Sunday, August 4, 2013
Best sites for the well being of women in Small Business « Mum Pages - Business Directory Mum Pages – Business Directory
Best sites for the well being of women in Small Business « Mum Pages - Business Directory Mum Pages – Business Directory
So excited that my post made it onto Mum Pages, check out the link!
So excited that my post made it onto Mum Pages, check out the link!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
So I'm New To Blogger- Come Say Hi!
I'm Lauren, a copy writer from Melbourne. I'm an RN and mother to two beautiful goblins. Come check me out on Facebook, Twitter, over at my Wordpress Blog
You can check out my favourite Wordpress Post here
Introduce yourself, tell me what you do and why. Why are you blogging? How long have you been blogging for? What keeps you blogging? Fill me in.
LEJ
x
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Little Red's Guest Book- Interview with Tracy Speight (Warratahstree/ Social Artworking)
Tracy combining work and play at Burwood Neighbourhood House
(Image courtesy of Tracy Speight at Warratahstree)
Please tell my readers about yourself and your small business/es:
I have 3 main small businesses:
1. Online and Local Market Sales: I sell unique hand-made Cards, mostly for special occasions and masculine cards. I sell photographic images and greeting cards of Australian Wildflowers. I also make handmade Polymer clay jewelry for sale on commission or online sales.
2. Web and Blog Consulting: I set up a basic Website or Blog to equip and enable small business owners to maintain their own sites by training them how to update and maintain their website or blog. I teach Ebay, iPad, and Social media courses at my local Neighbourhood House, Burwood Neighbourhood House.
3.Social ArtWorking: Social Artworking is a great fun way to have fun with family and friends and take home a great piece of art work at the end of the night. I teach this new fun adventure at a number of venues. It is all about fun and the adventure of having a play at learning art in a no pressure environment.
Which social media platforms should my readers follow you on?
Being the Geek I am, I am on nearly all Social Media platforms. My main posts are on my Blog and Facebook but when I post, I usually post to all social media platforms with small changes depending on which social media platform it is.
(Follow Tracy and her Social Media Journey below)
What was the first thing you painted?
Folkart style daisies. Very simple comma stroke petals and dots for the centre of the flower. I was hooked!
Who is your all-time favourite artist and why?
I have two all-time favorites
1. Sir Hans Heysen: I love nature, geology, and the bush. I studied Geology in South Australia and on many of our visits to the remote areas of South Australia, I saw what inspired Sir Hans Heysen in his paintings. I loved the study of Geological processes and formations as well as the surrounding environments where I did many of my Geology field camps. I would often think I would love to get a picture of this, I would love to paint this.... Being a country girl and growing up near the mountains, I have always loved the rugged mountain views and the bush. I first saw Sir Hans Heysen's paintings when I lived in Adelaide, South Australia. Sir Hans Heysen's paintings were everywhere.I loved the way Sir Hans Heysen captured this ruggedness of the Australian bush. While out on field trips for my studies in Geology or out backpacking areas of the Flinders Ranges, I would often wish I could capture the beauty that Sir Hans Heysen did in his paintings of the bush.
2. Ken Done: When I first came to Australia, in 1984, I lived in Sydney. Ken Done was just becoming well-known for his whimsical paintings of Sydney. Ken Done made art look fun and exciting and when I first saw his work I secretly thought I would love to be an artist.
How do you feel when people interpret your artwork differently?
I guess I feel a little sensitive about how people feel about my art, but Art is like beauty .. It is in the "eye of the beholder"
What is the toughest decision you've had to make in your business in the last few months?
My toughest is letting go of some things I enjoy doing to try to build my business in another direction.
What are three things you've learnt in the last month that has broadened your general business knowledge?
How to great a market plan for setting goals in selling my product or services to my potential clients.
What and or who inspires you to succeed in your business ventures?
My husband is so encouraging. My son's fiance and son often encourage me to do more with my work.
What song best describes your work ethic?
I can't think of one.
What piece of advice would you pass along to budding artists and small business owners?
Never feel like you can't do it cause that is when you will fail. I think I can I think I can....Never give up on your dream.
How does your business reflect you as a person?
Flamboyant, goofy, always ready to give anything a go!
Could a Social Artworking Party be your next night out with friends?
(Image courtesy of Tracy Speight at Warratahstree)
If you could be anyone else, who would you be and why?
Ken Done...his work is so whimsical and freeing
How would people communicate in a perfect world?
Honestly, but always considering the other person first before seeking your own agenda
What do you read on a weekly basis?
Blogs on DIY, craft or humour. There are some really funny bloggers out there! There is enough drama in everyday life, I like to wind down at the end of the day so I often read novels that have a light theme, or feel good kind of theme.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car driving?
LOL ok, I try to concentrate on driving, but I don't think, I sing along with what ever is on the radio
I'm giving you $1m to launch your new small business tool- what is it?
A shop with many artists teaching Social ArtWorking to lots of happy customers. A fun party for all every night creating great pieces of art work.
A penguin walks through your front door right now wearing a Superman costume- what does he say and why is he there?
Granting your last wish as a Geologist. Get your fireproof suit on and come fly with me to see those volcanoes you always wanted to study......Don't forget the camera for "Ron" so you can paint the memories.
Describe your business in three words.
Paint Connect Create
What were you doing the last time you looked at a clock and realized you'd lost all track of time?
Cleaning my Art room so I can start on a new project for my next class.
Give my readers in one sentence an advertisement for your business!
My business is about gathering family or friends to have fun creating a great piece of artwork.
Thanks to Tracy so much for her time in being a part of Little Red's Guest Book- wishing I had even an ounce of her artistic grace right now!
Related articles
- Little Red's Guest Book- Interview with Jenifar Hathaway (Director of JLH Bookkeeping) (lrwsolutions.wordpress.com)
- Guys' Guide To: New Social Media Platforms (jacamoblog.co.uk)
Self- Interview: Little Red Interviews Lauren Jeffery
How old are you?
I'm 31 years old and still feel about 18. It's wonderful! And no, I'm not in denial about getting older.
What was my childhood dream?
I had a few dreams. Firstly, to become a nurse (tick!), then two have two children (tick!), but wanted two boys. Got one of each and couldn't be happier. Next was to travel overseas- haven't don enough of that yet.
How often do I laugh?
Usually every ten minutes. To be specific! Can't get through an hour of my day without laughing. And that good old belly laughing with lots of happy tears.
What makes me smile?
My children, my husband, my four fur babies, remembering my childhood, kind words from friends and family, completing my endless to-do lists, the feeling I get when I drink a nice hot tea, a sleep in past 7am and listening to music at ridiculously loud volumes
Who is your most dangerous enemy?
Myself.
Do you think you are strong?
