As I gazed out on the burnished orange and soggy maple leaves that still clung to the sugar maple outside my window, I began to reflect on the concept of blogging, not pseudo-blogging, as in ghost written blogs, but real, live, written by the blog-owner, blogging. Peeling back the layers of who we are, we bare our souls to all those who care to cast a glance our way.
Sometimes things happen in conjunction and it's at these times you just know that the universe is trying to tell you something.....usually it's a big something, or the conjunction wouldn't have happened. Of course, there are those who believe in coincidences, however just like my friend Carole Provenzale, the master of Feng Shui on Long Island, I'm not one of them.
So here I find myself, on a rainy, grey, late October day in southern Ontario, in deep contemplation over blogs and how real blogs are an extension of ourselves, like our right arm or a bony knee. They reach out and touch people, brushing them lightly or sometimes jabbing them sharply and striking a chord or a feeling that's hard to shake.
Sometimes we leave a blog feeling bruised, although there are those writers who leave us feeling as though we've just been gently caressed or sat down to tea in a small, friendly cafe.
How do we explain the feeling that some bloggers just naturally leave us with whenever we visit their blogs?
Are they expert writers or imparters of information?
Or is it something more?
I have a strong suspicion it's something much, much more.
The blogs that touch me the deepest and leave me wanting more, are those that are written from deep within the blogger, from the heart, and the very best are written from the soul itself.
The words come from a far-off place that we all know of and, in our hearts, remember.
As they bridge the gap between the writer and the reader, they leave us feeling warm and cuddled and like life is really a wonderful place to be, afterall.
Why does one blogger have the ability to reach deep down within themselves into that magical place where time and space do not exist, and therein find just the right words that have the ability to touch those places within each of us and another can't seem to get there?
Is it a commitment to being real and honest and open or is it something else?
My friend Kathy Clulow, an amazingly warm and caring REALTOR from Uxbridge, Ontario is partly responsible for my thoughts being in this place today.
A few minutes ago I was reading a post of hers to do with this subject and it was at that moment that I had also begun to leaf through one of the library books I had just taken out this morning called Naked Conversations, by Robert Scoble and Shel Israel.
Naked Conversations is an excellent book that expounds on the importance of blogging in today's business world and how blogs are changing the entire landscape of marketing. Naked Conversations, the maple leaves clinging to the wet, lead-coloured branches and Kathy's post worked together in some strange, synaptic junction of my brain to bring me to the realization of just how important blogging really is in today's business world.
In a world that is moving faster all the time, and where information overload assaults all of the senses at every turn, people have a deep empty chasm where things 'of the soul' should be and yet, few of these things can ever be found.
Those bloggers who blog from the soul have the ability to reach out and fill a tiny part of this empty chasm.
They write with passion and transparency and like the entanglement of tiny photons, they are connected with you in mystical, invisible ways.
These connections tickle your cells as you read and leave you with a feeling that has you saying 'ahhhhh' or brings a soft smile to your face.
We are reminded that we are all human and as humans we have a desire and need for warmth, connection, genuineness, honesty, empathy and familiarity.
When writing from the soul, keep the following tips in mind:
Highlight the positive aspects of whatever your subject matter is. Readers become regular visitors to a certain writer due to the feeling that the writer left them with.
Always put yourself in your target audience's shoes when you are writing in order to inspire a feeling of trust and further interest.
Don't use lingo or trade-talkwhen writing your articles if you are writing for a general readership. Using trade-talk will put up an emotional barrier between you and your reader and create discomfort.
Offer to give further resourceson the subject if the reader would like to contact you. Indicate that if they would like brochures, packages, personalized service, etc, to feel free to contact you and you will provide the service/information for them.
If you find your brain is on overload with a million thoughts and you are unable to relax into writing mode, try gazing out the window at the clouds or take short walk in a natural environment. I find playing classical music also motivates and opens up my writing channels. Sometimes there are so many things going on in our lives that we become bogged down and can barely think clearly enough to write. Taking a break from it all not only refreshes your creative spirit, it will open up the channels and give you fresh ideas.
Keep a thesaurus handy or use theonline thesaurus and insert less commonly heard words into your articles to spice them up and add interest.
Practice discipline. Writing is something you are doing for your business and if you decide that it must be a regular part of your business activity, you will make the time to do it.
