Y.I. Wednesday on Monday: Why I'm Quitting Blogging

To Blog or Not to Blog...

?

In October of 2010 I started Yellow Inspiration.
Since then, I've blogged two more projects, begun a column, been working on a book and started a business.

Life is good.

I Started Yellow for a reason and that reason has grown and blossomed into the most amazing writing experience and visions I could have ever hoped for...

Even though writing a blog is free and easy...
it still takes time...

And, writing a book and running a business 
takes more time.

This Year, My One Word is:

 GOAL

The decision to not add new posts to Yellow Inspiration is supporting my goals.

For the past two years I have treated my blog like a business; which I suggest you do, if you have one.

People invest time in you, in your words and thoughts. They expect you to deliver quality content and consistency...

I think I have done that here.

And those are exactly the reasons Y.I. will not be blogging on Y.I. anymore.

But, I will promoting Y.I. Wednesday's  on my Family Matters with Amber Blog 

because I believe readers should all have a chance to get to know the person behind the blog.

If this is your first Visit to Yellow Inspiration, don't miss the 

279 Awesome Yellow Inspiration Archives 

to get motivation, rejuvenation and laughs.

Otherwise, 
Followers can still journey with me at:
www.FamilyMatterswithAmber.blogspot.com 
www.FamilyMatterswithAmber.com
@AmberInspiration on Twitter


I will ALWAYS BE TALKING 
& WRITING WHAT I TALK ABOUT!!

What are your goals?

What do you need to let go of to accomplish them???

OK- ONE LAST LAUGH:

THE TOP 10 REASONS PEOPLE QUIT BLOGGING
(but not my reasons)
~
'Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams; Live the Life You Have Imagined.' 
~ Henry David Thoreau

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Enjoy Attending Church

Since I was a small child, I considered myself a spiritual person, and believed in my maker,

but I never felt that I HAD to go to church to be that way. 

I believed I could worship at home, pray at home or in the car, etc., and still believe.

While that was fine then, I found the more I grew in my faith, 

Being in church on Sunday was important. 

Besides showing my Father that I love him by being in his house on Sunday's 

here is a list of Why I Enjoy Attending Church:

At church I am fed (not your typical foodfood, but other nourishment):

• The words of the Lord and the story of Jesus are offered to me to help me understand
• His unconditional love and faith or felt
• I feel accepted
• I am forgiven
• I leave renewed and revived
• I know I am saved
• I am ready to give back, love more, and let go of things which are not important

You might think that being in church on Sunday is too much of a commitment and takes up too much of your time...

Personally, I think being in church on Sunday FREE's Me.

Wishing You A Happy Vacation!

It's only the beginning of August and you will certainly find, 

there are still several people going on vacation.

So, here is a poem for you or them, and as you can see, I cannot rhyme worth a darn...

THAT is why I leave it for my friend, and greeting card business owner, Deb:

Wishing someone a pleasant vacation, bon voyage, etc.,

as she found herself on a road trip to a wedding in South Carolina.

Some get there by car

Some jump on a plane

A ship in the ocean

Makes Julie refrain!

It’s always exciting

To go on a trip

The anticipation involved

Makes me almost flip!

There’s much to be done

Before one can relax

There’s packing involved

Should I take shorts or slacks?

Long sleeves or short?

A sweater or none

Hard tellin’, not knowin’

With Springtime and sun!

Anyway, I’ll be back

Sometime Sunday night

If a card needs sending,

I’ll do it up right!

Thank you so much

For the referrals you’ve given

When I see joy from others

Once again, I am driven!

“From your office or home, send someone a poem”

www.iambicchick.com

Fun Friday: Say this Word and Be Happy!

HAVE YOU EVER JUST SAID, "BUUUUUUUUUUUUUYAAAAHHH!!!!"

The actual spelling is actually: Booyah

But, seriously, have you ever just said it?

Think about a moment you were completely relieved that you reached a goal you were striving hard to hit or landed the job you always dreamed of?

I've said this phrase a few times in my life...

