“I soon found out you can’t change the world.  The best you can do is to learn to live with it.” — Henry Miller

Life is pretty chaotic for freelancers, isn’t it? I mean, besides the fact that there’s the whole family-work balance act going on, there’s also the work-cyber surfing thing.

First, let’s chat about real life.

Everything from family obligations to friends to extra jobs to emergencies to broken appliances and everything in-between calls us away from what we do: freelance work.

Since freelancers work from home, most people assume we’re always available for their beckon call. Granted, a lot of times these things are important and we really should tend to them, many times people just want a babysitter or gofer and think you’re it.

This isn’t tag. Remember that game?

Anyway, real life is chaotic. Cars need maintenance. Appointments need to be kept for family members — or ourselves! It never seems to end. And it won’t.

That’s why we freelancers are good at what we do: we adapt. Right? Right!

Now, let’s talk about cyber space.

Maybe there are tons of freelancers who don’t have a problem with getting lost in cyber space. Perhaps you turn your computer on, focus on research, write articles until quitting time and repeat the next day. I know quite a few who have a little trouble being that disciplined, though.

Why? There’s social media, an endless sea of awesome blogs and websites to read, games to play, and then there’s that thing called e-mail most of us find ourselves checking a gazillion times a day so we can keep our inbox whittled down to an e-mail count that won’t overwhelm us (like it does when you don’t check it a gazillion times a day!).

Just because you stimulate (aka relax!) your brain with social media, Internet reading breaks, or even play games doesn’t mean you’re a deadbeat.

And the balancing war

It’s all about balance, isn’t it? Moderation is key. A little social media, e-mail here and there, a game to reward yourself, getting up-to-date on your favorite blog once that assignment is half-way complete — all these things are stepping stones (read: resting spots so you can keep your sanity intact).

Being too hard on ourselves isn’t the answer. If you never take a break or allow ourselves the pleasure of reading a blog (or whatever it is that you find appealing) then you might grow weary.

Being a weary freelancer is no fun. You don’t have to shirk all your responsibilities and become a cyber beach bum but you certainly don’t have to deprive yourself of cyber fun either.

How do you win the war? What’s your secret to balancing real life, cyber life, and freelance work? Are you a stickler for pressing through even though you’re feeling burnt out and need a break? Or do you visit the social media water coolers or play games and then go back to your work once you’ve rested your mind from writing? Do you check your e-mail continuously? What works for you?

Photo Credit: svilen001

Quote Credit: Quote Garden

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“Getting discouraged is easy. There are negative people all around us, and it’s hard to pick out which ones are being constructive and honest versus those who are being jerks. What I find interesting is just how easy it is to let their opinion scuttle my mood for a while. That’s sure a lot of power I’m giving them.” – Chris Brogan

“You’re a deadbeat.”

The words stunned me. I felt my chest cave in, as if I’d been punched. My stomach turned. I cringed.

I don’t have the poker face talent, so I’m sure the look on my face was evidence of how deeply that comment stung—how badly I was hurt.

Fighting back the tears, I smiled and walked away.

Wow.

A deadbeat? Because I’m a freelancer? Really?

I’m not sure why this particular incident cut me so deeply. Of course, over the past few years, I’ve encountered various people (both in real life and in cyber world) who simply don’t understand how much work freelancing truly is.

For the most part, I ignore the hurtful remarks and carry on.

But this time was different. And I know part of the reason is because of who those words came from.

As I shared this episode with a few friends, the kind words, compliments, and encouragement began to cascade over me – freelancing friends are the best!

And one friend mentioned that I had given those words too much power over me; that if I didn’t believe in my heart that it was true to some extent – at least part of me, anyway – than it wouldn’t have hurt so badly.

I think she must be right.

Have I allowed my self-confidence to diminish? Has my once-chin-up attitude been beaten down? Am I so discouraged from life and everyone’s judgments, that I’ve started believing what they say about me?

Surely not!

