They say a change is as good as a rest. I can attest to the fact, that this is true; however, making change sometimes comes without rest. 

Today is the last day of November and it seem a most fitting time to let you in on changes that have been happening on our website. You may have stumble across some already, but in case you haven’t, and are wondering what I am yattering about, here is a little run down of what’s been going on behind the scenes.

Next came a place where you can see what we are up to. A Schedule of events we are attending, new products being unveiled and promotions we are offering. ​

To end this part of our redesign, we have reduced the amount of drop down headings. Oh, don’t worry, all of our previously listed topics are still there, just organized a little better (we think).  If there is something you think is missing or can’t put  your finger on, let us know and we will redirect  you to its new location.

We do have a few more changes in store, but for now, here is an index of the new look.

Home - Where you will land if you type in AnnEdallRobson.com
Home Drop Down - Dames On the Range. Get to know this group of ladies I am a part of.
Home Drop Down - Keeper of the Words. Where you will find some of my writings other than my books.
Morning Muse - The place to be on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday’s. You’re here now!
Reviews - See what others are saying about us
Schedule - If it’s happening and we’re involved, it’s here! Home to current events that encompass our website, functions we’re going to/support, special pricing of our product, new products, and discount codes.
Contact - Send us a note, anytime. We’d love to hear from you
Shop - The word says it all.
Cart - Purchases can be made with Paypal or Credit Cards using PayPal and Square Reader. 

So what are you waiting for? Take a rest and have a look at our changes.

Let us know what you think.  ​

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life

My two passions, writing and photography are professions that are definite SOLOpreneur status. 

It is difficult to have a conversation with people who look at what I do as a hobby. You see that glazed deer in the headlights look come over their eyes at the first mention of the word author. Throw photography into the mix and in no time, they are in need to use the powder room. 

Joining groups and organizations (in person and on line) is one way of getting what you do out to the masses. It throws you into the blender, but if you don’t hit the pulse button and reach out, you might as well save your time, money and stayed home.

We take the time to join groups, attend meetings, maybe get involved in the cause. Why? 

If you own a business, are thinking about being your own boss or need to get out of the house occasionally, getting involved with like minded groups has its benefits. Sometimes!

If business is your game, you are most likely looking for networking opportunities, support, feedback and general camaraderie. You go with the plan to give what you can, with the anticipation that there will be those already in the group that will reciprocate. 

Unfortunately, it would seem that there are more and more people who take the plunge to infiltrate organizations with the thought that they need to take as much as they can without returning so much as a passing glance. I am told this is “just doing business.”

Well, I have to tell you, if this is doing business, I would rather stay at home and take my chances that my marketing strategy or lack there of, will make it on its own. But will it? 

There will always be a few who have the same moral and ethical convictions. They gladly help without question. Knowing you will do the same for them. 

The old fashioned term for this is a called "neighbouring". These are people you can turn to. They will help promote you, they will encourage you, they will be a sounding board for plans, project and yes, failures. They in turn know you are there for them when they need you. 

Pick and choose the groups you want to become involved with. Do your homework. Talk to people you know are already involved. This holds true for local involvement and online groups. Above all, don’t be afraid to opt out if you find they aren’t what you thought they would be. 

Are the organizations and groups you belong to worth your time and effort?

Like I said, answering yes to each question was easy for me. 

​
​Shopping at local small businesses is nothing but a win, win situation. I get to visit with the shop owner. I am always welcomed. The service I receive is genuine, and I know the product I am purchasing goes a long way to please several people . . . shop owner, me, the recipient.

I am also able to contact home based businesses I have become acquainted with either in person or online. These I know are unique gifts. Often one-of-a-kind pieces, well made and well worth the asking price. 

​I am not afraid to ask for a gift list from those I purchase for.  I also, keep a notebook with me that allows me to jot down ideas when we visit. These lists are used year round, and when it comes time to make my purchases, I have a selection of items to choose from I know the person on the receiving end will like. I like to hunt for “just the right thing” for the special people in my life. Yes, I buy gift cards (occasionally), but usually only when specific stores or style have been listed. I would prefer that my gift not have to be returned and a gift card does allows for that. 

