Here is one example:

Melissa Baugnon of Mendenhall, Mississippi was looking for someone she used to know named Annette Riley. So she typed “Annette Riley” in Google and my web site came up. Alas, I was not the acquaintance she was searching for.

However, she had a Web site that needed to be updated. What are the chances?!
She contacted me and we talked a while. Long-story-short we decided to give it a try.

That is how cool the internet is!

Mellissa is owner and manager of Spirit Horse Hill Foundation Appaloosas (www.spirithorse hill.com). She raises quality, colorful Appaloosas with outstanding dispositions.

I can’t take credit for the design of this beautiful site, but I was able to use my background and knowledge to preserve the integrity and consistency of the design while updating it for her.

I have other clients, locally and around the country, that have hired me to do periodic maintenance on their web sites, even thought I am not the original designer. It is a situation that works out well for both of us.

Biscotti are the only cookies I know how to make. I traditionally make a big batch of them at the end of the year. It is a big job, so now I break it up over two days, getting all the ingredients ready the first day, mixing and baking on the second.

I use this time to reflect on the past year and think about the possibilities in the year ahead. I think about my grandmother and wish I had paid more attention when she tried to pass along her baking expertise. I was young and wanted everything in a hurry. I wanted exact measurements and instructions. I didn’t have patience when she said things like “mix until it feels just right.” (Imagine an Italian grandmother saying “Joost-ta right.”)

My recipe is actually a combination of several recipes and has evolved over the years. I toast the almonds and chop them by hand. I use Ghirardelli chocolate and real vanilla and almond extracts, not imitations. I don’t mind giving away my secrets because it is more than just quality ingredients, it is an attitude. It is is trying to capture and include that extra ingredient that made all my grandmother's food taste so good.

During this time, I think about my business and how it is also about quality and attitude. My customers don’t deserve anything less. The whole process reaffirms that I am on the right track and gets me motivated for the new year. I can feel my Grandmother smiling.

Although I personally prefer my Christmas carols sung by Bing Crosby, I realize there are a variety of tastes out there.

Here is an online karaoke site. The link goes to the page with the latest performances. Some are Christmas songs, some are not. Some are surprisingly good, some not so good. All are fun!