Bicycles, Balloons, and Red Ruby Slippers

Take Time For Family

2008-07-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

I usually do all my business work on the weekend. I find the stores and banks are not as crowded during the week, so shy away from the masses on the weekend. I get all my running around and sight seeing done during the week. So on the weekends, it is a couple of concentrated, focused days of work and my business runs fine. However, this weekend it was the annual Karate picnic for all the families of our neighborhood Dojo.

Some of us forget how important it is to stop and smell the roses so to speak. I was right in there with the best, then realized it was much more important to take some time for my family. My Grandson is a red belt black stripe and soon to join the ranks of Jr. Black belt. This is an honor he has worked many years to receive. So to honor him, today, I chose to be with my family.

Now I am back to work, but I will always treasure the fun day we all spent at the beach playing tug of war, eating too much food, sitting under an umbrella reading Think and Grow Rich, talking to other families, and watching the BIG squirt gun water fight they hold each year.

Just a reminder to all of you who have families; time passes quickly and memories are only built if you take the time to be there. The work will always wait. Really.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Get What You Want NOW

2008-07-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

I came across something very exciting I want to mention to you, as I think you will get a lot of value out of it. OrangePeel Vision Boards has come up with this amazing tool called “Vision Board”. These guys put together a very powerful system that you can use to create a virtual Vision Board on your computer. You can include your personal pictures, affirmations and power words and select your own background. They have actually JUST released their latest edition Vision Board. Apart from all the powerful existing features, this “next generation Vision Board” includes some very excited extra modules.

Firstly, it includes a valuable Audio Module. This module allows you to incorporate mp3 music and voice recordings into your Vision Board, which will then play anytime your Vision Board comes up. Also, it features their fantastic new Poster Creation Program, enabling you to freely copy and paste images and text on a Poster on your screen, which them can be taken to a print shop. I believe these extra features make Vision Board truly the most complete manifestation tool available anywhere.

Your personal Vision Board shows when you click the icon on your screen, and you can also have it come up as your screen saver. So every time you leave your computer to make a phone call or have lunch, you come back to a dynamic showcase of your goals and dreams moving along on your computer screen! Pretty cool, right? As you know, it is crucial to keep your goals and dreams in front of you, if you want to achieve them. By focusing on them all the time, and really feeling as if you have already achieved them, you are putting The Law of Attraction to work in the most effective way. So this tool truly is a must if you are serious about manifesting your goals.

It is very versatile: you can actually send your own Vision Board to a friend and use it as your wall paper. It even has the option to print out your Vision Board so you can hang it on the wall and take it with you. OrangePeel has added another exciting feature, which shows your affirmations in a little pop up balloon on your screen. This increases the exposure to your affirmations and helps to adjust your beliefs system in a powerful way. The software comes complete with affirmation, power word and image libraries!

So no more excuses really why not to create a Vision Board, as this tool makes it very easy and a lot of fun. Once you have created your Vision Board, you can go back any time and change your Vision Board; it grows with you! Oh, I almost forgot: they even include a feature for you to display your Vision Board images on mobile devices like your mobile phone or Ipod. How cool is that??

Vision Board is really cool; check it out on their website. They also explain about how you can benefit from visualization and how you can make the power of “The Law of Attraction” work for you. Even just to learn more about that, I highly recommend having a look at their site. And if you are serious about creating abundance and prosperity in your life, get a copy of one of those Vision Boards NOW, so you keep focused and inspired, at the same time you make sure not to miss out on their mind blowing bonus package, including bonuses from Eva Gregory, Ruben Gonzalez, Jim Driscoll, Vic Johnson, Lee Brower and Jim Bunch, to name a few. This bonus package is valued at mover $1000, and is in itself already more than worth the investment! Click here to check it all out!”

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

California Sunshine

2008-07-07T17:41:00.001-07:00

Here is a big dose of California Sunshine for all of those who are living down under in Australia.

How many people have made that long trip from the USA to Australia? Many I am sure. There was the thing about the water spinning the other direction as you flush the toilets, but it went down so fast, I never got to determine if that was actually a fact!

My friend, Mark, who was coming from Australia to the USA was very interested in knowing if that was fact or fiction also. Again. No luck in discovery. So I am setting up a poll to see how many of you have witnessed this actually happening....you know,the water spinning down the drain in the opposite direction of that in your homeland.

My nephew is on his way to Australia right now and I hope he will have a statement to share about this directional water thing when he gets back.

Just silly conversation today. But I told you this blog was about things that capture my attention, and so this has!

Please fill out the poll and lets see who has seen this phenomenon!

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Hi Ho Come to The Fair

2008-06-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Oh My, that song goes way back. If any of you remember what musical it was in, please leave your comment. I sang that song at State Competition back in High School. Didn't like the song so much as I did the Fair!

You can find everything at the Fair. Everything from food to the latest super mop with the extra fancy dancy handle waiting to take the world by storm. All the newest trends seem to start at the Fair. Perhaps that is the testing grounds for such new ideas.

But it is not all experimental ideas there. The exhibit halls are full of photography, woodcrafts, and beautifully executed paintings and gemstones. This year there was a great display of the printing press. Then of course, there are all the flowers and landscaping displays.

The kid in all of us may be drawn to the Midway, but some of us hopefully have aged enough to have the wisdom not to step up to the Giant Bungee Winger. For some reason that I can't explain, the spinning and dropping I loved so much as a child leaves my stomach somewhere north of my ideal experience.

