The Midnight Writer

Too cold up north to camp so we went south

2011-02-05T21:47:00.001-05:00

Our van really is protesting the cold weather especially with the steering column broken and the torque converter failing. In the cold, our van didn't want to start. The idea of being stranded in freezing temperatures or camping out with temps dipping to the teens at night didn't thrill me. So we turned around and headed south into northern California on the central area. It is balmy warm here even after dark. I'd say it's about 55 degrees tonight.

We hope to find a steering column for our Dodge Tradesman 300 Van and that's a hard task we're learning. The quest will be easier if we stay in this climate because we will be more apt to save money by camping out in our van. So wish us luck in finding the parts we need and work to pay for them. Don't worry, we will not be deprived of enjoying nature. There are nice campgrounds and parks in this region so we will go hiking as often as we make the opportunity. I'll keep you updated.

The Midnight Writer

Spring has come to northern California

2011-01-28T17:41:00.000-05:00

When I awoke yesterday, I noticed all the flowers, trees and bushes in bloom and it really lifted my spirits. It made me think about the changing earth and how the climate is shifting on our planet earth. I started thinking about the polarity shift and wondered about the northern California weather pattern. I wondered what the average month is here that spring arrives.

We escaped the thick Tule Fog in the Valley

2011-01-18T02:41:00.001-05:00

This morning we woke up in Williams, California to a weather forecast for mostly sunny with temps forecast for the upper fifties and low sixties. My excitement peaked about our trip to Highway 101 and the redwoods knowing that sunshine would dominate the whole week into the weekend. The warm temperatures soothed my soul as I thought how much more I will enjoy camping in the noble redwoods when it's warm. Imagine my bewilderment when I stepped outside into a fog so dense that I couldn't see six houses down the street. Knowing what highway 20 west is like to 101, I was not thrilled about the prospect of driving a winding narrow two lane highway for 85 miles in the fog!

We stopped to gas up so I began asking folks if they had come from the west on Highway 20 adding that I wonder what the fog is like. One man said it would be thick like in the valley all the way to 101. Another man said it will clear when you reach the upper foothills and get out of the valley clouds. Our hope and faith rested in believing that we were supposed to make the trip today so we geared up for the adventure and headed for the hills!

What do you think happened? You guessed it. When the elevation reached about two thousand there was no fog in sight because we had risen above the low lying clouds. That's all tule fog is, low hanging clouds...if you didn't know that already. Needless to say, we were stoked and enjoyed a sunny drive through some beautiful California mountains past the lakes and small lake towns all the way to Ukiah.

Tomorrow will be equally as exciting because we are heading north to the redwood highway. Once we reach that area, I may not get online much but I will update every couple days from a local coffee shop or ranger station. And yes, we'll take lots of photos to share with you. Cephas and I might be in the northern Cali. region for several weeks or until we get our van fixed and I make progress on my book.

We have family in Idaho and Utah whom we would love to spend some time with but we don't want to risk taking our van into the very cold climate with our steering column issue. No, we haven't found one yet but we have not given up the quest. If you know anyone with parts for a 1973 Dodge Tradesman 300 B series camper van, let me know. We need a steering column more than any other part. See you in the land of the giants.

Peace.
Summer Breeze, a/k/a The Midnight Writer

My Heart is in the Redwood Forest

2011-01-14T20:00:00.002-05:00

Cephas and Summer Breeze June 2009 video

Avenue of the Giants

I am so longing to take a sabbatical camping in the redwood forests of northern California. My husband and I have been very busy working and gathering funds to fix some major issues with our vehicle. As soon as we put in a new steering column we are heading for Highway 101 with its glorious views and majestic winding redwood highway through the Avenue of the Giants. It will probably rain a little more in northern California this time of year but we are okay with the rain. Our raincoats are quick to grab so we will just plan some walking in the rain.

One of our favorite trails is located at Founders Tree. We always stop at the rest area there to walk this trail and usually we make two or three loops on the half mile trail. On days that we're feeling energetic, we spend a couple hours walking the loop to talk and just admire these breathless giants. The energy is empowering and profound in this forest. I like to clear my thoughts of the busy cities, towns and freeways while I'm here so I can ponder the more significant intricacies of life. It's a great place to write.

Cephas and I spent three days there last winter when we stopped to camp overnight. Our transmission line broke so we spent that time walking and working on the van. It was a challenge sopping up the fluid that spilled in the parking lot but we managed to take care of it the best we could. The local ranger was helpful to us and offered us assurance that we'd be fine there for as long as we needed to make the necessary repairs. An awesome young family came to our rescue by driving all the way to Garberville to buy us transmission fluid, sealant, food and water. We were without coffee for two days which was the hardest thing for me.

Another favorite town along the Avenue of the Giants is a place called Miranda. There is an organic coffee booth there which thrills us and a little gas station/store that we always stop to buy gas or groceries. The town folks are really friendly. I've been wanting to visit the resort at Miranda Gardens but it is outside our budget limits. It seems like the perfect place to work on my novel for a month or two. I can keep dreaming.....

There is so much to see on this twenty five mile stretch of highway that one could spend several weeks just taking it all in. That's why we keep going back. I feel at home there and I'm working on convincing Cephas to move there for awhile. It's my dream place. See you in the forests in a week or so. We'll take new photos and videos to share....and we'll probably spend a few nights at the Burlington campground.

The Midnight Writer

A Dozen blank pages stared back at me today

2011-01-05T19:52:00.001-05:00

I began my day in a very optimistic hopeful mood...with redunant tendancies in tact. See, I'm practicing here as well. My day has been unfolding fluently with many of my intentions being actualized. One thing I intended to do today was to write multiple blog posts to update my blogs and to work on my novel. But when I opened my two tabs : one for my blog panel and the other for facebook....a dozen blank pages stared back at me. My thoughts raced about what to splash on those blank pages so I scurried around the internet and raced through my mind in search of the anwer.

As the day seemed to morph into its own living reality, an idea burst forth....I thought I would experiment with facebook. I asked for suggestions to blog about. Whatever ideas folks suggest on that facebook thread, I will write about on my blogs. The suggestion can be a topic or a specific title, it doesn't really matter. I'm willing to take a risk and try some fresh new ideas. Let's have fun blogging together and maybe my facebook friends will want to read my blog more often.

This experiment is good until midnight January 5, 2011, pacific time.

The Midnight Writer

Working in a warm room while it pours rain outside

2010-12-05T21:46:00.005-05:00

This is a photo of Cephas snuggled in our van.

I'm really happy to be snuggled inside a motel room as I listen to the rain splash on the sidewalk outside. Now I love the rain and at times I enjoy walking in it but working on my writing in the rain outside is out of my comfort zone. If I was relaxing in a beautiful gazebo set in the country side with a fireplace and a view, I'd be in heaven. Sitting in the van with a tablet or laptop is not so enjoyable. Even though we cannot really afford to rent motel rooms, Cephas and I find ourselves doing it more in the winter time when we travel. Living in a camper van is not as glorious as it might sound. However, I'd be inclined to change our arrangements to living in a motor coach. It would be more spacious because we could stand and even walk around a bit.

Our van is cramped with only room to sit up front in the old bucket seats or sit on the bed. To use our kitchen, we actually have to unload the back end and set up a tent. Campgrounds are our friend then but we avoid that in the rain unless we are going for a mountain adventure. So I'm thankful tonight for the heater blowing warm air beside me as the rain continues to pour on the outside world as I watch Sherlock Holmes in the background. It's a wonderful evening.

The Midnight Writer

I'm working hard on my book manuscript

2010-12-01T23:26:00.001-05:00

Writing a book has been my life long dream and now that dream is within a hand's reach. I'm an only a couple months from seeing this dream come to fruition. The feelings are overwhelming at times and I still can't believe I'm doing it. I started writing professionally for pay almost three years ago but I've been a creative writer with a love of the written word my whole life.

During my quest, I discovered a very important truth. Dreaming and realizing a dream are two completely different experiences. One fills you with drive and anticipation while the other gives the feeling of exhilarating release.

The Wayshower preview screening at Warner Studios was a thrill

2010-11-28T03:31:00.004-05:00

On November 15, 2010, Cephas and I took an arduous but thrilling journey to Burbank, California. It was my birthday, the big 55, so we had to go some place special. I was excited because my life partner, love of my life, promised me dinner and a movie. He knows how much it would mean to me to see the "preview "screening of "The Wayshower". We missed the "preview" screening in Utah so we traveled to California to see the one at Warner Studios. It was an exciting day that both of us will remember. The trip was worth it. View the trailer I have posted here and you'll understand why I enjoyed it so much. It's only a sneek peek because I believe it's still in pre-release stage but I can't wait for it's release. I want to buy a copy of the video to share with my friends and family.

The Midnight Writer

Working in California for a while this winter

2010-11-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

As usual, my plans as a writer changed to match the ministry work that Cephas and I do together. We thought we would be wintering in Utah with our son, but it looks like we'll be spending some time in California. A few trips to Utah are on our itinerary though. Since we follow the spirit in all things, our plans are subject to change at a moment's notice. This keeps us aware on multiple levels as we strive to live according to God's will for us. It is a fascinating journey every day.

My Path led me back to the Beginning of my Journey

2010-10-25T06:32:00.000-04:00

My summer has been filled with travel, adventure, family, and emotional hurtles. Some seemed almost insurmountable but I made it through the past four months as I faced my personal challenges within interpersonal family relations. This road to discovery led me to the grand realization that I am on the right path for me in this life. I learned that it is possible not one other living soul will understand why I choose to live my life in the way that I walk my daily path. And that is okay with me now.

Summer Breeze, The Midnight Writer

Our Big Move

2010-07-14T14:43:00.000-04:00

This guest post from Werner Rogers

Less than a year ago, we moved our family from college to Utah. We left sea level and beach air to move to 6000 ft elevation and the driest air I have ever known. The sheer logistics were tough enough. We had only one moving truck, one small moving trailer and a minivan. We stuffed as much of our stuff in as we could and had to leave our holiday decorations, etc in a storage unit. We hooked the trailer to the truck and loaded the minivan with two boys, two dogs, a TV and luggage. The 900+ mile journey started later than planned and we quickly found out the truck had a governor on it allowing us to travel no faster than 70mph. We finally pulled into our new place at 2:00am the next morning.

After we got into our house, things went a bit better. We had made an earlier arrangement to have our satellite service moved and we were able to get a high speed internet tv bundle so we had everything set up right away. Luckily, our new landlord had also kept the power, water and garbage services going so we only had to change the billing to our name. Our son got sick soon after we moved in. Our neighbors let us know who the good doctors are and where to find the vet's office. Moves are always hard but it was definitely worth it for us.

Seniors Getting hip to Technology

2010-07-06T18:01:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Marienela Ugalde for the following post

There many reasons for senior citizens to learn to navigate their way around the Internet if they are not able to drive and get around to research hearing aids prices. The Internet can serve as their connection to the outside world and also allow them to take care of many of the things that they need in order to survive.

A very important reason that senior citizens need to learn how to work a computer is that we are now in the age of online banking. As mentioned before, if a senior citizen does not have reliable transportation they are not always able to get out and pay their bills in a timely manner. By knowing how to operate the computer and learning how to navigate their way to the online banking system, they will be able to sign on to the computer and take care of whatever bills they have to pay without having to leave the confines of their home.

Another good thing about learning how to work the computer is that we are in the Facebook age. Facebook is a great opportunity for senior citizen to stay in touch with long-lost friends. By having a Facebook account they will be able to stay up to date as to what is going on with their friends and family.

A senior citizen can also use the computer to play games. They are used to playing the occasional game of spades with friends, they would really enjoy getting the opportunity to play spades on the computer and compete against people all over the world. It is a great thing to be able to work a computer; senior citizens do not have to only use a computer to find things such as miracle ear hearing aids. There is so much more they can choose to do when they learn how to properly navigate their way around a computer.

Computer Makes Photos Easier

2010-06-23T19:25:00.000-04:00

Post written by my friend Miriam Willborn

We all know how hectic the spring season can be with all of the schools having their dances, the children starting new sports games and the beach opening up for some fun in the sun. After the winter snow has melted here it is like a circus with all of the people out and about enjoying the spring time. Everyone leaves their homes and is released into a sunny and warm world for the first time in months. It can be hard to keep track of everything that is going on in the Spring and Summer, thank goodness for electronic planners on our phones, right? Another great thing that has gone electronic is photo albums. I am so grateful to be able to take as many pictures as I like of all of the things happening around me. I can then upload all of those pictures to Flickr using my high speed internet mannford ok connection. This really makes for an easier time getting to the next activity when I can just plug in the camera and upload all the pictures right to the internet. These days it just seems like there is very little time to sit down and paste pictures into a scrap book. Though the pace of life is picking up here it does not mean that we have to forget the art of the photograph.

Find Real Estate and Save Paper

2010-06-17T21:34:00.005-04:00

Searching for a home to buy, rent or lease can be a tiring task that requires going through piles of magazines, newspapers, brochures and other sales material. I am learning how important it is to save time and money. While I'm on a quest for the perfect home for my family, I think it's a great idea to be energy conscious. So I'll use the internet to my greatest advantage which will save both time and paper. A website called RealEstateNation.com will give you all that and more.

It is one of the best sites I've found to accomplish all my objectives. Their site is so comprehensive that it's the only one I really need to conduct a real estate search. When I look for a house or apartment I really enjoy seeing great photos. It saves lots of leg work and time. I can save steps by not having to visit each property personally. The search widgets on this website give every imaginable option to narrow my search according to price, size, location and terms available. It's a true gem for any one who is looking to buy real estate. Try it and join me in filling the recycling bin for the last time with all that paper I normally use in a house hunt. That gives me a double sense of satisfaction.

Real Estate Nation also provided a link to more information on Affordable Housing Options. It's an additional asset that can save you thousands of dollars when you purchase a new home or property.

The Midnight Writer

In my House Hunt I have found many Options

2010-06-09T18:30:00.011-04:00

Over the years I have conducted many searches for homes to rent, buy or lease. Recently I am turning my attention to Lease to Own Real Estate because it is a financially viable option for me with easy financing. The economy is very uncertain so I appreciate the opportunity to own a home over the next few years without taking out a huge loan and paying big mortgage payments. I've found a website that is becoming my house quest best resource.