AND IT'S AWESOME!

I totally recommend it; it's a super release, and from what I can figure out, it has a whole lot to do with the way you are breathing and the shape of your mouth...not just the word.

Just do it....see for yourself.

Try it with different emphasis on the beginning or end...

It's guaranteed to crack a smile.

Happy Friday!

Where did Booyah come from?

I wonder what they say to themselves when they are initially accepted into the Olympics.

I wonder what the Olympians say when they win a medal?

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Like This Search Engine

I really like Fine Comb

I've used other sources for shopping searches like Nextag, but this one is simple, easy and is absent of all that extra internet junk...

Check it out and tell me what you think!

About Fine Comb

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I am Inspired by Yellow

So, what's the deal with Yellow Inspiration?

Well, Yellow is  inspiring to me, not just because it's my favorite color, 

but...because:

it's sunny,

it's cheerful,

it's positive,

it glows,

it's the color of my first car,

it's the color of my new kitchen

&

it's been my favorite song 

for seven+ years

and...

Yellow always makes me fell happy!

~

Today... buy, 

wear, 

draw, 

take a picture of, 

something 

yellow!

Carpe diem

Something busy people forget to do.

This summer, don't forget to take some time to enjoy 

the grass beneath your feet and some music in the park.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love this World Peace Poem

by Shel Silverstein

This is the sweetest poem, if you're interested in world peace...

Not just because it's written by my most favorite author when I was a kid, 

but because it's also the easiest to incorporate in your life.

Make it your goal to make someone smile and feel loved today...

Pass it on.

Fun Friday: This Video is Fun to Watch

No matter how much I want to look away, I just can't, this guy's dancing is just too fun to watch! 

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I am Proud to Support America via Indivisible

While in Starbucks the other day, I did what anyone would do when they see a cause they believe in...

I put my money where my mouth is.

I am proud to be born in America. 

Black or white, free will, freedom of religion and freedom of speech, I love America,

 and believe we have the drive, the passion and love, that a country needs to be successful, 

and it's exactly why I also want to help America grow.

We help less fortunate countries, we rally for rights, 

 give to the poor, and other causes…

We give money and walk hundreds of miles for Cancer research...

Why not give to America’s need for job growth?

It affects us all. Whether you are unemployed, an employee, an employer or own a small independently run business...

America needs jobs.

Here is something you ought to check out and something that I support.

Check out what people are saying on Twitter about #indivisible.

Our goal in America is to co-exhist, unite and be free....

And together is the only way we can do it.

Support US Today!

A Monday Poem

We all have Monday's. Some of us worse than others.

My wonderful friend Deb, owns her own greeting card company, where she writes personalized poems. I love them so much and can always find comfort, inspiration or a good laugh from them.

Read this one, it reminds me of how, with summer on the brain, our memories can fail us and can make a workday not so joyous...and... how grace and forgiveness (both from ourselves and others, can help):

artwork is property of iambicchick.com

It’s happened to me

And probably happened to you

Your memory failed

And didn’t come through

You worked through the morning

Without a care in the world

Then retrieved a voice mail

And your day just unfurled

Even with reminders

In your calendar book

You missed this one meeting

And then your heart jumped and shook

But people understand

Like I hope Catherine does

Nobody’s perfect today

At least that’s the buzz!

So, forgive me, I hope

And the lesson for me

Don’t judge others harshly

It will catch you, you’ll see

From your office or home, send a loved one a poem

www.iambicchick.com

(All poems are complete with artwork and can be directly mailed to card recipient.)

(Poem reprinted with the permission of Iambicchick.com)

An Inspirational Message from My Fortune Cookie

People don't lack strength they lack will.

Learn more about Willpower at eHow.com

Fun Friday: An Inspirational Quote for Fathers (Repost due to technical issues)

Necessity may be the mother of intention, 

but play is certainly the father. 

- Roger Von Oech

Y.I. Made This Wednesday About Nursing homes

This was supposed to be a general blog post, regarding nursing homes, (but not a Y.I. Wednesday post)... and how they inspire me to respect history, elders and the nursing homes in general...

