Monday, September 17, 2007
When you want info... where do you go?
Living here in the desert with a three other "city gals"... well, actually "island gals" from Put In Bay, Ohio, I often have to search for information either to support something I'm trying to explain to them, or to get my "thinking cap" cranked up.
So, where do I go for information?
One of the places I go is to a forum I found earlier this summer. It's a new forum, but is comprised of several very knowledgeable and helpful women around the world. We have members from several regions of the USA as well as Canada, and NZ.
We all share a profound joy for life, and living simply, in harmony with our surroundings. Most of us have at least a garden to enjoy, and some of us have small farms. A few of us actually have enough land and produce to have market stores, or participate in Farmer's Markets.
One of the things I really appreciate about this forum is the complete lack of "swaps, and barters", as well as no politics or talk of religion. There are plenty of forums for these activities, and I do read them, also.
I've discovered several really great ideas from the gals here that haven't been discussed elsewhere.
Here's the one idea I'll be implementing that will save us hundreds of dollars this next spring.
Another new member had asked for specifics on starting a compost pile, like the proper ratios of "greens to browns" and moisture, as well as the use of a "barrel composter". I followed up with the fact that here in the desert, our challenges are somewhat unique.
We have a lack of moisture, wide temperature swings and persistent winds.
Lucy from Boulder Belt Blog suggested I use landscaping fabric to cover the fully built pile. It will let the pile breath, while helping conserve the moisture (something a blue plastic tarp won't do). It will also allow any moisture we receive (mostly snow) seep into it . By weighing down the edges, it won't blow away in the wind.
Here's why I said it will save us hundreds of dollars... we need at least 100 cubic yards of garden-ready "dirt" this next spring to go into our new raised beds (all boxed in with 2x12's). To purchase that much dirt would cost me over $800.
Ladies of Women Who Farm... I really appreciate all your help, and I love being of service to y'all, too.
Labels: About this site, Around the farm
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Woo-hooo! Our Internet connection finally works right
Finally, a technician with the brains we needed...
For two years, we've been connected to the wrong satellite. The guy who set up our dish must have been asleep, or too hot, or just in a hurry.
Since shortly after the first of August, we've been experiencing extremely slow Internet connections through Hughes Net. The support folks thought maybe our dish had been tweaked because of all the wind we get.
So, we've waited until today for a service tech to drive over 150 miles to fix stuff. It took him less than two minutes to determine our dish was pointed to the wrong satellite. A quick trip up to the roof to re-position the dish and voila! Now we have the highest signal strength and the fastest speed we've ever had.
Now I'll be able to get stuff done in record time!
Labels: About this site
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Update on "Blog for a Year" and new press...
Has it really been a week? I'm pleased as punch to post this "Blog for a Year" update. I've broken through to page 3 on the results. With 256 votes I'm in 38th place.
Also, I've issued a press release through Free-Press-Release.com. This is a service I've used with some success over the past 3 years. Compared to other services, it is reasonably cost-effective for getting the word out. They've also added a number of new services which makes it even more effective.
You can read my press release here. Be sure to send this press release out to everyone you know. They make it very easy with simple forms to use.
How do I stack up against the other competitors?
I'm not gaining any ground on the leader. She's very popular on an extremely large social bookmarking site. You can help me overcome that large lead by voting for me daily, sharing my nomination page with your friends and encouraging them to vote for me, too.
Remember, this blog forms the basis for my new book about "The Country Girls" as we continue our adventure here in our little corner of the Escalante Desert Valley.
Labels: About this site, Around the farm
Monday, August 13, 2007
Pay Per Post... interactive monetization for your blog
I've been actively earning an income (sometimes full-time) via the Internet for over 6 years. During that time, I've searched high and low for a way to earn an income while maintaining the professional writing and marketing standards found in typical off line businesses as well as a two-way strategy to drive traffic.
Pay Per Post meets my requirements.
I discovered Pay Per Post as an active member of BlogCatalog. There were several discussion threads which piqued my interest.
My requirements:
No SPAM! Pay Per Post requires this blog maintain solid content in order to have the privilege of reviewing their offerings. That means you, the reader, will get all my good stories and only see an occasional paid posting.
Full Disclosure: I've always believed in full disclosure of who I am, where I am, etc. That carries over to what I choose to write about. As blogging has moved more to an environment which accepts a certain level of advertising, I still believe in full disclosure. Pay Per Post also insists on full disclosure. You will always know when you are reading an "advertorial".
Traffic generation: The ability to help me drive traffic to my site as well as for me to drive traffic to Pay Per Post will generate more requests for product and program reviews.
Reasonable pay for reasonable effort: Pay Per Post offers a very nice incentive program. It is not dependent upon any kind of e-mail effort. As a reviewer I am in control of the minimum offer, which gets delivered directly to my PayPal account.
With that, you can expect to see reviews of selected products and programs. I will always provide full disclosure, so you know when I'm getting paid to post.
If you'd like to get on the same program, be sure to check out the Pay Per Post badge in the left sidebar.
Labels: About this site, PayPerPost - paid advertising
Friday, August 10, 2007
My very first award...
How sweet to find a comment from Kay at "The Rustic Cottage"!
She has awarded this blog (and it's author) the "Nice Matters" Award.