Physically? Yes. Emotionally? Not really. I can be, but mostly, I'm just a bit too sensitive. I'd be the guy on the footy field that you'd call "soft"
Most important thing you've done so far?
In life? Give birth to my two children. In business? Just try.
What do you fear the most?
My childhood fear has come true (twice) so now I fear nothing. I have nothing to lose and everything to lose at the same time, so just getting through each day happily for the moment.
What is my favourite word?
Collectively? "I love you". Individually? "Mum".
What words do you use the most?
In a sentence? "You know what I mean?" (courtesy of my husband). Individually? Shoosh, please, sorry, thanks, and Jeepers!
When was the last time you cried and why?
Yesterday, because I sat eating lunch where I last had lunch with my mum before she passed away.
What's the best thing that could happen to you right now?
I could be given this amazing opportunity that I've gone after.
What's the worst thing that could happen to you right now?
I could get sick. Being a sick mum is pretty rough.
In 5 years from now....
I want to be working from home, I want to be working as a Midwife casually, I want my kids to be settled in school and I want our house to be finished!
Do you regret anything?
No. Every choice I have made has got me to where I am right now. If I have any doubt over any decision I've made in the past, I will become miserable and I can't have that.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Cuddle my kids in bed
One thing you'd like to change in your life right now?
Time- I'd like more of it.
What am I proud of?
Starting my own business. My parents. My children. My husband. My new frame of mind.
Sum up your life in one sentence.
Full of love, laughs, drama, highs, lows, in betweens, friends, family, interesting and full of challenges.
What annoys me the most?
People who can't see the world through someone else's eyes.
What makes me laugh?
Silly jokes, my children, my husband, ridiculously lame things mostly. My own laugh makes me laugh.
Am I happy?
If happiness was measured by percentage, I'd sit at approximately 80%- I still have a lot to achieve and pursue that will make me 110% happy. So I guess I'd say I'm very content.
What is your greatest strength?
I keep trying.
What is my greatest weakness?
I don't switch off and overthink.
How would you describe yourself?
Silly, caring, thoughtful, old-fashioned, friendly, helpful, daggy, warm, sensitive, soft, cautious, creative, keen to learn, has a good memory.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
It depends who is putting it on me! Usually I'm fine at the time and need to wind down later on.
How do I evaluate success?
Am I happy? Is the other party happy? Can I sleep well at night? Have I achieved my goals or am I on my way to achieving them? If I can say yes to any of these, I'm doing well.
Why did you start your small business?
I've been on maternity leave and have enjoyed nothing more in life than being at home for my children. I've always been a keen writer and never imagined making a career out of writing until last year. I want to eventually work from home, because home is my favourite place. I want to have the feeling of accomplishment in knowing I've started something from the ground up that gives me those buttterflies in my stomach and goosebumps and helps others.
How did you come up with your business name?
I was firing names at my husband and Little Red Writing Solutions was the last name I came up with. It was random and I love it! I've been told it's cute and memorable- I'm happy with the memorable part.
What and or who inspires me?
What- my past, research, the power of learning
Who- my family, my friends, my teachers, my colleagues
What are you passionate about?
Writing, making a happy and healthy life for myself and my family, women's health, justice issues, reading, learning new skills, science, small business, helping others, medicine.
What are you most grateful for?
My children (noticing a theme here?), my childhood, the time I had with my parents, the friends who've helped me through the recent loss of my mum, the way I can laugh through almost any tough situation, good books and funny movies
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start a small business?
Research, ask questions, have a go, don't give up
Are you living my dreams?
Not yet- there's so much more I need to add to my life
What would you do today if there was no tomorrow?
Watch my children play, hug and kiss them as much as I do, smile and enjoy the last 24 hours, breathe easy and feel every moment.
The greatest things you learnt in life?
Speak up. It's normal to be flawed. Accept what you cannot change. Never go a day without telling your loved ones how much you love them and appreciate them. Some say words lose their meaning the more you repeat them- "I love you" never goes out of fashion. Just be yourself- it doesn't matter if people don't always "get you". Being weird is the best way to be, because you are the only you.
Describe your business in three words.
Fresh, resourceful, focused
The song title that describes your work ethic?
"Tunnel Vision" - Justin Timberlake (Once I start, I can't focus on anything else!)
What opportunities are you looking for?
I am looking for partnerships, not jobs. I want to find small business owners and Mums in Business and help ease their workload. I love small projects, as much as ongoing ones. I take any opportunities that come my way, I also do a lot of networking which has led to some great business-minded people and amazing small businesses.
How can you create these opportunities?
Just work at it. Pretty simple. Put myself out there and see what happens.
Your biggest goals and dreams?
To live a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. To eventually work from home- part-time only, so I can be the full-time Mum I'd love to be. To travel to my favourite parts of Australia again, to show my kids what I got to see as a child. To be a successful small business owner.
What is your inner dialogue like?
It depends on the time of day, but usually it's very helpful! I have learnt in the past 9 or so months to wind down and relax. I still have a lot to learn but my inner voice is a great help. By around 10am, I'm focused and onto my to-do lists. I don't like sitting doing nothing, so I keep busy until I can't keep my eyes open anymore. Then try to keep going for at least another hour!
How are you making your life more meaningful?
I'm able to spend more time with my little children, so that's a big part of finding peace in my life. I am focusing on what I want to do professionally and focusing on what I love, which I didn't allow myself to do before. I am set on creating beautiful memories for my children, that's my biggest job. I just keep thinking- we are here for a good time, not a long time.
Why did you choose copy writing as a career path?
I have a lot of inspirational people in my life who thought I should re-focus on what I love doing, and that's writing. I have met some amazingly insightful business women who have encouraged and supported me into the position I am in now. I want to be helpful to others in any profession I am working in. My small business focuses on helping others by relieving pressure and adding time and money to their business. My business is a creative outlet, I've never had that in a position I've held before- very hard to feel this way about nursing!
Do you enjoy working for yourself?
So far, yes. I don't need to run my ideas past anyone. I can work on what I want to the beat of my own drum. I make my own deadlines and run off my own to-do lists, rather than someone else's. It's the greatest personal challenge I've taken on but I'm determined to make the most of it.
What are your Top 3 songs right now?
Acapella- Karmin
Royals- Lorde
Wake Me Up- Avicii
What are your three pet peeves?
Drivers who don't indicate
My son eating a meal, then saying "I'm starving" two minutes later!
People who don't consider the feelings of others before they talk or act- I am a sensitive soul
What do you want to learn in the next 12 months?
Anything and everything possible about growing my copy writing, I want to continue my Buddhism studies and I want to learn how to fix more around the house!
I'm 31 years old and still feel about 18. It's wonderful! And no, I'm not in denial about getting older.
What was my childhood dream?
