Goodness, I can’t believe how fast this month is going by. Yet, it is said that the older you get the faster time goes by. I must be getting older because I can see it.
Do You Remember A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?
The story where Scrooge is visited by three spirits?
I thought the original was good. Then, I noticed all the remakes using the same concept.
Well, of course, I have a variation on the same theme. Mine is a bit different. Mine is based on websites past, present and future.
This has been my concern for several months. And I attended a webinar to clear up my concept.
Since The Webinar
I’ve haven’t been visited by spirits.
But my thoughts and dreams have centered on my websites — past, present and future.
I remember how excited I was to begin a blog. Then another and another. After awhile they don’t seem all that exciting and with time I’ve lost interest.
I learned at the webinar that one blog is basically all you need and all you can handle, if you want to do it right.
I’ve thought long and hard about my various websites. I’ve eliminated two of them and may find a need to eliminate two more. All due to lack of interest . . . and them not fulfilling the need I thought they’d provide.
These thoughts have turned into a form of a nightmare. One I can’t seem to escape.
At odd hours one of them pops into my mind and I realize how useless they truly are.
The more I think about them, the more I know I don’t know what I’m doing.
Anyone Can Do A Blog
That’s so true.
It’s having a popular blog that counts. One that is read on a regular basis by thousands of visitors.
A blog is no different from a store. The doors are open, but no one comes in to shop. Soon there is no reason to continue.
It’s difficult to let go . . .
That’s the hardest part for me. It’s letting go of all the hard work I’ve put into my blogs.
But the thing is . . . Getting back into the Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol . . .
I’m not all that excited and elated . . . I’m not feeling the value of eliminating websites . . . other than giving me more time to devote to those I have and to my life . . .
Some I’m eager to let go. They’ve become a major pain in the neck. But others . . .
I’ve Narrowed It Down To Three . . . Perhaps Four
Isn’t that ridiculous.
Starting with 8 websites, I’ve got it down to 6 and can get it down to 4, but 3 is difficult.
I was watching a YouTube video last night and an ad began the video. It’s probably one you’ve seen on YouTube or even television. It’s the Pioneer Woman and her dinner and cookware products.
Her focus is about her family and giving them good food on attractive plates after a hard days work.
We know her life isn’t centered around her kitchen, but her products are . . .
To have such a clear focus . . . to be so driven in one particular aspect of her life is remarkable. I truly admire it.
I’m all over the place . . . especially in this blog and thus the need to have two or three other ones.
Can Life Be That Simple?
Yes, I believe it can . . . and that’s my goal . . . to simplify . . .
Every day we have tasks to accomplish. It’s the driving force that gets you out of bed each morning that drives us to succeed in whatever it is that motivates us that is important.
It’s our passion . . . something we’d be doing regardless of whether we had a huge audience or not . . . but is that really worthwhile?
Yes, I have more questions than answers.
That’s the problem I’m experiencing and my need to move on by eliminating my other websites.
As much as I’ve thought myself to be Super Woman, I’m not. I can’t take charge of several websites and make them all successful, but I can focus on a couple that truly motivate me.
Then I think, but there’s this other one . . . so I’ll have to say that I have in the course of writing this narrowed my focus . . . successfully down to 3. Yes, 3 and only three. And if I get honest about it, I only need this one and my newest one.
I may have found that 2 websites are all I need.
That’s keeping it simple and manageable.
Life can be simple, if we stop complicating it.
It All Comes Down To What I Can Offer You, My Readers
And what comes naturally.
What it is that I have to say that will enrich your life . . . and mine, too.
That’s the essence of having a blog. It’s communicating and connecting with others who have the same interests.
I see it clearly when I’m reading a book or watching a movie. There is something that hits me . . . something I would like to do or something I am doing . . .
Too often we focus on the wrong thing.
It’s like that TED Talk I’ve referred to before in giving us an elevator description of who we are.
It’s no different than having a mission statement . . . one that is inspiring and truly worthwhile.
Here’s the video again, if you haven’t seen it before. And even if you have, it is worth revisiting from time to time.
I hope this revisiting of my random thoughts hasn’t been entirely off the wall boring. I do like giving you food for thought when I seem to be struggling to make my life work and to understand why I’m feeling so overwhelmed.
It’s easy to let go of things when you realize how they’re dragging you down.
Getting to that point has been a struggle for me.
I wish you all the best during this Christmas season for you and your family,
Yes, the webinar I attended was 5 hours long with a 10 minute break.
There was time for questions and answers and clarification. That ate up some of the time, yet it was full of useful information. And my conclusion . . .
I’m going back to how it was before with a focus on holidays and crafts and whatever interests and amuses me.
