Beautiful Words

Beautiful Words Has Moved!

2009-09-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Words Quote: Psalm 27:14

2009-06-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

Many times, I get discouraged. Too much, in fact. It's always when I work my butt off and don't see the results. Or when I've prayed (and prayed) for something that seems like everyone else in the world has so easily (a great relationship, good health, children, a loving family). If you've ever felt this way, I know you will take comfort in this quote:

Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

Don't let the negative aspects of the world get you down. Lean on God, and ask Him to help you through these feelings. Focus on all the good things in your life, and believe in God's plan for your life.

Beautiful Words Quote: Vince Lombardi

2009-06-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

As a Packer fan, you know I love this quote:

"We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible."

~Vince Lombardi

So very true! I think the best way to approach a project is to think of it in little steps. When you accomplish the first step, go on to the next. Keep going. Before you know it, you will have already accomplished so much more than you originally thought you would.

(By the way, is this a great picture of Vince or what?)

Beautiful Words Quote: Mother Teresa

2009-06-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

I love this quote:

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one."

—Mother Teresa

So often when I think about the good things I want to accomplish in the world, I get hung up on the fact that I can't do more. And that's just silly. Touching one life is so much better than not reaching out at all.

Secret Meeting of World's Billionaires

2009-05-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Caught this awesome news story about a secret meeting of the world's billionaires. Imagine the things they talked about!

The best part was that they were gathering to discuss charity. Apparently they talked about things that worked, what they could do, and the future of philanthropy. With the economy the way it is right now, these folks are an important part of our world. They could make a huge difference.

I love the fact that these richest of the rich folks are looking to see what they can do to help others. They obviously feel blessed, and not entitled. When you look at the world as though you've been given great gifts, you are more likely to pay it forward.

We can all do something, even if it is on a smaller scale. We don't need to be billionaires, but we can take their example and apply it to our own life. Bringing goodness to the world doesn't have to be about money. It can also be about time or the things we say and do.

Beautiful Words Quote: Anne Morrow Lindbergh

2009-05-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

My grandma used to say that when she went to a party, she could never sleep when she got home. There was just too much to think about! I think this quote helps sum up her feeling:

"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee,and just as hard to sleep after."

~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Write a Thank You Note to a National Guard Family

2009-05-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned in the past that one of my favorite sites of all time is Do One Nice Thing. If you ever find yourself wrapped up in your own problems, and you want to refocus to give back to someone else, you've GOT to check out this site.

Here's the latest idea to help out someone else.

Write a note to a National Guard family that has a loved one serving overseas. Military families don't have it easy. They live with the stress of family separation. And, of course, military service is dangerous.

Some support is available on military bases, but National Guard families don't live on bases. That's hundreds of thousands of family members. A letter from you would be nice. Then they'll feel that someone cares.

Write “thank you for your sacrifice,” and anything else you’d like. Mail your letter or card to Do One Nice Thing, 149 S. Barrington Ave., #279, Los Angeles, CA 90049-3310, and we’ll forward it to a military family. Write as many letters as you’d like.

Be sure to visit their site every week for more ideas.

Beautiful Words Quote: Charles Scribner, Jr.

2009-05-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

Reading is a means of thinking with another person's mind; it forces you to stretch your own.

~Charles Scribner, Jr.

Beautiful Words Quote: John 11:25-26

2009-05-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25–26).

Beautiful Words Quote: Diana Vreeland

2009-05-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

"A new dress doesn't get you anywhere; it's the life you're living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later."

—Diana Vreeland

Beautiful Words Quote: William McGill

2009-05-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a quote that circulated on Twitter yesterday, and I liked it so much I retweeted it. I thought I'd also share with you here.

The value of consistent prayer is not that He will hear us, but that we will hear Him.
~William McGill

Image: sxc.hu.

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the National Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America's leaders and its families.

Won't you join me in saying a prayer today?

Image: sxc.hu.

U.S. Face Transplant

2009-05-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

The first face transplant recipient in the United States, Connie Culp, bravely went in front of the cameras yesterday. Culp lost her nose, cheeks, and upper jaw when she was hit by a bullet in 2004. Her face contained nothing by her eyes, chin, and forehead. She was only able to breathe through a “tracheostomy -- a surgical opening in her neck.”

She expressed her gratefulness as she stepped in front of the camera. “I want to focus on the donor family that allowed me to have this Christmas present.” Culp had the 22-hour surgery in December. Tissue from the donor was “shaped and fitted into position. Multiple layers of tissue, bone, muscle and blood vessels, nerve grafts and each artery and vein were connected.”

What an amazing gift that will transform this woman’s life. It reinforces what being a donor can mean to an ailing patient.

