Jen Ruiz has done it! She has written a book that is informative and entertaining, while also being incredibly HELPFUL. New writers like me often wonder…am I a content creator, a negotiator, a marketing professional, or an influencer…or will I really be able to DO all those things? Her book has boosted my confidence and my determination to do it all and to BE all those things and more. Thank you, Jen Ruiz for writing this HOW TO book for bloggers.
FROM BLOG TO BUSINESS walks us through every little question and quandry. This HOW TO book for bloggers gives great advice on topics like Publicity, Digital Courses, and Media Kits. There are lots of links and free resources. Jen Ruiz has kindly explained in FROM BLOG TO BUSINESS so many quirks, concepts, titles, and terms that I had heard yet not fully understood. The author speaks with authority on blogging issues that are often quite confusing to newbies. She is open and honest about SEO, marketing, conferences, and so much more that every content creator has to deal with. This book is destined to become my main reference source as I continue to navigate this new-to-me world of blogging.
Jen Ruiz has a wonderfully helpful new book.
THANK YOU, Jen Ruiz of https://jenonajetplane.com/ for “From Blog to Business:How to Make Money Blogging & Work From Anywhere”.
Doctor Jonathan S. Appelbaum has an extensive list of service, honors, and memberships. He has been involved in the writing of at least twenty-nine publications. He is a medical doctor, college professor, speaker, mentor, and writer. He is an expert in HIV & AIDS, HIV & aging, LGBT, and Primary Care.
You might assume that this terribly busy man has no time or interest in making small talk with a stranger. You might also assume that he would come across as pompous and pretentious. Nothing, absolutely nothing, could be further from the truth and you would be wrong on all counts.
Here is just a small part of his background information, which I easily accessed online while preparing for our meeting.
Bio Dr. Appelbaum is a Professor in Clinical Sciences at the FSU College of Medicine. He is the Laurie L. Dozier Jr., MD, Education Director and Professor of Internal Medicine. Doctor Appelbaum was founding Core Faculty for the FSUCOM-TMH Internal Medicine Residency, Internal Medicine, FSU. His clinical work is now at Care Point Health and Wellness in Tallahassee, Florida.
Prior to that, he was Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Medical Director for Brigham & Women’s Physician Group in Massachusetts. He worked with Boston’s Fenway Community Health and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Appelbaum was the founding medical director for the Hospice of Northeastern Connecticut.
Education B.A. (with Honors in Chemistry), cum laude, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, 1975. M.D. University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 1979. Internal Medicine Residency, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA, 1979-1982. Board Certified, Internal Medicine, 1982. Board Certified, Geriatric Medicine, 1988, 1998, 2008, 2018. Board Certified, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 1994, 2006. Credentialed, American Academy of HIV Medicine, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018.
You can probably see why I initially assumed that I would feel a bit out of my league trying to talk with him. As it turns out, the good doctor is incredibly genial and gracious. We sat outside on a gorgeous Spring morning in Florida. We welcomed the warmth of the weather and the warmth of the genuinely great conversation.
Our Interview
Can you describe your job in one simple sentence?
I take care of patients and teach medical students.
What are the biggest rewards from your job?
The variety of my day and my continued relationship with my patients and my interactions with my students.
Dr. Appelbaum near image of Hippocrates “Father of Medicine”.
What else do you like most about your work?
I love living in Tallahassee and working at FSUCOM and Care Point Health and Wellness Center.
How did you become a spokesperson for Care Point Health and Wellness?
I have been involved with Big Bend Cares for at least twelve years. It was just a natural transition for me as the Medical Director when the clinical practice moved into the new Care Point facility in 2017. I am proud to tell people about our remarkable variety of services offered at Care Point.
Care Point Health and Wellness Center.
How did you first become involved in the HIV/ AIDS cause?
In the 1980’s most people were afraid of this new thing called AIDS. A number of doctors were asked to care for HIV/AIDS patients, but I was the only one in my area who was willing to serve them.
What are your thoughts about the upcoming “Artopia” event?
“Artopia” is a wonderful fund raiser for Big Bend Cares that gets bigger every year. I love to hear about how Tallahassee people look forward to it and their participation makes such a great difference for HIV positive individuals in eight counties. The deadline for donating a piece of artwork for the auction is June 11th, so there is still time for more creative people to take part.
HIV positive help is available at Big Bend Cares.
What is your biggest strength or best quality?
Engagement and organization. I consider myself to be entirely down to earth, approachable, and humble.
Why should others respect what you do?
Because I am dedicated to caring for underserved and marginalized patients. I love how that fits so perfectly with the mission of the FSU College of Medicine.
