People sometimes wonder if it is possible to find true happiness. While the definition of happiness will vary greatly from one person to another, it can be summed up to mean the feeling of well being that someone has when they feel sure that everything in their life is going to be alright. How you reach this feeling is up to you but there are different areas that you can work on to make sure you are moving in the right direction.

First, love and respect yourself. This may sound unbelievable but many people do not feel that they are deserving of happiness, prosperity, or love. Know that you are a unique and special individual and you are worthy of all that life has to offer. When you wake up each morning express your gratitude to God and the Universe for making you the person that you are. Loving yourself and believing that you are special will help move you towards true happiness. Having gratitude can make this become an hourly ritual that will bring you joy and happiness throughout each day.

Second, surround yourself with people you love. It is said that if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change. If you are around people who are unhappy or negative, imagine them to be as unique as special as yourself. Refuse to see anything but the best in them in each situation. If they say or do something unkind try to see deeper into why they may be behaving this way. Treat them as you would a small child and encourage them to do their best in the situation they are dealing with. People will sometimes be so wrapped up in what might happen at a later time that they are unable to see what is happening right now in the present. Bring calmness to the people around you and watch how they begin to respond in a more positive way.

Finally, do work that you love. If you are at a job that is making you unhappy or even ill, look for a way to move out of it as soon as possible. Sometimes a job we thought would work out for us is nothing like we imagined. Everyone needs to earn a living but we have choices about what we do and how we spend our time. Figure out what you love to do and work toward a job or career in that area. It is said that if you do what you love the money will soon follow. Some of the most successful people in the world did just that. They spent time doing the things that brought them true happiness and soon they were doing a job in that area that brings them happiness and money at the same time.

Time is the great equalizer for us all. We all have the same twenty-four hours each day. Refuse to spend another minute in situations or with people you do not love. And, most of all, love yourself. Then you will be on your way to true happiness.

Connie Ragen Green is a motivational writer, speaker, and mentor. To find out more visit her at http://greenhouse.typepad.com/law_of_attraction

Sooner or later you will realize the real possibility of losing valuable data on your computer can happen at any time. Since hard drive crashes are inevitable you have to be prepared to deal with data loss. It always happens when it is least expected? If you have a computer backup system in place it could save us from the agonizing process of trying to salvage data from a hard drive that is damaged.

Hard drives are rated by life expectancy. The MTBF or “mean time between failures” is a general estimate of the hour of life in a hard drive. This indication should help computer users realize that hard drives will fail eventually.

When your hard drive crashes you may find that recovery is your only option to retrieve valuable data.

Hard drive failures are usually classified as electronic or mechanical. When the failure is determined to be electronic it is possible to reassemble the mechanical parts into a replacement drive and recover data.

Although hard drives are not all constructed exactly the same there are common parts to modern hard drives. The platters store magnetized data on both sides and is attached to a rotating spindle which rotates very rapidly. Also, there are read and write heads, that actually copy data to the platters. These parts are encased into a sealed enclosed dust free unit.

Actually a modern technological marvel, hard drives are very complex and for the most part taken for granted until they fail. When hard drives fail you may think it is time to seek out the help from a professional. You may think they would be able to analyze your drive and determine the possibility of recovering your data.

The truth is YOU can do it yourself with a proper plan.

There is another element to hard drive failure in the user. The range of emotions that comes from loss of valuable and important data is enormous. If you really need your data and it is lost forever there can be business or financial problems brew from this situation.

Denial can probably be evidenced if you knowingly failed to backup your data. You may also try to rationalize why you did not properly prepare for such an event.

Realizing the complexity of hard drives and the inevitable failure and loss of data, having a workable data recovery system in place can be a real life saver. If you don’t have a backup or restore plan in place don’t delay in setting one up. Being confident that your data is safeguarded can reassure you that if you do suffer a hard drive crash you can restore your system to operating condition in a timely manner.

Put your computer backup system in place now and start protecting your data.

Imagine having the ability to schedule a backup and walk away knowing your data is being protected nightly.

