Express Your Voice Via Art

Encouraging my readers to speak out their thoughts, I usually assume in my articles that there is someone for them to talk to. However, in some relevant cases there might not be anybody to whom they can speak. For instance, if the person has already passed away, or if you lost contact with whom you intend to address, then you might want to find an alternative way of liberating yourself from your message.

My experience is that creating art is a valuable alternative in cases when nobody is receiving your message. You might offer that you just could write your thoughts down without any creative art process. This is obviously true, yet remember that a picture tells more than thousand words. Please also regard that there is a variety of creative art methods to choose from: Paintings, sculptures, computer images, mandalas, printing and collages. I have just mentioned a few possibilities, but you can be sure to find dozens of others out there.

Which way to choose is up to you. I suggest you select the method which you like the most, or the one that fits the best to your specific message. Whichever method you choose, imagine the person or group of people you want to address, and think of what you have to say. Let pictures come up whenever they like. Maybe you want to include the respective person or people into your art work, or you might prefer to symbolize your message in a picture or figure. This process can't be controlled, so I recommend you to just stay open to whatever appears in front of your inner eye.

As soon as you have discovered this picture, start to translate it into forms and colors. Stay in the process until you think that you have finished your first draft. Focus on your inner feelings, and ignore what others might think of your draft. Then take a break. I am very serious about this last instruction, as I know how difficult it is to step back from your work and look at it from outside, if you don't have a break in between. Make sure that you show your draft at this stage of the process solely to people who you expect to support you. In case it is a personal art work, you can decide to keep it to yourself.

Again it is up to you, if you continue to work on your first draft, make changes, and finish it, or if you leave it what it is - a draft which means a spontaneous expression of your inner voice. The main expression process has finished with creating the first draft. Your thoughts and images are out there, manifested in a personal creative art work which will hopefully show you a new perspective on your topic. However, it will do at least one thing for you - it will liberate you from the inner conflict of wanting to express your thoughts but not having an opportunity to do it.

If there is somebody who could receive your message, it is still a valuable method to create an art work from your inner images. Courageous as you might be, you can even show your draft to the person who you intend to address. Expressing your thoughts by speaking with this person might cause an immediate verbal reaction. However, if you have a creative art work to show, this person might sense that the topic is relevant to you, and answer in a composed way. Therefore, expressing yourself via creating art is a valuable way whether or not there is somebody who could receive your message.

Andrea Brigitte Klee Author and Speaker E-Mail: andreaklee@gmx.net EXPRESS YOUR VOICE Supporting you to convey your thoughts, encourage listening and make an impact. http://www.express-your-voice.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Klee

High Ticket Marketing - Announcing 4 Secrets to Make Money With High Ticket Marketing

Nobody makes money online without the help of internet marketing. Even if you have the best products and services to sell, if you don't know how to properly market them online, I am pretty sure that you'll struggle just to make a decent sale. So, you must learn the art of internet marketing especially if you are selling high ticket information products. Here's how you can do that:

1. Video marketing. Video marketing cannot be more popular these days as more and more people are resorting to online videos when they are looking for information and when they would like to be entertained. As such, it is a smart move to create your own videos about your products and post them on video sharing sites such as YouTube so you can easily widen your reach.

2. List building. It's very challenging to convince people to buy your products and services and it's virtually impossible to get them to purchase the first time they visit your website. That is why, it is very important that you take time to make some follow-ups. You can send these people with emails ads and newsletters so you can increase their interest on your offerings. But first, know how to obtain their email address beforehand so you can communicate with them without getting spam complaints.

3. Affiliate marketing. If you want to spend most of your time creating your high ticket products, you can leave the marketing part to the hands of the experts. Hire affiliate marketers who will be more than happy to advertise your offerings using the most advanced and effective marketing tools in exchange of commissions. Yes, you will need to pay these people for their services but you can be assured that they can help you boost your sales and revenue in no time.

4. Website. Nobody will possibly do business with you if your website is full of affiliate links and if it's a soar on the eyes. Eliminate those blinking texts, do not use yellow fonts, and remove that blaring streaming audio that can annoy your visitors. Make your website much easier to download, visually appealing, content-rich, and quick to navigate. Then, make it search engine-friendly by sprinkling generous amount of popular search terms all throughout your web content. Don't forget to build numerous backlinks through article marketing and forum posting.

By the way, are you a coach, consultant, entrepreneur, speaker, small business owner or online marketer who is tired of getting paid less than you are worth for your coaching and consulting? What if you could learn how to package and sell your coaching packages for $4k, $8k, even $12k or $25k and enroll multiple clients per month at those prices? To begin learning how you can sell your own coaching for between $4k and $25k per client, download my new recording: "How to Sell High Ticket Products Online" here: High Ticket Selling Secrets Sean Mize teaches coaches, consultants, and small business owners how to package their knowledge and sell it in high priced coaching, consulting, and online class packages. Sean says "If you have an existing marketable service or skill that you can teach others, I can teach you to package it into a high-priced class or coaching program, guaranteed" Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_R_Mize

Business Cleaning Services For a Spick N Span Office

A clean, well-maintained office is essential to any legitimate business, not only to impress your clients and customers, but also because an office needs to meet certain health code regulations. If your office does not have regular staff experienced in business cleaning tasks, your working conditions could become very unhygienic and unpleasant.

