Gosh, it occurs to me that I'm starting my 28th year in the world of publishing. My goodness. Am I really that old? Well, considering Jennifer will turn 30 in May, I guess I am pretty old. I never, ever thought I would work in the publishing field. My teen years were spent working in credit unions. My grandmother was a credit union manager, as well as my mother. So, I was destined to work in the credit union field. I can remember spending time with my grandmother when I was young - at the hospital credit union in Lewiston - helping her lick envelopes, put on stamps and send out hand-written dividend statements.
I worked at the first credit union in our town that offered share drafts - a credit union's version of a checking account. In fact, I remember the very first day they went online. I also worked vacation time at several other credit unions throughout my high school years. When employees would take vacations, I would be the fill-in work. So, it was only obvious I would end up running a credit union someday.
And I did. Well, I was the Assistant Manager, but it was just me and the actual manager as employees, so I pretty much ran it day to day. In fact, I was one of the youngest credit union assistant managers in the State of Idaho at the time. And I was actually called and offered the position, due to my years of helping out around the other credit unions in the area. And, both my mom and grandmother were presidents of the North Idaho Credit Union League at times, so I was always involved in those events.
But, alas, I grew tired of doing the same old thing every day. It was a challenge during dividends time, first of the month reports, and the like. But, it was basically the same old thing. Just different numbers. So, as I always have, I grew restless. I walked into the local newspaper one day and interviewed for a job as a typist. And, gosh, I really hated typing. But, a new adventure was ahead of me and I was ready for the challenge.
So, my days at the Clearwater Tribune started. Who knew I would be in the publishing field this many years later. Cloann was my first newspaper boss. She was - and still is - a hoot! She grew up in a newspaper family, but actually came by the Tribune through a divorce. So, in a way, she was learning the day to day operations the same as I was. And I'm not in any way considering my knowledge anywhere near her knowledge. But, we were learning some of the same things together.
Back then things were very different. We did pictures on a PMT camera. I hated it. But, I grew to understand the workings of it. That happens after you shoot two different high school's graduation pictures! My goodness, what a process it was. Shoot the picture in the darkroom, run the film through a processor, let it dry. Cut the picture out - and put border tape around it on the page. Oh my. How things have changed!
The first machine I typed on was a huge contraption. You looked straight ahead at this screen and it held the line of type you were typing. Once it returned to the next line you couldn't see it anymore. Made a person really not watch the screen, but concentrate on your typing. For you see, if you made a mistake it was a whole other long process to correct it. It involved cutting out the line of type and pasting it over the error - in a straight line, without getting it crooked. The first time I did this, which just happened to be my first day on the job - I thought to myself, "this isn't for me."
But, I stuck with it. And what a blessing that was! For you see, I also learned how to work on a Mac computer at that newspaper. And the places that has taken me! I was hired away from the Clearwater Tribune to design grocery store ads at a bigger newpaper in Lewiston. And after a time there, I was hired at the Statesman Journal in Salem, Oregon to design car ads. So, I just kept moving up!
My favorite of the three papers? The Clearwater Tribune. Small town, weekly newspaper. Local news, mostly good back then. I still read it when I get the chance. Thankfully it's online these days. And I still keep in contact with Cloann and her family.
Of course, I guess I should say my favorite of all time is All Things Country Magazine. I love what I do. I love marketing. Promoting small businesses in our area, and all the wonderful things there are to do in our area also. Maybe I'll just make this my career................
Hope you all have a great day!
Blessings, Pam
Showing posts with label All Things Country Magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All Things Country Magazine. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Ramblings of an editor
Gosh, for being the editor of a magazine, I sure don't have much to say today. I sat down here to type my blog and have started - and deleted - several different stories. Just not sure what to ramble on about today. I guess I should have saved them all and combined them to make this worth reading!
I started off with a Sister Adventure story. But, hey, we just went to Lexington. Who really cares about that? It was a beautiful day for a drive yesterday and I really enjoyed meeting a few new business people along the way. I very rarely travel to Lexington, so it's big news for me. Kind of sad, huh? I'm more of a small town girl, so heading into Lexington mostly gives me a headache. The traffic is horrible. Waiting at stops lights is horrible. Watching some of the folks around me, well I must admit that isn't so horrible. I am, afterall, a people watcher. You know, everyone has a story!
My next attempt was a Puppy story. I'm falling in love with these puppies. But, those who know me know how much I love my dogs, so it's only inevitable that I would love these puppies. Thank goodness they have homes or else our feed bill would be rising!
Then, I looked outside. Hmmm, maybe a story about the weather. It's sure gray and ugly looking out right now. Rain is arriving ... again. Not snow, just rain. Wet, yucky, muddy yards to enjoy for the next few days. But, you know, I'm tired of talking about the weather. It's winter and we haven't had much 'weather' to speak of, so there isn't much to say but 'more rain.'
I could write about all the yummy recipes I've been typing up for the February magazine.......
Funny how things work. As I'm sitting here pondering all of my thoughts, the door bell rings and one of our great readers was standing at the door with her granddaughter. They brought us a poem for our magazine. Ahhh, respite from my ramblings! And we had a lovely conversation ... about life, kids, critters. I only see Deborah every few months, but I always enjoy catching up with her. She has frequently submitted articles to the magazine over the years and we love her contributions.
As I walked her and Harmony to their car, I heard a familiar sound in the barn. Babies!! Yep, one of the momma goats was cleaning them up in the breezeway when I opened the door. Oh goodness, I think. I'm home alone. Deborah offered to stay and help me, but I figured Dad was just up the road ... no problem. Only problem was, Dad was in town - not at home!
It's a good thing I pay attention, because I actually knew what to do !! And I was successful with it at that. They are now calling a new stall their home - and are both eating off their momma. I have to go back out in a bit and check on them and will take a few pictures to share.
I guess, somehow - someway, when you live on a farm, you can come up with a story!
I hope you all have a blessed afternoon.