Summed up in a quote from Charles "Tremendous" Jones, "There are essentially two things that will make you wiser-the books you read and the people you meet.". In short, if you are planning an article on a particular subject, read anything you can find on that subject and talk to people who are in the know.
Ask questions. People love to be helpful when it is something that they are knowledgeable about and if they give you the ok to quote them in your article, it lends your post greater credibility and interest.
Add pictures to your article to make it more visually appealing and to break up the words.Photos add warmth and depth to an article and help the reader to visualize what you are saying.
When choosing something to write about, choose something you are passionate about or find something about that subject that you are passionate about and go from there.
Try not to be too structuredas you write. Just write what you feel and when you are finished your 'rough draft', you can go back and make revisions or corrections.
Avoid having paragraphs that are too long. Break your thoughts up by making your paragraphs short and adding appropriate images or links. Vary the kind of text you're using by bolding some lines, italicizing others and perhaps underlining the more pertinent points in your post. Using the bullet or number feature to help outline a series of pertinent points.
Plan your article and what you would like to say in it by making a point form 'skeleton' and build from there. As Napoleon Hill once said "Every well-built house started with a definite plan in the form of blueprints.".
Use plenty of adjectivesin your sentences. This allows the reader to more fully experience what you are telling them. Try to use adjectives that cover more than just the 'sight' sense. For instance, if you are describing a park, you could use adjectives like 'fresh', 'serene', etc.
If you have writer's block, try picking a specific subject to write about and focus on it. This will get your brain working and your writer's block will dissipate as you begin to tell about the subject you're writing about.
Don't start with a headline/title.Instead, write about your subject and while you're writing, you may notice a certain string of words jump out at you as being ideal for the title of your article.
If you're having a problem writing about a certain subject, pretend you are telling your best friend or a family member about the subject or answering a question they've asked you about it.
Try to write in the morning when your mind is fresh and uncluttered from the day's activities/events. Put a do not disturb sign on your door, and work away. If someone is upset that you're spending this time writing and need privacy in order to do it properly, explain to them that it is part of your business activity and is a necessary part of your marketing and prospecting for business success. Alternatively, sometimes writing at night when the world is at peace will enable you to focus more and reach that place deep down inside where thoughts and words come more easily.
Project 'feeling' into your descriptions. For instance, rather than saying a meeting is held on the second floor of a certain building every second tuesday, say something like 'as you ride the elevator up to the second floor meeting hall, you might be fortunate enough to meet the guest speaker!'
Interview someone who is directly involved with what you are writing about and ask their permission to quote them directly and/or to include their picture. Readers love this personal approach and who knows, you just might meet some new potential clients while doing your interviews!
If you're stuck somewhere in the middle of your article, put it in draft mode and leave it for later in the day or some other time during the week. You'll find a fresh approach will remove the writer's block and you'll likely have mulled some bright new ideas to include that you hadn't thought of before. The subconscious mind loves to be given a task to work on and you'll often find that when you come back to your article, much of it has been written for you.
Allow yourself to relax and don't be afraid to reveal who you are through your writing. Napoleon Hill, one of the wisest men I've ever come across, has this to say about 'fear', "The absence of fear, and not formal education or brilliance of mind, is the major cause of individual success."
Readers want to feel that you understand them, that you care and that you are just like them in more ways than not. Only then will they reach out and bare their own soul to you, entrusting you with their hopes and dreams.
101 Comments on Writing From the Soul for Business Success.
OCT
25
2008
Jo-anne, you said it beautifully. As a writer for many years and a blogger for only a few months, I believe you have reached the core. You mentioned things happening in conjunction; Jung called it synchronicity and it happens unnoticed by most every day. Interestingly, I just published an ezine article, "The Magic of Synchronicity," on this very topic. Thanks for the warm and informative post.
Jo, YOU are one of the BEST bloggers of the soul that I know, and that is why I enjoy reading each and every piece you publish. Filling that empty chasm is really what it is all about and all your tips add to the discipline of the writer to get it right. I like your idea of coming back to the title. That quote by Napoleon Hill is very powerful. We are only limited by the amount of fear we allow into our lives. Another "superb" work Jo. You are truly a master. I did a blog about do coincidences really occur and it was about 99 to 1 that they do not happen. I have come to believe that is true just like Carole Provenzale.