Learn how to put a computer backup system in place, find out how to backup files, and find out how to protect your data.

Joseph Simcic has written an easy to read eBook that you can download now and start learning how to backup your computer.

The new computer came with a very nice software package, and a lot of trial packages already installed. Some of it was virtually useless to me for my purposes, but one in particular was very helpful, so we decided to buy it. My wife, who teaches computer technology locally, sat down at the computer to do this. Thirty frustrating minutes later, she stood up, and said, “I am going to Bxxx Xxy, and I will just buy the disk!”

The problem was not the installation, nor the checkout, the difficulty that drove her to drive off to the tech shop, was maneuvering through the software companies website! The irony is utterly overwhelming to me!

We have a well educated, intelligent, well trained, multi lingual woman, having difficulty getting to the right page of a software manufacturer, which specializes in making it easier, to build and move through web pages!

I had a similar experience earlier in the week, dealing with a hosting company. The idea was to buy a short term hosting package to play with, and decide on whether or not I liked the way it worked before signing on for the long haul. I had already been burned by one company who promised the world, but only gave me a piece of it at a time, in the form of mud balls. I wanted to be more cautious before making the plunge. I bought a month of hosting.

I had a test page built up, and started trying to download, I tried the hosts provided ftp, I tried cute ftp, I tried netscape communicator, I tried others. I switched browsers, and did it over again. I did this with four browsers. I called there help line, and sat for thirty minutes listening and typing, still nothing. My wife tried, nothing!

I decided that the package was not what I needed! The company graciously offered a refund. I accepted. At first I thought it was me, then maybe the computer, or the browser, or the ftp program. I was wrong. I talked to others, on and off line, who have met with similar trouble. It is apparently widespread. Systems so convoluted, and confusing that people give up and walk away. Customer service so bad, that it seems the goal is to drive you away, and websites devised so poorly, that people leave in frustration before buying the product.

Are you guys in sales hearing this? Your products and services are becoming so difficult, that you are losing customers! The automation is great, I know it helps you sell your products more cheaply, but if it begins to drive consumers away from your goods and services, you might want to give that “live talk” program a little re thinking.

The really ironic part, was what happened after I canceled the hosting package, and went back to check on the status of my domain. I typed it into the browser, clicked the mouse, and there before my eyes, was the page I had been trying to transfer!

James Burns writes on internet and social issues from a different perspective, from his home in Tyler, Texas, and his home page can be seen at http://www.dotcomrevolt.com

Home is where is the heart is. It is, thus, only fitting that you go through extra lengths to protect your home. Home surveillance systems used to be costly and complicated. Today, any homeowner can install any of the home surveillance systems in the market.

Is there a Need for Home Surveillance Systems?
What does a homeowner away on vacation and a parent at work have in common? They worry about the same thing: what goes on at home while they are away. By installing any of the home surveillance systems available today, they can put their worries to rest. So, is there a need for home surveillance systems? If you’re a homeowner away on vacation, a parent who is mostly at work, a homeowner with contractors crawling all over your home, or a landlord who has leased several properties, your answer would most certainly be a resounding yes.

Home surveillance systems may rely on any of the following to meet homeowners’ security needs and budget: webcam surveillance, wireless IP technologies, and wireless sensors. Let’s take a look at these home surveillance systems.

Webcam surveillance systems with motion sensors
Many webcam surveillance systems integrate motion-detecting software. The reason for this is simple. Recording only takes place when something moves in front of the motion sensors. This saves memory space on your hard drive. It also saves time because captured images are instantly emailed to users. The good thing about this, aside from being memory-friendly and time-efficient, is that you may easily access the images through a static IP address.

There are, however, many drawbacks to webcam home surveillance systems. First, webcams have fixed positions. This limits their range. Additionally, they are USB-based devices that do not function if they are more than 16 feet away from the computer or USB hub. Additionally, they capture very poor images in dim surroundings.

