreds of books left on our hands if they didn't sell.

   Those facets of self publishing a book were enough for us to make our decision. But another other issue with self publishing is that you have to do all the marketing yourself. As I said, this all took place more than 10 years ago and our children were all so much younger than they are now. There was no way I would have had the time or energy to go out and work at selling a book.

    The mother of another very close friend of mine self published a book and I know she spends quite a bit of time out of town. She travels to various book stores across the country and many times she leaves her book signings only having sold a few books. It's not an easy gig.

   However, time has marched on and my kids are older and much more independent. Every once in a while I think of that darling story...especially now that the holiday season is upon us. Maybe I'll have to get in touch with my author-friend and start talking again about this business idea. Who knows?? The new year is closing in on us...my business will slow down after the holidays have passed...I might just have some time to devote to a new business. That might be interesting!

   Okay...gotta put a stop to my day-dreaming and get moving. Our high school boys football team is making it's way to the state playoffs and I will be spending the evening with my family cheering them on!

   More fun to come...until then,

Comparison Shopping at Become.com

   I recently found a website - http://www.become.com - that is based on the theory of comparison shopping. In doing a quick look around the site it seems as if it has a lot to offer from price comparison, product reviews and deals on a variety of goods.

   For example I decided to search for an accordion baby gate. You wonder, "Why does she need one of these if her kids are all teens?" Well, I can explain. My dog has issues with anxiety and when we have company I have to put her in my room with the door shut until she calms down. I hate having to lock her away so I've considered buying one of these gates. I did a search for one on http://www.become.com and I got a huge listing of different baby gates, their prices and the stores where I can find them. Pretty cool!

   I did a few other random searches for different baby items just to get the feel of the site. One was for a baby bed that attaches to parents bed and I got a whole page of product matches with the prices and the stores where you find them. Plus I also got suggestions to look in other categories. Then I did another random search. I chose to look for infant diamond stud earrings and I got three pages of results. Geez! That surprised me because my daughter didn't get her ears pierced until she was twelve! I didn't realize baby diamond earrings were in such demand! Oh well...I always say how out of it I am!

   I also liked how much information you can get with this website. They have a shopping blog, they list hot deals on their site, shopping tips, a top ten list and more.

   So take some time to check it out. I'm going back to look at those baby gates again. I seriously worry that my dog is going to knock my mother-in-law over some day and maybe this is a good option for me. Hey! And now that I think about it I need a new dishwasher, too. Off to comparison shop!

   More on the way...until then,

Prepaid Cards

   My oldest son is a senior in high school and lately we have had 'everything college' on the brain! We've visited 5 schools and my son is fairly sure which college he'll be attending. My husband and I are definitely the worrying type and our goal is to stay ahead of the game in every aspect. We've witnessed family members and friends end up with serious financial woes because they didn't research their college funding options or plan ahead. Our obsessive-compulsive worrying can be annoying, but in this case we hope it will help us avoid making similar mistakes.

   Meanwhile, we watch the news every day and hear about all of the credit problems people face because of the financial situation in our country. We've read articles relating to this issue as well as listened to news shows discussing the credit crunch. One topic that we leaned about and have considered an option for our son is reloadable prepaid cards.
  
   The thought of handing any of our children a credit card makes my husband and I super nervous. We trust our kids, but they are still too young to handle the responsibility of a credit card. But a reloadable prepaid card? Hmmm...this might be a good way to help our kids learn how to handle their money. And, at the same time, this would allow us to have debt control and prevent them from getting in over their heads by using a regular credit card.

   Just recently I learned about the Green Dot prepaid card. This company offers a prepaid card that is reloadable and you can choose between a debit MasterCard or a Visa debit card. You can use it where ever Visa and MasterCard debit cards are accepted. Plus your card will be personalized with your name. And while it's the same as having cash in hand it can be considered safer than cash. If your card is lost or stolen your money is protected. (Limitations and fees may apply so make sure to read the fine print.)

