My first Featurette! I am so honored and humbled by Marianne doing this. I had no idea anyone thought that much of my site to do such a thing. Thank you, Marianne!
Much Respect
Ronovan
I Want To Tell You-A Writer’s Thoughts
As a writer I have things I want to tell you, but often I just don’t know how. Choosing between words and thoughts can get in the way of the creative process and kill dreams quicker than a lovers ‘whatever’.
As we pick up pen, grab a laptop or even go to our phones to quickly put thoughts to text we lose it. Those magical descriptions that floated through that slightly thick almost tangible air that we could feel grabbing hold of us like an enveloping blanket during a cold night.
We write and we write and then we look back and we realize we have not written anything like what we had thought or felt. The words we wanted to say had slipped away and were replaced by cliched drivel in the key of frustration.
Looking through song choices for today I came across a Beatles song from the Revolver album written and performed by George Harrison. I often mistake Harrison and Lennon’s voices at times, I suppose that is part of what makes the harmonies work so well. Harrison was the in between. He was the & in Lennon & McCartney.
With ‘I Wan To Tell You’, Harrison says everything a writer feels. Perhaps he’s talking to a lover, to that girl, to a future or current spouse. Perhaps it’s to a friend. Or maybe he’s speaking as one person to another. He commented later in life that in the chorus;
But if I seem to act unkind
It isn’t me, it’s just my mind
That is confusing things
he should have flipped the lines two parts of the second line. And I believe that really is what he meant and was actually how I took it when I first read the lines. But flipping them makes it more clear. Our minds confuse things that we think are much simpler. Once our brains get involved it’s all over.
This is one of those forgotten gems that at first when listen to it you are a little unsure but then when you realize the contrast of the words in the song, then you get the contrast of the music and the voices in the song as well. Plodding and melodic, tonal and harmonizing. You have it all.
I want to tell you
My head is filled with things to say
When you’re here
All those words, they seem to slip away
When I get near you
The games begin to drag me down
It’s all right
I’ll make you maybe next time around
But if I seem to act unkind
It isn’t me, it’s just my mind
That is confusing things
I want to tell you
I feel hung up and I don’t know why
But I don’t mind
I could wait forever, I’ve got time, I’ve got time
Sometimes I wish I knew you well
Then I could speak my mind and tell you
Maybe you’d understand
I want to tell you
I feel hung up and I don’t know why
I don’t mind
I could wait forever, I’ve got time
I’ve got time
I’ve got time
I’ve got time
Much Respect
Ronovan
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Run Away-My Haiku For the Week
People run away.
To hopes, dreams and fantasies,
I do not belong
Ronovan
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
RonovanWrites Weekly #Photography #Haiku Challenge #22 Spin&Wheels
Welcome to PhotoKu!
#22
I am seriously excited about this new direction the challenge is taking. Some great people involved have made suggestions and I have listened. I have looked at the great photography of everyone and decided I limited people in what they could do. Then one suggested the name PhotoKu, or at least I think they did. Now one said why not give a verb and a noun as the challenge instead of two nouns. In all honesty I didn’t even realize I had started doing that.
The rules are simple: For how to write a Haiku in English and using the 5/7/5 syllable pattern click here. I know you will be using photography but you need to have the Haiku in words at some point.
I prefer no words or numbers of any kind to appear in the images you use. This includes sign language . . . of any kind. I believe this forces one to be more creative.
Below is my original example of how to do a haiku with images. People have become a lot more creative with using their photography. This is just to show you a basic layout and give you an idea of how things might look. Check out our previous participants to see how it’s really done.
Visit Blog it or Lose it and Through the Eye of Bastet to see how you might can do this.
This is an example of one I created.
The Haiku was:
Moon Shadow Dancers
Heartbeats Stumble, falling in
Love Infinity
I know, not the best but it was better then the first one I posted.
Here’s the challenge;
- You create your own PhotoKu before Noon on the Sunday following the posting of this challenge,
- Then either post a link in the comments here for everyone that visits to go see and/or ping back (copy the URL for this post into your Haiku post) to this post in your Haiku post.
I will read it and comment on it. Once I comment come get the badge.
The Prompt Words are:
Spin & Wheels
What do the words mean to you, and how can you connect the two words through that second line?
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
RonovanWrites Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt Challenge #22 Belong&Run
The 22nd Haiku Prompt Challenge!
Badge provided by Me for this season.
Haiku is simple and simply addictive. So be warned now. Once you start it’s difficult to stop. Here are two things to know:
- Haiku can be broken into two sentences with the middle line of the three lines being the commonly used part, meaning 1&2 and 2&3 making sentences
- Opposite meanings in the first and last sentences.
For a full refresher or How to write Haiku in English click here. But you can use whatever Haiku style you want to. As long as you, do a Haiku.
For Tips and Guidelines refreshers click here.
If you have a Twitter and your handle has not appeared in a ReCap of a previous challenge, please let me know what it is so when I Tweet the ReCap on Sundays I may include it.
This weeks two words to use in some form, meaning you can use another word that means the same thing are:
Belong&Run
My Example
I Belong to you,
as tears belong to the Sea,
Mine run to your soul.
DEADLINE: Noon on Sunday New York Time.
(I hate doing deadlines, but it takes quite a while to complete the ReCap.)
There are TWO “A RONOVAN’S CHOICE!” recipients each week. One for Humor and one for something more Serious. The Haiku are quite good each week and I am having to turn to the structure guidelines of a Haiku at times to help determine my selection.
Really each Haiku is a choice of mine, and I’m not just saying that, so I feel a bit odd even having something called A RONOVAN’S CHOICE, but hey, it’s a thing, right? And it does make it kind of fun.
Much respect
Ronovan
2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com.
RonovanWrites Weekly #PHOTOgraphy #HaiKU Rewind #21Climb&Heavens
A New Name
REWIND #21
Click the site names to see the PhotoKu for each.
The prompts they participants COULD use if they wished to were Climb & Heavens. The prompts are only if you cannot come up with an idea.
