Motherly Law

Making Ends Meet; Moms Turning to Phone Sex Industry {On a Soapbox}

Have you ever had to choose between paying the mortgage and buying groceries? Have you ever had to swallow your pride whole and ask family for financial help? Have you ever looked at the amount in your bank account and prayed that nothing went through until you had a check or known that you were at the bottom of the barrel and if even one unplanned and unforeseen expense came up, you were done for? Have you ever tasted the bitterness of desperation?

If you have, then you know what this dark, swirling vortex feels like when it begins to pull you under? If you haven't, then say a prayer of thankfulness.

In this economy, there is a lot of need; a number of people without jobs or in a low paying job; without resources; losing ground every day. These are people like you and me; they are not lazy, good-for-nothing bums looking for a handout. I'm talking about hard working, educated people; young graduates, parents of young kids, those nearing the years that were supposed to be golden; all ages; all demographics.

I recently came across an astounding statistic that I think is quite telling of the economic state of our country. Good Morning America reported in December 2011, "The number of mothers pursuing sex work has increased by 400 percent over the past 18 months alone, according to Rat Race Rebellion, an organization that specializes in finding jobs for mothers who need to work from home."

A surge of 400 percent is a big deal. Thousands of moms are now working as phone sex operators because the pay is good, ranging between $10 to $50 per hour or much more, the hours are flexible, they can work from home and it's legal. While the phone sex industry has benefitted the most from this demographic, strip clubs and other adult entertainment industries have reported a surge in the number of applications received from women.

Place judgment and blame where you will, but unless you've experienced absolute desperation, not knowing how you're going to support your family, pay bills and keep a roof over your head, don't judge these women. A mom's primary goal is to survive in order take care of her family; this is a survival mechanism. This work, just like any other job, ensures that there are meals on the table, beds to sleep in and clothes on their backs.

Many say that if they could afford to walk away from this work they would, but they simply cannot. When politicians and religious leaders speak of family values, I doubt this is what they have in mind, but these are parents who are doing whatever it takes to keep their family together. To me, that's what family values are about; loving each other and working to make it work; beating the odds; making it to the other side without drowning. Over and out...

Anna

The Land of Opportunity No More {On a Soapbox}

That Which is Lost

Where is this land of opportunity our forefathers have written about? Where is this land of plenty where ingenuity and hard work are rewarded? Where is this land of promise where those who want to work and strive to grow and create and help are given the chance? Once, this place was the United States of America, but I would argue those days are gone.

Gone are the days that bright, young professionals full of dreams and ideas could by chance meet a big wig executive in an elevator on the 1^st floor and have a job working under this exec by the 21^st floor. Gone are the days that a person without exactly the right qualifications, but with the drive and smarts to excel in a particular job applied for and got an {in-person} interview and was hired. Gone are days that people could do something simply because it was the right thing to do and not worry that some red tape somewhere down the road would cause a conflict.

A rather dreary outlook, you say? Perhaps, but would you argue with these statements? I am certainly not saying that these things never happen, but in today's world luck, connections and wealth are the most important components to succeeding in life.

What Has Happened?

I realize that everyone has a different idea of how to define the word "success", but even still stop and think about the most powerful people in our country {and by power I mean influence, dollars paid and amount of control} and you will see what I mean. Ultimately, it comes down to luck, connections and wealth.

The legislators, the courts, corporate America and human resources departments have placed so many limits and restrictions and have driven up costs and requirements and forms to be submitted that we have lost much of our willingness to give people a chance and our spirit of enterprise.

It's unheard of to actually go to an office and drop off a resume in hopes of catching the boss in and having an interview right at that moment or scoring some points based on your appearance or just happening to walk in the right place at the right time. And chances are if you did drop off your resume in person, the receptionist at the front desk sitting in front of the big doors that lead to all the other employees would politely tell you to please fill out the e-application on their website.

Even if you are given a chance at an interview, chances are, you'll first fill out an online "survey", move on to a boiler plate Q &A with the HR rep over the phone and then just maybe score an in-person interview with the most junior person on the team. And if you don't match every single qualification listed; you will never be contacted in any form.