What makes your town a great travel destination?
Tallahassee is a college town with great weather and close to beaches. It is a great destination for those who enjoy being outside.
Where would you like to travel (for the 1st time)?
Key West, I’m actually planning a trip there in November.
Where would you like to travel (again)?
I hope to return to both California and Hawaii. I would revisit the area of Connecticut where I grew up because New England is so nice in the milder seasons.
Which are you more passionate about: Food, Art, or Music?
Food…that is why I gained my COVID-19!
What do you picture when I say, “Food as Art”?
I picture going to a fine restaurant and being amazed by the presentation of the food. I envision an appetizer that looks so phenomenal, yet I can’t even imagine what it is.
How do you spark your creativity?
That is a great question. I’m not the most creative person. I did try playing piano and doing woodwork, but discovered they weren’t really for me. I am, however, quite good at taking other people’s ideas and modifying and enhancing them.
What hobbies or activities most help you destress?
Reading, working out, or bike riding. My husband and I enjoy gardening at our home in Monticello.
What is the most FUN thing you have ever done?
That would definitely have to be zip-lining in Nicaragua. I have gone there frequently on mission trips. I have some fear of heights but decided I should do it anyway and am so glad I did.
How should people talk about uncomfortable issues?
People should always be up front about all issues, no matter how unpleasant or uncomfortable.
What makes you an EXUBERANT person?
My dry sense of humor?
That’s all?
I’m a glass-half-full optimist and a social people person. I enjoy clinical work, educating, and mentoring. I truly love my career and at age 67 I have no plans to retire.
What message would you like to send to the world?
I would advise everyone to seek peace and love and learn how to accept others.
— — — — — — —
Jonathan Appelbaum is erudite without being arrogant. He cares deeply for marginalized people. He lives out his truth, faces his fears, and embraces his passion. It was a tremendous honor to get to know him.
The mountains in the state of Georgia are an ideal place to breathe fresh air and allow yourself to completely relax. Up in the northeastern corner you will find Rabun county filled with tiny towns that are packed with beauty.
What is there to do in a tiny mountain town? In Rabun county you can find cozy rental cabins, lovely lakes, and tons of outdoor area to leisurely explore and photograph. Or if you prefer a more active and physical adventure, then hike, bike, climb, camp, fish, and swim to your heart’s content.
Still not enough? How about checking out some of the numerous community markets, wineries, distilleries, and golf clubs? Now that is guaranteed to keep you as busy as you want to be for as long as you wish to be. Here are a few suggestions to ponder as you plan your road trip to Rabun county, Georgia.
From 9am until 2pm every Saturday (May through October) the Community Market is your best spot to find all the best stuff from all the best local growers and makers. Find art, crafts, produce, honey, homemade treats, and more than the mind can handle. There is often live music and there is always something for everyone. Located at the pavilion at 201 South Savannah Street in the town of Clayton. Also in Clayton is Moonrise Distillery https://moonrisedistillery.com/ or Kingwood Resort and Winery https://kingwoodresort.com/ or the Proper Pub .
Now let’s say you’d rather start exploring at the very tip top town in this part of Georgia, well that would be Sky Valley. Here you can find the ( https://www.skyvalleycountryclub.com/ ) Sky Valley Golf and Country Club. Lots of artisan shops, restaurants, yard sales, and breath-taking mountain views abound.
Just to the south is Dillard, quite well-known for the Dillard House boarding house and restaurant http://www.dillardhouse.com/restaurant/ . Also has an amazing amount of antique shops. Find a full line of whiskey and bourbon at https://www.rmroseco.com/ R.M. Rose Distillers.
Next little place to the south is Rabun Gap, admittedly one of my favorites. This is where the Sylvan Falls Mill Bed and Breakfast https://www.sylvanfallsmill.com/ will amaze you with their great food and their own private waterfall! Yes, so very awesome.
Well, that is just a sampling of the wonderful and delightful finds in the mountains of Rabun county, Georgia. I wish you happy vacation planning. Do be sure to let me know if you went there and what you liked about it. Thank you.
Oh, travel! Such a glorious and joyful discovery waits around every corner. For almost one year I have been sharing interviews, articles, and ideas about exuberant people and places in the southern USA. Now I am ready to share with you my current bucket list.
Always on the search for whimsical art.
This list includes at least three places I want to visit in each of the 13 states that I cover. The things I am most eager to see are whimsical art, unusual museums, natural beauty, and a great mix of big city highlights or small town charm.
Just one example of a lovely view. An old barn could definitely be found in many small towns.