Thanking a Teacher

2009-05-06T07:15:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was "National Teacher's Day." Did you celebrate your favorite teacher? Even privately thank him or her for making an impression?

I've talked in the past about my favorite teacher, and how she helped channel my hyper activity while I was in school. I had quite a few teachers who made an impact, most of them from my grade school years. One of them was my first grade teacher. A few years ago I tracked her down through her sister, and sent her a copy of one of my books, along with a note thanking her for all the wonderful things she taught me. In short, she helped me realize it was okay to "be myself," which is a gift to any young person, especially someone with a background like mine.

Coincidentally enough, yesterday her sister emailed me to let me know that she had passed away. I expressed my sadness, but also told her how much joy she brought to my life. I know I'm not alone in that. I will never forget her.

I hope that if you have a teacher who has made an impact in your life, that you take the time to tell him or her thank you. Just say thank you. Let them know they brought something good to your life.

Image: sxc.hu.

Beautiful Words Quote: Astrid Alauda

2009-05-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

I like this quote a lot:

Happiness is a bowl of cherries and a book of poetry under a shade tree.

―Astrid Alauda

Image: sxc.hu.

Believe in Abundance

2009-05-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this article about just-in time-deliveries and thought the concept would fit well with our talk here about beautiful words. To give you some background, just-in-time deliveries operate under the premise that the things you need are plentiful. This might seem like a small thing, but in actuality, it means that you trust that what you need will be available at the time you need it.

Compare that to what companies (and people) typically do. We have overstocks of items because we fear that when we need them, they won't be available to us. This creates hoarding and keeping so many things that sometimes we don't even have room for it all. (I say this after cleaning out my closet and finding a few items I absolutely didn't need to have!)

To that end, consider changing your thought pattern and actions to one of "fear" (that something won't be available when you need it) to "trust" (where you operate with the confidence and faith that the world will provide for you what you need.) I think your outlook will be entirely different. Give it a try.

Comforting Words from Debra Gano, Author of Beauty's Secret

2009-05-01T16:04:00.001-07:00

It just goes to show, your words and actions can touch someone even when you aren't trying to make a difference.

Here's one of those amazing examples. Recently I had the pleasure of doing a giveaway for Debra Gano's book Beauty's Secret. The book has such an amazing message, that I wanted to highlight Debra in an author interview. (Here's Part 1 and Part 2 if you're interested, do check it out.)

Debra wrote me shortly afterward to share an email she rec'd from a girl who, let's just say, really needed to hear some words of inspiration. I was touched by the girl's story, but more than that, that Debra took the time to write me and let me know. She ended her email to me with:

And all because of you and your good heart to want to help share the message. Thank you so much for doing it for me, but thank you even more for the lives you helped touch. You've been a blessing.

I wanted to write about this here because do you know how long I will keep that email and pull it out when I need inspiration? And also, because you just never know how the words you use can touch someone else positively.

Follow Friday on Twitter

2009-04-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

It's "Follow Friday" on Twitter today, which (for those of you "non-Tweeps") means that we highlight certain people we enjoy and encourage others to follow them. We do this by indicating a message of:

"#followfriday @brrbach"

If we have space to write more, we can include a note, like "#followfriday @brrbach Her tweets are funny and inspirational."

The thing I like about Follow Fridays is finding out new people to follow. When someone you like recommends someone else, you feel compelled to follow them. I'm usually pleasantly surprised by the new people I meet this way. I've met someone that has been a great source of comfort when I've been feeling down and another person who helped me out with an important business idea.

It's always a great idea to return the favor as well. When someone recommends you, thank them. Then, on an upcoming Friday, do the same for them. Twitter, like other forms of blogging, is very friendly to people sharing the love. Folks that are in it just to get fame for themselves seldom succeed. Many become frustrated at Twitter, rather than using it for the great resource that it is.

So next Friday, choose a few folks you heart on Twitter and recommend them!

Beautiful Words Quote: The Bible, Acts 16:31

2009-04-22T06:45:00.000-07:00

Some days, I get very frustrated with things that happen in the world. Like many people, I don't understand the struggles or suffering. It is in those times when one simple sentence lifts my spirits:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

It's as easy as that. Christ did all the hard work for us. He saved us. We are fortunate. I know it's hard to feel good some days. I know that all too well. But we are so lucky to be born with a choice to follow God. The struggles are difficult, but in the course of an eternal life, they are short. I hope you will join me in trying to remember that more often.

Beautiful Words Quote: Hodding Carter

2009-04-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.