I was leaning in that direction, but this webinar basically told me it was for the best . . . and my stats weren’t all that wonderful. That may have had some bearing on my decision.
I’m a blogger and TwoCansOnAString.com is actually my favorite blog. But lately I wasn’t feeling that great about it.
This webinar also showed me how I do need to eliminate a few more blogs. It’s difficult to have so many of them and add to them regularly. So I’ve been messing up by splintering my focus.
It was interesting to learn that some people started a website not out of their passion, but because they thought they should do it in a particular way. That’s basically what happened to me with the changes I made.
Well, I found it wasn’t working for me . . . and obviously for you . . . so I’m back to doing my own thing and seeing if I can get you back or get a whole bunch of new people. I’m not claiming it will be “better.” It will be what I do and what I’ve done over the past year or so.
I want to just have fun again. That will make it enjoyable for all concerned.
Too Much Information
When I learn something new . . . it usually contradicts something I’ve learned . . . and I need to look at why it’s this way. Was there a change or is this a different type of blog?
Well, it is a different type of blog.
Quite honestly, it is the type of blog everyone on-line should strive to have, but that’s my opinion which may not be worth all that much.
All I know is that what I was doing wasn’t working and I’m going to go back to my own concept of what blogging is to me here at TwoCansOnAString.com
Since This Is A New Post For Getting Back To Normal
I was thinking about a fun project the whole family would enjoy.
A picture basically says it all. So you decide what you’ll need to make them. This is going to be your family project.
You decide upon the size of candy cane, the size of marshmallows — I was thinking of using one of those jumbo marshmallows for the body and a regular sized one for the head.
In the picture the hat is a Hershey’s Kiss, but I was thinking of a Rolo or a mini Peanut Butter Cup. There’s the Twizler type of scarf you could make from a fruit roll up. Then add branch arms using a creative mix of Twizlers.
There’s M & M’s for the buttons, but you can use what you want. Also black frosting gel for the eyes and orange frosting gel for the nose. And some white frosting to stick the hat, eyes, nose and buttons on the marshmallows.
I think I pretty much have it covered, but you may have other ideas of your own.
It’s interesting to see what your kids create. They’re always better than what we think.
They can be eaten “as is” or dunked in hot chocolate. That should be a deliciously gooey mess that will delight the eye and the taste buds.
Enjoy this fun recipe for these delightful Snowmen On A Candy Cane.
You may be all wrapped up with Christmas shopping, decorating and preparations.
Yes it will be here before you know it!
I’m changing some websites. I’ve eliminated one and plan to eliminate another one and perhaps a third one. It’s interesting how sometimes we have to let go.
This refers to many things besides websites, but that’s been a major concern of mine over the past several months. And the time has come for me to do it.
You know, I feel really good about the website I eliminated. And I know letting go of a second and perhaps a third will be a major weight off my shoulders.
The same is true of letting go of those things that are weighing on you. I’m not saying it is going to be easy, but once you decide to do it, you’ll feel so very much better.
This applies to letting go of people, the past and even stuff. As a wise friend of mine said, “It’s only stuff.” Well, I had a sentimental attachment to it . . . or thought I should. But in reality, it is only stuff.
I Built A New Website
Here I’m all happy about getting rid of websites and I built a new one.
I am a puzzle I can’t figure out most of the time. I’m been thinking about having a Christmas website for quite some time. You’d probably think I’d do Halloween. I thought so too, but Christmas seems more exciting to me.
It’s a year round Christmas website. This is why I’m getting rid of the other websites. I lost interest in them and I can do more with Christmas Go Round than I can with them.
I’ve decided I’m more of a kitchen junk drawer type of blogger than a niche one. Over time it doesn’t work for me. I lose interest or run out of things to talk about. But with a junk drawer . . . there’s lots to talk about and to share.
There’s always an interesting “find” that was pushed back — way back in the back of the drawer — waiting to be rediscovered.
Tomorrow I Have A Webinar Boot Camp
It’s going to run a few hours and tell us about the best way to blog and those blogs that make it and those that don’t.
I can almost hear you say, “You should have waited until you attended the webinar before delving into a new website.”
Yes that did cross my mind, but I went for it . . . tis the season and all that. So, technically, instead of a niche, I have a theme.
I’m beginning to think I like having a theme instead of a niche. But I’ll see what I learn from this webinar.
Do you believe this webinar had a price in dollars to pay for attendance? They’re usually free with a “buy to learn more” component. I think I like paying to get the information and my questions answers than listening to a “pitch” and then getting the real information.
I guess it is all a matter of perspective . . . and the major changes I’m feeling I need to do.
Watching Movies Make Me Think
I don’t believe we choose movies by accident.
