Professional Writing Services by T. Hillukka

A Dream Come True?

2011-08-03T16:00:00.001-05:00

For the past two and a half years, I have been dreaming of working from home and writing full time. Who wouldn't love to have the flexibility of working from home?

I never dreamed it could happen so soon, though. I am going to be moving out of state and leaving my traditional job within two weeks, so I figured, why not. If nothing else, I will always have some amount of money coming in while I look for a new job.

It's a pretty exciting -- and nerve-racking -- time for me right now. On the one hand, I'm pretty confident I can make enough money to get by. On the other hand, I'm a little nervous I won't be able to do it and will have to rely on Dan to pay the bills for a little while.

If it does work out, though, I could end up freelance writing full time for the rest of my life. Am I ready for that?

Do you have any tips that will help me make it work out?

Expansion

2011-04-10T18:28:00.002-05:00

I figure it's about time I updated my blog. A lot has happened since I last posted: I reached Clout 10 at AC, was accepted into the new Yahoo! Featured Contributor program... And now I've decided to expand my business with some niche blogs.

I have some vision as to what I want to accomplish, but it will all take time. So far, I have started a decorating blog - "Explore Your Decor" - and have plans to create one for DIY home improvements, dogs, cats...and possibly green living, alternative medicine, entertainment, and so on.

I'm starting on them one at a time and I will slowly add content to each blog. I'm trying to achieve the best layout to incorporate ads, as well as choose a unique title and design scheme for each one. My eventual goal is to be able to make a nice income from my blogs, in case I end up writing full time. Which could happen in the very near future.

You never know....

I'm Finally a Nine!!

2010-06-09T11:26:00.003-05:00

I have - finally - reached my goal of Clout 9 at AssociatedContent.com. It was a long stretch, and I'm guessing the stretch to Clout 10 will be even longer.

It took at least six months and over 200 articles (to make a total of 396 articles published) for me to reach this goal. It was a lot more work than I ever expected. My next goal is to have 400 total articles published, which won't be hard at all, since I already have three more waiting for review. After that, it's onward to Clout 10!

But I don't expect to reach that milestone until 2011....

the Family Pet blog

2010-06-05T14:05:00.003-05:00

I have just started a new blog, 'the Family Pet'. It will feature various pets, predominantly cats and dogs, and I will blog about life with a kitty and puppy. So far, there isn't much to read, but check it out anyway! You can vote about which you prefer: cats or dogs. Please check it out and feel free to leave any suggestions or comments. You will find it here.

May Update

2010-05-26T14:18:00.003-05:00

May has been the most stressful month and, of all the weeks, this is the busiest. And it's only half over!

A lot happens in three months (which is the last time I posted) - I've been busy moving into a new apartment and getting everything settled at the old one. I've been busy with my new puppy and kitty. Softball is just beginning, as well, so that takes up every Wednesday evening.

As far as writing goes, it's been going pretty well. Could be better though...the money has suddenly stopped flowing in and has slowed to a trickle. It probably doesn't help that I've been too busy to write much.

My AC goal was to make the 400 article mark by the end of the month. I have a little over ten articles to go in about 5 days, and I don't know when I'm going to have time to write them with everything that's going on this week. I'm supposed to be going camping for Memorial weekend, but I don't know if that's going to happen.

My other AC goal was to reach Clout 9 by the end of the month. I'm sort of on track - if I've calculated right, though, I'll make it about two or three days into June.

Lots of exciting things are coming up, too. I'll be going to Chicago in August, so I'm saving up to replace the money I'll be losing at work. It's really not that hard to save money if you have a goal, I've found out. So far, I've been able to pay for my puppy with my writing money and a whole lot of bills.

I'm hoping to save enough money for a new laptop, too, but that might still be far into the future....

100,000 Page Views at AC

2010-02-18T14:58:00.002-06:00

...almost there! I'm at 98,900 pv's right now. Can I get 1,100 more today? (Here is a link to my AC page.) Will update later.

Featured Home Improvement Contributor

2010-01-22T12:43:00.002-06:00

I just received an email from Associated Content telling me that I had been accepted as one of the Featured Home Improvement Contributors. Sweet! That means I'll be offered targeted assignments in that category and stuff like that. And if you check out my profile, you'll see the Featured Home Improvement Contributor label under my name. Anyway, so I'm looking forward to discovering everything the title has to offer ;) Should be exciting!

Local Haiti Relief Efforts

2010-01-17T13:06:00.002-06:00

How can you help the victims of Haiti? Associated Content is donating $5 for up to 500 articles about Haiti to a Haitian relief fund, plus performance payments until the end of January. You can help out by reading my article Local Haiti Relief: How Fargo Residents Can Give Back and by forwarding it to your friends and family. The article also contains information on how you can help the victims of Haiti by donating money, as well as a link to a long list of organizations that are helping out. Thanks for reading!

