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
Friday, December 30, 2011
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
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Such sadness on the news today .... and everyday!
Gosh, the early morning fire on Christmas Day in Connecticut has really broke my heart. This morning's news say it was because of embers cleaned out of the fireplace. Even more devastating to this family is the thought it could have been prevented. I survived an apartment fire when I was 13 years old, and my memories are always revived when I hear stories like this. Our family had to jump out off our 2nd story deck to safety. I remember so well the noise. Between the actually roaring of the fire and the sirens of fire engines and ambulances, it was so loud. Worse yet, the screams of those on the top floor balconies who couldn't get out. There were people yelling at them to jump, people yelling at them to wait for the ladders. The same noises that I'm sure were heard Christmas morning in Connecticut. Simply heartbreaking.
That was just the start of the bad news though. An interesting series has been on the Today Show for the past few mornings. I'm sure it's going to be an all-week series, so I'm equally anxious to see what tomorrow brings. We sure live in a scary world, that's about all I can say. The story yesterday involved identity theft. We all worry about identity theft, especially when doing alot on the internet. We run our credit scores to check on things from time to time. But yesterday's story didn't involve adults - who are well aware of the risks out there. No, the story revolved around children, babies even! Crooks are stealing baby and young children's social security numbers and by the time the child is grown up, there credit has been ruined.
Like I said, we all watch our own credit history. But never would I have thought to run a credit report on my child. They don't need credit. The story says you really should run credit checks yearly on your kids. Sad, huh? The sadder part .... they actually showed the people that had stolen this family's social security numbers. They showed them right there on the television. But nothing can be done? Hogwash.....
Today's story? Locksmiths, of all things. Who would think you can't trust your local locksmith? (Well, actually you probably can trust him if you live in a small town! Love small town living!!!). This story showed people looking up locksmith numbers when they are in need of one. They call, get a quote of $49.00, as an example. The homeowner thinks they are getting a good deal and say come on over. By the time the 'locksmith' has left, the bill totals over $600.00. They destroy the lock, sometimes the door. Whatever damage they can do and then say you owe more than the quote. And they want cash. If you pay by check they tack on a couple hundred dollars more. What a racket!
The saddest part of these stories? All of the 'masterminds' of these crimes, the ones they showed on television doing it - not a one of them could speak english. Several had interpreters. Are you kidding me? Our world is getting overtaken by people who can't speak our language, who are taking our jobs, and even stealing our identities. It's no wonder everything is so screwed up.
Again, I've made the mistake of watching the news. The newsperson in me can't resist, but I'm almost to the point of just throwing the television out the window so I don't start my day off by watching the horror that is our world around us. Again, I'm thankful for the small community I live in, for the many friends and neighbors I've got around me every day, for the love that small town folks show to each other. Sure, we've got problems too. But, I would have no problem calling any of the businesses in our area for help. At least most everyone speaks English!
Have a wonderful day everyone. I'll be busy today finishing up the typing about our reader's favorite snow memories for our January book. And I'll be thanking God for everything he has given me yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow too!
That was just the start of the bad news though. An interesting series has been on the Today Show for the past few mornings. I'm sure it's going to be an all-week series, so I'm equally anxious to see what tomorrow brings. We sure live in a scary world, that's about all I can say. The story yesterday involved identity theft. We all worry about identity theft, especially when doing alot on the internet. We run our credit scores to check on things from time to time. But yesterday's story didn't involve adults - who are well aware of the risks out there. No, the story revolved around children, babies even! Crooks are stealing baby and young children's social security numbers and by the time the child is grown up, there credit has been ruined.
Like I said, we all watch our own credit history. But never would I have thought to run a credit report on my child. They don't need credit. The story says you really should run credit checks yearly on your kids. Sad, huh? The sadder part .... they actually showed the people that had stolen this family's social security numbers. They showed them right there on the television. But nothing can be done? Hogwash.....
