January Infringements

Am I an internet pirate?

While you enjoyed a little Moon Walk, the SOPA deal got me thinking. Is this blog in danger of infringing copyright and trampling intellectual property?

I scoured the images in all 146 published posts of everyday epistle, confirming permissions and source attributions for the handful of photos I didn’t take myself.

Scrapped a few. Replaced others, some with my own pictures. Like this striking candid of an Angry Bird I snapped for The Lost Art of Tying Shoes.

You may be relieved to know Rosie the Riveter from Crows and Eagles and the mammalian trio from The Three Bears Go House Hunting are public domain.

Celebrities are more complicated. For this blog, I figure covers of books, albums and movies are legit under fair use. So are publicity photos celebrities post of themselves on their own sites, as well as most logos.

However, I am left wondering about the images of The Bangles and Kurt Cobain in Murder by Muzak, Jackie Kennedy in High-Rise Jeans, and Vivien Leigh in Wichita. Ever see those names in the same sentence before? Me neither.

Are they public domain? Would my use of them be considered fair use? I’m not sure, but they’re staying put for the time being.

Comic book characters were deleted (Boo!), except for the picture I took of Wonder Woman at MAC Cosmetics for American Beauty.

I don’t want to step on someone else’s copyright any more than I want them to step on mine. I don’t want to go back to school for a law degree either.

This blog has been scrubbed clean-er. Not perfect, but better. My, there is so much to learn.

Teach me to do Your will,
for You are my God.
May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward
on a firm footing. Psalm 143:10 NLT

Correction tastes like medicine. One more spoon of Cough Syrup now…

Advice is welcomed in the comments.
Commiserating, empathizing, disagreeing,
high-fiving and general discussion is fine too.

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Posted on January 23, 2012July 10, 2012 by Aimee 10

Blackout in Protest of SOPA

Can you imagine a world without Facebook, Twitter and blogs as we know them?

Social media sites and blogs are making history. As Jane Wells at WordPress put it, we’re part of nothing less than “the democratization of publishing.”

Wow. I feel that every time I hit the Publish button to make a new post available to you.

Many websites, everyday epistle included, are participating in a blackout to protest proposed U.S. legislation that threatens internet freedom: Senate Bill 968, the Protect IP Act, aka SOPA.

SOPA is supposed to combat internet piracy. My friend Corey of I Like My Bike fame also runs an IT management services company. I’ll quote him:

“Combating piracy is a good idea, doing it without due process and with poor methodology is not.”

That’s this legislation in a nutshell. It needs to be reworked before it’s enacted.

To learn more about the legislation, click on How SOPA Works. It’s a factual, non-political article about the issues.

If you like, you can also click on Stop American Censorship here or in the ribbon at the top right corner of this blog. It will redirect you to a site where you can click and communicate directly with Congress.

The blackout will end after 8 p.m. tonight, but the ribbon will remain on my site until January 24, 2012, the day the legislation is scheduled for a vote in the Senate.

Thank you for supporting this little blog with your readership. Let’s work to keep it that way.

U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Posted on January 18, 2012July 9, 2012 by Aimee 7

Reader’s Choice 2011: Nice is the New Mean

Ginger Price has walked with lions in Africa. Really.

She’s also been named Vice President of the everyday epistle fan club, an imaginary association. My husband is President.

Dependable, kind, honest, smart, and humorous, Ginger has a saucy streak that endears her to those around her.

Bonus: her favorite post, published long before Kansas was on my radar much less my return address, contains a link to a clip from The Wizard of Oz.

Ginger’s Reader’s Choice is:

Nice is the New Mean

A&Ecroppedsml — click to read Nice is the New Mean

Posted on December 21, 2011December 17, 2012 by Aimee 2

Reader’s Choice 2011

During the last two weeks of December, everyday epistle will feature favorite posts from 2011 as chosen by a handful of faithful readers, several of whom you’ll get to meet here.

Think of it as Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. Except all of these will be tasty and have zero calories.

A different post will be featured each day with a link to click and read the original.

I’ve also opened the comments sections on all posts. Read and respond at will.

It’s been a blast to see what posts readers chose. I hope you enjoy the rapid fire of laughter, tears, and fun as much as I have.

readerschoice2011migraineserif — look for the logo

So get ready for a little trip down memory lane. Be on the lookout for the blue logo and abominable snowmen.

It all starts next week. But before the Reader’s Choice 2011 kick-off, one more 2011 post is scheduled for Friday.

Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and unfailing love, which You have shown from long ages past. Psalm 25:6 NLT

The 12 Days of Christmas by Straight No Chaser. Ahhh capella!

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Posted on December 15, 2011December 17, 2012 by Aimee 13

Everyday Q&A II: Tell Her About It

When I started blogging, I didn’t know what I was doing. Still don’t in many ways.

wsdalmation — barking dog as seen at Williams-Sonoma

Everyday Q&A was an attempt to let you in on what I was learning so you could learn too. We’re all in this together.

Time for Q&A II. A sequel about comments and sharing.

Q: Should I comment?

A: Yes, but only if you want to. Comments are always appreciated and always optional.

