Well, I wanted to start off sharing about my new project as many of my online friends still haven’t heard about it. You’ll want to read about it! So, here goes…

Officially Plugged In - A website I started to showcase friends and folks who are in the public eye. The showcase contains a video, a mini interview and links to official websites. This is the first website of it’s kind!!

My friend Karlyn described the OfficiallyPluggedin.com site well in her blog today… she said, “These are artists, musicians, actors, directors, producers, authors, business people and more, who care about their representation in the public eye and want to make sure you know where to get the real info on them, their background, their website, contact information, etc and not be mislead by copy-cat sites, false or outdated information by others posted online, unofficial fan sites, or even people with a similar name.. If you are in the public eye and want to keep your friends and family (and fans) safe, then I encourage you to check out OfficiallyPluggedIn.com and all it has to offer you and protecting your online identity. As Wendy told me, «It’s just good to know who the ‘real deal’ is», you know?”

I have been helping actor Sean Patrick Flanery (Young Indiana Jones, Boondock Saints) with his Official website and MySpace account. There was some doubt from friends and fans as to whether he was indeed the real person he claimed to be. So, I had him make a video that said who he was and where his official website was located. This helped friends and fans wonderfully and they write in often to say they are glad Sean did the video. This got me to thinking that others can also do the same thing and so a site to showcase these videos came to mind.

I set the new website up at the end of last year and showcased Sean’s video after I talked with him about it. He was more than happy with the idea. So, this year, after New Year’s Eve, I started getting it going. To date … there are 23 videos/interviews showcased on the website. This site is not just for folks who are famous, but also for folks who are up and coming and are in the public eye.

I am always looking to help my friends out with the projects and things they are working on. This website will be useful to many folks as a resource to find others in certain fields to work with. For example, a casting agent may look at the videos of the actors/actresses and decide they like what they see and hear. So, they’ll contact them for film or television work. A filmmaker may like a band they see listed and want to use their music in a film. There are lots of ideas that can come out of this. Folks will be able to see, hear and reach the official site of folks showcased. The listings are complimentary! If I ever get too busy with it, I will try to keep basic showcases free and those who want up fast can pay a fee or pay to be featured.

This site brings people a presentation of folks that are real. You can hear and see them. The site helps to keep family, friends and fans safe on the internet.

Take a look at the ABOUT page and the GET LISTED pages for more information about why you should seriously consider getting showcased. All videos showcased will have the video/info posted at the various video/social networks listed at the bottom of the OfficiallyPlugggedin.com website.

I feel really strongly about this project. If you believe it is good, please get yourself showcased or tell folks who should be posted to get in touch with me. It is beneficial for everyone involved. Help me get this out there!

There is a MySpace set up for OfficiallyPluggedin.com (www.myspace.com/officiallypluggedin) where you can find some banners to post. If you want a size or something besides what is there, let me know.

TODAY is February 29, 2008. It’s my birthday and I am now 10 (40) years old… a rare day as it only comes once every four years. I often get asked when is it that I celebrate my birthday when there isn’t a 29th… well, I tend to celebrate a bit on both Feb. 28th and on March 1st… it depends on some family and friends and when they can celebrate it with me. However, I do prefer the 28th if it isn’t a Leap Year. Though celebrating over a couple days is nice, but I do feel spoiled no matter what year it is. I am blessed to have my family and friends. I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes today. You are awesome!! I wasn’t expecting such a huge outpouring of love and wishes.

My birthday goodies!!!!!!! The three cards in the front are the ones my boys made. My youngest made his with colorful lettering and filled it with hearts. My middle guy made a creative card box that held a card inside. My oldest used glitter glue which made the card have a raised affect…. He wrote in his card, “Most people have their birthday once a year, but yours is once every four. So it only makes sense that you make your birthday four times as special. Happy 40th Birthday Mom.” He is only 14. I love all my boys and husband!

The flowers with bear and the tower of yummy goodies are from my mom and her husband. I was totally surprised by them and ate some sweets after dinner. My husband came home from work carrying the big spring bouquet of flowers. Awwww!!!! I got lots of phone calls from my family and friends today. I am very blessed to be here to share more time and memories.

I thought it was time to do an update.