Lung Cancer Article

2010-01-09T14:52:00.004-06:00

Every once in a while, I Google my name to see if any websites have picked up any of my articles. So I just typed into the Google search bar 'T. Hillukka'. A couple pages in, I came across a website called 'Let me dream on it!' with a bunch of info about cancer. A little bit into the article, I read "There is a great article written by T. Hillukka that has great information on the statistics of lung cancer. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1806812/understanding_lung_cancer_statistics.html?cat=5" Sweet!

Edited: This is not the only article that's been picked up by another website. And I bet if I keep searching, I'll find a bunch more!

December Update

2009-12-19T21:04:00.003-06:00

Well, I accomplished my goal halfway into December - I just published my 200th piece of content at Associated Content! Check it out here.

Another update - I signed up at Seed.com and have submitted a few pieces so far. If they are chosen, I could make quite a bit of money. However, who knows how many pieces mine will be competing with. So, we'll see...

Otherwise, I've submitted a couple pieces to Constant-Content, but haven't created any new lenses at Squidoo or submitted anything to the Examiner yet. Gotta get moving!

Keeping on writing,
Tonya

Merry Christmas

2009-12-14T12:19:00.000-06:00

Many Christmas lights shine
Everywhere I go, and I
Ring jingle bells with
Red and green ribbons...saying
Yuletide greetings.

Candy canes are hanging from the
Highest branches, out of children's
Reach for now.
I see the glittering
Star at the top of the evergreen
Tree.
May you and yours
Always have a
Safe and happy Christmas.

Merry Christmas, one and all!

Goals for December 2009

2009-12-07T14:26:00.004-06:00

I know...we're already a week into December. But I still have 3 weeks to meet my goals, right??

I haven't thought yet about New Year's resolutions, so here are my goals for the rest of this year, at least:

Goals for Associated Content

My AC goal is to publish 17 more articles by New Year's Eve (which also happens to be my birthday) to make a total of 200 articles. The end of this year marks the end of my first year at AC.

Goals for Constant-Content and the Examiner

My only goals for these two sites are to write at least 1 more article for each site by the end of the month. Not too difficult I know but, together with my 14 AC articles, that makes 19. Hey, I'm a busy lady!

Goals for Squidoo

I'd like to make a few more lenses this month, but I really just want to add to the ones I already have to make them better. I'd like a few of the better ones to make it up in rank and to start raking in the page views.

Wish me luck!

Squidoo Lenses

2009-11-30T18:34:00.002-06:00

I had heard of Squidoo plenty of times and wondered what it was, but it seemed too complicated to try figuring out. Well, I was bored today and signed up for a Squidoo account. My first lens is about green building materials...I played around with all the lens features until I figured out what the whole thing was all about. I just now published my first lens, Using Green Building Materials. Now I have to go do some writing, then maybe try to come up with some new lens ideas!

November Monthly Progress Report

2009-11-24T20:11:00.005-06:00

These monthly progress reports have sort of turned into every-three-months progress reports. However, nothing really exciting has happened in the last few months. I'd been writing every so often, but most of the time, I was too busy to write. But I've recently had to turn to it again as a source of income...there are just too many bills to pay! (I can't wait to have credit cards and loans all paid off...)

I've written a few stories and articles on AC recently (check them out here). My page views are up to over 54,000 now - which is still not so great. I am at Clout Level 8, though. I've also written a few things for the Fargo Examiner, which you will find here.

However, I have had some luck at Constant-Content lately. I recently received a private request to write articles for a green website, Training4Green.com. I just submitted my first 10 articles and am just waiting for the last 2 to be reviewed. It has been a fun and interesting journey....

Otherwise, just keep watching for my newest stuff!

Twilight: New Moon Movie Premiere

2009-11-13T22:35:00.003-06:00

In anticipation of Twilight: New Moon, based on Stephenie Meyer's second novel in the Twilight vampire series, tickets have already sold out for opening night on November 19th. This just shows how popular the series is and how eager fans are to see the new movie.

I won't be seeing New Moon at midnight on opening night but, after reading them book, there are a few moments I am anticipating in the movie.

Top 10 Anticipated New Moon Moments

Anticipated New Moon Moment #1 - Presents (page 28)

It's Bella's 18^th birthday, and the Cullens insist on throwing a lavish party for her. In the process of opening her gifts, Bella cuts herself on the wrapping paper. There is a drop of blood which causes another incident with the vampires, and Jasper has to be removed from the room.

Anticipated New Moon Moment #2 - Leaving (page 68)

In order to keep Bella safe, Edward and the Cullens decide to leave Forks. Bella is under the impression that she will be leaving with the vampire family but, during a walk in the woods, Edward breaks the news to her that they will be leaving her behind. Charlie has to send someone into the woods to look for her.