Those Without a Job Need Not Apply

One of the most discouraging, completely lunatic policies recently emerging from the corporate back rooms is that they will not hire someone who doesn't have a job at the time of the interview or have for a very short time been without a job. The argument is that people who have been laid off, fired or have taken some time off for any reason are lazy, dull-headed and overall poor employees, having been out of the work force.

This is utterly ridiculous considering the economy we are living in. I recently read an article that contradicted that assumption. A study had been done that showed that in the first two weeks or so of losing a job for any reason, the person floundered a bit, watched more TV, read books and was basically inactive. After those two weeks, the vast majority of those people began looking for work and/or taking on more house duties, such as cleaning, taking care of kids and elderly family members, doing the laundry and cooking and running errands. Others began volunteering or helping neighbors, working on projects that had been put off due to work schedules, etc. Very few of those without jobs continued to pursue a lazy lifestyle.

It is shocking to me that those who could very well be in that same position the following day, week or year, would introduce such a policy. What kind of message does this send to college students or recent grads; what kind of future are we offering our children if the parents can't get jobs because they are out of a job through no fault of their own or even because of a fault of their own, but are looking for work?

All Hail the Almighty Dollar

To me, this screams of elitism, fascism and narrow-mindedness. For today, our country is still a democracy, at least in name, which means we are still free to think and dream and create our own opportunities.

These entrepreneurs who create their own opportunities are bright, feisty, fresh and diligent, but that's often not enough today. Regardless of how brilliant an idea or how perfect a plan or how amazing a dream NOTHING speaks louder than the Almighty Dollar. And cold, hard cash is something most unemployed, under-employed and freshly graduated would-be leaders of industry do not have enough of.

The Scoop

Which brings me to this question; is the poem inscribed at the base of our Lady Liberty still relevant?

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of you teamming shore. Send these, homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

 

From New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

I would argue no. Those who are in control of our country do not want to deal with those who are wanting of anything, especially those who come from outside our shores. Even those who want to work in order to not be tired, poor and homeless {or those who are nearly homeless, as in the case of foreclosure} will find that they are cast aside by the captains of industry and the "pawns" in the capitols of our country. Over and out...

Anna

The Sign Said to Take a Chance: Well, Here Goes.... {A New Business}

A Chance

The sign said, "Take at Least One." At the bottom of the piece of paper were little tabs to rip off that usually have contact information listed. This one had little tabs with just two words... "A Chance." I don't know who pinned this sign up on the Caribou Coffee bulletin board, but I thought it was clever and it got me to thinking.

Was this a sign I should be paying attention to? Have I taken many risks lately? Am I putting myself out there enough? What's too risky? What's not risky enough? Does it mean I'm not taking risks if I have to ask these questions?

Risky Business    

Honestly, I feel like that the last two years have been one risk after another with the start of launching Motherly Law in March of 2010. I have put myself out there, utterly exposed and vulnerable, in cyberspace and in the tangible space too. I have tried this and that. I have strived to grow as a writer and thinker and doer.

Then, after Will found himself in search of a job, under circumstances not of our choosing, we decided to pursue entrepreneurship and grow a business in social media consulting. Now, recall that I'm an independent contractor for a legal publisher and a freelance writer.

This is no life for the weak. This is a life of no regular paychecks; no benefits of any kind. There is little assurance of anything.

Well, I have decided to take another "chance." I am launching a new business today {in addition to everything we are doing}. I am now......hold onto your hats....this is going to surprise you....a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. I know, I know; I, myself, am still shocked when I step back and think about this statement. Now, wait, bear with me. I'm going to answer your questions: 1) What the Heck is Norwex? 2) Why this Product? and 3) Why Now?

What the Heck is Norwex?

