Hello World!

This little corner of the WWW has been in existence since 2015. It has been a repository of my writing prowess for quite a while- yet, it only shows examples of the many projects I have created throughout the years.

I have come again to my little corner in hopes that it inspires me to write. I hope you are visiting and it inspires you in some way.

I am here to say, “Hello World!” Again.

Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting Copyright February 2016 ARLADEAN ARNSON

I have been very busy this last six months. I have been ghostwriting. And, with ghostwriting, you cannot claim the piece as your own nor can you post these pieces to your blog or portfolio.

What is ghostwriting? It is a situation where a writer gets paid to produce written pieces for someone else to claim authorship. The “author” in these cases could be another writer that is behind in his schedule and needs someone to help him catch up with orders. Or, the “author” is a company’s marketing department that needs some content for the company website. Yet another example of an “author” could be some non-writer, such as a celebrity in politics or Hollywood, who wants to “tell the story” of his success.

Ghostwriting is far from uncommon. And, I have whipped up some really good pieces.

I have been lucky to write high-end fashion blog articles:

“These older classic shapes are festooned with country emblems embroidered in bright cheerful colors. Other touches, like tassels, add to the sheer fun in wearing these garments!”

Here is a small quote for another blog article to support a children’s event here in Raleigh:

“Sports are always in season here in North Carolina!  The Bulls put on a great baseball show in Durham and the Carolina Hurricanes will thrill you with their hockey moves! If your child likes to cruise the sidewalks, there are several skate parks around town. And the Triangle area boasts five North Carolina State Parks and numerous local parks! Plenty of hiking and biking trails and even fishing and kayaking activities are available.”

I have covered varied subjects and formats in these pieces. One of my favorite things to write is web pages. I cannot show you these. But, I am proud to say they get rave reviews.

So, if you don’t see a post from me for a while, it doesn’t mean that I am not writing and learning and helping others. It just means I am doing it in a spooky fashion!

Online Article – GARDEN ENVY GOES GREEN

Garden Envy goes GREEN: How I went from no garden to mini-garden easily! ( Part II of Color Me Green)

May 2012 Written for TriangleMommies Blog Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON

To recap, if you have been reading the TM Blog, I wrote recently that I was suffering from a bout of Garden Envy. My friends were so lucky with their little nurslings-watching them grow-that I soon wanted a garden too. Well, this is the rest of the story.
My Garden Envy is slowing slipping away. I now have plants and dirt and watering schedules to help me recover! Of course, it cost me about $50 at the home improvement store. (Yes, I probably could have saved money by shopping around and piecing things together myself.) But, with the experience of those burly men (and women?) in the gardening section, I found the expertise that would seed my enthusiasm for my project.
My son had brought home the first plant from his science class. It is a kidney bean plant. So, going with the flow, I bought a large long rectangular plastic pot that would hold three plants with room to grow. With help from the burly man mentioned above, I picked a green pepper plant and then a citronella (for getting rid of pesky insects) to fill out the pot.
Still being in the throws of a Green Envy outbreak, I bought a plant just for myself. It is an almost two-foot-tall tomato plant in its own pot. I had to stake it when I got home, but it is a beauty! And, consequentially, I started to dream of fresh salads.
The back porch did not work out as planned. It ended up being to shady. I moved the two large pots to a small sunny nook in front of my front porch yet behind a small “butterfly bush”. Here they should get all the sun they need!
I water them in the morning and check to see if they need water again in the evening. It is easy to remember because the plants are on the same schedule as my walks with my dog.
I currently have two, maybe three, green tomatoes. There is one very tiny bean pod growing. Alas, there are no signs of green peppers.
My Garden Envy infliction has subsided thanks to my small (two pot) container garden; however, I AM feeling a bit anxious watching and waiting for those plants to grow. Perhaps I should go shopping at a farmer’s market soon so I can get my “fix”. Oh well, I guess one can’t be completely cured of an ailment of the Horticultural variety too easily!

ONLINE ARTICLE – Southern Exposure

Southern Exposure July 2013 Written for Triangle Mommie Blog Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON

I have lived in the South most of my life. I have said my fair share of “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir”. I have acquired a taste for fried pickles and good ol’ North Carolina Barbeque. However, it is amazing how much more you can learn about the South when reading some of the more regional magazines out there!

Of course, most of us know about several of the larger publications in the region like Southern Living, Southern Lady and Southern Accents.  Here in North Carolina we have Our State Magazine and many states have their own magazines too.

The Blue Ridge Parkway has one. Golfing in Georgia is covered in another. Southeastern Equine covers horses and what to do with them. Florida has a business magazine called “850”. Mississippi has two or more great literary magazines. And, there are so many more I cannot even name them all!