Cleaning is a very unglamorous task, and there are many things to consider. Some of the areas that need to be tackled are floors and carpets, drapes and upholstery, stains, bathrooms, glass and other furniture and garbage disposal.

It difficult to find reliable janitorial staff who are good at every little aspect of this activity. Most businesses would rather not deal with low-paid labor. The best solution is to outsource these tasks to a contractor whose staff is experienced in dealing with them efficiently and economically.

A good business cleaning firm would provide a wide range of janitorial services that make your office maintenance easier. Some of these services include:

* Window Polishing: This is hard work and should ideally be done by a professional who possesses all the proper equipment for this task including a squeegee. The cleaning of external windows in particular involves some risk to life and limb, and should only be handled by an expert.

* Odor Removal: The growth of micro-organisms such as bacteria, mold, and mildew is what usually creates those typical odors in an office. Mere shampooing cannot get rid of these bugs. They need to be treated with specialized chemicals.

* Bathroom Sanitizing: This involves a lot of work, namely emptying waste, refilling dispensers, disinfection of floors urinals, wash basins, commodes, metal partitions and walls, and reporting defective plumbing.

* Drapery & Upholstery: This requires knowledge of the fabric and types of special chemicals that can be used, as well as an understanding of their application. Some upholstery will come with a "professional clean only" label. For the sake of your expensive furniture and décor, these tasks should only be undertaken by a professional.

* Carpet Shampooing & Stain Removal: A professional service will vacuum all carpeted areas and use steam cleaning or hot water extraction to take care of spills, remove smudges and marks and other stains. This is not something that an amateur or maintenance staff can handle.

Business cleaning services will also handle miscellaneous tasks and areas like appliance and telephone sanitization, walls and ceilings, wood floor care and solid waste disposal. They also have the advantage of being able to provide quality service and materials, state of the art equipment, superior quality workmanship and dependable labor.

Instead of worrying whether your office janitor is goofing off and whether your premises are presentable before an important client visits, you can be assured that qualified professionals are taking care of your business cleaning needs. Talk to a number of firms about the various services they offer. Get them to inspect your office and give you a free quote before you consider hiring them.

A company that cares for its image cannot compromise on the quality of its office cleaning service. Hiring a reliable business cleaning service is an essential business expense and an investment that is well worth the cost.

Don't risk a messy office when your best potential client walks in the door or the health department. By hiring a business cleaning service for your Atlanta Office Cleaning needs, you can work easy knowing that your carpets and drapery are tidy, and your bathrooms are spic and span. http://www.atlantaofficecleaners.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Mindfulness Meditation For Healthy Blood Circulation

The following article is a mindfulness meditation I practice from time to time when I want to give a "conscious boost" to increase the health of my blood flow, blood chemistry, and improve my overall circulatory system function for optimum health.

As a two time open-heart patient survivor at age 39, I am obligated to monitor the health of my blood both as prescribed by my cardiologist to maintain my blood's Protime ratio (thin relative to thickness of my blood) to prevent blood clots, and also as part of my conscious intention practice to harness the self healing power of the mind/body connection that we all have access to, and are personally responsible for optimizing.

For this meditation you will need a few ingredients...

1) At least 5 minutes
2) A quiet peaceful place to meditate
3) Sunshine
4) Fresh air without congestion
5) Conscious intention
6) An open mind

Begin by finding a quiet place where you will be exposed to a moderate dose of sunlight. This could be your backyard, in the court yard of your office building, or if you live in the inner city... a park close to your home.

Next sit in a comfortable position facing the sun so that you can feel the sunlight warming your face.

You may be aware of times when you've laid on the beach or caught a few rays on your break how when your eyes are closed, you can still see a soft reddish glow shining through your eye lids as your eyes are still "seeing", but are actually seeing the sunlight shining through your eyelids.

To begin, stare briefly into the sun and then close your eyes. You will see a bright dot of light that has been impressed upon your inner mind, which is actually the reflection of the sun like when you look at a bright light bulb that creates an impression of light in your mind, when you close your eyes.

Focus on this dot of light as it fades away to center your brow chakra for the purpose of this meditation (conscious intention.)

At this point of concentration, we are going to focus on your blood's circulation that is literally being illuminated through the sunshine shining through your eyelids.

As human beings, our bodies are designed to absorb nutrients from the sun. I won't go into the biochemical process that occurs here, because as long as we know that we're absorbing healthy nutrients like vitamin D from the sun... that's really all we need to know to practice this mindfulness meditation.

As you are observing the reddish glow appearing through the back of your eyelids, focus on the specs of shadows and light that appear to look like blood cells flowing through your eyelids.

Actually, the shapes, forms, mind art, and vein like streams are literally the refraction of light caused by the blood flow that is literally flowing through your eyelids, as the sun shines through them.

Eventually, the blood cells that are flowing through your eyelids, will arrive at your heart, your legs, and your brain as your blood flow circulates throughout your entire body and recycles itself 3 times every minute.