―Hodding Carter

Happy 100th, Rita Levi Montalcini

2009-04-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

I loved this story, about 100-year old Rita Levi Montalcini. She is a Nobel Prize winner, and says she is sharper now than when she was 20. She won the 1986 Nobel Prize for Medicine and says that, "At 100, I have a mind that is superior — thanks to experience — than when I was 20."

There's something very inspiring about this kind of longevity. It shows us all that great things abound for us! We only need to keep learning and growing.

Worry

2009-04-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I talked about obsessing. While making plans and even being a little bit worried is perfectly healthy, making yourself sick with wondering isn't. I wrote a poem about this in my book, A New Dish called "Worry."

Worry

Did you think worrying was an activity –
it takes up space
it fills your life
it pushes today away.

You swallow it whole –
empty calories
chewing on what might be
what could be
what may be
filling you up.

Too full –
to drink life’s wine.

Too full –
to sit beneath the stars and listen.

Too full –
consumed
with what might happen
if you left your house, your world
and tasted
what others must swallow each day.

What may be –
what might be
fills your ears
fills you up so full
you get sick
your stomach aches
no room
for nourishment.

So full –
that you wither
from malnourishment
become sick
and cease to live.

So full –
and yet
hungry still.

Copyright 2005, Cherie Burbach, A New Dish.

In other words, worry might fill up your mind but it doesn't nourish your soul. In order to truly live life, you've got to let go of these obsessive thoughts. Instead, make plans. Control what you can if it makes a difference. Leave the rest to God.

Stop Obsessing

2009-04-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

I loved this advice about how to stop obsessing.

I have to admit, I dwell on things too often. I worry and wonder WHY, when really I need to be better at shaking things off and just NOT WORRYING WHY.

The thing is, in my experience I've found that worrying about one thing to the point of obsession never does any good. If the thing you worried about does happen anyways, you are no more prepared for it than if it caught you blind.

Moreover, how many things in our life have we worried about only to find that they never happened?

It isn't that we should live in dreamland and never be concerned about things. Concern is different than worry and certainly different than obsession. Thinking of something over and over to the point where you actually miss out on something good (like conversation with friends because you can't stop bringing up the same point over and over) is unhealthy.

Today, let it be our mission to put worry away and just let the good things in life shine.

Beautiful Words Quote: Emily Dickinson

2009-03-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
— Emily Dickinson, poet

Inspirational Notes on Our Computer

2009-03-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

We often have notes on our computer to remind us of things to do (write this article, pick up dry cleaning, make dinner reservations...) but how many times do you put up something inspirational on your computer?

My computer has an inspirational quote about happiness attached to it, along with a nice note I just received about my writing. I like to have both of these right in front of me as I deal with the day's challenges and rejections. (And being a writer, there are plenty of rejections!)

What do you have up on your computer? The next time someone sends you a note of thanks or compliments you, why not print it out and paste it right up where you can see it each and every day?

Send Your Bridesmaids a Note of Thanks

2009-03-27T15:33:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but my wedding day was one of the happiest of my entire life. I was humbled by the outpouring my husband and I felt from our very best pals. My bridesmaids were awesome, and for many years on our anniversary I sent my bridesmaids a thank you note.

Here's my challenge to you today, the next anniversary you have, why not recognize those who stood up in your wedding? Remind them that they were an important part of your day, and you appreciate it. Send them a handwritten note that expresses your gratitude.

Winner of Beautifully Pinned Promises

2009-03-27T15:29:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Kathy, who is the winner of the book Beautifully Pinned Promises. Kathy said:

"We all need a little uplifting words in this time of greed. The quiet words of the Psalms are being drowned out by the brash words of the media. Thanks for this giveaway."

Very true, Kathy! And you're welcome. I hope to have many more giveaways as we go forward.

Mandisa: How Much

2009-03-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

I just got Mandisa's new CD Freedom and it is AWESOME! I can't get enough of it. And this song just makes me feel good. She got some flack on American Idol for singing Christian tunes, but I'm glad she kept true to herself, because she has made one amazing record!

I love the song "How Much" in particular because for anyone that feels bad and just cannot imagine how deep God's love goes for them, this song will help set you back in the right frame of mind. God's acceptance is so beautiful that sometimes it's hard to wrap your head around. It's is the biggest blessing of our lives!

Enjoy this song from Mandisa:

Write Someone a Handwritten Note

2009-03-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

I may be the only person left in the world that love handwritten notes. When I get a thank you note, or "how're you doing" note, or any other note where someone actually spent time to let me know they were thinking of me... it really makes my day. I often keep those notes and put them in a scrapbook, or just pull them out when I'm having a bad day.

My challenge to you is this: Today, write someone you care about a handwritten note. It could be a friend or family member... or even someone from your past that left an impression on you. Tell them what you appreciate about them. Write it out.