Still to see a marching band with the drums and trumpets facing off as the crowd passes by, is one of the most nostalgic memories I enjoy. The Fair is more than just fried Twinkies. It is about bringing out the child that has so long been boxed in this adult body. It is about the many memories tucked away from years past. It is about a time when a naive Freshman walked down the midway with a sophisticated Junior man and the world was at their fingertips. Memories. High Ho Come To The Fair!

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Reflexology

2008-06-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

How many of you know what Reflexology is? Certainly it is not a cult, and it is not something a contortionist exhibits! Although these are answers I have received from people over the years. No, Reflexology is based on the belief that an energy system connects the entire body and the physical processes within the body. It is, according to The International Institute of Reflexology, a science which deals with the principle that there are reflexes in the feet and hands relative to each and every organ and all parts of the body.

I first heard about Reflexology when I was nine years old. My family went to visit some friends and the Mother of the family was not there to greet us. When I asked about her absence, I was informed that a neighbor was sick, and she was working on their feet to make them feel better. This was both strange and interesting to me. So, of course, many questions followed.

Since then, I have read many books that have told of Reflexology, but the one that had the biggest impact on me was called "Stories the Feet Can Tell Thru Reflexology...Stories the Feet Have Told Thru Reflexology." These stories are the original works of a woman named Eunice D. Ingram. She was a true pioneer in the field of Reflexology.

I began my work with Reflexology in 1980. I studied the works of Mildred Carter, another pioneering woman in this field. Upon moving to California, I was introduced to The Foot Ladies who taught Reflexology techniques through the International Institute of Reflexology based in Florida. Twenty-five years later, reflexology still plays an important part of my life.

Briefly, the reflexes in the feet are arranged to form a map of the body. By applying controlled pressure in a precise and systematic way to these reflexes, blockages are released and transmitted through the autonomic nervous system triggering the body's natural healing mechanism. Releasing these blockages brings about a smooth energy flow and takes place on all levels: Physical, Mental and Emotional.

There is no doubt that Reflexology reduces stress and induces deep relaxation, but it is also believed that it improves circulation, cleanses the body of toxins and impurities, balances the whole system and revitalizes energy. A Reflexologist stimulates more than 7 thousand nerves when touching the feet.

However, be advised that Reflexology is a relaxation technique and is not to be confused with medical advice.

Personally, I have always found that working with feet was the quickest way to relax the body. And, once relaxed, a body can a natural balanced state. some people will turn to Reflexology for the holistic health benefits it provides, Others will simply enjoy the pleasures received as a deep relaxation overcomes the body during a normal 30 minute session.

If you haven't had the experience yet, treat yourself or someone you love to Reflexology today.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

The Law of Gender

2008-06-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

This will be the first of seven discussions in which I will attempt to explain and examine the 7 Laws Of The Universe, which are often referred to in the world of Personal Development as the natural way to live and thrive. These 7 laws are generally thought of as spiritual laws and they are in effect at all times. Will our lives change if we understand them? Perhaps.

Similar to the scientific Law of Gravity, they do not change just because you might not understand them. The idea is to gain an understanding so you can have control and move with these natural laws instead of against them.

The Law of Gender expresses masculine and feminine principles. This is the basis of creation. And as a universal law, it cannot be denied. This is basically a rule of nature that provides order. I suppose that is what "laws" are all about...order. From a seed comes life and every seed has a gestation period.

In applying The Law of Gender to our daily lives, I see every thought we think, or imagine as a seed. Once the seed is planted, or thought, it begins a gestation period. And just like a tomato seed will come to fruit after a natural cycle of gestation, so will our thoughts.
Understanding this concept can give us some control over our thoughts whether they be negative or positive.

Another application of this concept of The Law of Gender pertains to our goals. How often do we make a resolution to change a condition or result in our life and after a short period of time simply give up. If our resolution was a seed placed in a pot of dirt, we would water and wait patiently as the seed went through it's natural process of germination. If, however, we gave up, became bored and stopped watering, naturally the seed would cease growth. The gestation period would cease. Just as the plant needs time to develop, our goals need time to come into fruition. There is a natural flow to life that can not be forced. It doesn't seem so complicated. This is my understanding of the Law of Gender.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Understanding The 7 Laws Of The Universe

2008-06-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have been a student of personal development for many years now and lately I have come encountered conversations that mention the Laws of the Universe. Specifically, I hear talk about the 7 Laws of the Universe.

In all of my readings and learning, I have never actually see a list of these 7 laws. So today, I would like to share what I have learned. I would expect there are others out there who are not sure what the 7 Laws Of The Universe are. So here is what I found.

1. The Law Of Gender - every seed has a gestation or incubation period. This includes intellectual and spiritual seeds (not just tomato seeds).