Today's story? Locksmiths, of all things. Who would think you can't trust your local locksmith? (Well, actually you probably can trust him if you live in a small town! Love small town living!!!). This story showed people looking up locksmith numbers when they are in need of one. They call, get a quote of $49.00, as an example. The homeowner thinks they are getting a good deal and say come on over. By the time the 'locksmith' has left, the bill totals over $600.00. They destroy the lock, sometimes the door. Whatever damage they can do and then say you owe more than the quote. And they want cash. If you pay by check they tack on a couple hundred dollars more. What a racket!
The saddest part of these stories? All of the 'masterminds' of these crimes, the ones they showed on television doing it - not a one of them could speak english. Several had interpreters. Are you kidding me? Our world is getting overtaken by people who can't speak our language, who are taking our jobs, and even stealing our identities. It's no wonder everything is so screwed up.
Again, I've made the mistake of watching the news. The newsperson in me can't resist, but I'm almost to the point of just throwing the television out the window so I don't start my day off by watching the horror that is our world around us. Again, I'm thankful for the small community I live in, for the many friends and neighbors I've got around me every day, for the love that small town folks show to each other. Sure, we've got problems too. But, I would have no problem calling any of the businesses in our area for help. At least most everyone speaks English!
Have a wonderful day everyone. I'll be busy today finishing up the typing about our reader's favorite snow memories for our January book. And I'll be thanking God for everything he has given me yesterday, today, and hopefully tomorrow too!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The year is almost over.
We are almost to the end of another year. Where does the time go? Seems like only yesterday that we were celebrating Christmas of 2010 ... and now Christmas of 2011 is over. The older you get the faster time flies. Hmmm.... not sure I like that. But I'm sure most people don't like it either.
Now that the holidays are over, we switch back to newspaper mode. Yes, the January paper will be heading to the printers next week, so that makes this week our deadline week. It's always a rush around here to get the newest magazine off to the printers, but I have a feeling this is going to be a rough week. Lots of people take the whole week off. I'm just praying that the folks that want to advertise are in.... so we'll have a good size magazine for our readers to enjoy.
The news on the television is saying we have now surpassed the mark for the wettest year on record. This morning's downpour put us over the mark. They say rain will be switching to snow this afternoon. My goodness, we sure haven't had any snow to speak of. It's been a pretty warm December, especially in comparison to last December! We had already had snow several times by this time - and boy was it cold!
We have decided to cancel our Chili Feed and Snowman Contest for New Year's Eve day. There are several other functions going on that day in our community, so we don't want to conflict with them. And heck, with no snow it wouldn't be a bit of fun anyway!
Well, here's hoping you have a fantastic week. And if you are wanting to try out our advertising, give us a call. We've got several end of year deals going on now!
Have a blessed day everyone. Peace to you all.
Pam
Now that the holidays are over, we switch back to newspaper mode. Yes, the January paper will be heading to the printers next week, so that makes this week our deadline week. It's always a rush around here to get the newest magazine off to the printers, but I have a feeling this is going to be a rough week. Lots of people take the whole week off. I'm just praying that the folks that want to advertise are in.... so we'll have a good size magazine for our readers to enjoy.
The news on the television is saying we have now surpassed the mark for the wettest year on record. This morning's downpour put us over the mark. They say rain will be switching to snow this afternoon. My goodness, we sure haven't had any snow to speak of. It's been a pretty warm December, especially in comparison to last December! We had already had snow several times by this time - and boy was it cold!
We have decided to cancel our Chili Feed and Snowman Contest for New Year's Eve day. There are several other functions going on that day in our community, so we don't want to conflict with them. And heck, with no snow it wouldn't be a bit of fun anyway!
Well, here's hoping you have a fantastic week. And if you are wanting to try out our advertising, give us a call. We've got several end of year deals going on now!
Have a blessed day everyone. Peace to you all.
Pam
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Merry Christmas from All Things Country
So, I woke up this morning in a sour mood. Guess I didn't sleep too well, or maybe I slept too well. Who knows. I hate waking up and being in a bad mood. I'm guessing that the Dave person hates it when I wake up bad too.