Developed by Genevieve at "Bella-Enchanted", this award is passed on to seven other bloggers who epitomize "nice". They are "good people", they inspire others in the blogging community, they're good blog friends, and they work to spread a positive influence throughout the blogasphere.
So, now it's my turn to pass this award to seven others who inspire me, and who I believe are entirely deserving of this very pretty "Nice Matters" Award.
My roommate Cindy, who writes "Country Musings". You may not see much of her, as she's also extremely busy and doesn't get out to socialize much... but she's one of the nicest and most inspirational women around.
Eshtermay, author of "The Heart of a Pastor's Wife". She doesn't know me, as I "lurk" at her site. I love the inspiration and especially the lessons for women as we all grow in our faith.
Susan, the author of "Farmgirl Fare". Her blog informs, educates, entertains, and really serves as a basis for frequent inspiration.
Andrea, author of "A Ribbon Afficianado". Here's a woman who's very comfortable with herself and enjoys helping others move forward in life.
Lisa, author of "LifePrints-Good News for a More Compassionate World" searches high and low for the really "good news" of the world. What she finds will make your heart happy.
Lucy, author of "Boulder Belt Blog" is one of the real leaders in organic, farm-direct marketing. She provides a ton of inspiration to those of us just getting started. Thanks to her trail-blazing, we'll all make fewer mistakes.
Clare, author of "Farm Style by Clare" and also the "Global Moderator" of "Women Who Farm". She works tirelessly to help and inspire other women who not only own our own farms, but who are also "city girls" wanting badly to become "farm girls".
Labels: About this site
Monday, August 6, 2007
Update on "Blog for a Year!"
Time to bring y'all up to date on this incredible contest.
As of today, I'm now in 46th out of about 180. Goal is to become #1, and get paid to write this blog for a whole year.
What will it take for me to become #1?
The leader is some 12900 votes ahead of me... and she's really working the crowd at BlogCatalog. That kind of keeps me from doing much direct promotion there.
I really need your help. You can vote daily for me.
Here's how I can help you remember to vote... subscribe to my blog using your favorite feed from my "Blog Stuff". Each time I update this blog, you'll get a notification... That should help you, eh?
Ok, right now, before you do anything else... click here and vote for me!
Labels: About this site
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I've entered a contest... and I need your help!
Yesterday, as I was looking for ways to spiff up this blog, I discovered (thanks to "On the Shores of Carpenter Creek") a contest... one where the prize is really sweet.
You see, if I win... I GET PAID TO BLOG FOR A WHOLE YEAR.
Now, I'm in need of your help.
First, you've simply got to vote for me today, tomorrow and every day for the rest of the year. You don't have to make any monetary contributions, unless you feel it's really worthy to help fund this great "social networking experiment".
I'd appreciate a comment from you at least on your first vote.
More importantly, I really need your help getting the word out. Sure, I can do (and will do) some mailings. I'll do all the the things I've learned to do regarding marketing my site... but to make it truly viral... I really need your help, too.
Here's a quick step-by-step on how you can help.
1. Vote for me.
2. Tell your friends about my blog, the contest, and ask them to vote for me. Remember, you can vote once each day from now on.
3. If you link back to me, be sure to let me know, and I'll add you to my blog links.
4. I really love comments. They're good for you and me... remember the "search engine spiders"... they get hungry, too.
Ok, that's enough steps. Like I said... thanks in advance for your oh-so-welcome votes.
Labels: About this site
Friday, July 13, 2007
This blog grows up a bit...
Ok, I'll admit it... I'm ducking the outside heat.
So I at least "look productive", I'm hunkering down and getting this blog spiffed up. Yesterday, and this morning, I've been looking up other "farm woman friends" and adding their links.
Now, I really expect that you'll take the time to read some of their posts... you'll be amazed at what you learn!
What's with all the extra ads?
Well, I've got animals to feed, too. It costs you nothing but a click to help me pay the bills.
This ad service is a part of a new "international, digital community" which eventually will even have it's own digital economy.
Two other things...
First... I've been introduced to a website rating service. Please stop by Farm Divas. Rate my site, and leave your comments.
If you have a site or blog about farm women, be sure to add your site.
Second... I've begun labeling my posts (as best I can). That way if you'd like to read more posts in specific topics, all you have to do is click on the topic. You'll always get a new window, so you shouldn't get too lost.
Labels: About this site
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Too hot to dig in the dirt... so I've been digging up friends
Check out the left sidebar... "Blogs by friends" has become "Blogs by Farm Women".
Believe me, I find these gals great inspiration. Whether I'm wanting to whine about the weather, or whine about politics... or just whatever... these gals get me going.
Do you know any other women who farm? If so, leave a comment with their link. I'll take a look and if I find it interesting and inspirational, I'll be glad to add them.
One other thing... another new blog!
I've started a "weather blog". Each day (or so), I'll post about the weather here in "the middle of nowhere... Beryl, UT.
Labels: About this site
Monday, July 9, 2007
New link addition... who, what, where we are!
I've created a new link so you can see who we are, where we're located, and what our farm looks like.
Get a clear description of the brains and brawn behind this "country project".
Discover the exact location of "the middle of nowhere".
In time, you'll get acquainted with our animals... dogs, horse, sheep, chickens, and betta.
Simply click on the link under DHA Family Farm or to make it really easy... click here.
Labels: About this site