Thursday, September 27, 2012

Sharing our Gifts

I grew up in a very large family, so sharing was not an option.

I mean, yes, we had the option, but there were pretty hefty consequences if you didn't. Natural consequences. Like someone not being willing to share with you when the tables were turned. Not fun when your brothers were in the habit of acquiring or participating in some really cool stuff.

Or brought over really cute friends.  Yes, sharing has benefits.

Like the picture of the cookies. I baked those yesterday. They're almost gone. Why? Because I have a house full of children. And because they have friends...to share them with.

For weeks I've been pondering over a dear friend's ordeal at using someone else's photo on her blog and the fall out to her and writers everywhere. Writers like me who LOVE to share something visual with the written word. It adds another dimension to our topic. Or saves us when the topic is important but just...eh.  You know?

So my daughter and I embarked on a uniting plan, taking her love of photography and my need as a writer, to offer photos to others that they can use on their blogs.

Free of charge.

Why are we doing this? Because there's a need. And more than just a need for making blogs more eye catching (and my very empty Tumblr feed). :) My daughter needs to feel the joy of sharing her talent. Nurturing it. Working at something that she might one day do professionally, but for right now there's no pressure. No worry that she'll be accepted or rejected. Because even if no one has a need for the photos we'll take, she's learning how to hone her skill.

And I'm getting tons of time with her.  Win-Win.

We'll be posting the pictures on Tumblr very shortly. And updating it often. The link is on the right. Hope you can find something that you like among the offerings.  OH! And she's taking requests for pictures you might need, but don't have the time or means to take yourself.  She said she'll do her best.  :)

What more could anyone ask for? Cause it's already free.  :)  Have a great day!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

iTunes Gift Card Giveaway!

Ooooo, did that get your attention? Good, because it's true.

If you go to his website before Saturday, you can enter to win an iTunes Gift Card my wonderful friend Braden Bell is giving away in celebration of his book, The Kindling.

Entering is simple. See, I'm doing it right now by letting you know. :) And aren't I nice, because you know I'm lessening my chances by letting you know so you can enter as well. :)

Even Amazon is excited about his book because they're offering a download for only .99 cents till Monday. No, I didn't get the decimal in the wrong place.  Nine dimes and nine pennies. That's a steal, folks.  I finished this book not three days ago and my 12 year old said, "NOW can I read it?"

Yup. You can read it. I just downloaded the e-book. :)

So on top of a great book, Braden's offering a way to get some music (or whatever floats your boat) to help put another bounce in your step.

Sweet.

So, GO! ENTER! NOW!  Here!