Norwex's mission statement is this: To improve the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

Norwex cloths are an antibacterial microfiber. To use the cloths for cleaning all kinds of surfaces and spots and stains, simply add water. Nothing more is needed. How is this possible, you ask? Well, the microfiber cloth goes beyond surface clean because there is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent physically and chemically bonded to the fiber of the cloth. The microfiber picks up and locks in the odor-causing/illness-causing bacteria into the fibers and the silver agent destroys the bacteria.

These cloths eliminate cross-contamination on surfaces or hands; are easy to use, launder when needed and use again; will reduce the amount of chemicals your family uses and absorbs; and cleans really well.

The cleaning products are enzyme-based and continue to work on a surface until all material to be cleaned away is gone and then the cleaner itself breaks down to Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen. These enzymes are naturally occurring and are not at all harmful to humans, pets or plants.

Additionally, there are personal care cloths for the bathroom that gently exfoliate your skin and clean makeup {including mascara} from your face without the use of soap and softer, gentler cloths for kids and babies. There are even cloths for your pets and much, much more. For additional information {and believe me there is additional information} go to the FAQ page on my website.

Why This Product?

I am passionate about these products. Norwex has already changed the way I clean; and more importantly it has changed the way I think about cleaning solutions filled with chemicals.

This sounds trite and canned, but it's the absolute truth. Since getting our Norwex products, Will and I have not wanted to stop cleaning and trying Norwex products out on various stains, spots and hard to reach grime; cleaning counters, floors, toilets, appliances and skin {there are bath towels too}; you name it. Our Norwex products have stood up to each task presented and have not let us down.

The first thing I cleaned with my Norwex Envirocloth was the dining room rug below Darling 1's chair. Bless his heart; he is the messiest eater no matter how hard he tries not to be. There are always spots and stains beneath his seating area. I have tried to get the spots up with various cleaners. I took the Envirocloth, got it wet, wrung it out and started scrubbing the spots on the rug. Every last one of them came up with ease. The rug looked brand new; and I was sold.

And that was just the start. I think it will revolutionize the way you view cleaning your home, your clothes and your body as it has done for us.

Why Now?

To be frank with you, and you know I always am, we need to increase our income so that we can focus on building Will's business and my writing portfolio; our passions. But I also look forward to the challenges of improving my communication skills and presentation style. I am excited about gaining business acumen. And I honestly believe these products will save time and money, promote health and better the environment.

The Scoop {This Part is Important}

So, here I go, starting the New Year with a Clean slate, so to speak, and taking "A Chance." If you love me or even if you just slightly tolerate me any and all support and encouragement is much appreciated. One way to support me is to Like my Anna Berend – Norwex Independent Sales Consultant Facebook Fan Page and/or Follow me on Twitter @AnnaBerend. Another way to support this endeavor is to check out my Norwex website: annaberend.norwex.biz.

If you are interested in hosting a party {there are really great gifts involved, plus it's a fun gathering of your friends} or you just want to learn more about these products and why I love them so much, please email me at acberend@gmail.com or leave a comment below. I would love to talk to you. I am hosting a launch party on Sunday, January 15^th. If you would like to attend let me know {evites will be going out soon to those whose addresses I have}.

As soon as I get my URL approved, I will launch my accompanying blog that will regale you on achieving a new State of Clean with Norwex product reviews and the philosophy and science behind these products, etc. So, stay tuned for that information in the near future.

Ready or not, here I come 2012. Oh, and Katy, stop laughing. I know; I'm eating my words. Over and out....

Anna

Occupiers: Go Home {On a Soapbox}

Honestly, when I read the accounts of what's happening at various Occupy {Take your pick of cities} all I see if a bunch of unruly kids acting poorly. Let me stress that I am nowhere near being included in the 1% of the wealthy Americans. I join the protesters in their frustrations of Wall Street and all it has come to represent. We work hard and never seem to get anywhere; gas, groceries, clothes, healthcare and everything else just keep rising in cost, even when income does not.

