I commented on a post in The Redhead Riter forum on Blog Frog. And then was alerted - thank you, Carol - that the comments weren't working anymore.

As you can imagine, I went insane trying to get things fixed. Unfortunately, I didn't have any idea why Disqus stopped working or what to do to fix it. So, I went social and to the source, more or less. That's when I got educated.

At the same time, or possibly because of my posts, a wonderful person (MHazell) showed up in comments on my second, never-used blog. He was offering a Disqus tip and, being a little over the edge, I unloaded on him. He cheerfully offered to help.

At the same time, Ryan at Disqus was digging into the problem from his end. Between the two of them, we got it fixed - mainly because Ryan pointed out that I had JavaScript on my pages that was breaking the Disqus code.

Given the fact that I hadn't added much new to the basic pages, it wasn't too difficult to diagnose the problem.

But, that wasn't my education.

What I learned is that some companies/software really care about their users. And some of their users really care about each other. And, what started the whole thing, some people make sure that, when they see a problem, they let someone know.

So, thank you Carol, and MHazell, and Ryan.

Sunset Reusable Tote Bag

This image is one of Arizona's amazing sunsets, taken from our parking lot. The colors are almost as beautiful in reality.

The tote is made from 100% cotton and has strong handles with reinforced stitching and measures 15.75"h x 15.25"w.

2012 Arizona Scenery Calendar

Spend a year in beautiful Arizona, with images that can only be found in the amazing Grand Canyon State.

This calendar comes in 13 different styles and 3 different sizes, with wire binding in 7 different colors.

And now for some brand new products:

Birds/Proverb Laptop Sleeve

Our latest Bird-in-a-Tree product also offers a humorous Chinese Proverb:

You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.

Made from 100% neoprene, this waterproof laptop sleeve comes in 3 sizes to fit every laptop.

Purple/Aqua Star Gel Mousepad

Sometimes it's deliberate; sometimes it's an accident. This star is the result of flipping and combining copies of a single graphic image. Who knew?!

This contoured oval mousepad features an ergonomic gel-pad wrist support and non-skid black plastic base, and measures 9 ¼"x10 ½";.

Hope that you have as much fun with our newest designs as I did making them. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Newborn Hat, Sweater, & Shoes

This newborn set consists of a cloche-style (brimless) hat, sleeveless sweater, and lace-up bootie shoes.

Crocheted in 3-ply baby yarn, this set is soft, comfy for baby, and easy on and off. Designed for little girls, there is a cute little flower on the hat with a simple bow in the center.

The main color makes up the bodice, trim, and ties on the sweater, as well as the upper on the shoes. We've crocheted the soles and ties of the shoes in the accent color - and just love the look!

Because not everyone wants / likes more than one color, we offer the option of ordering the set in a single color. It's just as lovely. And, as always, shipping is included in the price.

Hats, Mittens, and Booties

These sweet, warm baby hats, mittens, and booties simply must be seen to be believed. They are so cute, no matter what color.

This newborn set consists of a cloche-style (brimless) hat, mittens, and booties. Crocheted in 3-ply baby yarn, this set is soft, comfy, and stretches just enough to fit all newborns. All ties are done in white.

The booties and mittens are appropriate for boys, girls, and when you don't know yet. Simply pick the right colors for your baby / grandbaby, and we'll take it from there.

The flower is optional, as you can see. For boys, simply check 'No' and we'll leave it off.

With winter on it's way, it's a good time to think about keeping warm. And, because these items are small, they ship within 3 days of your order - for Free.

We are so excited about these new items. Hopefully, you will be, too. Please let us know what you think.

Newborn Hat, Sweater, & Shoes

This newborn set consists of a cloche-style (brimless) hat, sleeveless sweater, and lace-up bootie shoes.

Crocheted in 3-ply baby yarn, this set is soft, comfy for baby, and easy on and off. Designed for little girls, there is a cute little flower on the hat with a simple bow in the center.

The main color makes up the bodice, trim, and ties on the sweater, as well as the upper on the shoes. We've crocheted the soles and ties of the shoes in the accent color - and just love the look!

Because not everyone wants / likes more than one color, we offer the option of ordering the set in a single color. It's just as lovely. And, as always, shipping is included in the price.

Hats, Mittens, and Booties

These sweet, warm baby hats, mittens, and booties simply must be seen to be believed. They are so cute, no matter what color.

This newborn set consists of a cloche-style (brimless) hat, mittens, and booties. Crocheted in 3-ply baby yarn, this set is soft, comfy, and stretches just enough to fit all newborns. All ties are done in white.

The booties and mittens are appropriate for boys, girls, and when you don't know yet. Simply pick the right colors for your baby / grandbaby, and we'll take it from there.

The flower is optional, as you can see. For boys, simply check 'No' and we'll leave it off.

With winter on it's way, it's a good time to think about keeping warm. And, because these items are small, they ship within 3 days of your order - for Free.

We are so excited about these new items. Hopefully, you will be, too. Please let us know what you think.