2. The Law Of Cause And Effect - What goes around, comes around. In other words, treat others as you would want to be treated

3. The Law of Relativity - nothing is good or bad until you give it meaning.

4. The Law Of Perpetual Transmutation - Energy moves into physical form. Your thoughts produce your results.

5. The Law Of Polarity - Everything has an opposite. Negative/Positive, Black/White, Night/Day.

6. The Law Of Vibration - Everything vibrates, nothing rests.

7. The Law Of Rhythm - Night follows day and the tide goes in and out

For now, I will leave it at this. I would like to visit each Law in following posts.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

My New Adventure in Blogging

2008-06-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've come to realize that blogging is an activity that is more than just a pastime for me. It is a way to express myself to someone other than my cat! Do I have a cat? Well, no, I don't. So you can see how desperate I am to express myself! Seriously, blogging is a very liberating thing for many people. Where else can you share your deepest thoughts, share your life wisdom, and recommend your favorite movie to total strangers? I don't know, it just seems that journaling in a lined notebook doesn't cut it anymore. Blogging is so much more colorful and exciting. Now I am ready to take it to the next level.

What am I talking about, you ask. Let me tell you. it all started with this talk about social networks and Web 2.0. Don't know what I am talking about? Don't feel bad, I am just learning about it all too. That is why I started looking around at blog sites to figure what people were talking about. It is amazing what you can learn when you get into the lives and activities of other people. I started leaving comments on the blog sites of some friends and before I knew it people I didn't even know were leaving comments on my blog. When I started visiting the blogs of these strangers, well, I saw it!

"It" was the brightly colored button on the side bar of a blog. A PayPerPost advertisement. Get paid for blogging? I'm already having a blast with this creative writing experience and now someone is willing pay me. Nice. All I have to do is write about web sites, products, services, and companies. I will earn cash for providing my opinions. Once again, nice!

Right away I made the decision to jump on this opportunity. I mean, I am already blogging and to be paid to do what I enjoy...well, was there really a decision to be made? I have been calculating and it appears that I could actually make up to $500 in a single month once I get it all set up. First they will have to look at my blog and approve it. Once that is done, I can begin accepting writing assignments.

One of the things I really liked about PayPerPost is they maintain a great video training library which they call PayPerPost University. Since this is a new adventure in blogging for me, it is good to know I have training available to help me get a grasp on managing my posts. As a teacher, I can really appreciate this feature. New students always learn best with a knowledgeable guide.

Of course, I am very new at this, but I understand that as I draw traffic to my site, the advertisers will begin to develop direct relationships with me and I will be able to negotiate my own terms. Now that sounds like a professional business in the making!

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Charities

2008-06-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Brian Tracy tells us, ".... luck is quite predictable. If you want more luck, take more chances. Be more active. Show up more often." And I believe, we should also give back. As life gets better for me I am inclined to give more in return. Check out this new site I found. It has some interesting options. paid4giving.com Charities

Do you have any special charities you want to talk about? Leave your comments below. Have a happy day and lets Pay It Forward!

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Work At Home - Is It A Hoax?

2008-06-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

How many of you dream of working at home in your robe instead of putting on the suit and heels and plugging into the morning flow of harried commuters? I'm sure the though has crossed your mind now and then. But, can you really work at home and make a living?

There are ads offering work at home opportunities everywhere from the Internet to telephone poles. And they all offer you hopes of generating thousands of dollars in your spare time. Be careful and beware of the "snake oil" salesman. Some of the most common scams you will encounter begin with the "stuffing envelopes" offer. You are told you can stuff papers into the envelop and earn more than $1 per envelop. They fail to tell you about the supplies or training you need to pay for in advance. The same goes for the "Assembling crafts" scam. They will keep your deposit, and then tell you the work you did was not good enough so no pay! And you end up paying for the shipping.

Have you thought about becoming a Medical billing or Insurance claims processor. Unless this opportunity comes from a reputable, well known business, you will most likely be paying for a course and then left on your own. The majority of medical offices process their own bills or outsource to large companies. Very few hire individuals for this type of work.

Apparently,there are a lot of unethical people out there who are happy to take your money or your dreams at what ever cost they can acquire. However, don't be put off by these "snake oil" salesmen. There really are good opportunities to work from home, but they will take work.

Having a business at home is no different than having a retail business. They call these retail businesses "Brick and Mortar" operations. If you were to purchase a brick and mortar business such as a hardware store, you would expect to have certain expenses in your original set up. Know that you will have similar expenses for any business you start at home. Start up costs will vary according to what the business is; however, you will still need to communicate with your customers somehow. Phones, computers, advertising and business cards are typical expenses to be put into your start up budget. Don't forget to get your business license and any other legal titles necessary to protect yourself and your business.

Owning your own business will require work...no matter what anyone tells you....you must put your time into your business. Nothing grows without attention. Research other business similar to the one you desire to start. The Web is an excellent place to search. A legitimate company should have a professional look with access to an address and a phone number.

Many people dream of making it big, but there is no easy street to travel when owning your own business. It is your time and your money, so invest it well.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Sticker Shock - Think Smart

2008-06-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is the third article in my quest to avoid Sticker Shock in the supermarket. Today I want to focus on some strategies that will help you in your shopping experience.

How many of you already know that the items displayed at the end of each aisle are not sale items. They, grocery store con artists, set out to trick you with the big splashy display and the bright signs implying a special deal. However, BEWARE! The manufacturers of these displayed items have paid for these prime locations. They know more than what Marketing 101 teaches. They conduct research to get their statistics on consumer buying habits. A better technique for the shopper is to compare prices in the main aisles.

