A Solution to Resolutions

New Years is a bit of an enigma to me. Every day offers the opportunity for a new beginning. Why is there so much focus the end of December to "set your New Years Resolutions?" "The New Year is coming!" Why can't every day start with a resolution? Why can't every day be a new beginning?

In 2012 I created a "12 in 12 resolution" from something I read on a blog in November, 2011. The premise was to set one resolution per month for 12 months. It is easier to stick to something for 30 days than to try and stick to 5 or more things for 365 days. That is a recipe for failure. 2012 was an ideal year; it fit with "12 in 12". I tried to do the same thing in 2013 to limited success. It didn't work because my monthly resolutions didn't resonate with me. 

"12 in 12" for 2014 is something I want to do again. The key will be to set meaningful resolutions for each month and focus on them. The best part of this structure - if there is a resolution that makes sense and you want to continue, you can. If one is really challenging and you wonder why you made it in the first place; it's only for one month and at the end of the month you can "break" it. There is no guilt attached with this format; unless you break a monthly resolution. The likelihood of that happening is greatly reduced with a "12 in 12" format. 

The new meaning behind "12 in 12" - 12 resolutions in 12 months.

Happy, healthy, prosperous, wealthy New Year Wishes!

Cats Are Like Potato Chips

You Can't Have Just One

“Cats are like potato chips; you can’t have just one.” This is the saying from a plaque my niece gave me for Christmas. It is so fitting. 

Anyone who shares their life with a cat will understand. Like potato chips, no two cats are alike. Each one has a distinct purrsonality. Each one brings their own special magic into your life. 

It is a very grey and dismal Monday which has been the pattern for a few weeks now and it is getting tiresome. The cure for the Monday blues - purrs. Purrs are the cure for many ailments. The question of why cats purr is still unanswered and many theories exist. I propose my own answer; a cat purrs to bring peace, contentment and calmness to its surroundings. There is magic in a purr. 

Wishing your world be touched by magic. Enjoy a “purr”fect day!

New Year / New Moon

Luck

There are at least two events in 2014 that may indicate a lucky year ahead.

January 1, 2014 will ring in a New Year and the New Moon. The timing of this event is a rarity and considered in some cultures to be a tiding of good luck. 

In the month of August, 2014 there are five Saturdays and five Sundays. It will be more than 800 years before this happens again and considered a time of good fortune and prosperity.

Luck can be what you make of circumstances or can be unexpected. With two “lucky omens” in 2014’s calendar, this year holds something positive to look forward to. You never know what can happen with a positive outlook!

Wishing you good luck and prosperity for 2014 and beyond!

The Dog's Ten Commandments

Dog Ten Commandments

by Stan Rawlinson

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me-it is crucial to my well being.
4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.
5. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I only have you.
6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.
8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.
9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out to long, or my heart is getting to old and weak.
10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say; "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death. Remember that I love you.

Guiding Eyes For The Blind German Shepherd Rebel

The Cat's Ten Commandments

It’s time to lighten things up a bit. Thank you to the author of The Cat’s Ten Commandments:

•  I am the lord of the house.
• Thou shalt have no other pets before me.
• Thou shalt never ignore me.
•  I shall ignore thou when I feel like it.
• Thou shalt be grateful that I even give thou the time of the day.
• Remember my food dish and keep it full.
• Thou shalt spend most of thy money on toys and gifts for me.
• Thou shalt always always have thy lap ready for me to curl up in.
• Thou shalt shower me with love and attention upon demand.
• Above all, thou shalt do anything it takes to keep me happy.

In return, the cat will provide you with purrs to soothe you and meows to let you know you are not alone. 

I would love to give proper credit for these 10 Commandments that I found on Facebook months ago so any insight you can provide, please comment on this post.

Thank you!

The Day After

The day after - a.k.a. "the letdown". There are a lot of times when “the day after” syndrome rears its head. The day after your birthday, the day after prom, the day after graduation, the day after you get engaged, the day after you get married, etc. Each one carries as much if not more emotion than the day before. So much led up to the event. So much excitement and drama. So many plans. It seemed to take forever and in mere hours, it is over.

December 26, the day after Christmas. I wonder how Santa feels today?

I always say the second holiday after you lose someone is the harder one. The first one you are still numb. Memories from the previous year help you get through. The second year is the bad one. Everything is different. You return home but it’s not the same any more. On the bright side there is the opportunity for change.