Pam
I started off with a Sister Adventure story. But, hey, we just went to Lexington. Who really cares about that? It was a beautiful day for a drive yesterday and I really enjoyed meeting a few new business people along the way. I very rarely travel to Lexington, so it's big news for me. Kind of sad, huh? I'm more of a small town girl, so heading into Lexington mostly gives me a headache. The traffic is horrible. Waiting at stops lights is horrible. Watching some of the folks around me, well I must admit that isn't so horrible. I am, afterall, a people watcher. You know, everyone has a story!
My next attempt was a Puppy story. I'm falling in love with these puppies. But, those who know me know how much I love my dogs, so it's only inevitable that I would love these puppies. Thank goodness they have homes or else our feed bill would be rising!
Then, I looked outside. Hmmm, maybe a story about the weather. It's sure gray and ugly looking out right now. Rain is arriving ... again. Not snow, just rain. Wet, yucky, muddy yards to enjoy for the next few days. But, you know, I'm tired of talking about the weather. It's winter and we haven't had much 'weather' to speak of, so there isn't much to say but 'more rain.'
I could write about all the yummy recipes I've been typing up for the February magazine.......
Funny how things work. As I'm sitting here pondering all of my thoughts, the door bell rings and one of our great readers was standing at the door with her granddaughter. They brought us a poem for our magazine. Ahhh, respite from my ramblings! And we had a lovely conversation ... about life, kids, critters. I only see Deborah every few months, but I always enjoy catching up with her. She has frequently submitted articles to the magazine over the years and we love her contributions.
As I walked her and Harmony to their car, I heard a familiar sound in the barn. Babies!! Yep, one of the momma goats was cleaning them up in the breezeway when I opened the door. Oh goodness, I think. I'm home alone. Deborah offered to stay and help me, but I figured Dad was just up the road ... no problem. Only problem was, Dad was in town - not at home!
It's a good thing I pay attention, because I actually knew what to do !! And I was successful with it at that. They are now calling a new stall their home - and are both eating off their momma. I have to go back out in a bit and check on them and will take a few pictures to share.
I guess, somehow - someway, when you live on a farm, you can come up with a story!
I hope you all have a blessed afternoon.
Pam
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Winter has hit the Northwest ... finally!
A big weather system has hit the northwestern states and it's been very interesting watching news coverage of it all on the weather channel. I talked with Jen a couple of times yesterday and she said the roads in the Lewiston area were bad and they had 6 or 7 inches of snow. Now, Idaho is used to getting snow. But in the Lewiston/Clarkston valley, not so much. Sure they get it. Just not in depths of inches at once. In fact, Lewiston closed their schools yesterday early and Dave and I don't ever remember that happening when we went to school. They have even closed the University of Idaho today, unheard of.....
I have mixed feelings for all of those involved. The folks in Pierce, Idaho - I'm overjoyed for them. Snow, finally! They have a big winter festival coming up in February and I can't imagine how they'd have one without snow. But, they are getting their share of it now. Linda, one of our readers - and a dear friend - living on the Weippe prairie posted they had over a foot and it was still snowing. I've drove across that prairie with over a foot of snow on it and the roads can get pretty dicey. The good part of it, if you slide off the road you usually just go into a field.
My friends in the Portland and Seattle area? Not so tickled for them. Sure, the Northwest needs snow. Without snow, all the ski areas can't open and that's devastating financially. And with no snowpack, the wildfires are almost unmanageable in the summers. So they need snow in the mountains.
But downtown Portland and downtown Seattle? Nope, they don't need snow! It's scary enough driving in those areas on a good day, add the elements and there are wrecks everywhere. What's sad is that the snow doesn't last too long in those areas, it switches back to rain and melts it quickly. And that brings another mess .....
Flooding! We lived in Salem, Oregon during the floods of 1996. I worked at the Statesman Journal then and can remember one night when Dave drove me as far as he could towards the paper and then I walked the rest of the way. All the bridges in the downtown area had water coming over the top and the city crews were closing them. That really didn't mean much to a newspaper person. I had to get there somehow. So, Dave drove to several bridges in the downtown area and we picked the one we thought I could walk over safely to get to work.
We have pictures from that flood, lots of them. It was quite the experience to go through. For two whole days - with a pump running constantly - we had 4 feet of water in our basement. Jenni and I did our best to get all of our belongings out of the basement before the water got too deep. I remember that last trip down the basement stairs and seeing all of our ski boots floating. I kind of knew it was too late to save anything else. The entire Willamette Valley was flooded. All from a big snowstorm, followed by an ice storm, followed by a warm day. That's exactly what is going on there now. So, I'm hoping the damage doesn't get as bad as 1996.
As I look out our windows this morning, it's beautiful. Yeah, a bit frosty, but blue skies and sunshine await us today. I'm sure in several days we will be getting the backlash from these NW storms though, so it makes me wonder what the week ahead brings for us.
Have a great day everyone. And God Bless you.....
Pam
I have mixed feelings for all of those involved. The folks in Pierce, Idaho - I'm overjoyed for them. Snow, finally! They have a big winter festival coming up in February and I can't imagine how they'd have one without snow. But, they are getting their share of it now. Linda, one of our readers - and a dear friend - living on the Weippe prairie posted they had over a foot and it was still snowing. I've drove across that prairie with over a foot of snow on it and the roads can get pretty dicey. The good part of it, if you slide off the road you usually just go into a field.
My friends in the Portland and Seattle area? Not so tickled for them. Sure, the Northwest needs snow. Without snow, all the ski areas can't open and that's devastating financially. And with no snowpack, the wildfires are almost unmanageable in the summers. So they need snow in the mountains.
But downtown Portland and downtown Seattle? Nope, they don't need snow! It's scary enough driving in those areas on a good day, add the elements and there are wrecks everywhere. What's sad is that the snow doesn't last too long in those areas, it switches back to rain and melts it quickly. And that brings another mess .....
Flooding! We lived in Salem, Oregon during the floods of 1996. I worked at the Statesman Journal then and can remember one night when Dave drove me as far as he could towards the paper and then I walked the rest of the way. All the bridges in the downtown area had water coming over the top and the city crews were closing them. That really didn't mean much to a newspaper person. I had to get there somehow. So, Dave drove to several bridges in the downtown area and we picked the one we thought I could walk over safely to get to work.
