My Mosaic Life

Privacy is dead, and social media hold smoking gun

2009-10-28T21:07:00.001-07:00

I'd wager that the high price of not capturing and sharing every moment of our lives will soon dwarf the cost to our privacy.

Privacy is dead, and social media hold the smoking gun.

Those who insert themselves into as many channels as possible look set to capture the most value. They'll be the richest, the most successful, the most connected, capable and influential among us.

Participate or fade into a lonely obscurity. We're living at a time when attention is the new currency.

Full article: (highly recommend reading): http://bit.ly/3VIaye

Posted via email from My Mosaic Life.

What do you desire right now?

2009-09-24T13:57:00.001-07:00

Visualize it, and it will come about.

"Your desires are like a painting that you create upon the canvas of your life. Like an artist, you must decide what the theme, background, and foreground will be within your picture. Take some time out to meditate, pray upon, and contemplate this important decision. Be creative, and maintain standards for yourself. But remember: If you don't make a decision, that's the same thing as deciding that everything shall remain the same."

Posted via web from My Mosaic Life.

The Impact of Substance Abuse on Federal, State and Local Budgets

2009-09-24T13:55:00.001-07:00

The CASA report found that of $373.9 billion in federal and state spending, 95.6 percent ($357.4 billion) went to shovel up the consequences and human wreckage of substance abuse and addiction; only 1.9 percent went to prevention and treatment, 0.4 percent to research, 1.4 percent to taxation and regulation, and 0.7 percent to interdiction.

Link to article: http://bit.ly/ZKDfs

We need a mental revolution...

Posted via web from My Mosaic Life.

Day 98: What do you desire right now?

2009-09-24T11:10:00.001-07:00

Visualize it, and it will come about.

"Your desires are like a painting that you create upon the canvas of your life. Like an artist, you must decide what the theme, background, and foreground will be within your picture. Take some time out to meditate, pray upon, and contemplate this important decision. Be creative, and maintain standards for yourself. But remember: If you don't make a decision, that's the same thing as deciding that everything shall remain the same."

Posted via web from 100 Days of Intention

I'm starting to feel my Power again.

2009-09-10T10:12:00.001-07:00

It feels awesome. I’ve been hibernating – but the time has come where I will arise again and be stronger than ever before. This is exciting. I feel more focused and know what I want to do. There’s still parts needing to be revealed – but I’m moving in the right direction, which is important.

Thank God.

It feels good to be back in myself.

Posted via web from My Mosaic Life.

Moonlight Swim

2009-08-04T22:07:00.001-07:00

Took Manda tonight for a moonlight swim. It made her day to go swimming past her bedtime. I just love her yellow goggles. :)

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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(June 27, Apres SCDG Bout) Photo of Maggie and Amanda with Sheila, Princess of Power

2009-07-16T08:22:00.001-07:00

Awesome picture of Maggie and Manda with Sheila, Princess of Power!

Sheila's now a member of NextSpace. How cool is that?

Go Santa Cruz Derby Girls!

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How to build a Lean Startup - Austin Hill's posterous

2009-07-15T23:00:00.001-07:00

via austinhill.posterous.com

Thanks Austin!

Posted via web from My Mosaic Life.

Awe...the joy of moving!

2009-06-19T10:03:00.001-07:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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This is an "Emegency"

2009-06-19T10:02:00.001-07:00

Couldn't resist taking a picture of the misspelled sign...

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Manda's Letter to her 4th Grade Teacher - Ms. Egbert

2009-06-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

Ms. Egbert

You were the best 4th grade teacher ever!! You were also my only 4th grade teacher and thats special, you rock and I will always remember you!!

You make me bloom!

Love

- Amanda -

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Flowers I received from my homeless friend Jeff

2009-06-19T08:59:00.001-07:00

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Letting go of our previous home. Very grateful with so many wonderful memories!

2009-06-19T08:52:00.001-07:00

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Flowers

2009-06-19T08:49:00.001-07:00

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I received a Random Act of Kindness

2009-06-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

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Self Potraits

2009-06-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

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Our Office Inspiration Board

2009-06-19T08:28:00.001-07:00

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Amanda - Growing Up Quickly

2009-06-19T08:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a picture of Amanda from just a few months ago. She's growing up so quickly!

The second picture is with her awesome little step-sister Natalie.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Manda's Scars from House Fire

2009-06-19T08:16:00.001-07:00

When Amanda was 18 months old she was in a house fire. Thankfully, she made it out alive. We spent many months in the hospital. The doctors did an amazing job on her skin grafts. Many don't even realize she has scars until her hair flies back or they look closely at her hands.