The website layout is so easy to navigate and it provides ample photos of the interior and exterior of homes you might be considering. The multiple tabs allow you to search by price, options, room size and number, city, state and many other choices. Narrow your search on Lease to Own Real Estate to save lots of time and effort. They have compiled one of the most complete home lease search sites available online today. If you are uncertain if you can afford to lease or rent a home, then find out about Rental Assistance that might be available to you. There is a wealth of information that explains all about leasing and renting to own. So I'm exploring one of my many options in my house quest. Check it out for yourself and be amazed how handy and time saving this website is to use.

The Midnight Writer

I'm Still Looking for that perfect House to Lease

2010-06-03T12:32:00.001-04:00

My husband and I are on a quest to find a nice home on a beautiful and functional property setting with a view. Our hope is to rent or lease but we would love an option to buy. We're checking all the options from owner rentals and sales to listings of Properties Bank Owned until we find exactly what we want. Our preference includes a bit of acreage so we can plant a garden and allow our grandchildren to play in the yard. We are looking for five bedrooms so we think this could get a bit expensive. That's why we're searching all our options to find the best deal financially while getting the nicest house possible for our money. We haven't decided if a bank owned property will eliminate the personal conflicts that can arise with landlords, managers and owners. There are pros and cons both ways. I found some useful information that might help us decide. A site titled Overview on Buying a Home covers all the basics new homeowners need to know about purchasing a home.

The Midnight Writer

I Wrote the Introduction to Walking into the Light

2010-06-03T12:02:00.001-04:00

I'm really excited about my new book that details spiritual experiences in my life. Some of them range from phenomenal to miraculous and I want to share them for my children, my grand-children and the world to read. Here is an excerpt from Chapter One "Journey through the Veil". I changed the names until I get permission to use the real person names included in my true story.

Excerpt from my novel-this material is copyrighted and the personal material belonging to Cheryl Lynn Gardner, a/k/a The Midnight Writer. Do not copy or use in any way without written permission.

Journey through the Veil

The hospital bed was hard, cold and impersonal. As I lay there wondering why all the familiar faces kept appearing above me I longed for my bed at home. I wanted to feel the comfort of my blankets holding me safe inside their thick warmth. Time seemed to be warped because one minute my son is standing in front of me crying and then my niece Alicia is imploring me "Aunt Sherry, please don't die!" with tears streaming from frightened sad eyes that stood out from her ghostly pale countenance.

All I could muster in broken speech were the words "I'm not dying!" but somehow the words were inaudible or people were just not listening to me. I wanted to scream out loud but my strength was gone. It seemed as though this hospital bed held chains that bound me there on that cold, impersonal slab. The parade of onlookers continued to speak to me with words and tears. I must be at someone's funeral, I mused to myself. Maybe it's mine and this is what it's like to be dead. But I can't be dead, I told myself because I feel my body. So why are they all crying over me?, I asked myself.

Without meaning to I surrendered to the sadness in the room and let my body drift into a place that observed from outside. I wanted to leave this gloomy place so I slipped into the warm light again to find comfort and solace. The tortured faces disappeared and I was again held in the loving arms of beings filled with light who serenaded me with music emanating through me. "If only I could stay here", I thought, "Everything will be all right".

Suddenly I realized that I was in another place and not at home on earth any more. "But how did I get here"?, I wondered.

The light grew brighter as the voices sang messages of love that embraced deep into my spirit while they carried me on a weightless wind that glowed with lights. Time and motion intertwined into one beautiful moment that ended abruptly as I neared the bright light above me. A voice, rich and authoritative yet filled with deep love, called out my name. All at once every one and every thing stood still. I shuddered deep inside my being yet longed to embrace this personage of light. The being was so familiar to me that I wanted to run and embrace Him but something held me back. I knew it was the voice of God. He asked me why I was here and why I came back.

I was puzzled by the question. It seemed strange to me that God would ask me such a question. In my thoughts, I mused that He already knows the answer to that question and I added "who would want to leave here?" Out of respect, a feeling deep inside compelled me to answer. My voice was still gone so no sound came from my mouth, strangely enough. Yet before I finished the thought I heard my words echo all around me as the heavenly angelic audience nodded in acknowledgement the truth of my thoughts. It stunned me into a poetic wonder.

"How beautiful", I thought. No words are needed in heaven, if that's where I am. Thoughts are everywhere and absorbed by everything. There are no secrets in this place of spirits because every thought is heard by everyone. Wow! I was amazed and even more bewildered. Then I wondered if I was dead. I mean, really dead. There was no feeling, no regret for leaving my body. I only felt total surrender to the peace and joy that I felt as the love embraced me from everywhere. This must be heaven, I told myself until the voice demanded an answer from me yet again.

The voice echoed the same question over and over as I drifted beyond consciousness grasping for understanding. How did I get here and how in the world would I get back? I had no answers. Just the echo drumming in my ears as the gush of air filled my lungs with a burning that set me up in bed with a jerk. I gasped and pulled at the tubes trying to understand why the hands were holding me down. I felt really dizzy because I was sucked back into my body so fast it was like hitting a dip on a giant roller coaster and forgetting to come back up on the next rise.

Still spinning I pulled at the tubes in my nose and throat that burned with a fire beyond description. It felt like I was being tortured. They poked at me and prodded then I felt the sting on my sides that tingled up into my throat and down my legs. What on earth were they trying to do!? I wondered. I gained my senses enough to look around as I heard the voices say "Do we hit her again?" then I realized they were using electro shock to start my heart. I did not want them to do it again.

The dizziness wouldn't stop. My vertigo made the whole room spin as their voices wavered in and out and my vision blurred as I tried to make out the faces to go with the voices. I felt like I was on the worst drunk in my life and became suddenly nauseated. I heaved to no avail. Nothing came up or out but the bed finally stopped moving. I was back in the cold stark hospital room that smelled of chemicals and starch on uniforms. I wanted to get out of here but to where?, I wondered.

What happened to the voice who kept asking me the question? I didn't get a chance to answer Him, or did I? After all, I was back in my body so I guess my answer must have been "yes". But I wasn't satisfied with my visit to the other side of the veil. I had so many questions and I wanted answers. I knew the only way to understand why I went there and why I was supposed to come back to my body would be to leave just one more time. Whether I left consciously of my own free will or whether I was summoned by a power beyond myself, I cannot say. The fact remains that I went back to that place looking for the voice of God so I could ask Him some questions before I could answer the one He asked of me. Was it all a wild dream or some prophetic vision?, my mind wildly raced for understanding.

The oxygen smelled like the ether I remember the dentist using on me as a little girl and the drugs in my IV brought back the memory of spinning while some giant chased me in a bulls eye circle with a huge pair of pliers. I had to get away from the smells and the burning of the oxygen and needles, the echoes of voices and the sound of water rushing into my ears. I dove deep under water and surfaced once again on the other side. Everything became extremely quiet and still, until the voice called my name again. I felt almost like a naughty child who did something they knew was wrong but hoped I wouldn't get caught. I crossed the veil to seek the face of God. I had to go. It was the only way I would find out for sure if it was all real or just some wild dream."

End of excerpt.

I expect to finish the book in about three months at which time I will be writing a review on this blog and I will set up an account of Facebook. I will be marketing this book myself so if you are interested in securing a copy, email me at themidnightwriter1@gmail.com. It will be about twelve chapters in paperback encompassing approximately 250 pages.

I'm really excited about this project so I would love feedback based upon this first excerpt. Comment away to tell me what you like or dislike. I want honest critiquing. Thanks in advance for sharing this great moment in my life.

The Midnight Writer

Clear your Debts so you can Invest in your Business

2010-06-02T23:47:00.000-04:00

Owning a business is a big responsibility that comes with challenges especially in the financial department. Personally, I struggle with questions about investing more into my blogs buying domains and hosting whenever I am short on funds for an auto repair. These are the kinds of situations that could use help with Debt Settlement to free up more operating capital for business and personal expenses.

As a traveling freelance writer, I pay out more in these early years on my own that I take in so I can improve my business and make connections. This year, I'm revamping all my financial strategies and aiming to pay off all past debts so I can operate freely with lots of funding for my every day expenses. Don't be afraid to seek help if you need it. Sometimes that is the wiser business decision.

The Midnight Writer

A Bathroom Facelift is an Artistic Venture

2010-05-31T21:09:00.001-04:00

I'm renting a house soon or I might be leasing with an option to buy. One of my pet peeves in settling into any house is the decor and design in the bathroom. Now this is such a personal space for the entire family where time is spent bathing, grooming, reading and thinking. As a writer, much of my creative bursts happen in the bathroom. When I get the lease signed I fully intend to request a clause that I can replace the fixtures myself in the bathroom if they are not aesthetic to the eyes. I have my eyes on an undermount sink but color choice will depend upon the colors in my bathroom. I'm keeping an open mind on purchasing other amenities and fixtures for my bathroom to synchronize the whole effect until I create a space that is relaxing and beautiful while being very functional. I love the earth tones if there are other earth elements in the room so this might be the right choice. Now to find the house to match!

The Midnight Writer

Looking for a House to Rent that is privately owned

2010-05-30T02:22:00.003-04:00

I am looking to rent a house before the end of summer in Utah but I don't want to deal with rental agencies or realtors. A friend told me about a website that lists rentals all across the nation using specific search criteria such as location, price, number of bedrooms and preferred amenities. In fact, Houses For Rent By Owner is so easy to use I was amazed! The site is so easy to navigate with lots of function tabs. The information on the bottom front page explains the whole concept of renting from an owner which includes leasing a home for a year or more or renting a house for a one week vacation. The beauty of searching homes rented by the owner is that you need far less credit to qualify and often the deposits are less while the terms are more negotiable.

If you don't find what you're looking for because of finances then check out some options under Affordable Housing Options. While you're awaiting a funding solution, enjoy browsing all the beautiful photos until you find your dream home to rent or lease. Houses for Rent by Owner even provide maps and floor plans to give you a realistic view of the property.

The Midnight Writer

The Little Red Phone Booth will have to Wait

2010-05-30T01:31:00.002-04:00

This phone booth is an imposter but it closely resembles the booth in Durango. I used the photo for effect.

It was our full intention to tour Durango and take lots of cool photos of the river, white water rafters, the train and a really unique little red phone booth but that will have to wait till Cephas and I return there. We drove 45 miles south to the city of Farmington in order to get a torque converter for our van transmission. The van almost didn't make it up the last mountain we tried to climb and we're blowing out black smoke so it's time to replace it. Seems like a replay of last summer when we had to put a used transmission in the same van in New Mexico when ours went out.

This year we are very lucky because we made it to a major city before the van stopped in its tracks. Last year we were on top of a mountain at 9000 feet when the transmission let out its last puff of smoke and the van rolled backwards into a ditch. The water tank broke when we hit the ditch but I thank God it wasn't the gas tank that hit. We sat on that mountain for a month before we finally got a used transmission in Albequerque. That was by the grace of God alone. I knew it was a temporary fix when we got the tranny but I'm so glad that fix lasted almost one year. We believe replacing the torque converter will fix the problem so we'll be in Farmington for two days, maybe three before we go down the road again.

The Midnight Writer

Eyes should be framed with Style

2010-05-28T22:12:00.004-04:00

If you have never heard of Zenni Optical before, then visit their site and be impressed with the vast selection of eyeglasses available through mail order. You will be even more impressed by the prices. The economy is tough in many areas but no worries about sacrificing your vision or style because of money. These fashionable eyeglasses start as low as $8.00 and come with many choices in features.

I love purple so naturally the frames in the photo above caught my attention. Now purple is not for everyone, I realize so I'll tell you that they offer many choices in color, shape, metal, plastic, wire and titanium. I'm so sure you'll be pleased before you even place your order that you will be glad I told you about this fantastic place to dress your eyes for far less than even the club prices.

Some people will not do anything on the word of one person and that is very wise so take a look at the RefundCents Daily blog and see what they have to say. Keep in mind that this is a totally unsolicited customer satisfaction review. If you need more, just type the name into the search engine and get your glasses out for at least an hour reading to scan the top page of your search results.

Shipping takes about two weeks so hang onto your old glasses until your shipment arrives. Need bifocals? No problem since Zenni can accomadate you in that area, too. I'm excited about the style most of all and I hope you are as pleased with them as I am.

The Midnight Writer

2010-05-28T22:09:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken about four years ago in Chico, California by me. The painting is an original artwork of our dear friend William Allen Everone, nephew to Pappy Henderson the Roswell pilot in 1947. William has spent years since his experience on the crash site with Pappy Henderson at his tender age of 12 painting memories of what he saw during that experience.

Durango is a fun filled Tourist Town

2010-05-28T21:51:00.002-04:00

Cephas and I just rolled into Durango this evening after eating a wonderful dinner about 50 miles west on Highway 160 in a town called Cortez. I'll write about the restaurant at a later time because I want to rave about their flan, which was the best one I've found so far in the whole United States. And I'm very particular with my taste so this is a huge compliment for them. Back to Durango.

The first plus for this town is the fact that they have a Starbucks where I'm sitting right now enjoying a cup of Komodo Dragon coffee made in a French press.! Sweetness! The whole reason that we came to Durango was in hopes of a place for me to write in order to finish some writing tasks that are due tonight. That made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and totally stoked about this town. Did I mention that it's filled with walking locals and tourists. Any time I find a "walking town", I'm impressed because that usually means it's a relaxed laid back town that is fairly safe.

The river runs right through town and there is an immense miles long river walkway where folks from all cultures and ages are enjoying various activities from walking to running to sitting and admiring the river. The more adventurous at heart are rafting or kayaking in the river. We'll get some photos of that tomorrow. We found out there is a train that gives tour rides. In fact, you can buy tickets right across the street. Parking in town is a game of cat and mouse or musical chairs, depending on your perspective.

I don't want to give away too many town secrets because I'm going to have much more to say about Durango after we have a tour and photo shoot tomorrow. I'll let you in on one secret though. We found an old red telephone booth so we'll definitely photograph that tomorrow. You'll see one or both of us having fun in and around it. Till tomorrow, have a great evening. Get outdoors with family and friends and have some relaxing adventure.