Wireless sensors, with cameras or without
Most home surveillance systems of this type come with two motion and sound-detecting cameras. On top of that, they also come with sensors that alert homeowners to certain things, such as the presence of leak, a door being opened, and even worrying levels of temperature fluctuation. Captured images are sent to a computer, PDA, or cell phone via a broadband connection. It is also possible for homeowners to purchase motion sensors without cameras. Wireless sensors without cameras issue alerts with high frequency wave signals in most and infrared light, in some.

Wireless IP video cameras
These home surveillance systems are better known as “nanny cams.” Tiny spy cameras or wireless video cameras are hidden somewhere in a room. They send their video signal to a local base station and from there, homeowners can view the images from a television, mobile phone, PDA, laptop, or desktop computer. The disadvantage of home surveillance systems of this type is that of the camera is low-end, its wireless signals might be picked up by people who cruise streets in search of homeowners whose wireless signals they can hack into. Fortunately, higher-end cameras provide more security because their transmissions are encrypted and are tied with standard WiFi networks.

Market trends show that there is a big future for home surveillance systems. So, expect smaller, faster, and more reliable home surveillance technologies in the next few years. Manufacturers of home surveillance systems will never run out of a market to tap into because for as long as people have homes, they will always want them protected.

Discover an affordable way to monitor your home with home surveillance systems.

Learn more about home security camera and wireless security camera when you visit Video-Surveillance-Guide.com today!

The dating scene can be a challenge, especially when you’re about to embark on the unknown with someone new. It’s not always easy to communicate with someone in situations that build pressure, and first dates do just that. The things said, and the responses given in conversations can determine whether or not there will be dates to follow. Below, I have addressed a few ways to possibly help ease the stress and tension when it comes to conversation starters.

First dates make people anxious and nervous, so it’s not unlikely that the conversation on a first date will be awkward. In the beginning of the date ask simple questions, just to get things rolling. Inquire about your date’s hobbies, occupation, likes and dislike. Remember, the both of you are still in the “getting to know you stage.” It’s perfectly fine to keep it simple. Often, one topic can lead to the next topic, and that can solve any problems of silence.

Once you’ve covered the basics, it’s not always obvious where to take the conversation next. One thing you want to try and avoid is questions that only have one worded answers. You both want to feel comfortable on the date. If the answers to the questions are minimal, then neither person is going to feel relaxed. Also, one worded answers can give the impression that you’re just not interested. The case may be that it’s only your nervousness working against you, but it could appear otherwise to your date.

One thing to remember is that while people love to talk about themselves, it’s also important to listen. It’s very attractive to have a date that makes direct eye contact with you. It’s a sign that he or she is attentively paying attention to what you’re saying.

Keep the topics to your conversations light. You don’t want your discussions to get too controversial on the first date. While politics and religion can make for a good debate it can also cause the situation to get heated. You may want to save that for another time.

Another good thing to avoid is talking about past relationships. You’re on a date to talk about yourself and find out if you both have similar interests. It’s a huge turn-off sitting there having to listen to stories about someone’s ex. Conversing about past relationships can make it seem like you’re comparing your date to someone else, or that your feelings for your past love may still be there. In either case, that could start things off on the wrong foot.

I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to fret over first date table talk. If you’re able to relax, then things will run smoother for both of you. Dating should be fun and entertaining; it shouldn’t be something that scares you.

Lexi is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

and the world is yours…

In America today, our population flirts with a population of 300 million. There are over 150 nations represented in that 300 million. Whether by means of divorce or the exercise of choice, women are rapidly entering and advancing in the workplace. Senior citizens account for approximately 25 percent of the population, many of whom continue to work and be active and productive. Teenagers and young adults account for over 25 percent of our population and are continuing their education and enhancing their work skills. The Eurodollar has become a prominent form of currency. All throughout European countries, English is rapidly becoming the language of choice. The Internet is growing at exponential rates and proportions as it enters new homes and schools all across the world each day. Major Banks and corporations continue to merge as they not only strive to survive but do so by striving to grow. Barriers of gender, race and religion are being superseded by the desire and necessity to do business as we strive for social and economic change. The world is at an impasse of opportunity that must not be passed.