Click here to read more.

Duluth in Autumn: 2009

2009-10-13T18:48:00.005-05:00

Just for fun, here are a couple pictures from my trip to Duluth this weekend. Despite, the freezing cold, it was absolutely gorgeous! I couldn't help exclaiming about how pretty it was along the shore and in the woods the entire trip.

In the first picture is the shore of Lake Superior. I wanted to capture the huge rocks along with a bit of the colorful leaves of October. (They won't be around much longer...)

Believe it or not, it snowed the very first night I was there! I deliberately went to Duluth this month so I could beat the snow. Well, looks like I just beat it by a few hours! It snowed the entire time I was there.

Except Sunday morning. The sun was shining and it was just a little cold. I went for a hike along a river - that's where the second picture was taken. I guess that even though it snowed, I did have a good time and got a few nice pictures of Duluth in autumn.

AC Twitter Challenge - An Update

2009-10-13T18:44:00.002-05:00

As promised, here is a link to my summary of the AC Twitter Challenge. It is basically an overview of how Twitter has helped me as an AC contributor by promoting my content and, therefore, giving me more pageviews. You'll have to read it to know more!

The AC Twitter Challenge

2009-09-28T14:25:00.003-05:00

Associated Content is holding a contest for contributors who would like to promote their content, which runs until October 15th. To enter the contest, you will need to sign up for Twitter and do one or more of the following:

1) Follow twitter.com/acnews and repost the contest announcements up to once a week. (Each post counts as an entry.)

2) Post a link to one of your favorite pieces.

3) Claim the Twitter challenge assignment. After two weeks, write a summary of your Twitter experience.

I'll be entering the contest and will, hopefully, win one of the prizes! For more detailed contest information, click here.

Hmm...

2009-09-14T15:15:00.002-05:00

Hmm...I'm confused. I know I haven't been here in a couple months, but last time I checked I only had maybe 300 views. How did I get up to almost 12,000 in 2 months? Wow! Well, the reason I'm back is to report on my progress over at AC. Up to Clout Level 8!! Yayyyy.

And, of course, to say hi to all my viewers :) ...good day.

Monthly Progress Report - July 2009

2009-07-23T21:14:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I've skipped a few months of updates. Can't say I've really been all that busy, just a little lazy. Well, and a little busy. I never realized how much I didn't have a life until I moved. Now I've been having too much fun to worry about writing ;) just kidding...

But, anyway. Even though I haven't been writing a whole lot, I've still made a few bucks from previous months' articles. At Constant-Content, a few articles have sold with no effort at all. And I've made a few bucks off performance payments as well at AC and the Examiner.

It could be more, though. Although I did lie earlier - I have been pretty busy now that I'm working again. After work, I donate plasma once or twice a week (the extra income is awesome!)and of course I have to make time to hang out with my roommates. And all the other stuff that we have to make time for in our lives out of obligation.

Well, I'm going to try to write more often, but I can't promise. For one thing, I can't ever think of anything to write about. Another is that I get kind of lazy sometimes...

The Search is Over

2009-07-06T19:57:00.003-05:00

After a month of job searching (well, longer since I actually started in February or March), I finally have a job. It's a good feeling to be working again, although it would be nice if I could stay at home and write for a living. I know now that I wouldn't have the motivation to write all day long, though.

It's been hard living across the road from the mall but not be able to go shopping. This is my second week of work, and I'll finally have money again in another week and a half. Last week was a short week - I only worked 4 days since we were closed on Friday - but it was tough getting back into a routine.

I'm exhaused from this weekend...but I hope everyone had a good 4th!

Finally Settling In

2009-06-01T19:57:00.005-05:00

I live with my sister and a friend, but I have my own bathroom. And, yep, that's my fish!

I'm sitting outside on my balcony right now (at my apartment in Fargo). It's beautiful outside - not too hot, not too cold and, gasp, not too windy.

I just got done working out, so the fresh air is such a treat. We have a workout room on the lower level of the building so I spent the last half hour working out down there. It's nice to be able to work out again.

My last apartment didn't have a fitness room and it was pretty much impossible to walk or ride bike anywhere because of the busy highway with almost no shoulder.

I just officially moved in yesterday, so I haven't had time to do much writing. I've been busy unpacking (I'm still not quite done) but my next task is to start looking for a job.

I've sent a few resumes out, but haven't really heard back from anyone. Tomorrow I'll officially start the job hunt. There are dozens of places I can apply at - furniture, flooring stores, etc. I thinking I'm just going to start dropping off resumes this week and, if I don't hear back from anyone, I'll start calling next week.