We have pictures from that flood, lots of them. It was quite the experience to go through. For two whole days - with a pump running constantly - we had 4 feet of water in our basement. Jenni and I did our best to get all of our belongings out of the basement before the water got too deep. I remember that last trip down the basement stairs and seeing all of our ski boots floating. I kind of knew it was too late to save anything else. The entire Willamette Valley was flooded. All from a big snowstorm, followed by an ice storm, followed by a warm day. That's exactly what is going on there now. So, I'm hoping the damage doesn't get as bad as 1996.
As I look out our windows this morning, it's beautiful. Yeah, a bit frosty, but blue skies and sunshine await us today. I'm sure in several days we will be getting the backlash from these NW storms though, so it makes me wonder what the week ahead brings for us.
Have a great day everyone. And God Bless you.....
Pam
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The week I've been dreading has finally arrived.....
It's a sad week for me. One I have been dreading for about six months. I've known it was going to happen, just didn't really want to believe it. But January 13th is day after tomorrow and it will all end.
You are really going to laugh, at least some of you are. You see, One Life to Live - my beloved soap opera is going to end on Friday. I've watched it my whole life. Yes, I'm a soap opera watcher. Got it from my mom, who always watched them. It's funny, too, because my mom always worked. I'm guessing that we watched them together through her many back surgeries through my younger years. But, she's not here to ask, so I'm just guessing.
I remember watching soap operas before they were in color, and that was a long time ago. Several soaps have went off the air that my mom watched. The Doctors and Search for Tomorrow to name a couple. And I don't remember being so torn up about them. But, the thought of never seeing Victoria Lord again, man what a bummer it's been.
During my many years in the newspaper business, I generally worked night shift. For many years I went in at 11pm and didn't get off until 6 or 7am. So, my 'prime time' television was in the afternoons. My soaps. Or stories, as my aunt Ruthie would call them. I didn't watch shows like Friends for years, I was usually taking my nap before work. There are still some episodes of Friends that I've never seen.
But, I've rarely missed an episode of One Life To Live. I'm pretty sure that since recording capabilities became available, I haven't missed an episode. I wore out many a VCR tape rewinding it every evening for the next days show.
So, the thought of never knowing how Starr Manning grows up is heartbreaking. I mean, I've watched since the day she was born - and she is one character they've never replaced actresses with to age her. So, I've actually watched the actress grow up too.
And Victoria Lord, my gosh! She has been on the show since it started. My whole life I've been watching her, through her marriages, alter egos, various trips back in time. The whole 'outlandish' world of soaps.
And though soaps have outlandish storylines, they also have telling ones too. Like when Megan died of Lupus. Or the current storyline about teen bullying. They also deal with real life issues, and thankfully most of them do it accurately.
So, each evening this week I've watched the last episodes I'm ever going to see. I've wondered how the writers will end it for months and we are finding out this week. Yes, I said we. Because Dave watches every evening with me too. And next week, the 2pm time slot will be filled with another news show. Something this world doesn't need.
Oh, well. I've still got two left. The Young and the Restless on CBS, which I've only watched since the late 1970's and General Hospital, which will be the only one left on ABC. I've watched it since Jessie was the head nurse and Steve was Chief of Staff. A very long time ago. I'm sure both of them will end in the future too and pretty soon the end of a television era will be forever gone.
Yet, as I mourn the loss of my beloved soap opera, I have thoroughly enjoyed the 60 year anniversary of The Today Show. Let's hope it's on for another 60 years. The Today Show is the only show that was allowed on our television in the mornings. Again my mom was a faithful watcher/listener in the mornings, so I've always continued to watch it. The Friday show is going to have all the past anchors that have been on the show and that's going to be fun to watch!
Well, enough of soap operas and such .... I've got work to do! Have a great day everyone. And stay safe out there. It's cold and rainy today, very rainy! But, they are saying it'll probably turn over to snow tomorrow, so the fun of winter will 'finally' begin.
Blessings to you all. Pam
You are really going to laugh, at least some of you are. You see, One Life to Live - my beloved soap opera is going to end on Friday. I've watched it my whole life. Yes, I'm a soap opera watcher. Got it from my mom, who always watched them. It's funny, too, because my mom always worked. I'm guessing that we watched them together through her many back surgeries through my younger years. But, she's not here to ask, so I'm just guessing.
I remember watching soap operas before they were in color, and that was a long time ago. Several soaps have went off the air that my mom watched. The Doctors and Search for Tomorrow to name a couple. And I don't remember being so torn up about them. But, the thought of never seeing Victoria Lord again, man what a bummer it's been.
During my many years in the newspaper business, I generally worked night shift. For many years I went in at 11pm and didn't get off until 6 or 7am. So, my 'prime time' television was in the afternoons. My soaps. Or stories, as my aunt Ruthie would call them. I didn't watch shows like Friends for years, I was usually taking my nap before work. There are still some episodes of Friends that I've never seen.
But, I've rarely missed an episode of One Life To Live. I'm pretty sure that since recording capabilities became available, I haven't missed an episode. I wore out many a VCR tape rewinding it every evening for the next days show.
So, the thought of never knowing how Starr Manning grows up is heartbreaking. I mean, I've watched since the day she was born - and she is one character they've never replaced actresses with to age her. So, I've actually watched the actress grow up too.
And Victoria Lord, my gosh! She has been on the show since it started. My whole life I've been watching her, through her marriages, alter egos, various trips back in time. The whole 'outlandish' world of soaps.
And though soaps have outlandish storylines, they also have telling ones too. Like when Megan died of Lupus. Or the current storyline about teen bullying. They also deal with real life issues, and thankfully most of them do it accurately.
So, each evening this week I've watched the last episodes I'm ever going to see. I've wondered how the writers will end it for months and we are finding out this week. Yes, I said we. Because Dave watches every evening with me too. And next week, the 2pm time slot will be filled with another news show. Something this world doesn't need.
Oh, well. I've still got two left. The Young and the Restless on CBS, which I've only watched since the late 1970's and General Hospital, which will be the only one left on ABC. I've watched it since Jessie was the head nurse and Steve was Chief of Staff. A very long time ago. I'm sure both of them will end in the future too and pretty soon the end of a television era will be forever gone.