When you observe the blood flowing through your eyelids being illuminated by the sun, you will eventually notice how the shapes that seem random, are random yet are flowing in a certain direction as the blood follows the natural blood stream of the veins and capillaries that are under the surface of your eyelids.

During this mindfulness meditation, focus your intention on the blood that is constantly flowing through your eyelids, and travels to every other part of your body.

All the while the blood vessels that pass through your eyelids are transmutating sunlight and delivering it to every other part of your body through your circulatory system.

While practicing this mindfulness meditation, focus intention into each blood cell that passes over your eyes, and speak to it reciting healthy affirmations like; "as each blood cell passes through my eyelids, it absorbs all the healthy nutrients from the sun that my body needs, and is restoring my blood chemistry to perfect health. My red and white blood cell count is at it's healthiest. My cholesterol level is optimum. My blood renews and regenerates itself delivering essential nutrients to every part of my body carrying with it the light of the sun!"

Yes, it's true! And it's also true that our skin absorbs the rays from the sun to soak up vital nutrients as well. Your blood actually absorbs light from the sun as the nutrients we absorb from the sun are transformed and delivered to our bodies, as our body converts light energy into the actual nutritional resources we need to function at our optimum health.

Practice this easy Healthy Blood Mindfulness Meditation for 5-20 minutes at least once per week, and not only will you feel more alive and rejuvenated as you increase the communication through conscious intention between your conscious mind and the cells of your body, you will most likely appear healthier as your skin beams with a healthy glow.

If you live in hotter climates like the Sonoran desert like I do in Tucson, AZ, be sure to limit your exposure to the sun so that it doesn't exceed healthy levels. We all need a certain amount of sun light to both receive nutrients from the sun and to well... just feel alive and enjoy the sun shine on our face, but over exposure to the sun can have adverse effects as well. Live well!

To assist you in quieting your mind for this mindfulness meditation, you can download a free guided meditation music sample you can load into your mp3 player to take with you when you find a peaceful place to do this mindfulness meditation. Simply go to http://www.MyMonkBuddy.com to download a 5 minute "Twilight Wind" free meditation music mp3 and loop it in your mp3 player for the duration of time you choose to do the meditation.

Featured at the core of this 5 minute "Twilight Wind" sample, is an audio technology called Parallax(TM) Audio Neurotechnology that is designed to relax you very deep, and does wonders to eliminate your daily stress, worry, and anxiety. Parallax™ will literally synchronize the left and right hemispheres of your brain influencing what neuroscientists call "brain synchrony", and "hemispheric synchronization". It's time to heal and let go of the stresses of the world!

Lewi Glenis is a two-time open heart patient survivor who had to find a way to eliminate stress from his life, and to heal deep heart based energies. Lewi is a certified hypnotherapist, neuro-linguistics practitioner, and music therapist practicing and living in Tucson, AZ USA. Lewi is also the founder and creator of MyMonkBuddy.com, the "Shinka" - Guided Meditation System, and pioneer of Parallax™ Audio Neurotechnology... an advanced form of binaural beats audio technology designed to guide the listener's brain waves into the deeper meditation and relaxation resource states of the human mind. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lewi_Glenis

Port Elizabeth, South Africa - What to See With Your Car!

You may not be aware but Port Elizabeth is highly recommended as a family destination, with many attractions designed to entertain children. Not only that, it's ideal for young couples and also honeymooners, who can enjoy the vibrant nightspots, beachside attractions and great shopping. Algoa Bay boasts 25 miles (40km) of golden sandy beaches mapped by
the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Attractions in Port Elizabeth

Bayworld

Bayworld is possibly the most popular attraction in Port Elizabeth. It's a beachfront complex featuring the Oceanarium, Museum and Snake Park. The Oceanarium has an entertaining dolphin show, aquarium tank where you can view the vast array of marine life, including sharks and turtles through the glass! The Snake Park has a wide range of snakes to view. The Maritime Museum at Bayworld focuses on sea trading in the area in times past.

Market Square

The architectural heritage of Port Elizabeth can be discovered through a leisurely stroll through the central city Market Square, which is dotted with many historic buildings. The City Hall, built in 1858, is topped with a gorgeous clock tower.

Donkin Reserve

Located on a hill towering above the city centre is a stone pyramid monument with an adjacent lighthouse. The area was named after the British Governor of the area of the 19th century. The lighthouse was constructed in 1861 and this is where the tourist information centre in the city is situated. In the centre you can get a map, which describes a three-mile discovery trail through the hill area and city centre, taking in many historical sites and architectural beauty.

St George's Park

The park boasts well-landscaped gardens covering an area of 73 hectares. Home to the world famous Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, and perhaps the oldest Bowling Green in South Africa! The park is also home to the 1882 Edwardian Pearson Conservatory, a national monument filled with lilies, orchids as well as other exotic plants. An excellent arts and crafts fair is held here every second Sunday.

