Month: June 2011

I think birthday’s make it double OK to make “I WANT THAT” kind of lists. Although I know I’m not going to buy all these things for myself turning because I’m one day older, it is fun to put together, dream a little, and then buy one thing for yourself. Maybe it’s OK to buy all these things for during your the entire birthday month, or in my case..the month following??? Who’s making up the rules around here anyway.

*click images for original source of product*

*original source unknown / if you know…let me know*

FYI: I share birthday with Sandi over at Adalou and Anika over at A is For Anika

Today I turn the big 25. I’v been kind of freaked out about this one for some reason. All the others were easy, carefree, and passed quickly. This time around it feels like I’ve suddenly been put on a timeline…hurry, get this done..go, go go. I suppose today is no different from yesterday, but I’m predicting big things happening this year.

Instead of making another list for myself of things that need to be accomplished by a certain date (ex: 26 things I’d like to do before I turn 26) I’m going to write down 24 things that I accomplished during my 24th year. Looking back and compiling this list has made me realize that I really did get a lot done this year. Go me!

1. Brought a puppy into our household and made it through the puppy woes.
2. I started to read more books. About a book a month seems about right. (that’s good for me and my short attention span)
3. I grew my vintage collection and tossed out a lot of old “placeholder” items.
4. I started this blog half way through the year. I must say I’m hooked and I won’t be going anywhere any time soon.
5. I’ve taken on several freelance project and gained some extra cash in the process!
6. I got a promotion at my day job. I’m no longer considered “entry level”.
7. I’ve gained a few pen pals, some from across the globe.
8. Through blogging I’ve been able to meets so many great people. I’m amazed at the expanse of the blogging community.
9. Crazy me has even started my own small business. Who knew THAT was going to happen!
10. I started my first quilting project. I’ve somewhat lost momentum, but hope to jump back on it soon.
11. Grew my hair out. I will NEVER cut it short again.
12. I stopped caring about being tan. All the years leading up to this past year have been spend soaking up as much rays as I could. No time for that anymore and surprisingly, I don’t mind.
13. This is going to sound weird, but I took off my toe ring. I had the same exact toe ring on for 9 years, and the only reason I wore it was to see how long I could go. OMG!
14. I started going to yoga to try and relieve my regular headaches. It’s been working.
15. I started going to a chiropractor on a regular basis to also help with headaches. It’s been working.
16. I bought my digital SLR camera and re-taught myself the basics of good photography.
17. yes…I read the twilight series and liked it.
18. I’ve been growing my record collection and it now contains some classics from my grandparents basement and my father’s childhood.
19. I tried eating green peppers and cucumbers, two things I’ve never liked, and somehow my taste buds have evolved enough to make them taste good now.
20. I’ve completed more entire television series than I’d like to admit.
21. I’ve carried the same purse for the whole year. This is an accomplishment for me considering I’m kind of a bag lady.
22. Found a crazy amount of ‘heads-up’ pennies. Still waiting to see if it meant anything.
23. Made some really great friends through my job at the advertising agency. You know you’ve made good friends when you miss them while they are out on vacation.
24. Got to know St. Louis on a real personal level. We’ve been here for 2 years now, and it’s finally feeling like home.

I have a feeling 25 is going to be life changing!

* Yes that above image was my birthday cake…that I bought for myself…because I can….and I wanted ice cream, lots of it.

As I create more and more content to be shared in the digital space, I’m becoming more sensitive to how my work is being shared amongst the community. In today’s digital space, where almost everything is sharable it is EXTREMELY important to make sure all original work is properly sourced. This may seem like a no-brainer, but I’m noticing  a lot of lackadaisical behavior going on. Are people being lazy, do they just not care, or are they simply unaware?

With a heighten sensitivity to “giving credit where credit is due”, I’ve been supporting Link with Love. This movement/website provides an abundance of information on the act of “linking with love” protecting  your intellectual property as a creator of online content. You can go HERE to learn more about how it works. You can even grab a blogger badge to place on your blog to show that you support the act of linking with love.

I suggest you follow @linkwithlove on twitter because there are some thoughtful conversations going on about this topic. For instance, if you can’t find the original sourcing, do you post it anyway?

Also check out the story behind Linkwithlove.

PHIL.HOSSACK@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Winnipeg artist Kal Barteski found out her artwork has been stolen online and appears on coffee cups, tote bags, necklaces and has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times. She had no idea it was a hit.