That being said, I don't think this protest is the way to accomplish anything. I see people trashing public streets, parks and plazas; I see police being called away from other areas of the various cities where police presence is essential to protect people from crime; I see criminal activity, such as drug use and even a drug overdose at the "campsites"; I see rudeness and crudeness to employees who are simply trying to get inside a building to their offices and do their jobs so that they can make a living; I see people injuring police officers who are just following their orders so that they may keep their jobs; I see people who may have started with good intentions looking a lot like the bad guys now.

The destruction of public property and need for extra police detail is only using up precious taxpayer money; money that could have gone to help those who go to bed hungry; those who can't afford heat in the winter; those who have no coats; those who have no shelter; those who are searching for jobs; those who are trying to make ends meet despite working countless hours day in and day out; those who are the furthest from the elite 1%.

When it's all said and done, when we move on and this is but a vague memory, will Occupy Wall Street and its offspring Occupies have accomplished anything positive? I think not.

I'm disappointed in the way these people, who I think mean well, have conducted themselves. While I agree with the idea with which they hatched this plan, I don't condone how they have gone about trying to make a statement. They are beginning to harm those whom they are technically representing; police, those "fighting for the cause", employees who are not part of the 1%, but happen to work in the financial districts and industries, etc.

So, Occupiers, I speak to you. Pick up your water bottles, coffee cups, sleeping bags, tarps, pillows, bullhorns and cardboard signs, repair any damage you have done to publicly owned statues, benches, roads or paths, replace any uprooted or smashed flowers, shrubs or trees, leave things as they were when you arrived and go home. There are other ways. You're creative and inventive; you can think of something more peaceful and less destructive. Over and out...

Anna

 

 

The List: 11 Ways Moms are Like Criminal Defense Attorneys

1. Moms know how to ask the right questions to get the evidence they need;
2. Moms can think on their feet with lightning speed without giving away too much information;
3. Moms know how to sweet talk someone in authority and get what they want;
4. Moms can quickly and easily hide disappointment when they don't get what they want;
5. Moms can read between the lines when hearing "testimony" from one of their "witnesses" on the "stand."
6. Moms know when to call for a recess;
7. Moms always have an agenda for the day;
8. Moms put in lots of "billable" hours; they just don't get paid much for their work;
9. Moms know when to cut their losses and move on to Plan B when Plan A goes awry;
10. Moms always have to have extra clothes on hand in case their little charges get dirty or aren't projecting the right image; and
11. Moms will work like hell to protect their kids and make sure no untruth is pinned on them.

     

Everyone loves to hate an attorney; and who doesn't know a lawyer joke {besides me}, but when it comes down to it, moms are a lot like attorneys. And let's face it, most of us need our moms and most will need an attorney at some point.

I think moms are especially like criminal defense attorneys. Criminal defense attorneys get a bad rap for defending those charged with a crime, but that is their job. They feel that everyone deserves to be tried in a court of law with evidence presented against them, have the chance to counter that evidence, question that evidence and in some cases, tell their side of the story. It wasn't until law school that I truly understood how or why someone would choose to go that route in the field of law.

Moms get picked on, judged and blamed if they're kids are acting up, look sloppy, aren't polite, etc. Moms have a lot on their plate and we each must do our best; just as a criminal defense attorney does. And the long and short of it is, if you, your spouse or your kids were charged with a crime you or they didn't commit, you'd want that criminal defense attorney working on your case with the dedication of a mom. Over and out....

Anna

Coffee with Anna Vlog Edition #3: Python Kills Toddler; Teacher Fired for Pumping Breast Milk, Failure to Report Child Missing a Felony & a Giveaway

  

Good Morning! On the agenda today:

• In the vlog I discuss several articles and I've got links for you in case you want to read more:
  • Python Kills Toddler; Mother Convicted of Manslaughter
  • Teacher Fired for Pumping Breast Milk
  • Proposed Legislation for Felony Charge for Failing to Report Child Missing
• If you haven't read this week's posts on bouncy house safety and liability, go read them. It's important! It could save your child's life and your savings account; or both.
• By the way, I'm giving something away tomorrow at 10 a.m. Listen to the whole vlog to find out what it is and how to enter. 
• It's much easier to write than to vlog. So, I'm going to do 1 more and then evaluate whether to continue with this format. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend! Over and out...

