Nearly every Sunday, my friend Casey would send me an email to say hello. Attached was always a photo of something wonderful and extraordinary. Now Casey’s blog, artandcolour, has been nominated for a Blogger’s Choice Award. Please visit and enjoy artandcolour (and maybe even vote). Casey shares with us his thoughts on book design, photography, wildflowers, cars, his family history and his life. Well written and executed, you’ll love this site.? Simply beautiful!

IS A WEBSITE STILL REALLY NECESSARY?

How many marketing tools do we need? There seems to be thousands, maybe millions, of social media outlets, third-party portfolio sites, creative community endeavors and they all seem to be screaming about why they are the ticket to make your online marketing arsenal complete.

We are told that we need a website, a blog, a Facebook account, Twitter, Linkedin and don’t forget the other myriad of sites that add to the mix. We are told we need self branding (a logo and ID), SEO functionality and that we should network, network, network!! Good lord, who has the time? Do we really need all this to sell our product and services? Well, yeah we do. We’re in business and as such it’s expected that we put in more than the pre-requsite 9-5pm work day. So, no more complaining about Facebook or time limitations.  Don’t wanna hear how you’re an artist and all you want to do is make art. Marketing is a part of what needs to be done. It’s like paperwork, administration, taxes and brushing your teeth . . . you need to do it, so let’s figure out the best way to handle all these reigns.

Awhile ago I wrote about the fun and benefits of keeping a journal. That post was about how keeping an actual handwritten, 3-dimensional notebook can help a gal or guy with creativity and personal insight. At the same time, it become apparent to me that I needed some type of system for keeping all my professional writing assignments organized. While I was using a word processing application for writing articles and reviews, I had photos in one folder, contact names in another, notes in another. This was very inefficient. I wanted everything in one spot . . . one stop shopping, so to speak. So I went in search of some software applications that could help writers organize and sort their blog posts, articles and notes.  I have also included some more robust applications for those of you who might be writing your next novel or e-book.

This was an interesting little exercise. I decided I needed to go to a happy place and so gave myself the exercise of writing down all the things I love. The exercise was interesting because the list is honest and gave me space to really think about things that make my heart sing rather then the things I’m obligated to love. This list does indeed make me happy. So here they are. Things I love, in no particular order:

Do you keep a journal? As a kid, I always had what back in little-girl-world was called a diary. My earliest creative memory was one where I stood in my backyard composing thoughts and ideas on paper pretending to be a news reporter. I think it was that particular moment when I knew I would be a writer when I grew up.

Despite that fact that I did grow up to be a writer, I no longer keep a journal. I’m not entirely sure why that is, but I spend so much time typing on a laptop that the very act of handwriting has become foreign to me.

You could do it online. Or you could go to Walmart, Macy’s or Saks. But this year I propose a happier idea for your Christmas shopping pleasure. This year it’s more important than ever to give your loved ones the gift of buying something truly special from your local merchant or gallerist. Let me paint you a christmas picture with words.

Now I’m not saying go out and buy your sweetheart a $5,000.00 piece of art, although you certainly can if you want to, but what about the rest of those people on your Christmas shopping list? They might want something special, something unique and inspired too. They might better appreciate something which doesn’t come from Walmart.

I’ve worked with artists and galleries for over 10 years and I can promise you that if you walk into a gallery or artisans shop this Christmas, you will be most warmly welcomed. Galleries and local shops have treasures to offer you this year and besides being economically wise, it can be such a romantic experience from start to finish.

Today I write from a comfy chair situated in the corner of my office. A fat stream of sunlight beams through the window and provides me with an immensely satisfying feeling of warmth and contentment. I’ve long suspected that the lack of sun during the winter months affects me in ways which I do not welcome. I  know however that it is a fleeting thing, these winter doldrums . . . temporary in nature and ending with the flowers and rebirth of Spring.  But despite the transitory nature of the days of dark, who wants to slog through the winter in a slump? This year I’m taking early measures to combat SAD.

On Nov 18, Richard Hollant wrote a post at Felt & Wire on the topic of gratitude. I learned about Richard’s post via Facebook where he asked family, friends and associates to comment about “thank yous” that we have received that have meant something special to us. I thought and I thought. I thought some more. I could not for the life of me remember receiving a special “thank you”. It made me rather sad. Furthermore, I couldn’t think of a recent time when I had sent a special thank you. Why is that?