Everything I just highlighted in the previous paragraph is a good thing. In America, we are the land of opportunity. We are the home of the free; free enterprise and free trade. We want others to participate in our process of business and explore the opportunity to form, build and grow. The module of Capitalism is ours and one we should never forget nor forsake. It is indeed a positive that our population continues to grow. It’s a positive that women are more prevalent in the workplace as their voice and decisions are crucial to a well-balanced and productive society. In America, we celebrate our senior citizens living longer and healthier with the ability to remain productive. In America, we encourage our teenagers and young adults to continue their education and enhance their work skills. The Eurodollar initially designed to compete with the American Dollar has only reminded us that we can never rest on our rewards of the past. We must continue to be innovative and creative as we compete in an ever-growing marketplace.

In America, we welcome competition as it makes us better. Many banks and major corporations have received fruitful revenues as a result of merging, thus providing better products and services to the general population. In America, we want our consumers to have viable choices that enable them to make intelligent and informed decisions. The integrations of race, gender and religions has been an extraordinary positive and productive mechanism as we not only build companies; we build communities. In America, we welcome diversity as we pool the intellectual and cultural resources that proudly present themselves to us. This is the world that we fought for, united. This is the world we fight for, united. This is the world with unity; we will not only keep but grow. The world of free enterprise is our world, in America!

It’s always improper to encourage others to do something without offering proper encouragement. In tune with that, I offer you sample and generic suggestions to “globe your business.”

1. Expansion: In this global economy if you’re not seeking expansion; it’s not because you shouldn’t be. Every two to three year cycle should not only elicit an overall evaluation; it should be a question of growth. Such a question will accompany issues of how, when and where. If your business is doing well then you must explore the option of “reproducing” what is already working. That is to say, open another location.

Every
30 to 90 days you should have explored other locations including various cities, states and potentially other countries. Every city is a potential market and every market is an opportunity for growth and expansion. For every city you’re not exploring, assume that your competition is. If not you, have an employee or multiples take some time each month to investigate potential locations and markets. Research of information is the best commodity in the business of competition. You must not only keep up but you must stay ahead. As time is always of the essence and even more so in the world of business, you and your current employees may be consumed with duties and obligations. I suggest you begin an intern program with high school or college students. In many cases, they will work for free as they seek the chance to learn from those who are already doing what they desire to do in the future. You’ll create an opportunity to educate a young person, provide them work experience and learn about markets and trends you may not otherwise have explored. This is being innovative and productive.

Meanwhile, you’ll also be advertising your program for free, as schools and students will compete for the opportunity. This advertisement won’t be limited to just the Internships but expose your company to the community and the extensions thereof. Many senior citizens are desperate to exercise their minds and be desired as well as productive in their golden years. I recommend not eliminating them from this equation; however I would advise offering them some compensation package. No matter who you bring in or how often, the idea here is to continually be aggressive and still maintain your current margins while elevating your social status and learning about new frontiers.

The person(s) you bring will provide you with different perspectives as they are not jaded by virtue of experience in the industry. Their eyes will reveal the eyes of the consumers at-large. Take advantage of it!

2. Employees: Over the past 10 to 15 years, employers have steadily increased worker productivity through bonuses, incentive packages and commissions. I’ve always believed that the world should be on commission but that is just a fantasy of mine. The reality is that administrative duties demand salaried positions. However I believe that even in those positions, employees would like and appreciate the opportunity to bring something more to the company they work for and in turn be compensated. If you have no commission structure or bonus plans in your company, I strongly advise you to construct one and soon. If need be, create a “new” position and design it as one of commission only. This will give you an opportunity to see what type of applicants you attract and how well a commission structure can function. Everyone in your company should be rewarded for generating new business and provided an incentive for retaining valuable clients. That’s what you want! Thereto, this is another opportunity to diversify your company whether it is by gender, race or national origins.

