When I worked my office jobs, I looked forward to going out to lunch. But I always felt a twinge of guilt about it when some of my colleagues humble-bragged about having to eat lunch at their desks because, you know, they were, “sooooooooooo swamped.” However, taking breaks is not a sign of laziness. A North…
Working from Bed is a Bad Idea
Sleep . . sex . . sickness. These are the only three things that should take place in bed. Working is not one of them. I admit that I’ve been working from bed (WFB) for years, and I pulled many all-nighters as a student. My worst one was when I was a doctoral student. I…
What Makes You Happy
“It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.” Lucille Ball Just popping in with this beautiful photo of Lucy. Her quote resonates with me as well. Have a happy Sunday.
Photo Friday: O Willa Cather!
Happy Women’s History Month! I’m paying tribute to one of my favorite authors: Willa Cather. Cather was born in Virginia in 1873, and her family moved to Nebraska when she was nine years old. She spent her formative years in Red Cloud, Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (So did I!). Some of…
Photo Friday: National Pistachio Day
It’s National Pistachio Day! Each them as a snack or enjoy them on ice cream or dessert. Pistachios are great sources of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin B6. This tree nut reduces the risk of heart disease and provides many other health benefits.
Leaving Comments Is the Easiest Way to Promote Your Blog
I’m terrible at promoting my blog and other writing. It’s the idea of selling that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But expanding a business or increasing readership requires a certain amount of promotion. However, there’s something much more important than self-promotion, and that is to build relationships. An easy way for bloggers to do that…
Photo Friday: Ode to NASA
The Perseverance rover, NASA’s most sophisticated one to date, landed on Mars on February 18, 2021. To celebrate, I’m posting a few pics from my trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center a few years ago.
Photo Friday: Masks
Thankfully, the COVID vaccines are getting distributed, even if not as quickly as we’d like. But we’re not out of the woods yet. Stay informed. Wash your hands. Social distance. Wear your masks. It only works if everyone does it. Most important: Stay safe and be kind to each other. We all want to get…
Happy National Fun at Work Day! (a day late)
It’s National Fun at Work Day. Fight the doldrums and make it a good one!
I Stopped Spending Money On These Things, and So Should You
My personal journey toward freedom, mobility, and more fulfilling work has been transformative in many ways. For example, moving into a smaller home means having less space to heat, cool, insure, and clean. Getting rid of extra clutter reduces my worry about misplacing something or finding room for it. As I continue to downsize and…
Happy National Pie Day!
Today is National Pie Day! Enjoy it whenever you can get it.
Photo Friday: Section of the Berlin Wall
This is the longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall in central Berlin, adjacent to the Topography of Terror.
You Need to Remember This Rule: 20-20-20
I remember one time when my boyfriend and I patronized our favorite taproom. I had a very productive day writing, so I felt I deserved some “Miller Time.” When we got to the venue, we moved toward the bar to see what was on tap. I looked up at the menu board, but the words…
Photo Friday: Schloss Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen, Germany
How to Be More Interesting in Conversation
Want to be the most captivating person in the room (virtual or actual)? It doesn’t matter if you’re an outgoing butterfly or introverted wallflower. You have the smarts and charm to be interesting in conversations. Memorable and stimulating dialogue can lead to fruitful connections down the road. Awkward small talk, on the other hand, makes…
Happy Holidays!
No matter what you celebrate this season, here’s to a Holiday filled with love, health, and good cheer! See you soon!
How to Practice Minimalism without Being Annoying
Minimalism. I’m not sure how that word makes me feel. It’s true that since I’ve started purging clutter, my life has become more manageable and less stressful. But, sheesh! I want to pull my hair out when I hear someone call themselves a minimalist when they take 25 minutes to explain their perfect system for…
Photo Friday (a day late): Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos Pueblo, located near Taos, NM, is a living Native American community. It’s both a National Historical Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo Friday: Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock, near Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, is a famous landmark that westward settlers saw as they traveled the California, Mormon, and Oregon Trails. The peak probably used to be about 30 feet higher, but erosion, a lightning strike, or wind likely led to the top part breaking off.
How Clutter Is Making You Miserable
Decluttering seems to be fashionable these days, especially for people who are sheltering in place because of the you-know-what-virus. When I get around to it, decluttering does wonders for my life, leaving room for more important things. Unfortunately, clutter afflicts many of us, and it’s making us miserable. The average household in the U.S. holds…
Photo Friday: Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Scenes from Old Man Cave at Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio. Finally, you can boldly publish high-quality blog posts that’ll make your readers want more content! Click here for your free Block Post Checklist.
Photo Friday: Colors of Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park, located east of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and it has an amazing history, as well as 400 miles of tunnels. Mammoth Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Finally, you can boldly publish high-quality blog posts that’ll make your readers want more content! Click here for your free…
And I’m 50!