Jen of Blog It or Lose It: I think this one should be called Stars from the Heavens. Loved it. This was an excellent one for sure..
@jrosenberry1
Vashti of Vashti Quiroz-Vega: The Making of a Psycho. Author Vashti Quiroz-Vega one of my favorite people and a very early author interview of mine, somehow found time to do this while working on her latest book. I have no idea how. I guess everyone needs as break at times. Check out Vashti’s work on Amazon.
@VashtiQV
See y’all next time,
Ronovan
2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com
RonovanWrites 21 #Haiku #Poetry Prompt Challenge ReCap
21st Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge ReCap!
Just a reminder, all you had to do to get into the ReCap was write a Haiku and somehow let me know, either with a copy of your link in the comments or a ping back.
The prompt words were View & Revenge.
Another reminder is to follow the members of our little community here on their sites and Twitter. Show and share the love, right? Are you following our friends here? I include links to their sites and Twitters if they have them.
Moving Forward there will be Two A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! Haiku recipients each week. One for Humor and one for more Serious. It was brought to my attention that perhaps if I were giving it to everyone then why even bother. And in truth for those of you who remember I used to choose category recipients early on I suppose this makes sense. Proper structure may become a big decider at times. By structure I mean the 1&2 and 2&3 verses making sentences. But the message, as you all know is always what is more important to me in this challenge. The problem? There are so many great messages that I have to use something. So now, my job just got more difficult. Let the games begin. May your days be long but your poems be short.
New this WEEK!
Melissa of This, Right Now: From her about page: I find I need to write to determine what there is to say. Once written, an outline forms and then from within, the thesis emerges. Am I broken that my mind works in reverse? Bitter Pill. Whoa, talk about a serious intro into the challenge. Nice! (And no, she did that to the picture, not me.)
The Stop Watch Award goes to . . .A NEW WINNER!
T.A. Wyatt of Finale to an Entrance: Blood Feud: A Revenge Haiku. Quick and threw down the gauntlet early. A Haiku speaking to so many possible aspects of society that it boggles the mind. Remember to check out this author’s books at Amazon. @finaletoanEntranc
Meredith and Martha of Meredith’s Musings: We missed them during the holidays and I hated taking their name of the list. But they’re back with FIVE Haiku this week. Meredith brought us My Choice and Battle while Martha tried to make up for time missed with three this week; Seeking Peace, Living Well and Forgiveness. @meredithlbl
Ruth of Mad Meandering Me: Hot Head. Very nice Haiku. A great message and structure. I am not sure why she wrote a Haiku about me, but still I can appreciate good work.
Kate of Dazzling Whimsy: Worthy. Kate always has a great message. Speaks from the heart and doesn’t throw words out and see where they fall. (Don’t judge me!) @17KateLee
Michelle (Nato) of Chasing Life and Finding Dreams: Sweet View of Revenge. Whoa, humor or serious or serious humor. I so get the image of an ex being spoken of or like some seriously not nice person at least. Talk about message received. Dude. MichelleLuantoPhotography. @MichelleLunato
Carolyn of Reviews & Recommendations: Revenge Needed. I am not sure what she saw but I don’t want to be the one she saw it about. That’s all I’m saying.
Claudette of to search and to find happiness in every day: View of Revenge. Okay, she got me. Here I thought needing sunglasses we were going to get to see a picture of her smiling or something. But nooooo. And guess what? She has a second blog that joined in this week. If You’re Looking for Answers: Revenge. This one took me a couple or three reads to grasp it. I will claim it being 11 PM, a long day, and me just living in the life I do. Very much worth the while to take a gander at and let the brain cells mingle.
Mira of To Wear A Rainbow: My Revenge. I find this one humorous in many ways. I get the message, but unless you have visited her blog or at least have visited her Twitter you will truly get the humor. Loved it. @BediMona
Colleen of Silver Threading: Leaf Bare Trees. Definite structure and humor here. At least it’s humor to me, although it is also real. I almost changed the title to Bare Naked, just to see Colleen blush but I like her too much. Apparently Hugh had some similar ideas when he was around 20. I am not sure what to make of his comments. A bare Hugh? @ColleenChesebro
KiwiBee of Snap Thoughts: Seek to Change. Nice to have KiwiBee back in the fold again. Such a busy life. And she comes back in with a great Haiku. Of course, right?
Marigold of Versus Bulb: Are You Happy Now?
You know sometimes you really like a Haiku and you hate that you like it because the message just seems saw raw and painful. I may be reading it wrong or maybe I am reading it right for me. @MarigoldDicer
Florence of Rambling On: Perspective. Sometimes I just don’t know. You know with any given life words take on meanings. But you never know for certain and you sometimes hope what you think you think isn’t what you should be thinking because then the thoughts would be not very good things to be thinking about, especially if you are thinking wrong and being thoughtless. @FTThum
Angie of Angie Does Until She Doesn’t: Oh No You Di’nt. Okay, so that’s the name I came up for it. But you’ll see what I mean when you get there. @mrsreadmorbooks
Canaf of Faithful Homesteader: Do Good. A good message.No doubt. I just noticed I said a good message about a Haiku titled Do Good. Wow. It’s just after midnight for me. I may have to stop soon.
Cyril of Cyril Bussiere: Oops. Urrr, umm, dude I so am not gonna even. You so wrong for that, man. Also check out Cyril’s Books on Amazon. @CyrilBussiere
BatteredWifeSeekingBetterLife: For My Beautiful Cousin. What do you say about some Haiku you read? You know I read this one and had one immediate thought and then a different one. You all know me, I can’t just have one thought about anything. I’ll say this but I want you all to go read, when broken down into two sentences as a Haiku should be, meaning lines 1&2 and then 2&3, this is actually a very positive outlook of a Haiku. Very impressive. This last minute entry makes for a much more difficult decision. @BWseekingBL
Faith Unlocked: Grace’s POV. The perfect POV to have in all things. One needs to keep many things in mind in all situations. Make certain to read this one and keep it handy. Print it and put it in your cubicle. @FaithUnlocked
A RONOVAN’S CHOICE FOR HUMOR
Colleen of SilverThreading with Leaf Bare Trees. I just can’t get it out of my mind of naked trees in winter. There is just something funny about that to me.