Beautiful Words: Quote

2009-03-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

The beautiful is everywhere.

―Fernand Léger

Beautiful Words Quote: Mother Teresa

2009-03-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

"Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."

~ Mother Teresa

Revelation by Third Day

2009-03-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

There is a song lately that I just can't get enough of. It's "Revelation" by Third Day.

First of all, I'm in love with this guy's voice. He was truly meant to be a singer, and especially to bring the message of God's love to people through song.

For anyone who has been through anything (which should account for most of us!) this song will bring you to that moment when you're on your knees, surrendering to God's will, and asking for help. I've been through so many of these moments in my life, and even today when most of those bad times are miles behind me, I can instantly relate to this song. I can instantly put myself back in that time when I realized my helplessness and truly "Let go and let God."

I guarantee this song will lift you up. Take a listen:

Win Stuff

2009-03-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

I've got tons of great giveaways going on lately at various blogs I write. Check them out, you could win something fabulous:

Over at the Jess and Ashlee blog you can win a copy of Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner. If you loved Good in Bed, you will love this book. It's a sequel to the book and the continuation of Cannie. Find out what happens now that Joy is entering her teens.

At this blog, I have the appropriately titled Beautifully Pinned Promises book by Mary Grace Birkhead. This is a lovely book with plenty of inspiration to guide you.

Over at the new Blisstree blog, I have a Walk Slim DVD by Leslie Sansone. This DVD contains 4 fast miles and best of all? It's all done in your home.

Also at Blisstree is the Teen Walk giveaway. When I was a kid we biked and walked everywhere, but today is a different world!

Enter any one of these giveaways, or all of them! Good luck!

Kurt Warner on Giving Back

2009-03-17T07:25:00.001-07:00

I am a huge fan of Kurt Warner. Love his attitude, think he's a great player, and love the way he tries to show what a Christian life can be.

Recently on the Ellen show, Kurt spoke out how he and his family try and pay for someone in a restaurant. He said that as he got more successful, restaurant managers would often pay for his meal, and it seemed to him that the rich were truly getting richer with this attitude. While he appreciated the fact that they would do this, he also knew it meant he would have to do something to give back for the blessings he had received.

Here he describes a funny story of how he tried to do this recently, and what ended up happening:

Give Your Favorite Book a Review

2009-03-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you took a moment to review a book you really liked?

As an author, I can tell you that there is nothing better than receiving a great book review. Too often people review books when they don't like them, but rarely does someone take the time to do it if they totally love a book.

Today, think about the books that you have really, really enjoyed. Log on to Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and write a review. Let your favorite author know just how much you appreciated his or her work!

Win a Copy of Beautifully Pinned Promises

2009-03-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful book to give away to one lucky reader today. It's called Beautifully Pinned Promises by Mary Grace Birkhead.

Here's a description of the book according to Amazon:

Reading through the book of Psalms is like going through one of God's jewelry drawers. The Psalms paint a true picture of all human emotions--from sadness, anger, fear, longing, and confusion, to praying, resting, rejoicing, singing, and laughing. They offer God's help and blessings for any and every situation and emotion of life. In the lovely pages of Beautifully Pinned Promises, a woman will discover truths of God that will poignantly touch her heart and provide her with promises to hold on to and call her own.

Would you like to win this uplifting work? Just leave a comment here by Thursday, March 26th. I'll choose a winner at random and announce the lucky guy or gal the next day. Good luck!

Image from Amazon.com.

Do One Nice Thing

2009-03-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you did something nice for a total stranger?

If you're looking for ways to do a little more, I've got a great site for you: Do One Nice Thing. I had a chance to profile this website a while back. I stumbled on it and have been addicted ever since! (And being addicted to being nice is certainly a good thing.)

I love that the ideas on Do One Nice Thing aren't hard or complicated. They don't take too long and they don't break the bank. In short, they are easy to incorporate into our day. So much good can be done in the world, but it often happens little by little. Never underestimate what you can do.

Beautiful Words Quote

2009-03-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a quote I like from Leo Buscaglia:

"Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life."

What Are Your Bliss Moments?

2009-03-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by a post Shai Coggins wrote about her Top 10 blissful moments so far this year. I think it's important to take a moment and acknowledge the beautiful things going on our lives. We get so busy, and so stressed, that it's easy to forget.

I don't know what it is, but March is one month that really makes me feel thankful. I've had a lot of good things happen in this month over the years. But I think it's more than that. March brings about a change of weather (generally) here. Cold days are sprinkled with spring-like temperatures and rain. The snow goes away, and when it tries to come back, it doesn't stay very long.

