The unexpected can gift better

Summer 2016 is now coming to a close (Autumn begins Thursday September 22nd this year) so I thought it an excellent time to accomplish my seasonal blogging on Alicia Rose at WordPress. The reason behind my being a seasonal blogger is the amount of time required to do the blogging had to come into consideration. Book manuscripts for future publications and online publishing articles do not write themselves. Writing anything takes time and effort. To all of my readers who have encouraged me to blog more often, a great big thank you for your enthusiasm; very heart-warming.

First, before I get into my usual sharing mode, I want to thank all who have given thumbs up for my videos on my YouTube channel Alicia Rose Shares, followed me on Twitter, befriended me on Facebook, bobbled me on BOBL, became a friend on Wazzub Community, plus my posts on Google+, connected with me on LinkedIn, and continue to support my website Alicia Rose Shares as well as this blog. Your positive feedback gifting support has been very inspirational. The unexpected constructive criticism given has also been an excellent help. Thank you so very much!

To those of you who read the multi-topical articles on my columns KnowABit and HubPages, I heartfelt thank you. Truly wonderful to share my interests and reviews with you. Appreciate you taking the time to read what I have written, truly honored by this.

Quite a stir occurred in my world July 2016. It was most unexpected, did not foresee this event. Examiner.com website was completely transformed into AXS.com a live entertainment venue only site July 15, 2016. My Oklahoma City Health and Happiness Examiner column was on this date unpublished, and my brand of Health and Happiness articles were no longer required by AXS. At first, I was upset by this change for it meant losing something very important to me, but now looking back AXS did me a great favor. This change allowed me to determine what was most important, where my passion truly is, and pursue new goals in my field. It was not the stumble back a step or two kind of change in my writing career.

Foremost, I had become too used to being the Oklahoma City Health and Happiness Examiner. I had been it for so long that the title had become an online identity greater than me being an Author, Columnist and Reviewer. When someone asked me how to find me online, I used to say, “Please search under the Oklahoma City Health and Happiness Examiner, that is my column.” I had a brand other than Alicia Rose. Having multiple brands is not unheard of, but can be confusing to those trying to find your work. It took me 1 3/4 months to sort this out plus update my information on the sites I was active. Learned much along the way in the online world. Fortunately, I made a list preventing any site being overlooked. Now I am easier to “search” and “find.” Just the other day I said, “You can find me through my website Alicia Rose Shares.” A much better method since all I do as an Author, Columnist and Reviewer is listed on my official author site.

That was not the only unexpected change this summer gifted. I also had an upbeat one. How can a work related surprise brighten instead of turn the day glum? Well, this one did when I upgraded my laptop from the unfriendly Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 the minute Microsoft let me know via Microsoft Explorer I could do this. Their free upgrade came with a deadline of August 31, 2016. I did not wait even 5 minutes after reading their invitation to upgrade. This turned out better than expected! Upgrading to Windows 10 did not cost me anything. No Explorer and Google Chrome browser favorites or files were misplaced or lost during the downloading process. Nothing was hard to find after this change. Windows 10 is compatible with earlier versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Office packages). Considering I am very attached to my Microsoft Office package, I was ecstatic not to be forced into upgrading. I did have to update the Bluetooth driver for Windows 10 and re-pair my devices, but that went fairly quickly. All in all it was the easiest upgrade of its kind I have ever experienced!

The personal assistant Cortana is amazing! The calendar that works with Cortana has gifted me a better organizational method; very user friendly. If you can upgrade to or get Windows 10 for your PC, my recommendation is do as soon as possible! Windows 10 saves time and is faster than Microsoft Vista, Windows 7, XP and 8.1. My laptop runs a lot smoother now than it did on Windows 8.1. A lot of problems and glitches I was experiencing with 8.1 magically disappeared the minute Windows 10 was up and running!

Microsoft Edge, the browser that comes with Windows 10, is better than Microsoft Explorer. This browser comes with some handy features that Explorer does not have. My favorite is the Web Note. The only thing I miss is no language translator for Microsoft Edge. If I want to translate a web page from a foreign language to English, I have to use Google Chrome, which I kept any way because some sites I publish on are not compatible with Microsoft Edge or Explorer. I do use Edge more than Chrome when I am online, because it is more user friendly. Microsoft Edge is working great for me as I publish this via WordPress. I am very glad WordPress’s website and Edge are compatible!