5 Tips for Dealing with Rude Remarks & Negative Opinions

1. Don’t take it to heart. Even if you’re super tender-hearted like I am, you need to train yourself to deal with these situations – they will most likely happen.
2. Ignore them. Just because someone is rude, opinionated, and gives no thought to how you feel, and don’t know your situation or how hard you work, doesn’t mean you have to respond at all. Sometimes the best response is simply none.
3. Draw from your reservoir of strength. It’s there, deep inside. Tap in to it and feel the reassurance sweep over you!
4. Show, don’t tell. There are some people, who no matter how long you talk to them, will never understand what a freelancer does. Simple as that. So, quit talking and just let your life and work speak for itself. When you’re actually living and buying things (whether it’s food, clothes, cars, or are earning enough freelancing to pay a hefty mortgage and support the entire household) people will begin to see that you are indeed making money from that little computer you stare at day-after-day!
5. Move on. Life is too short to allow negativity to weigh us down and keep us from being happy, at peace, and from our work!

I’ll admit. This particular incident upset me much more than I’d have liked it to. But I know deep in my heart that these people simply do not understand how many hats a freelancer wears. I remind myself of that—sometimes daily.

As I remind myself and struggle to let go, a new day begins. I wake up, proud to be a freelancer.

Have you been mocked because you don’t have a “real job” and just “play on the computer all day”? And if so, how did you react? What is your advice on handling these situations? Does it really get to you? How did you turn that negative situation in to a positive?

Reference:

Chris Brogan: It’s Easy To Get Discouraged

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“You will be healed by the morning dew of truth.” — Dr. Maya Angelou

Poetry is far more than rhythmic words—it’s a source of healing.

Refuge

Poetry has been a refuge for me; from anger and sadness, from sorrow and pain, poetry has purged my from pores the darkness within. It has been a loyal friend through the lowest of lows. It carried me through the highest highs in the safety of its wings. The monumental moments of my life were shared with my poetry.

Reflections

As I reflect on my relationship with poetry, I discover that I rarely write poetry when life is just coasting along. Instead, when my heart is burdened by tragedy or in bliss reaching new milestones my pen flows in flurries, in agile verse, in melodic turns and phrases. It is likes peaks and valleys that call me back to my poetic pen once again.

Perhaps that is because I don’t need to express my feelings via poetry unless they’re particularly intense. Perhaps the cup of my emotions run over and poetry becomes the overflow. It is in poems I can find release.

Reality

Last year, when my 28-year-old cousin was killed in a tragic car accident, I wrote a poem in her honor. It didn’t bring her back. It didn’t really even make me feel better, but I was able to unload in a familiar way. I could envelop myself in the cozy corner of my poetry and as I huddled there my emotions turned and day followed night. Is I escaped into words they brought me full circle. In the hermitage of language I learned to cope, to deal, to grieve. Poetry allowed me to find healing and move on.

Remembrance

I will never forget my cousin. In writing in honor of her I expressed my feelings in a rhythmic wave. The waters splashed, soothing my soul.

And it still hurts. I write through the tears and then I come back to myself and realize that I am okay.

Realizations

Poetry is a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, it’s a soft place to fall. It’s a safe, warm home I can always come back to. And although I’ve never pursued poetry with passion for my writing career I find a passion for poetry deep in my soul. It is a dear friend that embraces me in the changing moments of my life.

My poetry may never win any awards. It may never be traditionally published. It might not be exceptional. But it is mine; uniquely, personally mine. It records the making-moments of my life. It reflects the me I am today and the me I am becoming. And that is all I need of it. That is all it needs to be.

That is what poetry is for me. What is poetry for you?

Photo Credit: Rose by Eqilshay
Photo Credit: her diary by Lusi
Photo Credit: at the campus 2 by Lusi

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“Goals are dreams with deadlines.” ~ Diana Scharf Hunt

Being a freelancer often means burning the midnight oil – at both ends – and sadly, by the time assignments are completed, invoices are sent in, files are up-to-date, the laundry and dishes have been tamed, we’re simply too exhausted to turn our attention to our own projects.

You know what I’m talking about, right? The novel that’s burning a hole in your soul. The eBook you want to share with the world. Stacks of poetry that’s crying to be assembled.

Don’t let the dreams and goals you put on the back burner because life – and work – comes first become so removed that the flame goes out.

There’s nothing worse than realizing one day that something you intended on completing years ago, is still left unfinished.

Don’t let your dreams collect dust in a drawer or on your hardrive.

Life is short. Our dreams are valid. And there’s always a few minutes to spare if we find them.