   Green Dot has a number of available products but the one that caught my attention was the prepaid student card. This could certainly be something my son will be able to use when he heads  off to college.

   And something else that I appreciated about the Green Dot prepaid card is that they have a service available on their site where you can reload a card online. This would be beneficial if my son calls at the last minute in panic mode saying that he needs some cash right away.

   A few other advantages of a prepaid card---there are no interest rates, credit checks are not necessary, and you don't have to disclose your income or bank account information.

   Now, I'm not being naive and I don't intend to give you a 'pie-in-the-sky' impression about these cards. There are some negative issues with prepaid cards that you absolutely need to consider. There are fees involved. There is a fee to purchase one, a fee to reload a card, more fees if you use a non-participating ATM, plus a few more that you need to be aware of. And one important point is this--if you want or need to build credit prepaid cards are not going to benefit you simply because the money is not being borrowed. There are a few other things to consider as well, so always make sure to read the fine print before you buy one.

   The bottom line...do your homework! Read and learn.There are many articles about prepaid cards all over the Internet. Just as my husband and I are spending lots of time planning to get our son prepared for college we also have to prepare him for the responsibility of handling his finances. I think and hope and pray he'll be okay. But we can't take anything for granted!  We must take responsiblitly and educate ourselves first! Then hopefully our child will follow suit.

   Okay...time to get moving on my day! More on the way...until then,

My New Etsy Shop

Well, I talked about my new Etsy shop over the last few days and I've been working on listing new items in it. So here it is...

Jane Loedding
http://www.janeloedding.etsy.com



I have an existing Etsy Shop - JMLArt - but I decided I will close that shop down in the near future. The only reason I am closing it is because I wanted to change the shop name. I am also in the process of building a new website from which I plan to sell all of my artwork. As it is I have two existing websites, an Etsy shop (now two of them), a blog, a Twitter and so on. It's just so overwhelming to try and promote everything and I basically want to streamline all of my work onto the one website. Then I can promote the website and the Etsy shop all which will have the same name.

As for my personal life...well...

As many of you know I have had a very hard year. In 2010 my sister-in-law passed away very suddenly, my mom was declining from Alzheimer's then passed away. While my mom was dying my mother-in-law became ill. Then right after the new year my husband was very sick and hospitalized.

It was just unbelievably insane.

All of the upheaval led me to realize I need to 'TRIM the FAT' from my life. I don't want to spread myself out so much nor do I need to.

I basically just want PEACE!!

So here we go...onto...HOPEFULLY...better days! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

More fun on the way...

Creative Artworks

As many of my readers know I've been selling my artwork online since 2001. Over the years I've met many artists and business owners that also create and sell their artwork online. But one of my favorite online friends and cohorts is Linda Lewis of Creative Artworks.

At Creative Artworks Linda not only sells her own creations, but she lists the work of many other artists as well.

Linda has so many beautiful items displayed on her site! If you simply click the link you'll see photos displaying a very minute sampling of the variety of artwork for sale.

In an instant you'll discover a plethora of handmade gorgeousness such as ACEO's, cards, doilies, quilts, hand painted gourds, mailboxes, plaques, glassware...honestly! I could go on and on, but it's so much easier and more enjoyable if you just go to her site to see for yourself!

Along with all the artwork for sale there's a monthly contest that's super easy to enter. Simply provide Linda with your name, mailing address and home phone number--via email--and you're entered!

Or, hey! Maybe you're an artist who might be interested in selling your artwork online. If that idea grabs your attention simply send Linda an email and she'll give you all the information you need to get started.

And to top it all off Linda has a blog where she features a variety of different products, artists, specials, behind-the-scenes 'goodies,' plus notices of special sales only to blog readers!

Goodness! The fun never ends!