But,  

I was not able to finish the post, 

before the untimely passing of my grandmother.

It's been a week, since the passing of my 'Nanny'.

She was the light of my soul and the one who taught me most of what I know. I've had plenty of time to think, but not enough time to comprehend. A mother who stepped in, when my own could not (or would not). A vigilant, Noble, dedicated mother and human being...who saw a need in a child's life and filled it. I respect her, and love her for that.

I mourn the passing of such a significant person, and I hope that when you see an older person, a retired, elderly, convalescent-home-bound human being, your heart will feel a certain salute...to the old mentors we will miss.

Here is the start, and the unfortunate finish of my original Nursing Home Yellow Inspiration Post:

Nursing Homes

They all have a history...
And in them, resides someones mother, aunt, wife, sister and or mother.

A few weeks ago, as my daughter sang the National Anthem at a local old folks' home, I looked on in honor, pride and respect...to all of those who came before me.

I thought of those elders who have paved the way, torn a path, been the guiding light.

I respected their truths, love and words.

I never, in  a million years, expected to be burying my own grandmother this week.

But, I am.

The feelings I had that day, in that nursing home, will never ever come close to those I have today.

She is gone...I am here...and someday, we will all be in her place.

R.I.P. Nanny.

You will not have to eat that horrible food.

You will be slim, beautiful, healthy and unwrinkled...

You will be with the Lord 

and Liz Taylor.

I love you.

Liz Taylor-
And the gaze my grandmother had in her time.
Liz was someone my grandmother not only resembled, but admired.
(A picture she would be glad to be likened to.)

Your Mind is Powerful

It is the mind that rules the body. -Sojourner Truth

Fun Friday: A Fun Poem About Political and Current Events

Remember when you were a kid and you read Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends?

Poems were fun and helped us relate, understand and sometimes get away.

A friend of mine has a talent I admire. 

She can write funny, endearing, compassionate or even serious poems,

 depending on the situation.

She has her own greeting card business which she does these poems for,

and I really felt compelled to share this particular one with you:

"This week, after President Obama’s approval of same-sex marriage, I wanted to applaud him for making a stand and send a message to all those like myself that want to be treated equally"...

If there’s someone you know

And by chance, they are gay

And you support their relationship

Well, then, tell them o.k.?!!

Think for a second

On how it would impact your life

If you were told you couldn’t marry

Your husband or wife

Many prejudicial statements

And hurtful comments are said

By people who speak

Without using their head

Why does it matter?

To anyone in this land

Who’s united in marriage

I don’t understand

Reflect on your friends

Perhaps a sister or brother

That’s in a relationship

With a significant other

And believe there’s a chance

That while we’re all alive

Equal rights will be felt

And gay couples will thrive

This is the quote she ended with:

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, 

and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

-Buddha

“From your office or home, send someone a poem”

www.iambicchick.com

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love to Listen to Chris Botti

Most who know me, know I love various kinds of music.

And, Oh, why not love Chris Botti?

Just listen, or watch... and find out....

He is amazing, enchanting and talented.

There's nothing bad about his music and if you like Sinatra...

or enjoy relaxing...

Chris Botti is for you...

What I Learned About Positive Energy on My Daughter's Field Trip

COSI SCIENCE CENTER
COLUMBUS, OH

I recenlty went on an all day excursion with my teenage daughter (and about 50 other teenagers at her school).


I know, brave, or crazy...but I learned something...and not just that teenage girls talk 'a lot'!

During part of the trip we visited COSI in Columbus, OH. COSI is a really big, super cool, hands on science center. The place was great! We had a ton of fun and I recommend a visit (it's fun for grown ups too!)

During the last 20 minutes of our visit, we were hanging out in the lobby waiting for our group to line up for the bus. And during this time there was a show up on stage.

Do you remember as a kid, shuffling across the floor in your socks in the winter, then touching the first person you reached? What happened? You shocked them right!!??

