Ramblings-n-Writings

How does the map work? Hummingbird watchers report the date they see their first hummer, and the date is logged on a huge map of the U.S. and Canada. The dates are also color-coded. In fact, the first hummingbirds for 2008 were reported this week in the Gulf Coast area!

If you are curious to know when hummers will arrive in your area, there is an archive of maps from the previous years so you can figure out the approximate date. From studying the archives as well as logging our first hummer last year, I know to hang up my feeders between April 15 and 20. (Update 4/17/08 – I saw my first hummer for 2008! About 8 p.m. tonight he buzzed by the kitchen window. I put the feeders out on 4/10 because a hummer was spotted in W.Va. on 4/9. Guess ours was a little slower getting here. I’m hoping this is one of ours and not one passing through.)

If your feeders are hanging at the right time, the more chance you have of attracting new hummingbirds. (Hummingbirds tend to return to the same locations each year, but you can occasionally pick up a few new hummers.) Plus having an accurate date helps ensure the sugar water is fresh when the hummers fly in.

Last year, we averaged about 8 hummers on an hourly basis although at times we counted as many as 11 at our two feeders. At times I wondered if we would need to install an air traffic control tower on our front porch! Across the street at my in-laws, they averaged about 6 hummers. I realize some hummers used both of our feeders, but I think we also had some that didn’t because of territorial lines.

Oh, the site also has great information about caring for your feeders, what to feed your hummers (forget buying the stuff in the store – plain sugar and water works great), as well as all the plants that attract hummingbirds. If you’ve never had hummingbirds, give it a try this year. You will be delighted and fascinated by these flying wonders. They also make great photography subjects too!

Question 1: I can’t bear the sound of _____. Plastic snack bags (like chip or pretzel bags) crinkling while I’m sleeping because someone is having a snack
Question 2: I would love to time-travel back to _____. Civil War era, Victorian England
Question 3: Shop alone, shop with mom, or shop with friends? Mainly shop alone although I haven’t shopped with my mom in forever
Question 4: Worst movie ever? I don’t remember the name of the movie, but it’s about two people who go deep sea diving but get left behind in the middle of the ocean with sharks. It was based on a true story and I’m sure it was traumatic for them, but the movie was awful and boring.
Question 5: Have you ever had your heart broken (by the opposite sex…not by a family member or close friend)? Who hasn’t?
Bonus Questions
Question 6: In what area of your life have you felt the most judged (by others or even self condemnation)? Hmmm…
Question 7 (related to #6): Are you now free from that judgment, and how did you get free if you are? Once I figure out #6, I’ll let you know
Question 8: What is one new way you could be a blessing to your pastor (or other ministers) this year? Definitely faithfully praying

For more Know & Tell Fridays, click here.

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about Associated Content and submitting articles for payment. (My articles seem to be doing well in page views – better than I expected but maybe I didn’t expect a lot.) Anyway, if you are interested in writing for Suite 101, the concept is very similar to Associated Content. The application process is a little more complicated compared to Associated Content, and Suite 101 seems to have better written articles. Personally, my experience with Suite 101 is incredibly limited so far – I’ve applied and been accepted, so my knowledge as far as writing for them pretty much stops there. My understanding is that you do work with an editor and receive constructive feedback on your articles. (Associated Content has content managers who provide little or no feedback on your content other than changing your article titles, a habit I find highly annoying.) Suite 101′s goal is to make you a better writer as well as maintain quality content on the site, and their structure is set up to achieve that.

If you are interested in writing for Suite 101, stop by My Writing Journey for a great article on “Why You Should Write for Suite 101.”

If you have other sites that you write for as a freelancer, I’d love to know about the site to feature in future Writing Wednesdays.