THE VIOLETREFLECTIONS NEWSLETTER

        AUGUST 2003 EDITION

          AFFILIATED WITH THE AVSA

  ****THE VR TEAM****

    List Owner:  Rachel   email Rachel

                VR Assistant Manager:   Kay   email Kay

                 VR Assistant Manager:   Tina  email Tina

                       VR Moderator:   Bernadine  email Bernadine

    VR Moderator:  Beth   email Beth

         VR Moderator:  Claire  email Claire

VR Moderator:  Del  email Del

         VR Moderator:  Millie  email Millie

  VR Newsletter Editor/Publisher:   Dri-Anna  email Dri-Anna          

   TWO SPIRIT SPEAKS

Welcome to the  VioletReflections (VR) Newsletter (“OUR” Newsletter). 

Who is Two Spirit, we thought you were Dri-Anna? Well, I am Dri-Anna, how ever, every aspiring author usually adopts a pen name. I have chosen, Two Spirit. Actually this is a name bestowed upon me by an Elder of the Lakota Sioux Nation in the mid 1990's.  This name has great meaning for me and I cherish it. My website home page title is, "Two Spirit's African Violet and Rockhound Hogan". 

It is with great pleasure that I find myself writing this column as the new Editor of what the computer Techies’ & Geeks now refer to as “Blog”.  Don’t even ask why, because I haven’t a clue. Am I a bit intimidated and feeling overwhelmed?  Gulp! Ya’ can bet your AV’s I am. But, “what the Hey”, I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn a new skill.  

The dreams of Rachel and myself of what  “Our” VR Newsletter is to become, will require participation from you, the List members.  Our list contains many folks who have knowledge and experience in many different subjects. Hey Y'All, share that knowledge. 

A positive and easy contribution each of you can provide is sending me your feedback via private email. Tell me of what you like, do not like, what you would like to see changed, something new that you would like included, etc. Serious consideration will be given to each and every feedback message I receive. If your feedback results in an implemented improvement, you will be acknowledged (with your permission, of course) in the edition of the VR Newsletter containing the improvement.

As you have noticed, the layout and format of this Newsletter has changed drastically with this, the 2003 Edition.  The look, the touch and the feel are all new.  I have many ideas I would like to implement as the VR Newsletter continues to evolve into one that is second to none.  The day is not to far into the future, when I shall ask Rachel if she will submit the VioletReflections Newsletter for ratings.  However, a newsletter is more than just creative design, the content is perhaps even more important in making it, second to none. The design catches a person to take a look at the newsletter. The content and how it is represented, keeps that person coming back for more.  

One important change in the layout has to do with using "Hyperlinks". To minimize the length of this page and the tedious task of scrolling down for what seems to be forever (boring). portions of the topic are accessed by clicking on a Hyperlink. These Hyperlinks provide the primary information of a specific topic.  As an example: The paragraph, "The Editors monthly plea for help (nags)" contains a Hyperlink Button   which when clicked upon will take you to the nags.  Then to return to the exact place you were on this page, Click the "Back" button which is the first button (left side) in the "Tool Bar" at the top of the Window.

Speaking of nags, it is now time for the Editor’s “help me please” (nags) of the month.   

  Now I know you want to be aware of my monthly plea's, so click on the button, PLEASE?

      Did You Know?: You can use the up and down keys on your keyboard to scroll the page.

       It is my pleasure to present, the August 2003 Edition of the VioletReflections Newsletter. 

       Let the adventure Begin & Do Enjoy! 

          RACHEL'S RAMBLING

Some African Violet list's have a policy about  no tolerance to "lurking" and it has been brought up to me that VioletReflections doesn't  seem to have one.   Well,  Lurk is a four letter word and I would never call my list members that. The word is not in my vocabulary!   

