It's only Tuesday? Why do Mondays always seem to last a whole week?
Anyway, hey there. Hope your Monday wasn't as bad as mine. I just
wanted to update this group a bit with some pretty interesting
articles I've found and wrote. I'll start the first one off with an
article I thoroughly enjoyed and agree with which is called "Gratitude
- Depression Preventative and Antidote" by Steve Wickham. Depression
is a very difficult condition to deal with and yet it's something we
cannot avoid dealing it. And in this article, Steve Wickham tells us
how to deal with it by starting with gratitude. How true, how true.

The second article is geared toward people like me, into Internet
marketing. The author is (ahem) yours truly and the article's titlted
"Tweaking your web pages for search engine optimization". You see,
having a freelance career, it's more than just having a website,
planting a whole bunch of words into the website and waiting for the
people to find you or flock into it. It doesn't work that way. While
many people think that tweaking their web pages for search engine
optimization is a lot of work and is too difficult, let me assure you
that it's not! If a singer who clowns around on stage can do it
(albeit, me), you can too!

The third article is a parenting one by Deanne Mascle, an interesting
article about the role of a parent? Have you ever wondered what it is
really about? Have you? I have countless times and I'm still wondering
what my job is as a parent. I mean, I am clear what my job is as a
writer and a search engine expert, but as a parent, the scope is so
huge that sometimes it just leaves me befuddled.

I saved the best for last! Hee hee hee....and it's something we're
all, most of the time, looking for 'wealth' and Pedro Avalos deals
with it through his article "The Key To Wealth Is Consciousness". How
interesting? Read on about his idea about associating consciousness
and wealth in the article. I don't know how it is possible to become
wealthy without being conscious, though.

Well....smiles anyway, this Tuesday. There are only (counting fingers)
four more days to go before we hit the weekend!

Cheers (only coffee),
Marsha M
http://www.marshamaung.com
http://www.contentmagician.com

1. Gratitude - Depression Preventative and Antidote
2. Tweaking your web pages for search engine optimization
3. Parenting Advice - What Is Your Job As A Parent?
4. The Key To Wealth Is Consciousness

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ARTICLE 1
Gratitude - Depression Preventative and Antidote
by Steve Wickham

"Nothing taken for granted; everything received with gratitude;
everything passed on with grace."
-G. K. Chesterton

THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE IT. Gratitude, a thankful heart is the
tonic for life and hope, and what I call the "pinnacle of positive
emotions". G.K. Chesterton said, "I hope it is not pompous to call
[gratitude] the chief idea of my life; I will not say the doctrine I
have always taught, but the doctrine I should always have liked to
teach. That is the idea of taking things with gratitude, and not
taking things for granted."

I remember a particularly depressing time in my life, when I was in
tears almost every day for months. It wasn't as if I was completely
without hope, but I just couldn't see it. During this time I took some
time out to 'count my blessings' as it'd been suggested to me. I spent
some time by an old-fashioned typewriter and began to type out a
"gratitude list". It was an amazing experience. The exercise took
about one and a half hours and I had 100 things on my list! None of
these things were small things-every single one of them was
significant in my normal life. My life is not any more special than
the next person's.

A daily focus on gratitude will assist in preventing depressive
feelings and symptoms. This idea is an established fact, yet so few of
us engage in it regularly enough to make it habit. It's taking time
out to appreciate other things and other people whilst taking the
acute focus off what we want or how we're feeling. Some people carry a
"gratitude rock" in their pocket or handbag which is symbolism
tangible enough to remind them, when seeing or touching it, to spare a
thought for the things they have, and not to focus on those things
they don't have.

It's the antidote to a bunch of depressed feelings. Not that this is
the only antidote-clinical intervention and other remedies have their
place-but our overall view of the world and our place in it, can be
markedly improved to the positive with daily gratitude. It may seem a
little tedious, but you could do a lot worse than create a system,
like a "gratitude journal" for yourself to focus on, particularly if
you are melancholy by nature. Do it daily as you awaken, to create
time to maintain your emotional health; we all need it.

