LIST MEMBERSHIP: 945 (as of 10-28-03)

VR NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES  

TWO SPIRIT SPEAKS 

  Who is Two Spirit? 

Welcome to the  VioletReflections (VR) Newsletter (“OUR” Newsletter).  To our non-member visitors, I extend a special invitation for you to visit us often. Perhaps, you will find the VR Family to your liking and become one of us.

I thank you for your patience with regard to the October Edition of the Newsletter  publish date being delayed by two weeks.  This delay is due to several personal matters taking priority over everything else.

When we say we are a large, loving and caring family, that is an understatement.  Did you notice the numbers for the List Members who make up this family near the top of the page?

I had hoped that the List would find the "Share The Wealth" Topic an opportunity to share and turn it into a monthly feature. Well, that did not happen, thus "Share the Wealth" has been pulled. 

There were not any submissions for the Hobby Topic. Thus, it is not listed this month.  Nor is the Grow to show as Millie is committed to other responsibilities.  Sorry!

While the Computer Cube does not have an article, I have left it in the Newsletter this month so that those of you who have not had the opportunity to check out the resource links may do so. Two new resources included this month are: 

1. A free test of your computer to determine if your computer is vulnerable to Viruses, Worms and Trojan Horse nasty critters'.  I strongly recommend that you use this free service to ensure  your computer is completely safe. If ya' don't and the next round of Viruses and Worms bite ya, they also will indirectly effect those of us who ensure we have done everything possible for our computers not be vulnerable 

2. A Freeware site that is perhaps I have ever come across.

Except for the Bios of the VR Team, the Bios for the Birthday Folks and Newsletter Content Contributors have been deleted.  It is apparent that the membership at large is not really interested in Bios, either as a submitting their own or as readers of other members Bios. The numbers of hits on these topics has been very low, the lowest of all other topics. I had toyed with idea of having Bios be the topic for this months poll. However, the figures tabulated since the September Edition was published tell the story clearly enough. The Bios-101 (basics of writing a Bio) attracted a very small number of readers. Beginning with the November Edition, a List Members Bio will only be published if they specify such.  

We have a new column beginning this month that will be hosted by Mary -S. NE. She will be presenting one of the "Jerry Baker's Recipes for Feeding and Watering of AV's" each month.  Thank you Mary for hosting this column.  These recipes are a good resource and provides us with other choices that are quit interesting, if not unique.

I have included a "blurb" that deals with shipping AV's and Leaves via USPS Priority Mail. If the response to this "blurb" is good, then it will be remain in the Newsletter and will be accessed via another button that will be added to the Navigation Bar which will be in place next month

On a brighter vein, in the Contributor's Lounge, You will note that the names of the List Members who walked the extra mile more than anyone else during the last three months. The productivity of these folks can only be explained as being awe inspiring.

I do hope you find the October Edition to be enjoyable read even though it is "very" late. 

Let us begin with "Rachel's Ramblings"

***  Don't forget to click on the buttons so that you may get the complete story concerning a topic.  ***

   RACHEL'S RAMBLINGS

I am very happy to have the opportunity of being part of your day.  I have led a busy life and like many other women tend to reflect on the past when I am idle.  I feel blessed that I have an interest in a variety of things to occupy my time.  You see, I do not feel old and useless.  When I look in the mirror it shocks me to realize the woman looking back is really me!  That reflection no more reflects the way I feel inside than a dress three sizes to small fits my body.  In reality.......... "The Older I get, the older OLD gets"

   I would like to share with you, my reflections of, "The Me in Mother" (AV Button Photo "Midnight Magic" from Rachel's Collection)

     JANE'S JINGLE

   Hi there everyone.  Well, I have a further report on my very first African bloom that I would love to share with you.

   THE CONTRIBUTOR'S LOUNGE 

The life blood of a successful Newsletter such as ours, depends upon submissions from the List Membership. The VR Newsletter will flourish with numerous submissions each month of  rich and varied content. The VR Newsletter will become a withered shell with out the continued support of the List Membership.  The purpose of this topic is to acknowledge and  honor those List Members who have taken time out of their busy every day schedules to contribute submissions to the VR Newsletter. 

Well, it is the end of three months and is time to honor those that have gone the extra mile.  Please check out the year to date totals so that you may be aware of the List Members who are very responsible for the VioletReflections Newsletter being the good read that it is.

We have two members who not only have  gone the extra mile each month, but also have contributed multiple articles within a month's period.  It is my pleasure to announce that both Amy & Kristina have both submitted and had published, 8 articles each.

What can I say, except that I am very impressed with the time you take from your busy personal lives to contribute in the quantity that you have. For this edition of the VR Newsletter, each of you have submitted 4 articles that were published.  

While I have repeatedly stated that there can only be one person who will receive the gift, I am compelled to break my own rule and indicate that each of you should receive a gift.