I was a beginner once too!   I was too shy to ask questions believing I learned  better if I just listened.  I recall putting  a picture up at my site once to ask a question about strange things happening to my  Witch Doctor's leaves.   Most of the replies were very helpful,  but the first answer I received in the very first line said.  "first of all centre/center your plant in it's pot"  Well,  if I pulled up to the gas station and parked in front of the pump should I expect them to say  "Lady, you need a paint job"?  At this point I wouldn't care if he meant my car, face or my finger nails.  What does that have to do with the price of coffee?  Lol,  I have managed to do my usual excellent  job of rambling here.  

Now back to the lurking subject.  Of course, I  would like everyone to participate, but not until they are ready.  This is the reason I ask my moderators to always  post their answers to the list.  Each question should be answered like it is the first time it  has been asked.  This is the only way we can keep up with the "newbies"  lol,  I really don't like that name either, but I don't  have a better one for it just now.   

Actually I believe that everyone has something to offer!   I have a page on my site of leaves I had set.  One person (a professional) wrote to me  and extended their thanks for posting that picture as until then they hadn't thought of using the name label for propping up their leaves.  They tried everything from toothpicks to hairpins, while I couldn't think of anything else to use!

So in closing I would like to say to all members you are welcome to stay as long as you wish whether you lurk, peep or participate.

     AN INCENTIVE FOR BEING A VR NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTOR

Yes, some may say that an incentive might be thought of as being a bribe. We would never bribe any of you, would we? However, Rachel has come up with a unique idea to acknowledge the VR List Members who contribute to Our monthly VR Newsletter.  This topic contains a box score of the top contributors to the Newsletter for a three month period. At the end of that three months (in this case, the publish date of the October Edition), the member with the most contributions published shall receive a special gift. Then, the contributor box score begins again and continuous for another three months. I am sure that the first three gifts be coveted by all if they knew what they were. The VR Team is not eligible to participate for the gift otherwise someone like  wa' (me) would always be the winner.  Dang' It! I want to have those gifts!

So, "overwhelm" me with submissions for the Newsletter. 

The Box Score. Is your name in the contributor box score? Wouldn't you love to be the member who receives a special gift?

   BIRTHDAYS AND BIOS

Happy Birthday to our VR members who are celebrating their day this month . Remember, you are not becoming older, you have gained another year of experience and, well, you are bit more seasoned.  So, come-on and "Celebrate"!

Our VR Babies This Month Are:

        August 04 Trudi N AL - No Bio

        August 07 Pat in PA - No Bio

        August 09 - Susan L. (Tuttay) Philippines- Have Bio

        August 10 Cris - No Bio

        August 10 Madeleine - No Bio

        August 12 Carol in Pa - No Bio

        August 15 Miriam in NJ - No Bio

        August 19 Larissa - No Bio

        August 24 Jenny - No Bio

        August 27 - Jennifer M. - Jennifer's Bio is in the "Monthly Contributor Bio's

        August 29 Bobj in MD - No Bio

  VR Birthday Babies Bio's

     MONTHLY CONTRIBUTOR BIO'S 

We are including, as part of the VR Newsletter, the Bios of AV Members who contribute to a monthly topic. My heartfelt thanks goes to those who have stepped up and contributed to the Newsletter

This month we will get know the following AV Members a little better: 

Amy: "THE SPORT PROJECT"

Cheryl: "THE PET PLACE"

Kristina: "VINTAGE VIOLETS"

Jennifer: "A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER"

Pat aka: Martha June:  "EXPERIMENTING WITH LAYING A LEAF VIA THE WATER METHOD"

Bio – Amy, Cheryl, Jennifer, Kristina & Pat aka: Martha

   VINTAGE VIOLETS CORNER by Kristina  

Kristina has provided an excellent kick-of column for the start of the Vintage Violets Corner  topic.  Thank you Kristina. You too are one who is enriching the VR Newsletter.

  Vintage Violets Column

   THE MONTHLY POLL

NOTE: I am currently searching for an application that is specifically for taking polls. Until I find a suitable application and implement it (anyone have a source?), I must request that you email me with your poll choice/choices. email Dri-Anna  

Note: This is an anonymous poll and member names will not be listed in the poll results.

