That’s such a staggering figure! Daniel Scocco invited all bloggers to participate in a Group Writing Project as they took a look back at what the year 2009 meant to them/their writings. The end results were published today on Daniel’s daily blog tips newsletter. So happy to report that my article “How Online Classes Helped Define Writing in 2009″ made the cut! A big shoutout to all the bloggers/new & seasoned who responded to Daniel’s call. This exposure have resulted in retweets, blog links & bloggers networking with other bloggers, not to mention some darn good reviews! I’m very pleased. AND

I have a dilemma of sorts: Folks are constantly inviting me to connect with them on facebook. I’ve also received invites to become a member of a local tv program that seeks to mentor teens & young people about their goals, life choices & such. The program “Shaping Young Minds” is a worthwhile & charitable endeavor indeed, but, I’m debating to join because I’m focused so much on building my freelance writing business as well as working my day job. I’m knowing that members have to be involved, present and counted for & committed to be there for the sake of the children…

Then, there’s The Wendy Williams Fan Club! Yep, got an invite to join her “how you doin” ness gossip circle where I’d become privy to all the hot goings on right off the Wendy Williams hotline- what to do? I’m knowing I ‘m not going to facebook. I’m just a twitter type-of girl folks:) Anyho, that’s a glimpse into clara54’s meandering…Just put up my Christmas tree…no presents yet. Oh, my veteran nurse column will make its debut the January 2010 issue of Working Nurse Magazine…

Looking back at all the happenings in cyberspace & the world of the freelance writer in 2009, I’m most grateful for and comforted by the influx of online class facilitators and their offerings of help via the easy highway of web surfing. Online classes are nothing new. Truth be told, many writers have joined the bandwagon of “entrpreneutral accessability” for all the creative folks wanting to hone their skills, define their niche, increase their visibility in the publication arena and grow their freelance writing business.

In June 2009, My baby, Clara54 turned one year old. Needless to say, I was elated to have reached a milestone in blogging my way to acceptance by readers/creative liasions who commented & congratulated me along the way. It’s the ending of another year and I’m looking at well over 1600 visitors to clara54 and the numbers continue to rise as folks have added me to their blogrolls. Somehow, as I write this, I’m thinking it’s due, in part to online classes. I’m a writer. I’ve always known that & no one has ever discouraged me from believing in myself. Ok, knowing is fine… It’s when you combine the knowing with the effort it’s going to take to introduce yourself/your work to an ambigiuous world that ultimately comes to recognize your signature stamp that defines your truth …

Online classes help to mold your work. Give you confidence to ‘expose’ yourself to the big, bad world of publication… These people have been there and they are willing to offer valuable insights into how they got there. It doesn’t matter what genre you’re searching to excel in. I took a marketing class several month ago from a woman in business who is a virtual beacon of knowledge with several impressive degrees to boot. That class, MarketingBootcampForFreelanceWriters taught by Ms. Sonya Carmichael Jones at the most reasonable price imaginable for newcomers, has led me to get my very own column at a Nurse magazine! There are countless other online classes that one might find beneficial in areas of the short-story, column writing, playwriting, grantwriting, ebooks and so forth. Clara54 recommends visiting these hot spots for starters: Fundforwriters, Mediabristo, PenAndProsper,GiftedHandsWriting ,WomenOnWriting Ezines and Marcie’s Write Designs…

Daniel Scocco over at his Daily Newsletter Writing Blog Tips put the call out for bloggers to participate in his Group Writing Project as he explores the year 2009 in Review. I am happy to participate! I’ve learned quite a lot and accomplished more than I could have imagined this year. I can only hold my breath for all that awaits clara54( projects) in the year 2010 !

A Peek Into the World of Grant writing

Written by Preethi Burkholder, Author, Finding the Money: The Complete Guide to Financial Aid for Actors, Musicians, Artists, and Students.
Individual applicants qualify to apply for funding on their own merit, without the backing of an institution. Private foundations and family trusts are more likely to award grants to individuals than the federal government. Private foundation awards may be small, but are easier to get than federal government grants.
Grants to individuals are awarded for various purposes. Here is a list of common causes:
• Higher education
• Publishing books
• Conducting research
• Emergency funding
• Starting a small business
• Humanitarian work in developing countries
Grants for College Tuition
There are two basic categories of student financial aid:
• Need-based
• Non Need-based
When students do not have sufficient financial resources to pay for their education and careers, they are generally considered to have “financial need.” Non need-based aid is often referred to as merit-based aid and is frequently awarded to students in recognition of special skills, talents, or academic abilities.
Emergency Grants
Individuals qualify for emergency expenses that help with their day to day living expenses. Some of the categories for emergency living expenses include:
• Health insurance
• Hospital bills
• Loan and debt payments
• Disaster relief from events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and tsunami
• Monthly rent/mortgage
• Payment of medical bills
• Addiction recovery expenses (rehabilitation for alcoholic treatment; substance abuse treatment; psychotherapy, detoxification, sober living counseling)
• Food and clothing
• Physical therapy
• Child care, babysitting expenses
• Insurance
• Utility Bill Subsidies
Technical Terms of Grant Types
To do effective research you need to know what types of grants are available out there. Once you determine the type of grant that best suits the client you are working for, you can funnel your research process with a sharper focus.
• A Project Grant
A project grant supports a particular project or program of an individual or organization. For example, it could pay a university to conduct research on asthma or to organize a summer music festival in the community.
• An Operating Grant
An operating grant is a grant made to an organization or individual to cover operating expenses for an ongoing program or project. This type of broad-based, unrestricted grant can cover anything from rent to the electricity bill to staff salaries or artists’ fees. In other words, anything needed to keep the project going.
• A Restricted Grant
A restricted grant covers one specified part of a project, such as the fee for a musical score for a theater production being presented by an arts council.
• A General Purpose Grant
A general purpose grant is a broad-based grant, not restricted to any particular purpose, to assist with the ongoing work of an organization. These are generally given only to organizations. An example is a$50,000 grant given to the Red Cross to support its work in developing countries.
• Start up Funds or Seed Money
Start up funds or seed money are kinds of grants made to help an organization or individual start a new program or project. Seed money can cover salaries, operating expenses, and other expenses necessary to start a new venture, such as a new business.
• A Challenge Grant
A challenge grant is an award that will be paid by a contributing organization if the grant seeker is able to raise a specified amount of funds to match the grant in question. For example a foundation will give $30,000 to a nonprofit if it also raises $30,000 through another grant.
• A Matching Grant
A matching grant is similar to a challenge grant. A funder gives money to match funds granted by another organization.
• A Regrant Program
A regrant program is an arrangement whereby a private foundation or a government agency gives funds to a nonprofit organization, which in turn, administers a grant program with these funds, soliciting proposals and giving grants, usually on a local level.
• In-kind Contribution or Service
An in-kind contribution or service is a contribution to an organization or individual that might consist of materials or equipment, property, or free services of some kind. This is sometimes called a non-cash grant.

Preethi Burkholder is a grant writer and helps people to get financial aid. She is the author of three books including “Finding the Money: The Complete Guide to Financial Aid for Students, Actors, Musicians, and Artists.” Sign up on her website at www.giftedhandswriting.com or e-mail Preethi Burkholder at info@giftedhandswriting.com “

A bit exhausted from working my ‘day’ job tonight, but wanted to get this out for clara54’s loyal readers (know that you are appreciated!) anyhow, Preethi Burkholder over @ giftedhandswriting will be offering her expertise in grantwriting/grantseeking! The prolific author, musician and entrepreneur has been sooo busy marketing her work! but has kindly agreed to a guest post…also things have been kicking off for my writing biz as well… promised a bit of news:)

Mark Anthony a fellow scribe & popular Romance Writer has asked to feature me/writings in his newsletter for romantics (based upon my blog for women @ http://wisewoman2.wordpress.com called “authentic woman”-you all know about Authentic Woman? The even bigger news ? I’ve recently signed a contract to write a feature article for a nurse magazine & just received an offer from the same magazine to write my very own column! ( actually, the column will be on a trial basis) first column assignment due in by middle of December! Doing research for the feature as well as trolling for more gigs… PS

My mind is clouded with possibilities, what if’s and “you can do this” so thanks to those well wishers who thinks I’ve nailed it. The work will speak for itself, but I’m still so excited & nervous (in a good way) Enough about me:) For those of you who haven’t heard, Kai Du Luong was in New York a while back to do a video installation for the Vilcek Foundation…you all can see trailers of his magnificent work at his myspace page…

Clara54 remains blessed, upbeat & happy to be part of such creativity!

Southern Parents; Hence my southern upbringing

Children -always wanted a boy/girl-got my wish

Combined grandchildren of five-one darling little guy outta the bunch

Good & true friendships that stay the test of time/hisssy fits, attitudes/ sistah’s pleases, and needin’ space

Good foods/love, love, love to chow down on some good eats!

Affordable healthcare- thanks Mr. President for making healthcare priority for EVERYONE!

My Divorce.

Men- intelligent, humorous, sexy & giving…no, not just financially

Heeding the call for my passion & purpose

Reconnecting with friends from back in the day

Writing!

Cyberspace Creatives…

Readers!

God…

Thanks to all for visiting clara54…Now what are you thankful for? SHARE…

Five Points Cabins is a lovely resort area that is situated back in the woods of a modern day Hot Springs, Arkansas….If there are items folks need to get…planned tourist attractions mapped out for the day, or just to browse the city itself while on vacation, one need only to drive down an incline from peace & serenity to the main highway leading into the mecca town that is Hot Springs. The city is not very big…population wise but, there were sites my family & I got a bit of a kick out of seeing… like finding & sampling hot water from a fountain where the water comes from below the city’s surface (hence hot springs) folks were actually driving up to collect water from this well. I personally would have liked to spend more time in the art galleries or take in the blues festival that was performing the day of arrival but, after 600 miles of travel in an RV, this sistah was tired!

The cabins were odd shaped rich cedar wood vibrant in their dark & honey coloring…A country girl by birth, I took to the cabins right off. There were about 12 finished & three in the process of being constructed on hillsides overlooking the beautiful calm waters of Lake Hamilton below. Two beds occupied some of the cabins & three bedroom occupied others, along with a jacuzzi and pull out couches…My sister & I would wake early to embrace the day…go down to the docks overlooking the water to talk & reminisce before the sun came to interrupt us, making us scurry back up the hill to our cabin & prepare for breakfast.

There were huge dinners prepared by the men & women in the family as this was our annual family reunion leading into Labor Day weekend where anyone who wanted could prepare their “speciality” …My brother’s ribs & bro-in-law’s marinated chicken were delicious…there were pies, macroni/cheese dishes.golden fried fish, potato salads, melons and such. It was a wonderful, enjoyable family labor day weekend. Five Points main attraction is Lake Hamilton, which offers up jet skiing,speedboats, rowboat, fishing, and quiet, calm waters for those who just want to spend quality time sitting around the gazebo, reconnecting and talking about life…

The Cons were few but, I think need to be addressed ( my brother warned me not to be too harsh as he liked the place he recommended & booked for us, sooo) in his favor,the proprietor at Five Points was an amicable & accomodating enough fellow ,but having the forethought to provide more necessities in the cabins like extra towels & garbage bags would have been nice AND not having to worry about little creature visits during the night like spiders & goodness mercy mice! (granddaughter said she saw one & there were mouse traps about ) would have been sooo grand…Thanks goodness tourists have the adacity to bring their very own cleaning supplies & sanitizers as well… makes for a much fresher ambiance that matches the beauty of Lake Hamilton!

That “t” in the headline stands for gossip for all of you folks in the “not cool” category…anyho, that’s the word according to Wendy Williams who has become this blog’s unofficial go-to-girl for the latest in celebrity news…not that Wendy is a walking Wikipedia mind you. Word is she gets her juicy tidbits from TMZ, In Touch Magazine, Perez Hilton, and a host of other Hollywood Insiders out there in celebrity land. I heard lots of stuff these last few weeks that you might not have gotten wind of yet. The gossip is that Miley Cyrus will be making a CAMEO in the new Sex And The City movie where she and Kim Cattrell wear the same designer duds, which in turn causes “drama”.

Kim from Bravos The Housewives of Atlanta and her “big Poppa” have finally called it quits… at least for now & our Chicago’s very own infamous former governor, Rob Blagolavich will be squaring off with The Donald on Celebrity Apprentice and my fave bit of juicy fruit? (just because I love his comeback so much) is that Bobby Brown will be joining Celebrity Fit Club with none other than Shar Jackson & her babies daddy (BRITNEY SPEARS EX) Kevin Federline, to lose some of those love handles…good for them!

I’m excited to report that information about When One Door Closes, Reflections from Women on Life’s Turning Points written by women for women and authored by Ms. Terri S. Nelson can be viewed at Terri’s www.reflectionsfromwomen.com and her blog right now. During the month of December, Terri will add your email address to her mailing list so you can be amongst the first to be notified of the books availability for purchase january 2010… I’m so excited & thrilled to see my name/story listed on the website along with such distinguished women who offer lessons for other women with true stories of their struggles & eventual triumphs…

There’s a young man I’d contacted in hopes of doing an interview with about his moving & thoughtful…some might say controversial film/documentary called A War For Your Soul. Reginald Bullock finally contacted me with good news…his film/DVD has received over 2.5 million viewers after only 7 months on the internet! The film’s popularity has led Reginald to start his own website @ www.warforyoursoul.com where interested folks can see the trailer and get info on speaking engagements & such. Clara54 commends his great accomplishment!

There’s so much more to report, but so little time right now. Just bid my overnight guests adieu…preparing for work this halloween weekend & following up on a proposal that is by far the biggest offer to come my way since deciding to grow my freelance writing biz, but because I’m a tad superstitious… I will hold off to spill on that later…

Recently clara54 was contacted
to do a story on Tennille White, a young African-American designer right here in Chicago, Illinois. After seeing the young lady fashions, this blog was pleased to make her acquaintance… you will be as well. To view designs from The Tennillle Collection log onto her website @http://www.tennillewhitechicago.com/designs…Plus size women wear it well with designs by Tennille! Now the interview…

c54 -I read from your bio that you started your fashion business four years ago at the young age of 25. What motivated you to tackle such a competitive field?

TW- I fell in love with designing at 14. I remember being so excited to go to high school every single day and getting the opportunity to create new and fabulous pieces. So, I guess being so young when I first started the business, I never even thought of it as being a competitive industry. I just knew that this was my first love and I would have been miserable doing anything else.

c54-You sent me pieces from your best sellers…what has been the most challenging instances so far,deciding to design for the plus-sized figure as your first priority as opposed to the skinny runway types?

TW -The actual designing process is a piece of cake and just comes naturally…the most difficult thing is actually getting media coverage for the collection. I have been successful just by word of mouth. It would really help if magazines and newspapers would devote the same amount of coverage to Plus as they do to Misses.

c54- I was showing my daughter your designs as she has a critical fashion eye, and she truly love your pieces, especially the whites. What bold statements do you think will grace the runways for fall? And do you feel pressured to design something that speaks to your authentic vision & yet make an impact in the fashion world?

TW- The collection in the photos you received are from the Spring 2010 Collection that I will be debuting during the Macy’s Runway Show for Fashion Focus Chicago. I think dresses will continue to have a major presence on the runway, along with a softer more neutral color palette.
The one thing that I have learned from my 4 years as a designer is that this is a business first and foremost. So, although I may want to create something totally out of the box, I somehow can turn on the “business woman” switch in the middle of the design process. My goal is to make each plus size woman look amazing whether she’s just going to work or going to a gala.

c54- I know your clothes are sold in Chicago at Macy’s Department Store… are there other venues folks can find your designs and are they affordable for economically challenged shoppers like myself? (smile)

TW-Oh I wish! It is my dream to forge a partnership with a company like Chico’s or Lane Bryant. One of the big boys…I would love to make the clothes accessible to the everyday plus-size woman.

c54- Do you have a hands on in selecting fabrics for your designs?

TW- Very much so…I select EVERY fabric and design every piece in the collection and design for individual clients that are looking for a custom piece. I’ve done everything from bridal gowns to sportswear.

c54-Tell us how you came to mentor young people interested in having a career in fashion?

TW- When I was in high school I was afforded the opportunity to be exposed to various industries and thus I chose to become a designer. I wanted to give that same opportunity to other young people. Having a goal is extremely important for teenagers these days, especially in Chicago. Just last week I facilitated a workshop with the McCormick Boys and Girls Club and it is truly a blessing to be able to inspire our youth. I am currently the President of the Apparel Industry Board Inc.’s Young Designer Network. Through the Apparel Industry Board, I help to develop and facilitate a program in conjunction with the Chicago Public Schools Education to Careers program for an inner-city high school with a fashion department. During this year-long program, I teach the students what it really means to be a fashion designer. I expose them to the “real” culture of the fashion industry through interactive activities, lectures and field trips. We all have to do our part!

c54-Tennille White how do you define success?

TW-Success is setting a goal and completing it!

THE PENINSULA CHICAGO GIVES BACK

DURING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

( CHICAGO )—Beginning October 1st, The Peninsula Chicago will dedicate itself to raising awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and several cancer research and education organizations.

“We all know one person who has been affected by breast cancer in some way and this is why we at The Peninsula Chicago felt compelled to get involved,” said Maria Zec, general manager of The Peninsula Chicago. “In addition to the initiatives we have in place throughout the month, some staff members will also participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 18th to show their support.”

According to The National Breast Cancer Foundation, over 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and one in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. To help fight these staggering statistics, The Peninsula Chicago has the following events planned:

· A pink backlit hotel entrance and logo as part of the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s annual “Light the Way to Find a Cure” campaign to remind Chicagoans about the importance of breast self exams. Two marble lions flanking the entrance will also be swathed in pink remembrance ribbons.

· Two dollars for every Afternoon Tea served in The Lobby from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be donated to Lynn Sage. A special pink tea – Mighty Leaf’s Organic Berry Wellness – will be featured for its mineral-rich ingredients which support the health of those undergoing cancer treatments and pastry items will display the breast cancer awareness symbol. Afternoon Tea guests will also be treated to informal fashion shows during Fashion Focus Chicago from Escada (October 20th), Neiman Marcus (October 21st), Giorgio Armani (October 22nd), J. Mendel (October 23rd) and Ultimo with jewelry by Sidney Garber (October 24th).

· Five dollars per dinner check at Avenues or Shanghai Terrace will be donated to Lynn Sage when diners mention breast cancer awareness.

· Five dollars per one-hour or longer treatment at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA will be donated to Lynn Sage when clients mention breast cancer awareness. The spa will also offer a $31 classic manicure with a portion of proceeds going to Bright Pink, a national non-profit for young women at risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

It’s Columbus Day folks but more than that, It’s Monday and since I’ve slumbered most of the weekend with ole friends and new relationships, I’m going to use my day off doing something productive like catching up on loads of work for the blog, my column at Examiner and requests for articles I’ve promised to deliver… There have been a few items of interest coming to me this last week that I haven’t had time to post until this early morning .. First off the emails came announcing the official title of the book for women from Terri S. Nelson and for which I’m one of 50 contributing writers. The official title for the book coming to Amazon and KINDLE in January for your purchasing convenience is When One Door Closes:Reflections from Women on Life’s Turning Points. I am so excited to be a part of this message for women…Terri will have all the information up at her website shortly.

I’ve been contacted to profile/interview a young Chicago Designer who started her business at the young age of 25. I’ve been in talks with the young lady and have seen her designs. I will profile her collections & amazing story for Fashion Focus 2009 here ,and several venues of interest. I’m thrilled to have folks asking me to help get the word out:) A press release will be appearing on clara54 later today regarding October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what some people are doing to help those striken by this terrible disease. Tune in later for that press release & at my Examiner.com column for women.

Of course, I’ll be awaiting the final dates for Sonya Carmichael Jones Bootcamp class for writers coming to Chicago this month & will definitely let you creatives know all specifics… I’m also penning a piece about president Obama’s selection for the Nobel Peace Prize for my sisters’ church newsletter. AND in talks with Mr. Elbert E. McQuiller CEO of My Black Networks (MBN) in hopes of penning a column for women…

That’s it for now. I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate for today. But stay tuned , there be juicy tidbits of gossip about Reality Shows, Movie Reviews and just all the stuff that makes folks curious and the world a more interesting place!

BTW: John J. Rigo, my friend in poetry, thank you for adding me to your personal invitation to continue reading your great works of poetry! John will no longer be offering his poetry via open internet but those of you who love his work can still purchase his books at www.lulu.com/texaspoet…