Stop before you think about buying in bulk. For instance, you may save up to 40% on toiletries and paper products if you make a separate trip to a discount store such as Costco or Sam's Club. And take a good look at the individual item price. Buying in bulk doesn't always mean cheaper. It is a good idea to carry a calculator to check the unit price. It is easy. Just divide the price of the bulk product by the quantity in the package. This will give you the individual price. Now you have something to compare. Also, consider if there will be spoilage if you buy in bulk. You are not saving anything if you have to throw spoiled food away.

Consider buying the generic store brand instead of the well known brand name item. There is little or no difference in the actual product. And, day old bread sure doesn't taste any different than fresh when it has been at home for a day or two.

Think about when you will do your shopping. I am not talking about what time of day you will make your trip, although there are days the sales begin and the shelves are better stocked with choices. No, I am talking about going once each week instead of making that quick trip to pick up some milk. Unless you take your list and have a great deal of determination and are wearing your blinders, it will be hard to get out of the store with only the milk. Those quick trips can amount to $10 or more and over time will add up to a bigger grocery bill than you budgeted.

Finally, we are at the check out stand. The Sunday paper usually has a plethora of coupons, but they are not always for the things we need. Don't be tempted to buy something just because you have a coupon. Remember your list (we mentioned this in our first article)! Go online to the manufacturer of the product you are looking for and find a coupon there. It has been reported that Americans saved an estimated $30 billion with manufacturers coupons last year.

Fight the temptation to pick up the high profit items that are placed around the checkout stand. Things like candy, gum, magazines, and other gadgets. These are impulse buys and we are savvy shoppers now. We have a list of what we really need and we stick to our list! (Notice I mentioned the list again. Better go back and read those earlier articles again.)

Keep a close eye on the scanner while the items are being rung up. We can lose out on those sales if the scanner was not reset with current sale prices. Be in charge and make sure you get the correct price for your purchase.

Even though prices are increasing, we have the power to make sensible choices when we shop. These choices can really add up to real savings. Lets think smart and avoid the sticker shock.

Linda Kick here, come back and visit again.

Consumer Solutions to Sticker Shock

2008-06-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Being prepared when you go to the supermarket makes good sense in these times of high prices. The rising cost of fuel has had an impact that is far reaching for the consumer. As the price of food begins to be affected by fuel crunch, the wise shopper becomes armed to fight sticker shock.

One way to deal with sticker shock is to skip on the nonessential. What does that mean? Mostly, it means get back to the basics and skip the convenience. Did you know that almost all city water is so good that no one really needs to drink imported water from France! I always wondered about that since I grew up drinking straight from the well we dug out back. If you really don't like the taste of your tap water, then buy a faucet filter or a filtering pitcher. The experts tells us that eight glasses per day of bottled water can cost as much as $1,400 each year. We are paying for that tap water anyway, so why not filter at home!

Cooking from scratch will give you more nutrients as well as save you dollars. With processed foods you are paying for that packaging and advertising and they don't taste very good to the average person.

Some of the conveniences we skip will add up to a bit more time in the kitchen for prep, but your pocketbook will notice the difference. Grate your own carrots and cheese. Buy a head of lettuce instead of the packaged lettuce. It even tastes better.

When you think of your entree, learn to cut and filet your own meats and fish. When I was growing up, we cut the whole chicken into individual pieces. It is a cinch to do and the whole chicken is much cheaper than a package of parts and pieces.

We have all grown accustom to the convenience of supermarkets and fast food, and have forgotten or never learned what our grandparents knew all along. Do for yourself and save a penny. Sticker shock, it makes us rethink our consumer solutions.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Sticker Shock

2008-06-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Going to the grocery store now days is starting to get as painful as going to the gas station! Sticker shock is showing it's ugly face right in our kitchen! No doubt the inflation at the gas pump is having a direct effect on our supermarket prices. What is to be done? How do we keep our grocery bills as low as possible? I got this advice from a savvy shopper who seems to know what she is talking about.

First of all, plan your trips. Forget the impulse buying trip. This will only empty your pockets of any remaining savings you might have. Take a shopping list and keep it to a minimum. Think about your week and preplan your meals. Then only buy ingredients you will need for those meals. Stick to the list and look for store specials.

Check your cupboards and fridge before you make your list. No sense in buying what you already have. That way you don't end up with spoilage and have to throw away unused food.

Think about your store layout. These grocery people are there to make some profit and so the temptations -- processed foods -- are arranged in strategic places to pull you in. These foods are also marked up higher in price. You will start to notice that the fresh foods, vegetables, meat and dairy are toward the back of the store. You have to walk through the mine field before you reach it. Don't be tempted, stick to that list.

Now, I think this is one of the best hints ever and I know it works! EAT BEFORE you go shopping. Let me repeat that. EAT BEFORE you go! Nothing will sabotage your shopping trip quicker than going to the store hungry. Hunger is the biggest reason we buy on impulse.

Although these tips are few, they are timely and they work to save your pocketbook.

1. Make a shopping list
2. Check what you have on hand first
3. Map the route of your store floor plan
4. Eat before you shop

Avoid the hurt and be prepared for the Sticker Shock!

Linda Kick here, come back again.

Win Friends and Influence People

2008-06-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have stepped out of the dark ages and my blog is up and I am looking for ways to network with other people. Where do you start?

First I dusted off the well worn cover of my Dale Carnegie book, How To Win Friends & Influence People The pages were yellow and had a funny smell that I didn't find pleasant. I began to think about the dark ages I was leaving behind and decided to go modern with an audio book. This I like. MP3 files are so easily downloaded, I can take my book along every where now. And I mean every where. From the bathroom to the boardroom you will find electronic hookups protruding from people's ears. What a concept.