If there is anything that you want to learn more about, you can find an article about it in one of these magazines. What growing region are you in? Check in Southern Living. What is the best batter to fry catfish in? Check in Taste of the South. What are the best books to read during a hurricane? Yes, there is an article on that topic in Deep South Magazine.

One of my newest finds has actually been publishing for two years now. The articles are thoughtful and current. The topics are always entertaining. There are some sections I just jump over because I am not interested. But, all in all, the magazine is a great read!

I will have to allude to the title as it is not the best thing to talk about on a Mommie Blog but the first word is GARDEN, ampersand, and the second word is a tool used in hunting wild game in a very licensed and responsible way. Yes, those are the articles in the magazine that I skip over. Although, given the fact that Mommies can have very differing viewpoints and interests, some women might enjoy those articles too. All are very well written.

So, I spend my lunchtime reading and learning more about the region where I grew up. Perhaps, I will find something to do with my new found knowledge like write an article about Reading Regional Magazines! Hmmmm. 😉

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY ARTICLE – Name that ‘shroom

Children’s Activities: NAME THAT ‘SHROOM! July 2013 Written for Triangle Mommies Blog Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON

With all the crazy wet weather we are having here in North Carolina, it has been a boon year for mushrooms. You can see them in the forests, in the country and even in many urban/suburban neighborhoods!

I have found at least three different types along my walk in the mornings!

So, I have invented a new activity for the kiddies: NAME THAT ‘SHROOM! This activity includes a hunt-and-find outdoor game and a make-it-yourself field guide.

First the HUNT! While traipsing through the woods or sticking to the sidewalks, be on the lookout for interesting shapes and colors and textures among the landscape. Mushrooms come in many different colors and textures.

**PLEASE BE AWARE, especially with children, do not touch the mushrooms you find until you know for sure that they are safe. You don’t want the kid to accidentally ingest the sample.

It is best to take a digital picture of the mushroom from all angles. Try and get the tops, the surrounding area, underneath the dome and the stems too.

Now off to the library, or the internet, to see what great treasure you have found!  See the guide below for some titles and websites.

Things to figure out: What is its name? Where does it normally grow? What are its tell-tale features? Is it safe to touch or to pick? Is it edible?

Once you find out some of these basics, you and your little one can create a great little field guide of your own back yard. Include pictures, drawings, facts, and even spore prints in a little self-made or store-bought sketch book. See website #1 for how to make a spore print.

Then the next time we get weather like this again, your little field guide will help you identify what pops up in your yard!

BOOKS:

 

1. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (National Audubon Society Field Guides)by NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

2.    The Mushroom Book For Beginners: 2nd Edition Revised : A Mycology Starter or How To Be A Backyard Mushroom Farmer… by Frank Randall

3.   The Complete Mushroom Hunter: An Illustrated Guide to Finding, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms by Gary Lincoff

4.    A Field Guide to Mushrooms: North America (Peterson Field Guides) by Kent H. McKnight, Vera B. McKnight and Roger Tory Peterson

WEBSITES:

  1. Urban Mushrooms: http://urbanmushrooms.com/index.php?id=69
  2. American Mushrooms: http://americanmushrooms.com/lawnandgarden.htm
  3. Mushroom Expert: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/index.html
  4. The Mushroom Patch: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/index.html

 

COMPANY MISSION ARTICLE- 2013 Year in Review: Missions Complete

2013 Year in Review: Missions Complete  Article written for Caliber Technologies March 2014 Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON/ Caliber Technologies

Caliber Technologies is excited to give you a fantastic recap of the five missions and our Annual TOYS FOR TROOPS Campaign in 2013. From reaching out and helping three of our military service personnel and families in need to expanding our donations this summer to cover two community programs here in North Carolina, we are utilizing your contributions from ink, toner and office supply purchases to help where it is needed most! And, our Holiday toy and clothing reached further than we even expected! Read on…

We started out 2013 with a call to help little Piper with our “Print for Piper” mission. Piper Wilhide is a baby girl diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Both her parents currently serve in our armed forces in different branches. The diagnosis, as you can imagine, brought a series of debts that was difficult for the family to handle all at once.

We were successful with our mission! We dearly wanted to raise enough money, to purchase plane tickets for Piper’s grandparents to fly in and provide the much needed assistance and support during the recovery process. In addition to the tickets, we would love to be able to assist Piper’s parents’ with their unexpected travel costs to and from Piper’s hospital and their hotel stays. With the tickets and a monetary donation, this family is well on its way to recovery!

During our Second Mission of 2013, Caliber Technologies was able to help two of our military families! We’d like to introduce you to the families of Sergeant (SGT) James Ray and Airman (AMN) Nichole Murphy.

On duty in Iraq, SGT Ray was enjoying his military career, a loving family, and a promotion in the near future. Unfortunately, one day his vehicle was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) resulting in burns over 60% of his body.