My son is doing well. We have a Dr. appointment this coming week and we will then find out when his surgery will be to remove his ruptured appendix. My whole family got hit by nasty colds, but we should be pretty much over them in a few days.

Lots of things happening, as always in my neck of the woods. I’ll cover more of that at a later date. I have some catching up to do, some interviews to weave and if you are waiting to hear from me, it won’t be long. I’ll email you soon!

My friends are busy with lots of neat things as well. A few I can mention about are:

* Brett made a new song called “Tightrope” - Listen here (*Brett, waiting for your reply on what that tv debut is about. )

* The ’soopa’ multi-talented Paul, Rob, and Zara are working on a film called “FUROR” - More Details Here
They are all part of Soopa 8 run by Sid who is also super nice.

* Will is progressing with the Cowboy Smoke film. Please tell family and friends to go view the film trailer and leave comments of their thoughts - View here (Official Site)

* Some rumbling going on with James and Cory, which I’ll share soon. Fun stuff.

* Arin and Susan have posted their full feature film on YouTube until August 15. They are the first to feature a full film on YouTube - View Here

* Mike Hedge is taking an Eco Trip across the USA - Read More

* Dan was on the show THE LOT and had to come up with a beautiful short film. Letting Go - View here

If I forgot to mention anyone, I am sorry. I still suffer from a stuffy head. By the way, I found that sucking on ice helped my laryngitis. I almost had it full blown and was drinking lots of fluids, but the ice helped the most. Maybe it was the contstant moisture or the cold that helped the swelling. I am getting better and very happy to get things back to normal.

Feel free to post your latest happenings in the comments section below to share.

Personal note: My son turns 8 years old this coming week and my husband and I will celebrate our 20th anniversary on June 30. I still love him with all of my heart! My one true love. We were so made for each other!

Watch here for future exciting things. Make sure to subscribe to this blog in the right hand column

Creativity can keep you sane, right? I mean, there are many ways to spend your time and express your feelings. Some people are more social and others express themselves in other creative ways, while some people can balance both.

Here is a run down of people who have been creating stuff over the last month, including me. And… where did the month go since I last posted?? Time flies too fast!

My latest creations:

- THROUGH YOUR EYES: A website project that I worked on for the world’s only know deaf/blind triplets. It was a task that had to be done in a short period of time as the story was to be highlighted on the Dr. Phil show. The documentary is to be completed around May of this year. Harwin is behind the music. They created a song specifically for the family called “Behind Those Eyes.” The documentary is being created by James and Cory. All producer profits are going towards helping the family. So go to www.throughyoureyes.com if you want to help by purchasing the music and/or pre-ordering the documentary. Here is the Official Myspace for Through Your Eyes.

- TIPZ TIME: I also decided to give one of my websites, Tipz Time (household tips, etc.), a facelift to allow for a wider content area and a graphic color scheme that can easily be changed from purple to green or whatever I desire for each season. I still have some back pages to change out.

- STUDIO MATRIX: Another site of mine, Studio Matrix, needed to be re-invented. So I decided to update the ‘look’ and start selling some graphics again. This time I am selling website graphic headers. These are very useful to webmasters who are looking for a quick change for their website. Most of the time, the part below the header is the same… three columns, two columns, with content in certain places, but the header can be changed to give the website a facelift or the headers can be used to make a quick site. These are exclusive… meaning I only sell the header once… not like some template sites that resell the same templates or graphics to 10 or so people. These headers can be tweaked in a graphics program or the person who buys it can have a graphic designer or webmaster tweak and incorporate a ‘look’ to go with it. I am incorporating a business forum, which I should finish today. I love creating the graphics.

- ARTWORK: My scanner was being a booger and not working for a while, so I wasn’t able to scan in my funky artwork. I finally figured out what happened. The USB cord wasn’t working. I had switched out the USB cord with an older one from a previous scanner, and it is now working. So… here is my artwork, silly or funky or strange as it may be ( I just create whatever I feel like doing at the moment )

(Elvish Girl with strange eyes)

(Funky Plant)

(Eyes with Curly Lashes)

(Another Funky Plant)

(Leafy Vine Swirl)

(Willow Tree)

- EBOOKS: I have now reached page 23 of one of my first ebooks. I know, I have been lagging on it… but I am getting there!

