fresh picked whimsy

Social Networking 101: Facebook

My only motivation to creating a facebook account was to keep an eye on our teenager.  I swear.  I even felt a little silly doing it.  Wasn't facebook for teenagers and college students?  I'll just take a little peek around, I thought, and decide whether or not we would let our girl get on facebook.  She had been gently asking to get on facebook for at least a year prior.  We firmly resisted until this past fall when she began high school.  But, we really had no idea what facebook was all about and had only heard the negatives about sites like myspace.  I told K that I would need to check it out first, and then we would make our decision as to whether or not she would be allowed to get on facebook.  I signed up and was surpised at how easy it was.  Within 24 hours i had navigated around FB enough to see that it was pretty secure (you choose who to communicate with) and had reconnected with some familiar faces from high school!  K agreed to give give me her password and to make me her friend (both of which allow me to have access to her page and keep an eye on things) and I agreed to let her sign up for an account.**

Wow...within a week, i was completely hooked.  I now understood why some people refer to it as 'crackbook'.  I was so surprised to find so many of my friends, former co-workers, high school classmates, and childhood buddies on facebook.  What a blast!  It was like a mini informal high school reunion...without having to lose 30 pounds prior and trying to find the perfect outfit!  Much to my surprise, facebook is not just for the under 30 set.  And since my plunge into the facebook pool, my husband, sisters, brother-in-laws, friends and even my mother have joined, too.  It really is a lot of fun.

So, how does it work?  Facebook is similar to Twitter, in that it prompts you to answer the question, "what's on your mind?"  This is called your status.  The difference is, you are not limited to characters and FB is a little more involved.  On FB, you can search for people that you know simply by typing in their name (many women are listed by their maiden and married names).  When you find someone that you want to connect with, you simply request to be their "friend" by clicking a button.  They will then receive a message from you with your request.  If they want to reciprocate, they click a button and voila!, you are "friends" on facebook.  However, until the other person confirms that they know you and want to be your friend, you cannot communicate with them.  This keeps the riff raff out.  When you sign up for your account, you fill out some questions about yourself...a little profile...your relationship status, education, occupation and some other fluff stuff (like your favorite movies, books, tv shows, etc...).   You can upload pictures on FB(you'll need one for your profile picture so everyone can see you!) and join groups that you want to associate with or feel connected to (your former schools, favorite sports teams, hobbies, careers, etc...you name it, there's a group for it).  Once you have all that "paperwork" done, it's just all about communicating with the ones you choose to be "friends" with.  For example, you might say on your status..."I'm on my third cup of coffee this morning!" and people who are your "friends" will see this when they log in and may choose to leave a comment for you.  Or, maybe you see on someone else's status that they are having a bad day.  You can leave a comment for them.  They are usually quick little one or two liners.  It's really like abbreviated e-mailing, but others can see your comments because they are published on your page (also called your 'wall').  It's really much easier than I can explain here and you really do have to see it to understand it fully.  I know that people say they just don't have time for FB or twitter.  But, honestly, once you've set it all up, and spent a little time learning how to navigate through it, it should only take a few minutes to check in from time to time.

Beyond connecting with friends, what can facebook do for me?  I'm so glad you asked.  Facebook can do a lot for you if you are marketing a product, looking to drive traffic to another website, or promoting a business or event.  Beyond enjoying keeping up with friends, I personally use Facebook to drive more traffic to my blog and online store and also to promote my book.  Here's how I do it.  I have my own personal facebook page, where I keep in touch with friends and then I also have 2 other facebook pages; one for whimsy studios and one for the book.  It works the same exact way as my personal page, but instead of "friends", i have "fans" and instead of talking about my personal life, i talk about what's going on my studio, or what's going on with the promotion of the book.  On my whimsy studios page, i can upload pictures of my latest artwork, projects and activities.  I might talk about upcoming shows, events or post a link to my blog that I think my "fans" would be interested in.  On my Getting to the Heart of Complimenting page, i post pictures of our booksignings and let people know when we are having other booksignings, readings or school visits.  When I originally set these pages up, i simply invited everyone who was my "friend" on my personal page to become a "fan" on my whimsystudios and book pages.  Some did, some didn't and i've definitely had some come be a "fan" that I don't even know.  Because it's not a personal page, anyone can sign up to be a "fan" without my approval.  And, that's good...I want lots of fans!!!!!  On both of my fan pages, i have links back to my blog and on my book page, you can link back directly to my book's website, where people can purchase the book.  I see people come to my blog all the time from my link on facebook.  And...I've had several people come to my booksignings who heard about it on my facebook!  The beauty of all of it, once again, folks, is that it is totally FREE.  That is golden to me and my little shoestring advertising budget.  The easiest way to get started building a fan page is to go to mine and look for the little "Create your own page" button in the bottom left corner.  FB will completely guide you through from there.

