Me, Me, Me

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This is a "thought bubble". It is an...

This is a “thought bubble”. It is an illustration depicting thought. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am back after a few days of unplugging myself from social networks, blogging, and other internet endeavors; however, I have to say that one issue fluttered by my head more than a couple of times – the .com issue; yes, I have to say that I was upset with myself for being so lax about obtaining the .com for Inkspeare, after all, I have blogged for years now, see why? Now, another blog has obtained the .com, and my only concern is that since .com is the first thing you think when searching for a domain, I hope that my blog won’t be mixed up with the brand new site that holds the .com domain, although I don’t know the name of the new site (parked). In addition, I am concerned about the type of content as well – Am I worrying too much here? (it could also turn out to be an excellent and wonderful site, on a positive note).

If I am, it is only because I have put so much work, blood, and sweat, into the making of Inkspeare (as well as thinking of the perfect name). After all, Inkspeare has been all about me – my journey as a writer, artist, and the bits and pieces about my life that I love to share with all of you, and I enjoy it so much.

I have to say, that after thinking about it these couple of days, I decided to get the .ME domain, so Inkspeare will now be Inkspeare.me.  Although my first choice was the .com for obvious reasons – everyone looks for a .com first, when searching; it is almost a reflex – I think that a .ME would be easier to remember than a .net or .org, or any other variations. A comment by Roxana suggested that it is more personal, and I happen to agree. Besides, the original .wordpress.com will still work if someone searches for Inkspeare that way, or click in any of the live links I have all over, so there is no harm done.  I would have preferred the .com better, but that domain is parked by someone, so it is not available now. However, I am happy with my decision of purchasing the .me domain. After all, Inkspeare, this blog, is about me and my journey, as well as the joy of sharing bits and pieces of that journey.

Having the .me as well as the .wordpress is comforting, in a way.  Maybe, my concern may seem a bit irrational to some, but Inkspeare holds a very special place in my heart and I have to admit that part of my soul is in it as well. It may sound a bit silly, but it is how I feel. One thing I have learned over the years, and that is to accept my feelings and never think of them as “less than,” but to look at them and release them. Therefore, I let the mourning of the .com go, and embrace the Inkspeare.me wishing for the best. Dramatic? Maybe, however true to me. Over the years of blogging, Inkspeare has been like a second home, so I hope you understand why I feel so strong about it.  For now on Inkspeare.me (as well as inkspeare.wordpress.com) is the home of INKSPEARE.

Food for thought – How do you feel about domains? How do you search for a website; do you use the .com first or not? Have the internet capture too much of our attention and/or lives/identities? Is there such a thing as a virtual clone (your perception of your internet persona?

 

Oh No! It is too late!

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Well, it happened. Just about when I was ready to get the .com domain for Inkspeare, which has been available for some time, someone in France just scooped it up; what a bummer! When I tried to search for the “Inkspeare” website with the .com domain, it does not let me in to view it. The Bing description appears as “We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us.” When clicked, it appears as the domain has been registered to a hosting site, and is now parked by the owner. Boohoo, it took so late for me to decide to get it, and now, it doesn’t make sense for me to get the .ME, because really, wordpress.com sounds so much better, than .ME.  Anyone knows why would someone park a domain?  It puzzles me and makes me wonder. Uh, but enough of lost domains; it is Watercolors Friday, and today, I want to celebrate the mundane. Yes, the mundane and how we can make it sparkle.

Recently, my husband gave me a Nook, which I have to say I totally love, but I did not have a case for it. Then, I realized that I loved the box that came with it – a sturdy box that would make the perfect case if it wasn’t so mundane. Well, I decided to try to change that, since I really liked the box, mostly because it had the perfect space for the charging cord. I took on the mission to make it look like something I would love to look at, and delight myself in opening when going to use the Nook. I thought about it, and this is what I did.