I am not the only one who has been busy creating, my friends have been doing awesome things too! See for yourself…

- NEW SONG: Brett has created a beautiful new song called “Just My Kind”. I was in a grumpy mood much of the day when he sent it to me, but then that mood melted away while listening to his new song. His song has a wonderful melodic dreamy feel to it.

- NEW INTERVIEW: Betty from NoteworthyCrafts.com did interview for Dreamish.com. I received a message from Betty about an interesting project and the person behind it which would make for a great interview. At the time I was a little overwhelmed and since the story was inspirational and has an important message, I asked if she would like to conduct the interview and she agreed to. - Read it here

- NEW DVD: Arin and Susan of Four Eyed Monsters have created their DVD, which I anxiously await to watch. You must go and see the episodes! It is a creative and dramatic look into the filmmaking process they have had to deal with. Make sure to pre-order a dvd.

- NEW MUSIC: Eddie has recently shared a creative musician, Chris Garneauand, his new music.

- NEW INTERVIEW: Mike just posted an interesting interview about Ezel.

I think that is all for now… if I forgot someone, feel free to post what your latest creations are so I can take a look!

Woohoo! The film trailer is finally up!

Take a look - http://www.myspace.com/cowboysmoke

- Official Website

I am very proud of my friends! They worked really hard on this film, so any help you can offer to spread the word is much appreciated.

Thanks!

It has been an interesting week.

(1) I have been following Arin and Susan with their video blog covering of the Sundance Film Fest. They just made their film, Four Eyed Monsters, available on DVD for the first time in limited quantity. They are using what they earn from the DVD sales to help get themselves out of $80,000 in credit card debt. (I have been in CC debt and know of the stress it causes, so I know they appreciate any help you can give.) If you are interested in more info with neat episode videos about their film and where to get the DVD, go to www.foureyedmonsters.com

(2) I recently did a fun and informational TeleInterview with Stuart Tan(such a NICE, smart guy!) in which he titled the interview “Secrets of a Superstar Work-At-Home Mom”. If you are interested in listening to the interview, you can go here to “Internet Marketing Singapore“. You can also get it by signing up on my site at www.wendyshepherd.com near the bottom of the page. When you sign up there, you will also receive my internet business blog updates, which are different in nature than my family/friends blog posts. If you don’t want to sign up and really want to hear the interview and learn more about my online stuff, then just message me and I’ll get it to you some how.

*Personally, I think I giggle too much, and my husband tends to agree. I’m happy, what can I say?

(3) I have a couple copies of Jonathan Clay’s CDs that are autographed. If you are interested in getting a copy in exchange for a review about his music/songs, message me about it. The review should be about 3 or more paragraphs and will be posted on one of my websites with your name credited. This offer will be over at the end of January, 2007. You can read the interview I did with Jonathan Clay here.

(4) I have delved into homeschooling my children about mid-way through the month. We are progressing through the learning material nicely. There is always a bumpy start in the beginning, where it is hard to get my boys to focus and come out of the “holiday/timeoff” mode. We seem to be past that now.

(5) After the interview I did with Stuart, I realized again the importance of writing my ebooks/book to help others learn what I have done, answer their questions, and more importantly, provide some information and step-by-steps to help them get started. I have written a bit here and there, but this last weekend I sat down for hours upon hours writing.

(6) One last thing, I don’t watch too much television at all. There is one show that I have watched since the beginning, and that is LOST. There is something about this show that is way different than the others that keeps my interest. My oldest son watched the show with me, but I have to make sure to watch for bad scenes that wouldn’t be acceptable for him to see. I am happy to say I just found out that… LOST is coming on again starting February 3!

I just watched two season previews and a bunch of “moments” that were posted in another blog.

Here they are…

LOST Preview #1
LOST Preview #2

Moment #1
Moment #2
Moment #3
Moment #4
Moment #5
Moment #6
Moment #7
Moment #8
Moment #9
Moment #10

- Laters for now!

Ok, I want to post a blog with a little of everything on my mind lately.