A RONOVAN’S CHOICE FOR SERIOUS
Two Haiku had similar messages but when it came down to it there was just something about my interpretation of the two sentences formed by the Haiku For My Beautiful Cousin from Battered Wife seeking Better Life that hit me in many ways. A very powerful Haiku in my opinion.
There is a third A RONOVAN’S CHOICE this week and that’s for Inspirational. Faith Unlocked with Grace’s POV.
I of course gave my own offering up this week, a last minute one that I had wanted to be a romantic one but as often happens with me turned out something else. My Revenge.
The closing Haiku for this weeks Challenge words?
To seek your revenge,
You will fall to what you fight,
If you just view hate.
Much Respect
Ronovan
2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com
My Sunday Thought: Be quiet.
I always like to write my Sunday Thought about something to do with events that are happening in society today. The problem with that is the same things have been going on for weeks now and to be honest I have been attempting to avoid simply going off on a rant to say exactly what I think of the various situations. So far I’ve held my tongue and merely spoken in a somewhat neutral tone. Mostly because it would be such a long article that I know it would not be read and everyone has there opinions.
And they would be just that. Opinions. You can take two people and give them the exact same information and they will see something different. It all depends on your view of how things operate.
Why do I not give my full blown, knock down, in your face opinions on Ferguson, Cosby and Garner? Because it would be an opinion that, although not in the media and not sensationalized or used inflammatorially would still add fuel to a fire that no one can know 100% either way about. Don’t make assumptions about my opinion based on that statement. Why?
James 1:19-22
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
And if you don’t want to take the advice of the half brother of Jesus then take it from the wisest normal man that ever lived.
Proverbs 17:28
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.
I’ve taught my son one thing if nothing else. Keep quiet unless the teacher asks him the question or he’s certain of the answer being asked. You see kids just spout out an answer sometimes and look like they are crazy. We think it’s funny. Adults do it and we look foolish. That happens in every aspect of life.
Much Respect
Ronovan
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
When I am bored, I . . .
2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com
Choose to Let Go
I remember a time long ago when . . . wait a minute. No I don’t. I love amnesia jokes. Only an amnesiac can tell them though, so don’t get any ideas. I’m looking at you, what’s your name. You know who I’m talking about.
Over a year ago I had an epiphany, well actually I had an accident in my home. I think of that day as “A loss of” my mind and think how it turns out that it was the best thing that could have happened to me in many ways. I got a chance to do something many people wish they could do but just don’t seem to find the time or maybe even courage to do. I got the chance to . . .
Choose To Let Go
You see, I have these writings about my past. I can delve into them daily in an attempt to become who I once was. I can read memories including old grudges. I can stumble over great long forgotten, even before last summer, nuggets of wonderful. Being able to choose, in someways, is “Finding Freedom” from all of those influences that led me to have certain opinions about things that were muddied with opinions and thoughts not quite as straight forward as they are now.
Yeah, I could become that old me.
Or and this is a BIG or.
I can choose to let go of a past and concentrate on becoming someone that I want to be. I have the important parts of that past in front of me so why not concentrate on those and making my life better? The important memories return as they need to, such as “Church Playground Memories” I wrote about several months ago about my son.
You know there are a lot of things in life you can’t control. I’ve discovered that. The one thing you can control is how your mind works. Do you love? Do you hate? Do you pick this meal or that meal? Do you read this book or that book? There are a great many things you can control.
One of those things you can control is choice. Choose to let go of those things in your life that just get in the way of you moving forward and becoming that kind, loving, creative, inspiring and whatever other positive words you can think of, person.
I had to let go of a lot of things. I even let go of family. Sounds bad doesn’t it? This part of my family was a negative influence on my recovery. Each time I see this family member’s name now, I think that negative thought. Some minds that have been damaged CAN’T let go of some things. So I did something I COULD do. I chose to remove contact with that person. You know when a family member makes jokes about your amnesia it’s a bit cruel. I’ve moved on from that, but I remember it. I chose to instead of being in contact with a relative I didn’t remember anyway and apparently didn’t have contact with for almost 20 years to focus on people that care about me now.
The mind, the heart, the body, all of you cannot heal without a positive environment. That is something I have discovered this past year. You have a problem? You can’t move forward? Look around you and see why. Then make a choice. Either stay and stagnate or move on and heal.
You’ll notice a few links today. Those are links to articles I’ve written about my dealings with my Amnesia.
Much Respect
Ronovan
For a different take on Choose To Let Go visit Meanings and Musings article of the same name by clicking the link.
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
The L.A.W. is Thrilled to be Trippin’. Who said that?
The last time with the L.A.W. Ronovan and the team faced off against zombies as they made their way toward the home of a key person behind the missing U’s and other letters threatening to make their friend Hugh disappear back in Britain. Just as they thought everything was finally okay they faced offed against an even bigger
“Thanks guys,” said Amira with a wave and a chin thrust. We had Thrillered for at last 10 blocks with the Zombie Horde as they showed us how to find our destination.
“No probs, A. Mak, just make sure I get that signed copy of The Reaping,” said the leader of the dance troop. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see the Musical Comedy theater production they had developed. Thriller meets Walking Dead meets Dirty Dancing. Would Baby eat her Daddy for putting her in the corner? Would she fall apart when lifted in the air? Would Johnny melt when he rehearsed in the river? Were Zombies afraid of water? Wait, was the Wicked Witch of the West a Zombie? Whoa!
“Ronovan?” I shook my head at the sound of the voice. Turning I saw hazel eyes staring into mine.
“Um, ya?” I asked Kate.
“Just checking. You had the concussed look like my daughter Molly used to get when dropped on her head as a flier in cheer.”
“Pretty close. I think I’ve been in Lubbock too long. I’m not all that thrilled to be here.”
“Muahahahaha!” Elena was cracking up. “Not ‘thrilled’. Zombies. Thriller. Hahahaahahahaa.”