Yet, as I mourn the loss of my beloved soap opera, I have thoroughly enjoyed the 60 year anniversary of The Today Show. Let's hope it's on for another 60 years. The Today Show is the only show that was allowed on our television in the mornings. Again my mom was a faithful watcher/listener in the mornings, so I've always continued to watch it. The Friday show is going to have all the past anchors that have been on the show and that's going to be fun to watch!
Well, enough of soap operas and such .... I've got work to do! Have a great day everyone. And stay safe out there. It's cold and rainy today, very rainy! But, they are saying it'll probably turn over to snow tomorrow, so the fun of winter will 'finally' begin.
Blessings to you all. Pam
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Going Blue
I live in a world of blue. Almost daily you hear at least one Big Blue comment. You know, we bleed blue, big blue madness. This is life in Kentucky. After all, we've got the best basketball program in history at the University of Kentucky. I was always a Kentucky fan, of sorts, no matter where I lived. But I wasn't always a UK fan.
When I lived in Kentucky in the early 1970's, we lived in Carter County. Close to Morehead State University. That is where I always wanted to go to college - had I been a good enough student to go to college. My mom worked in Morehead and I just always loved that town. Don't have a clue why, just did. So, when we moved away and I was far from where I wanted to live, I watched Kentucky sports. And always rooted for MSU, not UK so much.
How on earth I got off on Kentucky sports, I'll never know. I guess because UK plays today. Everyone in Kentucky knows that!
No, I started off writing this about my fingernails. Currently blue fingernails. I've gone blue for a couple of months, which is bad in a way. If UK has a winning season, then I'll be scared to take the blue off until they win the championship. And who am I kidding, UK will have a winning season; so I'll be blue for a while.
My fingernails are my weakness, something I attribute to my late grandmother. She had this thing about painted nails. If mine weren't painted, she would fuss at me. If they weren't painted 'perfectly' she would fuss even more. She was, after all, an Avon lady. But, she didn't do that until later in life and she always seemed to fuss about my fingernails. I'm cursed with long nails. I had to file them off daily when I was younger, just to keep them shorter.
But, long they still are. And always have been strong too. Which is good since I'm a typist. But I learned to type with long nails, so it's no big deal. What was a big deal ... when I turned to gardening. Pulling weeds with long nails turned into a problem. Between going through gardening gloves like crazy, and breaking them once in a while, I thought my days of having nice nails were over. Not so.
One of my friends in town showed me how to fix a badly broken nail with acrylic and I've been hooked ever since. It has turned into my one extravagance in life. Instead of doing my nails every few days like I did for some 30 years, I now have them done about once a month. A good 3 hours of relaxing and enjoying a break during my hectic month. And hey, Dave loves it too. He hasn't had to smell nail polish remover in several years. He hated it when I did my nails at home.
Yes, it's an addiction. But, of all the addictions I've had in my life, I consider this a healthy addiction! And my dear grandmother is smiling down knowing my nails ALWAYS look good now. She is really smiling down now, because blue was her favorite color.
Have a great day everyone. And go Big Blue!
Pam
When I lived in Kentucky in the early 1970's, we lived in Carter County. Close to Morehead State University. That is where I always wanted to go to college - had I been a good enough student to go to college. My mom worked in Morehead and I just always loved that town. Don't have a clue why, just did. So, when we moved away and I was far from where I wanted to live, I watched Kentucky sports. And always rooted for MSU, not UK so much.
How on earth I got off on Kentucky sports, I'll never know. I guess because UK plays today. Everyone in Kentucky knows that!
No, I started off writing this about my fingernails. Currently blue fingernails. I've gone blue for a couple of months, which is bad in a way. If UK has a winning season, then I'll be scared to take the blue off until they win the championship. And who am I kidding, UK will have a winning season; so I'll be blue for a while.
My fingernails are my weakness, something I attribute to my late grandmother. She had this thing about painted nails. If mine weren't painted, she would fuss at me. If they weren't painted 'perfectly' she would fuss even more. She was, after all, an Avon lady. But, she didn't do that until later in life and she always seemed to fuss about my fingernails. I'm cursed with long nails. I had to file them off daily when I was younger, just to keep them shorter.
But, long they still are. And always have been strong too. Which is good since I'm a typist. But I learned to type with long nails, so it's no big deal. What was a big deal ... when I turned to gardening. Pulling weeds with long nails turned into a problem. Between going through gardening gloves like crazy, and breaking them once in a while, I thought my days of having nice nails were over. Not so.
One of my friends in town showed me how to fix a badly broken nail with acrylic and I've been hooked ever since. It has turned into my one extravagance in life. Instead of doing my nails every few days like I did for some 30 years, I now have them done about once a month. A good 3 hours of relaxing and enjoying a break during my hectic month. And hey, Dave loves it too. He hasn't had to smell nail polish remover in several years. He hated it when I did my nails at home.
Yes, it's an addiction. But, of all the addictions I've had in my life, I consider this a healthy addiction! And my dear grandmother is smiling down knowing my nails ALWAYS look good now. She is really smiling down now, because blue was her favorite color.
Have a great day everyone. And go Big Blue!
Pam
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Trying to breath before we pick up the magazine
The newest All Things Country Magazine is on the press as I type this. It heads to the bindery department tomorrow and we will pick it up Monday morning in Winchester. The days leading up to sending the magazine off to the printers get to be pretty hectic. Everything else seems to take a back seat during these few days. Once it's been 'fetched' to Dayton, I can breathe a little bit. I usually sleep the first few hours, because I work about 24 hours straight leading up to the finished product.
Thankfully, I have these few days to get caught up on laundry, housework and farm work before the rush of delivery begins. Otherwise I would always need one of those door mats that says "The house was clean last week, sorry you missed it." Sometimes I think that would be a pretty handy doormat to have!
Once the magazine is gone though, it's hard for me to breathe until I see the finished product. And that's usually a scary event too. What if I've made a mistake? Hate it. Hate the thought of it. But I know that errors are inevitable. It's hard with a monthly publication to correct an error, like with a newspaper that prints more often. I can correct it with the online version, but can't do much about the printed version. And, trust me, we've had to stuff the entire 12,000 papers with a correction before! It's not fun. But, I hate it if an advertiser is unhappy too.