The Midnight Writer

Win Big Bucks for funny Softball Team Names

2010-05-27T23:13:00.007-04:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Softball Rampage. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you are baseball fan then you are going to love this contest! Help choose the most clever and the funniest softball team names for a chance to win some great prizes. There are no set rules on how to choose the name except to be creative and humorous. Here's how you enter the contest and what prizes are in the pool.

If I were to choose team names I'd refer to some of my favorite places, combine those ideas with my favorite hobbies or pastimes and relate it to baseball. My Dad was a big baseball fan who had his family play every year on vacation. Using that memory, I can think of one softball team name; Ernie's Bears. How did I come up with that name? Simple. I used my father's middle name and his favorite animal and sport. When I think about the west and how much I love to climb and hike the rocky slopes, I think of names like "Rocky Cliff Hangers" or the "Appalachian Gazelles". Well, you get the idea. The names can be a little absurd but funny.

Visit their website to find out about the Softball Rampage contest to come up with the best names for different types of teams, ie slow pitch or fast pitch, and enter your prize winning team names today.Winners get rewarded with $200 Rampage Bucks that are redeemable at Softball Rampage. To enter, visit the blog and leave a comment with your team name, an email and your name. On June 1, 2010 the winner will be chosen based on the most awesome name submitted. You have to be over 18 to enter the contest unless you get permission from a guardian or parent.

Here's the great news for baseball lovers. With the Rampage Bucks winnings, you can purchase great baseball items like bats, gloves and other gear to keep you top in your game.

The Midnight Writer

I Fell in Love with Moab at the Heart of Canyonlands

2010-05-24T00:05:00.009-04:00

Photo Credit: Cephas Gardner a/k/a Photo Gent "The Wilson Arch" 19 miles south of Moab

Green River has a rich History being on the Spanish Trail

2010-05-22T22:39:00.006-04:00

Cephas and I barely had a chance to tour the town of Green River or see the area like we wanted to do. We enjoyed the sights we visited and vowed to come back and uncover the treasures of this almost forgotten time marker to Western history.

Herbal Essential Oils have Multiple Uses

2010-05-20T12:27:00.003-04:00

About twenty years ago, I discovered natural herbs and essential oils as a healthy source for food and medicine. I was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1993. Doctors gave me thirty days to live so I had to either choose life, or die. With the help of some close friends, I discovered that changing my diet drastically, cleansing, and incorporating herbs into my diet would give me the best chance for healing or complete recovery. I opted for complete recovery so my transformation began at a rapid pace.

Most illness and disease is caused by improper nutrition from processed foods and our bodies inability to digest them. So I learned it was important to aid digestion as well as possible while changing the diet to more natural foods with enzymes and life force. While there are many herbs good for the stomach, Oregano Oil aids digestion and acts as an anti-microbial. Those are the invisible creatures living inside us that upset the natural order of our bodily functions and cause all sorts of sickness and distress. The tonic action of the oregano oil restores the proper balance within the stomach so the natural enzymes, digestive fluids and antibodies can function the way nature intended. Get great relief from acid and gases that cause multiple ailments caused by indigestion.

Another great tonic is basically a vitamin D-3 supplement in a concentrated form. Bio D-Mulsion is a clinically tested product that science dubbs "sunshine in a bottle" and it's safer than standing in the direct radiation waves of our sun today with all the excessive solar flares. Most people don't get enough vitamin D because they don't get enough sunshine for various reasons, avoiding the harmful x-rays being one of them. This is a great alternative to assure healthy bones and teeth for your body by taking a supplement that enhances calcium absorption. Therein lies a solution to one of the most common maladies today. Osteoporosis is rampant and elderly people suffer with broken and bent bones caused by lack of calcium and the inability to process certain hormones. Today's health industry is waking up to realize the magic within nature. Be well and try some essential oils and natural supplements for your well being.

The Midnight Writer

Consider buying a home through the Rent to Own Option

2010-05-16T05:08:00.002-04:00

The housing market is always in a state of flux and when interest rates rise it creates an uncertain market for home buyers. Prices rise to reflect a struggling economy and that puts a damper in budgets. Even the true value of a home is not evident in the current fluctuating real estate market. If your credit ceiling is limited there is a way for you to purchase a home without going through a bank or lending institution. Use the method explained at Minneapolis Rent To Own Homes. Their handy online guide will show you the highlights for this process while it gives some of the most comprehensive listings available on the web today.

Visit their website today to browse nice clear photos of house listings that also provides extensive information about the property and how to obtain it. Sign up for an account so you can save your searches and other information. It's free and easy to join and you'll be part of a large group of people numbering over 349,000 who find this website useful. The "Guide" tab explains what a "rent to own" transaction means then lists the five step process. Continue browsing the site by city, state, zip code, neighborhood, price range and you can view thousands of homes on this one website in a short time. It is so easy to maneuver that even a novice to internet browsing could find their way around this site.

Other useful information allows you to calculate the mortgage rate, find moving centers, or access your free credit score. It's an informative resource for anyone seeking a rent to own option or a lease opportunity. Properties are listed from all over America so it doesn't matter where you are looking to move. If you need further information aside from what is provided on www.irenttoown.com then visit this site Affordable Housing Options.

The Midnight Writer

Creative Ways to Promote your Business

2010-05-16T00:53:00.003-04:00

Since I run a blogging freelance writing business and dabble in advertising, I'm always looking for simple and creative ways to advertise my business. The typical business utilizes business cards printed on card stock papers designed in many styles and formats. You can create business cards in the most simple designs or the most complex artistic layout. The crux of the concept is to attract the audience to your business by appealing to the eye and the mind. I've been tossing around the idea of using rubber stamps on all my promotional materials. It's not a new concept but it has versatile possibilities.

Visual effects are the best but the name of the company plays a large role in attracting people so it needs to be very visible. Don't crowd the name and purpose of your business with too much art. If they can't see it, potential customers or clients won't call you. Oh yeah, be sure the phone number is three times the font size of every other detail. When using a rubber stamp, take all these details into consideration then design your signature in a creative stand out way. Once you make your rubber stamp, use it on everything from your letters, envelopes, brochures and flyers and all promotional material in your business. Add it to gift tags and thank you letters. You get the idea. The list is endless. Have fun with it and watch your business grow with this simple idea!

The Midnight Writer

There are many types of Hobbies

2010-05-16T00:06:00.002-04:00

People have so many hobbies by which they entertain themselves. I love many types of hobbies and recreational sports. Hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activities which might also qualify as both a hobby and a sport. According to my research, many people enjoy this same activity for various reasons, including physical fitness. Making crafts is another popular hobby that has many outlets for selling and displaying one's works. One hobby that might not be classified as such is the love of sports, of any kind. I'm curious about the nature of people's hobbies and what gives them the tendency to prefer one over another.

Let's talk about sports, for example. There are myriads of sports that people enjoy and each one involves various levels of physical ability, talent, and commitment. Whether you are talking about skiing, or horseback riding or football, each one requires physical fitness, skill, training and stamina. Within the realm of sports, there is another sort of hobby that is extremely popular. The art of sports betting is more than gambling. In fact, it requires a knowledge of the games on which you're betting as well as skill to understand how to place the bets. A certain amount of tenacity is required to be able to apply the analytic skill to figure what constitutes a good bet and the nerve to place a bet in the presence of all odds.

Whatever your preference, hobbies are a great way to develop your talents and to spend leisure time.

The Midnight Writer

Find Deals on Foreclosed Homes in your Area

2010-05-15T04:59:00.004-04:00

With the cost of real estate rising while the values decrease and bank interest sky rockets, it is a good time to look for bargains when buying a home. Consider looking into the vast market of foreclosures like the listings found at Oakland Foreclosed Homes. If this is not the city in which you plan to buy, don't worry. You can search the entire country on their easy to navigate website. Foreclosure Patch gathers listings from mulitiple sources and brings it all together into one handy location that makes it very convenient for buyers. Let me explain how their site is set up then get ready to find a fantastic deal.

Take some time to search their extensive listings using the simple navigation their website offers. You are bound to find the perfect home to suit your taste and your financial parameters. Before you even begin your quest, read the handy Foreclosure Guide located at the top of the front page. While you're there, be sure to check out their free offers then navigate through the widgets to look at home offerings. Just enter your search criteria narrowed to very specific parameters to find exactly the home in the price range and area that you desire. The beautiful photos show the property in question to help you decide if you want to pursue the house any further.

If you are interested in some other sources for real bargains on foreclosed homes, then look into the listing of Government Homes For Sale . You'll find rock bottom prices that are priced to sell fast because these homes are foreclosures on failed bank mortgages or other deals. The inventory has to be cleared out fast so be sure to check it out before you spend your savings on a higher priced home.

With all the choices listed, it will be easy to shop for any sale on a home and especially foreclosures. You'll be amazed how easy it is to buy real estate while saving money!

The Midnight Writer

I'm Lovin the Facebook Connection

2010-05-15T02:00:00.002-04:00

I'm on Facebook and I'm lovin' it because so many of my family, friends, rainbow family, business associates and freelance writer friends are all on Facebook chatting, sharing, connecting with one another. People are really into uploading photos and videos so I joined in the wave and started sharing everything in my files.Tonight I spent some time uploading my favorite rainbow videos and photos from albums posted by our children whom I found on Facebook tonight. We travel extensively but we only see our family occasionally. They are spread out around seven states! That is why Facebook is so important to us. We can connect with everyone from any where and stay updated.

The image at the top left is our daughter in law, Brandy Gardner who just recently married our son pictured on the right, Robert Gardner. It looks like they had a fantastic wedding and really loved posing for the photos. We couldn't be there for the wedding though it would have been awesome. They just gave birth to their first son Isaac Gardner in March but we have yet to receive any photos or messages about his birth. I'm working on family unification but emotions are delicate and when families become estranged, it can be difficult.

Robert, Brandy and their family live in Sweetwater, Tennesee. The last time we visited them was February of 2009. We stayed for several weeks and had a pretty good time going out to eat, taking trips to the lake and the park. I got really sick during our visit and so did Cephas so we had a lot of down time. The best time was at the resort where Robert rented a cabin. Loved it! It was Valentine's Day and we took lots of photos. time sure does fly!

I found photos of other family who we have not connected with much over the past few years since we've been traveling evangelists on the rainbow peace trail. But this year, I am working on changing that situation. Every effort is going into reuniting the family whatever it takes. Cephas and I will start with communication. One step at a time is all any one can take.

I'll be back with more family news and photos but right now I need to write some reviews for clients.
Have a great night.
The Midnight Writer

My Life as a Freelance Writer is Evolving

2010-05-14T01:11:00.003-04:00

Up front let me tell you that I've always wanted to be a writer from as far back in time as I can remember. As a little girl I loved reading stories, watching them play out in the movies and I loved telling or writing my own stories. I always looked for the excitement or the mystery in life. Every thing that took place was a story to me. I was the character in the story observing other characters so I could tell every one else what was happening. From my perspective, that's what life was about. I spent hours in my growing years reading really good books. I immersed myself into the stories and lived it while I read. For hours I poured my heart and soul into whatever I was reading at the time. After finishing a book, I thought about it for a long time afterwards and some books touched me so deeply in my life I still remember them.

About two years ago, I started blogging and freelance writing as a profession. My new freelance business grew in stages but now the tempo has sped up to a fast moving pace. I'm now writing on fifty plus blogs professionally and submitting content to several sites. The most exciting step I've taken in my professional writing career now is in creating the screen play and script for a movie based on the book I'm writing.

European News Sources

2010-05-13T21:20:00.009-04:00

There are many European sources of news but I have my favorites like CNN World News and the BBC. There is a new site recently launched specializing in euro news that I just discovered. Check out their clean style and the latest stories published. It is a nice alternative to the conventional big internet news sites. The stories are well reported and interesting to read.

I want to touch on some of my favorite sites for news in both mainstream and alternative media. The EU Observer covers the latest world news, foreign affairs and defense. A featured blog section that covers European news provided by some top bloggers. Website sections give easy to navigate links to categories which makes the whole reading experience more pleasant. The EU Observer goes beyond news reporting to cover the political events that spark international interest and controversy.

The Balkan Insight particularly interests me because I follow the world events in that region of the world because I monitor prophetic events. This part of the world plays a very important role in scriptural history and this paper covers all aspects of the region from news to politics to business and the economy. It's a very trendy site with a magazine style format that has all inclusive sections available right on the main page. I really like the depth in content provided.

There is one more site I want to share with you in this post. It's titled "Institute for War and Peace Reporting" and I like this site because of my interest in peace around the world. This news magazine raises international awareness of issues important to societies today in the areas of the latest news, culture, and for countries experiencing war and intense transitions. It's focus is to bring voice for change in the most needful areas on our planet. It's free to subscribe and I'm thinking about writing for them.

There are so many more European news I want to share and explore. Meanwhile, please check out the websites that I have reviewed and come back to read more in the near future. Expand your horizons by visiting some new websites today.

The Midnight Writer

I walk the line - Young Johnny

2010-05-13T20:29:00.000-04:00

Find Land Contract Homes in your Local Area

2010-05-13T19:18:00.008-04:00

If you are looking to buy a home then try out this comprehensive listing to find land contract homes in your area. For instance, if you are searching for Long Beach Land Contract Homes this website pulls in listings from around the nation to build one of the most complete search websites available online. One of the best features on the main page that I like is the stream of image widgets that take you through the home buying process in a colorful way using characters and steps from one to five. It is very engaging and interactive and the graphics make it easy for anyone to understand how to initiate and follow the process.

The illustration begins with step one to search homes with over one million listings at your fingertips on this one website. It carries the seeker through the phases from one to five with the next step being "find an investor", "agree on terms", "lease a home", and ending with the home purchase. Each step displays further details and guidance. Even a novice can follow the process easily.

This site even explored the rent to own option that makes housing accessible and affordable to those with more limited income or credit ceilings. For further information on affordable housing, visit the government site that details Fair Housing Inititiatives.