There were two about making major changes in the main character’s life. One was trying to hold on to a failing business when she had a passion for something else. The other was delving into a job to avoid “going home.” This involved dealing with the loss of her mother and then her best friend. She didn’t really know her father, but he was there all the time. So, she did go home and faced her grieving and developing a relationship with her father. It has an interesting twist, but just given those elements, it was an interesting story.
And then, there’s the first one of doing something that she lost interest in doing. This one truly hit home. And the reason for delving into a new website and the long awaited decision to let go of what wasn’t working for me.
Change in the only constant in our lives. We sometimes get blindsided by having to do it, but in the end it turns out for the better. Just as losing my content here when I moved the hosting of this website.
More Change May Be In Store For TwoCansOnAString.com
This will have to do with tomorrow’s webinar.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed it or not, but the more I learn, the less I really know. Seems strange on one level and makes perfect sense on another.
I definitely won’t be letting go of TwoCansOnAString.com, but I may be letting go of my current direction. I don’t believe it is working. I can always have my random thoughts, but maybe I need a theme. Yes, the kitchen junk drawer concept works for me, but maybe I do need something that means something to you.
Yes, it is my blog, but I need you to read it and be a loyal follower of this website. I need to give you what you want to see regularly. Giving you those treasures pushed back in the drawer.
And there may be more I need to let go of in order to see things clearly. Just go through the clutter of my mind and do a major cleaning.
Clarity is so very important. Until we have clarity, it’s difficult to make informed decisions.
You may be fortunate and not feel the need for change. It is very likely you had to move furniture around to make room for your Christmas tree. And, perhaps, for some of your decorations.
Change Is Inevitable
No matter the season or the reason.
I noticed a neighbor bought a new car. Not something I’m in the market for right now.
I want to write, but I also need people to read my blogs. I need to give value than just my rambling thoughts. Yet, this is basically food for thought for those rare souls who have been wrestling with changes in their own life.
So You Think This Is Going To Be About Sadness . . . Wrong!!!
I’m talking about hope.
With a whole lot of truth thrown in. You see, whenever you think of loved ones who have passed, they’re right here with you. It could be a physical touch or a sound in another room.
These are all reminders of those we loved and the connection is forever there.
We can grieve, but we’re also healing when we know there is no loss . . . at least in another form. Yes, our loved ones aren’t here to share that secret family recipe, but they are always present.
Making Me Rethink My Priorities
I was thinking of not putting up my Christmas tree this year.
Yet, I know how much a tree is a family tradition. It may not mean a lot to me, but it means everything to them.
So, Christmas and other holidays aren’t about you or me, but those who have influenced us and are now watching over us. This gives me a different perspective.
By putting forth the effort . . . just as they did for you . . . in the end will be the greatest gift you can give them . . . and a major gift to yourself. In honoring them and validating them, you’re benefiting from it as well.
Sure you have to put forth the effort . . . but remember how many times they put forth the effort for you when they didn’t feel like it.
Stop to think for a moment of all the sacrifices they’ve made for you.
You May Not Believe In The After Life
But it does exist.
You feel it. You think it. You don’t have to believe it to make it true.
We’re visited in dreams. We’ve felt that familiar touch of having your hair brushed from your forehead, ever so gently and lovingly. There are also playful tugging of your hair or a squeezed cheek . . . you instantly think of a loved one who has passed.
Yes, we do think of them more around the holidays. Yes, they are still around, watching us and protecting us.
They’re not judging. They want us to live our lives, to love, have joy and happiness. Not guilt, grief and sadness. Let go of all the what ifs, if onlys and should haves . . . it does no good. Lift that burden from your mind and shoulders this holiday season.
Honor your memories and celebrate the good times you had. Love is never=ending.
Just think about this . . . honestly . . . think of the strange or unusual things that have happened . . . coincidences . . . a sound or fragrance . . . a dream . . . something that reminded you of someone . . .
The list could go on and on, but this is your moment to remember and reconnect within yourself . . .
You may think I’m nuts . . . that’s fine . . . but with a few minutes of searching your memory of any unusual event . . . you’ll know . . .
Holidays Are To Be Celebrated
Over the years I’ve met many people who are extremely sad during the holidays.
They dwell on the loss of a loved one or a divorce or other form of break-up.
Those who have walked through their pain, loss and sadness have created holidays that suit them. Many people are alone . . . they are joyous and carefree . . . they made their holidays joyous. It’s not easy, but worth the effort.
It’s like having a make-over.
You’re making over the holidays. You’re creating new traditions that suit you and make you happy. You may be celebrating it alone, but you’re having a good time without expectations or obligations.
It’s a freedom I hear echoed by many. You’re free to eat what you want . . . relax and enjoy yourself however you wish.
