Got a scam story to tell? Need help with a fraud situation? Don’t know where to turn to or who to trust for advice? The Federal Trade Commission wants to hear from you. You don’t have to wait till March 6-12 to ask questions. They’re available for assistance whenever you’d like. Don’t wait – investigate with those who are in the know.
It has been a busy spring. I’ve been working on my poetry book and updating info for my ongoing classes including a new course I’ll be teaching in the fall on how to create a recipe book with or without a computer. In order to keep material and ideas fresh and interesting it is helpful to look back on what I have learned from my students. Each class experience provides valuable insights into the learning/teaching process, and I am grateful to all of my students for their feedback and participation.
I am very excited to be working closely with Upijata Arts (http://Upijataartscompany.org ) this year to assist them in reaching their goals of working with children on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Please see prior posts on this wonderful organization and consider a donation of any kind to help them nurture and encourage creativity in young children. I’ll be posting updates along the way.
Last, but not least, I appreciate everyone who supports and encourages my work both on and offline. Here’s to a safe and happy summer season for everyone!
A new year is fast approaching, and I’ve already booked several dates for classes and lectures throughout 2023. I will be teaching Hands-Only CPR, Lucid Dreaming:Another Altered State of Mind, An Attitude of Gratitude Journal Writing, an updated scam prevention lecture, and a how-to make your own recipe book class featuring delectable treats and meals. Stay tuned for dates and times once I receive confirmations. In the meantime, feel free to browse through prior posts.
In addition to teaching, I have several writing projects in the works that require a different mindset for each one. From poetry to a memoir to a potential mystery based on true facts, the words and ideas are swirling and making their way onto paper and into notebooks.
I would like to thank everyone who stays in touch and reads my posts here and on Facebook. I appreciate each and every one of you. Please enjoy the holidays and stay safe. Looking forward to updating you in 2023!
I am very pleased to announce the dates and times of my upcoming classes for the rest of 2022. I have some new proposals for additional classes in 2023 and will post here once plans are finalized. Links are available on the sidebars and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Per agreement with host facilities some classes are hybrid and instructions are sent once you have enrolled. Thank you for your support!
LUCID DREAMING: ANOTHER ALTERED STATE OF MIND
Master The Possibilities: September 16 and December 2, 2022, 9:00-10:30 AM
In-Person http://www.masterthepossibilities.org
Senior Learners Institute: November 15, 2022, 1:30 PM – 3 PM
HYBRID Class http://www.seniorlearners.org
HANDS-ONLY CPR
Master The Possibilities: October 7, 2022, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
In-Person http://www.masterthepossibilties.org
DON’T MISS MY ANNUAL ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE JOURNAL WRITING CLASS!
Master The Possibilities: November 18, 2022, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
In-Person .www.masterthepossibilities.org
Yep! That’s me beneath some beekeeper gear. A few years ago, I took a “Beekeeping 101” course and learned some fascinating facts about honeybees. For example, the bees keep their hive at a steady temperature of about 95 degrees year-round in order to keep the Queen and workers safe and productive. A Queen bee lives between 1 – 2 years while workers live about a month. They fly up to 6 miles a day at a speed of around 15 mph and their wings beat approximately 11,400 per minute – buzz buzz!
What about honey? Did you know that fake honey has flooded the marketplace for years? Commercially produced honey is often diluted with additives such as corn and rice syrup and ultra-filtered, a process that removes valuable nutrients and enzymes. The end product is then labeled “pure”, a deceptive practice that misleads consumers and violates many safety standards set forth in the United States. Here’s some simple tips to avoid the fakes and enjoy the tastes of nature’s sweet treat.
Beekeepers and informed consumers say the same thing – BUY LOCAL!
Natural, unadulterated honey should contain pollen from local sources. It’s worth the trip to a farmer’s market or neighborhood beekeeper for a quality product.
Read the label. Any mention of high fructose means something has been added to change the purity.
Real honey is not runny when touched. Dip your finger in a sample and check the consistency. It shouldn’t change from thick to thin.
Talk to sellers and ask questions. A little knowledge can go a long way.
Many readers are mesmerized by the words of others. Writing is a solitary and often times frustrating endeavor. In today’s techno world not only do writers have to be concerned with plagiarism and copyright infringement issues, but they also are being targeted by scammers and hackers looking to capitalize on the sheer joy of an author finishing their first novel or a seasoned writer hoping to celebrate the sale of a beloved manuscript they’ve worked on for years. Fake contracts, empty promises, and illegal transactions are now unsolved mysteries waiting to be unraveled while the careers, hopes, and dreams of many aspiring scribes are being jeopardized by unscrupulous cons.
Fortunately, there is a dedicated group of people who are helping to spread awareness of scams geared towards writers of all mediums – blogs, articles, short stories etc. As someone who has experienced potential issues of copyright infringement, I am very grateful for people like Victoria Strauss and her staff whose efforts provide writers like myself a place to learn and grow and safeguard our valuable written works. Please visit the very informative Writer Beware website and blogs to stay informed and thanks to everyone for all you do to keep writers safe and aware!
I always get comfortable before reading one of R.L. “Pete” Peterson’s stories – feet up, a fresh cup of tea or coffee at my side, and a big smile on my face because I know I’m about to embark on a journey wrapped in words so carefully crafted that I’ll soon forget where I am. Pete Peterson is a prolific, award-winning author whose stories have made me laugh, cry, and ponder life’s wonders and sorrows. I am thrilled to announce his new novella, “Leave the Night to God” will be available in the fall from Regal House Publishing and has been chosen as a finalist for their Petrichor Prize. Pete has a multitude of projects in the works, and I highly recommend a visit to his website to learn more about this master storyteller and craftsman so put your feet up, get comfortable, and enjoy the ride. Website info https://www.rlpetepeterson.com
I am proud to announce another collaboration with the curators of the Bridgeport History Center to highlight the many contributions my Mom, Colleen J. Bartram, made to the city of Bridgeport. Despite poverty and health issues she danced her way into people’s hearts and continued her stellar career as an international acrobat and entertainer. I was thrilled to write her biography which is available on Amazon and am looking forward to working with others who cherish the memories of times gone by.
Hands-Only CPR is a great way to learn life-savings skills in 2 easy steps. I will be teaching two classes this month in Ocala FL. No prior experience is needed. Please note this is NOT a certification class. If interested in renewing or obtaining a 2-year certification, please use contact form. For more information and to register for Hands-Only classes please visit the following sites:
March 18, 2022 9-11 AM
http://masterthepossibilities.org
March 23, 2022 1:30 – 3:30
Please note: Class times are approximate based on number of students enrolled. Hope to see you there!
Welcome to 2022! As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc with health issues our cost-of-living expenses continue to be affected by a number of factors. Whether it be food, gas, clothing, or insurance we are seeing an increase in prices. We need to take a look at ways we may be able to adjust our budgets.
There has been a substantial rise in the cost of building supplies which has trickled down into a variety of insurance policies across the nation. For example, those who carry replacement cost coverage on homeowner policies have seen their annual premiums nearly double. While rate setting is out of our control try contacting your agent and see if there are any discounts available. There may be a chance for savings that you are not aware of which may result in a decrease in premium. Can you increase your deductible? Did you recently replace a roof? Upgrades to existing appliances? Many items are factored into the underwriting process so be sure to check it out.
Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.