Returning to the land contract home site, you can sort by price, location, amenities and other criteria that allows you to narrow your search. This saves a lot of time in your search because it eliminates possibly hundreds of unrelated sites to sift. Complete your housing search experience by seeking advice from the experts or by checking out the listed free offers or look at interactive maps for your desired location once you make a decision about homes to consider. Enjoy reviewing the homes on your wish list because they have provided colorful photos complete with aerial views of the neighborhood.

If you are thinking about buying a home, what are you waiting for? Visit the best listing available today and get started. You could close before summer arrives!

The Midnight Writer

We are enjoying our Friends in Paonia

2010-05-13T19:10:00.002-04:00

A few days ago the Spirit of God called us to Paonia while we were in the midst of working on a project in Helper. It has been an intense experience filled with great joy and pain that has reminded us of deepest emotions as living mortals. Today we woke up with the intentions to leave here and drive back to Helper but the Spirit compelled us by conscience to come into the house to bid farewell to everyone here. That changed everything because of the deep emotions and we were so moved with compassion for the people and what they are going through right now that we decided to stay longer until the Spirit lets us know this experience is finished.

Apartment Hunting is easy with the Right Resources

2010-05-12T04:26:00.006-04:00

I'm always looking for more efficient and accurate ways to hunt for apartments so I spend a lot of time online searching. Since my husband and I travel so frequently, we decided to start renting efficiency apartments or vacation apartments by the week or month instead of spending money on motels. Our quest takes us into a new arena in looking for apartments so we need to access some efficient websites to find listings in multiple cities. Our idea is to search for Loft Rentals because these are probably more affordable and better furnished for our needs.

Since we will rent weekly or monthly, we'll need to use a website like mystudioapartments.com to find enough listings.This website offers a vast listing that can be searched by city, state, zip code, neighborhood, price range and style. It contains more listings than other similar sites and its easy to browse with multiple search tabs located directly on the front page. Navigation is clear and easy so you'll be viewing studios and lofts in minutes once you enter your desired criteria. View the photos on the front page slide show as an alternative way of surfing. When you see a photo that you like simply click on it to get fully revealed information on the chosen apartment.

For a better understanding about the rental market, visit Apartment Market Overview before you conduct your search. This way, you'll be well informed about prices before you commit to a particular range and style. I recommend that you use all the free resources available to you in order to find the best deal with the desired apartment attributes.

The Midnight Writer

Comprehensive Listing helps you find Owner Financed Homes

2010-05-07T11:56:00.016-04:00

I found an easy to navigate website that gives a comprehensive listing for Portland Owner Financed Homes. It's easy from the first page view to search criteria with the top search bar that allows choices for city and state, price range, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Start your search with specifics and you can avoid surfing through hundreds of sites that do meet your needs. Convenience would bring me back to this site time and again.

Just below the top tabs on the front page there is a nice slide show displaying dozens of beautiful available homes for sale. Click on an individual photo and you will be transported to its unique listing complete with photo and price. A button on the right hand side takes you to a page filled with all the details a home buyer wants to find. You get complete details from size to price, payment options, tax information, owner contact details, address and maps.

If you are unsure how to shop for a new house then visit Overview on Buying a Home to get informed. Then visit the owner financed listings on Portland Owner Financed Homes to look for a great new house in your neighborhood. I checked for a listing in my area and was pleasantly surprised to find more than 70 listings that met my criteria. My home search will be lots of fun using this efficient website. Check it out for yourself and see if you're as convinced as I am that they really did their homework. You won't find more listings on most real estate sites so it's a wonderful discovery.

The Midnight Writer

The Wayshower : It’s a Wrap

2010-05-07T07:16:00.002-04:00

The small town of Helper, Utah has been buzzing with excitement for the past three weeks since Jsu Garcia brought his latest film venture to their streets. Scott J-R Productions went on location with the movie “Wayshower” bringing a star-studded cast to this quaint small town. Their presence sparked life into the near ghost town that hasn’t seen this much action since its mining heyday. It will be the “talk of the town” for months or even years to come, according to some residents. Once the movie launches in 2011, the locals hope it will bring tourists to Helper and they are ready with the welcome mat. Like the filming, the townspeople hope the movie will draw much needed revenue to their hometown.

The Wrap party took place at the Helper Civic Center on Main Street from 7-9 p.m on May 5, 2010. The Helper community wanted to share their gratitude to Jsu Garcia, co-screenwriter and executive producer, for filming “Wayshower” in their town. A celebration featured rock ‘n roll music played by local artists Ollie Olson and Frank Markosek as the Frank & Ollie Band. The festivities opened with a prayer offered by long time Helper resident Willie Ellington. Banquet style food was served amid the band music, mingling and speeches given by locals, stars and the District 27 Senator David Hinkins, nephew to Dr. John-Roger, co-screenwriter.

Spiritual intonations resonated throughout the night’s song selections as Frank & Ollie sang “Midnight Confessions” and “Devil in Disguise”. Whether it was a tribute to the star Peter Stormare who played the devil in Constantine or just a co-incidence, remains a mystery. “Young Girl” might have been the song Eric Roberts would have chosen for his sister instead of “Pretty Woman” because most big brothers are protective. As the band played, it was clear the music selections had a deeper meaning.

Highlights from the cast of noted speakers resounded with sentiments of hope, gratitude and profound joy. Jsu Garcia confessed to an electrified crowd, “I never made it to prom night. Tonight is prom night.” He gave special mention to Willie Ellington who Jsu explained became his good friend that “set this on fire”. Jsu shared his public gratitude to Mary Lou and David from the arts center dubbing them “Pillars of Helper”. They were hosts to the crew at the building affectionately called “The Brothel” which became home to the film crew for three weeks. On a political note, Jsu Garcia added, “I’ve never actually met a Senator who gives you a ride. Senator Hinkins gave me a couple rides and asked ‘Hey, how you doing?’ “ That says a lot about this town.

The cast and crew will return to their homes while the town of Helper winds down to resume their quiet lives in this sleepy little town in Utah. “Wayshower” will be released in 2011. For more information, visit the website at http://www.thewayshower.com.

Cheryl Lynn Gardner
The Midnight Writer

We stopped to admire the Bridal Veil Falls on Highway 189

2010-05-05T01:40:00.009-04:00

Read the legend of Bridal Veil Falls and you will be immersed into the romantic legend that will give you a new perspective as you gaze at the cascading waters. I see the tears of the woman who is one with the water and her hair draping the rocks. Tell me what you see as you look at the next photos and videos.

Cephas was very excited to see our first waterfall this season. Last year, we filmed some dynamic falls in Idaho and Oregon but this is our first Utah sighting. Enjoy.

I like this close up still photo because the water image is enhanced in it. Doesn't it make you want to climb the side of the mountain to bask in the cascading waters? It has to be cold!

Look at the multiple ledges and insets where the water rolls from the first landing then starts falling down the second steep drop off the rock face. The trees located on the upper ledge are very large which will give you an idea how high this mountain reaches in elevation. Maybe you can realize the massive size of Bridal Veil Falls. And don't blink too hard if you think you see me still standing in front of the water falls! The wind was blowing really hard so my hair is taking flight. It also caused problems with the audio on our little video camera but a new microphone is in our future. Things just keep getting better.

The Midnight Writer

Jimi Hendrix-Purple Haze

2010-04-29T01:37:00.001-04:00

The Midnight Writer

House of Night Series releases new book

2010-04-27T17:40:00.004-04:00

Celebrate with P.C. and Kristin Cast the release of their new book "Burned". The seventh book in the series applauds the talents of this mother-daughter team authors. It's a tale of immortals in the struggle between darkness and light as one soul wrestles with the decision to become unchained from the darkness that has held his soul for so long.

Enjoy listening to the song because you can download the Burned song free. It's a beautiful rendition of this souls struggle within himself. After you listen to the theme song, read the first chapter for a preview of this book. There is an option to join an online club so you can read more of the chapter as it's added. It promises to be suspenseful.

Life on the Road is both an inspiration and a challenge

2010-04-18T00:34:00.001-04:00

My days are filled with adventure, challenges, joy, hope, stress, disappointments and victories. Amidst all that, I am motivated to write. Some days I am driven and I'm not sure why. I believe it's my calling in life to write as much about my life and the lives of people on my path.

4.9 Earthquake rocks and rolls Utah this Evening

2010-04-16T00:48:00.010-04:00

The earth is rocking and rolling and reeling these days. Do you suppose she is in birth pangs of distress? Do you think that God might be demanding our attention? Whatever your thoughts or feelings about the natural disasters, the earth is in upheaval. And to this we should all pay attention.

Everyone needs to be prepared for the worst case scenario. All you optimists out there, hope for the best but pack that three day emergency supply kit and keep it within elbow's reach. You won't have much time to think about putting one together when an earthquake or volcano or tornado or flood strikes. You will by the grace of God have enough warning to get out of the line of fire and evacuate the targeted area of nature's labor pains as she strives to birth a better world.

Watch the video above because it has some great information provided in a common sense dialogue about preparing for an earthquake. Granted, no one can escape God or nature's power by God but you can plan ahead so you'll be ready to help yourself, your family and your neighbors, if you are one of the uninjured survivors. Study up on first aid because rescue teams may not reach a stricken area for hours or days. It all depends upon the level of destruction.

Stay as calm as possible, grab your emergency supplies and your family, your neighbors, the elderly couple down the street and help evacuate early if warning is given. Don't be part of the problem by refusing to leave an area that could be utterly devastated or completely destroyed. Prepare to serve your fellow humanity so you can be a beacon in a very dark hour. Rise up to the occasion and make sure you talk to your loved ones about the possibilities so you can make plans to meet or communicate.

We live on an earth that is destined to be remolded by the hand of God. Get ready for the ride of your life. May God bless and keep you and may peace be with you in perilous times.

Read my article for more prophetic information "Approaching Armageddon or Ascension". It's available for usage rights on Constant Content for $25.00. I'll be offering a series by the end of the month about the same type of subject matter.

The Midnight Writer

I'm Making Family Plans for this Summer

2010-04-08T02:50:00.004-04:00

Photo Credit: Taken in Mount Shasta, California by The Midnight Writer

Spring is in full swing and all the travelers are on the highways making their way to great vacation hotspots. The weather is beautiful so it makes me think about my plans for this spring/summer season. I want to get together with my family but they are all spread out around the country. My husband and I have talked about how to bring them altogether at once. The only solution we came up with is to sponsor a very special event and send invitations to all of them far in advance of the date. That way, they can plan their vacation time to coincide with a memorable family event.

I'll have to really consider all the aspects of the event and what will be involved in order to pull an extended family together all in one place at the same time. I'm talking about people with different lives who live in seven different states. Each family has its own ideas about how to spend the summer vacation time they work all year to set aside. My relatives will each hope to take their vacation time from work at a different time as well so I will have to be very convincing when I invite them to this big family affair.

My husband and I will have to really come up with a fantastic experience and a very convincing sales pitch to get every one to agree to come. Does any one out there have any ideas where a ten family reunion could unite for one week this summer?

The Midnight Writer

Find Luxury Apartments in North Carolina

2010-04-05T00:26:00.004-04:00

There is some beautiful country side in North Carolina so it's the perfect place to rent North Carolina Apartments and enjoy living in this panoramic setting. Luxury apartments are a lifestyle that replace the traditional mode enjoyed by the average person. Make a choice to live in luxury and style among a community of like minded people with an appreciation for the finer things in life. Enjoy the amenities that come with luxury apartments and be prepared to embrace your daily life with a passion for comfort.

NC Apartments are affordable for the business person who has a mid-range income and who knows that any budget can be flexed to afford the luxuries they offer. Spacious bedrooms are comfortable and will easily accomodate a queen sized bed along with the furniture of your dreams. Kitchens are built for entertainment so befriend your neighbors in this community setting. Enjoy the peace of mind that their security system will give you. Apartments come equipped with an alarm, free internet, a laundry and balconies where you can relax in private seclusion to enjoy a good book or look out upon the beautiful grounds.

Maybe you think that these luxury Apartments in North Carolina are too big for your budget. You'll be surprised to know that security deposits are only $100 and the application fee is a mere $35. A credit and background check is required which helps keep this community a safe place to live. They offer 24 hour emergency maintenance as well as storage for your extra personal items. Pets are welcome in Forest Pointe but it requires a deposit and monthly fee. If you're thinking about a lifestyle change that will give you peace of mind and luxury, why not submit your application today?

If you Digg Me then Let me Know

2010-04-02T00:05:00.001-04:00

Floss those Pearly Whites and get ready to Laugh

2010-04-01T03:24:00.006-04:00

I invite you to visit the office comedy blog Workforced.

The header invites you to come in casual dress so there is no need to dress up for work. Just bring your smile.

It's one of my new favorite places to go when I need to take the weight of the world and my Job, off my shoulders. Laughter is good medicine and that's what Don delivers on his humor blog that is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone.

Isn't this photo hilarious? Yet it's so true to life. How many of you can relate to the hidden dialogue behind the photo? I've been around and people really do talk this way, especially during moments like group photos. I never promised this would be a review about "tact", so keep that in mind and laugh your way through Workforced.

I've visited a lot of blogs in my short two year professional blogging career, and I've seen many things. Some I can talk about and some things I would never mention, not even if forced. I have seen blogs that attempt humor about work and I've read some blogs that are very funny on the occasional blog post relating to the competitive work force or freelance writing market. But this is the first blog that I have found totally dedicated to humor about the work place. I find this refreshing. Don is a true comedian and he is on a quest to find other comedy blogs. If you know of one, visit Don on twitter to send a tweet and tell him all about it.

Don delivers some sound advice for people entering the modern workforce. The corporate world is a daunting place unless you possess some business savvy. Workforced shares gems of business wisdom in its traditional satire format so be sure to look beyond the humor and the sass to find treasures that you can use in your daily work life.

Follow Workforced on twitter @job_blows

Look for the badge in my sidebar when you're visiting my site and be sure to read the latest on Workforced if you want some comic work relief. Don't like your job? Then this is the place to learn how to laugh about it. You'll live longer even if you don't make a lot of money.