We are very blessed.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Kennolyn Camp

2009-06-19T08:12:00.001-07:00

My husband Eric has a great job at a local kids camp. It's Kennolyn Camp and has been around for over 60 years. It's quite the majestic place and it's really fun hearing all the great stories from kids (and adults).

Eric is the Online Marketing Coordinator. He's also going to be teaching a Superhero Cartoon class this summer. They will each design their own superhero. He's very excited about this and it gives him great experience.

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Cabins at Kennolyn

2009-06-19T08:11:00.001-07:00

Here is a small portion of the many cabins at Kennolyn. The camp spans over 300 acres in the redwoods.

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I bought myself some purple flowers.

2009-03-28T12:43:00.003-07:00

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Bought this flower for my OM girl - Chelsea. (aka Office Mate)

2009-03-28T12:43:00.001-07:00

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My magical Intention fairy. Batman in the background helping of course!

2009-03-28T12:30:00.001-07:00

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My good friend Iris and her daughter Maggie

2009-03-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

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Really cool meeting in Capitola on community building.

2009-03-28T12:27:00.001-07:00

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Felton covered bridge built in 1892.

2009-03-28T12:26:00.001-07:00

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My little woman is reading a story she wrote. She's a gifted writer!

2009-03-28T12:23:00.001-07:00

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Awesome clouds outside post office.

2009-03-28T12:21:00.001-07:00

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Another cool picture inside Union Station. Catching train to back to Baltimore.

2009-03-28T12:20:00.001-07:00

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Really cool bagpiper at @ipsociety's St. Patrick Day celebration. Amazing scones!

2009-03-28T12:18:00.001-07:00

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Awesome car in front of my favorite Santa Cruz Burritos place.

2009-03-28T12:16:00.001-07:00

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Batman and Spiderman behind Toy Mannequin (taken for my hubby)

2009-03-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

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Awesome, funky toy restaurant in Baltimore.

2009-03-28T12:14:00.001-07:00

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Train from DC heading back to Baltimore

2009-03-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

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Self-portrait at Union Station

2009-03-27T21:37:00.001-07:00

I thought it'd be cool to take a picture of me in the Union Station bathroom...

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Union Station in Washington DC

2009-03-12T11:31:00.001-07:00

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Friends Forever

2009-03-05T18:26:00.001-08:00

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Bellow. Leveraging the Wisdom of Crowds.

2009-03-05T14:00:00.001-08:00

Being a geek in technology, I discovered Blellow a few months back.

I was intrigued and wanted to check it out.

What is Blellow?

Blellow, a social network allowing freelancers and professionals to collaborate, find work, and solve problems through a friendly, familiar micro-blog interface by answering the question: “What are you working on?”

Blellow is a San Antonio based bootstrapped start-up. Their mission is to encourage open collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.

They base their mission on three principals:

Knowledge is meant to be shared.

While there are many tools for learning, the best resources are each other.

Perception and perspective will provide solutions and inspire new ideas.

When you offer a problem to a group of minds sharing knowledge, perception opens up discussion and perspective offers up solutions.

Organization is the key to productivity

Ideas can never reach their full potential if they cannot be heard.

Blellow Beta just launched earlier this week. I've since signed up and here are my thoughts:

1. Design is GREAT.

CEO Mandy Leeman has been a designer since the age of 11 when she formed her first graphic design business, called Cosmic Donkey – specializing in business cards and printed flyers. So...when it comes to great design - I'm not surprised. Plus she has really awesome blue colored hair. Love it!

2. Usability is SIMPLE.

They kept it simple which is great. They also followed the Twitter model, which is familiar. One my favorite features is the ability to write up to 300 characters. That is really nice! The one request I do have is I'd like to easily see who I'm not following. I found after signing up I had quite a few followers - but wasn't sure who was new and who I'd already followed.

3. Community is AWESOME.

So far the community is great. Collaboration and really cool conversations are already happening. I remember being self-employed, sitting at home alone, wishing I knew someone who could help me with a coding situation. With a site like Blellow - you're not alone! Just post a question in your stream and find like minded people who can help. You can even start or join groups and attend local meetups. Very cool!

4. Potential is HUGE.

I think Blellow has huge potential. With the current economy, I think many people will be starting to venture on their own working independently. With Blellow, you are not alone. Need a designer, engineer or writer - check Blellow.