What to see on a self drive tour

It's recommended by most tourist advisors that you hire a car to take in the many beautiful sights and local attractions in the Port Elizabeth area. The following are some of the most popular excursions that we recommend in the area:

Addo Elephant Park

The world-renowned game reserve, the Addo Elephant Park is located just a 45 minute drive from the city. The reserve is home to more than 300 elephants, and the park was recently enlarged. The park was originally created in 1931 to protect the remaining 11 elephants in the area. There are other animals for you to enjoy watching in the reserve, namely black rhinos, zebras, and warthogs. You can have a guided game drive in the reserve, or conduct a self-drive tour using the map you will receive when you enter the park. Accommodation is available here, and also a large restaurant and picnic sites.

The easiest way to get to Addo Elephant Park is to take the N2 highway from Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown, and follow the signs for the park from there. The park is 72km from Port Elizabeth.

Shamwari Game Reserve

The Shamwari Game Reserve lies less than an hours drive from Port Elizabeth and the park has been a huge success in re-introducing animal species into the plains of the Eastern Cape, chiefly lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo. You can also visit an African art and culture village to sample the local Xhosa culture. This is a private game reserve park and a multi award winner for its innovations.

To get to Shamwari from Port Elizabeth, follow the N2 highway on the Grahamstown road for 65km, turn left at the Shamwari sign (R342) for 7 kms, and then turn right at the Shamwari entrance sign.

Grahamstown

Grahamstown is located 125km to the northeast of Port Elizabeth, and is overlooked by the 1820 Settlers National Monument, which is an arts and theatre complex where the town's annual Arts Festival is held in July. There are several museums in this town, and it's home to the renowned Rhodes University as well as top private boarding schools.

Grahamstown is located just off the N2 highway between Port Elizabeth to the west and East London to the east.

Jeffrey's Bay

A short drive, approximately 70km, from Port Elizabeth lies the surfing paradise of Jeffrey's Bay. Also known as "J-Bay" the seaside town hosts the World Billabong Professional surfing contest every July and is famed for its perfect waves for the sport. The town is bustling during peak season, with several stores selling surfing equipment, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants. The long stretches of sandy beach around the town are also renowned for their shells.

Take the N2 West highway from Port Elizabeth to get to Jeffrey's Bay.

Molweni Game Reserve

Molweni Private Game Reserve is located in a wilderness area of the Eastern Cape. It hosts a multitude of activities for you, the visitor and you will be guaranteed a warm welcome. Horse trail safaris, hiking, mountain climbing, biking, and the wonderful Nguni Cattle Roundup on horseback is something to savour.

Take the N2 highway from Port Elizabeth to King Williams Town, then take the R63 left to Adelaide, and follow the signs for Molweni.

Maitland Nature Reserve

The Maitland Nature Reserve is located 30km west of Port Elizabeth. Spanning 127 hectares, there are some interesting nature trails that you can discover the dense forests by. The main trails are the Sir Peregrine Maitland Nature Trail, Igolomi Nature Trail and the magnificent De Stades Nature Trail that covers a total of 9km and affords majestic views of St Francis Bay and the Maitland Dune Mountain. Take the N2 west of Port Elizabeth to get to this wonderful Nature Reserve.

Other areas to visit include the neighbouring towns of Despatch and Uitenhage, which form part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, an administrative area that covers the Port Elizabeth area.

Presently, Port Elizabeth Harbour, waterfront and city centre are being upgraded before the World Cup 2010. The city is one of the venues for the World Cup games. There are also plans to upgrade Port Elizabeth Airport.

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit Novacarhire.com for all you need to know before you take to the roads in South Africa, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. Book your Car hire Port Elizabeth now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mairead_Foley

Wholesale Video Games - Distributor Power Selling Insights!

Knowing how to work with wholesale video games distributor is not an art, neither a secret. Knowing how to work with your partners, affiliated companies that bring in the money is nothing else than a science. Sciences as in do this, do this and do this in order to get a specific result.

With a friend you do certain correct things to keep and maintain the relationship healthy in order for it to last for many years. With a spouse you maintain very important habits such as effective communication, financial security or freedom, great sex and a very health being both in spirit and psyche and you've jackpot. When it comes to a relationship with your source of merchandise it's pretty much a set of patterns to maintain a healthy profitable relationship.

What is a healthy profitable relationship when it comes to your wholesale video games distributor? There are many rules, principles and set of things you could do to keep your relationship fine with your source of products or services and those set of pattern habits that improve it. Here are some of them:

Keep your payments in a specific day every month and on time. If you had a business relationship for products being sent to you for Ipod accessories and Xbox 360 accessories, would you rather get paid in different days of the month or just in one specific set date every month for the quantity specified? There is a difference between a small business that ask for 20 items today and 30 items the next day for many months and a small business owner ordering from a source one time a month for a given quantity without fail.

The difference, his organized, professional and knows his business. Little things that are very well taken over a given time frame from your partner. Treat the relationship like gold so you get only yes out of him in the long run. This will help you a lot over a period of time.

Another gently illustrated tip for your business whether it is for games, Ipod accessories, or any type of profitable product or service rendered by your source to you is to keep your method of payment the same for long periods of time. There is nothing more annoying to have inconsistent patterns of payments out of a small business owner for months on eBay, on the internet or by any selling means from a customer. It is just more work than the one already involved from the business itself, especially when it comes to offline payments.