So, again, back into the modern day world, I have discovered MySpace and FaceBook. Two social networks that are easy to manipulate and move around in. Both of these places make "winning friends" a fun experience. Friends in Europe, Canada, and the USA all reach out to each other via the social networks and Skype, a voice communication system. With skype, you make calls from your computer — free to other people on Skype and cheap to landlines and cell phones around the world. I'd set up an affiliate account with them, but I am still learning about that kind of stuff! I'm not totally out of the dark ages.

Mr. Carnegie's book, read so long ago, is still helping me win friends and hopefully inspire others to step out of the dark ages and into the sparkle and glitter of this new age of communication!

Linda Kick here, come back and visit again.

Explaining Kindness

2008-06-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

I was asked an interesting question this week. My Grandson was given two tiny, toy wood tops crafted by an older gentleman who was at the Fair giving a woodworking demonstration. His question to me was, "why did he do that?" He didn't have to pay anything for them while others were being asked for a donation. Even at the age of nine, this young boy was familiar with the concept of fair exchange in business.

My quick response to that innocent question was, "it was a Random Act of Kindness." I had just opened the door to a flood of new questions! And as I began to explain this concept of Kindness, I reminded myself that the great aspect of random acts of kindness is that anyone can do them. In this refection I questioned myself about the positive examples I was providing my Grandson in this area. Had I myself been acting kind in a random fashion?

I believe that a random act of kindness is an action that touches the heart of every human being. It matters not the age. I was standing beside a young boy who was a most recent recipient of such an act. The look of joy and happiness in his eyes spread to his entire face as he gently held the small spinning spools in the palm of his hand. These were the greatest treasures he held and his pride and self-esteem grew stronger each time he showed his treasures to someone new in the next passing days. He felt very special to have received such an act of kindness from a stranger. Such a small act turned into a remarkable gift.

To understand how beautiful this act was, you need to know that we stood for one solid hour watching in amazement as this gifted craftsman took a plain piece of wood and fashioned this tiny spinning top in a matter of seconds. The boy stood with his eyes glued to every movement as the tools made contact with the wood over and over again. His admiration of the creation was apparent and the older gentleman was kind to acknowledge his appreciation.

Kindness is still something a lot of humans haven’t discovered. Of all the joys that there may be, the joy of giving is one of the best. Perhaps it is time to reflect and think about the changes we can make in the lives of others with just one simple, remarkable, random act of kindness.

Linda Kick here, come back and visit again.

A New Experience For This Baby Boomer

2008-06-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

There is a strange, new thing happening to me right now and at my age, anything new is pretty interesting! Wow, that sounds really exciting, doesn't it. Let me get right to the point. Fingernails.

I must be getting healthy! I never really had fingernails. That may seem silly to some of you, but I use to chew my nails and over the years there was just so much damage, I didn't think there could be any hope to see pretty nails at the end of my fingers.

I have a box of nice rings that never grace my fingers because I felt to self conscious of the appearance of my hands. Why draw attention to them. I always admired women with beautiful hands and long nails. I would think, "If my hands looked that pretty, I'd wear rings on every finger!"

Did you know that the saliva in your mouth can actually damage your matrix? The matrix is the area from which your nail grows. I know this because I have a license to manicure. As long as your fingers are in your mouth, the saliva is getting to that matrix. Since your saliva is an active part of your digestive system, you could say when you chew your nails, you are actually eating yourself. Yuck. There must be better snacks out there!

So just why did I chew my nails in the first place. Why indeed! Stress plays a big part in the habit of a nail biter, and habit is certainly a strong contributing word in that sentence. What ever the underlying cause, I was right up there with the championship nail biters of this world.

Perhaps there were other factors in this lack of beautiful nails. There was a time I was never very healthy to start with...I use to starve myself to stay thin. That is another story to tell at another time. All the same, I have suddenly started growing strong, healthy, and beautiful long nails (well, long to me anyway). My hands don't even look like my own anymore. I keep looking at them and wondering where they came from! Anyway, I am happy to say they are mine. I believe they are growing because of this goji berry drink I am using. I started using it as a way to make money while working from home. I was happy to find that it actually had a good taste.

I tried to eat those goji berries, but they are very bitter and not my idea of a good snack. But, I had done some research and discovered that they are very good for our body and I was happy to find this liquid product I could enjoy as a special treat. Since this is the only new thing I have added to my diet, I expect the goji juice is the actual reason my body is producing these fingernails.

I think I might have discovered the road to the Fountain of Youth. Who knows. If my fingernails have recovered from all those years of damage, what other organs and body parts are getting better too? I'll let you know when the "wrinkles" begin to go away!

Linda Kick here, come back and visit again.

My Disclosure Policy

2008-06-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

This policy is valid from 14 June 2008

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

School in the Park

2008-06-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

The day started out gloomy and overcast, but before we knew it, the blue sky called to us and out the door we ran! Living at the beach in southern California means June Gloom. And I love all this rhyming. We have May Gray, June Gloom, and well, I don't really know what July is other than HOT! Just the same, our attitude could be gray like the morning began or we can adjust that feeling and look forward to what we know is just around the corner! Sunshine! For heavens sake, we do live in vacation land. People save for months and years to come here for a few weeks each year and we have the joy of 365 days in paradise.