Can’t believe it; I finally hit the big 5-0. Is it still true that 50 is the new 40? To celebrate reaching the half-century mark, here’s a nod to Molly Shannon from Saturday Night Live. If it’s your birthday today, CONGRATULATIONS! Make it the best one ever, especially if you’re at least fifty! Want to…
Photo Friday: A Slice of RV History
Before the weather gets too cold, I’m daydreaing about my future RV life. In the meantime, enjoy these pictures from the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, IN. The museum boasts 100,000 sq. ft. of space that houses historical RVs, walls honoring notable notables in the industry, library, gift shop, RV toy displays,…
Remember the Reason for Labor Day
Like most people in the United States, I am savoring the Labor Day weekend and lamenting what many folks recognize as the official end to the summer–as weird as it was this year. The weather has been great, so I’ve taken advantage of the free time to enjoy it. Nevertheless, Labor Day is a federal…
Photo Friday: Patterns of Alhambra
Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada, Spain. The first structures of Alhambra date back to 889. This visit was one of my favorites sites during my trip in 2018. I was enthralled by its many colors, shapes, textures, and patterns. Want to publish high-quality posts that’ll make your readers want more of…
Fear Might Not Be the Reason for Avoiding the Dentist
My post yesterday was about facing fear and taking necessary actions, even though they may seem scary. I talked a lot about the fear of going to the dentist, something that affected me for several years. Despite the worst my imagination could conjure, I bit the bullet and got the dental care I needed. After…
How I Learned to Feel the Fear . . . and Do It Anyway
For several years in my early adulthood I didn’t go to the dentist. I know, gross. You’re probably wondering, just how many years is “several?” Not gonna tell; it’s too embarrassing. But I was scared–of the needle, the drill, getting a lecture about neglect, being told in my early 30s I’d need dentures . ….
Photo Friday: Carhenge in Alliance, Nebraska
Carhenge is a quirky model of Stonehenge using old cars. It’s outside of Alliance, Nebraska, and definitely worth the short drive from town. The entire replica was built with the same proportions as the original Stonehenge monument. Want to publish high-quality posts that’ll make your readers want more of your content? For a FREE download…
Photo Friday: Scenes from Vienna in Fall of 2017
From Mozart’s apartment, which is portrayed in the movie Amadeus. Vienna Opera House at night Coaster from the 1516 Brewing Company Want to publish high-quality posts that’ll make your readers want more of your content? For a FREE download of my guide, The ULTIMATE BLOG POST CHECKLIST, just click here!
Why Am I So Hungry?
I was standing in front of my open fridge the other night. I thought I was hungry, but I didn’t know what I was hungry for. After several minutes, I grabbed some sliced cheese and wolfed it down. Just a few minutes later, I thought, “I really didn’t need that.” During times of stress, uncertainty, sadness, or…
Photo Friday: The Dolomites in Italy
A few years ago, my boyfriend took a cycling trip to the Dolomites in Italy. The Dolomites are part of a mountain range in northern Italy. He was fortunate to see various landscapes, quaint towns, and ride the Stelvio Pass. If you want to learn more about my boyfriend’s cycling adventures, check out his blog:…
How to Fall Asleep Every Night With No Effort
Lately, there’s a lot to keep us awake at night. The big you-know-what-virus. Fragile economy. Travel uncertainties. For many of us who do freelance work, earning a living seems precarious at times. Worries can occupy our minds and keep us from falling asleep. We can’t underestimate the importance of adequate sleep. According to the National…
Photo Friday: I Miss Prague
Prague, Czech Republic, is one of my favorite European cities. It’s so cosmopolitan and friendly to visitors. If or when this COVID thing ever ends and travel can resume, I strongly suggest this city if you haven’t been before. I think it’s a great first city for people traveling to Europe for the first time….
Photo Friday: Ode to Ritter Sport
You can tell by tasting the chocolate how the people who produce it are doing. –Alfred T. Ritter
Photo Friday: A Bit of Australia
My boyfriend took a trip to Australia a few years ago. He took some great pictures, and I asked to share some of them with you. Near Cairns, Queensland Near Cairns, Queensland Near Cairns, Queensland Near Cairns, Queensland At a nature preserve. The guide told them the koala bear just woke up. Sydney Opera House…
Photo Friday: July is Ice Cream Month
Making ice cream at home with NO machine
Photo Friday: June is Great Outdoors Month
June is Great Outdoors Months. To end the month on a high note, here are some of my favorite outdoor scenes.
How to Sell Yourself If You Don’t Like to Sell
Do one thing every day that scares you. Eleanor Roosevelt Whether it’s interviewing for a job, selling a product, or gaining a new client, it would be nice if we could rely solely on our expertise and experience to succeed. Unfortunately, the real world doesn’t operate that way. Getting others’ buy-in usually requires selling, and some…
Photo Friday: I’m Glad It’s Summer
The first day of summer is Saturday, June 20. Enjoy summer while you can! Finally . . .
How to Be Productive Instead of Busy
When I bump into someone I haven’t seen in a while, we exchange the usual, “How’s it going?” greetings. In response, I habitually say, “Oh, I’m keeping busy.” I’m sure that’s a stock phrase for a lot of people. But think about what it means to be busy. Busy keeping up with email, busy editing blog…
Photo Friday: Images of Grandma
For no reason in particular, I’ve been thinking of my late maternal grandmother, Bernice Temme Seier. The top picture is of her (woman on the right), her father, and three of her siblings taking a lunch break on the farm. This is her later in life. She’s third from the right, with family. Mom told…
Develop a Productive Morning Routine as a Freelancer
I’m a morning person. I’ve trained myself to wake up by 6:00 AM. At this time of year, the early morning coolness and lull feels good. It’s quiet time I have all to myself, and it eases me into my workday and increases my chances of a productive morning. You might not be a morning…
Photo Friday: Sample of Bavarian Food
During our 2019 trip to Germany, we visited Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen, and then we took Germany’s intercity express train, Deutsche Bann, to Nuremburg. This was a great way to experience some Bavarian cuisine, which includes a lot of meat, potatoes, and noodles–foods that are common within the region’s cold and more rural climate. If…
Photo Friday: National Plant a Flower Day
Happy National Plant a Flower Day! What a great way to welcome Spring.