Nothing like a few summer changes to keep one’s mind sharp and keep life interesting. Can hardly wait for the beautiful orange, yellow and red colors of Autumn as the trees’ leaves change into their new Fall look.

Sunny Afternoon by Milen

 

Have a great rest of summer! Barbecue while you can! Happy Labor Day and Autumn Solstice!

Alicia Rose

Autumn: A Time for Gratitude, You have mine

Sunny Afternoon, artwork by Milen

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I felt it was the perfect time to show my gratitude to everyone who visits, follows and reads Alicia Rose at WordPress. During summer 2013 this website’s stats soared its highest in traffic! I am ecstatic and extremely grateful for this blessing; makes it worthwhile to continue sharing with each of you.

This autumn, I deleted a few opportunities listed on Alicia’s Tips and Money Making Opportunities for People on a Budget. Often times paying websites or programs that plan to be long-term become short term opportunities on the Internet, because of this it is best not to solely rely on one opportunity to generate pay. If you want to create a sustainable income online, it is best to have multiple sources. Do not be afraid to participate in two to ten money making opportunities. It is the wise thing to do when dealing with money making paradigms on the Internet for there are thousands of start-up opportunities that remain, while others that look great at first can go south later. I have seen this happen several times; count myself lucky that the majority I have decided to stick with have not. No one can predict how a money making model will pan out, why many rely on “word of mouth” from people they know and respect before trying an opportunity.

My recommendation is not to stretch further than ten money making opportunities. I would work no more than ten at a time long-term (or for as long as each lasts). Each model accepted will take time for your participation to make money with it; some ten minutes a day while others could daily take up to an hour or more. If something looks like it will take a huge chunk of your daily or weekly time, make certain you have that amount of time to seriously commit. Treat each opportunity accepted as if it is most important.

This autumn is gorgeous! My dachshund and I are enjoying the sunny days even though it has cooled down into the 60’s and low 70’s. The leaves dancing in the wind displaying the variety of autumn colors (red, oranges, yellows, and browns) makes it worthwhile to be outdoors as nature gifts its own ballet; definitely a sight to see!

As usual, busy editing Undermining Alex as well as keeping my online bookstore updated regularly and seasonally. My bookstore’s busiest time began with All Hallows Eve (Halloween) for this is the beginning of the Holiday Season which will end next year, January 2, 2014.

Hope you like my new autumn header picture and appearance for my official author’s blog; thought a new theme was in order. All feedback is welcome – tells me someone out there online is reading what I write. For all who gift feedback, you have my heartfelt thanks and gratitude!

To all a delightful Thanksgiving and joy filled autumn!

Alicia Rose

Autumn is around the corner….

Sunny Afternoon, artwork by Milen

In August, I tried my hand at making a video with Windows Movie Maker. It was much fun; learned how to splice sections, add images plus effects and how to make the audio match the images, text and special effects. Now I truly appreciate the art of video making more for it is not as easy, yet worth the time spent. Windows Movie Maker is user friendly, more than Microsoft PowerPoint (to me). Here is my Windows Movie Maker result on YouTube, click here.  All feedback is welcome.

The end of August is ending with quite a buzz regarding the Republican Convention. Hard to believe September and the Democratic Party Convention (September 4^th) will arrive soon. This US Presidential Election Year is quite extraordinary and the issues are heating up between the candidates. It will be close, from what I can tell which will give us something very exciting to witness in November. I enjoy a close campaign race. This makes the ending truly a surprise.

Autumn begins this year on September 23, 2012. Soon it will be time to get one’s autumn clothes out of storage as well as replace sandals with warmer shoes or boots. I have already begun eyeing the light sweaters in my closet. Soon even my dachshund will be wearing his light autumn sweaters. Before we know it October will be here, and many children with their parents’ assistance will be making jack-o-lanterns plus roasting fresh pumpkin seeds. 2012 is racing by very fast for me; definitely a busy year!

A very special hearty thank you from me to those who visit Alicia Rose at WordPress website; all visitors are appreciated. UnderminingAlex, the sequel to JustAlex, will be published sometime next year! That much is definite.