So if anyone knows of any place that's hiring in Fargo right now, let me know! In the meantime, in between searching for a job, I'll likely be writing away....

Crazy World Records

2009-05-19T12:54:00.003-05:00

I just came across an article about 4 of the Guinness World Records and am absolutely amazed. Did you know that the longest sneeze lasted 978 days?

Twelve-year-old Donna Griffiths began sneezing on January 13, 1981 and wasn't able to stop until September 16, 1983. She sneezed about once a minute for almost 3 years!

But get this - the longest bout of hiccups lasted 68 years. Charles Osborne started hiccuping in 1922 and didn't stop until 1990. For the first two decades he hiccuped about 40 times a minute then slowed down to 20 times a minute after that. However, he was able to lead a normal life.

I'm still amazed. I just don't understand - I would think that it would start to hurt after so many years. And how did they sleep? For me, it's miserable enough to hiccup for a few minutes!

You can read about the other 2 world records here.

Update

2009-05-15T10:32:00.003-05:00

I figured, since I haven't posted anything all month, I'd better update my blog. This month has been really busy and, sadly, I haven't had much time to write. I've been busy with graduations, weddings, work, and there is more to come!

I have exactly a week left of work, then another week until I move to Fargo. I'm kind of worried about the money situation, especially since I don't have much time to write, so I'm hoping to find a new job right away in June. I heard a lot of places in Fargo are hiring right now...

I'm really excited to move, though. It will be fun to be able to live with my sister and cousin - I'll be there at least for a year, unless I find a really good job and decide to stay for good. I did apply to write for About.com, which would be almost a full time income, but I may not even hear back from them for a couple months.

So I'll have to find a job, anyway. I'd love to be able to stay home all day and make enough money writing to support myself, but that's not going to be for a while...

Monthly Progress Report - April 2009

2009-04-30T10:28:00.004-05:00

Well, it's the end of the month again and time to figure out if I actually accomplished anything in April. To be honest, it doesn't really feel like I did.

Luckily, my hours have increased at work a little (my paychecks don't seem like they have, though). But it feels like I've been working a LOT more, which has left me with little motivation to write. Although I've done a little writing.

I started writing for the Fargo Examiner, which has been going alright. I've been writing about 4 articles a week there about decorating. Doesn't seem like it brings in a ton of page views, though. Not as much as AC, anyway.

I'm getting closer to Clout Level 7, but not quite there yet. I was hoping to make it there by the end of this month, but that's not going to happen very quickly if I don't write much. Also haven't done much for CC. I've made some sales, but not nearly as much as last month.

And finally - as I mentioned in a previous post, I recently became a decorating expert at LivePerson.com. Honestly, I'm not sure if there's a whole lot of people who need decorating advice but I guess I'll find out in the next month. I just started yesterday, so haven't had any clients yet.

I hate to say it, but May doesn't look all that productive for me, either. It's going to be a busy month, with graduations and weddings and moving at the end of the month...but I'll keep you posted!

Thanks for reading.

Sincerely, Tonya

Learn how to make money online promoting affiliate links

2009-04-29T22:47:00.002-05:00

Do you ever wish the money would just roll in without ever having to do anything? Especially in these tough economic times many people are turning to ‘get rich quick’ schemes online.

The money isn’t just going to show up in your mailbox one day. But there is a way to make money online by promoting affiliate links. All it takes is a little time out of your day. Here is how you can make money by promoting affiliate links online.

The CB Affiliate Formula

Have you ever attempted to make money online with affiliate marketing but gave up because you weren’t seeing results? Click here to learn Andrew Fox’s secret to an affiliate marketer’s success story. Here you will find an opportunity to make money online as an affiliate without “falling flat on your face”, as he put it.

Mysterious Affiliate Formula

His big ‘secret’ is no longer a mystery. Fox is giving you the opportunity to learn the tricks of the online trade of making money by promoting affiliate links. By visiting the website, you will be able to see the lifestyle he has earned with online affiliate marketing. At only 26 years old, he has been able to buy a luxurious beach front home and 2 Ferraris – and this is only the beginning of what you can do with the money you make with online affiliate marketing.

A Legitimate Affiliate Program

Most get rich quick schemes you will find online are a scam. These people are deceiving you by enticing you with quick online money. But this is a legitimate money-making opportunity. By visiting the website, you will find testimonials from people who have succeeded with this affiliate program.

Getting Started Making Money with the CB Affiliate Formula

If I have piqued your curiosity of this secret affiliate formula, visit the website to read more. And if you are quick enough, you may be able to save $200 (memberships may be limited). The informational package is worth $297 and you can get it now for only $97 a month. With the membership, you will receive a step-by-step video, a pdf blueprint, and more.

Just visit the CB Affiliate Formula website by clicking on any of the links I have provided. Read the information provided on the website. Then scroll down and click ‘Click here to order now…’ and prepare to begin making money!