Keep it all electronic, it is even safer. You might say that as long as the source gets paid it will not matter, right? That will do for at least one or two months, but not for a longer term relationship. When it comes to your relationship with your source of products or services, keep your patterns consistent and predictable for a healthier relationship whether it is for a wholesale video games distributor or any other accessory giant online.

Finding Wholesale Video Games is one of the business components Joaquin serves as reference source, e-commerce coach and certified author. His focus today is assisting people receive extra income through the acquirement of an in-demand Video Games Distributor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joaquin_Reveron

Improve Your Writing by Improving Your Listening Skills

One of the best tools a writer can learn is the art of listening. Actually, learning to listen is a useful tool for any human, period.

Instead of actually listening and taking in what the other person is saying, our minds race. We start formulating what we want to say in return, or cataloging all the similar experiences that we have had so that we can talk about them when the other person shuts up. Or maybe we worry that we don't have anything to say, or that we'll be expected to have something to say and nothing will come out. We worry about what we look like or maybe we're even worrying about something we did before the current conversation.

If we're not worrying about ourselves, we may well be judging the person we are supposedly listening to. We judge the speed of their delivery, or think dire thoughts about the awful outfit they have on. We judge the funny expressions they make as they talk. Or the way they are shredding their napkin as they speak.

But all of this is worrying and judging, not listening. Why does listening matter to a writer? Because writers need to observe the world and everything and everyone in it in order to gather material. Writers need to listen to conversations of others to obtain an ear for dialog and how people interact with each other. We need to listen to others in order to understand what it is to be human. Because, after all, that is what writing is all about--describing the human condition.

So start schooling yourself in the art of listening. Consider taking notes to stay present, if you are in a workshop or seminar. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and pull your mind back if it wanders. This works in one on one conversations, also. The best listeners summarize information mentally as they go, ignore bad communication styles, and refrain from judging the speaker until they are finished.

The gist of it, of course, is staying present and not letting all your mental chatter distract you, whether that mental chatter is worrying about yourself or judging the speaker. You might just be surprised what happens--to you and your writing--when you start listening deeply to the world around you.

Charlotte Rains Dixon is a ghost-writer, novelist, and creative writing teacher living in Portland, Oregon, with frequent trips to LA and Nashville. She directs The Writer's Loft at Middle Tennessee State University. Visit her site, http://wordstrumpet.com for articles on creative writing and the writer's life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlotte_Rains_Dixon

Complete the Magic With Tasteful Decor in Homes

Giving your country homes or log cabins that authentic country look and impression is quite easy. Complement your furniture with a sophisticated blend of home décor and country-inspired lighting. And much like your furniture preferences, you have an array of options to satisfy whatever creative ideas you have for a home décor theme.

Polished woodwork goes well with metal furnishings and diverse themes of fauna and flora in intricate patterns and cool shades. Log beddings of various designs and colors would suit log beds of either beaver cuts or square ends. You can match them up with wildlife gifts and quilts. Carved bookstands go well with country bookshelves and hardwood desks.

A metal candelabrum gives your room a timeless appeal especially with scented candles casting a warm glow on chilly nights. A choice of rustic or western bedside lamps would be excellent alternatives. A touch of modernity on the bedside imbues a subtle connection to the outside world. Mirrors with wood or metal frames are also great in addition to western bathroom decors.

Your country style living room sofa blends perfectly with a choice of oriental rugs or themed carpets that match your bedroom wildlife theme. You can affix in a collection of throw pillows and seat cushions for a comfy, pleasant ambiance. A combination of wood and some ceramic vases with intricate design patterns can give your rustic cabin a chic look. You hold a variety of hunting art, wildlife crafts, nature trinkets and more to choose from for your living room décor.

Your kitchen shouldn't miss your design sense either. From rustic pot racks to antique china and silverware, you'd find something to go with your central theme.

Rustic Decorative Lighting
What gives your log cabin or country home its charm is a warm glow from strategically placed light sources working together to cast a balmy radiance. Specialty shops that market a selection of rustic cabin décor carry a wide array of country lighting solutions. Pick a combination of small accents that go well with your decorating theme. Lamps come in a number of motifs and tastes, even different themes.

You get a selection of patterned, ornamental, or vintage lamps, wildlife-themed lamps featuring bear, moose and deer designs. You might also want to see some rustic table and floor lamps to match. Wall accents can be of rustic, cabin or antler sconces.

The chandelier may perhaps be the most prominent home furnishing. Whether it's hung in the living or dining room, a classic chandelier casts elegance into the room and brings the rugged beauty of your countryside or log furniture to life. Complete your wildlife home décor theme with a graceful antler chandelier or any other wildlife chandeliers that feature different wild animals. If your preferred theme is reminiscent of the glorious years of ancient west, a rugged wrought iron chandelier would be an excellent pick.

The secret to an inviting, cheery feel is not so much in what you put into your dwelling but in how you put them together. Decorating can be very simple yet elegant. The key is to have a clear vision as to what you want to achieve in terms of the look and ambiance of your home. Of course, designs can always use a personal touch.

For more information on Log Cabin Furniture and Prefab Log Cabin Kit please visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Urmann

An Altogether Sportier Luxury Yacht Charter - Aboard a Mangusta 108

Enjoy the wonders of a luxury yacht charter on the Mediterranean onboard FOUR FRIENDS luxury yacht, specifically designed for speed and comfort.