1) I was rummaging through photos today and ran across a half naked photo of myself. Here it is…

2) Since it is the new year and I found I hadn’t fully accomplished a goal I wanted to do last year, I looked into how much it would cost to bring a big idea I have into fruition. Well, the cost is estimated at 20k-30k. Wow. Yes, that is how big of an idea it is. I just seem to be full of the ideas without a ton of financing to put into the projects. I have considered partners, sponsors, and someone mentioned I should look into grants that I wouldn’t have to pay back. I don’t know anything about that. I have been brainstorming about it. I don’t want a corporation behind it at this point, because it is my baby and I want to be in control. When too many people get in on the decision making, it gets expensive and drawn out time wise. So, I would rather try and find a way to raise the funds and have the website built. I wish I could code it, but there are areas in the system that I can’t possibly do at this point. So, I either have to learn, or I have to hire out for it. I know a great guy, I just need the funds. Options at this point are a donation that gets repaid over time, or preselling sponsorships, and a few other ideas I have.

Know of anyone who wants to donate money as a gift with no strings attached? or in exchange for advertising? (has to be family friendly) Gosh, when I say that I realize it starts to sound like someone trying to raise funds in the film business for an independent feature film they want to make. It is hard, but can be done. I know it can. If not, I will find a way! Unfortunately, this isn’t the only big idea brewing around in my head… but it is the only one I have written down right now. (frustration, anguish, nagging feelings to get this project going) Figures, big ideas, small wallet.

3) New year, new look… I opened up my graphics program when I wasn’t feeling well and worked on some new graphics for my website on my www.wendyshepherd.com website. Take a look and let me know if you run across any errors. Thanks!

4) At the beginning of the New Year, I love hearing from my friends. I love to know what their plans and goals are. Here is what I found out recently…

Shawn just sold out his Affiliate Summit. My friend knows his stuff and loves what he does helping others in the industry.

Brett is traveling to some exciting places! Man, to be able to see those beautiful spots in the world and mingle with wonderful people. I hope you have the time of your life!

Karlyn has recently started working for ModernSage.com Modern Sage is a leading women’s natural health community where you will find great advice from experts and members on living well, natural remedies, healthy meals, spirituality, family, work, laughter, inspiration, and much more. Congrats!

Dean has decided to go forward with his dreams of writing. There is nothing more exciting than putting your ideas on paper or typing them up and seeing them come to life.

Mikel has lots of film projects he is working on. Will is coming out with his new film, Cowboy Smoke, in which I designed the official website.

Mike is working on more interviews and is the personal assistant of Kim Poirier

Paul has been working on beautiful paintings and showing them, along with doing 3d graphics for our Graphicpod.com website and working on acting and writings for film/tv.

Stuart gives great advice and is rubbing elbows with some really wonderful people in the marketing industry and we’ll be doing something sometime this month that I will announce later.

Tara keeps creating cool online products. We met on Mark Joyner’s Simpleology forums and I am looking forward to Mark’s new book!

Joel is having more helpful products created and launching them soon.

Brad now has renamed his band to Annasay and has released some new songs.

Zachary was nominated for a local award (a Kenny) in Rockville, MD, for the song “The Process,” and will be playing at the award night.

Jonathan recently did an interview with me that I posted in a previous blog and will be touring with some bands.

Eddie recently got a new job which he loves and posted a cool list of best music in 2006.

James Gunn just posted how his film SLiTHER got the best feature film of 2006 in RUE MORGUE magazine! and his wife, Jenna, has been on Rachael Ray, QVC, and a NEW “The Office” episode. (I like reading their blogs since they are so “real” and share some neat stuff)

Susan and Arin (Four Eyed Monsters film) are going to do a screening in Second Life. I look forward to trying to participate!

Drake Bell just released his new CD and has been appearing on tv and across the internet doing interviews. I have been addicted to the song “Fool the World”.

Ok, that is all for now. If I forgot anyone, it is probably because I haven’t touched base with you yet. So, please feel free to comment about what you are up to as I would love to know!!

We have tried estimating when our food will expire in the refrigerator by the sell-by dates, the expiration dates, using stickers with black markers to mark when we open a package or bottle of something, etc. Still we seem to have molded, outdated, and ‘questionable’ foods in our refrigerators. With that in mind, what do you think of this new idea to keep only fresh food? … - Click Here

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Comments:    1.

What an interesting concept!

