Wanna Win a Flip? The Video Boss & Patina Soul

Yeah, so do I. I only wish I had one to give away. Ok, so I really wish I had one of my own to tell you about.

Since I don't have one - or have one to give away - here's the next best thing: I know someone who does. His name is Nate Hines and he runs an interesting blog. All you have to do to enter is click on the picture of the Flip below, and enter. What could be easier??

By clicking on one of my links to enter, you're also giving me another chance to win. He's actually giving away two Flips (one to a random winner and one to the person who has the most referral entries)...and I would actually flip to get one. Seriously. You help me to win the second Flip by clicking on my link, and once I receive the Flip, I will post a video of me flipping. Just for your enjoyment. (And enjoyable it will be, since I haven't done a flip in at least 20-25 years!)

Once you've entered, you'll be tempted to stick around Nate's site and check things out. Nate has some great articles on his site - I learned what ThumbVu is. If you're a website owner or blogger, you should be interested in it, too. He also gives you some tips on how to "Promote on Facebook". I like that he does this in video format. 

I've been taking some classes from Andy Jenkins (The Video Boss) about why video gets more viewers, completes more sales, etc. His newest video classes focus on helping you to make your own video - and each session he does is jam-packed with information.

So there ya have it - my two PSAs for the week. You're sure to be the court jester if you don't enter to win Nate's Flip Video. What are you waiting for? Go to Nate's site and enter. Then, when you have a few uninterrupted minutes and want to absorb some fabulous information (in an entertaining way, no less!), head over to Andy's site (The Video Boss) and learn why "Video GETS MORE Money than ANYTHING". I'm usually not into stuff like that at all - but Andy makes some great points and really is entertaining. (Not to mention I think he's kinda hot, too.)

And one more quick note...have you been to Patina Soul? What a blog!! Not only is this blog gorgeous, but there is a massive giveaway going on. You have to act quick, tho - it ends tonight. I'm sorry! I just found out about it like 2 minutes ago - but it's too good not to pass on to you lovelies.

Thank you for all your well wishes about Hive Girl. She has almost morphed back into the Princess. I'm still on pins and needles - but her breathing is under much better control. The hives are obnoxious (she was diagnosed with chronic urticaria) - but not life-threatening. I'll post more about the condition in the future.

I actually have several exciting new things to tell you all about...and I will - very, very soon. Promise.

xx,

Google Thinks The Queen Sucks

Right off the bat, let me say I'm confused.

I looked back at my blog, and I have well over 100 comments. (I have many more than 100, but I'm too lazy to count them all.) On around 250 posts. According to Google Analytics though, I suck. And I'm awful lonely.

I've checked my stuff on GAG (Google Analytics Gauge) several times over the years. I never get any information. There is always some issue with my blog that prevents GAG from reporting. I always dutifully fix whatever issue GAG claims, only to remember to return a few months later and find another issue. This has been my relationship with GAG.

 

After reading Nanny Goats in Panties today, I was curious what some of the search terms are that people use to find my blog. I turned to my trusted nemesis GAG to figure it out.

Apparently, according to the figures displayed (rather largely) by GAG, my blog has enjoyed a sudden popularity, although it's a bit confusing when looking at the raw data. You see, to this point The Queen Speaks (um, the name of the blog you're currently on) has never had a visitor. Ever. My statistics have remained at zero. They haven't budged. It has been the one thing I could count on in life.

Surprise! While checking GAG this morning, I was shocked. Stunned. Amazed. The Queen Speaks (that's the blog you're on, remember?) has enjoyed a sudden surge in visitors. This little ol' blog has gone from a record low and high of zero, to SEVENTY-SEVEN! I'm not kidding...look:

Isn't that impressive? Just don't look too closely at the top half of the screen shot - it says all my stats remain at zero. I was very excited by this news. It was like learning all the voices I hear aren't coming (only) from my head. Until I looked at this page:

How can this be? I just had a surge in people finding my blog - a whole 77 of them! How can I be down 100% - when I started with nothing? Wouldn't I have to remain at nothing - or get less than 0 visitors - to fall 100%?

I'm so confused. I don't know if I should have 77 thank you notes engraved, or bring back the black veil in anticipation of my 100% drop.

On a side note: I apologize for not responding to comments and generally being rude lately. Remember how bad Hive Girl was? Of course not - I had no readers. (Does that mean I also made up the comments?) The reaction she had when I originally posted was nothing compared to the latest go 'round.