Anna

Baby Steps: Learning to be Patient with Our New Endeavors

The best laid schemes of mice and men, go oft awry.

        ~From the poem, To a Mouse by Robert Burns

 Change is Good

At the end of winter and the beginning of spring this year, along with melting and budding and greening that the changing of the seasons brings, our household was making changes too. Dear Husband, Will, was forced to start looking for a new job; a new career. After a bit of searching, both on the job boards and in the soul, and a whole lot of brainstorming and praying, he decided to make a business plan and start a social media consulting business.

In May of this year, he opened the doors, so to speak, by launching his website for Open Door Consulting, Inc. Each day brings ups and downs in this new endeavor. We are ever hopeful, optimistic and yet realistic too. As with every new business, each step taken is a baby step ...hopefully, a step in the right direction.

We did not plan to open a business. We did not mean to both be self employed, but life happens and we must be resourceful and creative and learn to cope. Little by little, Open Door is gaining momentum.

The Written Word

This week, Will launched Open Door's Blog, The Key Word. His goal is to write interesting, informative, key posts on social media topics that run the gamut from online networking, analytical tools, social media tips in general to specific social media platforms, tricks of the trade, business blogging, Will's own experiences, opinions and practices.

Will intends to post 3 to 5 times per week. And guess what? Yours truly will be helping out by posting once or twice a week over at The Key Word. While these posts will specifically be aimed at businesses using social media, anyone using social media platforms for work or play or a little of both, will likely gain some insight and some know how from these articles.

My first post at The Key Word is up today. So, please go check it out and find out why every business should be have a blog. And feel free to drop Will a line of encouragement over on Open Door's website.

The Scoop

Do you have a business? Do you use social media? Do you hire someone to help with social media? Talk to me, folks. Over and out....

Anna

You might also like:

Blowing Bubbles in the Wind: Giving Ideas a Chance at Life

Twitter 101: Engage, Build Relationships, Reply...

Motherly Advice: Choose Faith

A Matter of Policy: The Repeal of DADT

Bad Policies

In the wee hours of the morning the pitter patter of little feet can be heard making their way to our bed. This happens twice every night; Darling 2 and then Darling 1, until our bed is crowded and cramped. I don't know how or why it began, but more than likely we allowed it to preserve our sleep and theirs. Sleep is a much sought after, hot commodity in our household.

Plus it was sweet to cuddle up with my little, sleeping Darlings. Now, it's still sweet, but they have grown...a lot; and it's more irritating than anything else to have a knee sticking in my back and an elbow jabbed into my neck. It's a bad policy to have, and we should do something to put an end to it, but that would mean less sleep for me.

Much like our little morning bed crashers, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) military policy has gone on too long. DADT prohibits military personnel from discriminating against or harassing homosexual or bisexual service members or applicant and bars openly gay, lesbian or bisexual persons from military service.

Time for Change

It seems as though talk of repealing this policy has gone on forever. Finally, in Dec. 2010, this policy was repealed by Congress. Just last week, President Obama certified that the repeal would not harm the military's readiness, which means that after 17 years, it will be repealed on Sept. 20, 2011.

Months ago, after Congress passed the repeal of this policy the military branches began the process of preparing the soldiers for this change in policy by training staff and soldiers. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, has assured Pres. Obama that the military is ready to implement this change in policy without missing a beat.

The Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness stated that this change "is all about leadership, professionalism, discipline and respect" for the military. Pres. Obama stated, "Our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen to be gay or lesbian."

What Does It Mean?

So, what exactly does the repeal mean? It means that men and women will be able to serve our country and be true to who they are at the same time. Sexual orientation will no longer be an issue in regards to military service, and those who were discharged solely under DADT may reapply for re-entry into the military.

Pentagon staff will be taking a close look at sexual orientation neutral benefits. Service members can designate partners as beneficiaries on life insurance policies, thrift savings plans and survivor benefits. However, the Defense of Marriage Act does prohibit extending some military benefits to same-sex couples.

