Hello, Remember Me?
December 16, 2008
I’m back! I survived finals, thank God. I celebrated earning all aces this semester and took Monday off to spend time with my little guy. I’m back at my desk this week and hitting it hard.
What’s New
I have big plans for the next few weeks. Blue Duck will be getting an overhaul, with a little help from a whole crew. Most changes will be behind the scenes, but some will inevitably leak out onto your screen.
Here are a few highlights of what’s been happening while I’ve been on blogging vacation:
Scott Hendison at Search Commander has been a tremendous help recently and we think he and the Search Commander crew are Blue Ribbon material.
James Chartrand of Men with Pens has suffered through my endless stream of emails and chatter over the lats few days, and has functioned as the logical half of my business brain this week. I would have been medicated with Thorazine and other anti-insanity drugs if it weren’t for James’ levelheadedness and focus this past week. He saved my butt….again. 
Harry at Men with Pens has become enlightened to my sheer stupidity when it comes to imaging and graphics, and we seem to have worked out a common language beyond my senseless grunts and growls about logos and headers and such. He’s such a gem.
Sean Platt at Writer Dad has served as a sounding board and an eternal spring of encouragement and humor. His banter and chatter have helped keep me sane.
B J Keltz at Enriched by Words has added another exciting project to my heaping pile, and this one tends to float to the top. I’ll let you know more when it’s up and running, but this one has huge potential and value.
Naomi Dunford and I will be sitting down to pick her brain royally in January, after she gets all settled-in in England. Online Business School sparked a ton of ideas and 5 new projects for Blue Duck Copy, along with an idea on how to expand the Blue Duck’s services.
Dave Wright of Blogger Dad has provided advice and editing for a piece I am working on for the local newspaper. He has invaluable experience as a reporter and is generous beyond words.
My friend and soul-sister, Toni, has nudged me into finally writing that book I have outlined. I have the first 3 pages done, and think I may be able to finish it before school starts again.
A big, huge, bear hug goes out to each of these people, along with my sincere gratitude and prayers for blessing. Thanks.
Getting Personal
And on a personal note, my oldest son recited the entire Christmas story form Luke for the school play and gave the salvation invitation as the kids gathered around to reenact the nativity. He spoke with confidence and expression, and never missed a beat. He also looked very grow-up and handsome in his little shirt and tie. And yes, I cried. 
I have been taken aback by the sheer need of people in my community this year. It seems that everyone is getting laid off, or having hours cut. Money is tight, and the local food banks and churches are exhausted. People are scared and hurting. They need prayer. If you are the praying kind, please pray for those hurting this Christmas Season.
If you find yourself in need, the Pen Men have started a wonderful program in their forums called Helpline Exchange, where you can hook up with someone who has what you need. I think it’s a fantabulous idea and shows just how big James, Harry, and Charlie’s hearts are.
That’s my rambling about my time away from the blog. Thanks for hanging in there till the end. We well resume a modified posting schedule this week, and get back to Blog Nirvana on Saturdays.
Merry Christmas to everyone and I hope and pray that God will meet your needs and provide you with joy and peace in the busy days to come.
Comments
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Writer Dad
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Lance
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