I had a few dreams. Firstly, to become a nurse (tick!), then two have two children (tick!), but wanted two boys. Got one of each and couldn't be happier. Next was to travel overseas- haven't don enough of that yet.
How often do I laugh?
Usually every ten minutes. To be specific! Can't get through an hour of my day without laughing. And that good old belly laughing with lots of happy tears.
What makes me smile?
My children, my husband, my four fur babies, remembering my childhood, kind words from friends and family, completing my endless to-do lists, the feeling I get when I drink a nice hot tea, a sleep in past 7am and listening to music at ridiculously loud volumes
Who is your most dangerous enemy?
Myself.
Do you think you are strong?
Physically? Yes. Emotionally? Not really. I can be, but mostly, I'm just a bit too sensitive. I'd be the guy on the footy field that you'd call "soft"
Most important thing you've done so far?
In life? Give birth to my two children. In business? Just try.
What do you fear the most?
My childhood fear has come true (twice) so now I fear nothing. I have nothing to lose and everything to lose at the same time, so just getting through each day happily for the moment.
What is my favourite word?
Collectively? "I love you". Individually? "Mum".
What words do you use the most?
In a sentence? "You know what I mean?" (courtesy of my husband). Individually? Shoosh, please, sorry, thanks, and Jeepers!
When was the last time you cried and why?
Yesterday, because I sat eating lunch where I last had lunch with my mum before she passed away.
What's the best thing that could happen to you right now?
I could be given this amazing opportunity that I've gone after.
What's the worst thing that could happen to you right now?
I could get sick. Being a sick mum is pretty rough.
In 5 years from now....
I want to be working from home, I want to be working as a Midwife casually, I want my kids to be settled in school and I want our house to be finished!
Do you regret anything?
No. Every choice I have made has got me to where I am right now. If I have any doubt over any decision I've made in the past, I will become miserable and I can't have that.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Cuddle my kids in bed
One thing you'd like to change in your life right now?
Time- I'd like more of it.
What am I proud of?
Starting my own business. My parents. My children. My husband. My new frame of mind.
Sum up your life in one sentence.
Full of love, laughs, drama, highs, lows, in betweens, friends, family, interesting and full of challenges.
What annoys me the most?
People who can't see the world through someone else's eyes.
What makes me laugh?
Silly jokes, my children, my husband, ridiculously lame things mostly. My own laugh makes me laugh.
Am I happy?
If happiness was measured by percentage, I'd sit at approximately 80%- I still have a lot to achieve and pursue that will make me 110% happy. So I guess I'd say I'm very content.
What is your greatest strength?
I keep trying.
What is my greatest weakness?
I don't switch off and overthink.
How would you describe yourself?
Silly, caring, thoughtful, old-fashioned, friendly, helpful, daggy, warm, sensitive, soft, cautious, creative, keen to learn, has a good memory.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
It depends who is putting it on me! Usually I'm fine at the time and need to wind down later on.
How do I evaluate success?
Am I happy? Is the other party happy? Can I sleep well at night? Have I achieved my goals or am I on my way to achieving them? If I can say yes to any of these, I'm doing well.
Why did you start your small business?
I've been on maternity leave and have enjoyed nothing more in life than being at home for my children. I've always been a keen writer and never imagined making a career out of writing until last year. I want to eventually work from home, because home is my favourite place. I want to have the feeling of accomplishment in knowing I've started something from the ground up that gives me those buttterflies in my stomach and goosebumps and helps others.
How did you come up with your business name?
I was firing names at my husband and Little Red Writing Solutions was the last name I came up with. It was random and I love it! I've been told it's cute and memorable- I'm happy with the memorable part.
What and or who inspires me?
What- my past, research, the power of learning
Who- my family, my friends, my teachers, my colleagues
What are you passionate about?
Writing, making a happy and healthy life for myself and my family, women's health, justice issues, reading, learning new skills, science, small business, helping others, medicine.
What are you most grateful for?
My children (noticing a theme here?), my childhood, the time I had with my parents, the friends who've helped me through the recent loss of my mum, the way I can laugh through almost any tough situation, good books and funny movies
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start a small business?
Research, ask questions, have a go, don't give up
Are you living my dreams?
Not yet- there's so much more I need to add to my life
What would you do today if there was no tomorrow?
Watch my children play, hug and kiss them as much as I do, smile and enjoy the last 24 hours, breathe easy and feel every moment.
The greatest things you learnt in life?
Speak up. It's normal to be flawed. Accept what you cannot change. Never go a day without telling your loved ones how much you love them and appreciate them. Some say words lose their meaning the more you repeat them- "I love you" never goes out of fashion. Just be yourself- it doesn't matter if people don't always "get you". Being weird is the best way to be, because you are the only you.
Describe your business in three words.
Fresh, resourceful, focused
The song title that describes your work ethic?
"Tunnel Vision" - Justin Timberlake (Once I start, I can't focus on anything else!)
What opportunities are you looking for?
I am looking for partnerships, not jobs. I want to find small business owners and Mums in Business and help ease their workload. I love small projects, as much as ongoing ones. I take any opportunities that come my way, I also do a lot of networking which has led to some great business-minded people and amazing small businesses.
How can you create these opportunities?
Just work at it. Pretty simple. Put myself out there and see what happens.
Your biggest goals and dreams?
To live a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. To eventually work from home- part-time only, so I can be the full-time Mum I'd love to be. To travel to my favourite parts of Australia again, to show my kids what I got to see as a child. To be a successful small business owner.
What is your inner dialogue like?
It depends on the time of day, but usually it's very helpful! I have learnt in the past 9 or so months to wind down and relax. I still have a lot to learn but my inner voice is a great help. By around 10am, I'm focused and onto my to-do lists. I don't like sitting doing nothing, so I keep busy until I can't keep my eyes open anymore. Then try to keep going for at least another hour!
How are you making your life more meaningful?
I'm able to spend more time with my little children, so that's a big part of finding peace in my life. I am focusing on what I want to do professionally and focusing on what I love, which I didn't allow myself to do before. I am set on creating beautiful memories for my children, that's my biggest job. I just keep thinking- we are here for a good time, not a long time.
Why did you choose copy writing as a career path?
I have a lot of inspirational people in my life who thought I should re-focus on what I love doing, and that's writing. I have met some amazingly insightful business women who have encouraged and supported me into the position I am in now. I want to be helpful to others in any profession I am working in. My small business focuses on helping others by relieving pressure and adding time and money to their business. My business is a creative outlet, I've never had that in a position I've held before- very hard to feel this way about nursing!
Do you enjoy working for yourself?
So far, yes. I don't need to run my ideas past anyone. I can work on what I want to the beat of my own drum. I make my own deadlines and run off my own to-do lists, rather than someone else's. It's the greatest personal challenge I've taken on but I'm determined to make the most of it.
