I had to move my website to a new webhost. The old one was getting far too expensive, and gave me lots of stuff I didn't want and leaving out the stuff I really needed. Sometimes you just have to make the move. It's not always pretty...you get unexpected downtime, and then if you have to move your domain name, too...well that can get a bit tricky depending on who you registered your domain name with. Let's just say that customer service is definitely not a priority with all companies, especially if they're on the losing end. I finally won out, though. My domains are now registered with and being hosted by Bluehost. So far, so good. I've also placed clients with Lunar Pages and SiteBuildIt!, and have had no problems.

It's been 70 days since my last post, and I realize I have been negligent with my own website.  I checked my links today and found several that are linking to what they're supposed to be linking to.  How does this happen?  Gremlins.  I'm convinced. 

They were working when I checked last.  So what has changed?  Nothing.  That's the problem.  I haven't updated my site in the last two months.  One bright spot...the reason I haven't updated my own site is because I am now busy helping others publish their websites.  That's a great thing, and I am grateful for the business.  However, I've been letting the dishes stack up at home, so to speak. 

So, I'm taking my own advice, which is...your website needs constant care.  It is not meant to be like a book that gets published, then sits on the shelf.  Websites are always a work in progress.

So this week, I'm going to fix my broken links and publish this blog, and vow to not let the dishes stack up quite so high no matter how busy I get.

In church on Sunday, Rev. Chuck said that life is "like a feather on the breath of God."  At first, I was indignant to the idea.  I make choices every day, each choice with its set of consequences.  I decide my future.  I make it happen.  My destiny is not preset.  Adam and Eve  chose to taste the apple.  I'm responsible and accountable for myself.

But then I started thinking about it a bit more.  Have you ever had that feeling that no matter what you did, the outcome would still have been the same?  Or that even if you had known the outcome ahead of time, you still would have made the same choice?  Perhaps there are currents that are constantly trying to steer us one way or another.  That is what values do, don't they?  Our set of values in effect narrows down our choices, our responses.  We guide our lives by them. Hmm...perhaps Rev. Chuck has a point.

So, then, I was thinking about where God's breath has taken me this past month.  Jobs are popping up in unlikely places...a casual conversation with a friend, a former colleague, my daughter's dance instructor...and every job has had a spiritual piece to it.  Kinda scary and comforting at the same time. Perhaps right now, this is where I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to do.  Don't get me wrong.  I still believe that destiny is in my hands, that I call the shots, but I also know that someone's got my back. Thank you, God, for all I have and for your guidance in all I do.

It feels really good to be writing again and to have the time to concentrate on writing well.  The last 11 years of my life I've spent most of my energy being a stay-at-home mom -- a very rewarding and I believe necessary part of my life. I've had several part-time jobs since my kids were born, but I never felt I had enough time during the day to concentrate on my writing.  I have terrific children whom I love very much (and a wonderful husband, too), but I think now is the right time to revisit my career roots in journalism and writing. 

My website is up and running, and I've dusted off my resume (or CV as they're now called).  By the way, if you have any thoughts on how I could make my site better, I love constructive criticism.  But please, no solicitations from website design/hosting/marketing gurus.  I am broke.

I've started applying for various freelance writing/researching jobs.  I hope I can make this work, because I think it would be a great fit for my lifestyle.  I am, after all, still a very busy mother, though not so much stay-at-home anymore.