Jo - You never cease to amaze me you can take almost any subject and truly blog it from the soul. Those who identify with you based on your online persona will not be disillusioned when they actually meet you. Your online persona is definitely a mirror of the person you are in life.
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words and thoughts....greatly appreciated. Synchronicity....something I haven't thought about in awhile.....I would love to read your article. Do you have a link for it? Welcome to Active Rain and please don't hesitate to call on me if there's anything at all I can help you with....
This blog is very helpful and well put together. It can be used for other forms of writting as well. Currently I'm working on my artist statement, many of your suggestions are great ways with how to explain the art work.
Jo, And I thank you as well---Every one of your posts leave me wanting to read more, the mark of a true writer and someone who writes from the heart and soul. Maybe the mark of someone is in the words they leave behind that are not forgotten---in which case you've truly made that mark! Blessings...
Thank you kindly for your very nice comment and for dropping by to pay a visit! I believe I missed the blog yuo did about coincidences....do you have a link for it? I would love to read it....
Napoleon Hill is one of my all time favourites guys when it comes to wisdom about life and business...genius doesn't even begin to describe him....a lot like you. (((-:
Fran, You're the KING of relaxing and revealing who you are in your writing....I can't think of too many other blog writers with your ability to be transparent and soulful while still imparting an abundance of useful info for the reader....not to mention your creative prowess....
When I met you and Barrie in person, you were just as I envisioned you...warm, caring, knowledgeable and I felt we could talk forever and never run out of things to say....unfortunately you had to get on your way while the tulips were still in bloom!
((((-: thanks for visiting and for your lovely sentiments...truly appreciated by me.
You and Billy Cherry have everything in this post down pat...you're REAL and not afraid to reveal who you are, human weaknesses and all of the glorious wonderfulness that is YOU!
What a nice surprise seeing your name here on my blog....
Congrats on making the Dean's List!!!!! Magnificent work!
thank you so much for dropping by and reading this post and I'm glad you've found some tips you can use in your artist statement....I know you'll do an amazing job with it.
Coming from you, one of the very best and most soulful writers I know and have the fortune to call 'friend', I consider your words a great honour...thank you. ((-: You were the very first person on AR to encourage me to post and I'm forever in your debt...
What a great post. It has reminded me of some things I had forgotten completely. I have been concentrating on localism posts. However, there are some things I have been feeling passionate about, and it looks like the time has come to share some of those thoughts, impressions and feelings.
What wise bits of info you have shared. I like to write but too often I worry about what the audience wants rather than just sharing my heart. My goal is to heed your advice and write from the heart. Bless YOu. Paul
That was very beautiful - I am also drawn to those bloggers and posts that have something a little deeper... more passion and energy - honest, candid, truthful and real. I think we all can take something away as well give a little too.... it is quite rewarding. It is an honor to be part of this great forum ! ~ Chris
Jo, how easy it seems to be for you. When I grow up, I want to blog/write just like you. :) It is the one thing I wish I could do - write just as you do and as you describe. It doesn't come easy, but I'm trying hard ... with a lot of pushing from a dear friend here in the Rain. (I may get more comfortable, the more she pushes me to do it.) :)
Hi Jo...Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful tips. I especially appreciate the quote from Charles "Tremendous" Jones, "There are essentially two things that will make you wiser-the books you read and the people you meet.". Reading and meeting people are two of my favorite things. It makes life much fuller and more exciting.
Your posts are a testament to good writing. Thank you.
hi Jo, i see you had the same grey, miserable wether as we had in Montreal but obviously that didn't affect the high quality of your writing.
If anyone needs an example of what a well thought out, well presented post looks like, this is it. You're probably tired of me saying this but... thx for always inspiring me! ;-)
Well...you know that you are talking my language here. I am nothing if not passionate. I do not know how to write any other way than from my soul. This is really a wonderful guide for someone who wants to go to the next level in their writing. Congratulations on the gold star!! GBU!
All wonderful points to consider. I especially connected with the "pretend you're talking to a friend or relative". I think that is how I write and come across. At least I hope so.