As I enjoyed that first cup of coffee, and contemplated life ... our life to be exact, we turned on the television. First thing I saw, gas prices are going up. By a bunch. A busy travel time arrives and prices rise, hmmm. Even though I'm not traveling farther than Olive Hill this holiday season, it still means more money for gas. Even worse, it means our business expenses just went up. And why? Because of greed. We travel alot each month. Between Dave and I we put alot of miles each month on vehicles. And the daily expense of gasoline is dictated by greed. I hate it.
Can you guess that my mood isn't getting any better? Nope, not a bit. And the next news story involves our crooked politicians and the fight 'this time' over how much money we make each month. These crooked politicians who make MILLIONS of dollars themselves are dictating my bottom line. They've been fighting amongst theirselves for years now and get nothing done. Again, my life dictated by greed.
Maybe another cup of coffee will help. Surely can't hurt by this point. But, oh yes, in my bad mood I figured out a way to ruin that too. I put sugar and cream in my coffee .... chocked full of preservatives and junk that is killing me. Our conversation turns to how our food is slowly killing us all. Dave and I consume alot of our own food, grown out in our gardens. We have really only eaten beef off of the C2H2 Farm since moving to Kentucky, except for eating out. Yet, we consume alot of crap too! And our food is all approved by agencies that don't care about the consumer, they would lose their jobs if they spoke up. And goodness, they have big salaries. Greed, yet again.
Well, goodness. I poured the coffee out and headed to the back porch. What does the morning bring now? Fog, that's what! It's so darned foggy out there, I can't even see the neighbor's house. And there is rain on the way. More rain. Can nothing be beautiful this morning?
Yes, it can. You see, in just a few more days it's Christmas. It's a magical time of the year, at least for most. That is, if you see the true spirit of the season. It's not about the gifts and trying to have the next 'big thing'. It's about the music, the lights, the spirit of why we have Christmas. At least it is for me this year. I could spin this thing around and make it another bad part of my morning. I really could. Ad sales are non-existent this month. Between businesses being closed, some of them for good, and people taking time off during this time of year, the Dave person has had a hard time. Which makes his mood as raw as mine. Our book is printed each month through the generosity of our advertisers, so when we have no ad sales ..... it makes it pretty darned small. And realistically .... no paycheck for me!
But, even that isn't going to ruin my day. Nope. I can't do anything about it but to keep on working hard each and every day. As long as the good Lord gives me another day, I'll do what I can to justify being here. And for today, well I'm going to go with all my might. But as I go through my day, I'm going to listen to CHRISTmas music, enjoy my CHRISTmas lights, eat a few CHRISTmas cookies and keep in mind that I'm here for a reason and the man above has a plan.
Here is wishing each and every one of you the very best CHRISTmas yet. I appreciate that you've taken the time to read my blog and hope you'll pass it along. YOU have improved my day just by reading!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings......Pam
As I enjoyed that first cup of coffee, and contemplated life ... our life to be exact, we turned on the television. First thing I saw, gas prices are going up. By a bunch. A busy travel time arrives and prices rise, hmmm. Even though I'm not traveling farther than Olive Hill this holiday season, it still means more money for gas. Even worse, it means our business expenses just went up. And why? Because of greed. We travel alot each month. Between Dave and I we put alot of miles each month on vehicles. And the daily expense of gasoline is dictated by greed. I hate it.
Can you guess that my mood isn't getting any better? Nope, not a bit. And the next news story involves our crooked politicians and the fight 'this time' over how much money we make each month. These crooked politicians who make MILLIONS of dollars themselves are dictating my bottom line. They've been fighting amongst theirselves for years now and get nothing done. Again, my life dictated by greed.