Here’s a few tips to help you move your passions from the flickering back burner, to the front:

1. Wake up before the house does. Whether you live with roommates, a husband or wife, have children – or even pets – consider sneaking up while they’re all sleeping so you can steal a few moments (or an hour or so!) for your personal projects.
2. Not an early bird? Okay then, stay up after everyone’s gone to bed. If you have to, sneak back up once they drift off to dream land. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Savor every moment!
3. Leave the house. If you have a laptop, steal away to your local coffee shop or library. And if the weather’s nice, try the park.
4. Evaluate your dreams and set realistic, short-term goals to help you achieve them. It can be done. You can find a few minutes here and there to work on your own projects.
5. Create a vacation for yourself. You took vacations off work before you started freelancing, right? Why not enjoy a little downtime now? Allow yourself a couple days a week or even take off a week. Save up for it. Plan for it. Make it happen!

You absolutely do not have to give up on the very dreams and goals that made you write to begin with. Nothing says you have to write for everyone else for the rest of your life. Stand up, rare your shoulders back, but a confident smile on your face, and step in to your writing destiny. You can do it!

And as my good friend, George Angus, recently shared: It’s Never Too Late!

Credits:

Photo: djcodrin

Resource: Tumblemoose.com

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“Home is where you hang your @.” ~ Author Unknown

Freelancing from home opens a whole new world. If you’ve never had time to play on the Internet, you might find it difficult to limit that play time.

Of course, I am guilty of losing myself in cyber land as well. I think it’s something a lot of us struggle with.

You may want to check the price of something you’ve been wanting to buy, email your friends, chat on IM (Instant Messenger), catch up on social media sites, or even play games on Facebook. But none of these things are going to help grow your business.

Yes, social media will help you build your brand, but you can only devote so much time to it. Don’t lose sight of your business goals in the process, okay?

I’ve decided to share a few tips to help you focus your energy – and time! – toward achieving the success you dreamed of when you first decided to reach for the sky.

5 Tips for Avoiding Internet Distractions

1. Disconnect. That’s right. My number one tip is to unplug yourself from the Web and focus on your work. If you’re unplugged, you’ll be less inclined to Google something or chat with a friend.
2. Unsubscribe from everything you don’t – or will never – read. It’s pointless (and very stressful!) to have a gazillion emails you need to continuously delete. Select a few subscriptions (like ours!) you value most and let the rest go.
3. Keep your priorities straight. Surfing the Web is not a priority. If it’s research, that’s one thing, but getting lost in cyber space does not reflect work. Right?
4. Limit blog reading until you’ve finished a certain amount of work. Use your favorite blogs as a reward to ensure you won’t get lost in the blogosphere.
5. Don’t use social media as a procrastination tool. Yes, social media can be business-related, but if you’re just talking about what you had for lunch or what you’ll be doing over the weekend, get back to work!

Sometimes distractions can’t be avoided—especially if they’re life-related, but don’t let the Internet become a crutch for you to check out of reality or avoid your work. Surfing the Web won’t pay the bills.

The Internet is an awesome thing. It’s a valuable resource on so many levels, but it can also very easily become an escape mechanism and cause you to lose sight of your priorities. Don’t let that happen.

And remember, less is more. Enjoy the zen!

What do you find most distracting online and how do you avoid internet distractions?

Photo Credit: Salvatore Vuono

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“Take thy plastic spade,

It is thy pencil;

Take thy seeds, thy plants,

They are thy colors.”

~William Mason, The English Garden

Spring is here and where I live, that means time spent in the garden. My family lives as eco-friendly as possible and are striving for self-sustainability – a lot of hard work in all areas, as you can imagine. This includes raising our own food: tilling, planting, weeding, tilling some more, and carrying countless buckets of water from the Amish-built windmill.

What does this have to do with writing? Everything, in my opinion.

Yesterday evening, as I got cozy on the weathered bench that’s nestled snuggly in the corner of our 100 x 100 garden area, I began to visualize zucchini, strawberries, watermelon, snap peas, peppers, onions, and all the other delicious sustenance the rich soil will produce.

As I daydreamed about smoothie and juice concoctions, salads and raw pasta, it came to me – gardening is very similar to writing!

How?

The inspiration is clear…

Seeds = Words

Each word we put on paper is like a seed sewn in our garden – our writer’s garden. Much like planting seeds in a vegetable or flower garden, our words grow, change, and become a part of something far bigger than our original thought.