**This mom's word of warning...if you have a teenager on Facebook, or if you are contemplating allowing your teen to get on FB, this note is for you.  Everything they write or any photos they upload can and may be used against them.  This is the internet...once it's out there, it's out there for good.  You can't take it back.  Know that what you post today as a teenager may come back to bite you when you are applying to colleges (yes, they do look you up) or looking for a job.  My rule of thumb for my teen....don't post anything you wouldn't want your parents, grandparents or your future children to see.  The internet is Forever...use your head people!

So, if you would like to become my friend on facebook, you can find me as Lori Mercuri McDonough.  Be sure to leave me a little note when you request me as a friend and let me know that you found me on my blog (that way I won't think you are the riff raff! :-)  You can easily become a fan on my two pages, by clicking on the links on my left sidebar or by clicking here  and here.

For now, this concludes the social networking series...i hope it has been informative for you.  I tried to touch on all the things that I learned about these sites that I found to be the most helpful.  Let me know if you have any questions and I will continue to share with you any great tips or useful websites that I come across. 

It's about time...

I'm a week late with my spring banner.  Better late than never.  Next installment of Social Networking 101 coming tomorrow.  Spotlight on Facebook!  Enjoy your Sunday, friends. :-)

Social Networking 101...Twitter

A month or so ago, on my Facebook status, I said "Do you twitter?"  I cracked up when my friend Jill jokingly responded..."only when I eat beans!".  Hysterical.  Seems like you can't turn on the tv, get on the internet or open the paper without someone talking about Twitter.  It's a hot topic right now.  Why?  What is it?  What's the point? 

I have to admit, when i first starting hearing about it...just a few months ago...i had those same questions.  I was already hooked on Facebook and I really didn't need anything else to suck my time up.  I signed up for an account, but I just lurked on it for a while and didn't participate.  I started noticing that more and more bloggers that I admire were beginning to use Twitter and i spent a little more time investigating it.  Honestly, until i became active on Twitter, it didn't make much sense... Now, I think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

So, what is it?  Twitter is a fantastic marketing and community building tool.  Some people call it micro-blogging.  It's a tool that is similar to instant messaging and email, but is different because of the unique access to people in your industry or interest and your ability to communicate with them in real-time. Twitter asks the question, "what are you doing?" and your answer (called a "tweet") is limited to 140 characters.  This keeps communication on Twitter concise and to the point.  Unlike facebook, you don't upload pictures, take quizzes, pass out easter eggs and drinks, or join groups.  You simply update your own status and respond to the status of others when you feel compelled to do so.  When you find someone whose tweets are of interest to you, you simply press a button and "follow" them.  The hope is, they will follow you back.  However, regardless of whether or not they reciprocate, you can still follow their tweets.  For example, there are many celebrities on Twitter.  Out of sheer curiosity, i follow a few of them (Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Taylor Swift, Ann Curry...).  Many of them have hundreds of thousands of followers.  They do not follow more than a handful back.  But, that's ok, i still get a kick out of reading Ellen's funny tweets right before she goes on stage every morning.

So, what's the point?  I still don't "get it".  If you are not trying to sell something or market something or learn something, i guess I wouldn't really get the point, either.  But, allow me to explain to you how it has enhanced my business as an artist and illustrator. My two biggest business objectives right now are:

1. to promote and sell my book "Getting to the Heart of Complimenting"
2. to learn more about and find interest in licensing my original artwork

The first thing I did was look for other children's book illustrators and publishers who were on Twitter and artists, whom I know are successful in licensing their artwork, who are on Twitter, also.  I immediately "followed" them...gobbling up the tidbits of information that they were sharing through their tweets; following any informative links they provided or gems of advice they offered.  I learned so much about my industry through these short, information packed tweets.  I learned which industry magazines I should be reading, what websites were good resources and whose blogs I should be making a daily read.  For example, I follow the blog of artist, Holli Conger.  She wrote on her blog that she would be exhibiting at Surtex, which is the granddaddy of all art licensing trade shows in the US.  She also wrote that she would be Twittering throughout the whole process of preparing for Surtex and at Surtex, as well.  What a unique and awesome thing to be privvy to.  I personally don't know anyone going to Surtex.  It's a dream of mine to exhibit there one day.  I get to be a fly on the wall through Holli's tweets.  Way cool!  The other bonus on Twitter is that you can see who these people follow on Twitter...and I'm taking notes!  The most phenomenal thing to me, is that this bonanza of information is FREE for the taking.  Got a question for your industry or interest?  Tweet about it and you'll be surpised how quickly someone will tweet back the answer.  You can also send someone a direct message. 