Jo-Anne, thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
Nicly worded blog. From the Soul. I was expecting to see a beautiful fall photo after that apt description of the wet leaves, etc., but saw a lovely summer bridge over the water...So, description and photo's should go together, yes?
Jo-Anne, this is fabulous. You are one of those writers who captivates you on the first paragraph. Writing from the heart is the easiest to do, it pours from your very soul and touches others.
If this post brought you to a point of deciding to write about some things you are passionate about again, then it's served it's purpose and I'm very grateful.
thank you for you kind words and for taking the time to read...
thank you for dropping by! I appreciate your thoughtful sentiments and I'm glad to hear you will be taking up writing from the heart again and not worrying so much about what people 'want' to hear..I think more than anything people want to see the real you shining through and you can do that even when writing business related articles...at least, this is what I believe.
Jo: BEAUTIFUL...BEAUTIFUL...BEAUTIFUL. And, you really should take what Bill Cherry said to heart, as you would be an expert at teaching "writing from the soul" for business, or LIFE.
You're the King of transparency and writing from the heart and soul here on AR....the depths in your writing are endless and there is just as much written inbetween the lines, as there is in the lines themselves. This is the hallmark of a truly great writer....
Jo - Congrats on the feature. You have given a ton of great advice, especially for the new blogger. You MUST write from the soul in order to be successful at this blogging thing. This is the way I write and when I run into my clients that read the blog, they will bring up something that I wrote about in the blog. I find my self wondering sometimes....I wonder how they knew that?..... :)
thank you for visiting and reading this post! Those blogs that are written from the heart and soul with great transparency and humbleness are readily recognizable and leave us wanting more...I'm with you on everything you've said in your very insightful comment.
I LOVE how you write! You're very down to earth and REAL in your writing and your beautiful soul comes through loud and clear.....just keep doing what you're doing, we all enjoy reading your posts immensely and the photos are astounding.
thanks for your kindness and for taking the time out to read this long post.....greatly appreciated,
thank you for visiting this post and for your appreciative sentiments....
I'm with you on CT Jones and the quote about books and people. Without them, where would we be? We're very fortunate to be on this earth and to be surrounded by so many wonderful, knowledgeable people and books and to think, both are free. (((-:
I am finding that writing well is a skill and sometimes it is hard for me to get my feet wet and just write...these tips are helpful...I also think that the more one writes, the better they get so the tips are great to keep in mind as I continue down the road of blogging...thanks for posting!
thanks kindly! It's a typical fall day here today....started out raining this morning, then the sun came our for a few hours, then it rained again, now the sky is clearing again and the crows are making their rounds....I love this time of year.
Well said Jo-Anne. I think we need to remember that the personal touch, especially with something like writing, can make all the difference in people's reactions, or lack thereof, towards us. Thanks for the great post:)
You're definitely the Queen of passionate bloggers! All of your posts are filled with emotion and soul and are very enjoyable to read...in fact, many of them bring a tear to my eye.
Your posts definitely are written like you're talking to a friend or relative....in fact, each time I read one I feel like you're talking directly to me!
Marcy, Thank YOU, for dropping by with your heartfelt comment.
Evelyn, Thank you for stopping by and for your appreciative words....yes, you're completely right, when we have appropriate pictures to use, it's great to use them...so I added a colourful autumn maple leaf, just for you!!
thanks for dropping by!! It's nice to hear that your clients are following your blog....you really do write from the soul and I agree, to have the kind of blog that people want to follow, there has to be passion and genuineness. It's clear your friends and clients enjoy keeping up to date on your blog...
Another great post! I told you long ago that you should be a writer! I see from others comments that they think so too!! You, my friend write from the soul. You have a wonderful gift Jo. What you have laid out in this post is exactly what you do in all your posts. I guess that is why I enjoy reading them so much.
You are welcome!! No snow yet!! Thank goodness!! It can stay away for a long long time as far as I am concerned. I am trying to plan our get away though.
I really liked this post. Very evocative and sincere, with a magic, mystical mystery unfolding feel. - and super writing tips. Loved your photos too, they really worked with the content.
Jo-Anne- Beautifully written. Reading your post is like sitting down with a favorite author's book. You just know you are going to enjoy it. I had read earlier posts of yours, but admit I hadn't taken note of your name. This time I am subscribing to your blog so I won't miss any of your future contributions.
