Idea Clinic - Week 4

Although this is the last post in this series for the month of April, I will continue the Idea Clinic, at least once a month. I hope this month you've started to look at everything around you as a possible blogging idea, or at the least a source for one.

Materials needed:

Idea Notebook

Week 4 - The Long Way Home Exercise

We are creatures of habit. Each day, I drive to and from work taking the same route, and chances are you do the same thing. I can probably drive to work with my eyes closed. Truth be told, I might as well have my eyes closed, I pass the same things so often, that I no longer see them.

Several weeks ago on my way to work, I noticed flags hanging from poles all the way down the street for several blocks. They read, "Change Your Life." Apparently they've been there a while. I just never saw them. That leads me to the exercise...

Take an alternate route home, to and from work. Even if doing so takes you longer, or out of the way. While you're driving or riding notice the people, places, or things you pass or encounter. Log five writing ideas in your idea notebook.

Assignment: With one of those ideas brainstorm, research, interview, and/or make a visit. Write a post, making it work for your blog. Don't forget to link your post in the comments of this post.

If you're just joining the idea clinic, the following is what you missed:

Week 1 - Yellow Pages Exercise
Week 2 - #Hashtag Exercise

Week 3 - Magazine Exercise

Idea Clinic - Week 3

Week three of Idea Clinic, designed to cultivatefresh, and interesting writing ideas for Kicka$$ Content,  promises to be just as interesting as weeks one and two.

Materials Needed:

Idea Notebook (See week one for details)
Magazines

Week 3 - Magazine Exercise

Chose three magazines, with one of another genre than your blog. Browse, read, and analyze ads, articles, and pictures for post ideas. Log five ideas in your idea notebook. Consider the following:

For Articles:

• After reading an article what questions do you have? Your readers may have those same questions.
• What do you think the article left out? There is room for a certain number of words. Articles may provide one angle, when there are several. What angle can you provide? 
• What else would you contribute to the article?

For Ads:

• What products/services in those ads do you love... Why?
• Which product/service have you wanted to try? This is your opportunity. Buy it, try it, and tell your readership about the experience.
• Don't forget about product reviews.

One of my favorite places to browse magazines is the doctor's office. There are magazines I like, some I've never heard of... Although I'm not a golfer, and would generally look over Golf Digest, there maybe articles, ads, or pictures that will spark a great post idea.

My second favorite is when standing in line 10 deep, at the grocery store. I've found blogging, and dinner ideas, as well as a summer lip color standing in line browsing magazines.

Assignment: With one of those ideas brainstorm, research, interview, and/or make a visit. Write a post before next Tuesday, making it work for your blog. Don't forget to link your post in the comments of this post.
If you're just joining the idea clinic, you can catch up.

Week 2 - #Hashtag Exercise
Week 1 - Yellow Pages Exercise

Idea Clinic - Week 2

Welcome back for week two of Idea Clinic, a month long series (Tuesday's in April) to cultivate fresh, and interesting writing ideas for Kicka$$ Content.

Materials Needed:
Idea Notebook (See week one for details)
Twitter

Week 2 -   # Hashtag Exercise

Peruse Twitter and find five (5) hashtags posted in Tweets that interest you. These hashtags should not be ones you don't use. 

For each hashtag come up with two post ideas, and write them in your idea notebook. You should have 10 ideas this week.

Assignment: With one of those ideas brainstorm, research, interview, or make a visit. Write a post before next Tuesday, making it work for your blog. Don't forget to link your post in the comments of this post.
Example:
(From my Daily Favs list)

#gno
#ICanDoThis
     - Finally contacts
     - My weight loss journey
#GirlPower
#foodcalendar
#MustSeeTV

If you missed:
Week 1 - Yellow Pages Exercise

Idea Clinic - Week 1

Last week in Where Ideas Come From , I announced the start of a month long series, an "Idea Clinic," (Tuesday's in April) to cultivate fresh, and interesting writing ideas for Kicka$$ Content.