With each new and different face, you’ll receive new and exciting perceptions and ideas. No one knows everything about any one thing, let alone everything about everything. You should never rule anyone out because they appear different than what’s previously been successful for you and your company. With that, your employees will begin to learn from one another because of such diversity, enabling them to be better equipped as they venture into our unique and multicultural marketplace. These types of social skills can rarely be achieved through observation and must be cultivated through interaction on a daily basis. As you diversify your company’s employee base; you now have a new opportunity to continually educate and motivate your audience. You want your employees to want to come to work. You want your employees to bring positive energy and excitement as they walk in the door. This type of energy and excitement must be initiated from the top and that’s you.

As they see you as enlightened leader, so too will they seek enlightenment and progress a willingness to learn. In your company meetings, be receptive to the suggestions of your employees and encourage them to speak out and speak up. In 1945 as World War II was nearing an end, then President Harry S. Truman was faced with an imminent dilemma. The American economy was fragile and thousands of troops would be returning home without a job to turn towards. At this time, the President created tax benefits to encourage those present to start a new company or expand the ones they currently owned. Those benefits remain in tact and since have grown without government restraints. Small businesses account for over 52% of all employees in America. This is what you must remember to do, be innovative and creative and remember to create jobs and opportunities for our fellow citizens. In America, that’s who we are.

3. Marketing: No matter what any or all surveys may reveal; the greatest marketing tool of every company is you and your employees. The best commercials, billboards or paid advertisements will mean nothing if your employees don’t embrace and embody the promotion. As you bring in employees and with a commission structure in place; your company is always on stage. The public you’ve yet to see, the clients you’ve yet to secure and the extensions of consumers you’ve had are always watching and observing. It’s not just enough that they abide by the employee handbook rules; they must be an embodiment of your overall company concept. As they enter into new towns, frequent their grocery stores attended their weekly services and participate in school events; your employees are directly representing you. A common and accepted question amongst Americans is “Where do you work?” As you seek employees with character, you must too remember to build character; this is leadership.

While you can’t navigate their behavior nor should you want to; you still must involve these issues in group meetings and potentially invoke a character clause in their employee contract. A commission structure and bonus incentives will be reason enough to keep this dialog alive and robust. As you guide them through potential situations, you want them to bring up scenarios and potential clients that have an interest in your company. You must create a “spirit” of marketing in your company and its employees. Furthermore, as you do research in other towns seeking potential locations and opportunities; you will also be “in effect”, marketing who you are and what you do. This is called “generating a buzz”. Allow the idea of generating a buzz to keep you on edge, as your employees’ minds will always be working. Make your company, their company. As you market your company and its products, don’t be afraid to exhibit your employees along with it. Your employees are well-groomed and articulate.

Put their picture in the promotion, include their voice and enable them to host shows, volunteer work and promotions within the community. This will keep your company approachable and receptive to the public. Just because our nation is becoming large doesn’t mean that we have forsaken the warmth of human contact and the familiarity of recognizable faces and voices. Your clients will enjoy that your employees are the faces on television, on billboards and in the brochures they’ve received. They’ll enjoy that voice they heard is the one they’re speaking to. A company with thousands of employees can maintain the values of closeness and speak volumes in their respective cities and towns. So as you market your employees’ new ideas and suggestions, don’t forget to market your employees as well. And don’t forget to teach your employees how to market. Show your company off!

4. Niche ID: Being competitive in the marketplace means providing services and products that others already provide. That is to say, there is no need to re-invent the wheel. What others have proven to do that works, you can do as well. But in order to remain competitive and grow your business; you must separate yourself and your company. This is one of many reasons why you diversify your employee base, so you can continually be faced with new ideas from a varying audience. Many companies seek the services of Madison Avenue for this very reason, new ideas and separation. When you look at your company, what do you see? Do you see different ages? Do you see women? Do you see different races or religions? Do you see a rainbow of cultures? If you don’t see any of those things, I’m afraid you’re missing something valuable. As a business owner and executive, your duties will always be monumental and not leaving you time for thought on many other accessible ideas for growing your company. You must surround yourselves with a team that not only maintains a competitive pace but can elevate your company through separation of identity. As a consumer, the inevitable question when faced with two diverging roads is “What’s the difference?” This question can only be answered by you and your company’s structure.