Here's an example of Twitter at work for me.  A few weeks back, you might remember, i blogged about tucking notes in my kid's lunchboxes, provided some ideas and offered free downloadable lunchbox notes.  After I published that post on my blog, I went to Twitter and my tweet looked something like this:

"Free fun kids lunchbox love notes on my blog http://tinyurl.com/aaf8hx go get 'em!"

Well, on my feedjit to your left, i could see lots of readers were coming from twitter directly.  Then, i got the sweetest comment on my blog from a woman in England, named Sue Atkins, who followed the link from my Twitter, and then asked if she could share my lunchbox notes idea and free downloads by creating a link on her blog to mine.  "Sure! Of course, that would be great!" I said.  Then I followed her link to her blog to find out that she is this amazing, parenting expert in the UK who holds parenting workshops, runs a fabulous parenting website and is a published author of numerous books including the latest Dummies book called "Raising Happy Children for Dummies".  She saw my book on my blog and asked how she could get one shipped to her overseas.  I quickly offered to send her one as a thank you and she just as quickly offered to send me hers, too!  It arrived days later...the royal air mail stamp impressed my kids.  The book impressed me.  The traffic on my blog soared and I have a new friend in England.  Isn't that cool?  That's Twitter and social networking at work. 

 

I often tweet links to my latest blog post, my facebook fan page for whimsy studios, or to interesting articles or blogs that i think people would want to read about.  I have my Twitter account set up so that I can text my tweets directly from my cell phone.  Twitter provides a regular stream of new readers to my blog, which then helps them find my Etsy store and my book.  I've also found new amazing blogs, businesses and people via twitter.  THAT is social networking, my friends. 

Do you Twitter?  Follow me, and I will follow you!  Keep the questions coming...

p.s.  I know these last 2 posts have been quite long-winded.  That's not the norm for me, but i do hope this Social Networking information is helpful.  Hang in there...we'll return to our regularly scheduled whimsical blog soon! :-)

Social Networking 101...Blogging

So, what is it?  I've been getting that question a lot lately.  People who are following my blog or people who hear me talking about it, are very curious....and confused and intimidated.  So, i thought i would do a few posts about just what the heck this social networking is..seeing as I seem to be spending a lot of time lately explaining it.

Let me preface by saying that just one year ago, i was completely clueless.  I am 100% self taught in this strange cyber-world.  And let me also add, if I can do it...anybody can. 

That said....social networking is a way of building a network or community of like-minded or like-skilled individuals for the purpose of building business connections or social friendships.  Blogging is social networking at it's best.  I first stumbled upon the blogiverse a little over a year ago.  I had heard of it, but couldn't imagine why anyone would want to put their personal thoughts and experiences out there for the world to see.  That was my impression of it.  Then, when i discovered this incredible world of artists and creative people who were sharing their work, their tips, tutorials, advice, etc... I had this huge "a-ha" moment.  Being a freelance artist can be a lonely existence at times...no co-workers to bounce ideas off of, no water cooler to gather around for sharing stories, experiences, etc...  The art bloggers have become my co-workers, my inspiration, my mentors and my friends.  I have made friends with people from all over the world...seriously!  How awesome is that?!  And, if you're not an artist, believe me, there are millions of bloggers for every hobby, profession, interest, sport, political affiliation imaginable.  Google it and you will be blown away.

My blog is very graphic heavy and I wanted a lot of creative freedom when it came to designing my blog.  I did a lot of research about blogging platforms (the companies that host or run your blog) before starting my blog and I ultimately decided to pay a monthly fee and went with Typepad.  But, there are sites such as Blogger which are totally free. 