I loved doing this. It was fun and always made me laugh.

As I sat back and watched the crowd of volunteers go up on stage I actually got a bit concerned...The kids all began to form the longest static-electricity chain I'd ever seen.

As the first person rubbed his hands all over the source of electricity, the long chain of kids circled around the lobby and braced for the shock.

As they did, the boys hair began to stand up on end. At this point. the instructor discussed how 'positive energy lifts up his hair, as well as the pom-pom he was holding. Negative energy, (like the type which was about to happen) would bring it down...'

Then....

HE REACHED OUT...AND TOUCHED THE FIRST PERSON IN THE LINE!

    P O W!!!!

A CHAIN REACTION OF POSITIVE ENERGY ZAPPED EVERYONE IN CIRCLE!!!

Do you realize that all of us have this ability every day?

No, not to shock those around us with little zaps of electrons...

BUT,

 INFUSE THEM 

WITH A HUGE DOSE OF 

POSITIVE INFLUENCE!

Understand Positive Energy in People's Actions

"Will Someone else's life be brighter tomorrow because of what you have done today?"

~ William Arthur Ward

Fun Friday: Think Positive

A pessimist is a person who has had to listen to too many optimists.

~ Don Marquis

(And I'm thinking, since he can't beat 'em, he should join 'em.)

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Don't Like My IPhone for Calls

iPhone

Because it...

hangs up on accident

dials on accident

hangs up on accident

hangs up on accident

hangs up on accident

I'll be just fine if I run around like Jim Carrey does in Mr. Popper's Penguins while making calls on my iPhone...because he never hung up on anyone, and as you watch the movie you'll notice he holds the phone away from his ear at all times...

Good idea.

EXCELLENT MOVIE by the way :)

So was the book.

Quote: What's Now Got To Do With It?

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” -Ghandi

Fun Friday: It All Depends on How You Say It

Thank goodness it's not always how you look at it

Y.I. Wednesday: Y.I. Think Road Rage is Personal

Merging on or off of the highway can be a very good visual for how well some people work with others.

They don't.

How often have you attempted to get over a lane or two and found it nearly impossible to catch a break by the cars in that lane?

How often have you been driving along and out of nowhere comes a car who's responsibility it was to yield before merging, but instead just barreled into your lane?

I think this is a really good example of how some people just don't play well with others.

I've always wondered why that is...

Last week, I was traveling back from a meeting and witnessed some ridiculous road rage.

1. The blue car next to me was going along...
2. A red car put it's blinker on to get into the right lane...
3. Plenty of space, plenty of time for the blue car to allow the red car to slip into the lane without disruption....

What does the blue car do? 

Speed up once the red car has almost completed her lane change.


What does the red car do?

She slams her brakes on. (Kinda serves him right. Right?- That's what she thought.)

Why did he allow her the space, then decide he wasn't interested in being nice?

Why did either one of them decide to act this way?

I think they take the whole thing a little too personally.

Just like when someone cuts you off because you were in their blind spot and you get mad at them for 'cutting YOU off!'.

It's not about hurting you, slighting you or short changing you...

It's usually about them. We just make it about us.

Remember to yield before you merge, think before you get angry...and give grace and mercy to those who are human; just like us.

What Really Matters While Your Alive?

               There'll be two dates on your tombstone, and all your friends will read 'em, 

But all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em... - Kevin Welch

Fun Friday: When Common Sense Fails

We are lucky enough to have signs

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Believe Life is Your Classroom

Anyone can learn anything from a book, but until one actually goes through something, they will never really know what to do, or how they will react. What happens then is they gather feedback results based on what they did when they were in that situation. (Call it hands on learning.)

I used to home school and I'm still a big believer that the world around us, and the things we partake in during the course of everyday life, are actually the best lessons available to us.

There's been truth to the fact that those who continue to increase their level of academic intelligence eventually end up dumbing themselves down because they become so dependent upon 'what they learned' that it clouds some of the things they should be learning, and then how to manage in common sense situations.