Gift giving for any occasion, should be from the heart. Take the time to know the likes and dislikes of the people you buy or make for. The look of surprise, the smile it brings, the twinkle of excitement in their eye and the heartfelt thank you from a look of appreciation are all gifts you get to keep and cherish in your mind for a long, long time. ​​

Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life

In an earlier post, I discussed How Many Pinterest Boards is Enough, and mentioned the necessity of downsizing the number of boards I have.

Truth be known, I have moved one to a Secret status, which means only I can see its contents; and, changed the destination Board of some of my pins. 

Today seems like a good day to continue with the downsizing project. In doing so, I will share the steps needed to change your personal boards to Secret and/or move pins to other boards. It is a simple process either way, and it does help to keep things tidy. 

Remember, the idea of this downsizing is to organize your Pinterest account as a place to promote your business. Having said that, if you are just looking to clean things up a bit on the personal side, these steps work for that too.

Christmas is another Board I have. Let’s face it, this should be a Secret Board mostly because the things I would save there would be for my own use should I want to reference them for the Holiday Season. 

1. Open the Board you want to make into a Secret Board.
2. Just above the name of your Board, there’s those icons again.
3. Click on the pencil (Edit Icon).
4. Scroll down to Secret
5. Click on the button to change it to Yes
6. Your Board is now secret. It will appear at the bottom of your Board page. And, like it says, only you and people you invite can see them. 
7. You can make a Secret Board public again by following these same steps and changing Secret to No.

These few steps, along with ones found on Climbing the Pinterest Ladder are just a few hints to help move in the direction of using Pinterest for Business.

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life

Stories, poems, vignettes. All in one place. Some paired with photos. Some left to your imagination. 

Moon Rising truly is and eclectic collection of my writings. Bound together for your reading enjoyment. 

​Read what others are saying about this book. 

From the pages of Moon Rising: An Eclectic Collection of Works, I share a snippet of The Valley. 
​
. . . It was then that we could feel the ground shaking. Our horses started snorting and sidestepping. The sound on the wind was a rumbling mixed with frantic whinnies from the animals in the valley. 

Trying to sound braver than I was feeling, I quietly asked, “What’s going on Granddad? Why are the horses running?” He never said a word as he motioned to me with his hand to keep quiet and stay put. He turned his horse to the top of the rise; at the same time he pulled his rifle out of the scabbard.  I was scared because I knew the gun was only ever to be used for a few things; shooting wild horses was not one of them. 

I busied myself pretending to calm my horse. Patting his neck all the while, watching Granddad from under the brim of my hat. As I thought of all the things that could be going on, I wanted to yell out to him, “Wait for me.” I knew better. This was serious.  

With his rifle in his hand, I watched as he stepped off his horse and dropped the reins. Slowly, he made his way to the edge of the ridge. Every move he made was like a slow motion movie. Never once doing anything that might call attention to his position. He leaned the rifle against a tree and brought the field glasses up to his eyes from around his neck. Somewhere inside my head I screamed, what do you see? Not a sound dared come from my lips. 

Then I saw him move towards the rifle. He calmly picked it up and brought it to his shoulder.  Without hesitation, he aimed down the valley towards the herd that I knew was there.  My voice was locked inside me, screaming at him not to shoot the horses.  I heard a shot and one more right after it. This time, my voice was real when I yelled out, “Granddad!” He lowered the rifle and turned towards me to once again motioning for me to stay put . . . 

To read all of this story and others that have been included in Moon Rising, you can purchase your own copy at the following locations: 

Recent travel for a fun family event, the trip was made by air. Jotting thoughts. Taking pictures and enjoying the somewhat road rutted ride, (that is a nice way of describing turbulence),  we reached our destination. 

A 90th Birthday was the highlight of our time away, but we managed a few mini road trips and were able to capture some interesting and beautiful fall life from another part of the country. 

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life