You have a choice; go with the flow even if it makes you uncomfortable or make a change, do something different, do what makes you happy. The first time will be uncomfortable because it is different but you made a choice and you can always chose to do something different the next time. That’s the beauty of choice.

So I ask you, “Do you choose to do something different next time?” “Will you continue to go with the flow?” Your answer doesn’t matter; what matters is that you decide and go on because dwelling on it gets you nowhere.

Season's Greetings!!!!

Merry Christmas! 

Traditions were different before Social Media. We wrote Christmas cards and Happy New Year sentiments; Season's Greetings to our business associates less we offend someone. If I must be politically correct, I definitely prefer "Season's Greetings" over "Happy Holidays" - this encompasses the seasonal period that begins with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, Little Christmas and anything else that happens between mid-November and January 6 - Season's Greetings!!!!

Tomorrow many will be back at work. I am thankful for the dusting of snow that happened last night - thankful for a bit of a White Christmas. 

A final note of holiday "cheer":

The Little Drummer Boy

A favorite Christmas song and my inspiration for Christmas Day. 

I bought a few small gifts; little things. I am feeling the pressure that "it isn't enough; the gifts aren't good enough; there is nothing special." And then, it came to me - the Little Drummer Boy felt he had no gift to bring to fit our King. All he had was his drum - his gift to play for Him. 

I am using my gift this year - words. To each person I am going to write a sentiment which describes what it is about them that makes them special. If I get this right, I should be seeing a lot of smiles! If the sentiment doesn't work, the little bottle from The Wine Stop that accompanies it will!

The Kitty Connection

It is Monday morning, rainy, gloomy, December 23, 2013. All the snow we had that should have left the ground covered in white has melted. Another year without a White Christmas. Why, Bing Crosby, did you have to sing such a wonderful holiday song? Making me hope and yearn with bated breadth for that pure white snow to cover the ground or rest lightly on frozen boughs? 

What does this have to do with kitties? They are a wonderful consultation on this dark and dreary day. The purr babies are curled up with me, Bonnie in my lap and Baby Blue sleeping by my side. I don't know of anything warmer, softer or sweeter than than this. Only one dilemma with this blissful picture; I have things to do and I feel guilty making them move. A few more minutes won't hurt anything.....

Facebook

Let’s talk about Facebook. You may know I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. I love keeping up with friends and family; I love reconnecting with friends that I am convinced were it not for Facebook, we would not be in each other’s circles today. (Google+ has the right idea about that circle thing.) I hate the fact that I need to check Facebook to make sure I don’t miss an important event. Speaking of events - I am not compelled to add “Life Events” to my Facebook profile. If it is important, I may share a post; if it is really important my friends won’t have to find out about it on Facebook. 

What are your pet peeves about Facebook? 

The Last Weekend Before.....

I don't know about you but I am so tired of the Christmas "countdown." "The last shopping weekend before Christmas." It's hype for commercialization and I find it stress producing, annoying and outright rude. 

I have been introduced to a wonderful tradition - when you find the purrfect gift for someone, buy it and give it to them in the moment. Why save it for a "special occassion?" Life, and every day, is a special occassion!

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah don't matter or birthdays don't matter or anniversaries, graduations, weddings.... you get the picture. Do something special those days; something that makes the ones you love know you care; something that makes them feel awesome!!!! It doesn't have to be a gift - but if the purrfect gift fits the occassion and you didn't "store it in the magic closet for a year" than by all means, gift away. 

When is the Best Time to Post?

This was suppose to be the week that I had at least 3 blog posts drafted so all I needed to do was fine tune them and post. It didn’t happen that way and I really could have used them. It meant that, like today, some posts went out quite late. This did have a side benefit - I am able to see what impact this had on people viewing my blog. This is not by any means a definitive test. The results are interesting. Two things happen; posts early in the day get more views. Second factor contributing to views is content. I am still analyzing if it is the text, the labels or the topic that determines why some posts see more activity than others.

Eleven more days in December - let the education continue!

My "Prediction" May Come True

Two days ago I wrote in my blog that we would have a White Christmas; unless we saw temperatures above freezing day and night. The forecast for the next few days - temperatures above freezing day and night! There is a chance of rain showers on Sunday with the projection of 70º as the high temperature. It is going to be interesting to see what Mother Nature does. For me, to be on the safe side, next time I won't predict a White Christmas the week before.