While in graduate school, I learned from one of my instructors, there is such thing as a bad idea. Generally, a bad idea is one that leaves your reader with not enough researched information... poor content. Yes, I said the "R" word. Unless your post is ALL about your personal experience, research is a key element to a great post. First things first, we have to get to the great ideas.

In this series you will participate in exercises to spark those great ideas.

Materials Needed:
Notebook
Phone book

You should have an idea notebook... a notebook for ideas ONLY! No grocery list, "to-do" list, or anything else. If it is a sectioned notebook, you may use one of those sections for writing post from your ideas.

Why an idea notebook? When an idea strikes, instead of scribbling them on a sticky notes, a napkin, or the back of an envelope, you'll have a central location for all of your ideas. Carry this notebook with you at all times. Ideas come from nowhere, and everywhere without warning.

Week 1 - Yellow Pages Exercise

a.) Find a page related to your blogging genre or category in your phone book's yellow pages, and select one page. If you're a fitness blogger, check fitness, gyms... Foodie blogger try restaurants, gourmet... Travel blogger - travel... if you can't find anything pertaining to your genre or category... b.) Select any page at random.

With the page you selected find five ideas, and write them in your idea notebook.

Assignment: Take one of those ideas brainstorm, research, interview, or make a visit. Write a post before next Tuesday, make it work for your blog. Don't forget to link your post in the comments of this post.

Note: Ideas can be one word, a sentence, paragraph, or several pages. It depends on how much thought or inspiration comes with that idea.

Example:

My random yellow page is 'Fence - Fire' - 5 ideas:

1. Fertilizers - Reviving almost dead house plants... I have a brown thumb, and through the winter, I've almost killed my philodandrons. They're brown and green, so maybe there is hope.

2. Fire escape route for my family

3. Financial planning for retirement

4. Time to replace the fence in the backyard

5. A backyard retreat

Ideas Out of Thin Air

Many writers, including blogger's experience writer's block. Writing on demand, day after day, or several times a week becomes increasingly difficult. After a while, the well of ideas start to run dry. Trying to negotiate world peace may seems easier than pulling a writing idea out of thin air.

Ideas are everywhere! In fact, after a conversation with Krystal Grant a few days ago, I had the idea to do a month long series... an "idea clinic," Tuesday's, in April, starting next week. By then I hope to come up with a clever name.

Through the idea clinic, we'll cultivate fresh, and interesting writing ideas for (using a Blogalicious11 workshops title) Kicka$$ Content.

What you'll need to participate... an idea notebook, open mind, and at least 30 minutes one day a week to complete an exercise.

Three Is The Magic Number

Yesterday, my blog turned three years old. I am enjoying the ride of social media so much, and hope it NEVER ends. In the next year, I plan to make a few changes with the look, it's growing up, and it should reflect our maturity.

In trying prepare for this post, I over thought what I wanted to say, recorded three different vlog post and erased them all. That's why it's a day late! School House Rock's 'Three Is The Magic Number,' is better than all I could put together.

Yes, I'm Still Blogging

No, I haven't abandoned my blog. Since school is out, and my schedule is lighter for the summer it seems like I'd have a lot more time to blog right? Sorry about the neglect.

I have so much to tell you about, like the Ambassador day at Petit Jean Meats, and Arkansas Women Bloggers Unplugged miniconference, my class reunion, and so much more.

Until then, check out my recent MyBlogalicious post. I hang out there on Tuesdays.

An Intimate Picnic
5 Dinners Dad Will Love
Cooling Summer Treats
Summer Time and Iced Tea

What have you been up lately?

On The Move

I started out this morning with moving my media blog. It has fewer post than this one, and I'm still working on building readership. So I figured, what the heck, I'll try that one first.

Surprisingly, everything went really well. I downloaded the blog into a file, and exported it from Blogger, and imported everything to Wordpress. Without a hitch, success was mine. That is until...

I was trying to figure out these plug-ins. I'm just not quite grasping how to add them. Then I looked at my URL, and noticed a (dot) wordpress (dot) com. I missed something, the blog has to be mapped. *Huge sigh*

That's the very reason Mrs. Jones, suggested moving my blog, and working out all the kinks before the makeover. She is so very smart, and talented! I love her blog designs!!!