The Mangusta 108 is a maxi open with absolutely stunning lines. The 5,400 horsepower of the twin engines awakens your senses as you skim across the Mediterranean Sea at 35 knots... Motor yacht Four Friends has a sporty nature and combines high-performance with the personalization and comfort of a traditional motor yacht. Lunch in the midst of the world's jet set at the infamous club55, Saint Tropez, an afternoon of jet skiing and water sports, or just relax and be pampered by the onboard masseuse whilst at anchor in a secluded bay. The craggy coast of Corsica, the marvellous beaches of Sardinia, the unsurpassed pure style of Portofino or the beautiful tranquil bays of the islands of Porquerolles are journeys Four Friends takes in her stride.

Absorb the majesty of the Côte d'Azur on board Four Friends. Whether it is corporate entertaining, team building or just pure pleasure for you and your family, Four Friends, ­designed for safety, speed and ­comfort.

Her already tasteful interior was completely refurbished for 2007 to include plush cream soft furnishings creating a luxurious area for relaxation after a day of fun on the French Rivera. Sleeping 6/8 guests in 3 en-suite double cabins, with the option of a convertible double bed in a convertible day cabin/massage room (ideally suited to children), Four Friends is very accommodating. Each cabin is equipped with TV, DVD player and sound system, the master cabin offering large flat screen TV.

The aft deck has ample sunbathing areas along with an outdoor eating area, the perfect setting for your personally designed menus by the on-board chef. Forward you will find a vast sunbathing area with folding hood to ensure total privacy.

The main saloon with seating area is equipped with flat screen Sky TV and DVD player and leads to a further dining area with removable roof section.

Wayne Toohill, a professional and experienced captain will be staying on board for a second season along with the Chief Stewardess, Chef, Engineer and 2nd stewardess/masseuse ensuring the continuation of a successful team. Four Friends makes an ideal base for the Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, MIPIM, MIDEM and many more and is looking forwarded to impressing charter guests this summer.

On board facilities include "state-of-the-art" satellite communications and entertainment systems in all ­cabins, fully equipped galley capable of producing formal gourmet dinner parties for up to 12 guests.

Specifications:

Builder: Overmarine Italy
Type: Mangusta 108
Year: 2003
Length: 33.5 M
Beam: 7.10 M
Draft: 1.22 M
Engines: 2 x MTU 12V 2.735 hp
Propulsion: 2 x Kamewa 63sII Water Jet
Range: Approx. 400 NM
Cruising speed: 35 knots
Maximum speed: 38 knots
Air conditioning throughout
Toys: 2 Jet skis
Cruising area: South of France
Commercially registered at Kingstown SVG and fully compliant for charter use
Max. Nº of guests: 12 cruising - 6 sleeping
Cabins: 3 (1 master, 2 double)
Option to use dayroom
Crew: 4/5 in 4 cabins

http://www.bluewateryachting.com is an exclusive yacht charter company specialising in luxury yacht charter in the South of France. Whether you are interested in a Mediterranean yacht charter, Caribbean crewed yacht charter or a South of France luxury yacht charter, we always provide a first class service. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rumble_Romagnoli

Staging Diva Reveals Her Top 5 Home Staging Tips

There are so many small things home stagers can do to a property that will dramatically shorten the time it spends on the real estate market while increasing the final sales price for home sellers.

Here are my five favorite home staging tips, so you can help each property you stage sell faster and for more money:

1. Reduce drive-bys

Imagine you're on a home hunting mission. Your real estate agent has ten properties to show you on a Saturday afternoon. When you drive up to what could be your dream home, you see a rusted-out mailbox, broken handrail and children's toys strewn across the lawn which hasn't seen a lawn mower in weeks. You're probably going to say, "Um, no thanks, let's move on."

Curb appeal is so important. If the outside of a house looks like this, a potential buyer is going to think nobody cares about it. You should make sure, no matter what, that lawns are freshly cut, leaves are raked or snow shoveled from the driveway. A potted or hanging plant can make a big difference near the entrance. Repair or replace any obvious defects, often this is cheaper to do than a prospective buyer will imagine. Make sure the walk ways and porches are swept clean and garbage and recycling containers are tucked away at the rear of the house or in the garage. Make sure the exterior gets a good pressure wash and the decks are scrubbed clean. It's a good alternative to painting and once everything's clean you might see it doesn't need to be repainted at all - perhaps just a touch up will do.

2. One man's junk is not necessarily another man's treasure, it may be their reason not to buy the house

De-cluttering is essential. Tackle one area at a time so the task isn't so overwhelming. If you're doing this with your client, make sure they look at each item carefully before deciding whether it's to keep or to toss. Each closet will probably have to be gone through more than once to get its contents down to the absolute essentials, but it will be worth it. If the home owner is having a tough time parting with things, recommend they rent a storage locker so they can keep their beloved items, just remove them from the house they're selling. They'll have to move it eventually anyway!