Comment by Julie — 8/2/2006 @ 10:14 am

I have been watching ” The Apprentice ” again this season and have watched each season, except for the very first two. Monday (tomorrow night) , June 5th is Donald Trump ’s “THE APPRENTICE” SEASON FINALE and it will be the most star-studded Apprentice ever with Jason Priestly, Jamie Pressly, Michael J. Fox, Denis Leary, the Barenaked Ladies and many, many more! It will be rebroadcast on Wednesday. I am really excited to see this show since the last show left us hanging. There are two guys left, Lee and Sean. A sad thing happened with Andrea, a past Apprentice participant. She was selected as one of three to help Sean in the final task, but she had to leave and go to a doctor because she was coughing up blood in the last episode. I am anxious to see what was wrong with her. I hope she is alright.

The Apprentice shares a lot of “lessons learned” in business. After watching the third season, which was my first time seeing the show, I gained an interest in Trump’s books. So, I purchased the book, ” How to get Rich “, which is now online. I read through it quickly and enjoyed it. Trump included business advice, including how to : invest wisely, impress the boss and get a raise, manage a business efficiently, negotiate anything, and much more.

I also read ” Think Like a Billionaire .” Trump gives more business advice about success, real estate, and life. There is a section of the book where he gives a day by day blow of what he does for a week. He tells the time of day and what tasks he did during that time. As I was reading this part, I realized how it was similar to an online journal or blog.

Now Trump has started a new website, called TRUMP UNIVERSITY . What better way to learn than by interacting online, eh? Trump University is a dynamic business education company that delivers the knowledge and experience of Donald Trump and his hand picked team of experts in a world-class curriculum. Topics include: real estate, entrepreneurship (that’s me), management, wealth creation, and career. Trump even has a blog! I have signed up for updates myself, and I do plan to hang out at the site to learn what I can.

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Comments:    1.

Wendy,
Thanks for telling us about Trump’s blog and e-mail blast. Hopefully, I can learn some useful things.

Ken

Comment by Ken — 6/6/2006 @ 1:14 am

I ran across this website, Improv Everywhere, the other day and thought you would get a kick out of it, if you haven’t already seen it.

Improv Everywhere have people called “Agents “who gather large groups of participants and organize them to pull off fun ” missions / scenes ” at various places throughout New York. If you live in New York, you can participate. If you live outside of New York, and want to be a part of an Improv, you can visit the message forum to hook up with others in your area.

The acts that I viewed are pretty harmless and meant to be humorous. It is all in good fun to break the normal everyday habits and routines of people. Sometimes the missions can disrupt the normal work flow of a business and create tension. There have been police called and lawsuits that have been dismissed.

Check out the latest Blockbuster mission and the Cell phone symphony mission. I had a chuckle watching them. Tell me what you think!

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Comments:    1.

I can’t believe no one has made a comment to this one yet. The cell phone symphony and the bathroom attendant pranks were enough to keep me entertained for the evening. Who needs TV?

I passed the link to some friends. Thanks for the laughs!

Comment by Christina — 7/11/2006 @ 1:30 am

Do you think you have enough beverage choices? One company would like to give you more! I wonder if this will just be a flash in the pan fad, or a nice way to offer variety…

A company named IPIFINI gives soda drinkers custom flavor with a Programmable Liquid Container. Imagine having a coke and picking a flavor to add to it such as cherry or lime with the touch of a tiny button on the container. This is called “Choice Enabled Packaging“, and I am sure you will find a lot more like it. This company already has plans to also offer choices for paint, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, perfume, cleaners, i.v. bags, and more.

What do you think about it?
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Comments:    1.

I don’t know if this excites me or not. I drink alot of water…
However I also feel its ALWAYS nice to have options!
:)

Comment by Barbara (Xerraire) — 4/25/2006 @ 9:02 pm
2.

Wow, how inovative! I don’t think it’s outrageous though.. I can see it as being a fun alternative moreso than an everyday item. But what if you program it with something and it turns out you don’t like it. It’s garbage then, right? Hmm… Flavored water is what I can realistically view this working best with. Paint? Perfumes? I don’t know about that.

Comment by Karlyn — 4/25/2006 @ 9:15 pm
3.

I think it would be cool for teenagers they are always looking for a change or something new I also drink alot of water so that could be cool too I can have lemon water today or Strawberry water tomorrow cool concept…Cant wait to try it.

Comment by Stephanie — 4/26/2006 @ 7:45 am