The point here is not to create big and dramatic changes but something special and unique. As all business owners are salespeople in some form or fashion, in differentiating your company you will inevitably reveal the features and benefits of said separation. A lemonade stand cannot only be about a competitive price but must have something to create a buzz and a legitimate reason to attract onlookers. Upon achieving such a goal, you must then again be preparing for yet another round of separation and enhancement. These are the seeds of growth and as you water it, your company tree will not only grow tall; it will grow prominent. The most formidable tree is revealed in its roots and born of its seeds. Through the dividends of time coupled with the attention of proper nurture; the nature of your company tree will be proud in a forest of those unwilling. Build a strong tree and there your lemonade stand shall be. As you can see, there are many ways and measures to globe your business.

The biggest issue is for you to remain diligent and aggressive in your pursuit. While seeking measures of growth, remember to venture potential mergers, re-evaluate your company’s status every 2 to 3 years and inspire and motivate your employees. Don’t allow you or your company to go into a proverbial slump or stump its identity and goals. As you diversify your company’s look, bring in people that are willing to push the company forward and thrust its position in the community. Your three (3) part equation is to: Evaluate Motivate and Navigate. Financial resources are an inescapable reality of life in the world of business. As a Commercial Finance Specialist, I say to you with confidence that there are banks, lenders, venture capitalists and angel investors seeking to assist you in your growth. While no repository is prepared for the diversity of the marketplace, a broker remains in tuned with the flows and trends that are available to business uniqueness. Seek out those opportunities and prepare yourself properly with accurate recordkeeping, comprehensive business plans, sound visions and ethical executions. Good luck and remember: Globe Your Business!

Sincerely,

J. R. Parler
Commercial Finance & Real Estate
JRParler@yahoo.com

J. R. Parler is a Commercial Finance Specialist.

Are you considering homeschooling? If so, you’ve probably got lots of questions. Before you get too far into the idea, it’s a good idea to check out the laws in your own state. Some states are very progressive when it comes to the concept of homeschooling. Idaho, for instance, requires home schooled students to be schooled the same number of hours and in the same subjects as students in public schools, but does not require testing or record keeping. Other states are very regulated and may require filing detailed reports on attendance, curriculum and grades, as well as periodic assessments by someone from the local district or the state. Some states may require monitoring by a certified teacher, if the parent does not posses teaching credentials.

A good place to begin researching the laws in your particular state is with the summaries at http://www.hslda.org/laws. These are summaries and subject to change, so you also might want to check out http://www.hslda.org/legislation/state/default.asp for some information on current legislative activity in your state. Actually, http://hslda.org is a resource to bookmark.

At some point, you’ll probably need to contact your state department of education. Here’s a list of links to DoE websites: http://www.doe.state.in.us/htmls/states.html.

Does this sound like a lot of work? Depending on where you live, it can be. Is it too much work? Depending on your motivation to home school in the first place, it can be. Homeschooling is not for everyone. However, if you are still thinking about it, you can use this information to move a few steps closer to a decision. Good luck.

LaJoyce Kerns has a blog about home schooling at http://howtohomeschool.wordpress.com.

. . . “Because we were willing to experiment and change our treatments. We rarely amputated, and we listened to advice from all sides, even from Asians. Nor did we ever drink before we went to work. You know what?” Laurel glanced at the musketeer and he told her he didn’t know what. “I’ve come to the conclusion that bloodletting often kills a man, and that more often than not, amputations that are done to try to save a man’s life actually kill him.” Of course Laurel well understood what could drive a doctor to drink. Those things she had seen in her not too distant youth had caused her none too few a nightmare.

“What other strange notions have you come across in your travels, lad?” Porthos said as he joined them.

“Oui, I admit my father and I are very eccentric, but what we did saved men’s lives,” she defended, taking offense at the suggestion in Porthos’ tone that she was most definitely not what she should be. “We learned to use strong alcohol to wash out wounds and to pour that same alcohol on every instrument that we used during surgery. We took to frequently washing our hands and faces with soap and water between patients. Oh don’t look so scandalized.” She frowned at the two men. “It worked, and it was this knowledge I used to save Athos. If you’ll notice, he has recovered very quickly and with very few complications. None that I can think of, to be precise.”

