Sick today. So no commentary or insights. Brain blocked. Beside, you don’t need me around spreading viruses.

Brain food …

• The 5 Types of Content That Grab Attention. This gives you ideas that aren’t your usual ideas.
• 7 Pieces of Blogging Advice that New Bloggers Should Ditch Right Now. I believe the advice applies to experienced bloggers.
• Don’t Understand What Anyone Is Saying Anymore. Five terrible strains of this epidemic. Maybe I got sick from reading this. Maybe you should skip this one to be safe?
• 50 Simple Ways to Build Your Platform. Great resource from Christina Katz who groups the activities into categories.

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I know how important Christmas is to those who celebrate. I would love to say “Merry Christmas” to every single person who celebrates. But I don’t want to risk offending people, so the generic “Happy Holidays” it is. When folks wish me something, I respond with a simple “Thank you.” Toddlers and younger kids, on the other hand, like to correct people. Two of my kids have done that… blush.

More fun than brain food. Your brain deserves a break.

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel! And many more…

Brain food…

• Some Tips on Evaluating Literary Contests: Some contests look legitimate. Don’t let ‘em getcha.
• How to Find Opportunity: Turning half empty glass to a half full one.
• Top 10 Resolutions to Set for the New Year: Going beyond the old lose weight resolution. Seriously, why wait until January 1? If you want to change something, start as soon as you make up your mind.
• 75 Apps for Enhancing Your Facebook Page: Now if I had time… but then again, my original page has fewer than 25 likes, which I now need to transfer over to the business page. Then again, I am not doing much to compel folks to like it.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• Lunar Eclipse: Gorgeous shots from DC, New York and elsewhere.
• Top 10 Everything of 2010: It had to happen.
• Stupidcoworkers.com: Stupid happens to everyone even to geniuses.
• Funny Facebook Groups: Just joined People Who Always Have To Spell Their Names For Other People. Now, I wonder if my mom conspired against her two daughters. Siblings’ names: Elisa and Michael.
• 10 Craziest Cookies: Nom nom.
• My BlackBerry Is Not Working: Hilarious with a creative twist. Special thanks to codeman for subtitles.
• Crack up at the Crandall Family Christmas Cards: Wish I had that kind of courage and creativity. Scroll to bottom and work your way up so you can see them in order.

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Credit: Shawn P. Calhoun

Overwhelmed this week and next in hopes to wrap up many things before the kids’ winter break. At least, I know my limit and adjust rather than pressure myself to write up something because I do it most Fridays. Despite the hectic schedule, I took the time to drive through my neighborhood to admire my neighbors’ hard work in decorating their yards. So beautiful.

So on with the show…

Brain food…

• Q&A: MFAs and Metaphors: I’ve been keeping the idea of getting an MFA in the back of my mind and watching for programs. The big question: Is it worth getting an MFA? Getcher answer.
• Shut up and get to work: Need motivation. Go here and click links until you’re motivated.
• The 9 Biggest Myths about Finding and Following Your Passion: Even dream jobs have bad days. Like the article says… enjoy the ride.
• What You Should Say to Your Client When Their Payment Is Delinquent: Tough situation. Good advice.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• 16 Drinks Named for Authors and Their Books: If you create your own, what would you call it? [Link: Jane Friedman]
• In Color: Architecture Photography: Wish I knew another word for “Wow!”
• Fiverr: What people will do for $5. Some of it is unethical like “posting four positive reviews of your business or product.”
• Life Back in the Day: 18 ads from the ’70s: 30 to 40 years later… whole new meaning. [Link: Laura Spencer]
• Hot Wheels Extreme: In honor of my son who has a giant collection of these miniature cars.
• Christmas by the Book and a Recyclable Christmas Tree: A writer’s dream Christmas tree? Could make it an annual thing… different book types, colors, etc.
• Star Wars Alphabet: Too bad this didn’t come out when my kids were toddlers. Too cute.

How are you doing this holiday season?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Meryl Evans

Image credit: getwired

Merry Christmas to all my friends who celebrate. Enjoy your time off and the spirit of the holiday. I hope that everyone takes at least one day off and do something that makes you happy.

Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting. Thank you for connecting with me outside of this teeny place on the web. Thank you for being you.

Brain food…

• 91 Journalism Blogs and Websites You Will Love: No Kidding!
• The 10 Biggest Mistakes We Made So You Don’t Have To! Excellent, excellent advice.
• Top 10 Everything of 2009 from TIME: You know it’s the end of the year when the best of lists start popping up.
• 6 Unexpected Events That Can Take Over a Web Worker’s Life (and How to Deal With Them): I’ve been sick for the past three, a time when I needed to be well especially since the next two weeks are slow and a time to be with family.
• Ten Thousand Tweets Worth the Effort? I agree with conclusion, “I just want to say thank you to all the people I’ve met on Twitter and who put up with my endless stream of rants.” Thank *you*. [Link: Karen Swim]

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• Christmas Lights: Guitar Hero style. Holy rockin’.
• Letters of Note: “Correspondence deserving of a wider audience.”
• Top 10 Geeky Christmas Decorations: May the force of Christmas be with you. Live long and celebrate.
• 12 Creepiest Children’s Books: OK, why is If You Give a Cat a Cupcake on there? Agree with Mommy, Why Is There a Server in the House (Published by Microsoft, heh.)
• 6 Animals That Show Mother Nature’s Sense of Humor
• Sketchy Santas: You’ll smile. I promise.

Gary Rosenthal Menorah

Congrats, Kathlin Sickel for winning a copy of Andy Hayes’ ebook. No matter how you spell it, Hanukkah is a minor Jewish holiday that grew because of Christmas. However, at least it’s fun — you can’t say that about many Jewish holidays.

Please vote for your top 25 books on writing.

Brain food…

• 7 Traits of a Good Twitter Friend: Could not have said it better and agree with it wholeheartedly.
• 7 Reasons Editors (Might) Toss a Submission (Plus Prompt): Does your book pass submission muster?
• Quit While You’re Behind: Why You Shouldn’t Be A Writer: Not listening… gonna keep on making a living writing… yes, siree. [Link: Guy L. Gonzalez]
• 11 Sources of Free or Low-Cost Training: If you’re unemployed, try to find networking groups in your area. They might know of programs that subsidize training.
• Questions for Small Business Owners to Consider Before Writing a Book: You may have a great idea for a book, but is it enough to forge ahead?

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Hanukkah: There’s gambling in Hanukkah. It’s called the dreidel game.
• How a Web Design Goes Straight to Hell: In honor of all my web designer friends.
• A Doggy Christmas Surprise: And mine just sits there looking at me like I’m nuts.
• My Parents Were Awesome: Look at the kids now. Can you imagine them being mature adults? Look at the parents… can you imagine them acting like the kids?