I am so pleased to announce that both Amy and Kristina will receive a gift. Each of you will receive from the donor, Rachel, an AV book that I am sure will become a prized possession. Are they copies of the same book or is each a different book?  I believe the fun of each of you finding out what AV book you are receiving will be a wonderful experience for you. Then,  next month you can share the title of your AV book in a "blurb" for the November Edition of the VioletRelections Newsletter.  And, I ask that each of you share the impression you have come to with Kay, our Book Place Librarian who can review each, if possible and provide her own synopsis of each.  

Now to get to get your books to you.  Amy and Kristina, please send your mailing address to Rachel right away so she may send your book to you in a timely manner    --- A very happy Editor ---

Now on to a new way of doing things...........  Remember, the only constant in the Universe is change. And change we are going to have.

     Please Read this important Notice. There is a change that will effect the contributor who receives a gift at the end of a three month period.

Below  is a year-to-date running total of members contributing to the VR Newsletter. Actually, it also the total for the period, August through October, 2003

    Year To Date 2003 Contributors  (AV Button Photo, "Rodeo Pioneer" Courtesy of Jackie S.)

   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"! 

Shannon - October 03

Julieette - October 08

Bernadine - October 09

Mary - October 09

Rose - October 12

Shirley M. - October 13

Terry in MA - October 14

LakeCityBoop - October 17

Fay H. - October 30

Sandy T. - October 31

   DO YOU SHIP AV'S & LEAVES VIA USPS PRIORITY MAIL? 

by Dri-Anna  

I recently discovered and begin using some of the online services offered by the USPS for Priority Mail.  I would like to share my experience using these services with you.  Perhaps you might like to try them and become as pleased with them as I.

®   Ordering Shipping Supplies

 ®    Creating & Printing Priority Mail Shipping Label

   VINTAGE VIOLETS CORNER by Kristina  

Kristina continues to provide us with a look into the world of the Vintage Violet. 

    Vintage Violets Column  (AV Button Photo, "Vintage-Black Ace")

    THE MONTHLY POLL

A subject has not been listed for the Monthly Poll.  Tis' not that I do not have a subject as I do.  The subject is an important one that is to be used to provide information for a new column scheduled to kick-off in the next  few months.  

The problem is quite simply, ME.   I have not, as of yet,  figured out how to use "Vote Caster".  Perhaps by next month I will have mastered, what seems to be an easy and straight forward process.  Currently I am not implementing this easy process correctly and that results in a baffled, "Why won't this work?!?"  Sometimes, I am unable to see the Tree, for the Forest.  ---Your Red Faced Editor---

CLICK BELOW TO CAST YOUR VOTES

powered by  bravenet.com

   MY FAVORITE VIOLET 

Editor's Comments:  We all eventually are drawn to one, a 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 has captured  your heart and please do provide a photograph.  Well, Shantel, I am known for loving something in my life from time to time that is, "Dangerous".  Would just love to have her here in my own abode to remind me of those sometimes not so wise forays out into the world.  And your, "Dangerous", is stunning.

This month, Shantel presents to us, another of  her favorite Violets. Thank you so much Shantel

  Shantel's  Very Dangerous Favorite Violet (AV Button Photo, "Lyon's Pirate Treasure" Courtesy of Joan B.)

   DEAR VIOLET  

Every publication that is successful, has some form of a Dear Someone column. Well,  we have Dear Violet who is second to none. He or She is here to answer your questions as correctly as possible, regardless of what they are. However, be forewarned, Dear Violet has a sense of humor and believes that mirth in our lives, helps relieve the stress of not only every day life, but in being to dang' serious.  

The identity of Dear Violet shall remain unknown to all but myself, the Editor. This mystery adds a bit of tantalizing allure to wondering who Dear Violet may be. 

Please send your questions to: Dear Violet

Add Dear Violet's email address to  your address book so you can easily contact her with your questions.

   Dear Violet  (AV Button Photo, "Foxwood Trail" Courtesy of Nancy R.)

   A RECIPE TO MAKE YOUR MOUTH WATER  

We are pleased to offer you not one, but FOUR Recipes this month

   Jane provides us with a recipe for having a fragrant bathroom (the "Loo")  (AV Button Photo, "Favorite Child" Donor Unknown)

    Kristina provides a very unique and quick way to can tomatoes  (AV Button Photo, "Hawaiian Pearl" Courtesy of Sandy R.)

   Marilyn-CA shares a mouth watering strata dish  (AV Button Photo, "Glimmer" Courtesy of Jackie S.)

   Jennifer provides a delicious Fall goodie    (AV Button Photo, "Optimara Tennessee" Courtesy of Madeline)

    AFRICAN VIOLET COUSIN (Gessie) OF THE MONTH

Many of us have a Gessie or two. Some of us have a rather a large collection. This is the place to share your Gessies with us. Speaking for myself, I am stunned at the number of different type of Gessies there are. Please share your Gessies with all of us.  