Maybe another cup of coffee will help. Surely can't hurt by this point. But, oh yes, in my bad mood I figured out a way to ruin that too. I put sugar and cream in my coffee .... chocked full of preservatives and junk that is killing me. Our conversation turns to how our food is slowly killing us all. Dave and I consume alot of our own food, grown out in our gardens. We have really only eaten beef off of the C2H2 Farm since moving to Kentucky, except for eating out. Yet, we consume alot of crap too! And our food is all approved by agencies that don't care about the consumer, they would lose their jobs if they spoke up. And goodness, they have big salaries. Greed, yet again.
Well, goodness. I poured the coffee out and headed to the back porch. What does the morning bring now? Fog, that's what! It's so darned foggy out there, I can't even see the neighbor's house. And there is rain on the way. More rain. Can nothing be beautiful this morning?
Yes, it can. You see, in just a few more days it's Christmas. It's a magical time of the year, at least for most. That is, if you see the true spirit of the season. It's not about the gifts and trying to have the next 'big thing'. It's about the music, the lights, the spirit of why we have Christmas. At least it is for me this year. I could spin this thing around and make it another bad part of my morning. I really could. Ad sales are non-existent this month. Between businesses being closed, some of them for good, and people taking time off during this time of year, the Dave person has had a hard time. Which makes his mood as raw as mine. Our book is printed each month through the generosity of our advertisers, so when we have no ad sales ..... it makes it pretty darned small. And realistically .... no paycheck for me!
But, even that isn't going to ruin my day. Nope. I can't do anything about it but to keep on working hard each and every day. As long as the good Lord gives me another day, I'll do what I can to justify being here. And for today, well I'm going to go with all my might. But as I go through my day, I'm going to listen to CHRISTmas music, enjoy my CHRISTmas lights, eat a few CHRISTmas cookies and keep in mind that I'm here for a reason and the man above has a plan.
Here is wishing each and every one of you the very best CHRISTmas yet. I appreciate that you've taken the time to read my blog and hope you'll pass it along. YOU have improved my day just by reading!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blessings......Pam
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I appreciate Kentucky even more!
Good morning everyone. I have just returned from a 8 day trip to the West Coast and although I enjoyed parts of my journey more than others, what I enjoyed the most was returning to Kentucky safe and sound. Well, as sound as I get anyway!
Our kidlet graduated with her Master's Degree in Special Education on December 10th from the University of Idaho, so my sister and I headed west for the special occasion. Unfortunately the Dave person had to stay behind in Kentucky to keep the farm and All Things Country running. Roben and I had a nice visit with our children and grandchildren, saw a few special friends and toured the Winter Spirit display in downtown Lewiston.
As much as I love visiting our hometown, I was pretty much ready to head home to Kentucky by day two. Well, maybe day three. But it didn't take long. I was kind of surprised. I hadn't been to the valley in over two years, so figured I'd enjoy catching up with what's changed and all. The sad part was, I would have to get out in the hustle and bustle to see all of it - and what hustle and bustle it was! The traffic, the stop lights, the POLICE!
I did most of the driving back there - and my daughter would constantly warn me about the police. On one occasion when I took Jen to work, we saw three different vehicles pulled over in about 10 minutes. The speed limit is 25 everywhere ... and police sit on every corner waiting for someone to go 27 miles per hour. I don't remember that many police. Is this how those cities pay their bills? By giving out tickets? Gosh, I could think of many better things for the hundreds of police I saw there .... hundreds of them in two towns that aren't that big. Yes, I'm probably inflating that number a bit, but it was a bit much.
The weather back there? No snow. Very little snow in the mountains even. There was a lot of it north of us, but I really expected to see more of it. What I didn't expect? The cold. I absolutely froze to death while I was there. It was a straight to the bone type of cold. Even to unlock the car doors froze you to the bone. It was actually pretty cold in Kentucky while I was away, but I was blessed to arrive home in Louisville Tuesday night to weather in the 50s! No coat was even needed to get to the pickup. And yesterday, oh my gosh! Over 60 degrees most of the day, bright blue sunny skies. And again, a day with no coat and gloves.