Seeds (like words!) may never grow; they might be bad seeds. In that case, we simply start fresh!

Tending Our Garden

As the words are planted, they come together one-by-one, row after row. It takes time to get the plants just so-so. If you’re a perfectionist, you may even put a stake at each end and run string to guarantee a straight shot all the way.

A gardener nurtures their plants, waters them, even fertilizes and makes special bug-repelling tonics and potions to ensure they’re healthy and thrive.

As writers we do the same, making sure sentences aren’t too long, words are spelled correctly, and our grammar is top-notch.

Editing = Weeding

Sometimes there are too many words – or not enough. And much like we may dig up a plant that’s too close to another and replant it elsewhere – or fill in a scant area – we copy, cut and paste our words, sentences, or paragraphs to make our work flow better.

And then we proofread, weeding our writer’s garden, plucking away each word that doesn’t belong.

Sun + Rain = Polished Perfection

Those last few, special touches we put on our article, story, or book, is like a garden being kissed by the sun or rain – they make all our efforts flourish and shine, blossom and burst forth breathtaking beauty. Once withering plants who have cried out for vitamins and nutrients absorb sunshine and rain, they take on a whole new look. They shoot up and out, running wild and free – as they should.

It’s the last moment tidbits of inspiration our muse whispers ever so softly and sprinkles in to our thoughts, that finishes everything beautifully and makes it truly flourish.

Harvesting = Plentiful Rewards

There’s no greater joy than taking a step back and smiling when all the time, effort, and labor  – plus sweat, tears, and frustrating moments –  pay off in the end.

Whether it’s your writing or a produce- or flower-filled garden, when your harvest is ready; it’s a great feeling, a learning experience you can cherish always.

Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses - you may even want to plant your own!

What is your writer’s garden filled with? Does it need weeding? Have you planted enough seeds? Do you tend your garden lovingly – or has it withered from lack of attention? What does your harvest look like? Do tell!

Photo Credit: Simon Howden

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A while back, Rebecca – the fantabulous Aussie gal who owns Writer’s Round-About – and I were chatting away and I mentioned something about how much paper I felt I was wasting because I print every clip of my work when it’s published—and every single query or rejection letter I receive via e-mail.

Rebecca urged me to take advantage of electronic storage. Of course, I’m a hands-on kind of gal. I want to hold and touch my work—not just look at it on a computer screen. But the more I thought about what Rebecca said, the more I knew in my heart it made sense. Why waste trees when I really didn’t have to.

There are many ways to save our work
(as Rebecca recommended during our discussion):

• e-mail
• computer
• external hard drive
• flash drive
• PDF files
• Online storage systems
• etc.

As long as you are faithful in backing up your work you’ll always have access to it—and you’ll be saving trees and our beautiful environment while you’re at it!

Other ways writers can honor Earth Month:

1. Recycle. There are a lot of times writers simply must print out either their work or something to do with it—like a query letter. During those times, recycle any paper that doesn’t get sent off (like if you proofread and need to print out a new copy). You can also recycle other things (like: glass, cans, etc.) and/or buy recycled or used office equipment.
2. Eat local and green. The more produce you eat, the happier our environment will be. If you eat at your desk, be sure to keep plenty of fresh veggies and fruit available so you can grab ‘em when you need ‘em. Make yourself a big salad for lunch or dinner and top with your choice of protein. Just because you’re a busy business owner, doesn’t mean you have to live on coffee from the café around the corner and donuts.
3. Buy e-books or invest in a Kindle. Electronic books are all the rage these days. It seems writers and authors of all genres are publishing more electronically than ever before. And if you travel a lot, what better way to catch the latest New York Times Best Seller or keep up with the your favorite author? It’s eco-friendly reading!
4. Cover up or open the windows. Freelancers spend a great deal of time at home. Sometimes it’s tempting to keep ourselves super cool in the hotter months or cozy warm in the winter. Why not add an extra layer of clothes in the winter and invite in the breeze during summer? Not only is it actually healthier for us but you’ll be walking lighter on Mother Earth!
5. Support your local library. You may be tempted to splurge every time a new Writer’s Market or novel comes out—but you don’t have to. Simply make your library a new hangout and take advantage of all the many books and magazines they offer. Most even have computers and wireless Internet!