Not really frustrated, but after having enough for one morning, I'm resting. Moving is a lot of work, whether it's moving from one house to another, or moving a blog.

I need a nap!

A Change Gone Come

Soon, things will start to look a little different around here. I'll be changing the name, the look, and maybe even the platform of my blog.

For a while now, I've thought the name of my blog is a mouth full, and I really want something a little shorter. "40s~Reasons To Live, Love & Laugh Out Loud," stretches the length of a business card, and is hell trying to put on a t-shirt! Soon, I'm going from that loooong name to simply "40-Tude." Although the name of the blog will change, the URL, latonyarichardson(dot)com will stay the same.

I like the look of my blog, but it is time for something different. With a name change, the look has to change as well, right? Right! It's like a new hair color, it has to come with a new cut, style, or wardrobe. Like an upgrade, if you will. I love upgrades.

For a while now, I've considered changing the platform of my blog. I started here with Blogger, and considering packing up, and moving to Word Press. As excited, as I am about making changes, changing platforms really has me nervous. I am familiar with Word Press, I use it as a Editorialista for MyBlogalicious, and my church's blog site that I maintain. I've gotten the hang of it, and really enjoy it.

As things start to change, enjoy the transition with me. I feel like I'm growing up, almost like graduating and commencing to the next phase. *Insert Pomp and Circumstance*

Do you have any suggestions to make this transition easier?

Ultimate Blog Party 2011

I'm LaTonya Richardson, and this is my very first Ultimate Blog Party! I consider myself a lifestyle blogger, with mommy blogger tendencies. I write about the adventures that are my 40s, cooking, walking, (when I'm motivated to, which can result in very sore feet), and occasionally, my family. I'm also a Editorialista for "My Blogalicious," and a Twitter Junkie!

This year not only am I participating in the Ultimate Blog Party for the very first time, I'm sponsoring a prize on my media blog LaRich Media. With the Picnik Premium Photo Editing Package, you can create collages, and add details to your pictures, and so much more.

Don't forget to follow this blog, follow me on Twitter, and let's be friends on FaceBook.

I'm already tardy to the party, so I guess I'll be seeing you around!

A Snow Storm & Live Blogging



The last post of the day, my family knows how to enjoy a snowday!

___________________________________________

3:30 p.m. - Snow still falling, and we now have about 5 inches. My daughters had to finally get out and enjoy the winter wonderland! They made snow angels, raced and rolled around in it like little pigs. No they're not five. The older they are, it seems the more they really enjoy. It's so fine and powdery it's a little difficult to make a snowman. Maybe a snowman tomorrow.

_______________________________________________



1:00 p.m.  - It's not snowing hard, but it's been snowing steady! We're now at 1 1/2 inches, and the snow hasn't let up at all! Baby girl went out to measure the snow, and dance around in it as well.

___________________________________________________

Picture taken at 10:45 a.m.


11:30 a.m. - I've always wanted to live blog! And today's weather presented that the perfect opportunity to live blog, and be a weather girl.

We're having a snow storm, with the expectations of 8 - 10 inches. Throughout the day, I'll update with cinchcast, blog and vlog post of the snow storm's progress. I'll also share a glimpse into how my family survives snowmageddon.

________________________________________________________

8:35 a.m. 

Cinchcast "It's Snowing."

28 Day Blogging Challenge

About 3 weeks ago, I joined the 12 Week Blog Shape Up, on Mom Bloggers Club. One of the assignments for week 2 & 3 is create an editorial calendar. I have struggled with this big time! It seemed like I just couldn't buy a writing idea!

I thought if I got organized, it would help the process. Like other things I want to know, I tweeted to find out who else uses an editorial calendar, and what do they use. I got several helpful responses.

Fawn of Instead of The Dishes, response lead me to Angela England'sarticle, and finally to Blog Energizer's blogging calendar and planner.