Since we Homeschool, we have the option to move the classroom outside and today was the perfect day to push the walls out and expand to the Park. However, that didn't mean we stopped learning. Subject of the day was reproduction and pollination...that's right....THE BIRDS AND THE BEES. It helps to have a good attitude when you are teaching this subject!

Teaching is easier when you are surrounded by sunshine, flowers, and blue skies. I expect the learning is easier too.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Looking Forward

2008-06-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

June is my favorite month. Starting on the first morning of the first day of June, I begin to celebrate my life and all the amazing things that I have experienced. June 14 is the big day....BIRTHDAY....and I never regret saying I am another year older.

Now life is not always what we expect, but then if we were paying attention, perhaps it could be. Years spent letting others make decisions for me and then feeling like an out of control victim finally caught up with me a few years back. It is like having someone turn on the light or perhaps finally hearing that bell that has been ringing in the background all this time. I just seemed to wake up one day and realized I was not taking responsibility for my life or the direction it was going. WOW, does it really take more than 50 years before we wake up? Well, lets hope not.

A man by the name of Bob Proctor finally spoke words that penetrated my brain. I finally woke up from that long slumbering sleep. No more sleep walking for me! If you have not listened to any of his teachings, start by viewing or listening to The Secret. It is a movie/documentary that came out a few years back. It is a place to start. Other people who might inspire you are Wayne Dyer and James Arthur Ray. Men of inspiration. I think we should hear more from the women out there. Who knows, maybe I will be one of them!

So this month of June, I am celebrating all the events in the past, present, and future! I finally understand that I have control of my now. I'm very excited about my future and what I can contribute to others who are walking the path I have traveled.

Keep a look out for me. It's June. It's my BIRTHDAY. It's an amazing world! YEA ME.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Think and Grow Rich

2008-05-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

I just found this great source for audio books. All lending themselves to our personal growth. Click Here! The THINK AND GROW RICH audio is here and it is a very good value. Here's to your success!

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

The Meaning of Life According to Linda

2008-05-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

So many people have asked me exactly why I chose to title my blog Bicycles, Balloons, and Ruby Slippers. First of all, I was in Mexico on holiday and when I finally relax, things seem to flow. I was pondering on who I was. What was my purpose in life? Why was I here? What was I to accomplish? Those answers began to form in my mind and I came home from Mexico with a renewed spirit and a new direction. And as it was, I began this blog.

Bicycles represents Freedom...an ability to move and change in life.

Bubbles represents The Child...a free thinking, open to anything being we all have within our over crowed minds.

Red Ruby Sippers represents Internal Power...just like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, each of us has our own red ruby slippers. We each have a universal power we can easily tap into. The power is always with us, we need only ask to receive!

Thus, the Meaning of Life According to Linda! To you Success.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Valentine Sweetheart Special

2008-02-09T14:38:00.000-08:00

Here it is, February, the month of love! As a special gift to all, especially my single friends, I want to share this report on finding the perfect relationship. Just a quick click here will get you started.

Learn all about finding, keeping, and recognizing your soul mate by accepting these generous gifts from some of the most powerful teachers in the world.

YOUR special someone
is looking for you too!

True love IS possible and absolutely guaranteed when you follow basic universal laws. The Law of Attraction Singles provides a safe meeting place for like minded people who are looking for their soul mate. I am very excited to be able to share this contact with you.

Imagine for a moment what your life will look and feel like when you've attracted YOUR special someone – someone you instantly relate to … someone who shares your passion for spiritual growth…someone to co-create an amazing life with - filled with love.

Happy Valentine Day.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

No Complaints

2008-02-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me. True or False? If you are familiar with the principle of the Law of Attraction, you understand that this childhood chant is absolutely false! Our thoughts and words are very powerful. What you focus on expands, whether positive or negative. The energy we put out is the energy we attract.

One day, my friend down the hallway (I live in an apartment building) showed me the elastic band on her wrist. Jane told me she was conducting an experiment that would help her create a better world. Ok, that sparked my interest. She went on to explain that every time she started to complain about something, she would move the band from one wrist to the other. Thus, she would become more aware of the negativity she was attracting into her world. I quickly realized we all complain more than we realize and that these complaints are not only affecting us personally, but all those around us.

Take a minute and think about what happens when you complain. You are talking about what is wrong. Negative or positive energy? As we focus on what we don't want or like, we invite more of that same energy into our lives. Wow, that alone should stop us cold in our tracks and put an end to the complaining. Who wants more of what we don't like?

I borrowed this next paragraph from a great website.(click here to visit)

How do I know if I’m complaining?
To "Complain" is defined as "to express pain, grief, or discontent." Surely, it makes sense to express pain, grief or discontent occasionally but most people do so constantly. In so doing, they are talking and thinking about what they do not want in their life and, thereby, attracting more pain, grief and discontent. Instead, think and talk about what you are grateful for. Talk about what you DO want and not what you DON'T want.

I invite you to take this challenge and stop the complaining. Transform your life and improve your outlook. Imagine the overall impact for yourself and for others.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Play This Link

Reclaim Your Dream

2008-02-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

What are your dreams? I'm not talking about the kaleidescope you view at night while you sleep, I am asking your what your desires are. Years ago when you were just a child,your dreams to become and be were clear and exciting. The playground was filled with moon walkers and super heroes; what happened to those creative dreams and desires? Well, most of us know the grown-ups tossed them a side. Let me tell you, they were not lost.