If you have ever wished the money would just start rolling in, this is your chance to learn how to make money online with affiliate marketing.

You will find the CB Affiliate Formula by clicking here.

Chat with me on Live Person

2009-04-29T11:12:00.003-05:00

I just got accepted as an Interior Decorating expert on Live Person. People actually make a living by chatting with people (or emailing) and giving them advice.

I'm thinking maybe later I'll think about becoming an 'expert' in a second area, but for now, if anyone needs decorating advice, the first session is FREE!!!

Just visit my profile here and see if I'm online (I'll be gone for a little bit today, but should be on most of the day). I'd be happy to help you out - and it'll give me practice.

i'm making a difference

2009-04-28T18:52:00.004-05:00

Do you have a Hotmail account? If so, you can make a difference, too.

i'm is a new ad revenue sharing program in which Windows Live Hotmail shares revenue with your favorite cause every time you send an email. Here's how you can make a difference in the world:

First, log into your Hotmail account. Once you get to your Inbox, you will see 'Options' at the top right of your screen with an arrow pointing down. Click on it and go to 'More Options'. Then you will see a long list of options.

Under 'Customize your Mail', click on 'i'm making a difference'.

You will have several options to choose from: American Red Cross, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure...and several others. Just by clicking on one of these options, you are making a difference. Unfortunately, you can only choose one :(

I came across i'm making a difference purely by accident, but by taking a few minutes to select a cause to support, you can also help out.

Another way you can make a difference is by donating the money you make from Helium articles to a cause of your choice. All you have to do is select a charity every time you submit an article to Helium. There are many to choose from.

Keep in mind that every little bit helps. Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Sincerely, Tonya

Woman loses job surfing Facebook while sick

2009-04-28T14:58:00.002-05:00

In the most popular odd news, I came across a story about a woman who lost her job because she was on Facebook after calling in sick. She claimed that she wasn't able to sit in front of a computer because she was so sick and needed to lie in bed. How did her boss know that she was on Facebook while she was home sick?

Apparently her employer had sent a mysterious friend request on Facebook and the woman unknowingly accepted the request. She then accused her employer of spying on her.

"This abuse of trust, rather than the activity on Facebook, led to the ending of the work contract," was the employer's comment. Whether she was telling the truth that she was surfing Facebook from her iPhone in bed or not, her employer also abused her trust by opening a fake Facebook account in the first place.

Anyway, she lost her job. If you ever call in sick to work, I would advise staying away from social networking sites where an employer or co-worker can monitor your activity. I wouldn't suggest going out in public where you may be spotted, unless it's at the doctor's office or a pharmacy where someone will see that you actually are sick.

You can view the story about the woman who lost her job by surfing Facebook here.

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-22T12:41:00.009-05:00

Today, April 22nd, 2009, is Earth Day. What is Earth Day? It is a day for celebrating our planet by giving back to her.

There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day this year...and its celebration is not only limited to today! You can celebrate the Earth all year long.

My article about celebrating Earth Day with green decorations can be found either at the Fargo Examiner or on Associated Content.

AC is also celebrating Earth Day. Anyone who enters articles on green living this month will be entered into a Green for Good contest...a sweepstakes for a Dell hybrid desktop computer or an AC tote bag and recycled-paper notepad.

Click here to view the green articles published by AC sources.
______________________________
Photo: sxc.hu/nazreth

Fargo Interior Decorating Examiner

2009-04-16T13:14:00.004-05:00

Well, I got my laptop back unharmed. This is good.

And now I'm doing some more writing. My Interior Decorating site is now up at the Fargo Examiner. I have so far published 2 articles. At the Examiner, they only pay for page views, so I'd appreciate if you all would check them out!

(It's about $10/1,000 views.)

I'll only be writing about Interior Design/Decorating, and need to write at least 4 articles/week, so I'm sure I'll be running out of ideas soon. So any feedback and topic ideas would be much appreciated!

They are looking for more Examiners for the Fargo area - there are only 8 of us so far. There are many, many channels to choose from...Health, Sports, Restaurants....

Good luck if you decide to apply! And thanks for reading.

Computer Trouble

2009-04-09T20:24:00.003-05:00

Ok, I have the worst luck with computers. Especially lately.

So it was about a week ago, if even that...I had been on my laptop and got distracted for a while. Finally, I had a chance to get back to it, so I walked across the carpet in my slippers...it had gone into Hibernate so I touched the mouse-pad-thingy to get it going again. It shocked my finger and the comp turned off. And it wouldn't turn back on! So I had it checked out and it turns out that the battery just needed to be taken out and put back in. I should get my laptop back tonight.