My sister and I talked all the way up to Spokane Tuesday morning to catch our flights home. We weren't sad and not ready to leave like I had figured when we headed out there. Of course, we miss our kids and grandkids, miss our friends and family. But we were definitely both ready to come home. Back to where we know that our cell service works .... even in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Back to where we know to drive decently, but aren't fearful of a policeman on every corner just lying in wait. At least the speed limit is reasonable here. And it's more of a drive safe and prudent environment. But, heck, if I want to go slow here and there are cars behind me, I don't freak out thinking they are going to run me off the road or honk. We just know that sometimes there are slower drivers and we respect that. I'll never complain about it again.
I'm thankful to be back on the farm now, watching the serene wildlife out the front window. I'm thankful to be working on our January magazine and spreading the good that is in Kentucky. I love the people here, the many friends I've made and my very simple way of life. Sure, Dave and I stay very busy ... we like it that way. But, it's still a simple way of life compared to what I just witnessed in our old hometown. Note I said old hometown ..... I really think that beautiful Palmer, Kentucky is my new hometown. I think they'll have me now, after 9 years of being here. I'm not a native Kentuckian, but I call myself a proud Kentuckian!
Have a Blessed day everyone.
Pam
Our kidlet graduated with her Master's Degree in Special Education on December 10th from the University of Idaho, so my sister and I headed west for the special occasion. Unfortunately the Dave person had to stay behind in Kentucky to keep the farm and All Things Country running. Roben and I had a nice visit with our children and grandchildren, saw a few special friends and toured the Winter Spirit display in downtown Lewiston.
As much as I love visiting our hometown, I was pretty much ready to head home to Kentucky by day two. Well, maybe day three. But it didn't take long. I was kind of surprised. I hadn't been to the valley in over two years, so figured I'd enjoy catching up with what's changed and all. The sad part was, I would have to get out in the hustle and bustle to see all of it - and what hustle and bustle it was! The traffic, the stop lights, the POLICE!
I did most of the driving back there - and my daughter would constantly warn me about the police. On one occasion when I took Jen to work, we saw three different vehicles pulled over in about 10 minutes. The speed limit is 25 everywhere ... and police sit on every corner waiting for someone to go 27 miles per hour. I don't remember that many police. Is this how those cities pay their bills? By giving out tickets? Gosh, I could think of many better things for the hundreds of police I saw there .... hundreds of them in two towns that aren't that big. Yes, I'm probably inflating that number a bit, but it was a bit much.
The weather back there? No snow. Very little snow in the mountains even. There was a lot of it north of us, but I really expected to see more of it. What I didn't expect? The cold. I absolutely froze to death while I was there. It was a straight to the bone type of cold. Even to unlock the car doors froze you to the bone. It was actually pretty cold in Kentucky while I was away, but I was blessed to arrive home in Louisville Tuesday night to weather in the 50s! No coat was even needed to get to the pickup. And yesterday, oh my gosh! Over 60 degrees most of the day, bright blue sunny skies. And again, a day with no coat and gloves.
My sister and I talked all the way up to Spokane Tuesday morning to catch our flights home. We weren't sad and not ready to leave like I had figured when we headed out there. Of course, we miss our kids and grandkids, miss our friends and family. But we were definitely both ready to come home. Back to where we know that our cell service works .... even in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Back to where we know to drive decently, but aren't fearful of a policeman on every corner just lying in wait. At least the speed limit is reasonable here. And it's more of a drive safe and prudent environment. But, heck, if I want to go slow here and there are cars behind me, I don't freak out thinking they are going to run me off the road or honk. We just know that sometimes there are slower drivers and we respect that. I'll never complain about it again.