“I think brain chick has been here to long too,” said Cat as she flexed her fingers.
“Well we’re here now,” I said, finally shaking off weird thoughts. “Let’s see if Cyril Bussiere is home.” I knocked on the door.
“What do you want?!”
I had not been expecting that kind of answer nor that accent. “You sure this is the right address?” I asked Elena.
“Yep. See the Napoleon shaped door knocker?”
I squinted. “Is that who it is? I thought it was Marlon Brando,” I said.
“It ain’t no Marlon Brando or Nappy Poleon,” said the female voice behind the door.
“Then who is it?” I asked, figuring at least talking was something.
“Dennis Hopper, C.B. loved him some Speed. He watched that movie until the tape done broke in two and then had to get a DVD one.”
“Um, is C.B, I mean is Cyril home? We’re friends of his and kind of need to talk to him,” I said.
“That boy done gone and took off for the FeFe land. Scoundrel that he is. Gave me chocolates and nylons and then throws me to the side.” The door opened and the largest woman I had ever seen was in the door. Now I know people like to say that, but this woman was about 6’9″ and weighed easily 500 lbs. I don’t think there was much fat. She was round with what her Momma gave her. I’ll just say that.
“Urr, um, were you and Cyril . . .,” I began.
“Honey, that man done had me cleaning this apartment for him and that little sweet thing of a wife of his for a year now, and then he just up and leaves. Now what am I supposed to do for a job? Tell me that. Well what you standin’ there lookin’ like some fool who done seen the second comin’ of the Manga Carter.”
I was speechless. I really had no idea what to say to that. I really had no idea really what she was saying and coming from me that is saying a lot, if you really think about it. Things get kind of random around here.
“I know, I know!” We all turned and squinted.
“Honey, you best be turnin’ out them lights,” said the woman. “And put that hand down. This ain’t no class room. Wavin’ your hand like you some kindercare with a need to go number one or somethin’.”
“Sorry,” said Jenna as she put her hand over her smile and lowered the hand that had been waving in the air for attention. “But I bet that dance troop we just left could use some help. They mentioned something about cleaning out some store over on 5th and Walker.”
The woman reached inside and grabbed a bag and stormed out past us. There was silence as we all stared in stunned amazement that it, she moved.
“Okay,” said Amira. “Get going and search the house. C.B, I mean Cyril has obviously skipped the country but we need to find out all we can here before we head out.”
“But if he’s left already we are way behind,” said Cat.
“We have a way,” said Elena as she started dialing a number on the wrist thingy she had on.
The rest of us started searching the place. “Oh look, a Blue Moon,” said Kate.
We all looked at her as we knew the moon was white and shining tonight. She looked back at us and saw the confusion. “See,” she said holding up the bottle. “His favorite beer. I think it’s the Belgian thing about it. Nasty stuff, don’t you think?” She asked as she threw it out the window.
“I got something,” said Amira from a back room. We all rushed down the hallway.
“Looks like he’s been studying up on Oreos and their ingredients. I think these are recipes and he substituted these chemicals for some of the real ones or at least added them,” she said.
Kate leaned over her shoulder to look. She was the ingredient expert seeing as how she was the resident health nut. “If those things are what I think they are then they would add no taste to the Oreos or change the color and actually help burn calories as well.”
“Hugh is addicted to those things,” said Jenna. “Every time there is coffee there has to be some Oreos or some type of biscuit, as he likes to say.” She controlled the smile so it was just a grin. The strain was amazing and we were afraid she was going to pull a dimple muscle. It had happened before from what I had heard.
” And look at these,” said Elena. “Plans for some sort of helmet but no, not a helmet but a mind control device. They look like bowl cut hair styles.”
“Oh no, the Royal Family has those,” said Jenna.
“Mind altering Oreos, Mind Controlling Mop Tops,” I said. “This is bigger than Cyril. Someone must have a closer connection than even this diabolical Frenchxan.”
I noticed they all looked at me. “What?”
“Frenchxan?” Jenna asked. Yes, even she looked at me funny.
“Well he’s French and he lives in Texas so I put French and Texan together and . . .”
“We get it,” said Amira as she turned to Elena rubbing her forehead. “ETA?”
“Should be outside now,” said Elena.
“Okay, guys, time for a trip, outside.” We all marched outside at Amira’s words.
There was an odd blue telephone thing out there. “Wait, I’ve seen one of these on TV. It belongs to . . .,” I began.
“Who,” said a voice as the door opened.
Out walked a man I had only seen on TV. “Anyone want a jelly baby?” He asked in a British accent. I looked around at everyone. They all marched inside and took their favorite color jelly baby from him as if this was common.
“Well, are you coming or swimming?” The Doctor asked.
“Take the red one, Ronovan, the red one,” said Cat over her shoulder with a smile.
“I so can’t believe this,” I said.
“Who would?” Dr. Who asked. Then he laughed insanely as he shoved me in and we were suddenly streaking away.
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
When Ronovan Met Miss Maple (on Skype) – Part 5
Get ready, the L.A.W side of the caper is out later.
So get your British read on with Hugh and Miss Maper, I mean Maple and see what they were up to last. You won’t believe Who shows up to help the L.A.W out in Lubbock this time.
My Revenge. My Haiku Poetry for Challenge #21.
I view my future,
With a passion never seen,
My revenge is love.
Ronovan
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
5 Image Things to Know for SEO
In a recent article I discussed How to Tag Your Blog Right. In that article I mentioned that to increase SEO results and thus visitors and views to your blog does not mean extra work. Tagging your blog content is something you do anyway, so why not do it properly? I also discussed the permalink change that is no extra effort. Extra effort to me is if I have to do research and search for all the things to do for an article. I like to just go with the flow of the mind waves.
Today is another ‘No Extra Effort, Should Already Be Doing It’ thing to, again, increase SEO results. I harp on SEO results. I don’t do this to try and turn you into a tech savvy market yourself machine. I do it to give you the lingo and the basics of blogging and website management. You write it, you build it, don’t you want it seen?