To blog or not to blog...that is the question.  Why do I blog?  Because I have a product that I want to sell.  Because I want to share my art with you.  Because I am passionate about sharing good ideas and family friendly activities with others.  As I pressed the publish button on my very first post, i was terrified.  "Why am I doing this again?", I thought.  "Will anyone ever read it?"  But, they did and they do.  I've had over 22,000 hits to my blog over the past months...somedays hundreds of people visit and others less.  People come to my blog and link to my Etsy site (some have made purchases).  People have found my book, or enjoyed my free downloads or have become my fan on facebook (another blogging 101 future topic).  However, the most rewarding part of blogging is when I get a comment from a reader who was inspired to be creative.  Like these folks, and these folks, and these folks.  That...is...cool. 

People who blog are very generous.  They like to swap, do giveaways, and share great ideas.  If they find your blog and enjoy it, they will add your blog to their "blogroll" on their sidebar...like my "yummy blogs" list to your left.  I remember thinking how cool it would be to visit a blog you've never been to before and to happily find your blog on their list!  That is starting to happen more frequently for me now and it's still a thrill.  Or, if you're lucky, they will feature you on their blog in a post!  Just recently, i was featured on catching fireflies and gwenmade.  I love that! 

So how do people find me? A big part of that is being active in the blogging community, by reading other people's blogs and leaving comments when you feel compelled to.  When people leave a comment on my blog, i can follow them back to their blog (if they have one).  I will usually say thanks and check their blog out, too.  Sometimes I will add them to my blogroll or bookmark them to visit again.  The other big way that people find my blog is through more social networks like facebook and twitter. 

I used to worry that I would run out of things to blog about...it hasn't happened yet.  I have had people stop me in the grocery store or church or at my kid's schools to tell me that they are reading my blog.  That makes my day.  When I go more than a day or two between posting (like this week)...i hear about it.  Wow, do I hear about it!   I get emails, comments and calls..."why haven't you blogged?"  It's funny and humbling to know that many people want to hear what I have to say.  I really do try to blog often and really miss it when I can't. 

So, what do you have to say?  If you're interested in something, chances are someone else is, too.  Take a leap and start a blog...you've got your first reader right here! 

If you've got any questions, leave me a comment...i'd be so happy to help.

A very good day

Today is the day that everyone has been looking forward to...my son's birthday!  Oh yeah, and the first day of Spring, too.  :-)  I think it's pretty cool that R was born on the day that everyone celebrates...saying good-bye to old man Winter and hello to Spring!  He is officially a teenager today...I have 2 teenagers now!!!!  Wow!  How is that possible?  This past year has been a huge physical transformation year for him...sprouting the beginnings of a mustache, voice deepening, and growing 6 inches in one year! Even though he towers over me now, he will always be my baby.

The blog will be quiet this weekend.  I am heading off for a weekend women's reatreat at my church.  I've been really looking forward to it.  It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time.  This world seems uncertain and daunting right now.  It's easy to get pulled down by the news these days.  My faith is my security blanket and this weekend is all about renewing and deepening that faith.  Some of my girlfriends will be there with me and that just makes it more special. 

Happy Spring, friends!  Have a wonderful weekend, too!

Luck of the Irish!

I promise to blog soon with more information about all of the social networking that i've been doing and loving...Facebook, Twitter, blogging, etc.  I've been learning about it as I've been diving into it, and i've had lots of people asking me about it.  Many people tell me they don't have time for it, and i understand that.  But, when you are trying to promote a business, product or service, i believe it's invaluable.  I have met so many fascinating, wonderful people and have learned so much about my industry through them.  It's amazing and I feel so lucky to have made so many great, new friends! 

Tomorrow I am being featured on a website called www.momlogic.com in their Coffee Club.  It's a social networking site for moms!  And...here's your chance to get lucky!  They are giving away a Keurig Gourmet Single Cup Home Brewing System every day and if you would like a chance to win, here's what you need to do:

• Leave a comment on my momlogic Coffee Club featured post "Mom's Day Out".  I wrote it back in November after a super fun road trip with my girlfriends to IKEA.  Remember that?

• Then, leave a comment on my momlogic profile page here.  You will need to become a member of momlogic to do so...but, it's free and easy and you'll love it. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day, my friends...and good luck!

Baa baa, moo moo, hoink hoink, quack!

That's the little ditty that my sweet niece made up inspired by these canvases that i painted for her little brother, Cole, for his 2nd birthday...you did know that pigs say "hoink hoink", didn't you?