I'm thankful to be back on the farm now, watching the serene wildlife out the front window. I'm thankful to be working on our January magazine and spreading the good that is in Kentucky. I love the people here, the many friends I've made and my very simple way of life. Sure, Dave and I stay very busy ... we like it that way. But, it's still a simple way of life compared to what I just witnessed in our old hometown. Note I said old hometown ..... I really think that beautiful Palmer, Kentucky is my new hometown. I think they'll have me now, after 9 years of being here. I'm not a native Kentuckian, but I call myself a proud Kentuckian!
Have a Blessed day everyone.
Pam
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Why I do All Things Country Magazine
Good morning everyone. Quite a few people ask me every month why I do what I do. Most comments revolve around 'why do you give it away free?', which amuses me. I guess I should ask these folks how much they would be willing to pay each month, huh?
All kidding aside, I do this magazine for a variety of reasons. I witnessed one of those reasons this morning on the Today Show. Kathy and Hoda showed today's copy of the New York Post on the show. The entire front page is covered with a story about Kim Kardashian and her divorce. Big news, isn't it? It just pains me to see that an entire front page of a newspaper is dedicated to a rich little girl, divorcing her second husband in just days. Who knows, the first marriage probably only lasted days too.
That's what newspapers do. They do whatever they have to on the front page to sell their product. I personally don't care who's getting divorced in this world, that's their business and not mine. I would rather hear about someone doing something good for our world than who's getting divorced. So, our magazine concentrates on only good news. And I'm not trying to bad mouth our local papers or anything else. They do what they have to. They are required to put in courthouse news and cover trials and such. I got my start in publishing at a weekly newspaper, then went on to a daily. But after so many years of publishing sadness and sorrow in people's lives, I decided to do something different.
I didn't come up with the whole idea of a free magazine. I got my inspiration from a little free monthly paper in Northern Idaho called the Country Courier. I'm not even sure she is still publishing it each month, but it was basically along the lines of what we do at All Things Country. I always loved to read the Courier each month, with it's earthy columns and dedication to the smaller businesses of the world.
So, back in 2006, I did the logistics of what it would take to do something like the Country Courier here in Kentucky. Being a graphic artist for so many years and with my newspaper background, I was sure I could do something similar to it. My dad paid for the first printing of the paper back then. We gave away the ads to those that would allow us to run something for their business. Our very first edition was 12 pages on newsprint. We managed to sell enough ads the next month to publish it again, and have been hanging on ever since!
I came up with All Things Country because I love living in the country. I learned so much after moving to Kentucky, about gardening and living in the country. It's not for everyone. But it's for me. So, I just wanted to spread the word about country life - offering stories on gardening, raising herbs, animal care and the like.
This leads me to the second reason I do All Things Country. The many wonderful small businesses in the area - and promoting each of them to the best of my ability. You see, the magazine is paid for by these businesses. Those that have enough faith in us to take out an ad. Small businesses don't have much money. We realize that. And it is really hard to go into a business and ask for them to advertise. We know they don't have much money because we are a small business with not much money either! But, from what I've learned over the years, you've got to advertise. Word of mouth is great advertising, but it only goes so far. Advertising in your local paper is good too, but in these smaller towns - if you think about it - the residents should know you are there and what you offer. The problem is, do the folks in the neighboring counties know about you?
With your ad in All Things Country, we cover many counties in our area. Between 20 and 25 each month. I see folks advertise in the local newspapers because they are cheaper. But if you advertised in the local paper in even 10 counties, how much would that same ad cost? If you figure it out, advertising in ATC is pretty reasonable. We aren't trying to get rich, just spread a little good news and promote small businesses. We particularly appreciate the folks that run an ad each month - even though they don't have anything to sell. They just want to help support the magazine and keep it free.
Heck, I've even received a $10.00 check in the mail once from a reader that just wanted to contribute. How awesome was that?
And the final reason I do All Things Country ..... for all of our readers. I've thought about just publishing my last edition and being done with it. You know, go out and get a 9-5 job like I had for the first 20 or 30 years of my working career. Heck, at least I'd know I have a regular paycheck. But, on the flip side, I love All Things Country. I just couldn't imagine our lives without it. The people we've met along the way, oh my! The friendships we've made. The businesses we've found in our journeys. And all the many readers we meet that tell us thank you.