Peace, joy and happiness to you and yours!

A Google Hangout

A Google Hangout is a fantastic way to connect with people - friends; family and business associates. I had a few problems when I was first trying to use a Hangout. One reason was the platform. I researched how to do a Hangout and thought the same features described for a computer platform would work on my iPhone. I was also under the mistaken impression if I started "streaming" a Hangout from my phone, anyone could watch. Boy did I have a lot to learn.

Thanks to the help of my teammate and friend Debbie, we connected on a Google Hangout one morning. Here is what I learned:

You need a Google+ account to Hangout. If you haven't already done so, register for a free gmail address, set up your Google+ page and you are good to go. (If you are going to participate in a Live On Air Hangout, you will need to download a plug-in for your computer the first time you do this.)

On your tablet or smartphone you are limited to sharing what your camera sees and having a conversation with up to 9 others - 10 in total. 

When you are using your computer for a Hangout, you can share your screen, show a YouTube video, engage in Chat with others as well as talking with up to 9 people plus yourself. Google has some other neat apps that enhance your Hangout. You can do a Live On Air Hangout from your computer and this can stream through your Google+ account, YouTube or your blog. There is no limit to the number of people that can watch this live stream. In addition, after it ends, it is immediately saved to your YouTube channel. 

What ways do you see using a Google Hangout?

Will Winter Be Around Until Spring?

Ranger in the Tree

This is a real cat, in a real tree in February, 2010. 

Winter officially arrives this coming Saturday, December 21, at 12:11pm EST. We are experiencing our third snowfall in nine days and it's still "technically fall".

Is this a taste of what this winter will bring? Are we going to have one of those seasons that sees snow on the ground from now through Spring? One thing will be certain, we will have a White Christmas (unless we suddenly get weather above freezing day and night and some rain before next Wednesday.)

There is a reason for considering this. My ASEA team is made up of Independent Associates that run their business part time or full time from their home. We attend presentations in homes and restaurants. If we have a winter of snow, sleet and freezing rain with bad road conditions, we need to consider alternative ways of connecting with our team and our prospects. The purrfect solution is to use technology. My new favorite technology is the Google Hangout. There are nuances and potential to this platform that I will present in detail in tomorrow's blog.

Think about the things you want to know; how can this technology, a Google Hangout, work for your business? Bring your questions and let me know if I leave something out.

Enjoy the quiet of a snow covered afternoon. 

When Your Internet Access Is Down

What happens when you find yourself unable to connect to the Internet? Unable to check your email? Your Twitter feed? Pinterest? And the 700 pound guerrila in the room - Facebook? I found myself having a minor anxiety attack. "Really," I asked myself, "you are stressing over not being able to connect to Facebook?" But there is a point here.

I realized that I can no longer be "chained" to one location because that's where I have secure Internet access. The answer - grab my iPad which has cellular data, go to AT&T's website and research the available "WiFi" hubs. You can get everything; from a single device that plugs into the USB port on your computer to the top of the line hub about the size of a smartphone that can connect up to 15 devices and has a 16 hour battery life.

By this point you probably guessed what I did - added the best I could get, released the shackles that chained me to a location and set myself free. Free to take secure Internet where ever I go!

Now I am not saying you need to do the same thing. What I am saying is to take a look at what is holding you back? What is stopping you from being the best you? What is causing you anxiety? Give yourself the gift of freedom - freedom to be the best you possible. Find the key to your shackles and unlock them today!

15 Days In

        

My question for today: Do you think the week starts on Sunday or Monday and why?

It is interesting to note that the American Express desk calendar lays out the month at a glance with the week starting on Sunday yet the seven day calendar begins the week on Monday. Someone in design understood the concept and addressed both.

I look forward to your ideas on this topic. Please comment on this post or email me at Cathy.Capasso@gmail.com

Filtered Photography

Everything takes a little time to learn how to use. On one hand I love technology and the gadgets that help me "go green". The less dependent I am on paper, the happier I am. On the other hand, I am so cautions of new apps; websites; accessing the Internet over "free WiFi" because of inherent security risks. I think about where I am, what I am doing, what is my risk factor. I make sure my internet activity is secure before proceeding. It's called "common sense".