The days and weeks leading up to that jolly holiday are the busiest for JMark Afghans. We, easily, get as many orders in the last third of the year as in the other eight months combined. And since we don't make it, until you order it, those four months can get pretty ... interesting.

Which is why we'd like to offer you a little Christmas-in-July gift, a reason to order early and order often.

From now, through August 31, we're running a Buy-One-Get-One special. Every order, over $150, will automatically include a matching lapghan - a minimum $40.00 value - at no extra charge. At 36" x 36", they are the perfect size to throw over your legs, wrap around your shoulders, or bundle up the baby.

And you just can't beat FREE!

Whether you're decorating a dorm room, jazzing up the den, or brightening up the bedroom, avoid the holiday rush and crush by ordering now. Then, when the snow is falling and shoppers are scurrying, you can sit back and gloat, just a little. Because you did your shopping - in July.

Today, I got slapped in my crocheting ego. Rather than use and toss the pads that come with the Swiffer WetJet, zillions of people-who-hate-cleaning - just like I do - are greening up Swiffer with reusable {blush} crocheted pads. Hence, the ego-bruising.

I can't believe that I didn't think of this. Color me supremely embarrassed. But - ha, ha - recovering quickly.

There are bits and pieces of yarn in my scrap bag that I think would be perfect for these pads. Woo hoo - I'm off to do some creating.

Keep watching - you may well be buying your very own Swiffer-ish scrub pads right here, real soon.

So far, I've been focused on stationery products -- letterhead, business cards, return address labels, envelopes, and a cute little postage stamp that's still awaiting approval.

But that won't last ...

I'm already imagining mousepads, mugs, aprons, totes -- a veritable flock of birds-in-trees. And, of course, we'll have to get a few of those birds out of those trees.

And, being a frugal sort, would really rather not have to buy one.

Frankly, I don't need another device. The laptop works just fine for most everything I do. (If it would just mop floors and clean toilets, I'd be in heaven.) So, it seems that getting software for the PC makes the most sense. Especially if I can find a free, reliable download.

Does anyone know anything about the free software, like Microsoft Reader or Mobipocket Reader that's out there? Do you use an eReader and, if so, which one? More importantly, what have you tried that didn't work?

Feel free to fill up the comments with your knowledge, wisdom, advice, and recommendations. I can use all the help I can get.

In order to make life a little easier, I took all of the information on the right side of this blog and threw it into a separate file. I then linked that file into all of my blog's page templates. Now, to update the templates, all I have to do is update one file - yay and hooray.

Or ... not.

Prior to that change, my PR on Alexa was steadily and happily improving. After? Let's just say the death spiral was impressive, unexpected, and supremely depressing.

This is where I point out that I am no SEO expert. I don't know how or why PR does a regular roller coaster imitation. Heck, I could even be wrong about the impact of the JavaScript changes.

To be on the safe side, I did put everything back where it was. But, if there's an SEO genius out there - who happens to be reading this - with a better idea? Please share heavily. Cuz the headache is just getting worse.

For now, I'm going to make some minor adjustments to the website templates, recompile my sitemap, and make an offering at the altar of the PR gods.

Maybe it's the natural ingredients - cucumber water, rosehips, and just a little jojoba - that take the place of heavy emollients, but NatureLuxe doesn't make my skin feel ... made up. And it creates a smooth base for everything else: blush, eyeshadow and liner (I don't wear mascara), without needing a ton of cover-up to hide the age spots and occasional breakouts. Not to mention, the fresh, clean smell.

Then we have the lip balm / gloss. At first, when I saw the color - let's be honest, shall we? - I freaked. The color is, in the tube, incredibly ... intense and I imagined having lips that came into the room 3 feet ahead of me. Not at all my style.

Again, gotta love being wrong.

As a lip gloss (with SPF 15, by the way), it is just a light, moist bit of color. Absolutely beautiful and, as a balm, it feels so soothing. Arizona weather, year-round, is hard on the skin; especially lips and eyes. This gloss is like a sigh, easing away the dryness while adding a touch of color and gorgeous shine.

Because my skin loves these products, I just have to share with my readers.

Happily, CoverGirl NatureLuxe and BzzAgent have provided several coupons for NatureLuxe foundation that will be the prizes in our first-ever giveaway. That's right, goodies for three, count 'em - three, lucky readers.

Starting next week - through May 12th, since I can't wait to give these coupons away - we'll be taking entries. On Friday the 13th, we'll announce the lucky winners. Can't do enough to make that day lucky, now can we?

So, keep coming back and get ready to win. I'm excited - and I hope you are, too.

Oh, and I'll be posting a picture - one side made up, one side not - so everyone can see that NatureLuxe works. (You won't be able to feel how great it is, but you'll see the difference.) If nothing else, you've just gotta come back to see the ... icky side - and admire my bravery. Please!?

Among other benefits, it means that our faithful readers will know first what Purex® is developing, where and when it goes on sale, and - most importantly - whether the products perform as promised.

Oh, and for those who follow us regularly - we're going to be offering chances to win free stuff.

As a new member of Purex Insiders, we're waiting with bated breath to see what goodies we'll receive first.