As of Friday, she went into full anaphylactic shock. She almost died. We now have an epi-pen that she cannot go anywhere without. We are going to see an allergist/immunologist this morning - I will post more about it tomorrow - but please keep your fingers crossed we figure this out. Even with the epi-pen, there aren't any guarantees. I'm pretty unflappable - just look at my children. They scare me but haven't run me off...yet. However, I am really scared about Hive Girl's condition.

xx,

Beautiful Blogger...Who Ya Talkin' About?!

I am so stoked to receive an awesome award from a wonderful blogger. I can't believe she is bestowing it upon the Palace - especially considering the other people she gave it to. Nanny Goats in Panties? Oh cha...I bow to NGIP. I'm sure she's wondering in what realm we belong on the same list, too!

Veronica, best known as The Chickenista, has another blog. Yes, I said another. She has like three...News You Can't Use, Now What, and The Chickenista. Plus she home schools her kidlets. (She also drives a pick up and carries a shotgun!) Um yeah. I don't think anyone will be calling her lazy anytime soon. Geez, Veronica - way to make the rest of us look bad!

The rules of this award:

-Thank the person who nominated you for this award. Thank you, Veronica, my little Chickenista...THANK YOU!!
-Copy the award & place it on your blog. Check!
-Link to the person who nominated you for this award. Check!
-Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself. Ohhh boy. Doesn't say they have to be "real".
-Nominate 7 bloggers. Easy enough!
-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate. Check!

   Interesting Things About Me:
1. Altho it's been off the air for at least 25 years, I can still remember every single word to the "Lee Press On Nails" commercial. I swear. If enough people comment that they want to hear it, I'll post my rendition...which, by the way, is much better than the woman who did the original voice over.
2. I was Miss North Carolina Teen. It was so long ago I'm pretty sure they didn't even have newspapers back then.
3. I am the "black sheep" in my family - in the biggest way possible, in every way you can think of. Sometimes I wonder if my parents were serious when they used to say they picked me up on a fence post.
4. If I could live life exactly like I wanted, I would live on a ranch that overlooks the ocean. (Like on a cliff.) My home would overlook the ocean and the horses (and a few other small animals) would be safely pastured on the opposite side of my house! I would basically be a recluse - doing art, riding my horse, drinking iced tea, Coke with grenadine, or Mocha Frappuccino on my veranda.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
5. I "talk" to more people online in one day, than I talk to in person, or on the phone, in a week.
6. I can't watch news stories, commercials, etc about the mistreatment, or abuse of children. I will do anything to not watch/ hear about those things - but if I can't escape, I immediately get teared up - and it will upset me for days.
7. I amuse myself - I find myself quite funny. I can't help it. I am a complete dork. I crack myself up at least once a day.

And now...onto the Beautiful Bloggers I'd like to pass this along to...

PJs Prose

 

AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles  

 Lovely Purses

Redhead Ranting

Subjective Soup

Jill's Creative Cafe

Candles, Crafts & Whatnot

Gems by Jerri

Being the rebel that I am, I could not narrow it down to seven. I just couldn't. Every time I looked at the list, I could not decide on someone to remove. I had no problem thinking of others to add - but this is the barest list I could come up with. So...I suck. Sorry about that.

I am so honored to know so many incredibly creative people. I cherish everyone who reads my blog - please know if you didn't find your name on this list, it is not because I don't treasure you and your beauty. It's impossible not to celebrate each of you - and the unique gifts you bring to the world. I love all of you!

Thanks again, Veronica!

xx,

Let's Take a Trip

Since it's right after the holidays, and the economy in the toilet, I thought I'd gift you with a free vacation. This isn't some ridiculous contest, where you have to stand on your head while you drink a glass of water. You don't have to do anything - but enjoy. Please make sure your items are stored safely in the overhead compartment, your seat belts is securely fastened, trays are in the upright position...and make note of the emergency exits. Who would've thought I could afford to send every single one of my readers on a free vacay??

Ok, so it isn't a traditional vacation...but better. You don't have to pack any bags, do tons of laundry upon your return, or spend hours getting ready for a passport photo that you know won't turn out well. There won't be any worrying about what the person sitting next to you has in their underwear. (Unless you're into that.) No strip searches. (Again, unless you're into that.) You won't even have to deal with travel delays, screaming children (unless they're yours), or bad food. (Once more, unless you're into that.)

Nope...it's all good. I haven't scheduled you for any lame activities, you don't have to worry about the water, and there's no how-will-I-fit-into-a-swimming-suit stress. I can see you don't believe me...but you'd be wrong! I've spent some time on a couple of really great new blogs lately. So enjoy your vacation around the web - I hope you enjoy the sites as much as I did. You can thank me later.

