I am actually writing this on Memorial Day 2019. I just paused at 3:00 pm local time for a moment of silence and offering of thanks in honor of all the service men and women who died to protect the United States of America. Home. The home of the brave.
In these times, with discouragement in my heart at what is going on in this country --particularly the assault on the branches of government and our liberties--, I am more grateful than ever that others were willing to give of themselves. They made such a commitment to serve, knowing there was always the possibility of the ultimate offering: the giving of their life. And despite the state of the nation, I am grateful to see that
the system works, and to call the United States of America my home.
Then there's my residence. I live in a lovely area of the East Valley of Phoenix, AZ, which actually has lakes despite being in a desert! Inside, my home is a cozy, comfortable space, welcoming to guests and visitors, and a cocoon to me.
But my true home is not external to me. It is within, in my heart, in my soul, close to Spirit. Well, actually one with Spirit, as I can never be separate, despite my thoughts and feelings at times. This is the home that needs care and nourishment first. Tending to it enables me to show up in the outer world as a kinder, more loving person, better able to be of service to others.
I am not all that versed in the Judeo-Christian bible, but I am a bit familiar with the 23rd Psalm about the Lord being my shepherd, that I shall not want, and that He maketh me to lie down in green pastures and leadeth me beside the still waters, etc. Well, I came across the following version --for busy people-- and it resonated with me, and was calming. Hence, I thought I'd share it with you.
Psalm 23: Japanese Version by Toki Miyashiro
The Lord is my pacesetter; I shall not rush.
God makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals:
God provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.
God leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And God's guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret.
For God's presence is here.
God's timelessness and all-importance will keep me in balance.
God prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity, by anointing me with oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows; surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours.
For I shall walk in the pace and dwell in God's house forever.
Minnesota's Peter Mayer has been singing and songwriting full-time for 20+ years. He's a folk musician whose works include songs about our planet, and that celebrate life on earth, the mystery of which we are a part, and the cosmos that surrounds us.
I've heard some of Peter's other songs, but only recently heard "Blue Boat Home." You actually may have heard it sung at a Unitarian Universalist or other church. The combination of the images in the video (below) and listening to the music really took me someplace else, delightfully so. In addition, it provides much food for thought.
Americans experiencing homelessness lack access to everyday necessities and services. Depending on the circumstance, homeless people go without shelter, food, or space to shower or go to the bathroom.
While we usually think of food and shelter as being the main challenges homeless people face, Unilever is bringing awareness to the importance of cleanliness for all people with the announcement of a new brand called The Right To Shower, which believes, as its name implies, every human deserves a shower. One hundred percent of the profits in 2019 will go to mobile shower organizations that provide portable showers and more to the homeless in various cities.
General Computer Use/Technology
Copyright Free Images and Videos
When using images from Google, one must be cautious about not violating copyright ownership. In order to not concern myself with copyright infringement and not pay for images, I've been using Pixabay images.
Pixabay is a vibrant community of creatives, sharing copyright free images and videos. All contents are released under the Pixabay License, which makes them safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist - even for commercial purposes. You can copy, modify, distribute, and use the images, even for commercial purposes, all without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist. While the works are free, rest assure artists appreciate a donation. Visit https://pixabay.com/ to see for yourself.
A similar site is Unsplash, which I recently learned about. Founded 4 years ago as a Tumblr blog, Unsplash has grown into an industry-leading photography community. You can learn more at https://unsplash.com/.
Thankfully, by using an email marketing service like Constant Contact, you're able to know if an email to your subscribers has bounced. And, you're given some details too so then you can take action to remedy the situation.
In general, there are two types of email bounces: a soft bounce and a hard bounce. A
soft bounce means that the email address is valid and was delivered to the recipient's inbox, but it still bounced because the mailbox was full, the server was down, or the message was too large for the recipient's inbox. A
hard bounce happens when the email is permanently rejected because the email address is invalid or the email addresses doesn't exist.
Here are specific reasons why emails bounce:
A non-existent email address
Undeliverable email
Mailbox full
Vacation/Auto-Reply
Blocked email
Other
Learn more about the above types of bounces, as well as what you can do to reduce your bounce rate.
When you sign up for a free 60-day trial of Constant Contact, let's work together for an hour gratis and start putting your email together, upload your contacts, etc.
No credit card required to sign up for your trial!
60 days to explore all the campaign types and features that Constant Contact has to offer.
Create as many campaigns as you want.
Try out all the different campaign types available - there's more than just email!
Sign up for your free 60-day Constant Contact trial using my partner linkor contact me at 928.301.7292.
You may wonder if you always need to have an image in your blog post/article. After all, you've spent all this time working on getting the content since you know "Content is king." Well, the answer is "Yes" -- you always need at least one image.
Images bring an article to life, and can also contribute to your website's SEO (search engine optimization). They also can help readers better understand your article.
While I design and develop WordPress websites for clients, I always recommend they get a bit of an understanding of WordPress and websites so that they can hold an intelligent and productive conversation with web professionals. And, if they want to feel empowered and have control over their website, it's simply essential!
June 2019 Schedule of Websites and Coffee WordPress Workshops
I am offering more daytime workshops to help you feel empowered about your WordPress website. After discussing terminology, you'll jump onto your laptop and actually do hands-on work in a real, live self-hosted WordPress website. Space is limited to just 4 participants so that you can receive the attention you deserve.
I was a devout atheist until about 29 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God - and name too - and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.
Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do -- including working with clients in my own business and in the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.
In these times, with discouragement in my heart at what is going on in this country --particularly the assault on the branches of government and our liberties--, I am more grateful than ever that others were willing to give of themselves. They made such a commitment to serve, knowing there was always the possibility of the ultimate offering: the giving of their life. And despite the state of the nation, I am grateful to see that
I am not all that versed in the Judeo-Christian bible, but I am a bit familiar with the 23rd Psalm about the Lord being my shepherd, that I shall not want, and that He maketh me to lie down in green pastures and leadeth me beside the still waters, etc. Well, I came across the following version --for busy people-- and it resonated with me, and was calming. Hence, I thought I'd share it with you.