This Month's Poll

   MY FAVORITE VIOLET

We all eventually are drawn to one Violet which becomes our favorite. Here is your chance to let us know what your favorite Violet is. We ask that you share with us why this Violet stole your heart and please do provide a photograph if at all possible.

The "my favorite violet for this month has been submitted by Dri-Anna

My Favorite AV: I know that that Malaysian Red Ruby is my favorite Gessie. However, I have been unable to choose which AV is my favorite. That is, until today, August 08. While taking a break from working on the Newsletter, I was fussing with my nearly 30 starter babies when one grabbed my attention, and completely stole my heart.  She is a baby Buckeye Cranberry Sparkler and is one of three starter babies I have of this variety. However, this little baby is special as she dares to be different. I celebrate on a daily basis the diversity that is all around us. Whether one realizes it or not, we are all different/diverse as each of us is a special and unique individual. Baby Buckeye is a contrary to the conventional wisdom of society just as I am a contrary.   Some would throw her away as she is a mutant and not perfect. There are those who believe I am a mutant and not perfect. Some would just wish I would go away.  I will not and can not throw away this special baby Buckeye.  Because, like me, she dares to be different and in that, we both are very special indeed. 

Here is a photograph of my favorite AV.

   A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER

This Months yummy' recipe has been submitted by Jennifer.

This meal is always a big hit when ever I make it. I always mix it up a little to my own liking and no matter what I do it always turns out great! I hope everyone likes it.   

  Mexican Chicken Rolls 

   AFRICAN VIOLET COUSIN (Gessie) OF THE MONTH

I have been surfing several websites and am quite surprised to find that there are thousands of Gessie varieties out there. Well,  I am not really surprised.

I am sharing one of my four Gessies with you this month. She is an Episcia Malaysian Red Ruby and she is currently blooming.

  Gessie of the Month

   THE PET PLACE

Thank you Cheryl for contributing to the VR Newsletter. 

Pets to be proud of submitted by Cheryl

Cheryl's Cat Bio's: The calico cat is named Priscilla; the van tabby male is called Cliff, short for Cliff Hanger.  They are two of four that I brought back from Kuwait last year when I came home.  The breed is, Kuwaiti alley cat. 

  Cats & AV's

   EXPERIMENTING WITH LAYING A LEAF VIA THE WATER METHOD by Pat (aka: Martha June)  

I would like to thank Pat very much for contributing this article to the Newsletter.  Pat your contribution is a step in right direction for our goal of  the VR Newsletter to being, Second To None.

Pat begin her report by indicating that the experiment should take three weeks.

       Click on the Hyperlink and read the results of this, "just for fun" Experiment.

   THE COMPUTER USER CUBE

I am sure many of you are asking yourselves what a computer topic is doing in the VR Newsletter?  The VR List has members at differing computer literacy levels. Some of us are struggling to do the very Basic tasks, others have mastered them and are considered to be at the Basic level, some are at the Intermediate level and I bet there are even be a few here who are at the Advanced level. Well, everyone hold up their hand, mine is up if you would like to learn at least a bit more with regard to using your computer? Would you like to be able to sit down at your computer and not dread doing a particular task? That, is what this topic is all about.  I encourage your questions and I encourage those with knowledge they can share to PLEASE contribute to this topic. 

My contributions to this topic will be for those using Windows as their Operating System (OS). VR Members  having experience using other OS are encouraged to share  information here of the "how too's" if they differ from Windows.

Disclaimer: As with all things, this is what works for me and may not for others, or they may do it a different way.  So, here we go.

The Pro's & Con's of using Attachments:

Pro -  One of the fastest and easiest wayss for sharing large texts of information, data and images is through the use of attachments. 

 Con - We all have heard stories of someone openning an attachment and their computer is infected with a VIRUS, a WORM or what is called a TROJAN HORSE. Or, we our selves have been the victim of them. For one to say that these are nasty critters is an understatement. We should be vigilant and do every thing we can to prevent our computer from being infected. However, there are things that you can do that will provide you with a valid sense of security if you do use attachments.

This month I will discuss the "how too's" of attachments. I promise, next month I will discuss how to get attachments out of your life.