For gay and lesbian service members with partners and/or children from a same-sex relationship this means that they will be able to say goodbye to their loved ones before deployments; be greeted by family and loved ones upon arriving back home; freely talk about their families and friends with other service members; stop living in fear that their carefully maintained heterosexual façade might slip and expose who they truly are; and provide for their loved ones in the event of death. Essentially this repeal will afford gay or lesbian soldiers the same freedoms as heterosexual soldiers.

For future generations of service members this means that our children who feel the call to serve their country can do so without feeling shame, inadequacy or fear regarding his or her sexual orientation. The repeal of DADT means that children of gay and lesbian service members can feel pride and honor about their parents who serve and protect their country.

The Scoop

Why should people who want to serve their country and protect their fellow compatriots be limited, confined, punished, harassed, abused or shunned because of their sexual orientation? They shouldn't be. I'm glad there are citizens who feel the need to serve their country and join the military. I feel deep appreciation for all service members; and I thank them for their dedication. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

Definition of Family: Constitutionality of FL Adoption Law Banning Gays

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Ode to a Soldier

The List: My Televac Personality Analysis

Purging in the Basement

This past week, we spent a lot of time in our basement culling through, cleaning out, reorganizing, combining and throwing out. It felt good to purge and start fresh. I enjoy doing this every so often going through every room, closet, cabinet and drawer in the house. I tend to want to save things, and then after a time of not needing or using items, I'm ready to get rid of it. Of course, there are some things that I keep just to keep.

In so doing, I looked at a lot of old pictures, read old papers written in grade school, college and law school and went through the tiny baby clothes deemed keepsake worthy. In a box of various items from college I came across an old yellowing piece of paper stapled to an index card-sized paper with my signature and entitled "Televac Personality Analysis." The printout indicated that I got this personality analysis at the Tri-State Fair back in 1995.

The Personality Analysis

Back in 1995, when my parents and I went to the fair, we encountered the Televac Personality Analysis booth in one of the buildings. We thought it would be fun to give it t shot. After paying $1.50, I simply signed my whole name on the index sized-paper and watched the paper get fed into a machine and spit out a list of my personality traits based on an examination of my handwriting. While I did this analysis for fun, it's surprising how accurate this list of personality traits is.

Here's my Televac Personality Analysis:

1. You prefer to have a few secrets;
2. You are always ready to try new ideas or take a fresh approach;
3. You are afraid of being overlooked by others;
4. You sometimes tend to be overconfident;
5. Your persuasive manner makes you used to having your own way;
6. Adventurous and daring, you will take risks to get the things you want;
7. Your bark is much, much worse than your bite;
8. You are independent and like making your own decisions;
9. You adapt well to new situations;
10. In thought and action you are positive and aggressive;
11. You can be a tyrant at home and difficult to live with; and
12. You have a playful spirit and positive attitude.

Perhaps somewhat general; perhaps it could fit many people; but, for better or worse, it does sound a lot like me.

Graphology

This handwriting analysis is called graphology. Graphology has been around a very long time, dating back to China 3000 years ago. The specific features and techniques of graphology were clarified and defined by French clerics in the late 1800s. Some consider it to be a serious science, and others view the practice as a pseudoscience without any validating evidence.

Proponents of graphology argue that it can be used in relationships for compatibility purposes; in education for discovering hidden talents and skills; in personnel selection for finding the person who best fits the position; in career counseling for matching personality traits and professions; and counseling sessions for helping understand one's self.