Fast forward to his stateside recovery, SGT Ray was adjusting nicely to life as a disabled veteran. He bought a home both near his family and the Veterans Affairs Office in Lometa, TX. The home was equipped to accommodate his needs.

Everything was on track on moving day until, while driving with his wife to his new home, the couple was hit by a semi-truck. The timing of this accident is made worse by the fact that former SGT Ray’s wife was to start a new job the very next week.  Although both are recovering from this accident, the couple is currently living off of only former SGT Ray’s disability payments. This loving and patriotic couple is now in need of funds for housing. Caliber Technologies is delighted to contribute towards their needs.

Air Force Airman (AMN) Nichole Murphy is a dedicated servicewoman and loving mother to a daughter named Haley. AMN Murphy recently received the hard news that her daughter’s illness may shorten Haley’s life; in fact, she may not live through the summer.  Haley was born without urinary organs and she is on constant dialysis and has a colostomy bag.

Having nothing more than a disposable camera to record what may her daughter’s last few happy months, Caliber Technologies is delighted to help donate a Nikon Digital Video Camcorder to the family.

Sadly, we were just informed that Haley did pass away in September, 2013. We all are heartbroken to hear this news. We are very proud to be a part of giving AMN Murphy some lasting memories of her daughter and wish her peace.

Caliber Technologies is proud to announce we are a participating sponsor of the North Raleigh Athletic Association (NRAA), the largest organization in the CFF and Pop Warner Mid-South Region.

As an “Ultimate Fan” level supporter we help fund the wonderful boys and girls and their football and cheer activities in our own community.  Go Bulldogs!!

The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Teen Council and Caliber Technologies have teamed up to help teens of deployed National Guardsmen with the inaugural NCNG Teen Challenge Retreat at Camp Butner in June 2013.

The teens that attended the four day retreat worked on developing their communication, leadership and team building skills in a small team environment. By donating the official camp tee shirts, we helped these teens meet their goals and take an active role in their learning! Congratulations to all participants! Way to go!!

Caliber Technologies started working on our TOYS FOR TROOPS campaign earlier than usual in 2013. TOYS FOR TROOPS is our annual toy and clothing drive for the children of military families in need during the Holiday Season. This time, we were fortunate enough that we were able to select three families through the “New Beginnings” website for special recognition and help.

We are very proud of our eighteen community partners for 2013! Each hosted a box and sign at their location throughout the Triangle Area of North Carolina. All of these locations were thanked personally by staff members when the donation boxes were picked up. Several locations were thanked in person by military personnel in tow with our staff. What a great campaign!

Oh, we also need to mention, this year we had some extra help outside the Triangle Area. Our partner in West Virginia, Mary B’s Restaurant in Parkersburg, helped to gather donations for children whose parents are with the West Virginia National Guard.

Please remember, Caliber Technologies proudly donates a portion of every order for ink, toner and office supplies back to our Veterans and our local community. We could not do it without your support and we greatly appreciate you! Thank you!

ONLINE ARTICLE-Outing Afield: Airlie Gardens, Wilmington, NC

OUTING AFIELD: AIRLIE GARDENS, WILMINGTON, NC April 2009. Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON Published on Triangle Mommies blog at http://www.trianglemommies.blogspot.com .

We all know of Wilmington, the historic jewel on the coast of North Carolina. We all know about the beautiful homes untouched by the Civil War and the bustling port city at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. We all know about the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, the boardwalk, the beaches, and in April, the Azalea Festival. Wilmington has a lot to offer.

There is one place, nestled in the coastal area by Wrightsville Beach, which is off the beaten path for most tourists. This place is Airlie Gardens. The Gardens are at 300 Airlie Road, near the intersection of Hwy 76 and Hwy 74 near the Causeway.

Airlie Gardens was first planted by Sarah Jones in 1901 and further transformed by the German landscape architect Rudolf Topel in 1906. The Gardens span 67 acres and are separated into several themed areas including the Showcase Gardens, Pergola Gardens, Camellia Gardens and more.

There are oak trees over 400 hundred years old living in the Gardens, a freshwater lake that is home to swans, and a tidal creek overlook for visiting school children to learn, first-hand, about this delicate ecosystem. There is even a famous artist connected to the Gardens. Minnie Evans worked and painted at Airlie Gardens. Her paintings highlight the Gardens in every season and every light.

Instead of writing a step-by-step account of the full afternoon, these few pictures will have to tell the tale.

[photos]

We stayed a couple of hours, enjoying the grounds and the weather. A few hints if you wish to visit for yourself: bring a stroller for the little ones, bring a picnic, and do not forget your camera!

Sometimes going further afield is worth the trip!

For more information about Airlie Gardens please visit the web site at http://www.airliegardens.org .