3. Avoid wandering eyes

You want to make sure there are no little problems in a room that will have a potential buyer looking from one flaw to another thinking about they work they'll have to do. You want them to see the bigger picture and imagine themselves living there. For example, do a walkthrough and look for chipped paint on the door frames. These can be filled in with "white out". Old nail holes can often be hidden behind strategically hung art, but don't just throw things on the wall where the old nail was (see point 5). Peeling wallpaper should be glued back down. Make sure there are covers on all electrical outlets and light switches, and replace any that are cracked. These little things make a big difference!

4. Color is your friend when it's time to sell a house

If you have to repaint a home's interior, or some rooms in a home, try to choose a pleasing color palette that allows each room to flow nicely into the next. All colors should go together. Try to repeat one signature color throughout a home. Maybe it's the feature color in one room used as an accent in the others, through accessories or throw cushions.

5. Make a big impact with a little art

By strategically using art, you can enhance a home's perceived value, draw the eye away from tiny flaws, give an otherwise uninteresting space a focal point and replace personal memorabilia.

Position art at eye level and use pieces that are appropriate to the size of the wall. Art with a large frame on a small wall can make the entire area seem smaller. Avoid religious art, or anything edgy that could be offensive to some potential buyers.

Entrepreneur and Home Staging expert Debra Gould, The Staging Diva®, knows how to make money as a home stager and has taught over 1000 others to do the same. Discover her secrets to business success in the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Gould

Expatriate Women in Asia - Getting a Life

Due to the large number of working spouses resisting their partner's assignment abroad, employers have realized the need to provide solutions to reduce this resistance. Fortunately, along with globalization and the Internet have come chances for trailing partners, e.g. starting your own business as a portable career or embarking on an open-learning concept.

Despite initial resistance, experienced expatriates like to pass on this advice: there will never be a dull moment and time flies. Although you may not be able to imagine at first, there are many chances to get a busy life.

Finding a job as a spouse does not automatically imply happiness in some places and you may be much better off with alternatives you never ever considered in the first place. All you need to do is to adjust your expectations and to realize that success does not always come with money!

First I would like to remind all of you that this may be the perfect time to plan for a baby! The quality of life for a mother (or father) in Asia is tremendously increased by the opportunity to engage a live-in maid or even a nanny. You do not have to miss out on night life nor are you restricted from traveling. Just take along the maid and the baby.

And there is still plenty of time for you to try the following options, which may look equally attractive in your CV or resume and offer new experiences:

Take a Degree or Course Online

Google the following keywords

• Medical courses
• The British Council
• Open University (Singapore and Hong Kong)
• International Center for Distance LearningMaster of Business Administration (University of Durham)
• Real Estate US
• US Paralegal Studies
• University of London-External Programs
• Sheffield Hallam University UK
• International Center for Distance Learning
• Thames Center for Open Learning Singapore
• Jones International
• St. George's University
• Accounting, IT, Securities
• Get Educated
• E-Learners
• European Languages Online
• Japanese Online
• Chinese Online / California State University
• Cartoon and Design Online Larkford Community Center Canberra
• Art Online / University of Pittsburg
• Global Center for Women's Studies and Politics

Take Up A New Hobby

• Sing in a choir
• Master a new sport
• Learn a new skill
• Help the Less Fortunate
• Organize charity events for your children's school
• Become a volunteer
  

Engage in Clubs and Schools

• Join the Parent Teacher Association
• Organize a local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
• Become active in women's/business clubs
• Give talks about your hobby or job or home country

Teach a Special Skill

What you may have taken up once by yourself in your country to enjoy can turn into a much asked for skill to teach locals or other expatriates.

Set Up Your Own Business

• Become a freelance writer
• Write a book
• Create your own web site
• Become a web master
• Learn the local language and culture and become a tour guide

Jacqueline Reischel is the managing director of enterShanghai.info, an award-winning online Shanghai expat guide. The web site features a Shanghai property search, relocation tips, career guide and other information for expatriates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacqueline_Reischel

Spirituality - Creativity, Art and Healing

The creative process is the fundamental dynamic of all innovation in every field and discipline. As history teaches so well, it can be expressed for the greater good or deeper ill, but this essay chooses to focus on its positive values in creativity, spirituality, arts and healing. Creativity is often misunderstood to be an act of the ego and intellect. In truth, the creative process is fundamentally a spiritual one. When the imagination is in flight, we are moved to give form to this inner life. Creating charges us with energy. We are grounded in our bodies, yet the creative act takes us beyond ourselves. We exit the world of reacting and enter the delicious world of creating, where we lose track of time. By acting, we bring spirit into matter. By acting, we love our creations into being. Creativity is vital for well-being and spirituality, not just for artists, but for everyone in their own way. When we engage our creativity, we engage our spirituality. In creating, we re-create ourselves. In re-creation is healing and restoration, and the intimate connection between healing, spirituality and the creative arts.

"A fish is born to swim, a bird is born to fly, and a human is born to create." I am not sure where that quote comes from. But it cuts to the essence of our creativity. In an early Gnostic Christian Gospel, Jesus states: "If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you." "Destroy" is a dramatic word, and is probably meant more figuratively than literally. But if we are not expressing our inborn creative gifts, we feel loss and pain that may cause us minor to serious trouble. Our hearts will surely hurt, to one degree or another. Julia Cameron, an author who designs wonderful tools for unleashing the creative spirit, makes the observation that creativity is a heart-centered pursuit. She noticed that embedded in the word "heart" is the word "art." Also embedded there is the word "ear." Many spiritual traditions involve the art of listening to the heart. So, when we create art from a heart-centered place, we are practicing our spirituality. While in the creative state, we become grounded and in touch with both the core of our individual essence and the universal "ocean" of creativity.