 

 

 

 

I am the designated birthday cake maker in our family...I will have to share photos of past cakes in another post sometime.  Compared to others, this cow was a breeze...

Get lucky!

Whatever your pedigree may be, i think we all agree that on St. Paddy's Day, everyone's Irish!  I'm an Italian mama who married an Irish papa.  Ever since our little leprechauns were wee ones, we've been celebrating St. Patrick's Day in a special way.  So, i thought i would share with you our family-friendly St. Pat's traditions so you can play along next Tuesday!  We always start our day with green milk (the leprechaun uses green food coloring...um, i mean magic) and breakfast is...what else?...Lucky Charms cereal! 

This year, G decided we should try to catch the leprechaun, so we made a little house for him that G and R are designing a booby trap for...in hopes that we might be able to meet him. 

G is working on painting some rocks gold.  He wants to lure the little elf inside the house with our homemade fool's gold.  I'll let you know if we succeed...that would certainly be some blog-worthy news!  If you'd like to make a leprechaun trap, start by recycling an old box, decorate it with lots of green, gold glitter and rainbows.  The trick is coming up with the "trap".  We'll be working on ours over the weekend and I will share the finished project with you on Monday.

I blogged about our annual Kid's Hunt for the Pot o' Gold last year, and thought i would make it super easy for you this year with a FREE download that you can print out and use to create your own clues.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Read about it here, or just follow these easy directions:

• Purchase chocolate gold coins or another gold wrapped candy of your choice.  I got mine at World Market for $1.99 each.

• Purchase a small bag, box, or container to be your "pot"...or just recycle something from home.  I found these cute little boxes at JoAnn's last year.

• I fill the bottom of the "pot" with dry Lucky charms cereal and top it off with the gold coins.

• Print out the FREE 2009 St. Paddy's Clue Cards for your hunt here.                                                                                                     

• Decide where you want your little leprechauns to ultimately find their pot o' gold.  Then, begin writing out clues on the cards that lead your leprechauns throughout your house or yard from clue to clue, ultimately ending with their final destination.  Be creative, hide clues in the refrigerator, in the dryer, the mailbox...how many you write is up to you.  We usually make 30 clues that lead them all over the place...up and downstairs...in and outside(weather permitting)...they're usually exhausted when it's done! But they work together and have a blast!  Here's a sample of our clues...

• sometimes I will sprinkle a little gold glitter near a clue, too!

Let me know if you should give the hunt a try and send me a picture if you should make a leprechaun trap for your house, too!  I'd love to see your creative ideas...and that's no blarney! 

Well, look who's back!

Making an appearance in my neck of the woods this weekend was this guy...

Yes, he's retreated behind the clouds again today, but he did feel good while he was out.  Spring is definitely making a comeback.  The annual mom-kid morning struggle is back.  You know...one day it's 70 degrees, the next day it's 42.  My kids get a taste of wearing shorts and no jackets and now they have no interest in going back to winter coats and jeans.  Ugh.  And then there's those days when it's 40 when I send them off to school all bundled up, but by recess it's 65 and they're sweltering.  I can't win.  Regardless, i will take these spring teasers...happily!

Here's a recent painted canvas from the studio.  The windows were open and the kids were playing outside...the promise of spring is definitely inspiring me...

The other big race in Indy...

Wow! Could this day get any better?  The sun is shining...temps expected to hit the mid 70's and today is Derby Day...Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, to be exact! 

This is G's first year as a Cub Scout and this was his first entry in the Pinewood Derby.  Mark and G have spent some quality father/son time working on the car...which is extra special becuase Mark remembers working on his Pinewood Derby with his Dad.  In fact, we still have it!…

fun with power tools!

Steady hand with the paintbrush...

Here's a closer look...

Some very creative entries...wow, those 2nd graders sure are good with the tools...hmmm...I'm just sayin'...

Gentlemen, start your engines...

there they go!

the finish line...

G took 4th place in his heat, but took 2nd place for design over all the other entries in his grade!

There was an open class for anyone else other than scouts that wanted to enter (parents, siblings, etc.)...this was my favorite entry in the open class...

My Dad came to cheer G on and then treated us to a celebratory brunch at Bub's Cafe...

hot cocoa...

french toast...

and their famous made-to-order Bub Holes...baseball size donut holes...Yum!

Thanks, PawPaw!  We wrapped up the morning with a trip to Uncle Andy's Car Wash...

Does a Saturday morning get any better than this when you're 8 years old?  Nope!