I've got my list going for tomorrow, and the weekend. It's not like we can relax much, it's just that we aren't doing much with the magazine during these three days. So, I try to catch up, at least what I can do depending on the weather. We are supposed to have a pretty nice weekend, so remodeling work in the barn might be on the agenda. We've got several mommy goats that are due in the next few weeks, so birthing stalls are in order. Dave had been in and out of the barn all day checking on our Barbie girl. She's so big, she can hardly move! Are triplets in there? We'll see soon.
I've been wanting to try a new recipe too, maybe I'll be able to get that in the schedule too. I'm a big fan of chocolate covered cherries - and found a recipe that sounds pretty easy - so I think I'm up for the challenge. They can't be eaten for at least 10 days, so it will be a treat once deadline week hits again.
Whoa, I don't even want to think about deadline week already! Guess it's time to end this and try some relaxing for the evening.
Blessings to you all. Thanks for reading along.....
Pam
Thankfully, I have these few days to get caught up on laundry, housework and farm work before the rush of delivery begins. Otherwise I would always need one of those door mats that says "The house was clean last week, sorry you missed it." Sometimes I think that would be a pretty handy doormat to have!
Once the magazine is gone though, it's hard for me to breathe until I see the finished product. And that's usually a scary event too. What if I've made a mistake? Hate it. Hate the thought of it. But I know that errors are inevitable. It's hard with a monthly publication to correct an error, like with a newspaper that prints more often. I can correct it with the online version, but can't do much about the printed version. And, trust me, we've had to stuff the entire 12,000 papers with a correction before! It's not fun. But, I hate it if an advertiser is unhappy too.
I've got my list going for tomorrow, and the weekend. It's not like we can relax much, it's just that we aren't doing much with the magazine during these three days. So, I try to catch up, at least what I can do depending on the weather. We are supposed to have a pretty nice weekend, so remodeling work in the barn might be on the agenda. We've got several mommy goats that are due in the next few weeks, so birthing stalls are in order. Dave had been in and out of the barn all day checking on our Barbie girl. She's so big, she can hardly move! Are triplets in there? We'll see soon.
I've been wanting to try a new recipe too, maybe I'll be able to get that in the schedule too. I'm a big fan of chocolate covered cherries - and found a recipe that sounds pretty easy - so I think I'm up for the challenge. They can't be eaten for at least 10 days, so it will be a treat once deadline week hits again.
Whoa, I don't even want to think about deadline week already! Guess it's time to end this and try some relaxing for the evening.
Blessings to you all. Thanks for reading along.....
Pam
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year's Eve Memories
Tonight I will be celebrating New Year's Eve for the 50th time in my life. What a ride so far, I can't wait to see what the next 50 bring. Optimistic aren't I? There were many times in my younger years that I thought I wouldn't make it to 30, so I find it quite amusing that I'm looking forward to 50 more years. Funny how your life changes the older you get.
We have plans tonight, something we haven't done in many, many years. I think the last time Dave and I went out on New Year's Eve was the first year we lived in Kentucky and we went to my cousin's house in Nicholasville. I'm really thinking that's the last time we were even up at midnight. Again, funny how your life changes....
I have many memories of New Year's Eve, and yes, some of them involve partying. I was a child of the 70's, and I did my share of partying. But not all of them.
I spent my middle school and high school years babysitting on New Year's Eve. For the same family usually. I was always a babysitter, my first job being in northern Maine when I was 10 years old. For a couple that lived two doors down on the military base. I was scared to death that first night, although excited at the same time. But, I was always the 'babysitter' in the family anyways.
I actually don't have any memories of new years before moving to Lewiston, Idaho in 1974. We moved so many times growing up in the military, I couldn't [accurately] tell you which state I lived in each new year much less what I did. (Note to self: this needs to be documented....).
One of my first good memories of New Year's Eve though? Sledding at my aunt and uncle's house in Deary, Idaho. They had a little farm there, in a little logging community high in the mountains of Idaho. It snowed alot there, at least it did back then. They still get their fair share every year, but not like years ago. All my cousins were there that weekend and we were having a blast sledding down this one hill behind their house. We pulled our sleds up that hill for hours.
After a while my great aunt Marie called us in to eat chili and we all said 'no', but she then informed us that it was 18 degrees below zero. We were having so much fun that we didn't even realize how cold it was. I also remember my great uncle Wesley tying all of our sleds together so it made a big long train. Then he hooked us up to his pickup and pulled us through town. What fun we had!
For some reason my best memories involve snow..... another wonderful time I remember was when I lived in Pierce, Idaho. Jenni wasn't even in school yet and we lived high up on a hill overlooking town. Pierce is about an hour north of Highway 12 in the mountains of North Central Idaho and at the time most of the people were supported by a lumber mill that was located there. Unfortunately the mill is gone now, but several of my good friends still live up 'on the hill', a term commonly known by the locals in the area.
The local band, who was composed of Jack Smith and the Graham brothers, had quite a following of fans. We would drive to wherever 'Shotgun' was playing, no matter how far sometimes. So, alot of people came up the hill from Orofino for New Year's Eve. We went into the Timber Inn that night and it was barely snowing. We came out of there several hours later and you couldn't hardly see, much less drive. Snowmobiles were used to get people home. Needless to say ... there were alot of people sleeping on floors in various homes in town that night. The roads were pretty bad and most of those there listening to the band ended up not going home until later on the next day. I just remember coming out the next morning and seeing bodies laying everywhere, with whatever blankets and pillows I could find to keep them warm.
Ahhh, it's days like this that the memories start flowing. Remembering the past .... and looking forward to the future. The holidays fall at the perfect time of the year. Right at the end. It's a great time for reflection. I'm wishing every one of you a happy and safe New Year's Eve, wherever you are. And all the best to you in the new year!
God Bless you all.... Pam
We have plans tonight, something we haven't done in many, many years. I think the last time Dave and I went out on New Year's Eve was the first year we lived in Kentucky and we went to my cousin's house in Nicholasville. I'm really thinking that's the last time we were even up at midnight. Again, funny how your life changes....