To those who began their school year in August or will be beginning a new school year in September, a wonderful school year is wished to each of you. May you learn much for greater growth and your wonderful future. To your success in school!

Cheery autumn!

Alicia Rose

New video content added!

Fun idea for All Hallows' Eve

 

Welcome and greetings to Alicia Rose at WordPress!

Throughout October, I did a little autumn cleaning throughout the pages on this website to keep it up to date. The promised new freebies are located in the video content section in the lower area of the Freebies page. There are some great children’s videos and a special one with The Beatles performing.

Do not forget Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 6, 2011. Remember to set your clock back one hour the night before!

Happy and safe All Hallows’ Eve  to you and your family,

Alicia Rose

Delightful autumn and an all-natural cleaning tip for you!

This photo of autumn leaves was taken in Ada, Oklahoma. Ada is located in Southern Oklahoma. Found online Google Images/richardbarron.net

Once again, here in Oklahoma, the leaves are beginning to turn into their stunning fall colors. Some trees have already begun the leaf shedding process while others will do this later as the weather becomes colder. Right now, at the end of September, the weather is enjoyable in the milder 70’s and 80’s temperatures. The foliage is incrementally changing toward the beautiful autumn look we appreciate for fall is very pretty in Oklahoma with its browns, yellows, oranges and reds.

Eventually, as autumn grows closer to the Winter Solstice the green grass will become its winter brown (in California they call it golden and their grass if not watered changes to what we call here as “winter brown” in the summer), usually around Halloween or near the time change in early November as we fall back into the Standard Time; bidding farewell to the federal funded to participating states Daylight Saving Time.

Today, my dachshund found more leaves on the ground to stomp over for the “crunchy” sound. He loves walking through a pile of leaves or a lawn covered with them. This is one dog that might be little, but adores making the big “crunchy” sound as he tromps on the leaves child-like. We go through this every autumn. I find it amusing and fun to watch our precious dachshund have so much fun with the leaves – like a young child with a big box.

I will be adding more new content to the other pages; as time permits. I am planning on adding some videos for all ages; some will be educational, others fun or musical (or all three). Please keep an eye out for new content right here at Alicia Rose at WordPress. There is much I have found to share and will be adding these jewels throughout the month of October.

As far as when my second book Undermining Alex will be published, that will occur sometime next year. The release date is unknown at this time – sincerest apologies. As soon as it is published in 2012, I will definitely blog right here on my official author’s blog website an announcement.

Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore is doing well for its first year as an online bookstore that offers more than just books. There have been more photos, banners and a featured selection by Linda Yezak added. We do have space for more to showcase on the Featured Selections page. As this unique bookstore’s owner, I personally invite you to visit Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore and see all that is new.

In October, my plans are to add more services on the Welcome page to well round out the bookstore’s website thereby offering a better variety of services as well as the huge selection of books, CDs, DVDs, Amazon Kindle products, children through teenage items, baby products, accessories and much more! We currently have a great selection of autographed books available on the Autograph and Rare Books page that many might find of interest. The page’s title describes exactly what is on that page; designed for those who enjoy book collecting.

For those ecologically minded and performing their autumn cleaning (similar to spring cleaning), vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent (with or without water added). Straight vinegar is perfect for getting rid of mold and mildew – where ever located in the home. I use it to clean my coffee pot, linoleum flooring, toilet bowls, sinks, bathroom tile, bathtubs, laundry room and for sterilizing the cupboards. It is very versatile, won’t harm the outside of dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, ovens or stoves. Vinegar has saved me
much in cleaning products.

Vinegar smells better than the chemical-based cleaning products. It is chemical free and one does not have to worry about it touching the skin for vinegar comes from all-natural sources. You can also drink a teaspoon of it for detoxification purposes.

Which Vinegar should you use? I have found White Vinegar best for cleaning and Apple Cider Vinegar is great for detoxification. The Apple Cider Vinegar tastes better; is easier to ingest. The White Vinegar has a clean smell that is not overpowering; recommend for the sensitive nose.

A heartfelt thank you for the valuable time you spent visiting this site. All visitors are welcome! Children and teens, remember to get your parent’s permission – or view this website with your parents as a family time thing.

Happy autumn to each and every one!

Alicia Rose