Where does all this fit in a post about Filtered Photography? I love photography. It has been challenging for me to look at pictures I take with my iPhone in the same light as pictures taken with my Nikon. I have a hard time accepting iPhonography yet I have thousands of pictures taken with my phone. I agree with professional photographers that say, "the best camera is the one you have with you."

I admire the filtered pictures my friends and family post. It is time for me to dive into Filtered Photography because it allows me to add a depth and dimension; an interest to a picture I "Like" and make it a picture I "Love". 

Back to the Internet - the best place to showcase Filtered Photography is online. The "common sense" side of this; know the sites you are posting to, know the audience and be conscious of the material you are posting. 

Amy Dixon "The Blind Sommelier"

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is one of the charities Team Michelangelo supports through fundraisers and volunteering. A graduate, Amy Dixon and her guide dog Elvis are an inspirational team. Her story is featured today in the Wall Street Journal. 

The Heightened Sense of the 'Blind Sommelier'

Amy Dixon Is a Sommelier, Wine Consultant and a 

Champion Triathlete

Read it here!

Amy Dixon and her guide dog Elvis: (courtesy of Amy's Facebook page):

The Fox and The Hound

I couldn't resist this story about the friendship between a German Shepherd and a Fox. Published today in DogTimes Weekly newsletter, the story tells of an unlikely friendship. I am inspired to be kinder to my fellow man.

The article is pasted below and here is a link to the source: 

http://dogtime.com/real-life-fox-and-dog-enchant-people-on-the-web.html?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email 

It sounds like something right out of a fairy tale, and is in fact the story told in a popular Disney film, The Fox and the Hound, but a real-life animal pair from Norwayis making headlines today for proving that even animals meant to be natural enemies can become the best of friends.

Norwegian photographer Torgeir Berge was out for a forest walk with his German Shepherd, Tinni, last summer when the pair stumbled upon something amazing — a baby fox.

Berge scoured the area for any sign of the fox’s mother, but found no sign of her. Berge took the young kit under his wing, naming the little guy Snusen (which roughly translates to “Sniffer”). While Berge certainly began to forge a bond with little Snusen, it was Tinni who became the small fox’s fast friend.

“He was a puppy and probably his mother had died, so he sought help and company, and food,” fellow photographer Berit Helberg tells TODAY.com of Snusen.

Berge and Tinni often travel through the forest to visit with little Snusen. Tinni and Snusen wrestle together, walk together, nap together, and often play together — creating many excellent photo opportunities.

“The photos are not staged,” Helberg tells English language Norwegian news source,The Local. “[Berge] just takes a walk in the forest with Tinni, his dog, and when he whistles the fox Snusen comes to play. They do whatever they please and they have never fought. Snusen is a real wild fox, coming and going as he pleases.”

Berge has posted his collection of extraordinary images on his Facebook page. He and Helberg hope to turn the photos into a children’s book so Tinni and Snusen’s friendship can continue to inspire people for years to come.

“Not many people are privileged to see and enjoy a friendship like this, but Torgeir Berge has both seen them in action and gotten the opportunity to catch this in images that don’t need words,” Helberg writes in a post on her website.

Berge and Helberg have another important reason for memorializing this special friendship on the page – to fight against the fox-fur trade. Norwegian animal rights organization NOAH estimates that there are close to 1 million animals, including minks and foxes like little Snusen, who are slaughtered for their fur at Norwegian fur farms every year. The Humane Society of the United States says that annually, more than 75 million animals — from rabbits, bobcats, mink, foxes, and even domestic dogs and cats — are killed for their fur worldwide.

“We all live on the same planet and all animals need the voice of […] humans,” Helberg tells OneGreenPlanet.org.

Helberg says she and Berge hope the world will realize animals like Snusen deserve to be protected and revered just like Tinni and other dogs like her.

“To steal the freedom of another creature is […] a crime […]” says Helberg. “To see how alike [Snusen] and Tinni are, might make other people […] see the similarity, and would they even think about letting their beloved dog live in a small, claustrophobic cage for all its life? Never.”

To learn more about Tinni and Snusen, or to check out some of Torgeir Berge’s beautiful photographs of the two buddies, visit Berge’s Facebook page today.

Sources: Torgeir Berge Facebook page, TODAY.com, The Local, OneGreenPlanet.org

How to Choose a Great Network Marketing Opportunity

How to choose a great Network Marketing Opportunity. There are numerous articles on the subject. As mentioned in a previous post, Entrepreneur.com has over 4300 articles. A Google search of 'network marketing' returns 543,000,000 hits.