Well, I better get back to work since it's getting late in the morning and I haven't started any painting yet. Just make sure to visit Creative Artworks to see all of the fabulous work Linda has for sale...I know you won't be disappointed!

I'll be back with more fun soon...until then,

Recent work...some paisley...and more...

Just sharin'...

I painted this design for a growth chart order for a customer. I never did a paisley pattern before so I just got a few images of some paisley fabrics and came up with my own little version.

I can't explain why but I was somewhat mesmerized by the creative energy that came out of me the day I painted this design. It was as if I was possessed and *HAD* to get it done. I just couldn't put down my paint brush and walk away. It was time consuming, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

I hope the customer liked it...I never heard from them either way. But I've learned over the years to hold onto this thought...

"No news is good news!"

So I'll just assume they were happy with it!

I'm having some fun tonight looking over the photos of the things I created over this past holiday season. I'm always so busy going from one order to the next from November through mid-December and I really don't get a chance to enjoy some of the things I create. Here's a photo of my work area...

orders piled high...
prepped wood pieces waiting their turn to be cast into something new...



...yes...this is my life! Every day I get paid to create, paint and draw. It's something I've always dreamed about. And I love it...most of the time!

More fun on the way...until then,

My Sharin' Sunday...

Since I'm doing lots of sharing today I figured I call this my Sharin' Sunday. Here's a 'kewl' quote...

“Anyone can look for fashion in a boutique or history in a museum. The creative explorer looks for history in a hardware store and fashion in an airport.”
-- Robert Wieder

Hmmmmmm...I couldn't resist sharing this one! Considering I built my Creative Name Signs website and business by using a simple plank of wood I bought from Lowes this quote resonated within my soul!

Since I'm in the sharing mode if I find more fun stuff I'll post it...until then,

Proud to be a member...

...of this fabamundo group...The Handmade Artists Forum!

Check out this feature over at the Beading Gem:

http://www.beadinggem.com/2010/04/handmade-artists-forum-and-shop.html

What a nice feature! I am so proud to be a member of this fine group from the very beginning!

More goodies on the way...until then,

Getting into the 'Spring' of things...

Just working at getting myself back into the swing...or 'Spring'...of things!

Haven't been spending any time on my Etsy shop and found out that I was included in a treasury--so excited!! Take a look:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=94257

This spurred my need to get some work done on my shop...here are a few items I just relisted...perfect for spring-time decorating:

Floral Wood Burned Wall Art - Colorful Tulips Design
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22139382




Floral Wood Burned Wall Art - Sunny Day Design
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22139548



ACEO Print - Simple Daisy and Butterfly
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24749447



I relisted many more items...I'd love it if you'd stop on by, take a look and offer any feedback!

More on the way...until then,

It's a Jungle Out There!

In looking over photos of my recent work I noticed a variety of 'In the Jungle' themes. Painting animals used to make me nervous...and at times I still get anxious. But for the most part I have my own little design for each animal.

Here's a personalized plaque that I had fun designing. I love the color combination and the wording with the little sleeping lion was something I've never done before.



Then a customer ordered this 'jungle animal' themed wall plaque...



...and also requested a hand painted knob to match...here's a close-up image:




I'll admit when I first saw their order and they wanted animals on the knob I thought 'No way!'...there won't be any room! But I managed to fit a couple on it anyways.

This is one of my all time favorite jungle or safari themed plaques...



This plaque was painted for an adult and the customer requested that it be designed in a more mature style. Again...I was a bit nervous to create it, but once I got started it just flowed.

Although my work can be overwhelming and it's challenging to work from home I still love what I do. I wouldn't change a thing if I had a choice! I'm thankful everyday for the way things have worked out for me!

I'll be sharing more soon...until then,

Clocks...

Did you know??? I make clocks!! So fun! Here are a few samples:

These were customized for a great customer who lives in Greece!