What are your Top 3 songs right now?
Acapella- Karmin
Royals- Lorde
Wake Me Up- Avicii
What are your three pet peeves?
Drivers who don't indicate
My son eating a meal, then saying "I'm starving" two minutes later!
People who don't consider the feelings of others before they talk or act- I am a sensitive soul
What do you want to learn in the next 12 months?
Anything and everything possible about growing my copy writing, I want to continue my Buddhism studies and I want to learn how to fix more around the house!
Related articles
- 5 Facts You Need To Know About Lauren @ Little Red Writing Solutions (lrwsolutions.wordpress.com)
- 10 Great Ideas for Moms Who Want to Work at Home (babyzone.com)
- The rise and rise of mumpreneurs (dynamicbusiness.com.au)
- Small Business Interview: T*Racy Design (staples.com)
- Eight Days of Laughter (docsology.wordpress.com)
- Supermom? The "Art" of Balancing Life as a Work at Home Mom (nancypennick.wordpress.com)
Little Red's Business Review- Me & Em Graphic Design with Emily Foote
Add classically elegant personalised art to affordable pricing in a digital age, and you won't need to look any further than Emily Foote’s alluring digital creations. Through her Small Business, Me & Em Graphic Design, Emily has turned her passion for design into a creative outlet and career, all the while being a focused and innovative business owner and mother.
Operating for the last two and a half years out of one of the most creative and artistically inspiring towns of Victoria's North East Region – Wangaratta - Emily has vision. She is driven to create beautiful pieces of art for your home and as finishing touches for your special life events.
Custom Wedding Bunting, image courtesy of Me & Em Graphic Design
Emily has forged a strong online and community following as a freelance Graphic Designer, while also working for her local newspaper and printing shop. Emily produces a gorgeous range of products which encompass anything from speciality papers and fabrics (perfect for all you crafters out there), to her vintage floral designs, birth and alphabet prints, downloadable prints, custom wedding and party buntings and my personal favourite - her personalised name prints.
Custom Wedding Bunting, image courtesy of Me & Em Graphic Design
In a reflective interview earlier in the year, Emily stated that she felt drawn to use her creativity as the basis for a career. Members of her community were so impressed by decorating efforts in her own child's bedroom, that she was enlisted to create artwork for other parents, and to custom design items for the memorable occasions in their lives.
In a digital age, where almost everything can be personalized, Emily takes her customer service one step further in truly connecting with her clients, understanding their design brief and creating the perfect high quality piece.
Numbers Print from the Nursery Range, image courtesy of Me & Em Graphic Design
Alphabet Print from the Me & Em Nursery Range, image courtesy of Me & Em Graphic Design
Numbers Print from the Me & Em Nursery Range, image courtesy of Me & Em Graphic Design
With her elegant designs featuring in local boutique markets, such as the Little Me Market Day at the Cube in Wodonga, and available for purchase through her easily accessible Etsy Store, you will be stirred to share in some of her work and make her pieces a feature in your home or at your next function.
You can contact Emily to discuss her designs via
Phone: 0438 021 098
Etsy Shop: Me & Em Graphic Design
Facebook: Me & Em Graphic Design
Email: info@meandem.com.au
Join Emily on Pinterest & Instagram to share in a visual feast!
@meandemandyou
Monday, July 29, 2013
Why Your Small Business Needs a Copy Writer
(Image courtesy of roi.com.au)
Do you know what copy writing is at this point in the development of your small business? You may not have ever heard of the copy writing industry, or ever thought you needed to hire a copy writer. You might not be at a point where you can afford one. But if I can give you one piece of advice before I tell you why your business could use a resource like my business, it would be this: you need to understand the value the addition of a good copy writer to your team can add to your business overall.
Now to the real reason why I jumped on my blog at midnight- to remind you why you should contact me to make over your business writing.
You don't have time to write. Or should I say, your consumers are keeping you so busy, you haven't made your business writing as much as a priority as it should be. It's often hard to commit to something like this as often as it should happen when you need to be responding to your consumers, researching your next business development or just spending that extra hour with the kids before they go to bed. Or just plain working.
Why is getting text right so imperative? Because your website and Facebook pages look amazing and a spelling or grammar mistake will turn prospective clients away in an instant. It's fair to say anyone can write. Copy writers, however, communicate. They turn your business messages and business goals into words that make consumers want to act and to respond to your business. For small business owners who are aware of SEO (search engine optimisation), copy writers use SEO techniques without being obvious. It all adds to more traffic to your business, which can mean more profit for you.
I am continually researching. Trading my old skills for new ones, always looking for new ways to make your business flourish. I want to make people notice your hard work and I have no qualms in telling you how amazing your business is. Why? If you were walking around telling yourself how amazing your business was, you'd feel like you were blowing your own trumpet and you'd water your messages down because you feel awkward about self-promotion. You don't need to do that when you use a copy writer.
(Image courtesy of masstransmit.com)
My fresh eyes haven't spent day after day reading your business slogans, brochures and website text. I can assist in increasing your business productivity so you don't need to ask other employees to stop what they are doing to write a mail out or stay at the office late into the night to finish writing the technical manual for use with new starters. Use me so you can concentrate on what you do best. This is especially important for small business owners who operate their business single-handedly.
The value of outsourcing in this instance cannot be underestimated. With experience from a collection of industries, I'm an offsite resource who can play a role in the marketing and advertising of your product or service. And an inexpensive resource at that, in comparison to the value added to your business once our partnership is underway. And once the job is done to your satisfaction, you don't need to keep me "occupied" with tasks, it's a worry free relationship!
(Image courtesy of timemanagementninja.com)
My passion remains with words and sentences and from this, I am dedicated to finding the perfect words that represent your business. I want your messages to be clear and I want your business front to prospective consumers appear professional and solid. Using a professional tone, I like to reiterate your business messages in all forms of social and print media. I work with you in creating ideas, then I make them magnetic.
Do you have concerns with consumer engagement? All your business content and promotional material may be there in print and online, but you need a resource who can write to persuade, entice, inform and convert feelings and ideas into action. It's in this way that a service like Little Red is value for money and you'll know the price of my services in advance.
(Image courtesy of russellherder.com)
My service is honest and my goal is to understand your business goals and messages quickly so I can save you time and money. I offer obligation free quotes and am flexible- you can use my service as a one-off or year round. Our relationship is totally up to you.
Can you see how we can work together? More to the point, can you see any reason why we can't work together? I'm the sole operator of Little Red, there are resources I will be searching for too. It could be a match made in heaven.