Many don’t have a big meal. They break it up in small courses. Some begin with dessert . . . wouldn’t that be lovely!!! Life is truly grand without rules.
You can relax with a good book, watch the fire in the fireplace, drink a hot beverage, take a walk or stay in your pajamas all day.
It’s your new tradition of doing what pleases you . . .
And it can change from year to year. You can keep some traditions, but you can create new ones . . . just for you.
No matter how you celebrate this Christmas, make it meaningful and worthwhile for you . . . and your family.
I wish you much happiness this Christmas and throughout the New Year.
I’ve been very fortunate to have very vivid dreams.
That is, when they are positive. I’ve had some that may have been exciting, but they made me face my fears. I suppose that could be a good thing.
Things like speaking in front of a large group of people. Dreams of flying . . . without an airplane. Being out at sea . . . swimming with dolphins.
If you can think it, you can dream it . . . and maybe it may work out for you.
Many Ideas Come From Books
It’s always fun to ask, “What if . . .” and see where the story takes you.
Have you noticed when you’re reading, you do see the characters and the location and even the action. That’s all imagination. It can take you on many adventures.
Many Ideas Come From Our Aspirations
I have a number of websites and I was thinking of getting rid of a couple of them.
I may still do that, but the one that was top on my list I decided to keep. I thought it was not something I wanted to write about any longer, but I found it was very much a part of who I am and what I enjoy.
There is one that was just a whim I had . . . and I’ve decided to let it go. I’m fine with my decision to eliminate it. I may replace it with something much more exciting. It all comes down to being true to yourself, you interests and your aspirations.
Yet, I also thought that getting rid of some websites would be excellent to give me more time to devote to other websites and other interests.
As I’ve mentioned many times in this blog, I love to write and I do want to write more . . . not just for my blogs, but to write books. It’s a grand undertaking . . . one I’ve done before and is now time to revisit.
Priorities
It’s important to consider priorities.
Even a schedule. I’m not a schedule person like I used to be, but it may be time for me to get back with it.
This evening I was talking with some friends in my internet marketing group.
We discussed some interesting changes from Amazon to Google. Did you know Amazon is going to be delivering packages via drones? It does seem amazing, but it is definitely workable for them to do. And Google is making some changes. Not with drones, but with what Google does best.
I guess it has to do with apps and making what we want to do easier for us to do. I don’t know all about it, but there are going to be webinars and articles written about it so we can learn as things develop.
I did find some changes have already taken place with Google+ Hangouts. I was talking with my friends on a Beta version. So I guess it is in a test mode, but it worked out and we had a delightful few hours of conversation and sharing.
This sharing with people in a hangout may be considered a waste of time, but in reality it was very productive and enjoyable. It may become a new priority for me.
It’s truly amazing how you can connect with people in different parts of the United States as well as the world. That may not be a big deal to you who have been doing this, but I’m still amazed each time we make a connection.
Yes, I’ve been doing the Google+ Hangouts for over a year once a week, but I’ve found it beneficial to connect with people far far away more often. You can spend some valuable quality time together.
This works when writing a blog or just talking and sharing.
With the internet and the imagination of these technical people, it’s wonderful what they’ve been able to do to make our lives much more enjoyable.
Imagination and Technology
We’re in a magical age . . . not just a magical season.
Even non-technical individuals can take advantage of all the wonderful facets of the internet. I am truly amazed and overwhelmed.
This must be how people felt with the telephone . . . to actually be talking with someone miles away.
I do wonder when we’ll be able to discover about heaven and connect with those who have passed. Wouldn’t it be great to speak with loved ones or people in history to get the real story.
Maybe this is beyond the realm of the technology we have available today, but I would imagine at some point this would be a reality for us. I’m sure from time to time you’d like to talk with a loved one . . . get to know them better or ask them questions about their life . . . and perhaps learn that they may have moved on . . . there is definitely a lot we have to learn.
I know that could be a bit science fiction for some of you . . . but “what if . . .”
I don’t know if I’d really like to travel through time . . . but it could be an interesting concept to explore.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if someone was working on that right now. Just as some have found and others are perfecting the ability to speak to the dead . . .
I do believe that just about anything is possible.
Yes, even life on other planets and in other galaxies. It may be a bit far fetched, but so very possible.
I may have gone a bit too far, but with imagination who knows what can be done . . . and what we can learn . . .
What Are Your Dreams?
It’s definitely something to think about.
You can leave a comment if you desire to share your dreams . . . or write them down some place for your future reference. It may be fun to go back from time to time to see how your priorities have changed . . . or your dreams, goals and aspirations.
This is an excellent time to imagine the future and your role in it. What do you truly want in your life? What would you like to be or do?
Dreaming is always fun . . . and who knows . . . they may even come true.