I have many memories of New Year's Eve, and yes, some of them involve partying. I was a child of the 70's, and I did my share of partying. But not all of them.
I spent my middle school and high school years babysitting on New Year's Eve. For the same family usually. I was always a babysitter, my first job being in northern Maine when I was 10 years old. For a couple that lived two doors down on the military base. I was scared to death that first night, although excited at the same time. But, I was always the 'babysitter' in the family anyways.
I actually don't have any memories of new years before moving to Lewiston, Idaho in 1974. We moved so many times growing up in the military, I couldn't [accurately] tell you which state I lived in each new year much less what I did. (Note to self: this needs to be documented....).
One of my first good memories of New Year's Eve though? Sledding at my aunt and uncle's house in Deary, Idaho. They had a little farm there, in a little logging community high in the mountains of Idaho. It snowed alot there, at least it did back then. They still get their fair share every year, but not like years ago. All my cousins were there that weekend and we were having a blast sledding down this one hill behind their house. We pulled our sleds up that hill for hours.
After a while my great aunt Marie called us in to eat chili and we all said 'no', but she then informed us that it was 18 degrees below zero. We were having so much fun that we didn't even realize how cold it was. I also remember my great uncle Wesley tying all of our sleds together so it made a big long train. Then he hooked us up to his pickup and pulled us through town. What fun we had!
For some reason my best memories involve snow..... another wonderful time I remember was when I lived in Pierce, Idaho. Jenni wasn't even in school yet and we lived high up on a hill overlooking town. Pierce is about an hour north of Highway 12 in the mountains of North Central Idaho and at the time most of the people were supported by a lumber mill that was located there. Unfortunately the mill is gone now, but several of my good friends still live up 'on the hill', a term commonly known by the locals in the area.
The local band, who was composed of Jack Smith and the Graham brothers, had quite a following of fans. We would drive to wherever 'Shotgun' was playing, no matter how far sometimes. So, alot of people came up the hill from Orofino for New Year's Eve. We went into the Timber Inn that night and it was barely snowing. We came out of there several hours later and you couldn't hardly see, much less drive. Snowmobiles were used to get people home. Needless to say ... there were alot of people sleeping on floors in various homes in town that night. The roads were pretty bad and most of those there listening to the band ended up not going home until later on the next day. I just remember coming out the next morning and seeing bodies laying everywhere, with whatever blankets and pillows I could find to keep them warm.
Ahhh, it's days like this that the memories start flowing. Remembering the past .... and looking forward to the future. The holidays fall at the perfect time of the year. Right at the end. It's a great time for reflection. I'm wishing every one of you a happy and safe New Year's Eve, wherever you are. And all the best to you in the new year!
God Bless you all.... Pam
Friday, December 30, 2011
Week Between The Years ...
The week is called the week between the years, a time to visiting with friends .... at least that's how they celebrate it in Germany. I think it's a great week. Well, for the most part. For some, it is the end of the year, which means lots of work for business-people. Trying to get everything done before the close of business today.
I kind of like the "visiting with friends" tradition myself. Although I seem to be too busy to do much visiting, because I'm one of those trying to get everything done. And of course, throw in deadline week and I'm really busy. As busy as I am this week, I took the time to go to the Kiwanis Meeting last night. It was so nice catching up with people I haven't seen in a few weeks. Plus Dave did a pretty nice presentation about All Things Country and our farm.
Dave does a lot of visiting with people, but I rarely get away from this computer long enough to go to town. Now, I don't mind that at times .... but I sure miss talking with some of my friends down in town. I guess I should make it a goal for 2012 to do more visiting!
This week also brings alot of Year-End Reviews. Highlights of what has happened in the past year. Whew. The scope of how our world is changing is evident when you watch these reels of highlights from 2011. The world's weather sure did alot of damage in the past year. Gosh, I hadn't realized how many earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes happened. Or just had forgotten. The folks in those areas surely haven't forgotten.
And we lose so many people each year. Not just family and friends, but greats from the world of music, actors and actresses, sports starts and so many more. When you wrap it all up into a 10 minutes montage it brings it all home.
So, I hope you get to do lots and lots of visiting with your friends and family in the next two days. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. It is definitely not guaranteed.
And Happy New Year to all of you. Thanks for reading.
Pam
I kind of like the "visiting with friends" tradition myself. Although I seem to be too busy to do much visiting, because I'm one of those trying to get everything done. And of course, throw in deadline week and I'm really busy. As busy as I am this week, I took the time to go to the Kiwanis Meeting last night. It was so nice catching up with people I haven't seen in a few weeks. Plus Dave did a pretty nice presentation about All Things Country and our farm.
Dave does a lot of visiting with people, but I rarely get away from this computer long enough to go to town. Now, I don't mind that at times .... but I sure miss talking with some of my friends down in town. I guess I should make it a goal for 2012 to do more visiting!
This week also brings alot of Year-End Reviews. Highlights of what has happened in the past year. Whew. The scope of how our world is changing is evident when you watch these reels of highlights from 2011. The world's weather sure did alot of damage in the past year. Gosh, I hadn't realized how many earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes happened. Or just had forgotten. The folks in those areas surely haven't forgotten.
And we lose so many people each year. Not just family and friends, but greats from the world of music, actors and actresses, sports starts and so many more. When you wrap it all up into a 10 minutes montage it brings it all home.
So, I hope you get to do lots and lots of visiting with your friends and family in the next two days. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. It is definitely not guaranteed.
And Happy New Year to all of you. Thanks for reading.
Pam
Thursday, December 29, 2011
He sure paints a pretty picture
What a gorgeous sunrise this morning. Dave took a picture to show you .......
We got to talking about it out on the back porch this morning, how beautiful the sunrises are here in Kentucky, when Dave said "God sure paints a pretty picture." Boy, isn't that the truth? If we are lucky enough, we get a beautiful picture twice a day. And it's different everyday. The sunrises and sunsets in Kentucky just can't be beat.
We didn't get this in Idaho. Not in the same way at least. The sunrise this morning lasted about 30 minutes for us. We watched for a very long time as this beautiful picture happened right before our eyes. We knew is was going to be awesome and we just stared in awe.