Graphologists use over 300 features to "read" a person's handwriting. Some of the basic features include:

• Slant {left, right or upright} Left indicate emotion and reserve; Right indicates a response to communication, but not how to convey the communication; Upright show independence;
• Size {over 9 mm = large; under 9 mm = small} Large can indicate extravert or at least an outward showing of confidence; Small could mean shyness or introvert;
• Pressure {Heavy or Light} Heavy pressure points to responsibility and commitment; Light pressure indicates sensitivity and empathy; Too Heavy means uptight and quick reactions in a negative manner; Light, but Uneven shows a lack of vitality;
• Page Margins {Left or Right} Wide Left margins may indicate wish to move on; Narrow Left margins points to caution and biding one's time; Wide Right margins can show some fear of the unknown; and Narrow Right margins indicate impatience and readiness to get things going;
• Word Spacing {Wide or Narrow, based on the width of one letter of a person's handwriting} Wide spaces indicate a need of space; Narrow spaces show a need of sociability, but it might be crowding and intrusive to others; and
• Other features include upper {l, t, h, etc.}, middle {a, c, e, etc.} and lower {g, y, p, etc.} zones; thread and wavyline writing, etc.

For more information on graphology and features examined, see article by Elaine Quigley at http://www.businessballs.com

The Scoop

My analysis was done by a machine, true; but there are certified graphologists who perform these studies with great care.

As with other such practices, palm reading and other fortune telling techniques, astrology, personality tests and profiles, etc., it's easy to grasp on to any vague statements that can apply to many of us and in many different situations and take them to be unique and personal. Is this the same thing or is our handwriting a mirror into our souls indicating our strengths, weaknesses, passions, confidences, fears, tendencies, etc.? Over and out....

Anna

Work Wanted: Will Write for Money

Not One Dime

You might not realize this, but I don't get paid a penny to write Motherly Law. Nope, I don't get any money; nada; zip; nothing; zero; nil; zilch. {Aside: Why do all the words for $0 start with "z" or "n"? Interesting...} It has not been all for naught though. I have gained much writing and social media experience, become more introspective and met many grand folks I would have never met otherwise, but these things don't pay the bills. In the last several years, the legal research, writing and editing work that does pay the bills has been shrinking and more uncertain due to the shaky economy.

Since becoming a "prolific online writer" over the past 18 months, I have begun doing some freelance writing, and I'm on the prowl for more. So, this is my online want ad for freelance writing, research and/or speaking work.

Please share, forward, pass along, mention, tweet, discuss or take other action if you have any interest, contacts, work, thoughts, information, tips or other ideas:

Hire Anna.

She's Genuine; She's Passionate; She's Witty; She's Funny; and She Always Has a Lot to Say

Freelance Writing & Speaking

I'm a licensed attorney and kid-tested and sometimes approved parent with a passion for writing. I've spent the last 13 years in legal positions researching, writing and editing myriad issues. I have a Bachelors Degree in English and Political Science and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma.

I launched Motherly Law in March of 2010 with the goal of informing, educating and sometimes entertaining parents regarding relevant legal issues that affect families, as well as general parenting topics from the perspective of "someone in the trenches." I post daily with a weekly topic series.

In the past 17 months my readership has quadrupled. My search engine queries now account for over 40 % of my daily traffic. I have readers in every state and over 100 countries. In general, I stick to legal and parenting concerns on Motherly Law, but I can efficiently and effectively write on a number of topics.

I am available on a freelance basis and offer a variety of services:

• Legal Research with Written Summary
• Blog Writing
• Article Writing
• Conference/Event Panelist/Speaker Re: Legal & Social Media Issues

Writing Accomplishments and Recognitions

• Featured on Legal Current, a Thomson Reuters blog, March 2010
• Featured on Minn Post's Blog Cabin Numerous Times
• Featured on BlogHer Home Page Numerous Times
• Featured on MPR.org Minnesota News Fall 2010
• Featured on Twin Cities Spark, August 2010
• Featured in Star Tribune article, November 7, 2010
• Social Media Breakfast MSP, Social Media & the Law, Panelist, March 18, 2011, Eagan, MN
• Consumer Reports and U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Distracted Driving Forum, Panelist, March 7, 2011, Yonkers, NY
• Freelance Articles for CBS Local/WCCO

Please contact me to talk about your freelance researching or writing needs. I look forward to hearing from you: MotherlyLaw@yahoo.com; @MotherlyLaw {Twitter} & Motherly Law {Facebook} & Anna Berend {LinkedIn}

Anna Berend