Here are two areas to start you on your way:

Big blessings: There's no question about it, most of us have acquired
many things in life, gifts of all kinds, talents we've been blessed
with, the love of family and friends, the physical and mental
abilities we've been endowed with, and that we've developed through
hard work and discipline.

What are you doing with these blessings? How are you investing these
in a legacy for your future, and the futures of your children and
grandchildren? To those who've been given much, much is expected. What
blessings have you received that you've forgotten about, or don't
reflect on enough?

Small mercies: We've all been dealt blows in life, some not so small.
But, in the midst of the blows, many times we've been rescued by the
small mercies of the One who cares for us and loves us. Whether the
mercy has been the strength and fortitude to get through to 'fight
another day' (and that day has come and gone) or whether you're right
in the midst of it, be thankful for the hope that it wasn't, or won't
always be, this hard.

For big blessings and small mercies alike we need gratitude. Gratitude
feeds our hope, and hope will tend to feed gratitude.

(c) Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved Worldwide.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steve Wickham is a safety and health professional (BSc) and a
qualified Christian minister (GradDipDiv). He is also has training and
leadership Diplomas. His passion in vocation is facilitation and
coaching; encouraging people to soar to a higher value of their
potential. Steve's key passion is work / life balance and re-creating
value for living, and an exploration of the person we are within. An
advocate for a fair and just life, Steve implements wisdom strategies
to his life through a passion for Proverbial wisdom. His highest goal
is doing God's will, in enhancing his life, and the lives of others.

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Tweaking your web pages for search engine optimization
by Marsha Maung

It takes more than just writing articles to get your website to rank
well in search engine. I know it sounds complicated and you're not
even going to continue reading this because this article sounds like a
very technical article already. But hang on a minute here, it's not
complicated, I promise you. On top of just writing your articles and
posting in your website (click away if you have a blog system running
or a content management system going for you) because there are many
things that the search engines can see that you can't unless you go
into the HTML codes underneath.

There are not a lot of things you have to concerned about in all those
HTML codes. After planting your article into the web page, there are
three things you have to look at before it's properly search-engine
optimized. It sounds tedious but trust me.....it gets easy after a
couple of times. Hey, I studied law and was working legal documents
here! And I sing on stage and do clown shows, ok? So, if I can work
this HTML shit, so can you!

OK, after planting your article into your web page, if the program
that you're using allows you to click on head contents, life's simple
for you. Programs like Dreamweaver or even Mircosoft Frontpage allows
that. Otherwise, just click to the HTML view and you're going to see a
whole bunch of codes that's going to freak you out!

Take a deep breath.....relax. You're going to be looking at the top part
of that whole bunch of alien language, anyway, ok?

TITLE.
Look for the <title> tag. It should follow up towards the end with a
closing tag which is </title>. Found it? OK, in between the <title>
and </title> tag, you're supposed to put into your web page title.
Don't leave it a generic one. From experience, I can tell you that
it's best to make the title of the web page unique to the content in
the web page. If you're article's about facelifts or home spa
treatments, put in a short description about what readers can expect
to find on that page.

The Title is one of the most important elements you SHOULD ALWAYS
implement in your website...every page. Although search engines are
placing less and less importance on ranking your website or pages
based on your titles, descriptions and keywords, it pays to pay a
little attention to the title because even if it doesn't help all that
much with search engine ranking, it'll at least help interest the
readers into reading the article.

DESCRIPTION
If you're not familiar with all those alien encodings INSIDE of your
web pages, trying to find the description tag can be a little
difficult. But here's what you're trying to look for....

<meta name="description" content="Describe the page content here"/>

Descriptions used to be an important factor that search engines take
into consideration when they rank a page but because people find it
easy to tweak the descriptions of their websites to manipulate search
engine results, search engines no longer place as much importance on
the description tags.

HOWEVER, I wouldn't ignore this tag if I were you. It's simple. Some
search engines actually use the description tags to describe the
content of the page whenever displaying results. So, if you place
compelling keywords and persuasive words into the description tag,
customers might find it easier to be convinced.