Head to Facebook to check out my page, or contact me via email littleredwriting@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Twitter
Make sure you stay tuned to Little Red & Her Writing- tomorrow you should team a hot cuppa with an interesting read as I post my interview with Tracy Speight from Warratahstree
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Little Red's 365 Day Photo Challenge- Ride
(Image courtesy of movieworld.com.au)
Hopefully I'll be brave enough to go on this "ride" this time at Movie World when we head there for our first family holiday with two little ones!
Are you scared of rides that go too fast, take you up too high, are too noisy, too steep or just plain old frightening? I've been scared of rides ever since I can remember. Conquer this ride- tick it off my bucket list!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Little Red's Round Up #1
A prince and future heir was born. Little George Alexander Louis finally entered the world his week, after apparently hanging about a bit too long in the royal womb! One can only hope that he gets more privacy and his parents, especially his mother, are more supported than William's mother was in her quest to bring up two little princes with as little "paid assistance" as possible. For a future heir, he is pretty cute!
The plight of refugees seeking asylum in Australia and their re-routing to Indonesia and PNG continues.
Watch here as a Sri Lankan mother fights tears after losing her 4 year old on the journey to Australia. Absolutely breaks my heart that these people just want a better life, with less poverty and more chance for opportunity and the debate over whether they should be turned away to Indonesia continues. Kevin Rudd has made his view on the turning away of asylum seekers in Australian Waters crystal clear (check out the Australian's comments here) and UN Refugee and Asylum Seeker Agencies are not overly impressed.
Pope Francis returns to his native Brazil to tour the slums, celebrate World Youth Day, bless the most beautiful babies and to speak to the masses about keeping faith and playing football ahead of next year's World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Check out his visit to Brazil here, in which he expressed support for those who are protesting for peace and less corruption within the South American country.
Victorian Ambos continue their push for a pay rise and recognition as equals in line with Ambos all other Australian States and Territories.
Liverpool FC played Melbourne Victory at the MCG and the spectacle attracted a crowd of around 95,000. Meanwhile, the Bombers continue to crumble in front of their supporters' eyes after chairman David Evans vows "this is not farewell", then quits as the club's head the following day.
Finally, Tom Meagher, wife of rape and murder victim Jill Meagher, confronts the Adult Parole Board of Victoria (yet again) about a review of their procedures surrounding the release of serious sex offenders into the community and parole conditions regarding offenders who committ serious offences whilst still on parole. His emails and letters to them went ignored until the Moreland Mayor stepped in.
Read about the latest in Tom Meagher's fight here to uphold the memory of his beloved wife and to remind the Adult Parole Board about their Duty of Care to members of the community. After all, this Board exists primarily to ensure the safety of the community by controlling the release of criminals back into the community on certain conditions. It's more than a pity that in two high profile cases, that of Jill Meagher's brutal rape and murder and the horrfying discovery of Bacchus Marsh woman Sarah Cafferkey's body in Point Cook (following her murder by a man on parole who was known to her), both men were on parole at the time these savagely violent crimes were carried out. Let's see how the Parole Board handle Tom's outrage in the coming days.
Some good, mostly bad and gutwrenching news headlines throughout Twitter, Facebook, Melbourne Newspapers and on the TV this week. Hoping this week will be a ray of sunshine in the news department. Well, I can dream can't I?
(Image courtesy of www.vanityfair.com)
The plight of refugees seeking asylum in Australia and their re-routing to Indonesia and PNG continues.
Watch here as a Sri Lankan mother fights tears after losing her 4 year old on the journey to Australia. Absolutely breaks my heart that these people just want a better life, with less poverty and more chance for opportunity and the debate over whether they should be turned away to Indonesia continues. Kevin Rudd has made his view on the turning away of asylum seekers in Australian Waters crystal clear (check out the Australian's comments here) and UN Refugee and Asylum Seeker Agencies are not overly impressed.
(Image courtesy of www.vibewire.org)
Pope Francis returns to his native Brazil to tour the slums, celebrate World Youth Day, bless the most beautiful babies and to speak to the masses about keeping faith and playing football ahead of next year's World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Check out his visit to Brazil here, in which he expressed support for those who are protesting for peace and less corruption within the South American country.
(image courtesy of www.catholicherald.co.uk)
Victorian Ambos continue their push for a pay rise and recognition as equals in line with Ambos all other Australian States and Territories.
(Image Courtesy of Code Red- Value Our Ambos)
Please spend a few minutes checking out the Facebook Page for current happenings on the fight for Victorian Ambos here
or go to aeavic.org.au and Support our Ambos- you never know when you'll need them and they are worth a tonne more than the little wage rise and better working conditions than they are fighting the Napthine Government for.
Liverpool FC played Melbourne Victory at the MCG and the spectacle attracted a crowd of around 95,000. Meanwhile, the Bombers continue to crumble in front of their supporters' eyes after chairman David Evans vows "this is not farewell", then quits as the club's head the following day.
(Image courtesy of heraldsun.com.au)
Finally, Tom Meagher, wife of rape and murder victim Jill Meagher, confronts the Adult Parole Board of Victoria (yet again) about a review of their procedures surrounding the release of serious sex offenders into the community and parole conditions regarding offenders who committ serious offences whilst still on parole. His emails and letters to them went ignored until the Moreland Mayor stepped in.
Read about the latest in Tom Meagher's fight here to uphold the memory of his beloved wife and to remind the Adult Parole Board about their Duty of Care to members of the community. After all, this Board exists primarily to ensure the safety of the community by controlling the release of criminals back into the community on certain conditions. It's more than a pity that in two high profile cases, that of Jill Meagher's brutal rape and murder and the horrfying discovery of Bacchus Marsh woman Sarah Cafferkey's body in Point Cook (following her murder by a man on parole who was known to her), both men were on parole at the time these savagely violent crimes were carried out. Let's see how the Parole Board handle Tom's outrage in the coming days.
Some good, mostly bad and gutwrenching news headlines throughout Twitter, Facebook, Melbourne Newspapers and on the TV this week. Hoping this week will be a ray of sunshine in the news department. Well, I can dream can't I?
Little Red's 365 Day Photo Challenge- A Boy
This is "a boy", my boy. This photo shows his teddy's townhouse and a bus full of Minions who've come to visit Teddy (named Brewster). The Minions never leave each other's sides, he has made them a family, a travelling circus family of Minions! Apparently all these little fellas can do tricks like Cirque De Soleil!
At nearly 5 years old, he is my amazing little friend and companion in life. He is like me in almost every way possible. This isn't necessarily a great thing! He's sensitive, loves to waffle, is creative and has the most amazing imagination. He loves drawing and writing. He has already written three stories, which are unbelievably cute! I wish he didn't have to trundle off to school next year, but I'm so ready to start some new adventures with him. Love you to the moon and back my X-Man.
Little Red's Suggestion Page- Is There Something You Need To Say?