The sun shows more and more. Here in the Midwest it is extremely rare all winter! Sunshine always makes me feel motivated and strong.

March contains my favorite holiday, the day I was adopted, the day I met my husband, the day I got married, and the day I published my first book. Lots of happy events.

What are your bliss moments right now? What are you most happy about?

Good News Pours in at NBC

2009-03-11T06:12:00.000-07:00

Do you watch the news?

I'll admit I get most of mine from the Internet these days, in part because I can pick and choose the stories I read. I tend to gloss over some of the stories because they are just plain bad news. While I try to be an educated American I also can get very sick of hearing one negative thing after another.

Turns out I'm not alone. And Brian Williams, news anchor at NBC, knew it. He asked readers to send in good news stories, and was flooded with the response. They now have so many stories they claim they could not cover it all even if they tried.

Williams said, "It really told me something," he said. "I have learned a lot. I thought I knew all there was about the good nature of Americans, and this was a flood."

A flood that's turned out to be a good thing for a change.

2009-03-11T02:52:00.000-07:00

Drop Your Favorite Blogger a Nice Note

2009-03-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

A while back I got my first blog with b5media. I was very excited about it. I liked the topic I was writing about and enjoyed the community sense of the network. Of course, like any new job I was also a little nervous. Despite my experience with blogging, I had some new things to learn.

I didn't know people there and was "the new guy." Just like at a "regular" job, I had to take some time to sit by myself in the lunchroom until I got acclimated. (At least in a virtual sense.)

Lucky for me, the bloggers I worked with were more than friendly. My channel editor was awesome, and I quickly felt like part of the gang.

But then something happened that really made me feel good. Early on in my b5 tenure I received a note from Julie Bonner. Julie is a veteran blogger and had been with b5 forever (it seemed) by the time I joined. About a month after my blog launched, she sent me this note:

"I was just reading your blog and I just had to tell you that you are such a great blogger! I love your writing style and how much you put into your posts, they are always so interesting. That's all I had...I hope you're enjoying b5media. Have a great evening. :)"

Is that not the sweetest note a blogger could receive? The fact that she took the time to do this meant a lot to me. In fact, I have kept that note and every once in a while (usually on a really bad day) I pull it out just to recharge my blogger batteries.

Never underestimate what a few kind words can do for someone!

So my charge to you today is to find the email of your favorite blogger, and drop them a note. Tell them what you like about them, their writing style, or their blog.

Jennifer Lopez: Brave

2009-03-08T06:26:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs is from Jennifer Lopez. The song is called "Brave" and is one of those tunes that just stays in your head. The end rhyme is perfect, and so is the meter. I love this song! And best of all, it's a wonderfully uplifting tune.

Enjoy.

Celebrating Adoption

2009-03-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

For those of us that are adopted, I have a question for you:

Do you celebrate your "adoption day"?

If you're adopted, the day you came to your new family is usually a very special one. I was always told I was adopted, and the date that I was adopted was acknowledged in some way. In the beginning we'd just talk about the day I came to my family.

Over the years, that acknowledgment has grown to getting a card and even a present or two. (Could it be because my b'day is near Christmas and I got skunked then? haha! I'm not going to speculate!) If you're looking for ways to celebrate an adoption day, I wrote an article on it a while back.

But my adoption day has special meaning for me. I haven't had an easy life. I'm not one of those people that think my life would have been peaches and cream if I had ended up with a different family or even not been given up for adoption.

I feel things in life happen the way they're meant to happen. It's all a learning process. It doesn't all make sense, but in the end we learn the lessons we're meant to. (Even if it means repeating some things a few times before we get it.)

I say this because even though my childhood wasn't good, I still have very positive feelings about adoption. I don't begrudge the fact that I was given up. I don't assume that was an easy decision.

I think instead that I was given a chance to be with a family that wanted a child. As my husband and I look to adopt one day, I hold the preciousness of adoption close to my heart.

Beautiful Words Quote

2009-03-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

"Like stones, words are laborious and unforgiving,
and the fitting of them together, like the fitting of
stones, demands great patience and strength
of purpose and particular skill."

~ Edmund Morrison

Giveaways for You

2008-12-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

I've got a lot of contests going on right on at various blogs I'm writing. So take a look, it may mean an extra Christmas present for you!

Over at Diabetes Notes, you can win a 4-mile walking DVD.

At JloStalker, win a Jlo Still Fragrance Gift Set and a Glow Fragrance Gift Set.

You can win a copy of Jessica Simpson's Christmas album, Rejoice at the Jess and Ashlee blog and at the Gossip on Sports blog. Two seperate giveaways, which means double the chances to win. :)

There's a lot more going on at Gossip on Sports, like a Day of the Dead DVD and the awesome book The Bambino Secret.