   The "How Too's" Of Using Attachments 

  Haven't A Clue Or Am Not Sure How To Insert An Attachment Into An Email Message?

Here are some very good resources, that are highly recommended, for you to use with regard to learning and/or becoming more proficient in using your computer. I highly recommend that you subscribe to each of the Newsletters associated with these sites. And of course, I have provided a link to the Mother of all search engines :

The Newbie Club - This site is probably one of the best there is for those of us struggling to learn the basics of using our computers. You can either/or just browse their website when looking for information or you can subscribe to their Newsletter. I am a subscriber and often learn something new. Go to:   http://newbieclub.com/

Infopackets.com - This site is an excellent source for learrning and offers information for inspiring Basic  through Intermediate users. You can either/or just browse their website when looking for information or you can subscribe to their Newsletter. I am a subscriber and always learn something new. Go to:   http://www.infopackets.com

Google: Google is considered what of premier sites for finding information.  This search engine is one of most powerful on the Internet and contains a huge data base. If you do not currently  use Google, I would encourage you to make it one of your stops when searching for AV, Gessie and any other information need you may have.  I have Google set up to display its Tool Bar whenever I go to the Internet. Go to: http://www.google.com/

   THE SPORTS PROJECT by Amy

While the official start date for the Sports Project is still a month or two away, I would like thank Amy for providing us with a report on the depth of planning that is in process to ensure that we will have an excellent Project. While reading her report, I was found myself awed with the in-depth planning involved.  

   Planning the Project

   THE CLASSIFIEDS

This topic serves two purposes:

1. This is the place for those of you who are sellers. While we would prefer it be related to African Violets and Gessies, we will consider placing within this topic other items you have for sale.  

2. This is the place for you to announce upcoming AV Shows and Sales

(NOT ACTIVE)

   GROW FOR SHOW PROJECT

Several of you are participating in this project. However, many of us are not. The VR Newsletter will be incomplete without a "blurb" each month for the duration of the project.  Would one of you who is involved be kind enough to volunteer and submit a monthly summary on the progress of this project?

  (NOT ACTIVE)

   HOBBY CORNER

I do not consider African Violets and Gessies to be a hobby. They become a way of life for us and even an obsession. Many of us eventually become sellers. We encourage you to share hobbies that you practice and find rewarding. Photos are always welcome with your missive.

This month I would like to share with you a little look into one of my hobbies: Rockhounding.

  (ACTIVE, BUT WORK IN PROGRESS)

   THE BOOK PLACE

There has been considerable discussion within the List one the subject of books. If you have a book that has been useful to use, share its Title, Author, Publisher, Edition and a short summary of its contents and why you think they are important. You do remember how to write a book report, don't you?  While we would encourage you to share books having to do with African Violets and Gessies, we will consider on a case by case basis if the book you submit fits here or into one of the Topics.

  (NOT ACTIVE)

   DIS-N-DAT-N-DOSE  

This is where you will find items that have no specific topic. Please feel free to send non topic items to the Editor. You will be considered as a contributor if they are used.  However, items that are obvious in their intent to harm someone on this list will not be published. So this is not a place to rant against a member or a vendor. If such subjects must be addressed, they will be at the discretion of, and by the by List Owner.

  > Some "Why Is It" Teasers:

  Why is it that we lay a leaf, but Pot a Plant or Stolen?

  Why is it that we are say we are going down to such and such place when we are South of it?

  What does up and down really mean? Is it North or South? Is it Greater or Less Elevation?

 Why is it we say the clock has run down (stops), and also say we are going to run down the steps rather than walk (go with more speed)?

> Well, my life long hero, the "Duke", is NOT my hero any more. I Quote: 

"I don't feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from
them. There were great numbers of people who needed new
land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves."
--John Wayne

> A paradox of life from Rachel's current "sigie":

"A fine is a tax for doing wrong. A tax is a fine for doing well"  Dang! Those who levy taxes upon us, get us a-comin' - n- a-goin'.

Dri-Anna's/Two Spirit's Home