In the meantime, I've been using Derek's laptop. Well, just now the battery was down to 3% so it decided to go into hibernation. So I plugged it in and took off for a little while as it was charging. I came back a few minutes later and tried turning it back on. Nothing. Just for the heck of it, I took the battery out and put it back in. Still nothing. So I'm hoping that as soon as it's charged enough, it'll go back on. Just my luck...

Especially after tonight at work. I had to go into the computer there to add a customer's email address, so I got to where I was supposed to be and it wouldn't let me go any further. I couldn't even figure out how to exit. So I figured I'd try the other computer. Nope, it wouldn't let me since I was still on the other computer. Finally, I figured out how to exit but never did get around to adding that email address.

So now I'm on Derek's desktop. I'm really hoping nothing goes wrong cuz I'd feel really bad :'(

Hope you're all having better luck than I am!

Easter 2009

2009-04-06T20:34:00.002-05:00

Easter is coming up next weekend. What are your plans for Easter? Myself, I have no clue what I'm doing for Easter except that I'm going back home for the weekend. Of course, I'll spend Easter day with my family and likely eat a big meal, as usual.

I recently wrote an article about Fun Easter Games and Activities for Kids. An Easter egg hunt, coloring contest, and word search will keep the kids busy next weekend. Young kids of any age will have fun with these Easter activities.

Happy Easter to everyone!

DIY Interior Painting Tips

2009-03-30T20:12:00.004-05:00

I have recently published 3 articles about painting directed towards DIY homeowners:

Interior Painting Tips for Homeowners
For the DIY homeowner, a painting project may seem overwhelming in the beginning. Here are some tips to help you out.

Testing a Paint Color Before Buying
The first step in the painting process is deciding on the color(s) that will complement your home's décor. But with literally thousands of paint colors to choose from, how will you know if this is the right color?

Types of Paint Finishes and Sheens
Choosing a paint finish for your walls should not be difficult. This article is a guide to choosing paint finishes, from flat to gloss, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of each finish.

Thanks for reading!

Lollipop Roses

2009-03-27T11:07:00.001-05:00

Derek brought me colorful spring roses last night.... "Just Because".

Monthly Progress Report - March 2009

2009-03-27T10:42:00.003-05:00

Just a few minutes ago I logged into my CC account. I was confused to see that I had an extra $100 in my account - where did this extra money come from? I wondered. (I even had to make Derek come in here to be sure that I wasn't hallucinating.)

Not that I was complaining or anything....

Out of curiosity, I checked my list of recently sold content. To my amazement, I had sold an article for $150 (CC takes a 35% commission so I actually made less than $100). It's a miracle! Well, kind of....

Actually, the article was a press release. I've never written a press release before, so it required quite a bit of research about how to actually write one. Then I had to do some more research on the topic I was writing about. I wasn't even sure if I wrote the thing right. It must have been ok, though, because the person who had requested it decided to buy it.

(The moral of the story is to never underestimate yourself.)

Also - yesterday (or was it the day before?) I logged into my AC account and almost didn't even realize that I had made it to Clout Level 6. Woohoo! Four more levels till I'm at the top! LOL

This has been a pretty good month. I finally got my first star at Helium. I'm not going to submit anything else until this month is over - I don't want to lose that star if it's not a very good article. To make any money off the articles I submit, I have to have at least 1 star. I didn't make any money from Helium last month, and I don't want to sacrifice all my hard work this month, too.

Finally - thanks to everyone who takes time to read my posts! Feel free to leave behind any thoughts you may have by clicking on comment (below).

Types of Puzzles to Decorate the Home

2009-03-25T18:17:00.005-05:00

As you can see by looking at the picture to the left, puzzles make great wall decor for the home. This puzzle of New York City even glows in the dark! To turn a puzzle into a work of art, all you need to do is put it together, glue it, and frame it. Then hang your new masterpiece on the wall! Framed puzzles make wonderful, inexpensive pieces of art. The great thing about puzzles is that they come in all shapes, sizes, and designs! Click here to learn more about different types of puzzles that may be used in decorating the home. Also, if you are interested in purchasing a puzzle but can't find anything you like at the store, the Simple Pastimes website has a ton of options.

Making Money with Mystery Shopping

2009-03-25T18:06:00.003-05:00

Mystery shoppers, secret shoppers, and secret consumers – they all have one thing in common. They make money by trying out various products. It is not all fun and games, though. Is mystery shopping more work than it is worth?

Click here to find out!

This article has also been posted on the Karlonia blog. If you would like to use this article on your website, blog, or any other publication, usage rights are available to purchase through my profile at Constant Content. I will accept any reasonable offer :-)

Writing Exercise - Analyzing Classical Literature

2009-03-23T10:19:00.006-05:00

In Finding Your Voice, Les Edgerton shows us how to find a literary voice of our own. He provides guidelines and advice for developing a natural writing style that is unmistakably yours. The first exercise is to find a book, short story, or article from a writer whose work is at least 50 years old.