Scrap Journal of Angela H: This is a great blog by a talented scrapper, for scrappers. Angela happens to have a fantastic giveaway going on right now - and you'll want to run over and enter. She's giving away a Paper Gator -an awesome tool from Around the Block. Trust me, you need one! Entering is easy - answer the question "What is your definition of a Scrapbook Diva?" - but do it before Friday (01.15), or your chance to win will be shredded.

Redhead Ranting: If you aren't familiar with this blog, your life is not complete! I've been an avid reader of Jen's blog for a long time now, so it isn't new...but it's always worth a read. A recent post, Inappropriate Behavior, cracked me up -. I can so empathize! I dare you to read the entire post - especially the second option of the Fix It Plan - without cracking a smile.

KV Creative Designs: What can I say about Kathryn's delicious blog? She challenges me to be a better artist, with all the wonderful things she comes across online. She's also having a fantastic giveaway to celebrate her second blogiversary. She's giving away some scrumdiddlyumptious mixed media art she made - and a little gift bag to go with it. Can you stand it?? Definitely a don't-miss destination!

I'm Just a Girl: This blog is getting ultra exciting! Margie is right at the entry of a fascinating journey - she has developed a line of the most delish papers, The Girls' Paperie. Even Tim Holtz is bragging about this paper fashionista - which is how I found her. Margie's line was picked up by Advantus and it's totally fun watching her undertake this adventure - and live vicariously through her! She's also giving away some things from The Girls' Paperie...before it debuts at CHA 2010!

SuzeBlogz: What can I say about Suze that hasn't already been said? For some scrumptious eye candy, you have to, have to, have to check this out - she even gives you a tutorial for it! Suze has been busy getting ready for Art Opera, where she'll be teaching. I'm totally bummed I can't get to NJ to attend - but seeing a sample she created at least gave me the chance to dream. So much talent packed in such a spunky package...I love Suze. She couldn't be any nicer, more accessible, or more fun!

Creative Characters: Natalie's site is fantastic. Superbly fantastic. Her dolls...her faces...her art! I could get lost in this woman's talent - and she seems to have so much talent that it oozes out of her pores. She is absolutely amazing - a definite must if you're creative or interested in amazing art. She also has not one, but TWO etsy shops...Creative CharacterS and ClotheSpinZ. Splendiferous!


Illustration Friday: Just a really neat place to check out. Every week there is a new creative exercise to challenge your creativity. There's no pressure, no strings, no nothing...but a great way to stretch your creative bones. Are you up for the challenge??

After all that creativity and fun, you're probably worn out. Wasn't it worth it?!

xx,

Lunaria Annua

Aren't those beautiful? They are the dried leaves of Lunaria annua, otherwise known as the money plant, honesty plant, silver dollar plant, moonwort...and several other names.

It has beautiful purple flowers, which bloom in the spring. It's a biennial and even has some edible leaves. Once dried, the leaves are used in floral arrangements - they are one of the few dried pieces that won't fade over time or in sunlight.

You can see the pods in the leaves

I remember seeing a lot of these when I was a kid - but I haven't seen them for a long time. The leaves, once the outer covering is rubbed off, resemble silver dollars - which is why some refer to this plant as the "money plant". Not all leaves are silver - some look more like the rice paper used in Japanese shades, while others have brown striations that remind me of potato slices.

 Honesty (Money Plant) by Sande LaFaut

I've been searching everywhere for these leaves. My search would have been a total waste of time, had I not had the extreme pleasure of finding a beautiful new blog full of fun fiber art, Simple Pleasures, Holy Treasures, by Sande LaFaut. There is one post in particular, Honesty (Money Plant), that is just gorgeous (above). While looking at Sande's beautiful art quilt, be sure to take a further look around her site. She's a very talented woman with some really stunning eye candy!

Although I hate to cook, I've been working on a new recipe for paper bowls. I've been looking everywhere for a few of these leaves, but have been completely unsuccessful at finding them. I have located one place that sells a bundle of 50 branches - but that is way too many for my purposes...and besides, they're kind of expensive. I don't need 50 branches of leaves - and don't want to pay $35.

Knowing the resourcefulness and just plain awesomity* of my readers, I decided to put out the call to you guys. Have you seen these? Do you know where I can purchase a few leaves? If my recipe actually works, I'll want to get more...but I only want to play with a few to start.

If you know where I can obtain 10-20 silver dollar leaves, please let me know by leaving a comment - or you can email me. I'm not quite sure where else to look...and I'm just not patient enough to plant them this spring - then wait two years before I can get my hands on some.


* Yes, "awesomity" is a word I made up...but don't you think it fits?

xx,