So, we'll keep on keeping on ..... and hoping that people will continue to keep the faith in us and our magazine. Have a blessed day everyone!
Until next time..... Pam
All kidding aside, I do this magazine for a variety of reasons. I witnessed one of those reasons this morning on the Today Show. Kathy and Hoda showed today's copy of the New York Post on the show. The entire front page is covered with a story about Kim Kardashian and her divorce. Big news, isn't it? It just pains me to see that an entire front page of a newspaper is dedicated to a rich little girl, divorcing her second husband in just days. Who knows, the first marriage probably only lasted days too.
That's what newspapers do. They do whatever they have to on the front page to sell their product. I personally don't care who's getting divorced in this world, that's their business and not mine. I would rather hear about someone doing something good for our world than who's getting divorced. So, our magazine concentrates on only good news. And I'm not trying to bad mouth our local papers or anything else. They do what they have to. They are required to put in courthouse news and cover trials and such. I got my start in publishing at a weekly newspaper, then went on to a daily. But after so many years of publishing sadness and sorrow in people's lives, I decided to do something different.
I didn't come up with the whole idea of a free magazine. I got my inspiration from a little free monthly paper in Northern Idaho called the Country Courier. I'm not even sure she is still publishing it each month, but it was basically along the lines of what we do at All Things Country. I always loved to read the Courier each month, with it's earthy columns and dedication to the smaller businesses of the world.
So, back in 2006, I did the logistics of what it would take to do something like the Country Courier here in Kentucky. Being a graphic artist for so many years and with my newspaper background, I was sure I could do something similar to it. My dad paid for the first printing of the paper back then. We gave away the ads to those that would allow us to run something for their business. Our very first edition was 12 pages on newsprint. We managed to sell enough ads the next month to publish it again, and have been hanging on ever since!
I came up with All Things Country because I love living in the country. I learned so much after moving to Kentucky, about gardening and living in the country. It's not for everyone. But it's for me. So, I just wanted to spread the word about country life - offering stories on gardening, raising herbs, animal care and the like.
This leads me to the second reason I do All Things Country. The many wonderful small businesses in the area - and promoting each of them to the best of my ability. You see, the magazine is paid for by these businesses. Those that have enough faith in us to take out an ad. Small businesses don't have much money. We realize that. And it is really hard to go into a business and ask for them to advertise. We know they don't have much money because we are a small business with not much money either! But, from what I've learned over the years, you've got to advertise. Word of mouth is great advertising, but it only goes so far. Advertising in your local paper is good too, but in these smaller towns - if you think about it - the residents should know you are there and what you offer. The problem is, do the folks in the neighboring counties know about you?
With your ad in All Things Country, we cover many counties in our area. Between 20 and 25 each month. I see folks advertise in the local newspapers because they are cheaper. But if you advertised in the local paper in even 10 counties, how much would that same ad cost? If you figure it out, advertising in ATC is pretty reasonable. We aren't trying to get rich, just spread a little good news and promote small businesses. We particularly appreciate the folks that run an ad each month - even though they don't have anything to sell. They just want to help support the magazine and keep it free.
Heck, I've even received a $10.00 check in the mail once from a reader that just wanted to contribute. How awesome was that?
And the final reason I do All Things Country ..... for all of our readers. I've thought about just publishing my last edition and being done with it. You know, go out and get a 9-5 job like I had for the first 20 or 30 years of my working career. Heck, at least I'd know I have a regular paycheck. But, on the flip side, I love All Things Country. I just couldn't imagine our lives without it. The people we've met along the way, oh my! The friendships we've made. The businesses we've found in our journeys. And all the many readers we meet that tell us thank you.
So, we'll keep on keeping on ..... and hoping that people will continue to keep the faith in us and our magazine. Have a blessed day everyone!
Until next time..... Pam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)