Here's an awesome video that explains it perfectly:

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The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive. - Joe Batten

2009-02-23T10:08:00.001-08:00

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My favorite little Magician.

2009-02-23T09:59:00.001-08:00

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Friday the 13th

2009-02-13T14:39:00.001-08:00

I was thinking about changing my profile picture with this one...but it's not as colorful. So I thought I'd make it my Friday the 13th photo!

This is me in my new office @NextSpace.

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"We change the world not by what we say or do, but by the consequence of what we have become." -- Dr. David R. Hawkins

2009-02-11T11:52:00.003-08:00

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You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others -- something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it. --Albert Schweitzer

2009-02-11T11:52:00.001-08:00

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Great new artwork @NextSpace!

2009-02-01T15:48:00.001-08:00

Gotta love Santa Cruz. The awesomely cool co-working space in SC has added some really great artwork.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Blackie is convinced Christmas is all about her!

2008-12-24T15:24:00.001-08:00

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Washington DC Metro

2008-12-13T10:40:00.001-08:00

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My new favorite sport - Duckpin Bowling!

2008-12-07T08:08:00.001-08:00

Had such a great time with Steph, Suzanne and Phil playing Duckpin Bowling.

It's just like bowling, but with a smaller ball and pins. We had a blast.

I think Duckpin Bowling, a Baltimore native sport, should come to Santa Cruz. They'd love it!

Next time I play though...no fancy moves. I have some pretty big bruises. : )

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Our Holiday Party - we gave $15,000 to charities of our choice.

2008-12-07T08:04:00.001-08:00

I was incredibly moved by our recent holiday party. I work with incredible people and I'm so thankful for this opportunity.

I realized the other night, I'm living my life's purpose. I've learned the art of online communities, now I'm learning about creating strong, virbrant offline communities.

It's amazing. Baltimore is a very neighborhood community driven city.

Steven and Linda have helped shape and mold their Charles Village neighborhood. 20 years ago it was filled with crime and violence. Today it's safe and very neighborhood friendly.

Really cool.

Here's a cool picture I took.

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It's a mosaic moon!

2008-12-07T07:56:00.001-08:00

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American Visionary Art Museum

2008-12-07T07:55:00.001-08:00

This was such an incredible experience. All the art presented was created by untrained artists.

Very, very cool. I will definitely be coming back.

Also, the buildings in Baltimore are brick or stone and most places have three stories. Amazing architecture.

They don't have earthquakes here. : )

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One World Cafe - I love this place.

2008-12-07T07:47:00.001-08:00

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Halloween 2008

2008-11-16T22:14:00.001-08:00

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Try a tasty cookie...

2008-11-16T22:13:00.001-08:00

but just one question - who is Owen?!

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Added more purple to my hair.

2008-11-16T17:30:00.001-08:00

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This is me.

2008-11-16T17:16:00.001-08:00

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My loving hubsand. My best friend.

2008-11-16T17:11:00.001-08:00

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Amazing day.

2008-11-16T17:07:00.001-08:00

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Beautiful evening.

2008-11-16T16:59:00.001-08:00

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World's greatest superhero, Eric!

2008-11-15T15:10:00.001-08:00

Happy birthday babe - I love you!

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Knowing Too Much

2008-11-13T16:34:00.001-08:00

Ignorance Can Be Bliss

These days, we can know too much. And while it sometimes can be a great benefit to know the tiniest details of events, both bitter and sweet, there are also times when knowing less about the future, our situations, and the world can be beneficial. Being blissfully ignorant does not mean ignoring vital information or shutting out the worlds tragedies. Rather, it is a way to step away from knowledge that may only needlessly have a negative impact on your life experience. Its not always necessary to expose yourself to information that will overwhelm you, hold you back, or cause you pain. Sometimes, ignorance can be truly blissful.

While having all the information you need can help you make an informed decision, sometimes knowing all the information can be excess. Especially when you are trying to pursue a goal, the knowledge of all the ways in which you might fail can keep you from even trying. Blissful ignorance can sometimes propel you forward because you never even knew that the possibility of failure existed. Ignorance can also be bliss when you are facing hardships. If circumstances force you to take on a job you dislike, you may enter your new situation with unpleasant and preconceived notions that can likely create the very scenarios you are dreading. Experiencing a situation with no expectations and no advanced notions can allow you to experience it as new, because your blissful ignorance prevented you from having any preset ideas.