Winner of the Jane Austen Book Club

2008-12-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

Congrats to:

theyyyguy

who was the winner of the Jane Austen Book Club. I think you'll enjoy this book!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Remember that I'll have another giveaway here very soon, so be sure to check back.

Dear Anaїs: My Life in Poems for You

2008-11-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

Recently read and reviewed a wonderful book of poetry you should check out.

Anaїs Nin is perhaps the intended audience for Diana Raab's work, but her poetry can easily be slipped on to any reader like a much beloved cashmere sweater. In the beginning of Dear Anaїs: My Life in Poems for You, the author writes a letter to the famous diarist. ~more

I also had a chance to interview Ms. Raab. Check out our conversation here.

Benefits of Freelance Writing

2008-11-28T07:12:00.000-08:00

The other day I wrote about the downsides to freelance writing. But there are some major benefits, too. Here are just a few:

Savings on gasoline costs.
A five minute commute you can walk to generally saves you money.
Flexibility.
If you're feeling sick one morning, you can take it lighter than normal. If you need to run to the store, you can schedule it in with the rest of the day. Get your hair cut, go to the dentist, and grocery shop at slower times during the day.
Savings on lunch costs.
When I worked at an office, I'd either forget my lunch and have to scramble to a fast food joint, or I'd get suckered into going out with the rest of the office. This way, I can eat a bowl of cereal or warm up left overs from last night's dinner.
Doing what you love.
This is probably the number one reason people try for this job. The ability to do exactly what you love to do every single day is truly a blessing.
Different pace of work.
Sure, you've got deadlines and you're busy. But if you're organized and a hard worker, you generally get rewarded with a manageable schedule. That means no last minute rushes and no forgetful coworkers.
Savings on clothing. Okay, maybe the ability to wear jeans and tee shirt everyday isn't a draw to some folks, but I sure enjoy it. Throw your hair in a ponytail and get right to work? Sounds good to me.
Flexibility for the family.
I know of many freelance writers who also are at home with kids. This means they are both stay at home moms and working moms. It's a tough combination, but it also gives their family some added flexibility. The ability to do a quick task at home and then go right back to work is a blessing. After all, you can throw dinner on, and then return to work. You can get work in during times when the kids are napping or at school. I'm not saying it isn't sometimes difficult to juggle, but it is rewarding when you know you've got the flexibility for your family.
Variety of work.
In many cases, every day offers different challenges when you're a freelancer. If you're someone that hated the corporate way of life, this means that every single day is different. If you've got a few steady gigs, that's great. But being a freelancer usually means you're also going after new work in addition to juggling different ways to make money. I know of many freelance writers who are also consultants or run side businesses also.
No cubicle hell.
Enough said.

Win a Copy of the Jane Austen Book Club

2008-11-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

This quote definitely applies to me and my family:

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.

— Jane Austen

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you celebrating tomorrow! Since we've quoted Jane Austen today, I thought it might be fun to have a little giveaway to start off our holiday right.

I've got a new copy of the Jane Austen Book Club to give away to one lucky reader. Hey, we're writers here and I know many of you love Jane Austen. If you've never read this book by Karen Joy Fowler, it is WONDERFUL.

To enter, leave a comment on this post by Thursday, December 4th. I'll choose a winner at random and announce the lucky guy or gal the next day. Good luck!

Downsides of Freelance Writing

2008-11-26T07:10:00.000-08:00

In a day or two I'll post about the benefits of freelance writing, so I thought it was fitting to balance things out today and talk about some of the downsides. Don't get me wrong, freelancing is great, but it isn't for everyone. Here are some of the more negative aspects of working as a freelance writer:

Interruptions.
Most of the time, I'm able to work an entire day without constant interruptions. But sometimes, like when another family member has some time off, I get talked to and interrupted so much my work day is forced to extend far longer than necessary. Some people don't understand that when you're a writer you need quiet time in order to put a sentence together. Even when you're blogging and checking other sites, you need time to organize your thoughts or your work just doesn't get done.
Unsteady gigs.
Granted, you can pick up a few steady jobs as a freelancer. But if you're like most working writers, you're constantly having to troll for work. I spend a good portion of each day hunting for new leads, even though I have a few steady jobs. Even with some of the jobs I do have, the pay varies because of contract terms, revenue share, or a host of other reasons. I've also noticed a trend with unsteady blog jobs lately. Granted, there are some really great places to blog, but there places who didn't think their business plan through before starting up a network and hiring writers. For the writers working for those types of places, there is a constant threat of losing their blog or having their contract suddenly change.
Self-Motivation. I don't list this as a negative for me, because I think many freelancers struggle with either working too much or finding it hard to constantly be your own boss. When you don't have a superviser over your shoulder, you have to be the one to say "no" to all the other distractions so you can work. I think some people get into freelancing without quite realizing what it's all about. For example, when I tell people I'm a freelance writer and work at home you wouldn't believe how many of them ask me if I watch soaps all day. I think some folks get into this thinking that because you have a flexible schedule, you can loggygig around all day. While your schedule is flexible (and that's a great thing) it also means you have to be the one to focus and get your work done. (For example, I never even turn on the TV during the day. It's in another room entirely. I sit at a desk all day as if I was in an office.)
Loneliness.
You really have to be okay with being alone if you freelance. You have to do that anyways as a writer, and most writers I know look at their writing time as a gift they look forward to. And it is. But sometimes, you miss hearing the office gossip or just plain hearing other people around you. It's important as a freelancer to get out once in a while and network. IM'ing is not enough!
Unsteady or Reduced Pay.
Sure, you can make a good income as a freelancer, but it takes a while. In the beginning, it can seem as if you're working really hard (and you are) but you aren't bringing in the major bucks like you did when you had a regular job. The fact remains, you might never have that again. Now, if you love what you do and it works out great for your family this makes the rest of it worthwhile. But if you don't believe in the cause of freelancing it can take a very long time for you to really do okay. You have to believe in what you're doing, you have to work hard and write if you're not immediately getting rewards, and it also helps to have people in your life to remind you that you're getting there little by little. Because sometimes you have moments where you forget where you started.
You're Never Really Done With Working.
Again, this can be seen as a negative if you don't balance it out. But when you're a freelance writer, you're always thinking about your job. If you're someone that makes a living as a writer, you've probably got multiple projects going so you're thinking about each one through the course of the day... and when you're making dinner... and when you're relaxing with your family... and when you're at the movies... and vacation.... and... well you get the drift. Most of the time, this is exactly what people love about freelancing. But if you don't balance it out, like most things in life, it can become a negative.

How to Break Into Freelance Writing

2008-11-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

A couple of people have asked me lately about finding writing jobs. It seems to be a mystery to those to want to break in as freelancers. But it isn't. Jobs are always out there if you know where to look. The key is finding what type of writing you'd like to do.

For example, I like a variety of work, so I'll often go for a few quick assignments combined with a few steady gigs. The quick assignments allow me to get some variety from the things I normally write about. They often involve interviewing and research, and I get paid when the article is published. Many times these types of jobs are in print.

The web however, has been a great place to find writing jobs as well. And I don't mean searching on the web, I mean writing for the web. But it isn't for everyone.

Of course, I also write my own works. I write nonfiction, poetry, and fiction. In the last few months I've had a plethora of writings gigs, which has been great for everyday writing but has massively pushed off book writing. That's okay, though. I'll get to it very soon now that I've got a routine in place for finding and managing gigs.

In the next few weeks I'll go over each type of writing job and what you should learn before you break in. Each has benefits and downsides, so I'll talk about what I've learned so far in being a full-time freelancer. In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to email them to me at: cherieburbach (at) yahoo.com.

Creative Quote

2008-11-25T06:04:00.000-08:00

Here's a quote for all the creative people in the world:

When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.
— Henry J. Kaiser

Freelance Writing and the Curse of Email

2008-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've always had a love/hate relationship with email. As a writer (and somewhat of an introvert) I love email. However, there are a lot of times when it can get you into big trouble.

When I worked in the corporate world, email was something people used to cover their behinds. They'd email another person, cc the boss, and blind copy anyone else they felt like. Email became a landmine when all they really needed to do was walk over and talk to the other person.

In the freelance writing world, email is a wonderful thing for the most part. You can email your resume, list your qualifications and clips, and converse through the comfort of your own home at any time day or night.

But then... there's the down side. When you don't hear back from an editor, does that mean they didn't like your pitch, didn't get your pitch, or just don't care enough to respond? I've worked with great editors and obnoxious editors. I worked with an editor who would call me up, bark out "I'm sapped for ideas. What have you got?" and bombard me with emails when she needed submissions. When she didn't, I never heard back from her. Not even a "hey, we're full now, thanks anyway" in return.

So this begs the question: How should freelancers proceed when emailing editors?

I'll tell you why I asked. I recently had another email fiasco that cost me an article. Granted, I ended up getting a kill fee for it, but it annoyed me to no end that I'll now have to pitch this article to another source.