I get in a rush sometimes and don’t always do this. To be honest, as I have said before, I am not so much focused on really pushing my blog to be some monster machine. I’m happy the way I am. That being said, I should be doing these things. Reading about these things might make it SEEM like there is more to do, but it’s not. It’s just you are reading about what you already do. That always makes it sound like work.
Image Type or File Type
When you look at images on your computer you see those letters at the end after the . that are usually JPG, GIF or PNG. Those really are QUALITY things to look at. If you want QUALITY at any size go with the JPG. PNG and GIF would just depend on what you have. I notice that at times a site called picmonkey will save a creation in PNG form. This is not to say it is better than others, it just means that the format is good for that image. How do I know this for certain the JPG is the best quality? I took a picture and did something I will discuss in the next point. The JPG quality sometimes surpassed PNG and GIF greatly.
You are probably wondering how if you have a GIF how you can turn it into a JPG. In WINDOWS you simply open the file then click;
- File
- SAVE AS
- And Choose JPEG from the Save as type portion of the pop up box that shows up. At least that’s how it works with mine. Most will work similarly. Play with it if yours is different.
- Save
Right about now you are thinking that is a lot of work. Do it a couple of times and it takes you maybe 30 seconds. My apologies if that ruins your day.
Others of you are asking yourself “What difference does it make since the picture looks fine to me?”
File Size or Web Page Load Speed
You’ve written a catchy sounding title, it’s been clicked on and then it just sits there attempting to load. If I am a passerby visitor I’m gone already. If I am a friend and follower of yours I will refresh to see if it works and if not, I might come back later. Sure I will eventually read your post if I remember. If I have 10,ooo followers on my Blog and another 20,000 on Twitter and I might have shared that post with them at Lunch Time in the New York City time zone and am now sharing it in the 2 AM New York City time zone instead, that might mean a bit of difference to you.
This is a little extra work for you. But it’s quick work.
The smaller your File Size for an image the faster your load time. But be careful of your quality. Reducing File Size means reducing the number of pixels per inch. As you reduce the number of pixels you are basically taking away detail of the image.
- DynamicDrive has something called Image Optimizer that is free to use online. You can choose a URL to load or an image from your computer. You can convert to a different type, and then compress. The really great part? You can then scroll down and look at the original photo and compare to the different reduced file sizes for what you like. Yes, they get bad toward the bottom, but the first couple are pretty good. And depending on your purpose for the image, that -21% image might be nice enough. Then you just save the image you want and move on.
- I Optimized the same photo in all three file types and the jpg was by far the best quality.
- What you have below is the original photo in JPG form, then reduced by 21% in JPG form, then by 19% in GIF and then the PNG is the only one they offered.
Extra Bonus? Less space on your computer taken up as well if it’s something you are just using for a blog post and not a family photo.
Now you know about quality file types. You know about compressing or resizing your file types. Now onto something else that’s important and we will discuss it in three forms. Why? Because there are three different forms
Naming Your Images
File Name or Image Name
This is the name you give it on your computer and then load it to your site or blog. Think key words and simple English. Don’t jam it full of buzz words. Let’s say you have an image of a sunset. Suggested File Name;
- pink-sunset-over-ocean.jpg
Basically you describe what is in the image with the most important words first, just in case you use too many characters. In a way you are ‘tagging’ your images. Basic and to the point. If you had a vehicle you would put in the details of the vehicle such as blue-honda-accord-2007-se.jpg or something like that. Your images have to have a name so why not make them useful for you and SEO. I have done a bad job of naming some of my images in the early stages and spend forever looking for that one image I need.
Alt Text
If you look in the Media portion of your site or blog you will see something called an Alternate or Alt Text box. Fill that out. Don’t leave it blank. When you load the image you will already be on this screen with this field staring at you. What do you do? One simple thing would be to take the file name and just replace the dashes with spaces. I know that sounds simple but that is one suggestion. You can also give it a different name such as;
- sunset over laguna beach pacific ocean
Now you have two different wordings for the same image for the SEO to see. Just remember to use the important words first.
Title
The great thing here is that for WordPress.com users this is already filled in. Now you can always change it for a third descriptive and short blurb. If you have a site or blog that doesn’t fill in the Title go ahead and put something in there. There is no 100% answer to if it does or does not impact SEO but why not? You can even just copy and paste the ALT Text blurb if you like.
So why the big deal about naming?
There are tools out there for the visually impaired that actually read your images. Also SEO reads your images and if you have an image at the beginning of your article or post and there is nothing to read but gibberish File Name numbers that came from your camera then that search is going to skip right by you. I am not certain how far into your content a search goes but make sure those first couple of of paragraphs, images included, have important words in there.
Much Respect
Ronovan
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
A Song, A Moment, A Mistake, and It’s Never Too Late
Each week I like to talk about a song. Sometimes it doesn’t happen, even months have gone by without my sharing, but as I was looking for a song last time to share I came across this one. I saved it.
I’ve never ran across a song where the first five lines were written about me quite so perfectly. Although the song is written about a man in his early forties seeing x-rays of his father, I take more as a autobiographical account through most of the song in regards to myself.
The Song
For Tim McGraw, the American Country music artist who had the number 1 hit of the year for 2004 with Live Like You Were Dying written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman, it was more personal as his own father, estranged as he was, professional baseball pitcher Tug McGraw suffered from a brain tumor and died in January of the same year.
The Moment
Life has moments in it that wake you up. Sometimes they wake you up after they knock you out. Why my particular moment decided to add Amnesia to the mix I’m not certain and I don’t question. I just move along and enjoy life as best I can.
Enter the Beatles
The other song I considered today was While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison and the Beatles. Harrison wrote the song after reading the I Ching.
“seemed to me to be based on the Eastern concept that everything is relative to everything else… opposed to the Western view that things are merely coincidental.”~Harrison, George (2002). I, Me, Mine. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
He went to his parents home and decided to write a song on the first two words he saw in a book he opened. Gently Weeps.