I covered part of the inside with decorative tape (leopard), and part of the outside as well.  Then I took ribbon and beads and fastened them using the same tape so I could open the box by pulling it for the two sections – the nook and the charge cord.  After that, I took a vintage copy of The Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and removed the covers. I attached them, front and back, and glued/glazed the thing with Mod Podge to make it strong and durable (It hardens and protects). This is the result, and I am happy with it. If you have visited this blog, you know that I try the green solution first.

009 nook1 011

In picture order – inside, front, and back.

I hope you like this project, and celebrate with me on making the mundane sparkle.  Besides, if any of you know the answer to the question, why would someone park a domain? please, share it with me on a comment. I am curious. In addition, I would like to add that I am going to unplug for a few days, so this will be my last post for about a week. Thank you for reading, and I will see you in a few days 🙂

HAPPY WATERCOLORS FRIDAY!

Update – I found this site that has great information about domains, and therefore, I am sharing it http://www.thesitewizard.com/

UPDATE 2 – I have to say, that after thinking about it these couple of days (even after unplugging myself), I made the decision to get the .ME domain, so Inkspeare will now be Inkspeare.me.  Although my first choice was the .com for obvious reasons – everyone looks for a .com first, when searching; it is almost a reflex – I think that a .ME would be easier to remember than a .net or .org, or any other variations. A comment by Roxana suggested that it is more personal, and I happen to agree. Besides, the original .wordpress.com will still work if someone searches for Inkspeare that way, or click in any of the live links I have all over, so there is no harm done.  I still like the .com better, but that domain is parked by someone so it is not available right now. However, I am happy with my decision of purchasing the .me domain.

Dear Human

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I was going to write a Watercolors Friday post today, however, I came across this post from Anacephalaeosis blog, and I loved it so much that I decided to share it today. Think of it as a celebration of your divine essence. HAPPY WATERCOLORS FRIDAY!

Super Moon 2013

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photo by M.A.D.

photo by M.A.D.

photo by M.A.D.

photo by M.A.D.

photo by M.A.D.

photo by M.A.D.

photo by M.A.D.

photo by M.A.D.

 

 

As promised, here are a few pics of tonight’s SuperMoon – absolutely amazing! I took these a little more than an hour ago. The view from Cliffwood Beach in New Jersey (USA). Enjoy!

Watercolors Friday – Inspirational Blog

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Today, I want to share an awesome blog that many of you might know, but the more the merrier, and it is the blog of Jack Canfield, and you can find it here . It is a blog full of inspirational and motivational energy, and tons of good tips to live a more positive and happy life. Through videos, articles and goodies, Jack Canfield manages to awaken readers.

If you are not familiar with this blog, take a look; you won’t be disappointed, and you will gain so much by reading or watching some of his videos. It is truly a treasure, and one to be shared, so if you love it, keep sharing! And since today is Watercolors Friday, let’s celebrate Mr. Canfield, and Happy Solstice and Watercolors Friday to YOU! Don’t forget to watch the Super Moon tomorrow, the brightest and biggest moon of this year.   I will try to get some pics to share with you 🙂

 

On Writers and Money

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Question book

Question book (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This may seem an odd topic, but it is one of the most annoying questions I get asked, directly or indirectly by people I know, and by strangers. It is asked as soon as the topic of my writing or books comes up. Besides annoying, I find it intrusive, and a lack of good manners. It comes in many forms, but the root of the question is the same. And the person’s goal is to know if I make money as a writer and how much. Here are some examples of the same question.

  • Are you making a living at it?
  • How much money you make?
  • Is it easy; do you sell a lot of books?
  • How are you doing with it?
  • I see a lot of people publishing books; how easy is that, is there money in it?
  • How long does it take to make it?
  • What else you do to pay the bills?
  • One can’t survive on that, right?
  • I hear the book business is not doing to well; all those book stores closing, right?
  • Oh, do you make good money?