The whole thing started with an online mag that is constantly advertising for freelancers. They're always looking for work but when I emailed them a pitch, I never heard back. I assumed they weren't interested. Then, several months later I pitched a different article. This, they responded to. But the interesting part was that they didn't respond with the latest email, they used the very first one (that I never got a response from).

So, fine, I figured. I sold an article, and chalked up the odd communication to an odd editor. The editor emailed me back and asked for a bio and photo. I immediately obliged. This time, I attached a return receipt on the email.

When the magazine came out and my article was not included, I was confused. Upon emailing the editor once again she responded with a snippy, "We never heard back from you so we went with someone else." I told her I HAD responded, and forwarded her the email to prove it. Then she asked me for PROOF of me emailing her. But I'd already given her that.

I told her about the original mix up on their part, of never responding with an email to a pitch, and then responding to the second pitch with the first email. I asked them if perhaps their communication methods were a bit lax. This editor seems frustrated and overworked (and many of them are) and forwarded my email to the publisher.

The publisher researched the matter, realized I had responded, apologized, and paid me a kill fee. She handled the situation as professionally as possible. But still, I'll need to pitch that article again and it will be more work.

So what could have been done to prevent this situation?

I didn't have the phone numbers for anyone there, and because they were poor responders initially, I had no idea anything was amiss. I took their lack of response as business as usual. Because it usually was.

Lesson learned? That email, while still the preferred method of communication in our world, is not the be all/end all way to do business. And if someone doesn't even respond to you when you pitch an article, perhaps you should move on and not bother with a second pitch.

It's one thought. Any others?

Make the Most of a Blog Contest

2008-11-19T10:49:00.001-08:00

Blog contests are a fun way to reward visitors while also driving traffic to your site. Find out how to get prizes, create content, and make the most of your giveaway.

Giveaways also provide an opportunity to create new material, get feedback, and have readers interact with you. Here are some tips to make the most of your next blog contest. ~more

Find Better Freelance Jobs

2008-11-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

A proactive approach combined with intelligent marketing strategies will help you avoid freelance work that is low-paying and unfulfilling.

Many writers have the dream of becoming a freelance writer or blogger. The idea of being your own boss appeals to many people, but making that dream a reality is a different story. It doesn’t just take hard work; it also takes a smart approach. ~more

Ten Ways to Get a Paid a Blogging Job

2008-11-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

Want to get paid as a blogger? One way to increase your chances of landing a gig is to search for jobs outside the usual methods.

Landing a paid blogging job is a common goal among freelancers. Every freelancer has at least one subject he or she is passionate about and what better way to earn money than to write about something you love, hate, or even admire. ~more

Beautiful Words

Beautiful Words Has Moved!

Beautiful Words Quote: Psalm 27:14

Beautiful Words Quote: Vince Lombardi

Beautiful Words Quote: Mother Teresa

Secret Meeting of World's Billionaires

Beautiful Words Quote: Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Write a Thank You Note to a National Guard Family

Beautiful Words Quote: Charles Scribner, Jr.

Beautiful Words Quote: John 11:25-26

Beautiful Words Quote: Diana Vreeland

Beautiful Words Quote: William McGill

National Day of Prayer

U.S. Face Transplant

Thanking a Teacher

Beautiful Words Quote: Astrid Alauda

Believe in Abundance

Comforting Words from Debra Gano, Author of Beauty's Secret

Follow Friday on Twitter

Beautiful Words Quote: The Bible, Acts 16:31

Beautiful Words Quote: Hodding Carter

Happy 100th, Rita Levi Montalcini

Worry

Stop Obsessing

Beautiful Words Quote: Emily Dickinson

Inspirational Notes on Our Computer

Send Your Bridesmaids a Note of Thanks

Winner of Beautifully Pinned Promises

Mandisa: How Much

Write Someone a Handwritten Note

Beautiful Words: Quote

Beautiful Words Quote: Mother Teresa

Revelation by Third Day

Win Stuff

Kurt Warner on Giving Back

Give Your Favorite Book a Review

Win a Copy of Beautifully Pinned Promises

Do One Nice Thing

Beautiful Words Quote

What Are Your Bliss Moments?

Good News Pours in at NBC

Advertisement

Drop Your Favorite Blogger a Nice Note

Jennifer Lopez: Brave

Celebrating Adoption

Beautiful Words Quote

Giveaways for You

Winner of the Jane Austen Book Club

Dear Anaїs: My Life in Poems for You

Benefits of Freelance Writing

Win a Copy of the Jane Austen Book Club

Downsides of Freelance Writing

How to Break Into Freelance Writing

Creative Quote

Freelance Writing and the Curse of Email

Make the Most of a Blog Contest

Find Better Freelance Jobs

Ten Ways to Get a Paid a Blogging Job