Find me on Twitter and let's Tweet

2010-04-01T03:10:00.001-04:00

If you're in the groove then you probably know all about twitter and you have an account. If not, then get one today so we can tweet about life and its daily musings or world events or freelance writing or family or the weather. I'm a multi-faceted person with a zest and zeal for life so if you want to chat, tweet me at @midnightwriter1. You should DM (direct message me) if you want to assure a prompt reply because my account sees thousands of tweets every day.

Be sure to follow me on twitter so I can read your stream and receive direct messages. I've reached my maximum on how many people I can follow until I gain 500 more followers so you'll be helping me out. I hope to see you in twitter land where we can share information about life, business, family and health. Use this tool to help promote your business and to build friendships. It's the king of social networks.

The Midnight Writer

Try the new Lux Score to find a Luxury Apartment near you!

2010-03-26T04:39:00.004-04:00

Luxury Apartments are a modern cultural dream. I mean, who wouldn't want to live in an upscale luxury apartment complex that has a great setting, modern style and amenities, beautiful grounds and security? The last time I looked for an apartment, though, finding a luxury one was more of a dream than a reality.

I really didn't know where to turn until I found a listing for Oakland Luxury Apartments
on a website referred to me by a friend. When I first opened the website I was treated to an eye pleasing surprise. A slideshow of some of the most beautiful apartments flashed before my eyes so I took a few minutes to watch the photos phase in and out, one by one. I was mesmerized by the beautiful images of stylish kitchens with the latest appliances and matching aesthetic decorum.

When I forced myself out of the revelry induced by the lush swimming pool in one of the photos, I realized there was a search bar located right within the slide show box. Before I got lost in surfing through the site, I took a moment to glance at the rest of the page. The front web page contained enough links to keep me interested in clicking for hours. It was all laid out in simple navigation form with easy to understand titles. Yet, I was on a quest so I resisted the urge to click and typed in the city where I am looking for apartments.

I typed in the city name then I keyed in my desired rental rate, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Next, I pressed the "search" button to begin my dream apartment quest. Success came quickly in my search because I found several listings in the neighborhood where I'm hoping to rent. Pictures provided assurance to let me know whether or not I would be interested in a place, or not. Key information was detailed regarding the acquisition of my dream apartment such as; address, phone number, price, a detailed location map, floor plans and amenities available. Every detail that I needed to make a decision was right there in front of me in one easy to access location.

I'm going to fave this Luxury Apartment Shop and I am recommending that you check it out for yourself. Let's compare notes on our dream apartments, shall we?

This Post Surpasses 420 Entries for my Blog

2010-03-26T03:45:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that I have pressed "publish" 420 times on this blog. It seems like only yesterday that I created The Midnight Writer blog and persona. Little did I know then how much it would envelop my life. I'm proud to be a professional creative blogger and I am really fond of my first blog domain that helped me become the writer that I am today.

Camping is more than a Hobby, it's a Lifestyle

2010-03-18T04:04:00.003-04:00

My husband and I have been traveling for over fourteen years around the United States. Much of our time is spent outdoors especially in the spring and summer months. We go camping much of the summer usually in the high mountains out west. As we are advancing in years, our love for camping and the outdoor life has not diminished at all. In fact, we love and appreciate the fresh air, the quiet, solitude and beauty of nature even more.

We are finding that if we are choosing the methods in which we go camping, we will select comfort more often these days than the rough camping we did ten years ago. You should have seen us then! We traveled in all sorts of vehicles from pick up trucks with a canopy to a car to vans of various styles and sizes. Often, we are too packed to really enjoy the space inside our vehicle so we set up tents outdoors when we plan on staying in one spot for awhile.

This past two years, we are giving serious consideration to buying a motor home. It will have to be rugged and sturdy like our Dodge Tradesman van with enough room for comfort. We'd want the RV to have well utilized kitchen space, a dining table, separate sleeping area and very comfortable captain's chairs in the front. Storage space is the most important part of an RV or motor home. Everything has to have a place and the unit needs to have enough storage designed to allow for organization and ease of finding things! There's nothing more frustrating than having to dig into stacks of containers in search of basic cooking items or personal toiletries.

Our van is challenging but until we can afford that dream RV, like the one in the photo above, we'll be enjoying our travels looking for that next mountain to explore. Watch for us in the wilderness. We'll be the two people picking wild edibles with a primitive campsite set up next to our van.

A Warm Bath is Calling me after Hours of Work

2010-03-18T04:01:00.000-04:00

Other freelance writers might be able to relate to the statement I'm about to make. We don't know how to gauge our time properly so we push onward through the fugue of assignments and "to do" lists for blogs, clients, emails, advertising, articles, etc. with little regard to our personal time or needs.

Is that a fair statement?

Freelance writers are a hard working sort of people because the industry demands it of them. Take my advice tonight. Stop typing. Stop reading. Put all your files and notes away. Walk into the bathroom, draw a full hot tub of water, add some bubbles, turn down the lights and soak your cares away. Drink some warm tea and enjoy. Afterwards, get a good night's rest because all that work will be there for you in the morning.

Have a great night. I'm heading for the bathtub.

The Midnight Writer

I Would be Lost without Email Hosting for my Business

2010-03-13T17:34:00.004-05:00

I started an online freelance writing and blogging business almost two years ago. Ever since then, I have struggled to find the right web services to meet my needs. Many companies offer web hosting with emails while others specialize in email service alone. But my dilemma leaves me wanting.

My problem is that I have difficulty finding one provider that can give me the space I need to store massive email files while providing the advantage of a hosted brand name to establish my business identity online. I know that I can buy a domain for one of my blogs and I will automatically be given the opportunity to set up dozens or a couple hundred emails under that domain. But what do I do with 40 + blogs that each have a unique identity?

Is there a company out there that offers diverse email hosting with the option to set up multiple user names for different domains? I'm specifically looking for a provider that will make this service both convenient and affordable. Can anyone make a recommendation based on personal experience? I would love to hear from you.

Right now I hold dozens of email accounts both on the free providers like Yahoo and Gmail and hosted domain accounts. The problem comes with being scattered all over the web. It takes a lot of time and extra organization to keep track of so many email accounts. I owe it to my clients, my customers and my partners to be prompt in responding to my messages. I get frustrated when I have to log in to multiple accounts that take over an hour to review without really answering emails.

A friend told me about a site that provides better service than what I'm getting now, so I'll be searching until I find a solution. When I find the unique email hosting provider for busy entrepreneurs like me, I'll let you know about it.

The Midnight Writer

Freelance Writers face Unique Challenges

2010-03-13T04:02:00.001-05:00

It is not an easy task to focus freelance writing work without the guarantee of a weekly paycheck. When it's up to the writer to find work, complete it, submit it and then follow up on requesting payment - a new sense of responsibility reminds me that there are no guarantees in life. There are only opportunities. These have to be met with a sense of ability, a sense of pride and in the knowledge that I - or you- possess enough talent to face the insurmountable. Every day I reinforce my resolve with an "I can do it!" attitude. I can and I will.

I chose blogging as an outlet for my creative writing until I could land that all important magazine article assignment, or get a novel contract or sell that great story idea for a movie. Something unexpected happened to me as I trudged through the massive unknown world of blogging. I fell in love with it. Don't get me wrong. I have faced the blogging wall. But I also learned that blogging is a great way to explore and develop my writing talent. It's a venue for coming out as a writer.

Every day that I face my blogs blank pages I spend a few minutes searching my soul for something to write about. I search my heart and my memory for any thing that matters to me or interests me or for what makes me laugh and cry. I climb the bloggers wall every day looking for me. When I find myself, I'll be able to write that true story that will cinch my first novel contract or movie deal. That book will be a revelation of my true soul and it will mean something to the world because I'll write it from a place of truth that lies deep within me.

I'm Engrossed in planning a Series of Blog Posts

2010-03-10T02:01:00.001-05:00

Once I completed the setup of my blog network, I sat back and took a deep sigh of relief while I let out a whoop of excitement. A brief moment later I realized that I had just created a vast cyber realm of blogs with their own niches and personas that would need to be fed with creative content. In other words, I created endless work for myself. Not only would I be able to have diverse platforms for writing paid reviews but I would have to provide content for my readers and fans. This has become a serious undertaking. I've built a blogging empire that is like managing dozens of magazines. What was I thinking?!?!!

Well, I better brace up and get busy writing because I created it...I wanted it!!! So now I am very busy planning blog posts on the multiple blogs so there will be enough drafts to auto publish over a month's time. This is the only way I see to keep fresh content on this many blogs. I don't want to buy content because I am a freelance writer.

My Dreamhouse has the Ultimate Kitchen

2010-03-08T22:09:00.003-05:00

My whole life I have dreamed about building the perfect house. Raised in the east, the kitchen was an intergral part of family life so it's important to me. Family gathers in the kitchen to talk, cook, eat and drink morning coffee or evening cocoa. The kitchen design has to include the best cooking facilities and an undermount kitchen sink. With all the cooking and socializing, the sink needs to accomodate food preparation and all those dishes that will need washing.

I think I'll have to choose a double sink made of super strength stainless steel and large bowls. I could choose a fancier design like beautiful marble or modern shapes and colors but I'm leaning towards being practical instead. I found a double sink on Mr. Direct's website that fits what I imagined. This double stainless steel sink is super strength made of heavy 16 gauge steel. It has a brushed satin finish, an offset drain opening and rubber pad. I like the design because there will be lots of room for large pots and it will be easy to clean. The shine will really highlight my gorgeous kitchen. I'm on the right track to creating the perfect beautiful yet practical kitchen.

I'm comforted by the fact that Mr. Direct is accredited by the better business bureau. Shopping online is very convenient but I do worry about fraudulent companies so this gives me great relief. I can daydream and plan my dream kitchen without any worries. The prices are reasonable, too. If I save money with my sink purchase then I'll have more to spend on those fancy windows and the appliances. The drapes will probably cost more than most of the kitchen decor. Thank you Mr. Direct for saving me some dollars on my dream project. And I won't have any worries about ordering early when I start designing my dream kitchen because they offer same day shipping.

The Midnight Writer

Blair Witch Project Two Scared me out of my Wits

2010-03-07T04:19:00.004-05:00

Growing up, I was exposed to lots of paranormal activity and fortune tellers as well as so called practicing witches. It was a well accepted belief in those days. The Blair Witch Project movie reminded me about my growing years where paranormal experiences and stories of hauntings abounded. These were every day facts of life in Blair and Cambria counties, which is consequently where I spent the first thirty years of my life. Supernatural stories spun across miles and generations without changing much. People have witnessed some of these supernatural presences first hand and I've had enough personal experiences, which I will delve into eventually. For now, I want to share some of the common stories that are part of Pennsylvania history and familiar to me growing up.

One story that stands out in my memory is the Lady of the Buckhorn. Read the entire account at Haunted Places in Pennsylvania. Just click the link in the previous sentence and you'll find the story of a young couple whose carriage went over the side of the Buckhorn Mountain on the way to their wedding. The bride still runs across the mountain tops and down the highway from the Buckhorn to Wopsy lookout at lover's lane.

Do you believe that supernatural sightings really happen? Are ghosts for real? Like believing that witches are real, one has to experience it or know someone who has and believe their account. I saw the Lady of the Buckhorn and so have some of my family members. My motther told me about her and she claims to have had a visitation from this lady while driving the mountain highway.

I'll be back again with further details about this ghost legend on The Midnight Writer's Secret Portal. I want to do some more research before I write any more. Till then, enjoy the stories.

The Midnight Writer

I Was Born to Write

2010-03-05T00:40:00.004-05:00

My mother used to say that I was born with a pen in my hands because it is one of the first tools that I mastered at a very young age. Handwriting fascinated me every bit as much as the art of writing, reading and spelling. As soon as I could speak I showed my inquisitive nature but the progressing years revealed the intense reflective side of me that sought to understand life. In that process, I longed to express my deepest thoughts to others. As early as grade school I began writing profound scribbles that helped my parents realize I had a talent and desire for writing. They also realized that I was a budding philosopher. Mom used to tell me that I was not a child but a Grandma in a young body. She told me that she felt like I was the mother and she was the child in our relationship. That was telling to me about how adults viewed me during my childhood and budding youth into young adulthood. Everything I did in my life filled me with wonder and deep ponderings. Along with that, the desire to pick up a pen or pencil so I could share those ponderings became a part of my daily life.

I sought out the elders in my family and in my neighborhood. My grandparents and great aunts and uncles drew me to them like a magnet. I was thirsty for knowledge and something in me instinctively knew to draw from the well springs of the aged who had so much life experience to share. I sought understanding about the mysterious. To me, the elders epitomized wisdom flowing from the fountains of their souls.

The Midnight Writer

Show off your Business at a Trade Show

2010-03-04T23:21:00.004-05:00

I love trade shows and the excitement of a massive sharing of information about new companies, new products and breakthrough technology or innovative business techniques. The displays at trade show booths add the sense of organization with an elegant flair to your business. It is a platform unlike any other way to showcase products, literature, magazines, business cards and models of new inventions. One main consideration in presenting a display is the actual layout complete with props and decor as well as the arrangement of sales or informational materials. Outlets exist to help with obtaining the supplies. The creative flair is up to the individual artist, whether you choose to design an exhibit yourself or get help with it. Start with the basic supplies and build on your exhibit from there.

Choose a table that accents your display taking into account depth and height. Once the style and size is chosen, picture your products, your charts, and your literature laid out on the table. Imagine the colors that will make them look good then think about the table and how it will look to people browsing around the trade show. You don't want to show feet and stacked boxes under the table so use table skirts that compliment the rest of your arrangement. Many styles, fabrics and colors are available for purchase from suppliers but the creator still has to supply the ultimate pizzazz.

An important aspect of arranging a trade show display is showcasing the literature that accompanies whatever is being promoted. Posters and banners are a crucial part of the written literature that relays pertinent information about your display. Banners have replaced the clumsy posters of earlier days that were often rolled up then taped or pinned to a bulletin board. Modern advances in technology provides unique and fancy ways to show off banners using banner stands. These can stand in free form or be utilized as an electronic display. Varieties in size and shape offer endless creative ways to spruce up a trade show booth.