Armed with a way cool blogging calendar, and a few more ideas than I started with, I considered challenging myself. Lets face it, if I don't have a real reason to do the editorial calendar, I won't. I'll keep doing what I've been doing... coming up with by the seat of my pants ideas. I'm not knocking it, it's worked okay, for the past two years. But if I plan on growing as a blogger, I have to do things I've not done before.

The Challenge: For the month of February, I will write a fresh new blog post everyday. That's 28 days, including Sunday! On the days that I post on My Blogalicious, I may cross post. I'm reserving that right.

With the challenge to start just next week, I got busy beating the bushes for ideas! I went back to Blog Energizer, where they have great ideas, through Mama Kat's writer's workshop prompts, pulled out my old notebooks of ideas, and flipped through magazines. Excited, I have 23 days of ideas so far. Instead of filling those other five days, I plan to leave them open in case I come up with other ideas during the month.

I'm going to blog, vlog, an interview or two, and even a music video! Yes, I said a music video. I've been wanting to do one for a while. Do you have any suggestions?

If you're up for the challenge and want to join in, I'll add a linky, and we can support each other through out the month. Let the blogging begin!

195... 199... Post 200!

Wow! I can't believe I've reached post number 200!

I know, you're wondering what's up with Wonder Woman? I've said before, I'm not Super Woman, but I am a "wonder," hence Wonder Woman.

It's been about 10 days since I made a post. Knowing it would be post 200, I wanted it to be great, prolific, ground breaking... you understand.

I mulled over ideas, jotted things down, started writing time and time again. And nothing. Finally I decided, in true Wonder Woman fashion, I'll use my magic lasso and pull it together! I truly feel like I've struggled on this post more than any other.

I started this blog two and half years ago as a way to chronicle the decade of my 40s. And it's opened up doors, possibilities, opportunities, and a whole new world to me.

Not only do I blog here, I blog a few other places. I have three Facebook accounts, I'm addicted to Twitter,  love to Skype, and STILL the Mayor of WalMart on FourSquare. And that's not all! I'm more social media savvy than all of my children, and most of my students!

I've made great connections online with people in my city, state, several states away, as well as on the other side of the world. I have bloggy budies, digital sisters, and I belong to a tribe. It all started with this little ol' blog.

I've enjoyed the ride so far, and looking forward to where this journey takes me. I have plans, big plans, stick around, and lets enjoy them together!

A Change Gone Come

Recently, I didn't make it to the Blogalicious Conference. And they had a great time without me, *sad face.* Neither did I make it to BlogHer this summer. None-the-less, it didn't stop me from keeping up with what was going on. I read live blogs, and created streams on hootsuite, for each conference's Twitter hashtag. I was in.the.loop!

The Saturday of Blogalicious, I woke up bright and early, got my Coca-cola and planted myself in front of my brand new computer, and watched the tweets roll in. I was responding to tweets, retweeting, and commenting as if I were there. I considered myself the "Blogalicious home liaison."

I've even had the opportunity to gain a little insight through posted videos on Youtube.

For a while now, I've been thinking about what I wanted next for me, like my 2.0. I've finally figured it all out, and how I'm going to get it done. And part of that translates to my blog. In order to get my 2.0 on, some changes have to take place, I'm "Rebranding." That's one of the lessons I learned from my home conference experience.

I'm starting with the name of my blog. Yeah, I'm changing the name, but only slightly. It's still all about me, and my 40s. You have to admit the name is waaaaaaay too long. If it was my URL... it's just too long, a mouthful even.

And as much as I like my rather new blog design, I think I'm going to tweek it just a little more.

I feel like I'm about to get a new haircut. They make me feel like a new person, or at least a new personality.

Have you gone to a conference recently, or followed one online? What did you learn from it?

BlogHop '10

I found the neatest thing, Blog Hop '10, Robin at PENSIEVE'S is hosting the 3rd Annual Blog Hop! Created as an at-home opportunity for bloggers to meet and greet during BlogHer's annual conference.

What's a Blog Hop? Glad you asked... check out the Blog Hop '10 post, and be enlightened! Now that all the preliminaries are out of the way, here goes...