Inside each of us is a Secret Box that holds all our Dreams. I call this Secret Box, your sub-conscience. In certain ancient cultures, the sub-conscience is considered to be held in the heart, a place where great feelings are experienced. Long ago our precious dreams were gently tucked away in your sub-conscience.. It is now time to peek inside your Secret Box and revisit your dreams.

But how you ask? Certainly if it were easy to reclaim our dreams, we would all be living on our private island watching the perfect sunset melt along the horizon. Or we might be stepping off our personal jet for an exciting evening with friends at our favorite cafe in Paris. No, it is not always easy to find those dreams after so many years of denying them. As with any new project, we need proper tools to create the finished product.

I highly recommend jumping right into a form of Personal Development. There may be many years, many layers of programing that must be undone. Just think about this for a minute. We are highly influenced as children by the words of our parents, teachers, and religious leaders. These are people we looked up to and trusted. And since they were influenced by those before them, the beliefs of who we are were formed by others. An entire life could have been misshaped due to one unthinking, unknowing statement from someone we saw as an authoritative figure in our lives. Aurthor Don Miguel Ruiz refers to this as "domestication" in his book The Four Agreements.

So, the first step to your dreams is to find yourself through personal development. Your true self. Then you can begin to recapture your power to create your dreams, your true desires. Down this road you may learn about the Law of Attraction and manifesting. You may also learn to create your road map by setting goals. All this is good. Soak it all up and enjoy the journey. What I want to give to you today is a tool that will help you reach your dream by identifying your desire. Some of you may have made a Dream Board in the past by cutting pictures out of a magazine and gluing them to poster board. This program gives you so many resources and you can do it all on your computer.

Everyday we wake to a new morning. A new beginning. Think of how powerful that is. Each day you have the power within you to make this day exactly how you want it. Reclaim your dreams.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows Everything

2008-01-31T21:28:00.000-08:00

Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows Everything, and wonderful is how I feel when we're together! Now put that to music and you will have a HIT of a day. Yes, the sun was shinning today and what a difference it makes in a person's mood. Have you noticed the mood of the day is set based on the weather outside? Sunshine days are filled with activity, motivation, and adventure. Cloudy, rainy days are filled with ...what...cinnamon rolls and chocolate! I believe it has something to do with our animal nature. Cold, wet weather kicks in our hibernating instincts and we hunker down for a long winters sleep. That would account for the grouchy, growling, snarling attitudes we encounter from the couch potato who has to live through an Entertainment Writer's Strike. Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! Give me that good old country sunshine.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Bright Beginnings

2008-01-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

How do you begin your morning? Is it a quick jump out of the bed and a rush to get ready and out the door? How is that working for you? Do you feel your day runs at a comfortable pace? I use to start that way. I belonged to the "rush and wait" club as I headed out into the crunch of traffic each morning just to sit and roll down the highway for at least an hour. I can't say that was a very comfortable pace, but it was the world I lived in back then. One day I woke up and decided there must be a better way.

Along the way, I met Bob Proctor and decided to change the way I start my mornings. In case you don't know who Bob Proctor is, he is one of the principle teachers shown in the movie "The Secret." Mr. Proctor offers daily inspiration with his "Insight of the Day". You can sign up for your FREE subscription right here on this blog and start getting a personal message from Mr. Proctor each morning and an inspiring story every Friday. Click on the banner to the left under YOUR Quote of the Day. It's that simple.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Now I realize there are many different ways for you to get inspiration, but I enjoy this and want to share the option with you. What I have gained from this one small change in my life is rather large. Daily I have s special message waiting for me that will give me something to ponder. Often I am inspired, sometimes I am filled with gratitude, other days, my creativity is fueled by just a few words. Remember, it is FREE and that is an offer we don't get too often in this world.

What ever is happening in your world right now, I invite you to share in these daily moments. Time to move forward with the day now, but I can tell you right now, I have resigned from the "rush and wait' club.

Comments are welcome on this blog

It's Now or Never

2008-01-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

It's Now or Never! Wow, that sounds so, oh I don't know, final and without option! Well, that is how I feel today. It is a now or never kind of day. So what is this all about? My space that I resonate in is feeling dull and cluttered. To me, this means that my life is buzzing at a lower vibration than I want and the creative force that usually keeps my mind stimulated is having a hard time finding a place to sit. In other words, time to clear out the clutter and clean house.

Time to simplify life. Many of us base our success on how much stuff we have. George Carlin has a great commentary on stuff. You can visit this YouTube site to get his take on stuff

A river can't flow if there is busy beaver building a dam along the way. Same thing with our personal energy. We must keep the dams cleared so our life energy can flow. Oh what the heck does that mean!? All I can say about that is....when there is too much clutter, I simply slow down and confusion sets in. So the remedy for that is to get rid of stuff.

It is absolutely amazing how much stuff one can accumulate in a short period of one year. Why not look at the New Year as a time to purge your space of unnecessary stuff. Make room for new energy to enter. Some might say, "clear the air." Just be sure you know what you want to bring into your life once you have released some of your stuff. The universe abhors a vacuum and will fill it up quickly with just about anything if you don't have a plan.