Here's another one of my favorites...it's such a simple design...I LOVE spirals...don't know why. Plus I love the colors:



Matter of fact...this clock was made with a matching growth chart:



Every so often I get a moment to look over the photos of some of the things I created recently. Like most of us I feel like a hamster on a wheel...busy working and taking care of my family and constantly in motion. Naturally I tend to forget what I did yesterday let alone what I did 6 months ago! So these are just a few of the things I made recently that I forgot about but stumbled upon in my photos...I'm happy with how they turned out so I decided to share them.

Enjoy! More fun stuff on the way...until then,

Incredible...please, please, please watch...

I get emails a couple times a week from the The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. He has very interesting and outside-of-the-box ideas about starting and growing a business. He uses lots of humor to relay his messages...as you probably could guess from his name!

Today's email included a link to this video featuring Will Smith sharing his wisdom. Although I think most people like Will Smith you certainly don't have to be a fan to appreciate what he's saying! Please, please, please take 10 minutes to watch it. Anyone who has any kind of dream at all will find this video incredibly inspiring!




More to share soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Fri., Jan. 29, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Fri., Jan. 29, 2010:

Rojagato Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rojagatodesigns

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

MARIPOSA - Australian Jasper, Seed Bead and Crystal Bracelet Set



Isn't it just so pretty?!?! The colors are gorgeous! Now, you'll notice that the title of the piece says that it's a set...so a pair of darling earrings is included with the bracelet. Just make sure to visit her shop so you can see the set together...it's lovely! And I promise you'll find lots of other beautiful creations along with this one!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Still learning...

The first part of my day wasn't so great. An issue has come up and it's something that I just have to learn to deal with and accept. I not going to delve into the story of what happened...regurgitating the issue isn't worth the stress that will be brought back into my day.

But I will share a lesson I learned and it's one I hope I never forget...

All morning my stomach was in knots. I stewed and stewed and stewed about this issue. I was very bothered and most of my morning and the early part of my afternoon was pretty crappy. Every so often my inner self would say, "Jane, there's nothing you can do. Just pray that you get through this issue with grace." But then a few minutes later I'd be stewing and angry again.

Then out of the blue I got an email from a man who has written and published a few books. His first two books were written for adults but recently he wrote a book for children. His problem is he isn't sure how to market a children's book. He asked if I'd be willing to blog about it for him.

Now, mind you he's a total stranger and I've never met him. But after doing a bit of research my instincts were pointing to the positive position of my internal compass. I looked over his website and felt comfortable offering to help him. I responded and things are in the works so I will be blogging about his new children's book soon.

Regardless of all of this here's my lesson for today...

Most of the day I was so miserable and crotchety and moody and didn't want to talk to anyone. My stomach was in knots and I wanted to cry and scream. But something amazing happened...once I started helping this guy...this total stranger...all my cares went out the window!

I was so wrapped up in thinking of ways to help him I forgot about my troubles. I felt excited and happy because I love to help people figure out ways to promote and network online...it's something I've been doing for almost 10 years and I enjoy it.

After I was done emailing him I left to pick my kids up at school. Then we came home and I wondered around the house a bit trying to remember what I was doing before I left. I almost laughed at myself! I easily forgot about my troubles simply by lending a helping hand.

I'm amazed that all it took to perk me up was to help someone in need.

So my lesson is this...

...if you find yourself having a bad day, hosting a huge pity party, worrying, stressing, wanting to scream and cry try to remember how simple it is to get past the anger you feel. All you have to do is help someone. And it doesn't even have to be anything grand! Something as simple as agreeing to blog about a product helped change my mood dramatically!

Then I had another thought...I couldn't help but think that maybe this guy was God's answer to my prayer. I guess I'll never know for sure, but that's what I'm choosing to believe. I said a prayer and God sent me someone who needed help. I helped this man but in the end he helped me.

Amazing! I feel so much better!

I hope you get something out of this story and maybe use it in your life someday!

More interesting stuff on the way soon...until then,