Pipe and Drape adds multiple dimensions to an exhibit that enhances limited space. Pipe gives your booth its form while the drape adds the atmosphere, height, depth, color and cosmetic enhancement that will draw visitors to your booth out of dozens of competitors. Dimension comes from the actual building blocks that will form the final display booth. Pipe comes in many sizes and shapes that can be fit together then dressed in silkscreen drapes as a backdrop. Have fun designing the layout and choosing your colors, fabrics, display boards and all the basic materials that will make for a successful trade show exhibit.

The Midnight Writer

The Chilean Earthquake and Pending Tsunami had me Glued to the TV Set

2010-02-28T18:50:00.000-05:00

The entire cyber connected world heard about the mammoth earthquake in Chile yesterday that toppled the richter scale at 8.8. I heard only one quake in recorded history topped that figure and the same 9.5 event happened in Chile in 1960. It seems this South American country has made and held the record. Tragedy is not theirs alone but heavy magnitude seems to cling to them. I was mesmerized by this intense quake and the news that accompanied it all over the television set yesterday. I live in a little community in California with separate housing for a small village. As the news continued to monitor the quakes destruction and its following after shocks, people from our village came into the house one and two at a time to watch the live coverage. They, too, became mesmerized and sat in awe as TV news announcers put out the word about an impending Tsunami that was expected to hit Hawaii, Samoa, and much of the Pacific Coast from California to Alaska.

Awed by the surreal reports, the group of people sat there in anticipation and expectation waiting for the worst to happen and hoping that it was a mistake.

April Signals Renewal of Life and my Auto Insurance

2010-02-24T22:49:00.001-05:00

It's fairly obvious that I have spring fever which is a time of preparation and renewal for me. I set intentions to clean out the old to make room for the new and to pay monthly debts in advance. Auto Insurance is right on top of the list of necessities to cover before summer's advent. The sunshine will lure us to travel so my husband and I vowed to buy coverage for six months before the adventure begins.

Boost announces the Sanyo Incognito and the Fifty Dollar Plan

2010-02-16T17:13:00.003-05:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

Boost Mobile announces the release of its newest phone, the SANYO Incognito.

This model is sleek and beautiful with a very modern look comparative to phones sold by other companies. I've been a Boost customer for almost three years and have enjoyed the service on my primitive walkie talkie phone but I would thoroughly enjoy owning this latest model, SANYO Incognito™ SCP6760. The purchase price is $129.99 (excluding taxes) with free shipping when purchased through the required link.

Here's the clincher on this sweet deal. The SANYO Incognito phone is available with Boost's latest Unlimited Plan of $50 Monthly with absolutely no contract required. This feature alone is a convincing selling point to me. I love Boost and the freedom it gives me on the pre-paid plan or pay as you go but I have strongly desired more in a phone with this option. It looks like the $50 plan and no contract will give me the additional features in a phone service that I really want and desire.

The features include a 2MP camera with VGA camcorder, music and video player. For me, having a camera is an indispensible requirement in a cell phone but add the camcorder and that is a plus that has my attention. I'm loving the sweetness of this package. Young folks don't go anywhere without their music so this new Boost model will accommodate this generation. I have to confess that I'm a music lover just like the youth today. In fact, my music was always playing and I would love to have a cell phone with this option. That's not all this phone offers though. It just keeps getting better the more I read about it. Sanyo Incognito has EVDO capabilities and a full QWERTY keyboard. This is really great for typing and beats the old cell phone buttons hands down. I'm a social butterfly who uses all the latest networks to stay in touch with friends, family and clients so your family will enjoy the features. I mean, they can message and text with ease and teens will feel proud to own such a classy looking phone. It's blue tooth enabled, too.

Is there anything they missed? I don't think so.

Top this package with enhanced web browsing and I'm sold as long as I choose the Boost Mobile $50 Monthly Unlimited plan which offers unlimited talk, text & web with no contract. Now that might sound like a lot of other plans emerging in the cell phone world but Boost has an extra feature that has kept me as a customer for almost three years. It's GPS Enabled! If you are an outdoors person who travels in unknown places, this feature is a life saver to help keep you from getting lost. It's great for camping in remote mountains because you can signal help with the GPS signal.

Truth can be Stranger than Fiction

2010-02-16T16:52:00.002-05:00

Avid mystery readers can attest to this profundity (a profound wisdom that resonates as an absolute truth.) I'm a fan of the Twilight Zone. I grew up watching it on a regular basis because it was one of my Mom's favorite shows. Mysteries were another favorite in our home so I grew to appreciate both. Coupling the two types of drama together I discovered that indeed, truth can be stranger than fiction.

Writing is akin to this moral tone. Those who love literature may be more apt to pick up a work of fiction because it presents exaggerated fantasy and adventure. What many readers may not know is that writers long ago discovered that writing truth disguised as fiction is an artform to deliver the stranger truth to an eager audience. How many would pick up a popular titled book to read it if it was a pure biography or factual tale? History shows in fact that more readers levitate to fantasy than reality. Clever writers over the centuries learned this so a writing form developed wherein the truth was hidden in bits of fantasy. This method draws a larger audience which gives place for a writer to tell the tale to many more than perhaps a mundane factual account could draw.

Have you ever heard of this writing artform?

A recent popular movie used this technique. You may have seen it as people packed the theaters to see this box office hit, "2012: The War for Souls". Read the author's explanation in using the artform I've described. To heed the writer's explanation though, he did not write a truth disguised as fiction. Rather, he produced a fiction laced with possibilities yet to be discovered in hopes of arriving at the truth.

The Midnight Writer

Spring is Emerging in northern California

2010-02-16T16:31:00.003-05:00

The pink blossoms on the trees bring that aromatic flowery scent to the air that is ever familiar to nature lovers. Temperatures are climbing to the balmy mid-fifties and low sixties on some days while the sun peeks out between the rains. Cephas and I have been traveling throughout northern California so we can attest to the emergence of springtime here. We first noticed the tree blossoms about a week ago but I noticed the buds several weeks ago.

This is the infamous Punxatawney Phil, a legendary groundhog.

Photo compliments of the official website that you can visit at http://www.punxsutawneyphil.com/

I thought it was unusual to see evidence of new tree and flower growth so early in February, especially since the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter. Or did he? I grew up in the east and learned to trust ole Punxatawney Phil so I'll check his forecast in a bit. For now, I am witnessing spring birthing before my very eyes. Get outdoors and enjoy the lovely weather. I have a date with redwood forests and the ocean. Maybe I'll see you out there.

As promised, here is the official forecast from Punxatawney Phil:

"Phil Says Six More Weeks!"

(quoted directly from the official website)

Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2010 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:
Hear Ye Hear Ye Hear Ye

On Gobbler's Knob on this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2010, Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators awoke to the call of President Bill Deeley and greeted his handlers, John Griffiths and Ben Hughes.

After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers, Phil proclaimed, "If you want to know next, you must read my text. As the sky shines bright above me, my shadow I see beside me. So six more weeks of winter it will be."

Now I don't know about you but in my sense of reckoning, something is amiss. Maybe Phil is getting a bit on his years and his eyes could be cloudy. Phil might have thought he saw his shadow but was mistaken. Maybe it's just that Pennsylvania is across the continent and California is another world. I have a suggestion, when the trees are budding, the sun is shining, and the flowers are blooming ...it is definitely spring...so I suggest that California get its own groundhog mascot to predict the onset of spring.

What do you think? San Fran Phil?

The Midnight Writer

2010 Home Buyers Tax Credit when Buying First Home

2010-02-14T03:13:00.004-05:00

A tax stimulus for anyone Buying First Home who has not owned or purchased a home in the past three years has been extended until April 30, 2010. If you are serious about buying a new home this is the time to do it! What will an $8,000 tax credit do for your budget this year? In this sluggish economy, a real estate credit of this magnitude will go far as an incentive to stimulate the market. Get in on this right away because the closing has to be finalized by June 30th this year.

Watch the video above for more details then visit the Coldwell Banker website for further information. The most important part of this deal is the tax credit. It's the biggest one signed into law in recent years for home buyers giving the real estate market the kick start it needed to overcome this recession.

Pay close attention to the maximum purchase price for this deal which is set at $800,000.00. There are income limits to be aware about also when considering your purchase based on the tax credit. Details are on the website. This is really exciting for the economy because the bill generates over 22 billion dollars into the economy and spans a large part of the population in the qualified income brackets. In order to recover economically, a healthy real estate market is vital. It is one of our nation's greatest assets that generates a hefty percentage in sales every year. This money returns into the local economy to generate more retail growth. As far as the stimulus package, the real estate portion stands to be remembered as the most beneficial.

Severe Storms Continue Nationwide

2010-01-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

The rains and winds in California are lessening along Interstate 5 near Willows. That's a relief to us because travel has been difficult with water standing in the roads and heavy downpours. Last week, the winds made it impossible to drive very fast on mountain ridges or open highways in the valleys. The destruction caused by mudslides, tornadoes, high winds, hail and flooding is heavy and very sad.

Hundreds of Tutors are ready to Help Online with Tutor Vista

2010-01-25T13:25:00.002-05:00

For some students, Math is a difficult subject to learn without assistance. Classrooms are not always the best place to get the individualized coaching that some students need. The solution is Online math tutoring which allows students to work from the comfort of their home at their own pace. Many benefits outweigh hiring Math help in the traditional way that requires scheduling time to meet in person with a tutor. Costs are high for this personal one on one live teaching. Free online math tutoring eliminates the time restraints and costs.

This unique Online math tutor program opens the website with a large question box to get you connected with one of hundreds of available tutors who will provide the answer. Get straight to the point without having to search through dozens or hundreds of names to choose a tutor suited for you. Quality teaching will not be sacrificed because Free online math help provides qualified and certified teachers who are interested in education. Improve your math comprehension and watch your grades begin to soar with Online math help.
Experience joy in studying math again.

Please Continue your Prayers that People in Haiti will be Rescued

2010-01-24T14:35:00.000-05:00

The earthquake in Haiti is a disaster of epoch proportions. The weather is a reminder that we need to keep the faith in Omnipotence for God is the giver of life. Those trapped in the rubble in Haiti need us to keep praying that God Almighty will guide the minds and hearts of rescue workers in Haiti to continue digging in the rubble to save those who are still trapped alive. Don't stop searching until the Almighty lets every single soul involved know beyond a shadow of doubt that there are no more living buried in the rubble. Please share this every one you know and please keep praying for divine intervention.

God bless every one who suffers in the wake of this tragedy and may Christ Jesus give you peace and hope in His Love and Mercy.

I'm Working on a Manuscript and Movie Synopsis

2010-01-24T14:26:00.001-05:00

This is a ground breaking venture for me that is the actualization of a lifelong dream. I'm composing the manuscript and writing a movie synopsis that Cephas and I will be presenting to a movie producer in Los Angeles. When the storms subside enough for safe travel, we'll schedule our first meeting and take the leap to bring this dream to fruition. I have always wanted to write a movie manuscript. I've dreamt so many fantastic movies but never took the time to commit these ideas to paper. Now its time to act.

I have another dream which Cephas shares. That dream is to share the spiritual messages that we have been privileged to both receive and experience. This is a chance to accomplish all three, the book, the movie and the message...which are all one in the same. I'm so excited! I can't tell you about the story because I have to sell it to the producer first. Then we have to finish the script and the manuscript and plan the launch for the film. This involves a lot of time, brainstorming, travel and publicity. I'm not sure how all the funds will be provided but I believe the way will be made because Cephas and I are doing this by inspiration.

Rain Drenches California but it doesn't Dampen our Spirits

2010-01-24T11:59:00.000-05:00

All last week we encountered one storm after another. Some storms brought torrential rains while others delivered pummeling golf ball sized hail. The winds ripped through the state without mercy. Water levels rose rapidly and caused flooding and mudslides. We attempted to travel north but had to stop in the face of a blizzard. So we headed due south and stopped at Willits /Ukiah area where the weather was bearable simply because we could still traverse the roads. The rains fell continuously day in and day out in these areas making driving a little hairy but not as severe as south towards Yuba City/Marysville/Sacramento and beyond. Our trip to LA had to be delayed until the storms subside. Today is not one of those days because the state is bracing for yet two more heavy storms. I guess I'll sit back in the coffee shops and catch up on my writing.

More Lockers offers the largest Selection on the Market

2010-01-13T04:04:00.003-05:00

Lockers are an essential item for home, business, school and travel. Shopping for such a useful resource used in every day life should be easy so More Lockers made that possible. They stock over 30,000 different styles and types of lockers for every imaginable use. Their prices are affordable and you can shop right online with their customer service support to guide you through the process. Browse through the site to view all types of lockers for school, the office, or the gymnasium. More Lockers carries all types to include standard, vented and specialty lockers.

School Lockers are the most common type I think of when someone mentions lockers. With thousands of schools around the country, this is a vast market. This company can provide for the supply and demand with their large inventory and More Lockers can meet the most discriminating tastes to suit the needs of different schools; whether public or private, religious or sectarian. The important role of school lockers to students and faculty alike makes the manufacture of sturdy, safe and functional lockers a must. That's what you will find at this company. They will satisfy even the most discriminating teen age students whose lives literally evolve around their school lockers!

Consider the importance of a Gym Locker and what aspects you expect to find in the construction of it. This style of locker is an important part of todays culture. Gyms are an aspect of school, business and private life. They are found in athletics and private clubs so styles and needs are diverse. More Lockers can meet those demands even into the commercial field where lockers are used for employees in all sorts of environments.

Our new Blog launches so visit Revolution Matrix One

2010-01-12T22:30:00.001-05:00

I know, you are probably saying to yourself, how in the world do they have time to launch yet another blog? Does themidnightwriter ever sleep? She is the sole writer for this company Mountain Spirit Productions but this is a partnership company that is building a team of writers and network marketers. Our plan is to take the internet by storm and claim the matrix to assimilate as many as will join the matrix. Those intentions spoken, I give you Revolution Matrix One.

The name says it all - Revolution describes the wave of network marketing taking over business both in retail and advertising.