I am not sure where but probably Jan/Feb. We have had nice weather lately, almost better than this summer! They are now saying snow by the end of the week....boo.... Have a great day!
It was 20C here over the past couple of days.....in Burlington area where I was, anyhow. It felt like summer and I was out with just a short sleeved shirt on in the sunshine and enjoying every minute of it. Snow by the end of the week where you are? hmmm......I hope it holds off around here until mid-February. (((-:
Great list, although I have no problem writing morning, noon, or night, or any hours in between.
I liked Jones's quote: "There are essentially two things that will make you wiser-the books you read and the people you meet." That's something my fifth-grade English teacher told us, although I think she shortened it: "Two things will make you smart -- the books you read and the people you meet." Don't know whether Jones or Appleby was first with it -- I would hate to think that Mrs. Appleby plagiarized without giving appropriate credit to the source -- LOL.
since I primarily use and outside (of Active Rain) blog, I write primarily towards consumers, I find myself having to be careful of using too much trade lingo/industry words ,
Well we now have that white stuff!! And it feels damn cold!! I was wishing it would have held of here too but no such luck! Oh I hope this is not the start to another long cold winter! Since I like to share so much Jo I am going to send some white stuff your way.......teeheehe!! Did you get it yet??
Have a great day.....and enjoy my little gift from the sky when you get it!! .)
I think that teachers often say quotes (just like the rest of us) without adding on the originator of the quote.
Gee, I always thought that my Mother wrote the quote 'Beauty is only skin deep' until I grew up and realized that all of the quotes she regularly said were also regularly said by other people's Mom's too!
I guess it's easy to fall into the trade lingo trap when you're writing freely....it helps to go back over an article and make sure it's written in an easily understood manner with words and phrases that the majority of people would understand.
Oh Jo.....what's a few snow flakes between friends??? teeheehee!! Okay if I must I will wait until you finish your move! Just let me know when you are done.....because I'll send a really big gift.... yes that is me smiling from ear to ear. :)
Hello Jo- we had our first snowflakes here in NW Indiana today and I thought of you for some reason :) ....very well thought out and thourough post for writing blogs! I love Charlie tremendous Jones books- I passed them all on to the girls :)
Congratulations on your well deserved featured post. I have a feeling you have some of that pretty white stuff today. Saw some beautiful photos of Hanover,Ontario. How far is that from you?
I'm in the middle of moving right now....packing and sorting ughhhh...
I don't mind if you send a snowstorm after I'm moved at the end of the month...I love snow and once I'm settled, it will seem like a winter wonderland on my new street with all of the big old trees and quiet streets.
We had our first snowflakes last week, although they didn't last. Then on the day you had your first, we had more. In fact I was in Burlington at my new place and had to put off driving back here to Belleville until later in the afternoon when the snow stopped.
I'm trying to stay sane during this move, however I'm finding it at times very overwhelming. So much stuff to sort through and either give away, shred, recycle or throw out....oh well, I'm near the finish line now.
Thank you very much for stopping by and for your kind comment. We don't have any snow here yet, although they're forecasting some over the next few days.
I'm currently living about 2 hours east of Toronto on the Lake Ontario shoreline, however I'm in the process of moving and by next week I'll be living 30 minutes west of Toronto along the Lake Ontario shoreline. I think that is somewhat of a snowbelt up there. I find it very pretty, however certainly not good for long distance driving.
I heard this morning on Canada AM that southern Ontario is going to get hit hard. I just want you to know I did not send that.....I would only send the soft large gentle flakes....but a lot of them of course!! .)
Why the move? I know your brother is there. I just thought you were moving to a new place in Belleville. Are you still going to work in Belleville or are you going to work in both places. I hope you are all moved and it went well.
We haven't had it yet....I hope it holds off til after this weekend as I'm moving on Sunday and it's a two and a half hour drive.
I always said I would move to a larger centre once my sons were all grown up and on their own, and now's the time. Also, I chose that area as many of the people I'm closest to live there and it's close to my old university town (Guelph) which I love. Plus I really like the Burlington-Oakville area. It's an adventure!
I'm going to mainly work in the new area, however I'll always be there for my present and past clients if they want me to help with any of their real estate needs. I know many wonderful agents in the Quinte/Belleville region I can refer to also.