You could also use Google Notebook or makes notes on your BlackBerry or iPhone instead of wasting a lot of paper for to-do lists and reminders.

How do you live a green-writer lifestyle? What eco-friendly freelance business tips have you considered? And did you even know there was such a thing as Earth Day or Earth Month? Give me the dirt!

Photo Credit: Salvatore Vuono

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Freelancing is no different. You don’t just walk into a publication’s office and plop your article or book on their desk and end up with your work published immediately – and without editing.

It’s a process.

You have to put in the time. Some of us do things differently, but basically we: study, research, write, rewrite, edit, proofread, query, follow up, invoice, read, correspondence, and more…

Here’s a fun summary of how fence building is similar to building a writing career…

Example 1: The Plan and Outline

Fence Building

Once you’ve decided you want a fence, you must figure out what type of fence you want. Is your fence for decoration? Simply curb appeal? Or is it to keep pets or children tucked safely within the perimeters of your property? How much money can – or will – you spend on your fence project? Will you hire a professional – or do it yourself?

Writing

The same applies to freelancing/writing. What kind of freelance writer do you want to be? The author of several books? Do you want to be featured in top-notch, glossy magazines? Do you want to be a famous blogger? All of the above? And what will you write about? How much money (and time) are you willing to spend on your dreams? Will you hire an editor or fellow writers? Or will you be the only go-to source of your business?

Example 2: Research and Preparation

Fence Building

Once you’ve chosen the details of your fence project, you’ll need the correct tools. Will you dig each fence post hole by hand, with post-hole diggers, or will you buy (or rent) a tractor and augur? Pick up your screws, concrete mix, tape measurer, level, and anything else need to complete your project – including a quality pair of gloves!

Writing

And when you know in your heart what topics or genres you’ll be writing in, where will you go from there? Will you attend writer’s conventions or retreats? Will you invest in books, classes, or seminars that may help you advance in your writing career? What about a new computer? Office? Desk? Chair? Bookshelves? How far will you go to gather everything  you feel necessary to soar in your writing career? Don’t forget high-speed Internet!

Example 3: The Finishing Touches

Fence Building

As each post goes in, your fencing project is progressing. Things are moving along. Then as each panel is installed, the fence will start to look finished, complete. You begin to feel good about yourself, about your abilities, and that you stuck with it instead of calling someone to finish for you. Or, if you hired someone, you’re feeling relieved at this point that it will be over soon and your life can resume its normal routine.

Writing

Just because you write a fabulous article or essay – or even a book – doesn’t mean that you’re job is finished. You then need to promote your work, build a readership, study publisher’s guidelines, etc.

And so you see, building a fence is similar to writing in that even once the fence is built and you’ve done a wonderful job and people drive by, admiring the beauty and all your hard work – you will need to maintain that fence. If it’s wood, you’ll need to keep it painted over the years because it will naturally weather and will require your attention and polishing to make it look new again and keep it in the condition you desire.

What is your favorite fence? How does it relate to your writing business? My dream fence is a tall, iron one like you see in the movies. I wonder if that’s because I’m a homebody and love to write from the safety – and peace – of my own home? Can you see how building fences is similar to the writing process? What resonates with you the most?

Photo Credit: 10-10-09 © jcgsees

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Less is more. It really is.

I have the tendency to pour all of my mind, heart, and soul in to anything I do. Whether it’s a freelance project, a blog post, making a smoothie, or even a grocery list – I obsess over every detail.

Every day, I spend a huge chunk of hours on the computer. Even if I’m not connected to the Internet (I’ll be honest, most of the time, I am) I have several files open and am jumping back-and-forth between them, working on this article or that blog post.

I write and rewrite, proofread, and move paragraphs around until I have it just the way I want it.

This can be a good thing. Most of the time, it is. But it can also be a bad thing.

I’m working on a new approach to my freelance lifestyle: less is more.

I’ve noticed that when I unplug and shake loose all the words that are floating around in my head, I’m actually MORE inspired and write even better.

Who says you have to spend 15 hours glued to the computer daily to have a freelance writing business? I’ve become so engulfed in writing, blogging, answering comments, responding to emails, querying, marketing, promoting, chatting – when really I need to take a step back.

Like everything else in life, too much of anything isn’t really good for us. Food is good, but in moderation. Exercise is good, but overdoing it does harm. Reading is awesome, but not if we never do anything else in life.