This Month, Kristina Shares a photograph of "Sinningia White Swan" from her collection

    Check Out Kristina's Sinningia  (AV Button Photo, "Episcia Malaysian Red Ruby" Courtesy of Dri-Anna)

   THE PET PLACE

Lee, our Gal in Liverpool England,  presents her Friend, "Dizzy" and Dizzy's very special friend.

   Dizzy & Her Friend               

   THE COMPUTER USER CUBE 

(NEW) The issue of whether our computers are vulnerable to attack and if they are vulnerable to being used by some one in a remote fashion to spread, worms and viruses, is so important that I strongly encourage you to click on the following URL. This site is classified as a "Trusted Site" and will test your computer for vulnerabilities.  

Steve Gibson is a person that I trust.  "Shields UP" is a free service provided by Steve who is  well known and respected  within the segment of the internet community which strives to blunt & defeat Worms, Trojan Horses and Viruses.  Go to: https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Here are some very good resources, that are highly recommended. 

The first two are for you to use with regard to learning and/or becoming more proficient in using your computer. 

And of course, I have provided a link to the Mother of all search engines

Eventually and/or currently everyone becomes aware that there are many "utilities" out there that enhance your computer experience and use.  If you are like I and prefer free software whenever possible, I have listed a "Freeware " Site that is a dandy.

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 the where to go placce 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/

Son Of Spy Freeware (NEW) -   When I stumbled upon this site and became fully aware that it is, what the Webmaster says it is, I entered freeware heaven.  I have downloaded in excess of over two dozen utilities from this site thus far.  Some are used to facilitate my work on this newsletter and include everything from task/file management to scripting utilities. And, some enhance my computer use outside of what is involved with the newsletter. The choice you have is from A through Z.  That is, if you are looking for a piece of freeware, you are likely to find it here.  I love this place.  I present to you the Son Of Spy Freeware Webmaster's credo, "My site is about content. I'm doing my part to keep programs free, by protecting great free applications that have been abandoned, made payware and/or been lost, keeping them available for the utility and enjoyment of new generations of websurfers. I promise you'll see things here that are linked to no other site. So, if something's missing, please don't hesitate to write. My pledge to you is no shareware, no adware and no spywear".  
Go to: http://www.anycities.com/user1/sonofspy/index.html

   THE SPORTS PROJECT & Discovery Chat by Amy  

Well, it is time to bring everyone up to speed on the Discovery Chat Group.   Just in case you have not noticed,  Discovery Chat is joined at the hip with the Sports Project.

The things going are becoming so very exciting that Cheryl and I are almost bursting.

Amy

  Sports Project & Discovery Chat Update  (AV Button Photo, "Optimara Barbados" Courtesy of Dri-Anna.)

   JERRY BAKER'S RECIPES FOR FEEDING & WATERING OF AV'S by Mary - S. NE

I am so excited about having this column and I do hope that some of the recipes I submit will pique' your interest enough to try.

Foods & Formulas:   For the most part, you can alternate the kinds of plant foods you feed your plants.  Plants, like people, get bored with the same diet day in and day out.  Jerry baker suggests that you mix up batches of the following tonics, keep them handy, and feed with a different food each time you water.  Since I am new to African violets, I have not tried this method yet.  So, click on the button and Enjoy the first of many.

Mary

     General Foliage Plat Food  (AV Button Photo, "Irish Flirt" Courtesy of Dri-Anna)

   THE BOOK PLACE by Fay, "Librarian"

Fay continues her excellent work on finding, reading and reviewing Books about African Violets.  "PLEASE DO SUPPORT FAY IN HER ENDEAVORS BY PROVIDING HER YOUR FAVORITE AV BOOK TITLES " ---- The Editor -------

I wish to bring you the best in reviews each month for your reading and learning experience. I do need your help, of course.  Contact me, please, and share the titles of your favorite AV Books.    

This month, as promised, I present to you a review of  , "The African Violet Handbook".

Fay

  The African Violet Handbook

Here's a useful search tool that was sent in by Erma in Virginia. Just type in the book you are looking for and this site will do the rest :   Search For AV Books

    Coming Next Month

   A PEST SITUATION by Kristina

When that day comes, and it does for most of us, that we find those little bugs attacking our beloved Violets, we want every bit of information possible to get rid of them.  Here is a bit of information I found concerning Cyclamen Mites.

Kristina

     A Pest (AV Button Photo, "Vintage Violet #J's Blue Granny" Courtesy of Joan B.)

   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

   A Different Way to Swap For AV Leaves & Plants by Dorothy  (AV 

Button Photo, "x" Courtesy of Ann F.)

   DIS-N-DAT-N-DOSE  

This is where you will find items that do not fit in any of the primary topics. Please feel free to send non topic items to the Editor. You will be creditied as a contributor if they are used. They can be of humor, the serious side of things, learning, etc.  However, items that are obvious in their intent to harm someone on this list will not be published. Thus, 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.

   First something that is a for real alternative to using a camera to capture blooms for your computer by Jenny

   An expensive Duck by Lee

   When Amy & Cheryl get together, one never knows what follows