A little about me and my blog

• I'm a 40-something wife, and mom of 5, one young adult, three teens, and a tween. Yes, bless.my.heart.
• I love all things social media! I'm a Twitter fanatic, like to Skype, and reigning Mayor of my Wal-Mart, on FourSquare.
• I'm a "Foodie," in training, and a wanna-be "Travelista."  
• I'm a lifestyle blogger writing about my journey through my 40s, and all that goes with it. I realized, there is so much I've not done, and trying my best to get to it. But often I get side tracked, life happens, and I write about that too.
• You can find me from time to time at Woman's World Magazine, and as a regular Editorialista at My Blogalicious. 

Okay, that's the skinny on me. If you're already hopping, I hope you're having a great time. If not, what are you waiting for, get going!

I'm Blogalicous...

Since July 1, I've wanted to shout to the world Paul Revere style, My Blogalicious, is coming... My Blogilicious is coming!

Today, I can help announce, the ladies of Mamalaw Media Group, (Nadia Jones, Nyasha Smith, and Stacey Ferguson, otherwise known as Justice Jonesie, Justice Ny, and Justice Fergie), have launched My Blogalicious.

"My Blogalicious is a virtual community of multicultural bloggers serving as a destination for news, entertainment resources and op-ed content for women of color online. The site is an extension of the meaningful and uplifting conversations that take place each year at the Blogalicious Weekend conferences. Our Blogalicious community is devoted to celebrating diversity in social media – we invite you to enjoy!"

- My Blogalicious

         
Why am I so excited? I'm glad you asked... I am one of the 13 women contributing to My Blogalicious.  How cool is that! Once a week, I'll have something to say at My Blogalicious.

I know you want to... so go ahead, click through, and enjoy!

I Tried, & I'm Giving Up!

My son plays football, and he's very good! He's good enough to go to college on a football scholarship. At the end of last year we learned it's not the coaches responsibility to promote the kids, but the kids themselves (which means the parents).

College coaches want kids to have a digital presence. Load their highlight footage, stats, all that jazz. Technology has changed even the recruitment process. Loving all things social media like I do, this is right up my alley. For months now, I've said I was going to put publish a blog for him. My blog is on Blogger, and I've heard so many wonderful things about Wordpress, that I wanted to try it.

I don't know if I'm just used to Blogger or what, but Wordpress has given.me.THE.BLUES!!! So far all I've managed to post is "Under Construction," and a picture of him as a header. It has literally given me a head ache!

This morning I tweeted, I wouldn't give up. This afternoon, I'm waving the white flag, I surrender!

Has anyone left Blogger, and gone to Wordpress? How did you like it?

Guess Who's Getting a Blog Makeover?

Me! Me! Me! Me! It's Meeeeee!

For the longest time, I've wanted a new look. There was just this one problem holding me back. Okay, two.

First, I didn't know what I wanted. I knew what I liked about others peoples blogs, but I still wasn't sure. I couldn't possibly combine allll of that!

Second, and this is the biggy... that other obstacle is me. I was just over thinking it way.too.much! When it comes to getting a hair cut, I'm all in. Just do it. If it gets jacked up, we'll cut it all off. I can always start over, it's just hair! And then there's... my blog being a direct reflection of me, and I want to make sure everything is perfect!

I looked at a lot of blogs, and websites of blog designers, checking out their portfolio's. Okay, I'll confess, I've been lurking and stalking since my bloggyversary in September. And there is some really good stuff out there.

Last week, I took the plunge, sent an email, got a response, and I'm getting a new look. Amber, for Designs by Amber is on the case.



Her portfolio is the bee's knee's. Instead of giving her a headache with a whole lot of direction, cause, I still don't really know what I want, other than orange, and fun. I am totally confident in her abilities.

So one of these days, you're going to click on my link, and boyaw, I'll have a new look, and new attitude! Maybe not the attitude, I was feeling all Patti LaBelle for a minute.

Check her out, she even does Twitter backgrounds. How cool is that!