KEYWORDS
Well, among the three tags, the keyword tag is the least important tag
to the search engine marketing....I could be wrong but a lot of search
engines don't really look into the keyword tag at all. But I wouldn't
ignore it either, if I were you. In your web pages, here's what you're
looking for.

<meta name="Keywords" content="your, keywords, here"/>

Put compelling, related, important keywords between the "s. I don't
know where to start about keyword researching. If your industry is a
very competitive one, like ebook marketing or online marketing and
stuff like that, you're going to have a tough time finding a unique
bunch of keywords to use. But from experience, it's important for you
to choose keywords important to your industry, keywords that people
will or might use to find products/services that you're offering, but
the keywords should be as uncompetitive as possible.

For example, if you're preferred keyword is 'ladies handbag', try
something else and focus on 'ladies tote bag'. You get the picture.
The key is to sit there thinking like your customers or interested
readers. Get into their heads and imagine what words are popping up
into their heads. If they can't find what they want to find, what are
the alternative keywords they would want to type into that search box.
Good luck!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marsha Maung is essentially a writer with more than 8 years of
experience in search engine marketing and content development. She
works from home so that she can be with her kids. Versatility is her.
She believes that if a singer like her who spent four years reading
legal documents in a Bank can work up her own Internet business and
build a business with her computer, even a dog can! Well, maybe
not....

For more on online business, article writing, motherhood and life
articles, visit Marsha's website at http://www.marshamaung.com. For
the dirty insider secrets (Hah! As if....) on the life of a mother and
writer, visit her blog at http://www.marshamaung.blogspot.com.

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Parenting Advice - What Is Your Job As A Parent?
Parenting is a tough job. All too often we do not come to appreciate
just how rough our parents had it until we become parents ourselves.
While parenting has always been challenging, it seems that parenting
today is even tougher than it was for the generations before ours. I
believe that is is more difficult because we are raising our children
in a far different world than our parents raised us. For the most
part, our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents had a pretty
good parenting guide set out for them by watching the other members of
their family and the world did not change the greatly from one
generation to the next.

In addition, previous generations of parents had a strong support
system of not only examples but helping hands. Today, our mobile
society and high rate of single parenthood (through divorce or from
the beginning) have not only destroyed the support system of
yesteryear but also created a lot more challenging childhood to
parent. In our electronic age we do not lack for parenting advice and
parenting tips, but it is so hard to pick and choose from the myriad
of "helpful hints" to know just what will work for you and your child.
However, just like so many other problems in life we are often our own
worst enemies. Whenever the parenting choices get too tough then boil
it down in importance by asking yourself one of these three key
parenting questions.

First, are you a good role model for your child? You know right from
wrong. You know what it means to be an adult. You know what kind of
man or woman you hope your child to be when he or she grows up. If you
want your child to grow up a certain way then try to give them a role
model to follow. Children do as you do, not as you say, my mother
always says, and I know this is true from watching my own child as
well as my students.

If you want your child to be kind then you need to demonstrate
kindness. If you want your child to be a good student then model
scholarship and demonstrate that you value education. If you want your
child to have strong work ethic that show them what it means. You can
tell your children you want them to stay in school but if you are a
dropout who never pursued a G.E.D. then what message does that send?
Our children can learn from our mistakes but too often they simply
repeat them unless we show them how to change their life.

Second, are you preparing your child for life and adulthood? Don't get
me wrong. I think children should be allowed to be children. They
should have fun and play. All too often today's child grows up far too
soon. I am not talking about talking about sex with your 6-year-old or
forcing your 12-year-old to get a job. I mean simply starting when
your child is young to teach responsibility, decision-making, and
consequences. Start them small with little jobs and little decisions
and then as they grow older you can increase the level. If you do too
much for your child then they will not be able to do for themselves
when they grow older. Also, if you teach your child that life is all
fun and games then they are going to be really upset when they
discover it is not. I don't allow my 6-year-old to operate any kitchen
equipment without supervision but he can make himself a peanut butter
sandwich and pour a glass of milk. He can't unload the entire
dishwasher (and I shudder to think about him putting glassware in a
cupboard over his head) but he can put the silverware away.