Analyze how the sentences work and compare it to your own writing. Take a look at scenery descriptions, dialogue, flashbacks, dialogue tags, use of adverbs and adjectives, use of punctuation and grammar, elaborate transitions, and anything that seems "odd" to you. Take notes on the differences. Then...rewrite the passage in your own style, consulting the notes you took.

I chose a passage out of the first chapter of the popular children's story Heidi:

On a clear sunny morning in June two figures might be seen climbing the narrow mountain path; one, a tall strong-looking girl, the other a child whom she was leading by the hand, and whose little checks were so aglow with heat that the crimson color could be seen even through the dark, sunburnt skin. And this was hardly to be wondered at, for in spite of the hot June sun the child was clothed as if to keep off the bitterest frost. She did not look more than five years old, if as much, but what her natural figure was like, it would have been hard to say, for she had apparently two, if not three dresses, one above the other, and over these a thick red woollen shawl wound round about her, so that the little body presented a shapeless appearance, as, with its small feet shod in thick, nailed mountain-shoes, it slowly and laboriously plodded its way up in the heat. The two must have left the valley a good hour's walk behind them, when they came to the hamlet known as Dorfli, which is situated half-way up the mountain. Here the wayfarers met with greetings from all sides, some calling to them from windows, some from open doors, others from outside, for the elder girl was now in her old home. She did not, however, pause in her walk to respond to her friends' welcoming cries and questions, but passed on without stopping for a moment until she reached the last of the scattered houses of the hamlet. Here a voice called to her from the door: "Wait a moment, Dete; if you are going up higher, I will come with you."

This is one extremely long paragraph (I don't blame you if you didn't read the whole thing) so I have broken it up into several paragraphs and rewritten it in my own style.

It was a clear, sunny morning in June. Two figures climbed the narrow mountain path – one was a tall, strong-looking girl and the other was a child she was leading by the hand. Her cheeks were so flushed with heat that the crimson color could be seen even through the dark, sunburned skin.

This was nothing compared to the heavy clothing she wore. She did not look more than five years old, if even. It was hard to see the natural shape of her body. She apparently had two or three dresses on under a thick red woolen shawl. Her little body appeared to be shapeless, with her small feet in thick, nailed mountain shoes.

She slowly and laboriously plodded her way up in the heat. They must have left the valley a good hour ago from the hamlet known as Dorfli, which is located halfway up the mountain. Here, they were met with greetings from windows, open doors, and others from outside. The elder girl was now in her old home. She did not stop walking to respond to her friends’ welcoming cries and questions, but walked on without stopping for even a moment until she reached the last of the scattered houses in the hamlet.

A voice called to her from the door, “Hang on, Dete. If you are going up higher, I'll come with you.”

See - any easier to read??

Soft Spring - A Poem

2009-03-22T12:39:00.004-05:00

Flowers and wet, green grass, gentle rains

Falling lightly

Pale pinks, golden yellows, and light baby

Blues

Pattering rains, sweet aroma of flowers

Splashing in the wet mud, picking colorful

Wildflowers

Hot sun, raging summer storms

Dispirited sorrow

_________________________________________

(This poem is also published here at Associated Content.)

I Am Gold

2009-03-21T15:12:00.011-05:00

I went to the library this morning. I could spend hours in there, honestly, just browsing.

I found quite a few writing resources there, so that was fun. I also came across a book called Living Your Colors: Practical Wisdom for Life, Love, Work, and Play by Tom Maddron. Being an Interior Design graduate, I'm always interested in new perspectives of color, so I checked it out.

I filled out the quiz, which is basically a series of words which I rated from 1-4 in order of relevance to my personality, to determine which Color I am. It was a direct tie between Gold and Blue. However, I determined that I am more of a Gold, being more practical than a dreamer. I think, anyway!

The four Colors (Gold, Blue, Green, and Orange) represent the four Temperaments as determined by the Greeks. "Temperament" comes from the Greek meaning "mixture". So...we all actually have a blend of the characteristics of each of these Colors.

As a Gold, I am solid, traditional, hardworking, and productive. The Color Gold symbolizes the Greek "Melancholic Temperament". I am also a Blue, which means that I lead with my heart and dream of a better world. "Choleric Temperament" is what Greeks consider we Blues have.

I have not finished reading the book yet, but I have yet to discover: my hidden talents, promising love matches, best career choices, and a whole lot of other stuff. So exciting! :)

Credit Card Suspicious Activity

2009-03-20T11:32:00.005-05:00

Yesterday morning, I thought I'd check the mail before heading to work. There were only 2 bills - both from the same credit card company. I was confused, but not too concerned. There are lots of times that I get 2 pieces of mail from the same place in one day.