“I suppose you also advocate full-body bathing as often as possible,” Porthos commented, his tone clearly derogatory. Madame was very easy to provoke.

“As a matter of fact, I do. I believe in full-body bathing with soap and water at least once or twice a week when possible.” Sometimes more frequently.

“Wherever did you pick up such a strange notion? Don’t you know that bathing causes sickness and chills, drains life away?” Porthos informed her, deliberately baiting her further.

“Well, I’ll have you know that I’ve been bathing in this manner all my life, and I am rarely ever sick. And the Asians have been doing so for centuries, and they live significantly longer than most Europeans.” Barring war, that is.

“Where did you become such an expert on Asians?” Athos changed the subject before Laurel took it into her head to go after Porthos and do him some mischief.

“Before I was born my father used to frequently travel to the Indies and was an active participant in the spice trade. He made a fortune in it because he adapted to the Asians’ way of life. He followed many of their practices and won their respect. Eventually, he hired a half dozen Asians to come back to France with him and serve in his household. So I grew up with an Asian nursemaid and other Asian servants. I cannot think that the Asian traditions I have followed would hurt anyone,” she concluded. She was beginning to suspect Porthos might have been baiting her. Would fit perfectly well with the big man’s personality.

“No wonder you’re such a queer little thing,” Porthos interjected, and Laurel looked as if she’d like to shove his words back down his throat no matter how much bigger he was. All thoughts he might have been baiting her fled from Laurel’s mind.

“I’m not little, you hulking elephant. And call me queer if you must, monsieur,” she threw back at him, deliberately slighting his rank as much as possible. “Of course, I think that men are afraid of change, afraid of a woman or anyone for that matter who is proud to be independent and not ashamed of who and what she is.” She spat out the last words with all the hurt anger that was pent up inside her being.

“Christophe,” Athos tried to break through her tirade, but she was determined not to stop. He grabbed her shoulder and turned her around to face him. “Christophe! Christophe!” he cried, shaking her until she shut up. “You are creating a scene and could well blow what is left of our cover with this tirade. I suggest you finish it in private.” Each word became softer so that only she could hear it.

The young woman took several deep breaths and stood up straight, trying to regain her composure. Very quietly, with fiery intensity, she told Porthos, “I am who I am. I will make no apologies for that. I’m an eccentric, just like my father, and I’m very proud of that. I’ve got every reason for my pride, just like you, or Athos, or Aramis, or D’Artagnan take great pride in the unique people you are.” She choked on a word before going on. “But I suppose that makes me a freak who cannot fit into society anywhere, beyond the pale and not a true lady or woman. At least you have somewhere where you belong, monsieur. I don’t even have that. So at least allow me my pride in myself, my accomplishments, and my heritage,” she finished and rushed from the room to the streets and lost herself in the crowd. At least she had gotten the last word.

D’Artagnan joined his two companions after almost being bowled over by Laurel as she stormed out of the room. “What happened with Christophe?”

“Christophe lost his temper again,” Athos finally answered, his eyes looking for Laurel’s form. Her temper might well end up getting her killed just as his own temper had nearly killed him about eleven years earlier, before he had learned to better control it. That and her penchant for trying to help through direct challenge when other methods other than frontal assault might well have worked better.

“Let me know when Christophe gets back. I want to talk to him immediately,” Athos told his companions and then made his way to his room, flinching as he jarred his still tender shoulder.