So, here I am. Realizing that if I spend less time on the computer, I’ll be more inspired, healthier, happier, and more at peace with my life overall.

Social media can wait. Emails will sit patiently in my inbox. Blog posts can be scheduled and comments will await my return.

Am I leaving the freelance world. No, absolutely not! Will I still be writing? Yes! Blogging? Yes! Fluttering through social media sites like the butterfly I am? Yes!

But I’ll also be:

• Stopping to smell the roses
• Getting fresh air
• Going for walks
• Dedicating time to enhancing my yoga practice
• Spending precious time with family and friends
• Just being still in the moment
• Clearing my mind
• Recharging
• Having some fun
• Reading
• Experimenting with recipes
• Playing with the farm critters
• And more…

This is my prediction: You’ll begin to see my writing become more prolific. My social media posts will be even more inspiring, uplifting, and encouraging than ever before – because I will be. My writing won’t suffer – it will soar higher than ever before. My freelance writing business will flourish more than I ever dreamed. This is just the beginning.

Why will all these things happen? Because I’ll be nurturing the most significant writing relationship I have – the one with myself.

I’m choosing quality over quantity. Spending almost every waking hour of the day – every single day – working on reaching all of our writing goals and dreams may not be what it takes to achieve the success we desire.

The past few days, I’ve made a point to turn the computer off, go outside, spend time with the animals, take long walks, and just enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and flowers. It’s so nice to just be. To soak up nature’s beauty and enjoy life in that moment, that still, quiet moment.

And when I come back inside and crank the old laptop back up, words purge from my soul like a raging river. There’s no . There’s no wondering what I’m going to write next. There’s no lack of inspiration.

How do you feel about the “less is more” approach? How many hours do you spend a day writing, or surfing the cyber waves? Is life passing you by? Do you keep pushing yourself until you’re burnt out, or do you stop to smell the roses?

Photo Credit: 10-03-09 © Sculpies

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Take time to stop and smell the roses….

How many times have you heard this in your lifetime from family, friends – or even your doctor?

Life is so busy, so hectic. If the phone isn’t ringing, someone’s at the door. Meals need to be prepared; laundry and dishes demand attention. Appointments beckon. Shopping won’t do itself – so many chores, so much to do, so little time.

Don’t let this depress you. Life will always be busy. That’s just a given. There will always be something else you could be doing while you’re tending the task at hand.

When the sun sets each evening and our to-do list is already growing for the next day, it is easy to feel pulled in a gazillion directions. As we live our busy lives, darting to and fro and fulfilling obligations, assignments, and scratching items off our lists, our muse can become lost.

How can we hear the inspiration through all the chaos? Oh, we can strain our ears until we hear the faintest musings. But is that good enough – really?

Hearing through the stresses of day-to-day life can be nearly impossible. Even if we manage to struggle enough to squeeze out decent work, do the words flow like they once did? Do sentences, paragraphs, stories weave seamlessly?

5 Reasons to Stop and Smell the Roses

1. Clear mind. If you never allow your mind to be quiet, you’ll get burnt out – and fast. Even if you manage to push yourself for a long time, why would you? There’s nothing better than tamed thoughts, still moments.
2. Health. It isn’t healthy to go, go, go all the time without a moment to catch your breath. Your body can only go so far, do so much. And without a strong, healthy body, how do you expect to maintain – or start a freelance career?
3. Inspiration. With a clear mind and healthy body, your muse will have an open pathway through your vessel, she can dance in the idea waterfall. This means words and ideas will literally come and flow like a river through your entire being, and purge themselves onto your paper or keyboard.
4. Peace. If your body and mind are clear and you’re writing freely, you’ll feel more at peace. You’ll have that balance you crave and desire so deeply.
5. Encouragement. As everything falls into place; centered, strong, and balanced; you’ll begin to feel more and more encouraged in your writing goals. And the more encouraged you are, the more inspired you’ll be.

By following these tips and caring for yourself – mind, body, and soul – your writing (and you!) will flourish.

So, see, stopping to smell the roses is not only something you can do for yourself – it’s something you can do for your muse.

And I assure you, their perfume has never been sweeter…

How often do you stop and smell the roses?
How do you make time to recharge your spirit?

Photo Credit: 02-15-2008 © splityarn

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