(Image courtesy of ww.letusinsureyou.com)
Do you have some constructive feedback for Little Red Writing Solutions? Would you like to see a specific post or series of posts in the near future from Little Red? Is there a style of writing for your business that you'd like to get some help with?
If you have a suggestion on how I can improve my work, my customer service or if you'd like to give me a thumbs up (which is always appreciated), please comment on this post. Please use appropriate language and remember that abuse will not be tolerated, as it shouldn't be anywhere.
This Small Business Mum thanks you from the bottom of her heart
Friday, July 26, 2013
5 Facts You Need To Know About Lauren @ Little Red Writing Solutions
(Image courtesy of www.littlecottagebiglife.com )
Fact One: I AM FOCUSSED ON SMALL BUSINESS
I focus on Small Business Owners and Mums who own their own Online or "Brick and Mortar" Businesses. I am a mum of two squidlets, so I know what it's like to be pressed for time, to work all hours to meet deadlines and to rush in and out of the house for meetings. I also know what it's like to not have the cash to splash on fancy business tools or human resources/PR.
Fact Two: MY PRICES ARE COMPETITIVE
My services start at $25 for a 350 word Business Review/Owner Profile (use this for your webpage, Facebook Page, as a testimonial, your portfolio etc), offer valid until the end of July only. This review will be displayed on my Facebook Business Pages, my website and my blog. The best part about this is it's great exposure for your small business- you are not paying a marketing agent or advertiser big bucks to get your name out there. You don't need to pay ongoing fees.
I proof read or edit your business writing for $25 per hour and I write your website or intranet content for $25 per hour (offer valid until the end of July)
Check out my Facebook Page over the weekend for Terms pf Payment and Pricing Updates- August will bring some changes.
Fact Three: MY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE ISN'T LIMITED TO LITERATURE AND COPY WRITING
I have current and relevant experience in the fields of medical services, administration, nursing, Engineering, Agriculture, Retail, Hospitality and Tourism. I also have a hobby business, in which I make and sell unique hair wear for little ones. So you don't think I can write a piece on the role of the bionic eye in children under 10 years or the changing landscape of A La Carte Food and Beverage Service in Victoria? the spike in mammogram testing in Australia since 2011? THINK AGAIN!
Fact Four: MY INTERESTS EXTEND OUTSIDE OF WRITING- BUT NOT OFTEN ENOUGH!
Writing is my greatest passion (outside of my husband and kids) BUT I cannot live without: music (and lots of it piled into my iPod), a really hot curry once in a while, exploring Melbourne with my squidlets, visiting a new face each week, new novels and series (almost weekly!), cooking, making life journals for my kids, daydreaming about renovating, travelling and movies!
FACT FIVE: I TOTALLY BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA- IN ALL FORMS!
You will see me often on Facebook, I'll post on Twitter, I love blogging and I smile when I get a new LinkedIn notification. I check my email regularly, I'm updating my own website, I am head over heels in love with the Google Apps Store, in particular Google Analytics (see blog post shortly about the Apps I believe every small business owner should take a look at) and I pin on Pinterest until I fall asleep every night! You can now chat to me about your business writing needs via Skype (check out my Facebook Page for new details) and I am keeping my Instagram account a personal one- don't want to clog your feeds too much! Why am I a sucker for social media? Because I love to talk, I love to type and share, I love to communicate and how else would I get my message outso quickly? I love networking opportunities and owe a lot to Social Media for helping Little Red stay afloat!
LEJ
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Little Red's 365 Day Photo Challenge- Day 7- Progress
Today's photo: my new room, where I hope to move my writing base to! The walls were apricot/beige/blahhhh. Now a beautiful smoky light grey. With a shiny silver feature wall! Cannot wait to finish painting and decorate. I get excited about the small things in life, but it's the small things that matter most to me.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Little Red's 365 Day Photo Challenge- Day 6 - Action
Since I wasn't active today and worked most of the day, I needed a laugh!
Little Red's 365 Day Blog Challenge- Day 6- What Makes You Lose Track of Time?
I love the feeling of losing track of time, especially at work and on weekends!
Here are my top ten time smugglers:
- nana naps
- reading a series
- watching my favourite movies (for usually more than the second or third time)
- watching my children play
- long drives
- being on holiday
- cooking
- writing
- making my kids life journals
- cleaning
Some days, it doesn't matter what I do, I lose track of time. I get to the end of my day and wonder what I actually achieved! If I didn't have lists and cross things off as I go, I would be lost....
What makes you forget about your worries? What makes your lose all concentration and gets all your attention at once?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Why Your Website Content Needs An Overhaul TODAY
(Image Courtesy of iwebhostingcoupons.com)
You may have focussed on what your site looks like to prospective clients, as opposed to spending the same amount of time writing the perfect content which consumers will enjoy reading. And more importantly, consumers will remember. We all need an elegant, bright website. But we need the content to match.
Your slogans are cheezy and outdated, and don't represent the image you want for your business. The text doesn't match the photos and infographics on your pages. Some pages have bundles of paragraphs, while some have only two sentences. The slogans, combined with text don't represent the heart of your business. Your messages are not creative, concise, well-scripted, are inconsistent or not reiterated throughout your site. And embarassingly enough, you may have included avoidable grammatical and spelling errors. Your consumers will assume you don't care enough about the finer details of your site, so why should they collaborate with you? Will you make these mistakes in working for them too?
Your content may not target the consumers you have set out to reach. You are missing out on business and networking opportunities because you are not focussing on the clients who have a need for your business. The description of you, your service/products and your contact details may not be clear and mightn't paint a true picture to your clients. Your products and services are no doubt state of the art, current and you are pitching your business as a "must-need" item, group of items or service. So why can't your text be as realistic as this? Why can't your content show consumers why they absolutely must read on? And contact you to find out more?
You aren't showing your consumers what they can expect from your business and readers will not stay for long on your site if they are not interested. It really is as simple as that. The majority of your business prospects, no matter which industry you work in, will head to your website first or ask for your web address when meeting you face-to-face.
So make each word count for something. Ask Lauren at Little Red Writing Solutions how she can make over your content today. Whether it's an overhaul or a "start-from-scratch" job, Lauren looks forward to writing to get it right for you.
Little Red's 365 Day Blog Post Challenge- Living Versus Existing.
One can't exist without the other. I can just exist, and I'm alive, but I'm not living. I can really be living, so I'm not just existing. Very very Zen and very very philosophical for a Tuesday night at 11pm but I'm in the mood for some delving.
Let's create two characters, each representing the constructs of "living" and "existing".
Lady A is "living" and Ms B is "existing"- here are descriptions of their activities in a typical day.