Q: What should I write?

A: Whatever you like within the bounds of good taste and discretion.

Q: What if I make a mistake or change my mind after it’s posted?

A: Contact me at everyday epistle at att dot net if you need me to change or remove your comment. I will be happy to oblige. A word of caution: once it’s out there, it’s out there.

Q: Huh?

A: As best I can understand, web browsers like Google periodically store content in caches.

If Google caches a post before a comment’s removed or changed, that comment may show up in a search even after it’s removed or changed, at least until Google crawls around again to cache the revised version.

Don’t ask me how. It’s like elfin magic.

biggestfan — biggest fan as seen at Lambert's in Ozark, MO, "the only home of throwed rolls"

Q: Do I have to be a blogger to comment?

A: No. Anyone can comment on any post. A lot of the folks who comment are bloggers. Many are not.

Q: Do I have to join a group?

A: Yes. You have to join the everyday epistle fan club. Just kidding. Membership is not required to comment.

You can like everyday epistle on Facebook if you want. That’s the closest thing there is to a fan club.

Q: Do I have to use my real name?

A: Use whatever name you want. One friend uses an anagram and another uses an alias. Seriously.

Q: Why would they do that?

A: Remember, once it’s out there, it’s out there. If you use your full name and someone like an employer, your significant other, or your mom searches, they very well may find you and your comment here.

stealingmyid — stealing my identity bumper sticker

Q: Why do I have to give my email address?

A: Security. Your email address is not published on the blog. Only WordPress and I can see it.

Q: Why might I have to type a captcha?

A: Security again. Trying to keep the spammers at bay.

Q: How can I get my picture to show up beside my comment?

A: For WordPress, go to Gravatar and upload a photo there.

Q: Do you even read the comments?

A: Yes. I read them all. And I try to respond to them all. Dew drop inn to dialog.

Q: Should I share a post I like?

A: Yes, please. Word of mouth is the way this community grows.

Q: How do I share a post?

A: Go to the end of the post you want to share and click on the button for how you want to share it (Facebook, Twitter, email, print, WordPress reblog, Pinterest). WordPress may ask you some security questions to complete the share.

Q: What happens when I share a post?

A: It will be shared by you in the outlet you chose. Your people will read what you liked and maybe like it too. And every time you share a post, an angel gets his wings. It’s a wonderful life!

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16 NLT

BJ says: Tell her about it. Tell her how you feel right now.

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Posted on December 12, 2011July 10, 2012 by Aimee 2

Free Thanksgiving Blog Button

If you were a fan of The X-Files, as was/am I, you’ll remember the quip in the closing credits from Ten Thirteen Productions: “I made this.”

Well, I made this:

How crafty am I? Don’t answer. That’s meant to be a rhetorical question.

The button, however, is yours for the taking. Copy and use at will in your social media to celebrate Thanksgiving. See? I’m using it in the sidebar to the right and as the profile picture on the everyday epistle Facebook page.

Come back tomorrow when, for my next trick, I plan to feature the Hebrews verse in a post AND link the post to this button! Wowza.

Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT

Whatcha waiting for? Waiting for Tomorrow by Mandisa. You made me for so much more than sitting on the sidelines…

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Posted on November 10, 2011July 9, 2012 by Aimee 8

Cutting Room Floor

To edit or not to edit? That is the question.

Nothing to Read Here once wrote about how he loathes editing. Reminded me of how I used to hate it too.

Hate is such strong word. Let’s just say I was above it.

My college poetry professor stressed the importance of editing. Said we should rewrite several times before presenting a piece.

Not I, said the cat! But not aloud of course. Kept my sentiments to myself.

Edit? Rewrite? Destroy the raw emotion, the fire fueling the original choice of words, rhythm, and meaning? The less editing the better. Keeps it pure.

Oh, the drama of it all.

filmreelbymycamera,myfriend — image with permission from http://mycameramyfriend.wordpress.com/

“How long does it take you to, you know, come up with one of those stories?” said my friend the would-be stand up comedian last time I saw her.

“Depends,” I said. Nice, safe answer. But it’s true. Some posts come quickly. Others not so much.

If WordPress took note of the number of edits I make to a post before it goes live, they’d think I’m daffy.

Scratch that. It’s arguable whether I’m daffy no matter how many revisions.

I’m not sure what WordPress would think. Or what my professor would think. Or what you would think if you saw the unending stream of corrections and rewrites.

I can guess what you’re thinking now: All that, and she still manages to miss at least one typo per post!

If this were an old-school movie edit, I could adorn myself with the ringlets of film on the cutting room floor. Fashion them into a translucent wig. A Gaga dress.

I could sweep them up into a pile. Invite children to jump in them like autumn leaves, only better. No crumbling bits breaking off and sticking in socks. No hidden night crawlers or pungent cedar mulch in the mix of sterile, celluloid ribbons.

What’s left is a reduced, boiled down idea. The essence of the original, but stronger. That’s the hope anyway.

How I wish I could exercise the same discipline with the words I speak. They bolt out. They are gone and cannot be recaptured.

They wriggle and squirm. They resist careful pruning. Resist being held.