Dave and I were both born in Lewiston, Idaho. It's located at a little over 800 feet above sea level. The mountains surrounding Lewiston, Idaho? Oh, about 3,000 feet! Lewiston is literally down in a deep valley and you have to drive up and over a mountain in any direction you go anywhere. So, the sunrise and sunset last about 5 minutes, if you are lucky enough to see one! The mountains block them. And certainly not in the wintertime, like this morning. They are probably looking at big fluffy clouds containing moisture of some type, be it rain or snow. At least I don't ever remember being as impressed with them like I am here! Maybe some of my Facebook friends will send me a picture if they have them there.....
I try about every day to get a picture of the beauty outside my window. Whether it's the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, or just one of the critters, we take alot of pictures. No matter how bad the day might go with All Things Country, you can't help but smile when you arrive back at the farm and view the wonder that is our lives. And when we have a really good day, it's just an added bonus!
Here's hoping that you have a beautiful sunset to view tonight - and every night for the rest of this year! God bless you all.
Pam
We got to talking about it out on the back porch this morning, how beautiful the sunrises are here in Kentucky, when Dave said "God sure paints a pretty picture." Boy, isn't that the truth? If we are lucky enough, we get a beautiful picture twice a day. And it's different everyday. The sunrises and sunsets in Kentucky just can't be beat.
We didn't get this in Idaho. Not in the same way at least. The sunrise this morning lasted about 30 minutes for us. We watched for a very long time as this beautiful picture happened right before our eyes. We knew is was going to be awesome and we just stared in awe.
Dave and I were both born in Lewiston, Idaho. It's located at a little over 800 feet above sea level. The mountains surrounding Lewiston, Idaho? Oh, about 3,000 feet! Lewiston is literally down in a deep valley and you have to drive up and over a mountain in any direction you go anywhere. So, the sunrise and sunset last about 5 minutes, if you are lucky enough to see one! The mountains block them. And certainly not in the wintertime, like this morning. They are probably looking at big fluffy clouds containing moisture of some type, be it rain or snow. At least I don't ever remember being as impressed with them like I am here! Maybe some of my Facebook friends will send me a picture if they have them there.....
I try about every day to get a picture of the beauty outside my window. Whether it's the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, or just one of the critters, we take alot of pictures. No matter how bad the day might go with All Things Country, you can't help but smile when you arrive back at the farm and view the wonder that is our lives. And when we have a really good day, it's just an added bonus!
Here's hoping that you have a beautiful sunset to view tonight - and every night for the rest of this year! God bless you all.
Pam
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Networking .... Love it!
It's been a long few days here at All Things Country. The Dave person has been working away at Ravenna Florist and Greenhouse, helping the crew tear down the old greenhouse ..... which has left me handling errands in town, attending meetings, handing out copies of All Things Country Magazine. Not to mention chores at the farm, weeding, harvesting veggies. Whew.....
I must say though, I'm so refreshed today and ready to blast through another day. It's been an incredible couple of days networking with other business owners in the area. I love it too. You see, I live in Estill County, but I'm not 'from here.' I don't hold the same love of the county -exclusively- that others that have been born and raised here do. I love Powell County and Carter County and Montgomery County just as much as I do Estill County. It's because I love all of Kentucky.
At the Chamber Luncheon this week, it was awesome to connect with Ethan and Katie Moore from WSKV in Powell County. We have worked pretty closely with them for the past several years and would do anything to help them out, as they would with us. This is how is should work. We're all striving for the same thing. To keep businesses IN our small communities. It's a struggle. Not just here - everywhere.
Since we started All Things Country, the crew at WSKV is the ONLY other news outlet that has ever promoted us in any way. And we are in the same business basically .... selling advertising to all these same businesses. It means alot to us that Ethan and the rest of the crew over there wants us to succeed just as much as they want to succeed - and vice versa. Ethan spoke at the luncheon about not putting all your [advertising] eggs in one basket. Alot of the same advertisers on the radio also advertise in All Things Country. Thankfully most don't choose one of us over the other.
At another function this week, the Kiwanis Club from Lee County came down to join us at our Kiwanis Club meeting. It was another nice connection. We learned some about their park at Happy Top, I'm anxious to go check it out on our next trip up to Beattyville. Their club struggles, the same as ours. With fundraising. The Irvine/Ravenna Kiwanis Club's annual auction is fast approaching and fundraising for that is going to be a priority over the next month or so. The money raised goes to help out with children's projects supported by Kiwanis. That's the main reason we joined Kiwanis - to help out with children in our community.
Maybe I'm most refreshed by our Old Time Camp Meeting at church last night though. It's was awesome. I'm almost giddy to go back tonight. What fun! And the message last night - amazing. Can't wait for tonight's message. Even more 'networking' was done last night. I had no idea that I've been greeting Jeanette King's daughter for the past few months at church, but Jeanette was there last night and that connection was made. Love it......
And love all of you out there in our neighboring counties too. Have a blessed day each and every one!
Pam
I must say though, I'm so refreshed today and ready to blast through another day. It's been an incredible couple of days networking with other business owners in the area. I love it too. You see, I live in Estill County, but I'm not 'from here.' I don't hold the same love of the county -exclusively- that others that have been born and raised here do. I love Powell County and Carter County and Montgomery County just as much as I do Estill County. It's because I love all of Kentucky.
At the Chamber Luncheon this week, it was awesome to connect with Ethan and Katie Moore from WSKV in Powell County. We have worked pretty closely with them for the past several years and would do anything to help them out, as they would with us. This is how is should work. We're all striving for the same thing. To keep businesses IN our small communities. It's a struggle. Not just here - everywhere.
Since we started All Things Country, the crew at WSKV is the ONLY other news outlet that has ever promoted us in any way. And we are in the same business basically .... selling advertising to all these same businesses. It means alot to us that Ethan and the rest of the crew over there wants us to succeed just as much as they want to succeed - and vice versa. Ethan spoke at the luncheon about not putting all your [advertising] eggs in one basket. Alot of the same advertisers on the radio also advertise in All Things Country. Thankfully most don't choose one of us over the other.