This is when our goal setting becomes so important. Take some time to actually write down the things you wish to come to you in your life. Give these goals life by using colorful details. Then watch how fast that vacuum you created begins to fill. Welcome, new stuff!

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Rock the New Year

2008-01-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

" What kind of rock are you?" I have been teaching Earth Science, the Rock Unit, to my 4th grade class this week and after being challenged with that exact question, I actually began to wonder! In class we learn there are three kinds of rock: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Exactly what kind of rock would I be?

Igneous, of course, is the original rock formed from the hot molten magma inside the earth. The original fire rock. As time marches on and the minerals in the magma begin to cool off, the hard outer layer begins to form. Often the beauty of the rock is trapped deep inside the earth until weathering and erosion expose the sparkling minerals that formed in these fire rocks. Now how does that compare to what happens to us as we develop our personalities? Certainly, we often develop that hard outer shell as we age which hides the beauty of our spirit. It takes a change of attitude (a washing away of the negative training and thinking) before we can be seen for who we really are.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from bits and pieces of sediment (soil, sand, mud, pieces of rock or shell) It finally clumps together and then slowly hardens to form sedimentary rock. This type of rock is softer than igneous rock. Think of all the influences that make up our personality. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, friends, spouses and ex-spouses all contribute bits and pieces of who we are. Until we finally realize that our power is within and that we are the only one who has control of shaping our world, we remain soft and our spirit can easily crumble under the words and will of others.

Finally, my favorite rock is the metamorphic rock. These rocks were once igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks. It has had its appearance changed by extreme pressure and heat. The meaning of metamorphic is "changed in form." Why do I believe this is the best rock of all? Because it takes everything that once was and makes it completely new. A brand new slate (no pun intended). In other words, a beautiful new beginning. Something everyone deserves!

Metamorphic rock can change a lump of coal into a diamond. Oh yes, I am definitely metamorphic! What kind of rock are you?

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Are You Happy

2008-01-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Are you happy? When will you be happy? What exactly is happy? Is happy a state of mind, an emotion, or an action? Well, that is one word I decided to meditate on today. I came to the conclusion that yes, I am happy. Still, what does that mean. Does it mean something different to me than to someone who is spending time around me? Do they think I am happy? Does it matter!

My Oxford American Dictionary defines Happy as feeling or accepting pleasure. Oh, I like that. Accepting pleasure sounds so, you know, happy! So again, as I may have mentioned in an earlier post, I believe attitude is what it is all about.

Each of us shapes our very own life. Yes, there are always things that happen to us (parents, teachers, peers, spouses), but we are in control of how we react to these issues. The shape of our life is determined to a great extent by our attitude. You remember the old adage, is the glass half empty or half full? Well, there is really something to that type of thinking. Start looking at the glass as half full.

Everyone has a "story." I have mine; you have yours. Put it in the past and leave it there. We are in a new year and it is time for a new attitude. Be Happy! It is time. Your attitude is a blend of your thoughts, feelings and actions. James Allen tells us "people are anxious to improve their circumstances but unwilling to improve themselves, they therefore remain bound." If you don't leave "the story" behind, how can you change your attitude, how can you be happy?

No one has control over your Happy. You are the one who decides. And you can decide each morning exactly how your day will flow. Straight up, I choose and I decide my glass is going to be half full....oh what the heck, my glass is overflowing! Take some time to reflect on that simple word, happy. What does it mean to you.

Linda Kick here, come visit again.

Happy New Year 2008

2008-01-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

Some people think the New Year is the time to set goals; and, there is an unusual gush of energy and excitement that courses through our veins as we look into the possibilities of roads untraveled. I am not one to be left out. I feel the presence of joyful expectation along with everyone else. However, just what are we really doing to make this year different than last year?

I have recently read some interesting words that lead me to believe that this year, 2008, I will be a Goal Achiever, not just a goal setter!

How often do we set the goal and a few weeks later, the effort begins to dissipate. Before we know it, we are back into our long ingrained habits of days gone by? Let's make this year different. Prepare yourself for a magnificent future. Steve Musseau said there are three essentials to success: Know what you're doing. Love what you're doing. Believe in what you're doing.

I believe it is all about attitude. This year, I will keep a positive attitude and know my goals are already achieved. That way, I only have to wait for them to show up in my life.

Lets all write our goals out as if we already have them. Fill in all the minute details and really create a picture of paramount portions. Lets make it real from the start!

Cheers and Happy New Year, 2008.

Bicycles, Balloons, and Red Ruby Slippers

Take Time For Family

Get What You Want NOW

California Sunshine

Hi Ho Come to The Fair

Reflexology

The Law of Gender

Understanding The 7 Laws Of The Universe

My New Adventure in Blogging

Charities

Work At Home - Is It A Hoax?

Sticker Shock - Think Smart

Consumer Solutions to Sticker Shock

Sticker Shock

Win Friends and Influence People

Explaining Kindness

A New Experience For This Baby Boomer

My Disclosure Policy

School in the Park

Looking Forward

Think and Grow Rich

The Meaning of Life According to Linda

Valentine Sweetheart Special

YOUR special someoneis looking for you too!

No Complaints

Reclaim Your Dream

Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows Everything

Bright Beginnings

It's Now or Never

Rock the New Year

Are You Happy

Happy New Year 2008

YOUR special someone
is looking for you too!