There is nothing wrong with avoiding "too much information," particularly when the knowledge isnt going to serve you. When information is emotionally draining, impedes your progress, causes distress, or isnt necessary to your experience, consider letting it pass you by. Remember the bliss of ignorance can sometimes be a gift.

From: Today's Inspiration on DailyOM

http://www.dailyom.com/

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Beautiful evening.

2008-11-11T17:23:00.001-08:00

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Our home.

2008-11-11T06:56:00.001-08:00

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Sadness.

2008-11-09T17:37:00.001-08:00

“Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.”

Christina G. Rossetti quotes (English Poet. 1830-1894)

There is so much sadness all around. I'm feeling it strongly this weekend.

An emptiness it seems. I can't really explain it.

A sense of - what does all this mean? Why are we all suffering?

I feel my own pain, but then I look around and I see others' pain.

How do they feel? Are they ok? I wonder what they are going through.

I want to feel joy.

I crave it.

I know it's around the corner. I've read the books. I've seen the articles.

They talk about it on TV.

It's interesting.

I want to be the best I can be, yet I sometimes I feel discouraged.

I don't know if I can buy milk this week.

I don't have wood or gas to heat our home this winter. It's cold already.

Our car is about to be repossessed. Our paychecks are not enough.

Yet. I somehow know we will be ok. We will be provided for.

We are not alone.

I don't want to burden people with our woes.

But, I think it's important to share from the heart. People understand.

The worst time to be alone is when you are feeling sad and hopeless.

Let's all remember to reach out and help one another.

We are in this together.

I have hope.

I won't let sadness rule my life. I can make a difference.

I trust everything will be alright.

...because it will.

We are choosing hope over fear."

By Barack Obama.

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Sadness.

2008-11-09T17:31:00.001-08:00

“Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.”

Christina G. Rossetti quotes (English Poet. 1830-1894)

There is so much sadness all around. I'm feeling it strongly this weekend.

An emptiness it seems. I can't really explain it.

A sense of - what does all this mean? Why are we all suffering?

I feel my own pain, but then I look around and I see others' pain.

How do they feel? Are they ok? I wonder what they are going through.

I want to feel joy.

I crave it.

I know it's around the corner. I've read the books. I've seen the articles.

They talk about it on TV.

It's interesting.

I want to be the best I can be, yet I sometimes I feel discouraged.

I don't know if I can buy milk this week.

I don't have wood or gas to heat our home this winter. It's cold already.

Our car is about to be repossessed. Our paychecks are not enough.

Yet. I somehow know we will be ok. We will be provided for.

We are not alone.

I don't want to burden people with our woes.

But, I think it's important to share from the heart. People understand.

The worst time to be alone is when you are feeling sad and hopeless.

Let's all remember to reach out and help one another.

We are in this together.

I have hope.

I won't let sadness rule my life. I can make a difference.

I trust everything will be alright.

...because it will.

We are choosing hope over fear."

By Barack Obama.

Posted by email from My Mosaic Life. (posterous)

Live your life from your heart. Share from your heart. And your story will touch and heal people's souls. --Melody Beattie

2008-11-08T10:25:00.001-08:00

Photo: Louise Docke: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/

Creative Commons License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

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Much, much more is possible than people ordinarily think.

2008-10-25T06:15:00.001-07:00

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The Art of Possibilities

2008-10-25T06:13:00.001-07:00

Our premise is that many of the circumstances that seem to block us in our daily lives may only appear to do so bases on a framework of assumptions we carry with us.

Draw a different frame around the same set of circumstances and new pathways come into view.

Find the right framework and extraordinary accomplishment becomes an everyday experience.

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Woman with Flower

2008-10-06T15:41:00.001-07:00

Woman with Flower

by Naomi Long Madgett

I wouldn’t coax the plant if I were you,

Such watchful nurturing may do it harm.

Let the soil rest from so much digging

And wait until it’s dry before you water it.

The leaf’s inclined to find its own direction;

Give it a chance to seek the sunlight for itself.

Much growth is stunted by too careful prodding,

Too eager tenderness.

The things we love we have to learn to leave alone.

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The Sun Never Says

2008-10-06T15:38:00.001-07:00

Even after all this time

The sun never says to the earth,

"You owe Me."

Look what happens with

A love like that,

It lights the Whole Sky.

- Hafiz

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Girls at the roller rink. It was Kate's birthday!

2008-10-01T00:05:00.001-07:00

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