Each morning, including weekends, Ms B wakes up to the buzzing of her alarm at 6am. She does not press the snooze button despite being exhausted, derobes and walks to the shower. She washes her hair with her left hand then washes her face with her right hand. She turns the hot tap off first, then the cold. She reaches for the blue towel on the rack (one of 7, one for each day of the week) and dries her hair. She then dresses in her shirt and pants and heads in the same number of steps to her dining table, where she eats her 3 Weet Bix, teaspoon of bran and half a glass of Original Orange Juice. From the same bowl and glass she's used for the last 13 years.
Already, Ms B makes me think of routine, maintenance, task orientation.
She packs her lunch box neatly into her bag and waits for the 828am bus to the city, where she climbs on and sits on the right, third row from the driver, next to the window.She is concerned that the bus arrived at 831am. This means her walk to the office will at least have to be an eighth quicker. Adults and school children buzz around her. She drops a pile of paperwork as she exits the bus, right foot first as usual, and no one stops to help her. She picks up her strewn papers and angrily walks the 176 steps to her office chair, where she will sit until her first tea break at 1030am. She is thinking about the red apple and muesli bar she will eat for morning tea and it dawns on her that she hasn't packed it. Her day is now ruined. This is what she was looking forward to for the morning- an apple and a muesli bar.
So now I'm thinking: passive, predictable, in control, inflexible
Once her work day ends at 5pm, she walks to the bus and sits down. She reads the daily paper, every page, and realises when she gets home that her recycling bin has accidentally been moved into a neighbouring driveway by mistake. This is no mistake to her, she is angry and full of vitriol. She was looking forward to getting inside and putting her frozen Lean Cuisine in the microwave while she watches the news from 5pm until 530pm, she doesn't care for sport which extends the bulletin until 6pm. She sits staring into her bowl of tasteless pasta and frozen beans.
Ms B doesn't like disobeying personal rules she has defined herself within the boundaries of her comfort zone. She makes herself invisible, as to stay within these boundaries and is not looking to extend herself. She isn't reaching for the sky. She is merely occupying space and is looking for little things to live for. She has too much regard for consequences of not following routine, her life is safe in her eyes and is just being present. She is like everyone is before they really live-they are just existing.
Now onto Lady A. WOW! She took a risk on the weekend by hiking with her little kids and made the mistake of not taking enough water- but they survived. They got home to her parents place for dinner late, made no apologies and proceeded to waffle at a million miles an hour about how she cannot wait for her next hike into the wilderness. She talks of the promotion she is aiming for in her job and how she has researched what she needs to act on to be the best candidate. Her mum is beaming with pride! Her goal is to one day leave the office job she holds (where she spends much time dreaming of her favourite artists and songs) and how she will make a living for herself as the boss. She thrives on the idea of heading into the office and yelling out "I QUIT" and knows that everyone will miss her laugh, her silliness and her positive attitude.
She has always been in a leader in every venture she has embraced- she takes risks that pay off and even though she makes mistakes, she learns from them. She conveys truth when she speaks "I love my children but they annoy the heck out of me when they don't stop waffling". She cares about others as much as she cares for herself. She heads to work the next day and notices Ms B, who is visibly down. She asks what's wrong and gets a long-winded version of how she left her morning tea at home and how she got up on time, nothing was "different" this particular morning and still couldn't manage to pack her snacks. And that she is a failure. She offers a different perspective on this dilemma, that Ms B could go a buy a hot chocolate from the new vendor next door, she could even give her the change, they are offering a free muffin today but no, Ms B really wanted her apple and muesli bar. Realising that Ms B cannot be swayed, Lady A just passes her her morning tea and walks off with a smile. She doesn't sweat the small stuff, yet doesn't mind if other people do.
She gets home, slips off her heels (which look amazing, but give her excruciating pain) and turns the iPod dock up REALLY LOUD. She grabs her three-year old in her arms and dances a waltz. She is interrupted by her husband, who wants his dinner RIGHT NOW and stops him mid-whinge to grab him by the hand so he can join his girls in a waltz. She makes them proud and she makes her stressed-out husband smile and remember why he adores her. She makes him realize that life is about feelings and making a positive example of yourself. He is witnessing her journey- she's working, raising a family, pursuing her passions and setting goals for herself. Whether she achieves them or not is clearly not the issue, it's the journey she's on.
She's growing by learning from her mistakes. She explodes with new ideas every day at work and is known for her vitality. Everyone knows she cares and is a kind soul. Everyone feels her energy and her presence. Her life is a story and she is still tying together the sentences, she is nowhere near the end. Every day has meaning and every step she takes together with her children brings excitement and joy. She never compromises her true self, yet makes compromises with others to experience their joy. She feels powerful as a mother and as a woman of worth. Her husband feels he has an equal. She has made an everlasting impact on her work mates and more importantly, on her children. She existed before her children arrived- now she lives.
Can you really feel the differences I've described? Close your eyes and picture yourself as either of these women. Which one are you resembling more right now? There is nothing wrong with stability in life. Our children need stability. Everyone has some sense of routine they need for a bit of safety. But there is a lot wrong with just existing. We are born to live. To have attitudes, to express feelings and to fight tooth and nail for what is important, right and good. Being alive is the realization that you have something in your life worth dying for. Don't waste all that energy inside you. Every cell is buzzing and wanting to be put to good use. You are blessed when you reach that pinnacle where everything in life is passionate, beautiful and enjoyable. Where you open your eyes and all is see is light and all you feel is warmth and love. We all have that pinnacle within reach at some point. Some just need to dance longer and turn the music up louder to reach it.
LEJ
Let's create two characters, each representing the constructs of "living" and "existing".
Lady A is "living" and Ms B is "existing"- here are descriptions of their activities in a typical day.
Each morning, including weekends, Ms B wakes up to the buzzing of her alarm at 6am. She does not press the snooze button despite being exhausted, derobes and walks to the shower. She washes her hair with her left hand then washes her face with her right hand. She turns the hot tap off first, then the cold. She reaches for the blue towel on the rack (one of 7, one for each day of the week) and dries her hair. She then dresses in her shirt and pants and heads in the same number of steps to her dining table, where she eats her 3 Weet Bix, teaspoon of bran and half a glass of Original Orange Juice. From the same bowl and glass she's used for the last 13 years.
Already, Ms B makes me think of routine, maintenance, task orientation.
She packs her lunch box neatly into her bag and waits for the 828am bus to the city, where she climbs on and sits on the right, third row from the driver, next to the window.She is concerned that the bus arrived at 831am. This means her walk to the office will at least have to be an eighth quicker. Adults and school children buzz around her. She drops a pile of paperwork as she exits the bus, right foot first as usual, and no one stops to help her. She picks up her strewn papers and angrily walks the 176 steps to her office chair, where she will sit until her first tea break at 1030am. She is thinking about the red apple and muesli bar she will eat for morning tea and it dawns on her that she hasn't packed it. Her day is now ruined. This is what she was looking forward to for the morning- an apple and a muesli bar.