Matrix is a tribute to the network companies that are teaming up to build an unbreakable web of sites to help build business for entrepreneurs. This takes the power out of the hands of corporate America and puts the control back into the hands of the people who are the networkers, the writers, the sales agents, the entrepreneurs, the consumers all in one package. It's like a revival to the early twentieth century when Americans opened businesses from their homes. Now it is happening on a global level by way of the internet. This is a huge opportunity to revive failing economies around the world.

One describes the power of the Matrix. You. Me. Us. as One.

Join us in discovering the realm of the matrix as we delve into entrepreneur marketing at a cyber level. Visit our new blog Revolution Matrix One to see the debut of new programs every week and watch as we use the businesses and review them to help you know what works.

The Midnight Writer

A1 Article Directory makes its Debut in free Content Publishing

2010-01-12T21:28:00.005-05:00

Article Directories are a great way to get content published and to get back links to your favorite website or blog. A1 Article Directory is not new but it has a new look and is focusing on getting the word out to let everyone know about their great services. Competition is intense so creating an article directory does not mean immediate notoriety. Getting noticed requires certain criteria to be built into the site. Efforts must be made to create quality content while promoting a site. Advertising is probably the number one key element once a site is developed to get both readers and customers. A1 Article Directory has met most of the qualifications that makes it a top notch article directory.

The site is clean with easy navigation, clear categories and links, and nice layout with soft color. I like the style and found it very easy to maneuver between sections. A toolbar at the bottom of the page has a nice naviagation bar to social sites along with excess links to information. A1 Article Directory offers partner programs for those interested in traffic sharing. Their site is set up with advertising partners and the share program would give any partner some profit sharing advantage.

Daily traffic on this site exceeds the daily average which ranks them high on the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. A1 Article Directory boasts an impressive data base of content submitted by their registered authors who can submit for free. Authors maintain their signature and backlinks on all articles which is an advantage to any writer. A1 Article Directory allows anyone to copy content by their Authors as long as the content remains the same and all links and signatures remain intact. This is unique for a content site of this nature and gives this directory a rating above the average.

They sell content packages for advertisers seeking more coverage for their own site or blog. The prices are very reasonable for content as you can see listed on their article listing page.

Visit their new blog for news and updates on changes and opportunities at this directory site. Or click the register tab at the top right of the page and join some of their class act writers to become an A1 Article Directory Author. Share a little fame with their other 120,000 authors and get some traffic to your site. It really works and this is one site that can deliver quantity and quality traffic.

Mailer Program that helps you Build your List

2010-01-03T22:54:00.002-05:00

Membership is Free!

Whoa.. even that isn't good enough for CLM, you
get paid an ADDITIONAL $1000 Matching Bonus every
time one of your referrals cycle the $2500 IG.

Quick Recap:
- One time purchase price of $60
- Life-Time Membership
- MASSIVE advertising
- Mail to thousands of RANDOM members
- Three 2x3 Fast-moving Follow-me Income Grids (IG's)
- Cycle up through the levels
- plus... Cycle all 3 Income Grids at once!
- $20 FAST START Bonus for every personal referral
- $1000 Matching bonus EVERY time your personals
cycle the 3rd IG.

So wait, I guess with the RIGHT list, the money
really IS there. Find the money in our INSTANT
list with CLM - Join Free and take the tour:

Join the Matrix

The Money is in the List so Build yours today with this Viral Marketer

2009-12-30T01:48:00.000-05:00

If you have an online marketing or advertising business, then this viral program will work wonders for you. I'm trying it now so I'll give feedback as I progress in it. Please share your experiences with me and my readers once it perks up your business. This program is for building your lists and your downline in whatever marketing programs you currently use. Give it a try today. It's FREE!

My Advertising Program Chain is Growing

2009-12-21T13:23:00.001-05:00

I'm working hard at figuring out the nuances of advertising, building lists, and network marketing. It's a great big world out there! If you're new to this area as well, let's share experiences and information while we explore the field together. Advertising, list building, and network marketing go hand in hand because you need all three to effectively shout out your business and to get sign ups. There are so many programs, so many types of advertising, so many list building services both free and paid, that I am not sure where to begin. So I'll just start with the sites that are currently intriguing me the most. Come along for the ride and if you need some advertising for your company, join some of these FREE programs and test their services for yourself. It's actually a lot of fun but be prepared to be busy.

I've found a "master" in the network marketing and advertising arena. Her name is Jane Mark. It would be great to interview this legendary giant personally, but first I'll just tell you what I know about her. Jane is co-founder of Sokule. "It's like Twitter, only monetized" is Jane's motto about Sokule. If you haven't checked it out yet, click my Sokule link and sign up under me please! I need the referrals so Jane won't think I'm slacking. We can confer with one another about the inner workings and perks about Sokule. It'll be a great way to get acquainted. Sokule is Jane's new baby. She holds a lot of pride in this site so don't miss this one.

Sign up for Sokule for FREE, check out its functions to find out what it can do for your business. Then you have the option to upgrade on several levels. There is a beginner's level at just above $9.00 per month, then three more levels taking you to a "Founder's Buy in", which gives you a whole lot of special perks if you have the money to invest. Meanwhile, enjoy the free service that allows you to post messages to all your followers as well as direct messaging to your followers, just like Twitter. You'll receive a lot of feedback and offers from its users. I've found many new programs through the serious business and marketing folks on Sokule. One of the great functions of this site is that it allows you to post to multiple social sites with one click. You have to try it!

Wind Down your Christmas Shopping at JK Adams

2009-12-19T13:16:00.003-05:00

The Christmas holiday season is in full swing and will be peaking this week but you still have time to buy some unique gifts for the loved ones on your list. If you've been to all the malls and shopping centers but just can't seem to find that unique gift for a special someone, I recommend jk adams. They have gifts for the organizer on your list, the cook, the wine connisseur as well as furniture and entertainment items. All their products are made of the finest quality wood and style. Browse a catalog online today to see what I mean.

I'm visiting family in California where wine country abounds, so this jk adams wine rack caught my attention. Every wine lover wants to display their prize wines even if they have a wine cellar, there should be a boasting rack in the main part of the house to show off their great selections to visitors. Wine Connisseurs retain bragging rights for owning a fine wine and more for showing off their wines in style.

If you have some great cooks or a chef on your shopping list, give them gifts to help prepare those holiday meals like the jk adams cutting board or this jk adams pot rack when its time to start cooking those wonderful holiday meals. Add a finishing touch that will make any cook smile who likes organization. Give a jk adams spice rack and make their task a lot simpler as they grab for the right spice to jazz up those special dishes without interrupting the cooking flow. Help organize the kitchen and the cooks in your family will appreciate the gift for a lifetime. That's how long these quality gifts will last!

Have a Merry Christmas with JK Adams Direct, but hurry...you only have one week to shop!

The Midnight Writer

To Pay or not to Pay, but Build your Matrix Downline First

2009-12-05T01:51:00.003-05:00

It's aunique opportunity and one you probably don't want to pass up! Build your downline in this matrix that allows you to get as many people on your first row in your downline as you want. It is a non forced matrix so you have work to do here but that also gives you more control. I like the control whenever I join a multi-level program.

What do you have to lose? Absolutely nothing.

What do you have to gain. Money. And a home business.

As the banner above says, pay or not pay...the choice is yours. Choose to pay at the allotted time after you build your downline. I have until March 2010 to pay for membership while I build my downline. When I'm ready, I can press the button to pay my monthly fee and collect my commissions, or I can forfeit my commissions and choose not to pay. It's all up to me. And it's all up to you.

Curious? Then click the banner above and join me in the network marketing business. Let's build a dynamic downline business together. Email me for details. themidnightwriter1@gmail.com

Here's a Great Place to buy Gifts for your Nature Lovers

2009-12-04T11:37:00.000-05:00

Christmas is upon us and the shopping season is heating up. If you have any outdoor enthusiasts on your gift list, I recommend shopping forOutdoor Hiking and Climbing Gearfrom people that understand the great outdoors. Two hikers who love climbing founded a little store that grew out of their love for the sport. The products are sure to please the most particular nature lovers on your gift list.

The latest products are here just in time for the Christmas season so hurry and beat those long lines at the stores. Online shopping will save lots of hassle and buying from a quality outdoor gear provider will be worth it to your Christmas budget. I believe the loved ones who receive the latest backpack from Zappos North Face will not even consider returning this gift.

Affiliate Marketing Quest Heats Up

2009-12-04T10:54:00.001-05:00

My day planner is beginning to look like a multi-level program scrap book style these days. I have so many new ventures that it will take me two months to set it all up and get a grip on the volume enough to manage these affiliate programs and advertising plans. But it's exciting to me. I just need a plan of action and a workable management system. You'll see that unfold in the coming months on this blog and my host of others that are in various stages of development.

The most exciting program yet for Cephas and me is the Global Verge opportunity. If you haven't checked it out yet, you should. Just click the link here for more information. You can sign up as an eAssociate right from this website or call us at 814-943-3180 for help or further information about the company and its products.

Global Verge has a matrix opportunity for eAssociates that promises great residual income earning potential and they give full mentoring, coaching and assistance from your upline team and your downline team. We are available to our downline any time they need us. We're just a phone call or a tweet away.

What's so exciting about this company? Their launch of Global Mobile 1. It promises to turn the telecommunications industry on its ear with unlimited calling, unlimited text, global reach, income potential, no contracts and no credit checks. That's not all! Global Mobile 1 has contracts with the four major carriers to provide you with coverage almost any where in the world and that map is growing until it encompasses the globe.

Want to know more?

Visit the GV Presentation and give us a call. Ask for Rick or Cheryl. 814-943-3180. We'll be by the phone waiting for you. Let's make telecommunications history together!

Sophos is a Leading Name in Data Encryption and Protection

2009-12-03T23:35:00.004-05:00

Software develops faster than most people can keep up with the pace. To meet the demand for protection of this ever evolving software, Antivirus programs are developed to satisfy the need. Business needs are different than the private user who surfs the internet. Large amounts of data beckon for protection from hacking, intrusion and information or identify theft. Sophos has stepped up to deliver Data Protection
suitable for business needs.

Sophos developed Encryption Software to protect your valuable information. In my research, I have studied many types of antivirus programs and data encryption techniques in an effort to find an affordable solution for my business. When I want to learn about a tool or service for my online business, I turn to the people who use the internet daily as part of their livelihood.

Blogs are excellent resources for this type of research. I figured a company as dynamic as Sophos would have a techie blog and I was right. It is rich with easy to understand posts about such things as new software development. The latest post covers Windows 7 and a very sneaky malware worm. If you visit the SophosLab blog, you will see step by step coverage about how to identify these types of worms that are covertly placed directly into your software programs. If you have no idea what you are looking for, you would not be the wiser. It's valuable information and a sign that this company is progressively keeping up with the securities improvements and new developments in software as well as its protection. I've bookmarked this site to follow the updates on all the latest to help protect my computer and my company data.

There are so many aspects to internet security besides just having a good antivirus that you use to scan your computer. Advancements in technology bring with it both the productive and the threat to that productivity. A smart business owner needs a regular education about phishing, malware, software, encryption, spyware, scams and spams to really know how to seek quality protection. Sophos covers all that and more.

We're on the Road Again

2009-12-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

On November 30, 2009, Cephas and I began our trip to California with a few scheduled stops along the way. Today we find ourselves taking a one night layover in Alabama resting at a motel. After four days on the road we were ready for a little R&R. The ride was a little grueling today as we pushed through several hundred miles hoping to get past the winds, rain and otherwise troublesome weather. Our van broke down twice in three days so our patience wore a little thin with it, but Cephas remained steadfast in his determination to get our 1973 Dodge Tradesman 300 running again. He fixed it. And we are on the road again!

Orange Soda brings back fond Memories of my Childhood

2009-11-25T23:08:00.005-05:00

When I was a young girl orange soda was a common treat. The colorful drink attracted all the kids to the pop machines for their quarter shot of orange blast flavor. It was a popular drink then and it is seeing a revival now. Read some orangesoda.com reviews to see how this SEO smart site is using that fizzle and vitamin C energy to teach website optimization. It's a creative idea that invokes health minded people to click and well minded people will get sound instruction to improve website traffic. All of this and a glass of orange juice makes a perfect combination.

Yes, I'm using a play on words but I'm doing that to show the clever use of orange for the name of an SEO site. Orange Soda Review covers every aspect of search engine optimization and how to market a business website. This company explores other SEO companies to make comparisons. Additional topics that Orange Soda Review covers include web site analytics and PPC advertising. They cover the basics and the essentials then serve it up with some orange soda. Ahhh! Refreshing feeling just like the one I used to get when I drank that cold orange soda from the vending machine after a long bike ride. If you need some sound yet simply effective advice for your website, I suggest that you visit the folks who serve it cold and fizzy.

Business Social Networks take Marketing to new Heights

2009-11-25T23:01:00.000-05:00

If you've performed a search lately for social networks that encourage marketing on site, you may have been delightfully surprised. The number of these business social networks is increasing at a regular pace to meet the supply and demand of hungry users. Lately, I've joined a few of these sites to "check them out" and I was delighted at some of the results. I want to share that information with you now.

Free Translation Technology Simplifies the Process

2009-11-19T15:15:00.001-05:00

Photo Credit: Achievement through Art Foundation

Have you ever needed a document or ebook translated for distribution? Then you know how expensive this service can be and how unreliable some software programs are that claim to have these abilities. I found an online translation program that is easy to use. The cost depends upon the size of the task and payment is made once you are satisfied with the finished result delivered by the translators.The website offers its technology by opening membership to its users whether paid or volunteer. Jobs are uploaded with the requested needs and the job. If it takes multiple revisions to complete a requested task, that is included in the service at no extra charge. There are complete instruction manuals, forums, groups, and support to guide its users.

This service handles name translation that puts your business card in the hands of people from around the world with the right translation. Your business will increase with this step alone. Imagine what will happen if you make your promotional material and sales letters or website available to anyone in the world.