I can go on an on giving you examples of the same question worded directly or indirectly.  When I think about it, the people who ask this question do not understand what writing entails, and most likely, they have a paycheck mentality.  I bet that for most writers who are serious and take their craft to heart, money is the last thing in their minds when they are writing.  Yes, we all want to make a living at doing the thing we love most; this is how it should be. We should all make a living this way, doing the things we love and are passionate about, but most people don’t. Most people don’t understand when someone’s passion goes beyond monetary compensation, or even fame/recognition. I bet that the majority of dedicated writers don’t care about money or fame; it is a byproduct of their love and effort while writing.  However, to be fair to all sides, there are those who write with the hopes of becoming e-book millionaires or gain fame and recognition in the field. Besides, there is nothing wrong about making lots of money and being blessed doing what you love and serving people. To me, writing goes beyond monetary compensation and fame (as a primary goal), and while I hope to one day do exponentially marvelous, that does not mean that I would love the craft more for it, or less if I don’t.

So by now, you are probably thinking what my answer is when I am asked. It usually goes along these lines –

  • I am very happy doing what I do, how about you?
  • I am lucky and blessed to work doing what I love.
  • I don’t price my passions; do you?
  • The day money becomes my story, that day I will stop writing.
  • I let the faeries worry about that part, while my Muse works on the most important one.
  • I am well.

And so along those lines it goes, usually the probing stops there.  So feel free to use those lines if like me, you get annoyed by the question. If you paint, are an artist, or live your passion, most likely, you will be asked the question many times. Some people don’t mind it, some people do, and it has nothing to do with how much money you make. Feel free to comment on the topic, how do you feel about the subject of money and writing?

Moonlit Valley Trivia

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Vintage Shirley Temple Doll - photo by M.A.D.

Vintage Shirley Temple Doll – photo by M.A.D.

Ever wondered what makes writers tick? That is a question with as many answers as there are writers. Well, the doll in the picture, a vintage Shirley Temple doll is featured in Moonlit Valley, in chapter The Key. The doll holds a secret, and this is the first piece of trivia – what is the secret?

If you read Moonlit Valley, and would like to get a free paperback copy for you or a friend, you can play along and answer the following trivia questions.  The first person to email me with the correct answers wins the copy.  You can email your answers to piny@theowlbookandcandle.com .

Here are the questions. Please, if you are playing along, answer them in the email, not here, just to avoid spoilers 🙂 Thanks. Contest ends on July 31st (2013) or when there is a winner (whatever comes first).

  1. What is the secret/clue inside the doll?
  2. What is Rose and Jeremy’s street address?
  3. How many steps to the library?
  4. What is the library’s street address?
  5. What is the name of the funeral parlor?
  6. What is the name of the Lake?
  7. What is the name of Dr. Angelou’s receptionist?
  8. What is the name of the egg market/store near Rose and Jeremy’s home?
  9. What is Olga Gartier’s ladies club/society called?
  10. Name the paintings at the library.

There you have it, the 10 trivia questions to win a copy of Moonlit Valley.  The first reader to email me with the correct answers gets it 🙂 Good luck and have fun playing!

Watercolors Friday – On Writing

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On Writing

On Writing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, I want to share with you a few of my favorite writing websites, and to celebrate the book that I think made the most sense on learning about writing. That book is On Writing by Stephen King. To me, it is the best book I have read on the topic. Why is that? I feel that way because,

  • The approach is simple, honest, sincere, and experienced, and as it promises, it goes to the point, bypassing the bullshit – at least that is the vibe I got.
  • It shows you besides telling you.
  • It gives you hope.
  • It scares you.
  • It motivates you.
  • It takes you to a different level of understanding of the craft.
  • It is unlike all the other writing books I have read.
  • It puzzled me, and “un-puzzled” me.
  • It does not preach what it does not know.
  • It shows you the complexity and simplicity of writing via the author’s experience and the examples he gives to illustrate some points.
  • Stephen King wrote it.

I recommend this book to every aspiring writer and every writer, even if you have a few novels published. It takes you to a different writing reality.

Now, let me share a few author/writing websites that I like, and have found very helpful.  Some I may have mentioned on earlier posts.

These are just a few of the sites I enjoy and find very helpful/informative to aspiring writers. Today we celebrate Stephen King, and these awesome sites.

Happy Watercolors Friday everyone!