Finally, are you providing a solid emotional, physical and educational
foundation for your child? Remember, your child may well be in charge
of your life some day or maybe even in charge of all of our lives (hey
somebody's kid has to be President, why not mine or yours?). Many
people with tremendously flawed beginnings grow up to be good people,
but why handicap your child that way? No matter how many challenges
you face personally it is your job as a parent to provide security and
comfort for your child.

I believe that one of the keys to being a good parent is keeping your
eyes on the prize. Focus on one universal rule or measuring stick and
everything else will get much easier. What measuring stick should you
use? That is up to you as this is your life and your child, but the
measuring stick my husband and I use is a simple one. We think about
what kind of man we want our son to be and apply that goal to the
situation at hand. If you focus on being a good role model, preparing
your child for life and adulthood, and providing a solid foundation
then you are a good parent. Don't sweat the small stuff if the big
stuff is taken care of.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle shares more parenting advice in her
blog at http://ezinesbydawggone.info

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The Key To Wealth Is Consciousness

The key to wealth is consciousness. Ask yourself honestly and without
fear, "How rich can I be?" The unstoppable answer is as rich as you
think you can be or as wealthy as you desire. It is in accordance with
your wealth consciousness. If you are not living a life of richness,
prosperity and abundance go into your past. Find out the kind of
program you received from your parents and all those people who
surrounded you. Take it as the way they showed you their love. There
is no place for resentment, it is only a matter of being clear. Then,
ask in silence to be healed. Don't follow your ego. Listen to the
voice of the spirit. Look for someone else to help you. Share your
fears and be willing to change. Relax and be conscious that the spirit
is always there to help you. Open your mind with no doubts. Ask
yourself, what choices about money and wealth have you already
completed? But know and accept as true that as you think so shall you
be. You can attain economic freedom and total self-determination if
you decide it and if you are willing to do the spiritual healing work.

First, you have to understand that like the spirit, your thoughts and
your smile, money is energy. The energy of money flows to us like
love. The energy of money is really part of universal love. And love
only comes to you if you love yourself. We all deserve love. Loving
others and ourselves heals us. Don't make money the principal
objective of your life, but be conscious you deserve it and when it
comes, embrace it with love. Share with others. Use it as a way to
love others. Don't play the role of God, systematically paying the
bills of others, unless it is a generous form of charity and the
spirit leads you by the hand to do so. Certainly, use money to serve
God through your service to humanity, but at the same time don't feel
guilty enjoying the pleasures of life. Spend your money and invest it.
Wealth consciousness is love. Love is the spirit. Love and the spirit
are light. Light is energy. Money is energy. But money is not your
guidance, love is.

Money frees you if you are conscious of helping others to get it. This
temporary human experience on Earth is to enjoy life and money is a
means to freedom of mind, body and spirit. Look around and wish all
other people to have abundant money to enjoy. Let your money flow
effortlessly. Teach others how you got your money and pray to God for
them to get it. Money is energy. The supply of energy is infinite.
Don't be afraid of helping others get money. There is enough for
everyone now and all the time. And if you don't have all the money you
want yet, ask yourself if you are in the proper place. Maybe you are
not doing your job with happiness. Learn to love what you do. If you
can't love what you do after trying consciously, find a new way to
make a living. Ask the spirit what to do to fulfill your mission on
earth. Take the steps when you feel comfortable in your heart, mind,
body and soul of what you want to be doing. Do something to help you
empty your mind of negativity and pessimism. Fill your mind with
optimism. Play your natural role of eternal optimist. Money is
positive energy. You can create this positive energy flow by being
conscious of the manifestation of your dreams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pedro Avalos, is a teacher by nature, is also writer and motivator. He
has become very famous for his practical and revolutionary ecourse
"How to Be Motivated for Success Every Moment of Your Life." This
person has outstanding teaching credentials and many personal success
stories-many people who contact him have had unbelievable results by
applying these tips! Now he has summarized this course and all the
experiences of more than 20 years helping people to be motivated every
moment in his book TEN ENLIGHTENED TEACHINGS. http://www.tenpowerfulteachings.com

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