Hi all,

I'm testing out a new picture. My friend Jenn took it over the Labor Day weekend while we were wine tasting at Rex Hill Winery outside of Dundee, OR. It's an amazing winery, with a gorgeous setting (although very pricey).

Let me know if you like the picture or think I need something new. I am in the process of updating my site and want something that is more "me". Trouble is, I don't have a plethora of pictures of myself (shocking, I know). Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Today's topic is email and text messaging spelling/grammar etiquette. Is it okay to abbreviate - "ur" instead of "your"? Or is it better to spell everything out and use correct grammar?

When talking on the phone or in person, you send out a host of signals. Body language, facial expression, tone of voice, eye contact, gestures, sighing, laughing, etc. Email and text messaging eliminate all of these signals. Therefore, conclusions about your state of mind, personality, and disposition are all left to what words you use and how you use them.

This brings me to one of my biggest pet peeves - the use of LOL. Seriously. What does that even mean? Laugh Out Loud? Why? Why are you telling me to Laugh Out Loud? It's silly, ridiculous, and just plain confusing. Are you signifying that you are being funny, a smartass, sarcastic - what? I don't get it. That being said, I'm a big fan of smiley faces :) and word on the street is - those can be just as annoying as LOL.

In any event, I digress.

My suggestion is to spell it out and use good grammar. Unless it's someone who already unconditionally loves and adores you, practice good use of the English language.

This leads to what will follow in blogs to come - our ever dependent use of antisocial communication devices such as email (love it!) and text messaging (addiction, anyone?). Stay tuned...

And please, for the love of all that is good and right, don't ever use LOL.

Until next time,
HKS :)

Happy Labor Day weekend!

I've made a new commitment to posting blogs on a more regular basis - I promise! Life has been very busy. New articles published in both NW Meetings & Events and Brainstorm NW. In fact, I have two wine articles out in the September issue of Brainstorm NW. I love the folks over there. Alsye is the editor I work with and she is amazing!

My writing is mostly for business these days. I noticed that a few weeks ago and started up my morning pages again. What are morning pages you ask? They are the foundation of The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I'm currently reading The Vein of Gold, a sequel to Artist's Way. Julia suggests that all creatives (which is everyone) write at least 3 pages each morning. She also encourages readers to walk at least 20 minutes a day, including a one hour walk a week, and weekly artist dates. Artist dates are very powerful. For me, going to author signings/readings at Powell's is my favorite way to spend an artist date.

I strongly encourage you to write 3 pages every morning. It doesn't have to make sense or have an agenda. Just write the thoughts as they appear in your head. It's like emptying the contents of your brain. Sometimes you'll be surprised by what shows up ("I'm still not over my sister's biting comment?!) and other times you'll sort things out ("No, I should not take that particular assignment, it doesn't feel right.")

One of my favorite things about Julia's Artist's Way series is the quotes. I am a big lover of quotes. My favorite one right now is:

"What happens is not important. How we react to what happens is very important. It is not what we get that matters, it is what we do that matters. We can let go anytime we are willing." --Cheri Huber

Every page of the Artist's Way and Vein of Gold contain 1-3 quotes. They are divine. I mark the quotes that resonate with me. Be sure to add both The Artist's Way and Vein of Gold to your book list. Both will feed your creative spirit. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Cheers,
Heather

Heather Strang
Write For You
www.strangwriteforyou.com