So now I'm thinking: passive, predictable, in control, inflexible
Once her work day ends at 5pm, she walks to the bus and sits down. She reads the daily paper, every page, and realises when she gets home that her recycling bin has accidentally been moved into a neighbouring driveway by mistake. This is no mistake to her, she is angry and full of vitriol. She was looking forward to getting inside and putting her frozen Lean Cuisine in the microwave while she watches the news from 5pm until 530pm, she doesn't care for sport which extends the bulletin until 6pm. She sits staring into her bowl of tasteless pasta and frozen beans.
Ms B doesn't like disobeying personal rules she has defined herself within the boundaries of her comfort zone. She makes herself invisible, as to stay within these boundaries and is not looking to extend herself. She isn't reaching for the sky. She is merely occupying space and is looking for little things to live for. She has too much regard for consequences of not following routine, her life is safe in her eyes and is just being present. She is like everyone is before they really live-they are just existing.
Now onto Lady A. WOW! She took a risk on the weekend by hiking with her little kids and made the mistake of not taking enough water- but they survived. They got home to her parents place for dinner late, made no apologies and proceeded to waffle at a million miles an hour about how she cannot wait for her next hike into the wilderness. She talks of the promotion she is aiming for in her job and how she has researched what she needs to act on to be the best candidate. Her mum is beaming with pride! Her goal is to one day leave the office job she holds (where she spends much time dreaming of her favourite artists and songs) and how she will make a living for herself as the boss. She thrives on the idea of heading into the office and yelling out "I QUIT" and knows that everyone will miss her laugh, her silliness and her positive attitude.
She has always been in a leader in every venture she has embraced- she takes risks that pay off and even though she makes mistakes, she learns from them. She conveys truth when she speaks "I love my children but they annoy the heck out of me when they don't stop waffling". She cares about others as much as she cares for herself. She heads to work the next day and notices Ms B, who is visibly down. She asks what's wrong and gets a long-winded version of how she left her morning tea at home and how she got up on time, nothing was "different" this particular morning and still couldn't manage to pack her snacks. And that she is a failure. She offers a different perspective on this dilemma, that Ms B could go a buy a hot chocolate from the new vendor next door, she could even give her the change, they are offering a free muffin today but no, Ms B really wanted her apple and muesli bar. Realising that Ms B cannot be swayed, Lady A just passes her her morning tea and walks off with a smile. She doesn't sweat the small stuff, yet doesn't mind if other people do.
She gets home, slips off her heels (which look amazing, but give her excruciating pain) and turns the iPod dock up REALLY LOUD. She grabs her three-year old in her arms and dances a waltz. She is interrupted by her husband, who wants his dinner RIGHT NOW and stops him mid-whinge to grab him by the hand so he can join his girls in a waltz. She makes them proud and she makes her stressed-out husband smile and remember why he adores her. She makes him realize that life is about feelings and making a positive example of yourself. He is witnessing her journey- she's working, raising a family, pursuing her passions and setting goals for herself. Whether she achieves them or not is clearly not the issue, it's the journey she's on.
She's growing by learning from her mistakes. She explodes with new ideas every day at work and is known for her vitality. Everyone knows she cares and is a kind soul. Everyone feels her energy and her presence. Her life is a story and she is still tying together the sentences, she is nowhere near the end. Every day has meaning and every step she takes together with her children brings excitement and joy. She never compromises her true self, yet makes compromises with others to experience their joy. She feels powerful as a mother and as a woman of worth. Her husband feels he has an equal. She has made an everlasting impact on her work mates and more importantly, on her children. She existed before her children arrived- now she lives.
Can you really feel the differences I've described? Close your eyes and picture yourself as either of these women. Which one are you resembling more right now? There is nothing wrong with stability in life. Our children need stability. Everyone has some sense of routine they need for a bit of safety. But there is a lot wrong with just existing. We are born to live. To have attitudes, to express feelings and to fight tooth and nail for what is important, right and good. Being alive is the realization that you have something in your life worth dying for. Don't waste all that energy inside you. Every cell is buzzing and wanting to be put to good use. You are blessed when you reach that pinnacle where everything in life is passionate, beautiful and enjoyable. Where you open your eyes and all is see is light and all you feel is warmth and love. We all have that pinnacle within reach at some point. Some just need to dance longer and turn the music up louder to reach it.
LEJ
Monday, July 22, 2013
Little Red's 365 Day Photo Challenge- A Framework
Since I was working most of the day, I came up with "frame" (glasses) + "work" (blogging) and (+ a mug of my favourite hot chocolate) and there we have it- Day 4 Completed, 361 Days To Go!
Little Red's 365 Day Blog Post Challenge #4- A song that makes me cry and why
The song?
"Paradise" by Coldplay.
Why?
1. The last word my mum ever texted me (and we texted a lot, well I texted her a lot) was the word "paradise". I was complaining about how many more kilometers we had to drive home to Melbourne from Sydney. The number was 276 approximately. Her last "words" to me were "Chin up, last stretch and back to paradise". It really was a kind of paradise with her in my life, a pillar of support, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a mum to hug and a woman and mother to inspire me. Then she died suddenly and that was it. Paradise spoiled. I'll miss her for the rest of my days.
2. Coldplay is my favourite band of all time. They were also one of my dad's favourite bands. I inherited (so thankfully) his passion for music. Not a day goes by where I don't listen to them. Dad would really have loved this song and I can picture him tapping his foot from the stalls, watching them live and pretending to not really be that interested (even though inside, his ears are in musical heaven)
3. Why do I cry? Because my son always wants to listen to this song and sometimes, I just can't bear to, even though it's one of my all-time favourites (and with a collection of over 75,000 pieces of music in my possession, it's a great achievement by Coldplay if I do say so myself). Sometimes I don't feel like breaking down. When I'm happy, I love listening to Paradise. When I'm on the edge, nope. Can't cope. The tears don't stop. The first time I listened to this song after my mum died was only two weeks ago. She died in April. It took me that long to hear the word "paradise" again and luckily enough, I hadn't by chance heard it on the radio in that time. As I listened to the song in my kitchen in the dark of night, I grabbed my tiny daughter, held her close and danced with her cheek to cheek. I quietly sobbed the words to her and she drifted off to sleep. I was lonely for the first time, even though I wasn't alone.
"Paradise" reminds me of both my angel parents (RIP) in a significant, life-changing way. Songs play one of the most important roles in my life, they remind of people I've met, people I've loved, people I've lost, places I've been, memories I've made and times in my life when my moods and emotions were at different ends of the spectrum. Most importantly, songs remind me of how far I've come in my life and what I have to be thankful for.
Watch and listen here
(Image courtesy of imgfave.com )
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