I am curious… how are you coping with the rising gas prices? Are you cutting back on your traveling? Are you working more or taking on side jobs to pay for gas to get places? Do you think this whole gas price fluctuation is a conspiracy? How the heck are you handling it?

Right now, we just aren’t going anywhere that isn’t necessary. We can’t afford any reconstructive alternative types of energy or fuel devices for home, cars, etc. I am sure most people can’t. Seems many famous rich people can.

Just came across this today: http://www.worldwithoutoil.org

Last year I visited a website, which deposited adware / spyware on my computer. I didn’t remember which website. However, I was left with a terrible taste from its wrath.

It weaseled into my computer start up system. I tried the remover software out there, and none of it seemed to work. A huge nasty package was deposited on my computer and it went out of control. After I thought I had gotten it deleted, it would actually reinstall itself each time I restarted. I ended up having to reformat the computer and lost a bunch of emails, contacts, etc. Most of my stuff was backed up, but some was lost. I also switched to the Firefox browser since it was known to help prevent this type of thing from happening.

Now forward to today where I was researching some things for my first ebook in Google. I typed in ‘ celebrity resale ‘ and I happened to notice a new showing in the search results. Right below the title, there is a notice that says, “This site may harm your computer”.

If you click the link, it tells you… “Why do some of my search results say, “This site may harm your computer?”"

“We want our users to feel safe when they search the web, and we’re continuously working to identify dangerous sites and increase protection for our users. This warning message appears with search results that we’ve identified as sites that may install malicious software on your computer.”

If you click the title of the result, you’ll be shown the following warning rather than being taken immediately to the webpage in question.

How cool is that? Hopefully this helps prevent others from experiencing the issue I had to deal with.

As we anxiously await our pool opening, I thought I would share with you, this photo and video I captured last year. Care for a swim? This mouse got stranded and didn’t think so. He got stuck on top of a floaty in our pool. I took a few photos and some short video, but during one, he jumped ship and I had to go rescue him with the pool net.

Video… - Care for a swim?

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!

I’m not worthy… well, I don’t feel totally worthy, but I do hope it helps inspire some people. I was interviewed last year, by a sweet author named Amy. The interview made it into a 6 page section of a book she wrote that just came out in January 2007. The book is called The Online Millionaire. I haven’t made a million dollars, not even near it, but my story is one that seems to inspire people. I am holding a giveaway on my website for one copy of the book - go here. or just go and buy the book here.

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!

This week I have stopped by several small business websites and have noticed a bit of a trend. I am used to seeing the words “Small Business” and “Entrepreneur” used for the small businesses out there. Now I am noticing the words “Indie shop” and “Indie store”. I am used to that word being used with independent film and music, but not with a family owned small business or a market or mall promoting handmade products. It does seem easier to say “indie” than “entrepreneur”. I just found it quite interesting. Each time I have ever mentioned the word “indie” I always have to explain what it means to people.

What are your thoughts?

On another note, I have been trying to get caught up around the house and with my online business stuff. We also starting back with homeschooling this week. I still have to put the Christmas stuff away. I always wonder when everyone seems to get their decorations put away each year. I hope to have mine down by the 20th of January.

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!!

Do you find it fun to watch cool tricks on video? Do you also wonder how those cool tricks are accomplished? Did you know that people actually become champions and win tournaments doing cool tricks? You must see “The Book of Cool”. My children and I sat down and watched the 3 set of DVDs at the beginning of the New Year and really enjoyed it. What is “The Book of Cool”? Well, it is a classy looking set of 3 DVDs and a book. The DVDs feature people in various categories showing you cool tricks in their field of expertise. In each segment, there is a little video showing you the tricks and instructional videos showing you HOW the tricks are done. Warnings are mentioned for safety reasons for certain tricks that can be hazardous. The book follows up with step by step instructions including detailed angles, etc. Categories on the first volume of “The Book of Cool” include: frisbe throws, casino skills, street soccer moves, gun tricks, street basketball, pen spinning, freestyle football moves, ropes and whips, skate and blade, cards and magic, juggling, flatland bike skills, rugby kicks, golf tricks and skills, bar flairing, pool shots, footbag moves, break dancing, and more. Filmed from spots around the world, showing off beautiful back drops, this set of “Book of Cool” will please people who like to learn with audio, visual, and step by step written instructions. You can also just sit back and enjoy watching the tricks for fun!

- www.wendyshepherd.com review by © Copyright Wendy Shepherd