With so much information on the subject, it is hard to argue the validity of network marketing. So how do you find a company that is right for you?

There is a summary of the top 10 things to consider when choosing a network marketing opportunity at:

http://fortheloveofpetsandpeople.com/Blog/Entries/2013/12/11_How_to_Choose.html

What Is Network Marketing?

I love network marketing. I have ever since I was introduced to NuSkin. The concept that you buy amazing products and share those products with others while having the opportunity to earn a little or a lot of extra money is very appealing. You don't have to "quit your day job" to be successful in network marketing. 

The 21st. Century ushered in opportunities and scams. I am an Independent Associate with ASEA, a breakthrough product that serves two major markets; health and wellness and the sports and performance market. I am a consumer of ASEA since March, 2011 and cannot imagine not taking ASEA or giving it to our kitties and spraying our bonsai's with ASEA. I continue to discover new uses for ASEA. With this being said, the main objection I get is, "Oh, that's one of those pyramid schemes." I decided to Google Network Marketing. I found articles at entrepreneur.com that answered my question, "what is network marketing?" 

The next few posts will be centered on this topic, including links to the articles:

Is Network Marketing Just a Scam?

There's a huge difference between network marketing and pyramid schemes. Learn the truth here.

Q: Some friends continue to try to recruit me into network marketing deals that seem like some type of money game or pyramid. Other friends tell me they're illegal and I'll get into trouble. How do I know what's legal and legitimate?

A: To help you understand what network marketing is, I must first explain what it isn't. First, network marketing isn't a pyramid scheme. Pyramids are programs similar to chain letters where people just invest money based on the promise that other people will put in money that will filtrate back to them and somehow, they'll get rich. A pyramid is strictly a money game and has no basis in real commerce. Normally, there's no product involved at all, just money changing hands. Modern-day pyramids may have a product, but it's clearly there just to disguise the money game.

Network marketing is a legitimate business. First, it's based on providing people with real, legitimate products they need and want at a fair price. While some people do make a lot of money through network marketing, their financial benefit is always the result of their own dedicated efforts in building an organization that sells real products and services.

Pyramids are illegal and are based on taking advantage of people. For a person to actually make money in a pyramid scheme, someone else has to lose money. But in network marketing, each person can multiply his or her efforts, skills and talents by helping others be successful. Network marketing has proved itself as part of the new economy and a preferred way to do business here and around the world.

.......

You can read the rest of this article by clicking on the link: 

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/35744#ixzz2n1TdMTYf

The author is Michael L. Sheffield, founder of Sheffield Resource Network.

The Value Proposition

I woke up restless at 4:20am and couldn't get back to sleep. This is a rarity for me now, ASEA has given new meaning to a good night's sleep. 

What made last night different? Unresolved issues. I said "no" to three things I disagree with: helping a cross line Associate, staying up for a conference call that was changed from 6:30pm to 9:00pm and not wanting to get excited about a new "technology" that isn't proven, has bugs and I don't want to spend time on it until I know it can benefit me and my business.

Identifying the problem led to the creation of Today's Inspirational Montage. Enjoy!

                               For the Love of Pets and People

Birth of a Logo

The birth of a logo - the design process. 

I just completed a review of the process behind designing the logo for Team Michelangelo’s Annual Charity Car & Motorcycle Show For the Love of Pets and People. From the very beginning, September, 2009, I wanted to create a logo that would speak to our show; making a difference for our furry friends and the people they help. I wanted a logo that would immediately convey that message and be memorable.

It took a long time to create the purrfect design. On June 16, 2012, while having lunch in a restaurant on Cape Cod, I saw the sign over a pet boutique across the street that put into focus what I wanted to do with our logo. Finally, after many sketches and help from my embroidery software trainer and friends at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, our logo was born. The design pictured above is our copyrighted design and is used in embroidery, print and jewelry. 

Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941 "the day that will live in infamy" the day Japan attacked America in Pearl Harbor. 

This is a great article about a rare warplane that was built in Buffalo, NY and is returning to America: Rare Warplane Returns Home

First Friday

Today's post is featured on our website. I hope you enjoy the same wonderful feeling I got when reading the two articles; a blog post by Amy Dixon, blind sommolier and an interview with ASEA Triple Diamond Trish Schwenkler. 

http://fortheloveofpetsandpeople.com/Blog/Entries/2013/12/6_Inspiring_People.html

Enjoy a purrfect day!