YOU NEED TO share your own unique feedback about these choices. What did YOU see and do in any of these spots? Travel blogs like this are SO MUCH better when good folks like you take time to give helpful comments.
Here are my bucket list destinations, as they stand at this moment.
ALABAMA: Florence & the “Shoals” ; Forkland ; Selma
ARKANSAS: Eureka Springs ; Fayetteville ; Fort Smith
FLORIDA: Key Biscayne ; Key Largo ; Key West
GEORGIA: Blue Ridge; Ellijay; “Pasaquan” near Buena Vista
KENTUCKY: Lexington ; Morehead ; Paducah
LOUISIANA: Covington ; Natchitoches ; Shreveport
MISSOURI: Branson ; Novelty ; St. Louis
MISSISSIPPI: Jackson ; Leland ; Natchez
NORTH CAROLINA: Fayetteville; Kill Devil Hills; Raleigh; Wilson
WEST VIRGINIA: Charleston; Charles Town; Harpers Ferry; Morgantown
There you have it…my 13 southern states bucket list. Remember, if your favorite town is not on the list, perhaps I have already been there. I really hope you will take just a minute to add your positive comments about any town which IS ON this list. Thank you.
Congratulations to Travis Napper for achieving his one-year anniversary as Director of Arkansas Tourism!
As we all know, 2020 was a strange and difficult year. For Travis Napper that included moving from Louisiana and starting a new job during a pandemic. He credits his easy-going personality and the love of a beautiful family for keeping him humble and focused on the potential of a great future in Arkansas.
After the recent Arkansas Governors Conference on Tourism, Director Napper was gracious enough to answer a few of my questions.
Arkansas Director of Tourism Travis Napper
Can you describe your job in one sentence?
As the Director of Arkansas Tourism, I try to get people to visit the state of Arkansas!
What are the biggest rewards from your job?
Knowing the impacts that we have in so many communities across the state, from tiny towns to the largest cities. Each destination has something unique to share that travelers will be interested in, and we get to help tell their stories to a larger audience and amplify their message.
What else do you enjoy about the position?
The places I get to see and promote are incredible and so is learning about the people and stories behind each location.
Should others respect what you do?
Yes, because we are promoting the act of making lifetime memories and connecting people. Also, if a location is a good place to visit, then it is a good place to live. Tourism is about so much more than traveling – it is also about quality of life.
What place (besides Arkansas) tops your bucket list right now?
I would love to see Montana.
What place would you like to revisit?
I would enjoy another visit to Montreal, especially during the summer.
What are some of the best things about Arkansas?
Arkansas is known as “The Natural State”, so obviously our natural beauty is what stands out. But the joy of promoting an entire state is the diversity of experiences that you get to share. Arkansas has such a great mix, from the capital city of Little Rock in the central part of the state, to the corridor of Fayetteville/Rogers/Bentonville in the northwestern part of the state. We have urban and rural, we have food, fun, art, music…Arkansas really does have all you need.
Finally, what are some of your personal passions?
That would have to include food, art, and great conversations. In my alone time I enjoy reading. Of course, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I love to throw the ball with my son.
About Arkansas Tourism Arkansas Tourism, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, strives to expand the economic impact of travel and tourism in the state and enhance the quality of life for all Arkansans. The division manages 14 Arkansas Welcome Centers and employs more than 60 staff members across The Natural State. For more information, visit www.arkansas.com .
Many thanks to both Director of Tourism Travis Napper and Communications Manager Leah DiPietro for all your great information!
This is a story about family, faith, autism, and art. There was a sweet young African American girl who grew up in a nice family. Read this story to discover how she grew to embrace those who have obsessions. Find out how and why this became her obsession.
Her dad was in the military and they moved around often, living overseas and in several states. They moved to Tallahassee, Florida when he retired. She and her sister would each find unique and beautiful ways to express their creativity.
BETTY
The girl, Betty, was very smart and determined. She was not exactly sure what she would do with her life, but she knew it would involve helping others. She studied hard and eventually earned a master’s degree in Social Work at Florida State University.
NIJAH
Right after college she had a vision. In it she was helping young people, many with developmental disorders on the autism spectrum. Then she gave birth to a darling daughter whom she named Nijah. Difficulties in socializing and communicating led to Nijah being diagnosed with autism. Betty had a strong faith and did a lot of praying. She knew that this was totally a God thing, and that He would guide her in knowing what to do.
Betty and Nijah have been through a lot while learning about autism, about one another, and about life. A common component of autism is intense obsessing on only one topic. Betty wants to inform people that obsession does not have to be an obstacle. It can be reframed and reimagined to become a clear path that can pave the way to a career. Nijah is obsessed with art, so Betty is showing her how to translate her passion and skills into a livelihood.