This is not to say that the creative process always feels good. Added to the recipe are various helpings of fear, resistance and anxiety. We often need to pass through a threshold of discomfort in order to create what is calling to be created. Art is inherently connected with spirituality. Along the creative path we confront many aspects of ourselves, and meet many opportunities for growth. On this road, we face attitudes and behaviors affecting our creativity. We learn to change perceptions, overcome obstacles, stay in touch with our bodies, identify and listen to our intuition, gain more insight, and trust the connection between creativity and spirituality. When we are creating from what arises in the heart, we are in touch with animating power. When we are present and living in connection with the moment, the portal between the inner life and the deeper universal well opens. While deeply and creatively engaged in our present, we are simultaneously creating our future.

Article by Barbara Bowen, founder of: http://www.GatewaysCoaching.com - the definitive source for Creativity Coaching and http://www.GatewaysToAction.blogspot.com

Email Barbara your questions about creativity coaching, art career growth, or creative action projects through her Web sites. She would love to hear from you.

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Support For Art Careers in Transition

We artists want to answer the call to creative career change, but we also prefer to stay in familiar territory - precisely because it is familiar. The circumstances of our creative project or career direction may change drastically. If so, it is highly important that we adapt to the changing circumstances and switch course. But we have to work through resistance in order to do that, and sometimes it's hard. Fear of change can immobilize us; the antidote is to take action. Fear can actually be good for art careers in transition. Fearing things may get worse can prompt us into action. It can prompt us to get the artist support we need. But fear is not good when it's so intense that it weighs us down. Often it's unwise to wait until we are "ready" for change. It's often better to look 90 degrees to the right or left and take that first step into the unknown.

As an Artist Career and Creativity Coach, I notice that clients often feel a strong undertow toward maintaining the status quo (i.e. to keep the Creatively-draining job, or stay mired in relationships that run counter to their Creative core.) No matter what we are feeling at the moment, it's important to take a deep breath, and begin to move...slowly. The good news is: it gets easier. Once we are past the gate, the art career in transition feels easier. We come to realize that it's actually safer to stumble around in the newness than to remain where we were. We begin to wonder what the heck took us so long to move out of the stagnant position! Movement takes us out of fear and into the moment. Our energy is transferred from fear to problem solving. And the journey feels better and better.

The bad news: it ain't over yet. New desired outcomes rarely come fresh out of the gate. It takes some time. Often clients seeking art career support form a new, desirable vision that doesn't pan out in the short run. This can be very discouraging. The fear may creep back in at this point, to a rather high pitch. We might start imagining a frightening scenario. At this point, there is a strong tendency to revert back to old situations no longer working. Now it's most crucial to keep faith that the new direction will bring results. We must look into the fears born of our imaginations - stare them down, and laugh them off. It helps artists greatly to imagine actions they would take if unafraid, and then employ them.! As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "We must do the thing we think we cannot do." Many an artist in transition, upon learning to sustain through discomfort, will discover help and nourishment. They begin to feel freed up and more alive. The road is challenging, but nothing as dark as we had feared. The journey of change actually becomes something to enjoy.

Creativity is empowered when artists in transition imagine a new situation before finding it. We must bring the mind's attention away from what we are losing and shift it to what you we gaining. Change does not have to lead to something worse. If fact, much more often, it leads to something better. With a positive attitude about what is possible, we feel more energized. We will notice missed opportunities along the way--things we might have pursued and won if we hadn't waited so long to act. If we had changed course soon, we'd have moved forward sooner. If we'd entered the swing of change, less time would have been wasted in denial, hesitation and fear. When this happens, we can digest the lesson and regard it as a signal that another opportunity is around a corner. If we keep going. Creative doors shut, yes, but others open. Old beliefs will not lead to new desired outcomes. New beliefs about our creativity and art careers encourage new behaviors. When we quit returning to worn out beliefs, our behavior begins to shift. Gradually, we will notice that we are behaving differently, because changed beliefs lead to changed behaviors. We can choose to resist change, believing it will harm us. Or we can choose to embrace change, believing that a new situation will improve our creative lives and art careers. Losses teach us to change course earlier.

By learning the lessons of change, we are empowered to move out of denial the next time we face a changing situation. We take new steps with less fear and create new positive outcomes. An added benefit is we are empowered to share this learning with friends and other loved ones.

Article by Barbara Bowen, founder of: http://www.GatewaysCoaching.com - the definitive source for Art Career and Creativity Coaching and the action blog: http://www.GatewaysToAction.blogspot.com

Email Barbara your questions about creativity coaching, art career support, or creative action projects through her Web sites. She would love to hear from you.

Do you need content?

You may use this article on your website, or in your newsletter. The only requirement is inclusion of the text above, including the active links. Thank you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Bowen