Holiday Shopping

Every year I look for gifts that will mean something to the recipient. I won't buy something "just because it's Christmas and you're suppose to give a gift." That's not what Christmas means to me. For me it's about spending time with family and friends, laughing and telling stories and remembering what is most important in my life.

This year, there is an opportunity to shop and give back to charity. Below is a link to Guiding Eyes for the Blind website and ways your shopping dollars contribute to this wonderful charity. 

If you are looking for great savings, Two's Company warehouse in Elmsford, NY opens it's doors to the public; December 4 through December 7. Shop wholesale prices that are discounted an additional 25%! Every year they pick two charities and 50% of the sales over four days goes back to charity. This year, Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation are the selected charities.  

https://www.guidingeyes.org/20385/shopping-in-support-of-guiding-eyes/

Guiding Eyes for the Blind 2014 Graduation Ceremonies

Guiding Eyes for the Blind

2014 Graduation Ceremonies

Graduation ceremonies mark the culmination of a new guide dog team’s training, but also the beginning of their life-changing journey together.   The ceremonies begin at 1:15 pm and are approximately one hour long.  A tour of the kennel follows.  All are open to the public; for additional information, contact info@guidingeyes.org.

Mark your calendars… here are the dates for our 2014 graduation ceremonies:

January 25
February 22
March 22
April 26
May 24
June 21
July 19
August 16
September 13
October 18
November 15
December 13

We hope to see you there

This is a wonderful opportunity to see and feel the difference a guide dog makes in the life of someone who is visually impaired or blind. Touring the kennels you see how these dogs are taken care of during the final phase of training. You can't help but leave with a smile on your face and a heart filled with love and joy. 

Today's Post is Featured on Our Website, For the Love of Pets and People

A summary of this post:

I found a great website with daily; "Cat of the Day"; "Dog of the Day"; and "Pet of the Day". Once you get to the website, links take you to all the pictures.

Please read the full post here:
http://fortheloveofpetsandpeople.com/Blog/Entries/2013/12/3_Cat%2C_Dog_and_Pet_of_the_Day.html

Today is National Mutt Day

Source:  http://nationaldaycalendar.com/latest-posts/

NATIONAL MUTT DAY

Each year on December 2nd, National Mutt Day is celebrated across the United States.  This day was created as a day to embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs.

Desperately longing for a new home, there are millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs, in shelters across the United States, awaiting for someone to come and adopt them.

For more information regarding National Mutt Day, see: http://www.nationalmuttday.com/

NATIONAL MUTT DAY HISTORY

National Mutt Day, an “unofficial” national holiday was created in 2005 by Celebrity Pet Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige.  This day is celebrated on both December 2 and July 31 of each year.

December's Challenge

I have wanted to do a "blog a day challenge" since the first one I did with ActiveRain. It is a personal challenge - and it is meant to be fun.

For the month of December, I am going to write "a blog post a day":

1. On our website: http://ForTheLoveOfPetsAndPeople.com   "or"
2. On this blog with a link posted on our website

Why am I doing this? Using social media means having a plan; a social media marketing plan. This coming May, 2014 is the Fifth Anniversary of Team Michelangelo's Annual Charity Car & Motorcycle Show For the Love of Pets and People. We want to make this the best event ever. We want participants and spectators to be engaged with our show before, during and after the event. 

I will use social media to build relationships and promote our show. In the process, I will learn the best ways to implement a strong social media marketing plan. I need a hub for the plan and the hub will be our website.

It will be fun building this. I look forward to challenging myself to find interesting content to post daily and to see what creative features I can add to our website and my blog to make it more interesting and engaging.

Posts will be shared via 

1. Twitter: http://Twitter.com/@CorvetteCathy  "and"
2. Facebook: http://Facebook.com/ForTheLoveOfPetsAndPeople

I look forward to the next 31 days and this amazing journey.

"Attention Span" Statistics

In this digital era, we are bombarded with information at an alarming rate. Do you find yourself feeling you are surrounded by "noise"? This question compelled me to look up "attention span". The link reveals interesting percentages and some surprises.

http://www.statisticbrain.com/attention-span-statistics/