Donald Trump is a big advocate for the real life classroom. He is the type of person who shares his mistakes and I respect that.

In his recent book Midas Touch, with Robert Kiyosaki, , he explains that the goal is not to arrive 'perfect', but get out there and make mistakes so that you get better.

Everyone and everything around you is your teacher. - Ken Keyes

Check this video out on Book vs. Street Smart-simple and to the point...

If you are just dying to know how smart you are, take this IQ Test.

Don't Take Yourself So Seriously

If you're going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, 

you might as well laugh about it now. ~ Marie Osmond 

Fun Friday: A Fun Tool For Readers

It's been about time to get out your Kindle's, Nook's, or just a plain old book...

It's staying lighter out longer,

the air is warmer

and it's going to be time to hit the porch or beach with a good story.

You might not have time to hit the library, and maybe your friends don't read the same genre, 

and maybe you've spent too long on Amazon viewing that long row of titles by similar author's...

Use this fun tool to get a list of books similar to those that you read now.

Pick a title you love and see what comes up.

Once the results pop up you can then click on the little book icon and it will bring you to a direct link to it on Amazon, then you can see if there are preview pages~

Happy Reading!

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Love This Product For To-Do Lists

I love utilize to-do lists.

As a business owner and mom, I always have more than one list of tasks going at a time.

Over the years, I've tried several apps, and systems, of getting priorities listed, organized, and in a safe place.

I've used:

Sticky notes (and oldy but goody, but messy)
Simple paper and pen (long hand and doesn't' jump out of the book to remind you)
Notepad app in my phone (eh, just not working)
Emails to myself (wow, don't try this at home- black hole)
Other task management apps for my computer (like iProcrastinate)

But recently I tried Producteev!

And I love it, Because:

I like to be organized
See my to-do lists at a clear glance
Use it on my phone which helps me be efficient and organized on the go and sync

I also love it, because:

I don't like to miss deadlines (and it reminds me)
I like to visual prioritize (it uses a star system)
I like to give my husband a Honey-do list once in a while and it does that!

Thank you Producteev for helping keep my get things done efficiently, while feeding my husband's app-addiction in a good way!

Things in life aren't free, but Producteev is!

Bill Gates Motivational Quote on Success

famous-wallpapers.com

"Don't repeat the same mistakes 
and don't wallow in your wins." 
-Bill Gates

Priceless Cartoon About Maturity

What could a mountain of Goats teach us about Maturing?

I don't know, but this cartoon has both and it does it well...

The most hilarious thing is if you happen to know Goats like those at the bottom of the mountain...

It's funny for a second...

Until you realize, they never seem to make it to the top.

Then it's just sad...

But, I guess they must like it there if they stay.

Y.I. Wednesday: Why I Don't Always Listen to Myself

I've found over the years that my mind can be a very powerful tool.

It can help me achieve great things, as well as not.

Because, no matter what I tell myself, I usually end up believing it.

I was headed out the door to a business seminar today,
when I left a few minutes behind schedule....

it was raining 

(okay, POURING),

Traffic was sllllllooooooooowwwww....

Pretty much at a stand still,
in three different areas during the trip
due to yes, 

three separate accidents.

I ended up in the wrong lane (two lanes to the left of where my exit was coming up-on the right).

As I watched the exit go by,

and saw no exits up ahead,

I began to get into that funk: 

"Oh, man, that's great, this stinks; I'm going to be late."
"I'll never make it."
"I might as well turn around and go home."

...blah blah blah...

----------

It's important during these times,
when my mind is negative,
that I remember it's easy to think badly

 and sometimes
it's just a way to convince myself I can't manage  a task or reach goal.

-------------------

You can be your own worst enemy sometimes so....

"Don't Believe Everything You Think" 
- Thomas E. Kida


(I didn't today.... and I had an amazing day of education and fun!)


What did I do?


I talked the complete opposite to myself...
pushing the negative b@#*! out...
and 
pulling the Positive one up by her boot straps!
~
(I arrived with fifteen minutes to spare by the way, and plenty of time to network.)