Everyone can create and have fun at Obsessions.
OBSESSIONS
About four years ago, Betty opened a business named Obsessions. It is part gift shop, part arts and crafts, and part educational experience. According to this amazing owner, Betty Proctor, Obsessions is “a joyful place where young and old can socialize and create items like paintings and greeting cards”.
Find arts, crafts, gifts, and new friends.
MPAC
Obsessions is operated hand in hand with Betty’s nonprofit organization MPAC, which stands for Motivating People through Arts and Crafts. Through these two joint ventures, Betty Proctor promotes art, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to enhance life skills and leadership. Betty says it is so rewarding to help those with autism to learn, grow, and have fun.
Interviewing her was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Since I am primarily a travel writer, I just had to ask a few travel questions. She reports that one of her favorite beach spots is Destin, Florida, and that she would love to go back for more travel in San Francisco and in Germany. She would love to encourage visitors to choose Tallahassee as a great destination for dining, shopping, and fabulous photo opportunities.
Betty Proctor is impressive and inspiring.
THE MESSAGE
I asked her what makes her an exuberant person and what message might she wish to share with the world. Here is her reply, “What I do now is a faith walk in which God is with me and leads the right people to me. It is all for the good and has given me confidence. I’m driven to show that every human being is valuable and has so much to offer. No one should ever be discounted just because they have a label.”
Betty Proctor and her daughter Nijah invite you to visit Obsessions at 681 Industrial Drive in Tallahassee, Florida. It is in the Railroad Square Arts District. You can contact them here: https://www.facebook.com/obsessionsgifts
So now you know the story about Betty, the lady who embraces obsessions. Her story is impressive and admirable. She has turned adversity into advantage. She has turned sadness into joy. She thrives on matters of family, faith, autism, and art. This world needs many more folks like Betty Proctor.
If you have long dreamed of a vacation home in Florida but felt it wasn’t justifiable to go ahead with it, take a second look. Purchasing and maintaining a home in sunny Florida can become an affordable reality. Whether you are a retiree or a small-time real estate investor, your dream of a southern home is well within reach.
Southern culture can be so alluring. People who are interested in learning more should check out Embrace Southern States, a website dedicated to all the best aspects of the southern United States. Your journey to owning property in the beautiful south is just beginning. Enjoy each step of the planning process and learn how your real estate investment can earn you money.
Making Money with Your Florida Property
There are a variety of ways your new property can pay for itself. Whether you opt to rent directly to a tenant or go through a company like Airbnb, renting your property can be a profitable endeavor. If you live a distance from Florida, consider hiring a cleaner to prep the home between rentals. Property management companies can maintain your yard to ensure that it is up to your standards while you are away.
If your property has the land capacity and the right vibes, consider developing a small-venue events area. An outdoor area with beautiful gardens and arbors could offer a terrific backdrop for a small wedding or photo shoot. Your property may have more income-potential than it seems, and these varying strategies could end up paying the mortgage on the new home and even put additional money into your pocket.
Regardless of what sort of rental plan you devise, you can protect yourself and your assets from potential litigation by establishing a limited liability company (LLC) for your vacation rental business. Developing an LLC will ensure that your personal assets are protected in the event of a lawsuit from a renter. As you develop your LLC, you can hire a lawyer or use a formation service, which is considerably less expensive. Saving money on a property is important for most people; there are ways to reduce your real estate costs and get the most for your money.
Buying a Reduced-Cost Property in the South
Affordable housing can be hard to come by, but if you know what to look for, you can find a home that meets your needs and fits your budget. Given the events of the pandemic, many people are looking to sell, which means your housing selection will be greater. To find a less expensive home, look for houses that may need a little work. Minor home repairs can be completed with relative ease if you are handy with tools.
Buying property over time is another option for purchasing a home in Florida. Owner financing can be inexpensive as long as you have legal guidance on how to protect yourself and a contract that outlines details of the long-term transaction. Weigh all the pros and cons and be sure to investigate the property details to ensure that you are getting into a safe, legal situation.
As you make your plans for southern property ownership, keep in mind that your lifestyle is going to change in amazing ways.
Be Prepared for Heat and Happiness
Southern life is where it’s at. There is no doubt that the notorious southern hospitality, positive vibes, and incredible food will win you over from your first visit to your final move. If you have spent time in the southern states, you will know how important it is to have a plan for managing the heat. Invest in a quality air conditioning system that will keep you comfortable in your southern dream home.
If the south is calling, take a listen. Explore properties and make your Florida home ownership hopes a reality. With some creative planning, your property can pay for itself.