Good for you. I hope the move went well. I have been through the area and it looks lovely. I shopped at the Ikea there and that was an experience. I had shopped in the ones in Calgary before but they didn't seem as big.
The move went fine and is finished now. Now there's just the unpacking to do and adjusting to a new region. Bit by bit it's all coming together.
IKEA around here is HUGE. I really enjoy going there, however it's a many hour affair. They have so many interesting and unique things. Maybe sometime you'll make it back this way for a visit and you and I will be able to go there.
I am pleased to hear that you are finished moving and are starting to settle in. I hope your move went well I didn't realize that you were moving so far away from Belleville. Are you still heading out to Kelowna for Christmas? We are staying here in Winterpeg!! My son is coming so that will be nice my oldest will be in Korea and my middle daughter will be in London England leaving for India on Christmas day! So I am a bit nervous oh heck who am I kidding I am scared out of my mind!! I am only sleeping a couple of hours a night, yet through the day I don't really think about it but I guess it is bothering me through the night and not letting me sleep. I know that worrying doesn't help so why do I do it??!! I was much better when she went to Europe for 4 1/2 weeks......go figure.
The move went well and I'm very happy with my new office and the folks I'm working with are all wonderful, warm and gentle people. I'm very fortunate to have found such a good company in this area where I feel right at home. ((-:
I might go to Kelowna for a week in February, not sure yet. I've never heard Winnepeg called Winterpeg before, but it's very fitting. (-:
Your children are globe trotters! Did you try drinking chamomile tea at bedtime? It works wonders.
We're going shopping at IKEA later this morning....believe it or not, I still haven't mailed out (or even started) my Christmas cards this year, so that will be on the shopping list this morning too.
Oh happy day! I finally figured out how to get the pictures back on here. For some reason I had active rain blocked on my mozilla so I was using IE everytime I logged in. Now I have all the graphics back!! I found IE so slow.
I am so glad that you are fitting in so well that is great! I can not imagine you not fitting in anywhere you go.Yes, those girls of mine! They are doing what their mother wanted to do but instead I got married and had children!! No I haven't try chamomile tea I will have to try it thanks. I have been sleeping better, I guess that I have finally realized that there is nothing I can do so stop worrying.
That is to bad that you are not heading out to Kelowna for Christmas. Are the boys coming home instead? Hope you had a great time at IKEA. We are suppose to be getting a store in the near future.
I'm glad you got your AR picture problem figured out...I find IE extremely slow too and only use it when I have to.
It's good to hear that you're sleeping better.....I used to be a constant worrier too until my middle son, Iain, had a talk with me about the harmful effects of worrying and how worrying does nothing to change the situation or make it go better, so better to leave the worrying out completely.
We had a very nice Christmas here. My Mother and my youngest son, Rob, were here for 4 days over Christmas and it was wonderful having them here (Rob was actually here for 6 days). My Dad and Stepmom were down on the Saturday before Christmas and we celebrated with them on that day. I also got to see my brother, Clayton, and his children quite a bit over the holidays. They dropped by every day and stayed a number of hours. Christmas seems to take on more of a festive feel when young children are around...they're so open and happy and excited. On Christmas eve my little nephew, Jared, and I, tracked Santa's trip on the internet. It gave minute by minute updates as to his location....
As a REALTOR® with over 14 years of experience working in the real estate field, it never ceases to amaze me how much more there is to learn.
Here on my blog you will find not only real estate articles, but also stories about life and the beautiful region that I live in.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
ck the layers of who we are, we bare our souls to all those who care to cast a glance our way.
the soul itself. 
Naked Conversations, the maple leaves clinging to the wet, lead-coloured branches and Kathy's post worked together in some strange, synaptic junction of my brain to bring me to the realization of just how important blogging really is in today's business world.
if you are writing for a general readership. Using trade-talk will put up an emotional barrier between you and your reader and create discomfort.
Posted by 
;)
;)
Jo-anne, you said it beautifully. As a writer for many years and a blogger for only a few months, I believe you have reached the core. You mentioned things happening in conjunction; Jung called it synchronicity and it happens unnoticed by most every day. Interestingly, I just published an ezine article, "The Magic of Synchronicity," on this very topic. Thanks for the warm and informative post.