For marketing companies, brand translation can be very costly and difficult to acquire. At Translia, this task is handled by expert translators and coders who are skilled in multiple languages. They understand the different industries and businesses for whom they perform this translation service which gives them insight into the need for a brand that is cross culturally viable. They will translate your brand business card or logo into multiple languages including English, Chinese, French, Polish, Spanish, German, Korean and many more. Translators use skills in linguistics and cultural studies to properly translate into the spoken and written dialects that also includes the variations within one language according to region of the country. This is accomplished by incorporating a community of translators who work in a team effort to deliver good copy for every client.

Translia is a community where you can join and translate public projects or get paid by clients for tasks you complete. Members get access to the translation services for free. There is no charge to join either. It's a unique idea and a worthwhile community effort.

The Midnight Writer

Tweet with the Celebrities and Earn some Christmas Jingle

2009-11-18T18:44:00.011-05:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Sponsored Tweets. All opinions are 100% mine.

Jeremy Shoemoney and Ted Murphy with IZEA, founder of Sponsored Tweets

Sponsored Tweets is a great place for anyone to make some cash by just tweeting. It's easy and fun. I love it and can't wait to get lots of assigned tweets to send out. It's easy with the provided sponsor text and link that is provided inside the panel so sign up for sponsored tweets and merge your personality with the stars on the twitter sphere. Join now and start earning extra cash in time to stuff those Christmas stockings with some extra goodies.

Sponsored Tweets is a great way to monetize your twitter account. You'll be using a reputable company who believes in disclosure so the tweets are noted as sponsored and they keep it clean. My twitter only has about 1200 followers right now but as my following increases, my tweets for advertisers will yield me bigger green. If you join, be sure that your twitter account has at least two hundred followers to qualify. If you have that many now then you're all set.

How to Sign up :
First, type in the url http://www.sponsoredtweets.com. Then find the cute bird egg on the site that looks like this....

Click the sign up button, enter your twitter url because that's how you can log in and never forget. Add your twitter password because Sponsored Tweets utilizes your twitter site to send the tweets so you need to log in every time using your twitter account. It is optional to use an email to sign up but as I said earlier, I prefer to use my Twitter username and password to help me remember my login. Don't worry, it's safe because no one will ever share your personal information.

IZEA is the parent company which is registered with the Better Business Bureau. They've been doing business since 2006. They use Twitter's O Auth process and they do not store your user name or password. In fact, you'll be in charge and I'll explain how that works.Once you log in a panel like what you see below will open up.

You have chosen a user name and password because this is the same as your Twitter account.
Next, set your price, choose some keywords and select the type of ad unit you want to use. Ad type means making a choice to write it yourself or have an automated ad.
Pick a category and type in some keywords. These should identify keywords found in your tweets to help gear the sponsored tweet to match your Twitter account.
Offers will come to your inbox on the site panel. Accept or reject any offers and follow the instructions to type in text and click. The ad will be sent out up to three times depending upon the response. You don't have to worry about it. The program functions will handle the rest.
Your tweets will be approved within 24 hours of being sent.
Payments are made once you choose to "cash out". This happens when you reach a balance of $50.00.

I get paid through paypal and it happens very quickly once you submit to cashout. Remember that IZEA and Sponsored Tweets require disclosure. They usually provide a link and for Twitter this will be #spon at the end of each Tweet. It's very simple to be a celebrity tweeter so what are you waiting for?

Carburetor Woes put our Trip to LA on a Later Schedule

2009-11-18T17:07:00.000-05:00

Well folks, I was really getting excited about a trip to LA to meet the Spiritual Warriors team. My bags were out and ready to be packed after a quick trip to the laundry. All I needed to do was put my mail on hold, throw my stuff in our camper van and start driving to sunny LA with pit stops in Arizona and Northern Cali to see Mom. By the way, Mom was already putting out extra decorations in anticipation of our visit before Christmas.

Then the carburetor died. Hopefully, our brother in law can resurrect it with a cleaning and repair kit. If not, we'll be shopping for a new carburetor...or we'll just save some money and take the train.

The Shorter Days of Winter are Closing in Fast

2009-11-18T17:04:00.002-05:00

I love the sun and daylight which is in short supply right now. I need to make a plan to get up with the early morning birds and take advantage of all the daytime light and sun- when it's available - that I can.

Visit Multinomah Falls in Oregon to see Magnificent Natural Wonder

2009-11-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here this morning thinking about topics to write about. I have so many photos and so many stories that it is hard to know where to begin. Our travels of late spring and early summer came to mind and I remembered how much fun we had in Oregon visiting all the attractions. The place that stood out in my memory the most was Multnomah Falls. Cephas and I were just sharing the photos and memories about how spectacular the falls are and how much fun we had walking the trail. To gaze upon these falls up close is a magnificent and powerful experience. We would love to return here in the spring to enjoy them again.

Here's a look at the waterfalls. Take a deep breath and hold it....then let it out.

Make your Home safe for your young Child

2009-11-08T23:24:00.005-05:00

It is extremely important to make your home a safe haven for your young infants, toddlers and children. There are so many obstacles in the home that pose a threat to children's safety. Take precautions and make your home safe with Baby Gates and other home accessories to prevent young children from falling or entering the hazard filled kitchen or bath without supervision.

I have young grand children who are lightning fast so I appreciate these products because they give me a sense of security when my eyes are not on my two year old grandson. KidSafe sells this asthetic clear baby gate pictured above which blends in with the room environment to compliment the surroundings. There is no wooden barrier to give that trapped look that comes with the latticed wooden gates. You can see your child clearly from the next room through this clear gate and your child can see you, which gives them more confidence.

Cabinet Locks deter curious children who love to open and close cabinets and doors. This play pastime is probably one of the most accident filled because often the doors lead to places that no young child should venture. Double sliding doors are all too easy for toddlers to figure out how to open. KidSafe has solutions to keep your toddler on the safe side of those sliding doors. Patio doors often lead to swimming pools so this is one area you want to pay close attention. Be sure to get locking mechanisms that children cannot open and place them out of reach of older children to make it more difficult to open the closure devices.

KidSafe sells gadgets to secure the refrigerator doors, dishwashers, patio doors, cabinets, washers, dryers, stoves and other appliances that pose dangers to young children. They even sell special locking devices that secure areas where a clasp can't be mounted. Circular locking devices come in different engineered gadgets that lock the seam between cabinets or doors. There are magnetic locks that are easy to install, too.

To learn more about their products, visit KidSafe's child safety blog to read what they have to offer for your home to help you make it a safe environment for children of all ages.

Build a Tight Knit Freelance Writing Network

2009-11-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

Work together in promotion, coaching, guest posting, advertising and brainstorming. This will increase your chances at becoming a successful published freelance writer. Networking is the wave of smart businesses today who recognize the power of working together. No one is an island either in life or in business. Through co-operation much can be accomplished. Just look what President Barack Obama achieved through networking and encouraging others to promote his campaign!

Chad Vader Breaks the Internet at Blog World Expo 2009

2009-10-30T00:41:00.002-04:00

Once I learned about Blog World Expo 2009 in Las Vegas, I was curious about the event. I surfed on over to You Tube to find related videos and that's how I found Chad Vader. What a hoot! Great advertising gimmick Chad! Maybe I'll see you next year.

Las Vegas Blog World Expo on the Road to Shamballa

2009-10-29T23:57:00.006-04:00

Freelance Writing Jobs and found a great video about the Blog World Expo 2009. Unfortunately, I was unable to embed it to the left on my site, so visit Deb's site to see the Shamballa video. It took place for three fun filled days in Las Vegas October 15-17. Until I visited Deb's blog, I didn't know about the Blog Expo. Thanks for sharing that information with us, Deb. I wanted to pass it on. I really enjoyed the video.

It would be great to find out where another blogging or freelance writing expo is taking place. I'm also interested in conventions, writer's workshops or writer meetings. If any one reading this post has information, please share it with me and my readers. Thanks! When I get some information about an Expo, I'll post i here as an update.

Online Math Help and Tutoring by Personal Design

2009-10-29T01:07:00.008-04:00

Many students experience problems with math comprehension and often this gets attributed to learning disabilities. In reality, the problem often lies in teaching inefficiency. It takes years sometimes to discover the real struggle was in delivering math concepts and teaching critical thinking skills in a way that students can relate. This is a personal approach that is scarce in the overcrowded public school systems. Guaranteach offers a solution that is unique and dynamic because this program offers

Math Help aimed to address the students individual needs.

If you had difficulty learning math concepts in school just because you could not understand how the applications were being explained, then you understand the need for help. With Online Tutoring

help is at your fingertips right in the comfort of your home. With the program Guarenteach offers, lessons can be studied at your own pace.

This online tutorial site offers thousands of lessons in math, algebra and even calculus. Each one has a variety of lessons or videos prepared by professional teachers and reviewed to make sure the material meets educational standards. Each member can access multiple lessons and multiple teachers. I was impressed by this. A classroom that is interactive on your computer screen gives you many options.

I am always looking for ways to help my adult daughter find math and Algebra Help that will teach her in a way that she understands. Many times she would walk away from Math lessons at home during her younger years frustrated because she just could not get it. I tried different methods but none helped. Her schools required a rigid form to teach the lessons and we could not experiment outside those guidelines. I became frustrated that I could not experiment with her school lessons to help Kelly understand.

Finally, someone has created a solution for a widespread problem. If it can help increase desire to learn Math and make it a more enjoyable experience, then I recommend you check it out for the sake of your loved ones who struggle with learning.

My daughter is grown up and the mother of five children. She recently returned to college to pursue a degree in hopes of providing a better life for herself and her children. Kelly still struggles with Math and has to work overtime finding materials to help her study. Her grades are improving by her own initiative. I would love to give her a subscription to the Guaranteach program for Christmas this year.

A subscription costs $9.95 a month which is minimal if you consider the costs of private tutors and after class workshops. You'll save money and provide great variety in the comfort of home. You can get a free trial that allows you to watch five videos. Keep your credit card in your wallet because you won't need it with the trial offer. That's new! I read that the program offers 24 hour support so check it out today.

The Midnight Writer

Make Reservations to Asia Pacific During 3-Day Super Sale

2009-10-27T21:03:00.004-04:00

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to choose from over one million hotel rooms during the Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific. The Campaign will run for three days only so hurry and make your reservations. The sale started today, October 27th and runs till October 29th.

Distinguished all season Christchurch New Zealand

Rates are as low as $30 a night. Now these are top notch distinguished hotels. Look at the lovely atmosphere of this stylish hotel in New Zealand. The balconies add a special touch of class. The rates are unbelievable so grab the opportunity to explore on a budget that won't break your yearly expense account. These prices are for hotels in 16 Asia Pacific countries. Now these are popular destinations for tourists and not some remote unknown resort area. The list of countries includes Thailand, New Zealand, Fiji, Taiwan and India.

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the Mercure Wellington in New Zealand

The special rates apply from December 09, 2009 till April 10, 2010 which gives you a window of travel opportunity to explore multiple exotic places. Plan all your winter travel now and book early to capture the savings. Locking in such huge discounts will be very exciting because you'll have lots more mad money to spend on soveneirs and special luxuries during your trip instead of spending a fortune on the rooms.

Important Notice: Rates are different on the various hotel brands. In their listing you will find hotels of notoriety such as Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, All Seasons, Sofitel and Ibis. Make sure you check the listing and make comparisons with your dream destination.

There is one more exciting piece of information I want to share with you. This is the perfect time to get record low air-fares when you reserve a hotel in the Asia Pacific region. That's like getting two great deals for one.

The only thing left to consider is your destination. I think I'll check out the travel brochures for New Zealand. I'd love to see the magnificent mountains that are rumored to be some of the most majestic in the world.

Here's a peek at one of the rooms at the Novell Wellington. You can see the quality and style that is a cut above the average hotel chain. These are exquisite accomadations.

For more information, visit Accor Hotels. You'll find a complete listing of available hotels and a handy search box to surf around the site.

Letters to Santa Campaign needs a big kick start

2009-10-27T21:01:00.006-04:00

Our ministerial foundation Angels for Gabriel is sponsoring a special project for Christmas and beyond. (not related to Bed, Bath and Beyond though prizes could come from there)

We are calling it "Letters to Santa" because it will feature some special letters selected by drawings and votes of letters to Santa. Children with special illnesses or needs and children from struggling families will receive their wish come true for Christmas this year.

We need YOUR help spreading lots of buzz about this wonderful project. It is our prayer that hundreds or thousands of children's lives can be touched by your love. Please comment below if you can help spread the word about this campaign.

Email us at themidnightwriter1@gmail.com

Tweet us on twitter at @midnightwriter, @angels4gabriel

Hurry though! We need to get started. Christmas is just around the corner!

The Midnight Writer

Identification of Tyson Schrade's Remains pending Coroner's Report

2009-10-27T20:42:00.001-04:00

I am searching daily for any new in the investigation of my friend Tyson Schrade whose remains were discovered several days ago. I spoke to the Sheriff's Department two days ago regarding the identification of Tyson's remains. The sheriff referred me to two Detectives from the Oregon State Police Department who are now working this case. I phoned the number Sheriff Brandon Smith and spoke to one of the Detectives. The only information he was able to give me was that they are 90 percent sure it is Tyson Schrade whose remains were discovered. Any further information will be released after the Coroner issues his report to give a positive ID.

This is the latest report released today.
Police tentatively identify skeletal remains found in Ochoco National Forest

The Associated Press and East Oregonian

The Oregon State Police and the Wheeler County Sheriff's Office are investigating the skeletal remains of a man that hunters discovered Monday morning in the Ochoco National Forest.

OSP investigators tentatively identified the body as Tyson Glenn Schrade, believed to be from the Salem area, from a wallet found nearby. The hunters discovered the remains in the area of U.S. Forest Service Road 2630 near Indian Prairie Campground, a densely wooded area near Mitchell.

Schrade was reported missing to the Wheeler County Sheriff's Office about 13 months ago. He was 27 years old when he went missing and reportedly was camping in the area as part of a Rainbow Family gathering. A local rancher saw Schrade walking in the area before he was reported missing.

The OSP will send Schrade's remains to the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office for further analysis.

This information was released five days ago so there is no updated news.

In prayer and sorrow for losses suffered by Tyson's family and friends. May the Lord bless them all with peace.

The Midnight Writer