At another function this week, the Kiwanis Club from Lee County came down to join us at our Kiwanis Club meeting. It was another nice connection. We learned some about their park at Happy Top, I'm anxious to go check it out on our next trip up to Beattyville. Their club struggles, the same as ours. With fundraising. The Irvine/Ravenna Kiwanis Club's annual auction is fast approaching and fundraising for that is going to be a priority over the next month or so. The money raised goes to help out with children's projects supported by Kiwanis. That's the main reason we joined Kiwanis - to help out with children in our community.
Maybe I'm most refreshed by our Old Time Camp Meeting at church last night though. It's was awesome. I'm almost giddy to go back tonight. What fun! And the message last night - amazing. Can't wait for tonight's message. Even more 'networking' was done last night. I had no idea that I've been greeting Jeanette King's daughter for the past few months at church, but Jeanette was there last night and that connection was made. Love it......
And love all of you out there in our neighboring counties too. Have a blessed day each and every one!
Pam
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
With the debut of our new magazine ... we've added a blog too!
The August edition of All Things Country Magazine debuted our biggest change to the publication since we started in June of 2006. It's now an 'official' magazine, in my opinion anyway! The magazine is now printed on a sheet-fed press, which allows more precision with artwork - and an overall better look. We'll get a few glitches with type worked out with our September book, other than that I was very pleased with how it turned out.
I've worked in graphic design since 1983, so I'm pretty comfortable with building ads and such. But I've always done it for a web press, which is a whole different process than a sheet-fed press. I have more freedom to be a bit creative with the new printers. It's giving me all kinds of ideas for pages now :-)
We made this switch for a variety of reasons. I know that several of our advertisers are worried about our prices raising. The truth of the matter is, they were going to raise anyway. Not drastically, but some. We've never really had a big price increase since we started, yet the price of gas has doubled, the price of paper and ink has raised, the economy has prevented some businesses from advertising at all. And, yet, we still want to keep our magazine free.
So, we decided to meet everyone half way. Yes, prices are increasing somewhat - but you are getting a much better product for your money too. We didn't feel we could raise prices with the quality of a web-press magazine, but the new look justifies it. We hope to continue to be able to bring you All Things Country free of charge for years to come!
Some people tell us that they don't have anything to advertise, but they still would like to have the magazine each month in their business. We ask that you consider running a business directory ad, which gives your contact information, much like a phone book. Your customers will appreciate you for it! And we would appreciate the support.
I started this magazine because I spent too many years in the newspaper industry - spreading bad news around. And I want to spread good news around. There is good in this world. There really is. You think about your local newspaper ...... and think of this scenario: you have two business people in a small community. One of these business owners goes out of his way to help when asked. He helps out at the food bank, volunteers at his church, gives to the needy. This business-person's next door neighbor is kind of a shady character. His business is run shoddily, when it's even open. And the traffic in and out - you just know something isn't right. And then, bam - he gets arrested for something. Which one of these business-people will have their picture and story on the front page of your local paper? You can bet it isn't the one who does good for your community.
Dave and I moved here in 2002. We knew two people in Estill County when we moved here. My dad and one of my cousins, Carol Ann. As many of you know (or at least those that read ATC), living in Kentucky was my dream for many years. But, it's very scary moving to a new place. We weren't sure where to shop, the good deals, the best places to eat. And it didn't seem like you could find out much through any of the local papers. So, for several years, my mind kept churning on what I wanted to do and how it would involve tourism. I have always loved to travel - and I had this whole new state to explore! Lots of new shops, new parks, rivers, mountains ... and we want to share them all with you!
So, we'll keep on keeping on .... and hope you enjoy the ride along with us.
I hope you enjoy my ramblings .... they'll be a daily fixture from here on out - or until you guys all tell me to shut up :-)
Have an awesome day - and spread a little good news.
Pam
I've worked in graphic design since 1983, so I'm pretty comfortable with building ads and such. But I've always done it for a web press, which is a whole different process than a sheet-fed press. I have more freedom to be a bit creative with the new printers. It's giving me all kinds of ideas for pages now :-)
We made this switch for a variety of reasons. I know that several of our advertisers are worried about our prices raising. The truth of the matter is, they were going to raise anyway. Not drastically, but some. We've never really had a big price increase since we started, yet the price of gas has doubled, the price of paper and ink has raised, the economy has prevented some businesses from advertising at all. And, yet, we still want to keep our magazine free.
So, we decided to meet everyone half way. Yes, prices are increasing somewhat - but you are getting a much better product for your money too. We didn't feel we could raise prices with the quality of a web-press magazine, but the new look justifies it. We hope to continue to be able to bring you All Things Country free of charge for years to come!
Some people tell us that they don't have anything to advertise, but they still would like to have the magazine each month in their business. We ask that you consider running a business directory ad, which gives your contact information, much like a phone book. Your customers will appreciate you for it! And we would appreciate the support.
I started this magazine because I spent too many years in the newspaper industry - spreading bad news around. And I want to spread good news around. There is good in this world. There really is. You think about your local newspaper ...... and think of this scenario: you have two business people in a small community. One of these business owners goes out of his way to help when asked. He helps out at the food bank, volunteers at his church, gives to the needy. This business-person's next door neighbor is kind of a shady character. His business is run shoddily, when it's even open. And the traffic in and out - you just know something isn't right. And then, bam - he gets arrested for something. Which one of these business-people will have their picture and story on the front page of your local paper? You can bet it isn't the one who does good for your community.
Dave and I moved here in 2002. We knew two people in Estill County when we moved here. My dad and one of my cousins, Carol Ann. As many of you know (or at least those that read ATC), living in Kentucky was my dream for many years. But, it's very scary moving to a new place. We weren't sure where to shop, the good deals, the best places to eat. And it didn't seem like you could find out much through any of the local papers. So, for several years, my mind kept churning on what I wanted to do and how it would involve tourism. I have always loved to travel - and I had this whole new state to explore! Lots of new shops, new parks, rivers, mountains ... and we want to share them all with you!
So, we'll keep on keeping on .... and hope you enjoy the ride along with us.
I hope you enjoy my ramblings .... they'll be a daily fixture from here on out - or until you guys all tell me to shut up :-)
Have an awesome day - and spread a little good news.
Pam
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