I Am Feeling A Bit Novemberish Today
Fall In Slow Motion
Here in the former colonies — the US, that is — we are well into the fall season. In my area of central North Carolina it seems like September as the air is still warm and the trees are changing their colors in slow motion. I have a feeling that I’ll be doing a lot of raking come January and February!
Thanksgiving Is Not What It Used To Be
Like it or not, the retail industry is gearing up for their annual holiday season rush now that Halloween has passed by. Thanksgiving, which is one of my favorite holidays, is on the 22nd of November this year — always the fourth Thursday, but the earliest possible date that it can be celebrated. Thanksgiving isn’t a religious holiday, but it is day that the federal government has declared that Americans should give thanks to God for all that we have and for His ongoing protection.
I only wish we Americans would spend more time being thankful on Thanksgiving instead of allowing the day to get run over by the Christmas rush. Some stores which used to close on that day are now open to allow shoppers to get an early start with their shopping — that stinks for employees who would rather enjoy the time off and are required to work.
Sending Off New Work Proposals
That being said, I have one eye on the calendar and my other eye on the keyboard this morning. With just two months left to 2007, there are some things I want to accomplish before 2008 rolls in.
Some of my personal goals are business related, e.g., complete a handful of ongoing projects and line up two or three new customers. With the latter, that quest involves writing proposals letters, making phone calls, and sending out clips. If the customer is local, we’ll arrange a face to face visit as well.
A Friend Refers Me To A Friend
Yesterday, I sent off a note to a friend of a friend who publishes a regional magazine for baby boomers (my generation), and I plan to follow up that note with a phone call to the publisher next week. I’m just thankful that my friend knows this person as it makes it easier to get an introduction. Publishers are very busy as it is and seldom entertain cold calling.
Google Analytics Delivers A Wealth Of Positive Information
Finally, November reminds me of one more thing — check October’s web stats. I must admit that I peek at my statistics on a regular basis but it was nice to see that this site had its best month ever and my revived site, CabinManagers, is off to a strong rebound too.
I hope that your year is going well too — what are your plans over the next two months?
Tags: article proposals, Cabin Managers, Google Analytics, November, October, query letters, web stats, Writing
General, Writing | Matthew C. Keegan, 1 Nov 07
By sebastienne, November 1, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
Let me be the first to greet you Happy Thanksgiving! Which just means that Christmas is just around the corner.
By affiliate elite, November 1, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Let me tell you that here in Greece we are still going swimming and wearing our summer clothes. Have a nice November and hopefully will get colder soon..
By Matt, November 1, 2007 @ 2:04 pm
Sebastienne: Thanks, friend! Yes, you are the first person to extend Thanksgiving greetings to me. The same to you!
Affliate Elite: Ah, Greece! Sound lovely. Our ocean waters are still very warm, 74 degrees fahrenheit, so warm weather like this makes swimming possible even in November.
By Laura, November 1, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
It sounds like you have a busy month planned!
By Matt, November 1, 2007 @ 5:31 pm
Laura, I’m hoping that it works out that way. I have several query letters out there and am hoping that some will pan out.
By sintra, November 2, 2007 @ 2:57 am
Well, here in Romania we have the same problem: the consumerism is turning our traditions into marketing mechanisms. And not only this, but lately the retailers and media promote imported holidays – as Haloween (with pumpkins and costumes etc)- we celebrate a similar All Saints’ Day, but Haloween was never a tradition here. Still, it is fun
By Matt, November 2, 2007 @ 6:53 am
Sintra, Halloween is crazy here — a bit out of control with adults dressing up more than the kids. Our children aren’t into trick or treating, instead we take them to alternate events run by churches which feature rides, food, and candy.
As you probably know, Bram Stroker took your Vlad Dracul historical figure (Vlad the Impaler) and renamed him Dracula, the blood sucking vampire. Halloween is also known as All Hallows Eve, the day before All Saints Day which is still celebrated by some in the US.
Yes, if there is a marketing angle where a buck can be made, I’m sure that you’ll see more of the same as time goes on.
By Elixir Blogger, November 2, 2007 @ 6:14 pm
Hardly feels like November when it’s still in the high 80s & sunny (unseasonably warm for Arizona). However, I know it’s November because the Xmas commercials starting airing yesterday and all the Halloween stuff is now 75% off.
My 2 month plan includes participating in NaNoWriMo again, getting my personal blogs in shape, and taking an actual (if short) vacation trip to Vegas.
By samira, November 9, 2007 @ 7:20 am
I’m just looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with my dearest friends accompanied by a wonderful feast… Very thankful for that…!
Enjoy the last months of the year & take care!
By Matt, November 9, 2007 @ 7:29 am
Thanks, Samira. Best to you and enjoy the waning weeks of 2007 too!