Kat Jaske is an English and French teacher in Las Vegas, where her high school selected her award-winning, swashbuckling novel, “For Honor,” as the featured book for the 2006 Reading Incentive Program. This is an excellent example of creative fiction writing. You can get free downloads or order the book from web site http://www.forhonor.com

Juniperberry (Juniperis communis) - PROPERTIES & ACTIONS INCLUDE:

Antiarthritic - an agent that combats arthritis

Antirheumatic - eases rheumatic pain, inflamed muscles and joints

Antiseptic - prevents, halts infection

Antispasmodic - calms nervous and muscular spasms, for colic, pain and indigestion

Astringent - causes contraction of organic tissues

Antitoxic - counteracts the effects of poison

Circulatory Stimulant - an agent that quickens the physiological functions of the circulatory system

Digestive - substance that promotes or aids digestion of food

Diuretic - Increases urine flow

A wonderfully dry and resinous aroma with deep balsamic and woody undertones similar to pine, but more peppery and hot.

Juniperberry is a powerful detoxifier and and an excellent blood cleanser!

Reported to be effective for promoting excretion of uric acid crystals and excess toxins from the body.
Use Juniperberry to promote healthy nerve and kidney function.

A regulating oil and a natural diuretic and digestive aid Juniperberry is helpful for normalizing conditions of excess.

Juniperberry is excellent for treating cellulite, constipation, congestion, gout and fluid retention.

These same properties make it an effective treatment for dandruff, dermatitis, eczema and acne.

Juniperberry’s cleansing and detoxifying properties are also beneficial for relieving aching joints, rheumatic pain & headache from overindulgence.

Juniperberry is found in many detox blends!

Juniperberry also has a clearing and cleansing effect on the mind and emotions, neutralizing negate habits, beliefs and attitudes.

Uplifts and strengthens the spirit during times of low energy, anxiety and weakness.

Use Juniperberry to effectively purify the atmosphere of any room and to assist with meditation.

CAUTION: Because of its stimulating effect on the kidneys, Juniperberry should not be used during pregnancy. Avoid in cases of acute kidney or bladder infections or with kidney disease.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

KG has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts, as well as for individual clients. She is a MindBody Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and the founder & director of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products.

Click to order http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/juniperberry.htm JUNIPERBERRY PURE ESSENTIAL OIL

Click to find out about KG’s other fine aromatherapy products http://www.kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials.html PUREPLANT ESSENTIALS

Click to learn about http://www.kgstiles.com/presentations.htm KG’s Presentations and Workshops

More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!

No doubt keeping your pond looking clean and beautiful is a priority, and one important thing you can do to keep it looking great is to add a filter to your pond. While pond filters are very effective and can keep your pond look and smelling great, there are some natural things you can do to your pond that will help your filter in keeping your pond clean. Why not let nature take over and do some of the hard work for you and your filter to keep your pond at its best.

Add Water Lilies - One thing that you can do to help keep your pond looking great without putting all the pressure on your pond filters is to add water lilies to your pond. Although water lilies are well known for being so amazingly beautiful, believe it or not, they also are great for keeping your pond clean as well. Water lilies will easily spread out across your pond, and if you keep at least half of your pond covered with water lilies, or another similar plant, it can help to get rid of that funky green water that is such an eyesore.

Use Other Water Plants In Your Pond - Another great thing that you can do to help your pond filters keep your pond looking great is to use other water plants in your pond as well. Not only will these water plans make your pond look gorgeous, but they will also help filter your pond naturally as well. Having plants in your pond will help to get rid of organic waste materials that may be making your pond look and smell bad. It is best if you use both submerged and floating plants for the best effects.

Install a Waterfall - Installing a waterfall into your pond will not only look amazing, but it will also aid your pond filters in keeping your pond clean as well. A waterfall will keep the water moving in your pond, which will increase the amount of oxygen in the water, transport other materials, and keep your pond from getting stagnant. This will help promote the beneficial bacteria that are so important to keeping your pond at its’ best.

You may want to consider pond salt which assists in fish health by discouraging parasites and helping the fish maintain their shiny coat.

While these natural things can definitely help you keep your pond clean, they should be used to help your filter, not as a single method of filtering your pond. Pond filters are designed to filter out toxic wastes that can be harmful to your pond and any fish you may have in it. Purchasing a great filter is necessary to keeping up your pond; however, you can make things a little easier on your filter if you use natural methods of filtration such as water plants, water lilies, and a waterfall as well.

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