Harrison Mistaken
Harrison got it wrong. There might be people who believe in coincidences but this Westerner doesn’t. This Westerner in the sense Harrison was referring to in the Christian sense knows there are no coincidences. You see I know there are actions taking place in the world with a reaction to follow.
My ‘accident’ was no accident. I see it as something that was made to happen for a reason. No, I do not think God thought to do me harm, He does not do that. But what He does it take that moment and give one the opportunity to do good from it.
I haven’t done much good as opposed to before other than begin blogging. But a great many things have happened since then. Some have come to fruition already, and others are of the slow growing variety of tree of my life. Either way I will enjoy picking the fruit and enjoying the taste of it.
Is It Ever Too Late
Some people might read this and be angry because their situation is worse than mine and I dare to say that we are given the opportunity to make something out of it. Perhaps a person has days to live or months. Is a second to little to do something positive and leave this world with something of yourself that others might look to in an inspirational way? A squeeze of the hand between an estranged father in a hospital bed and his son is not too late to make a memorable moment.
I was in my early forties
With a lot of life before me
When a moment came that stopped me on a dime
I spent most of the next days, looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
That this might really be the real end
How’s it hit ‘cha when you get that kind of news?
Man, what’d ya do?
And he said
I went skydiving
I went rocky mountain climbing
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin’
And he said, Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin’
He said, I was finally the husband
That most the time I wasn’t
And I became a friend, a friend would like to have
And all of a sudden goin’ fishin’
Wasn’t such an imposition
And I went three times that year I lost my dad
Well I, I finally read the good book
And I took a good long hard look
At what I’d do if I could do it all again
And then
I went skydiving
I went rocky mountain climbing
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin’
And he said, Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin’
Like tomorrow was a gift
And ya got eternity to think about what to do with it
What did you do with it?
What did I do with it?
What would I do with it?
Skydiving
I went rocky mountain climbing
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I watched an eagle as it was flyin’
And he said, Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dyin’
To live like you were dyin’
To live like you were dyin’
To live like you were dyin’
To live like you were dyin’
Much Respect
Ronovan
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
Ronovan Ranting
Sometimes you just have to write. It’s 1 AM here in America and I am having a hard time sleeping. This old man goes through that at times. After this past weekend I have even more reasons to keep me from sleep. I might would put a link to that story but WordPress isn’t letting me add links or Media to posts right now. (Was able to now link to “How I Became Cat-Man”)
There are times I can’t sleep because my mind does not shut down. I literally have to just drop to sleep. Recently my mind has been on the whole Ferguson situation as I see the poor handling of it all by the media. Yes, I have a problem with the media at times. If you’ve read my blog long enough you’ve seen mention of how I see them as instigators of many a problem in societies across the world.
I’m not even sure if it’s the legit media that I am angry at right now, but perhaps the pretend media that happens to get picked up by online outlets like Yahoo to fill their spots and to get the most hits from sensationalist headlines.
Personally I understand the protests that are occurring, but not the looting, the burning of property and the like. You’re angry? Okay, who are you angry with? Is it the police, the legal system? Why are the protests not centered around those buildings? Why are they in places that end up keeping people from getting to work and subsequently getting them fired, or so I have heard. That could just be media hype.
You know one thing that makes me mad at the moment? The New York Times printing the street name where that police officer lives. He and his wife had to take off.
Know something else that bugs me? The St. Louis Rams. 5 players did the Hands Up sign in support of the protestors. So far the word is there will be no punishment because they were practicing their right to free speech.
Okay, so using their celebrity and the NFL and networks to continue to fuel a situation is okay. I got it. You fine a man who refuses to answer questions in an interview. I guess that wasn’t his right to free speech. You fine people for wearing Beats by Dr. Dre during press meetings and the like, I guess that’s not free speech.
I’m angry a little bit. Am I a racist person? No. Far from it. I think any of you that know me can attest to that as a fact. For one, you all know I only believe in one race, the human race. I think they should do away with race classifications on everything. Just make it a non issue. The government doesn’t want a racial problem? Then stop asking what race people are.
Will that make a big difference? Not to start with. But it’s a beginning. My son didn’t even know that people with dark skin were called Black until he learned it at school as he got a little older. He would say the girl with the darker skin. Or he would say the boy with the real white skin. To him it was just a skin tone.
Well I could go on and on and really say a lot about what I think about this whole situation but it’s late and I have a doctor’s appointment today. I guess I should sleep some. If I offended anyone . . . these are my opinions and I don’t think I actually said anything against anyone other than those doing damage to property or acting in ways that are foolish. Protest all you like, just do it peacefully. It works.
You know, if you want my opinions on a subject, leave a comment or fill out the form at the bottom of the post. I’ll then do a post on it. Why not, right?
We can call it Ask Ronovan or Ronovan’s Rants or something like that. I would be more open and direct than I have been here. Any topic is okay with me. I think you all know that by now. I don’t shy away from the sensitive or touchy subjects. So leave a comment or send a message and I’ll write a topic. I may even and a specific page if the response warrants it. And if you fill out the form on the About page just mention you want your name left out of the post and I’ll leave it out. Otherwise I’ll give you a shout out and link to your own blog if you have one.
Yeah, this was a random rambling thing that ended up with a new post idea. Who knew pain and posting would end up here?
Oh, and a blog tip: When you are labeling your images, go ahead and label them something like st-louis-rams.jpg.jpg Why? Well when SEO looks for it they like to see that jpg or png included in your images. But if you ever notice when you look at your images after loading the jpg or png is not there, so go ahead and add it to the actual name of the image then no extra work once you are in the posting process. Now they already see the jpg in your file name so you don’t HAVE to put it here. it’s up to you. I sometimes do and sometimes don’t.
Much Respect and an End To Races
Ronovan
RonovanWrites Weekly #Photography #Haiku Challenge #21 Climb&Heavens
Welcome to PhotoKu!
#21
I am seriously excited about this new direction the challenge is taking. Some great people involved have made suggestions and I have listened. I have looked at the great photography of everyone and decided I limited people in what they could do. Then one suggested the name PhotoKu, or at least I think they did. Now one said why not give a verb and a noun as the challenge instead of two nouns. In all honesty I didn’t even realize I had started doing that.
The rules are simple: For how to write a Haiku in English and using the 5/7/5 syllable pattern click here. I know you will be using photography but you need to have the Haiku in words at some point.
I prefer no words or numbers of any kind to appear in the images you use. This includes sign language . . . of any kind. I believe this forces one to be more creative.
Below is my original example of how to do a haiku with images. People have become a lot more creative with using their photography. This is just to show you a basic layout and give you an idea of how things might look. Check out our previous participants to see how it’s really done.
Visit Blog it or Lose it and Through the Eye of Bastet to see how you might can do this.
This is an example of one I created.
The Haiku was:
Moon Shadow Dancers
Heartbeats Stumble, falling in
Love Infinity
I know, not the best but it was better then the first one I posted.
Here’s the challenge;
- You create your own PhotoKu before Noon on the Sunday following the posting of this challenge,
- Then either post a link in the comments here for everyone that visits to go see and/or ping back (copy the URL for this post into your Haiku post) to this post in your Haiku post.
I will read it and comment on it. Once I comment come get the badge.
The Prompt Words are:
Climb & Heavens
What do the words mean to you, and how can you connect the two words through that second line?
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
#Blog #Tips Tag So You’re It-How to Tag your Blog Right.
Increasing traffic to your blog means increasing SEO views. Is that what this article is about? Yes and no. This is not going to be about how to intentionally seek out more views. This is going to be how to simply take what you have and let it be noticed properly with a few well chosen words and really just doing what you’re supposed to be doing already.
Tagging a blog article/post is a mystery to a lot of people. They have the best post ever on the planet. Then they don’t advertise it through their tagging properly. They put in a lot of obscure words or phrases. I’m here to break it down a little.
Things to Remember:
- Don’t have too many-Stick to no more than about 13 and I mean 13. I’ve tested with a friend that was having problems and as we backed down the number of tags we finally got it to show up in the WordPress Reader.
- Keep it mostly Basic with a few Specifics-If I have a poem I will use Poem, Poetry for certain. Some call this redundant if I have it in the category as Poetry. Not so. WordPress Reader sees my Tags. Then I describe the poem in a few words such as feelings or actions. Think of words that are used a lot. Love. Sex. Romance. Heartbreak. Humor. Pain. Sad. Happy. Sounds overly simple, right? So you go ahead and tag yours as Remorseful Angst and see how many WordPress Readers and even Search Engines are going to be looking for that.
- When I do interviews I include the name of the Person, their Books, their Publisher, there Agent, and the genre of book and the type of availability such as Amazon or Kindle.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Don’t over complicate your tagging. You’re not writing another post in Tag form. One thing to not freak out about is-Your WordPress Reader Referral numbers will likely go down as your blog grows. Why am I mentioning this? Because I don’t want you to go and start freaking out and changing up your Tags. My Search Engine (SEO) referrals double my WordPress Reader Referral numbers. That’s really what you want anyway. Tag your things right.
ANOTHER TAG REASON
There might come a time when you want to create some drop down menus on your blog much like I have done here and on Lit World Interviews especially. I actually use Tags as those drop downs and even links on pages so all of my Authors that fit a certain type of genre can easily be pulled together in one place.
A Bonus Mention:
Do your permalink right. That’s right below where you create the title for your post/article. WordPress will automatically use the words you put in your title as your permalink. For me, that isn’t what I want. My title is sometimes a catchy thing to get your attention. But for SEO I want words they are going to look for, so I change my permalink to be instead of say Remants, which is a recent poem I wrote, I might have put poetry-haiku-love-remnants, or something like that, I don’t really remember.
Remember this isn’t extra work for you to worry about and TRY and get extra people to show up. These things are basics you SHOULD be doing already. I am no longer a blogger looking to really go after views and readers. I did that early on because I got caught up in the madness of it all. If you do that, you will so destroy any joy you have in doing this. Have fun and your blog will grow.
I have another site that very few know of. I do no advertising other than tagging. I don’t use Twitter, Google+, Facebook nor anything else. I have about 30 followers in about a month’s time. Not a lot I know, but I am happy with it, very happy. I simply Tag my posts, permalink my posts and move on to the next day.
Blogging is supposed to be fun. If you aren’t having fun, step back and take a deep breath. And remember this; the only person you are responsible to for on your blog is you. You are the only one that needs to be happy with what you post. The only person that needs to think about when your next post will be is you. If you are getting close to the edge of pulling your hair out or just giving up blogging, check out How to Survive the Blog Life.
Much Respect
Ronovan
© Copyright-All rights reserved by ronovanwrites.wordpress.com 2014
RonovanWrites Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt Challenge #21 View&Revenge
The 20th Haiku Prompt Challenge!
Badge provided by Me for this season.
For a refresher or how to write Haiku in English click here. But you can use whatever Haiku style you want to. As long as you, do a Haiku.
For Tips and Guidelines refreshers click here.
Something to keep in mind about a Haiku. Usually it is elemental in nature, but I don’t stick to that. There are two things I do like to see and they are; 1) Haiku that can be broken into two sentences with the middle line of the three lines being the commonly used part and 2) Opposite meanings in the first and last sentences.
Before you start!
I have links that will help you out. Remember for Haiku in English the total syllables are 5 for the first line, 7 for the second, and 5 for the last. I don’t really hold people to that for this but if you want to do it in the 5/7/5 manner, the traditional way, then try that. One link I have for you is . . . howmanysyllables.com. Simply type in the word and find out how many syllables it has. Also for synonyms and antonyms go to thesaurus.com, I find it useful for finding a word to fit the meaning when syllables are not working out right.
This weeks two words to use in some form, meaning you can use another word that means the same thing are:
View & Revenge
My Example
I TEAR AT MY CHEST,
FOR REVENGE AGAINST DEATH’S HEART,
I VIEW HER NO MORE.
Do you have a Twitter Handle? Do I know it? Let me know!
DEADLINE: Noon on Sunday New York Time.
(I hate doing deadlines, but it takes quite a while to complete the rewind.)
There are now things called “A RONOVAN’S CHOICE!” which simply means a Haiku that either touched me or was a stand out Haiku in structure and meaning. Really each Haiku is a choice of mine so I feel a bit odd even having something called A RONOVAN’S CHOICE, but hey, it’s a thing, right?
Much respect
Ronovan
2014 © Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com.
RonovanWrites #20 #Haiku #Poetry Prompt Challenge Rewind Hunt&Wind
20. My favorite number. I have no idea why, but it is for some reason. It’s also the . . .
20th Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge Rewind!
Just a reminder, all you had to do to get into the Rewind was write a Haiku and somehow let me know, either with a copy of your link in the comments or a ping back.
The prompt words were Hunt & Wind.
Another reminder is to follow the members of our little community here on their sites and Twitter. Show and share the love, right? Are you following our friends here? I include links to their sites and Twitters if they have them.
You might notice the new badge I created for A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! Haiku recipients. For those selected they can add this to their Haiku post if they like. It’s entirely up to them but I saw someone had created something to let people know they had received that selection and thought I should at least put forth the effort. I just never thought anyone would think that much of it.
New this WEEK!
Mira of They, You and Me: From her about page: “While writing my 
posts on toweararainbow.wordpress.com I realized that I had more to share. Life never ceases to amaze me, amuse me and play games with me. I think that all of us go through a lot in life and when we go through it together it becomes easy to traverse the unknown paths. Lets join hands and minds to strive to inspire each other to love a happy life.” Love Hunt. A very sorrowful tone set and a message I think we can each relate to at some point in our lives. @BediMona
Patty of I Am Not Sick Boy: From her about page: I am a Physician Assistant with many years of medical experience in my background. But, nothing could have prepared me for the confusion and frustration that was ahead for me when my youngest child, Alex, was born with varied chronic problems. It is my intention to help you get through the web of insurance, hospitals and doctors so you can get down to your real job: Taking care of your child. Cold Winds. Greatly enjoyed this one.
The Stop Watch Award goes to . . .A NEW WINNER!
Cheryl-Lynn of Tournesol dans un Jardin: In Quest. With the possibilities of the prompts this week it took me a few moments to actually get the Haiku. @CherylShares
Wendy of Wendy Anne Darling: On the hunt. Sometimes you don‘t know to be afraid or be hopeful when you read a Haiku. Either about the topic and intent or about who the person of thought is. Sigh, oh well. @AuthorWDarling
Becca of On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea: From the Hunt. Becca nailed the holiday with this one in many ways. I am sure many will have memories come to them when they read it and as many already have. her visual presentation was excellent. A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! @rgbickerstaff
T.A. Wyatt of Finale to an Entrance: The Hunt: An Autumn Haiku. The header photo still gets me. Another timely Haiku from the other side of the lens this time.c Remember to check out this author’s books at Amazon. @finaletoanEntranc
Cyril of Cyril Bussiere: It Begs. I think Cyril has been in Texas a bit too long. Apparently he’s done gone on a snipe hunt down in a holler. It done been callin’ up tuh him at night. Also check out Cyril’s Books on Amazon. @CyrilBussiere
Kimberly of K.S. Fause: Follow. The visual was excellent as always. Kimberly has the eye for combining her words with art. She also writes thought provoking pieces. A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! @ksfause
Ruth of Mad Meandering Me: Crazy Hair Lady. Ruth returns with a vengeance. Like a roaring wind whipping through the land. So much of roar she has stirred she has forced from my hands A RONOVAN’S CHOICE!
Steven S. Walsky of Simplicity Lane: Last Kiss. Okay so as I was writing the rewind up to this point I was planning to write a romantic Haiku for a post with the prompt words. Then I come upon this. Now I have to kick it up a notch. A very ‘delicate’ Haiku in many ways. As you read it you are almost afraid you could break it. A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! Just a reminder of to check out Steven’s books at Barnes & Nobles as well as other sites noted on his blog such as Smashwords.
Faith Unlocked: Vain Folly. The message in this Haiku is one that could be expanded upon in so many ways. A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! @FaithUnlocked
Marigold of Versus Bulb: Blood of the Hunted.
Read the poetically written words
Then find the poets meaning
What’s hidden is more than think
Wrapped inside your limbs find your own gleaning. A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! . @MarigoldDicer
Elke of writingindevizes: Bright Figurine: 12: Big Long Light Longleat Dragon. Okay this is just so awesome. The image and the Haiku that is perfect with it. I mean this one is so much fun! I love it! A RONOVAN’S CHOICE!
Colleen of Silver Threading: Cookie Crumb Lips. She used the word wind in a way others didn’t. Is that what makes her a A RONOVAN’S CHOICE!? No, you have to go see and you’ll give her some honor of some sort as well. @ColleenChesebro
Canaf of Faithful Homesteader: Dreams. I gave bonus points for the Beatles song included. A RONOVAN’S CHOICE!
Carolyn of Reviews & Recommendations: Deep truth. Hunting for the impossible?
Florence of Rambling On: Of Contradictions by Florence. At first a simple Haiku it would seem but then you pause and the flood begins to rush through your mind. I left my comment, but it’s in moderation until our lady of Australia wakes up. It was a very good comment too. Florence’s daughter ‘S’ contributed this week with a Haiku I call Captured. Very sensory filled Haiku. Both of the Aussie ladies receive A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! @FTThum
BatteredWifeSeekingBetterLife: Winded is what I chose to call this one. Go check out the Haiku because I think you all have been winded in this manner before and probably are right now. A RONOVAN’S CHOICE! @BWseekingBL
Michelle (Nato) of Chasing Life and Finding Dreams: Cold of the Hunt. Ah, a Hunger Games inspired Haiku. Go check it out. And also check out MichelleLuantoPhotography.
I of course gave my own offering up this week, a last minute one that I had wanted to be a romantic one but as often happens with me turned out something else. Remnants.
The closing Haiku for this weeks Challenge words?
Hunting high and low,
I long for your presence here,
Winding together.
Much Respect
Ronovan
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