These spoken ones may combust or fizzle. They may scale heights or burrow deep in the hearts of their receivers. But they do not go willingly to the cutting room floor. If I could tame them, I could tame the world.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8 NLT

Gwen’s back with No Doubt and Don’t Speak.

Posted on November 4, 2011July 14, 2012 by Aimee 10

The Amazing Spiderwebbing Woman

“What do you do?”

“I have a blog.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Here’s my card.”

“Everyday epistle?”

“It’s not what you think. I mean, it’s not a devotional per se.”

“What’s it about?”

That question strikes me dead in my tracks. What’s it about? What’s it about?

At a marriage conference once, I heard a speaker talk about a woman’s talent to “spiderweb” in conversations. How it can drive a man into circuit overload.

Spiderweb used as a verb. Very appropriate. Goes something like this:

I don’t like ice. Except when I take my child ice skating. We wear bike helmets to protect his sweet little noggin.

She shoots a gossamer thread.

He insists we both wear helmets to ride our bikes in the neighborhood. I like my bike. And I love my neighborhood.

Another thread. And another.

But not as much as I love the South. Although we’re moving to Kansas. I think I might like to be a cowgirl there. Blogging is a lot like being a cowgirl.

A dozen fine, silken strands fly out and connect the rings.

I love blogging. Keeps me connected with some of my BFFs. I didn’t know what a BFF was before I joined Facebook.

Spinning, spinning.

I love Facebook. Sometimes I wonder if there’s unfinished business between me and people I friend. But life goes on and so do you. It’s like playing tennis.

She swings around the delicate starburst to the center, ready for the plunge.

I never learned to play tennis. And my son hasn’t learned to tie his shoes yet! You can learn most things in books. I love books and the library.

Going in for the kill.

I love music also, but sometimes I get the lyrics wrong. Muzak is another story. One time I met Steven Curtis Chapman at the airport. He wouldn’t remember my name. Most people misspell it. Anyway, he’s so cool and very down-to-earth.

She drops down and…

Vanilla Ice is cool too, pun intended. He may be more down-to-earth now that he’s rehabbing houses on DIY. Yeah, Vanilla Ice is all right even though, as I said before, I don’t like ice.

You’re caught.

“So what’s your blog about?”

“It’s about a lot of things. You should probably just read it for yourself.”

Good idea.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV

Spider-Man and I would like to wish you a fun and happy Halloween!

Posted on October 31, 2011July 10, 2012 by Aimee 9

Pink October Free Blog Button

I hate cancer. You do too? Funny how things come together in social media.

Inspired by And Cuisine for All, our masthead went pink this month to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Then I noticed the Versatile Blogger button on Life is a Bowl of Kibble and discovered Jeffrey Miskell who designed it. Decided I needed a button too. Asked around my blogging friends, tapped into picnik.com and voila! Created my first button-badge-image widget.

Introducing Pink October. A small, defiant fist raised in the face of cancer.

I invite you to use this button in your social media this month. Copy and paste it on your blog or website to honor survivors, those battling cancer, and those who’ve lost loved ones in the fight. Pray for an end to all cancers.

I’m serious. It’s free for the taking. Grab it here, use at will, and pass it on.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NIV

Now by Your grace I stand. Healing is in Your hand…

Posted on October 15, 2011July 10, 2012 by Aimee 2

Facelift

understatedisoverrated — as seen at Kate Spade

Notice something different?

The everyday epistle masthead got a facelift.

I keep looking at it thinking, this is not my blog. I imagine that’s what it’s like after any cosmetic surgery.

The procedure was quick and painless, now back to work.

Thank you, Kristin Scully. You make us look good.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT

This calls for one terrific, cheerful, quirky song: Different by Ximena Sariñana. Keep in mind I’m not here, I’m from a different world.

PS: Our masthead is also donning pink for October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Go pink to honor the cause.

Posted on October 13, 2011July 10, 2012 by Aimee 8

everyday epistle

there's a story at every turn

everyday epistle

Category: blogging

Blackout in Protest of SOPA

U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendment I

Reader’s Choice 2011: Nice is the New Mean

Nice is the New Mean

Reader’s Choice 2011

Free Thanksgiving Blog Button

The Amazing Spiderwebbing Woman

Pink October Free Blog Button

Facelift

there's a story at every turn

Advice is welcomed in the comments. Commiserating, empathizing, disagreeing, high-fiving and general discussion is fine too.

U.S. Bill of Rights, Amendment I

Q: Should I comment?

Q: What should I write?

Q: What if I make a mistake or change my mind after it’s posted?

Q: Huh?

Q: Do I have to be a blogger to comment?

Q: Do I have to join a group?

Q: Do I have to use my real name?

Q: Why would they do that?

Q: Why do I have to give my email address?

Q: Why might I have to type a captcha?

Q: How can I get my picture to show up beside my comment?

Q: Do you even read the comments?

Q: Should I share a post I like?

Q: How do I share a post?

Q: What happens when I share a post?

Advice is welcomed in the comments.
Commiserating, empathizing, disagreeing,
high-fiving and general discussion is fine too.