I opened both of the envelopes. The first was my regular credit card statement. I unfolded the second piece to find another credit card statement with a different account number - this was in my name and address, as well - with a balance of zero. I was really confused by now, and kind of worried. Did someone open up another account in my name? Will I get another statement next with thousands of dollars charged to my name?

After work, I called the company. I wanted to figure this out right away. After talking to a person who I could barely understand, I discovered that there had been suspicious activity on my account and the company had opened a new one for me. I didn't get it, though - why hadn't they sent a new card?

A few minutes later, I remembered that I had received a letter from the company awhile ago, stating that there had been suspicious activity on my account and that I would be getting a new card in the mail within 7-10 days. I never saw a new card, so I thought nothing of it.

There is no date on the letter, so I'm not sure when I received it. I'm just hoping that the card is still in the mail and not in someone's wallet!

I opened up a Yahoo! Messenger account awhile ago, but I have hardly used it since then. I'm not all that impressed with it, actually.

I rarely chat with anyone on it, but every once in a while I sign in anyway. I'll be signed in for about half an hour before I get a message saying that I had been automatically signed out because I was signed in on another computer. So I sign back in.

I don't understand - my password is extremely difficult. How is someone getting into my account? I just changed my password again yesterday, so we'll see how that goes. And I'm still waiting for my new credit card. Maybe it's in today's mail...

Favorite Articles

2009-03-19T22:50:00.004-05:00

It is so hard to decide which articles to add to my Favorite Articles! I have met so many great writers through Associated Content who have written extremely interesting, fun, enlightening...articles.

I have so far only added 3 articles, but will be on the lookout for more! If you have a website, article, or anything else you would like to share, let me know so I can add a link to my Favorite Links or Favorite Articles.

Thanks!

Spring is Near

2009-03-19T12:02:00.015-05:00

We went to Wahpeton on Monday. The sun was shining, melting the snow. It was such a beautiful day! This is what all the fields looked like in North Dakota (to the left) - the snow was melting them into small lakes. When we got back into Minnesota, the fields were not nearly as wet.

It would have been quite dangerous to step onto the actual lake (right). The ice on the lakes have already almost completely melted by now.

Spring is surely on its way!

Who Was St. Patrick?

2009-03-17T11:04:00.004-05:00

Growing up, I had heard of St. Patrick's Day and knew when it was, but I had no idea who St. Patrick was or what the day was about. Living in a primarily Finnish town, we celebrated St. Urho's Day on March 16th, the day before St. Patrick's Day. Just who was St. Patrick, anyway?

Contrary to the legend, the story of St. Patrick has nothing to do with snakes. Born Maewyn Succat, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He was originally from Wales, but at 16 years old, he was captured by Irish raiders and lived in slavery there for 6 years. He then escaped to his homeland, but eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary.

St. Patrick is now celebrated on March 17th, which is believed to have been his death date. I know there is more to the story, but this is just an overview of who St. Patrick really was. No, St. Patrick's Day is not just about shamrocks and leprechauns!

Great Motivational Moments in a Writer's Career

2009-03-17T09:39:00.005-05:00

When you are just getting started freelance writing, there may be times when you just want to give up. You may be wondering, "Why am I even doing this??" If you are a good writer with original content and decent technical skills, however -- there is hope for you!

One of my greatest moments since I started writing again was the day I sold my first article for $25 (the very next day after I had submitted it!)...I was so excited! At that point, it seemed like nothing could bring me down. So I wrote..and I wrote...

Just this morning, I got an email from the Health and Wellness editor at Associated Content. It turns out that my article Sleep Disorders: What is Sleep Paralysis? will be highlighted on the Diseases and Conditions page this week. The article is basically an overview of my experiences with sleep paralysis and a few facts about it.

I had originally submitted the article for upfront payment, but it was rejected because the topic is too widely covered - which did not surprise me - but I thought I would publish it for performance payments anyway. I guess it paid off in the end!

If you ever become discouraged about your writing skills, do not give up. Keep writing. Doing so will help improve your skills over time and increase your chances of being "discovered". (I guess I am still waiting for that part to come.)

Trying to Figure This Out

2009-03-17T00:15:00.000-05:00

I'm just trying to figure this whole blogging thing out, but it's getting kind of late so I might have to work on it some other time. Anyway, for anyone who is interested, check out my Profile at Associated Content. I also have articles for sale on Constant Content (and there will soon be photos on sale for usage rights). If you would like to make a private request, click on Request This Author (Private Job) right at the top of my profile. I would be more than happy to fulfill any private requests, particularly on any Home Improvement or Decor topics. I've been writing as a part-time job for the past few months, and I've really been having a lot of fun!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone!