Julie R. Neidlinger: Lone Prairie Art Works (via Mowser)

You can follow the summer's blog posts here.
You can read my experiences trying to learn to fly, which is here.

Blogathon 2008.

written by Julie R. Neidlinger 0 comments link this post

The official Blogathon site announced it was taking another one-year break. They did this a few years back, too. Normally, the Blogathon would be looming on the calendar. There is no way I'd be able to do it this year, with what I'm doing in Bismarck.

However, I still think I'd like to do something. I see that some bloggers are kind of doing an "informal" blog-for-charity event on their own. One thing that always disappointed me about the requirements for choosing a charity to blog for during the Blogathon is that I couldn't blog for the organization I'm part of that goes to Nicaragua, the Nicaragua Resource Network - North Dakota. The reason for this was because we aren't set up for online donations yet, and the Blogathon rules required that to be an officially recognized Blogathon participant.

So I'm thinking that maybe, later this fall or early winter, I'll do a blog-for-charity event here at Lone Prairie on my own for NRN-ND to raise money to take to Nicaragua during the February trip. I'd probably keep the same rules: blog for 24 hours, every 30 minutes, no pre- or timed-posting allowed.

I don't know if I'd do another Bob story or not. I've done three of those (Of Rats and Men (2005), a western (2006), and a SciFi space story (2007)). My first year of participating (2003) was easier -- I did a little drawing every 30 minutes.

I don't know. We'll see. Maybe I'll work with some cartoons instead of Bob. I just wanted to make note of the Blogathon fact because right around now I sometimes start getting emails from readers wondering if I'm going to do it this year, and so now you know.

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Labels: blogathon, blogging, charity

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Thank you.

written by Julie R. Neidlinger 0 comments link this post

I've not made a huge mention of the upcoming trip to Nicaragua that I'm taking. I think I've only briefly mentioned it a bit...

Anyway, to the person who sent me financial assistance to go on that trip, a personal message:

Thank you so much. The final amount of money that I was to send in...I did not have. At all. After going through the mail today, I found your check and it, along with my "economic stimulus" check, came to the exact amount. I'd been praying about it.

Your gift -- you! -- were a blessing. Thank you for helping me and allowing me to continue to help my Nicaraguan friends. Thank you, thank you.

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Labels: charity, friends, nicaragua

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Life in places not here.

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Just when I get to thinking life is completely unfair and I'm wallowing, I find out I'm right. It's completely unfair that I have the life I have when others have things happen to them I can't imagine. How quickly I forget what I've learned in Nicaragua.

Read about Sonya, and then quit your complaining, I say to myself. And to you.

And then, if you are so led, consider a visit to the web site for Project Rescue. Maybe give a donation. Definitely pray.

Hat tip: Joe.

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Labels: charity, links

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Blogathon 2006.

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This year's Blogathon got off to a bit of a late start here at Lone Prairie, but I hope to remedy that by encouraging sponsorship for a fine charity, the Abused Adult Resource Center, out of Bismarck, North Dakota. You can read the press release the AARC has sent out here.

I have participated in Blogathon 2003 and 2005 (there wasn't a Blogathon in 2004). Though it is a challenge to blog every 30 minutes for 24 hours, it was also a great way to help a good cause doing something I really love to do.

Past Blogathons here at Lone Prairie
In 2003, I created a new drawing for each blog post. As the evening wore on, the drawings got a bit more frenetic and loopy. The character that seemed to emerge most often from my drawings was a cartoon cat I called "Zombie Cat." I used to sell T-shirts and other items with him on it, and when I took those items off of my site, I began getting requests for him. I am in the process of including him more on this website.

In 2005, I blogged a story with a character named Bob. Using little dolls and furniture I've had since I was a child, I set up scenes using small sets and props I'd made, telling the story on the fly. I let the images I managed to compose on the spot tell the story, and I, along with the readers, had no idea how it would end. Bob ended up being fairly well-liked, even winning this blog an award (!), and so, with the help of my friend Corrine, I put the Blogathon entries into a book form as well as gave Bob a permanent place on my web site. Yep. If you go to www.officialbob.com, you can check the little guy out, buy the book, download free stuff, and see what I'm talking about.

This year's Blogathon here at Lone Prairie
This year, I'm taking suggestions on what my readers want to see, although I will make the final decision. I encourage you to vote and let me know what you think. I admit to leaning towards Bob and another story because, frankly, I like the little guy. He's even been with me to Nicaragua. Though I don't plan or even think about the story until the Blogathon starts, I have an idea on the genre and know what small sets and props I will need to make beforehand.

As always, I intend to give those who sponsor me a little something to say thanks. Sponsors who want to remain anonymous don't take me up on the offer and that's just fine. It's just an option, if you're a sponsor and are interested. Last year I sent out color prints of scenes and story according to what each sponsor wanted. The first year I sent out the actual drawings as requested by sponsors. Rest assured that you won't be empty-handed if you are a sponsor, even though I know that you are sponsoring for the benefit of the charity and not to get stuff. It's just my way of saying thank you for taking the Blogathon ride with me this year.

UPDATE: Check out the freebies you'll get if you're a sponsor!

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| tag: blogathon |

Labels: blogathon, charity

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Relay for Life: a chance to donate.

written by Julie R. Neidlinger 0 comments link this post

My friend Mandy, a college student at North Dakota State, is participating in this year's Relay for Life with the rest of her sorority. Maybe you'd consider donating?

If so, visit this page and do a search using Mandy as the first name. Click the link and follow the simple instructions. Making a donation is easy.

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| tag: relay for life |

Labels: charity