Seedplanter’s Porch

Unless you’re caught in a time warp, you’ve undoubtedly noticed a rise in the cost of utilities, grocery prices, fuel, and more.  A vacation may be out of the question, but a day trip – a staycation – may be just what you need to clear your head. My husband and I have been taking day trips for years, partly because they’re economical, but mostly because they’re fun.

Amazing, how a few hours in any given direction can feel like an adventure. Just pack a picnic and go, or plan to grab lunch along the way. If you’re into photography as I am, take your camera and prepare to record the day in detail.

My latest lens, Day Trippin’, is the first in a series I am planning at Squidoo. This one features Smith Rock State Park, one of central Oregon’s most beautiful destinations. I’m not a travel writer, but I do love sharing photos and describing these day trips as I saw them. Hopefully they’ll spur you to plan a day trip of your own!

New to Squidoo? Make your own lens today!

Would you hit Reply just because somebody tells you to? Would you discuss your personal business with the crown prince of Toga-Tora-Bohwanda, just because he says he’s chosen you out of the world’s population, to receive a very special inheritance?

Imagine that. You are so special, they’re talkin’ boutcha overseas, in a country you’ve never visited, and what’s more–they’re loving you so much, you’re a beneficiary.

Who woulda thunk?

How to Become a Billionaire in Three Minutes is my latest lens. I hope none of you oh-so-smart Squidooers would reply to the fake Nigerian prince, or to the sweet little old lady whose husband left her so much moolah, she desperately needs YOU to help disperse her wealth. Or to the compassionate woman who told me she’s sending ten million my way so I can create a children’s orphanage in America – after I give her the routing number to my checking account, and prove to her that this is really me.  Oh, really?

Gotta love that internet.

New to Squidoo? Make your own lens today!

We value our family and friends, right? They’ve tolerated our rants and ravings, our quirks and squabbles, our phases and foibles, and yet…they love us anyway.

But watch their eyes glaze over when you try to explain that you’ve earned Giant Squid status.
Or, that you’re working hard to create good lenses that will qualify you to swim with the Giants. Oh boy. Did you notice the sigh? Those pursed lips? Furrowed brows?

Squidoo is a Web community that isn’t easily understood by outsiders. If we told them we create websites, their reaction would be like, Oh, really? Wow. I didn’t know you were so techy-oriented. Good for you! Let’s go to coffee. I’d like to hear all about it.

Squidooers don’t get off that easy, though. We cough and sputter and try to put into words what it is we do, and why the idea of becoming a Giant Squid appeals to us.

My new lens, Hey, Ma! I’m a Giant Squid! is a look at our relationship with this creative corner of the Web we call Squidoo, and why we stammer and sputter when someone asks what in the heck we do there.

New to Squidoo? Make your own lens today!

Have you joined Tagfoot yet? Why not?

*Image by Getty Images via Daylife

What is it about embarrassing moments that keeps us laughing? Books about EM’s have been around for decades. Articles have been written about bloopers and practical jokes. And there’s something delightfully funny about yucking it up over somebody else’s blunders.

Embarrassing Moments We’d Rather Forget struck me as a good idea for a Squidoo lens, after I realized how certain memories still make me cringe. Like the day in fourth grade (eons ago) when a sweet Valentine’s Day note from Bobby made its way across my classroom and was almost in my hot little hand when Mr. Johnson snatched it away and READ IT OUT LOUD.

I thought I’d die.

Then there was the time as newlyweds when we invited a couple over for dinner. We were sitting in the living room swapping stories and laughing, when something caught my eye. Apparently my laundry softener sheet had not worked its magic, and a bra strap was hanging out the bottom of my pants leg, stuck there by static electricity. While my husband showed them something from his music collection, I managed to extract that article of clothing and shove it under the couch.

Or the day I thought a real, live person was a store mannequin, mentioned how “real” he looked, and shrieked when he moved.

Well, my list only gets worse so I’ll spare the gritty details. But you must stop by my new lens and read about The Embarrassing Ballot Box Incident of 1998.  It’s a doozy. I’ve also put out a call for Embarrassing Moments, so leave your most memorable in the Guestbook, please! (You won’t mind if we laugh with you, will you?)

Let the fun begin!

New to Squidoo? Make your own lens today!

Have you joined Tagfoot yet? Why not?

*Image via Wikipedia

Remember how it felt the first time you realized that someone had linked to you? Linking to a lens or website is a nice compliment. It makes people feel like their work is worthy of notice. That’s exactly why I’ve created Fan the Flame, as a lens where people can sing the praises of their favorite lensmasters, lenses, and Squidoo groups.

Information overload is a reality, and who has time, anyway, to see it all? I love reading recommendations from people I have come to know and trust. It saves me time and it also puts me in touch with some of our seasoned lensmasters whose lenses are jaw-droppers. It’s also a thrill to discover new talent whose lenses are presented in a refreshing format.

Please take a moment to visit Fan the Flame: Help Spread the Squidoo Fire!  It’s about ideas, and how a simple spark ignites a lens. I cover the backstory behind a few of my lenses–how the idea sparked in the first place. I’ve also included the following Plexos, and hope you’ll add your own favorites to the mix.  Together, we can help fan the flame and give hard-working lensmasters fresh exposure.

• Fan Your Own Fire! (Share the personal lens that you’re most proud of.)
• Fan a Favorite Lensography!
• Fan Your Favorite Squidoo Group!

Happy New Year, everyone!

New to Squidoo? Make your own lens today!

Have you joined Tagfoot yet? Why not?