There are a couple of new products that are pretty intriguing: Purex® Complete with Zout® (detergent and pre-treater) and Purex® Complete Crystals™ Softener (softener added to the wash cycle). With all of the afghans we wash, the Crystals are something we can really use.

We already love Purex® Free & Clear, but generally don't mess with pre-treaters; it's an extra step that seems to be more work than help. And, face it, remembering to catch the rinse cycle for the fabric softener makes laundry day even more of a chore. I can't wait to see how these new products work and - with any luck - simplify an unavoidable job.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a Purex Insider. While I do receive complimentary sample products from the Purex® brand, my opinions are my own.

Happy Face T-Shirt

There is no such thing as too many tank tops. But, should this be a little too ... little for your taste, there are 50+ shirt styles available.

Although this shirt says, "Happiness Is - Chocolate ... Anything," whatever makes you happy is fair game. When you click on the page, the first thing you'll notice is a little personalization box on the right.

Simply type in what makes you happy - chocolate, a shoe sale, 10 days in Fiji - and that's what will print on your Happiness shirt.

Happy Face Coasters

This may seem like a silly idea, but stay with me here. What are your personal joys:

"Happiness Is" A Frosty Mug, A Cuppa Java, No Rings on My Table, Sleeping in on Monday - whatever it is, there is no reason to not put it on a coaster.

Heck, at your house Happiness may be having a matching set of coasters. {wink, wink; nod, nod}

Frankly, I don't think we've - even remotely - seen the last of this little guy. He's just too cute and there are far too many places that he can (and will) pop up.

And boring.

So, with a ruthlessness borne of a migraine (what was I thinking with all of that clutter?), I decided it was time to make everything much more simple. And, hopefully, a bit more interesting.

I fell in love with the flowers and really like the softer font for the blog title and the menu tabs. What do you think? Easier on the eye? more attractive than that mish-mash of colors?

Sadly, after driving myself crazy to find the twitter/facebook widget on the left, I'm not certain that I like it after all. The buttons are too big and it seems to really clutter up the look of the pages. Maybe something smaller, up on the right by the search bar?

Any opinions? Good or bad. Feel free to share heavily. I'm at the point where nothing looks right.

Guess it's time to take a break, have a smoke, and find something mindless to do.

Not to mention, I can crank down the heater, throw open a window, and sleep like a baby.

So, if you're tired of cold feet and outrageous heating bills, we'd be happy to help you thumb your nose at brutally cold days and sub-zero nights. (Our afghans are just as cozy for a nap on the sofa or a movie marathon in your favorite overstuffed chair.) And it couldn't be easier to get yours.

Quick Afghan 001 - Green

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Even here in good ol' AZ, we've got weeks of chilly nights ahead of us. For those brave souls who live further north or at higher elevations, winter has a much nastier attitude. Especially, it seems, this year.

Why suffer? Or spend a fortune on heating bills? We'll deliver a one-of-a-kind winter cure right to your front door.

With an emphasis on "Ohh, yummy!" - Eilenberger Bakery is a great place to start. It's hard to go wrong with a company that has been doing this since 1898. (I'm hiding this page from Mark, who is a died-in-the-wool chocolate and fruitcake junkie.)

And homemade goodies that don't involve destruction of my itty-bitty kitchen? Marvelous!

Okay, I'm a citrus junkie! I confess! Lemons and limes, oranges and grapefruits! Ohh, and tangerines and tangelos! The tart and sweet "Ohh, yummy!" in my life.

The average store sells fruit that was harvested long before it was ripe, in order to (hopefully) have it appear ripe when it hits that store. Wouldn't you love better?!

We're heading into the biggest travel time of the year - Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It's stressful enough, battling crowds and dealing with airport security; why pay more than you have to? The earlier you book, the better. But many great last minute deals are available, too.

Check out the possibilities and take a little of the angst out of your holidays.

With everything more expensive today than it was yesterday, knowing where to turn and what to do can be daunting.

May I suggest turning down the heat and turning up the warmth - with a cozy, comfy, one-of-a-kind Afghan? When going out is too expensive, why not cuddle up on the couch and pop in your favorite DVD? A big bowl of popcorn and you're all set.

Don't wait for Christmas - order now. Remember 15% of every Afghan order goes to help Rachel Hunnicutt-Knight. What better gift to give this year?

I also found, looking back at last November, that I was writing about protecting grizzlies, cell phones taking offense and hiding, hand dryers and H1N1, cheesecake recipes, and a myriad of other odd musings.

Revisiting previous posts may seem silly. But, honestly? What better way to see what topics were most important, how life was treating us, and whether my 'voice' has changed over time? That last one may be the most important.

It helps me see where software and/or processes might be impeding my spontaneity and creativity. Where my work focuses too much on how it looks, rather than what I want to say. I've run across a couple of posts from more than a year ago that, I felt, were incredibly well-written. Perhaps better than some of the more recent articles.

That gives me a lot to think about. And inspires me to get my new 2011 calendars and start planning an exciting new year of articles and posts - pointing my energies in the right direction. Have you started thinking about the new year; plans for 2011?