Disqus - Latest Comments for 5donnahull9

Re: Our top secrets to writing daily

Donna Hull — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 12:00:43 -0000

Don't wait for inspiration or the perfect setting for writing. Every day, sit down and write, even if what you're writing isn't perfect. The act of putting the words down will become a habit and the words will get better. You can always go back and edit. Also, know which time of the day is your most prolific writing time (for me, it's in the morning before noon). Guard those hours from other intrusions, if you can.

Re: Are Cruises and All-Inclusive Vacations Really Travel?

Donna Hull — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 14:02:21 -0000

I so agree with you, Holly. In my book, there's no right or wrong way to travel or vacation. The most important thing is to get out into the world, no matter which way you choose.

Re: Blogger Outreach Complete Guide for PR Experts

Donna Hull — Wed, 28 May 2014 13:11:01 -0000

You raise some valuable and interesting points. But I would caution about using blog comments as a sign of engagement. The reader who will buy your client's product, book, services does not typically comment on blogs. They may read them, interact with the blog's social media pages but not necessarily comment on the blog itself. I find that most blogging comments come from others in the blogging community.

One beef I have with PR, is when a rep emails me to promote a company's contest or special offer on social media. To me, that's more of a marketing function and I deserve to be paid for my efforts. Sending me on a trip to learn about a destination for story research is not something that requires extra pay, unless the content that results is copy for your client's website.

I would also add that there are many legitimate bloggers who are excellent writers, storytellers and engagers but, for whatever reason, choose not to belong to any professional organizations or vetted blogger collectives. Please don't overlook them.

Re: Wellfleet Today Blog - Chez Sven Launches New Web Site

Donna Hull — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:35:01 -0000

Congratulations. Great new look for the Chez Sven website.

Re: Wellfleet Today Blog - Enough Winter Already

Donna Hull — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 10:22:45 -0000

Brave men indeed. Are there statistics on how many times a winter they had to perform lifesaving duties? Makes me shiver just to think about it.

Re: 10 Ways to Use Evernote like a Pro

Donna Hull — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 18:49:49 -0000

I use Evernote for almost everything involved with my business: invoices, planning notes, blogging schedule, a list of duties for my assistant, advertising records and social media posting schedule. Love it!

Re: My Three Words for 2014

Donna Hull — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:26:58 -0000

My three words
Fun. And if I'm having fun that leads to
Optimism, which fuels my
Creativity

Re: Project Louise: An American Everywoman Sets Out To Get Healthier

Donna Hull — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 12:45:05 -0000

Good for you and good luck with your healthy life changes. I embarked on a One Healthy Change a Month in 2013 and will continue in 2014. It's documented here http://myitchytravelfeet.co... (hope it's okay to leave a link). The idea is that lots of changes at one time can be overwhelming and ineffective. Good luck to you!

Re: The Times They Are A-Changin’…

Donna Hull — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 23:08:25 -0000

Aww, Jane, thanks for the complement. But there are times all I want to do is write, skip all the other junk and get those words onto my computer screen. I'm thinking of declaring one day a week as a writing day, maybe not even turn on social media. I can't say don't turn on the internet because I rely more and more on it for research.

Re: The Times They Are A-Changin’…

Donna Hull — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:33:54 -0000

It's so easy to become burned out in the blogging world. Writing and then running the business end of things is brutal. And as we 60+ gals know, the energy just isn't there the way it used to be. Thanks for turning the conversation our way. I'm looking forward to reading more.

Re: A Little Update… Recent Press and a NYC Visit

Donna Hull — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 11:30:15 -0000

Congratulations, Shannon. It's wonderful to see so many good things happening for you.

Re: Wellfleet Today Blog - Friends Choose Chez Sven

Donna Hull — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 14:14:44 -0000

Wise words on friendship. I haven't kept up with any high school friends but I have one college friend who's been there for me (and vice versa) through good times and bad.

Re: 5 Adventurous and Affordable Fall Vacation Spots for Baby Boomers

Donna Hull — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 23:03:46 -0000

You are right. As a boomer travel and lifestyle authority (I've published articles on boomer topics for the last 5 years), I'm aware that the only boomers who are technically senior citizens are the ones born in 1946, 1947 and 1948. Lots more to come!

And, sorry, didn't mean to sound argumentative. Actually I read the article too quickly and missed part of the slant about senior discounts. I think the headline confused me. I assumed the story would be about all boomers rather then senior boomers. And yet, at the end, it turned out to be about all boomers. I'll slow down my reading next time.

Re: 5 Adventurous and Affordable Fall Vacation Spots for Baby Boomers

Donna Hull — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 19:54:37 -0000

Uh, only the first year of baby boomers has become seniors. I'm sure the boomers who are still under 50 won't appreciate being called a senior citizen. Good tips for fall shoulder season travel though. I'd also add Vancouver Island, the Caribbean and Germany, you can find great deals in those destinations right now.

Re: 5 Ways to Avoid Steep Airline Baggage Fees (Edit)

Donna Hull — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 12:59:47 -0000

Great tips for avoiding baggage fees, Jan. I recently had to return to checking a bag due to back surgery. Sometimes you have to weigh your options about traveling strictly with a carryon. Paying for a checked bag (which I usually avoid by flying Delta as a medallion member), is cheaper than visiting a doctor at your destination...or even worse...being airlifted home due to a back injury.

Re: Wellfleet Today Blog - Renovated Bungalow Adds to Commercial Street Charm

Donna Hull — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 11:53:25 -0000

Lovely cottage.

Re: Wellfleet Today Blog - What Does Wellfleet Smell Like?

Donna Hull — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 11:52:45 -0000

Now that I live in Montana, the smell of fresh cut hay in a farmer's field is the most evocative summer smell for me. Although I've never visited Cape Cod, your aroma descriptions have piqued my interest. I love the smell of the sea.

Re: 5 US Parks You Don’t Know About Yet…But You Should

Donna Hull — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 16:15:36 -0000

I absolutely agree with Dead Point State Park in Utah. Add in the fact that Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are close by (two of the less crowded national parks) and you have a 3-time winner.

Re: A Little Redesign … Introducing a New Look for A Little Adrift :)

Donna Hull — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 14:23:16 -0000

Congratulations on the new look! It's beautiful and easy to navigate. Nice.

Re: Join Me On Silver Spirit Voyage 5320, Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Venice, Italy

Donna Hull — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 16:25:39 -0000

My husband and I will be sailing on Silver spirit from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale this fall. After reading your reports, we can't wait!

Re: 5 Ways to Get a Hiking High

Donna Hull — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 12:09:24 -0000

Great tips, Bob. Hiking in the outdoors is wonderful combination of rejuvenation and relaxation. I find that hiking poles help with posture. And since I'm in the boomer generation hiking poles also aid with stability especially coming down steep slopes.

Re: Wellfleet Today Blog - Predators, Large and Small

Donna Hull — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 12:42:15 -0000

The lab that studies Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, which is caused by ticks, is located in my Montana Valley. It's hard to imagine how something so small can cause such damage. There are many things to watch out for in nature, like grizzly bears or white sharks or ticks that carry Lyme disease and mosquitos that carry Black Nile Virus. The best that we can do is be knowledgeable about how to avoid them. But, by all means, don't give up your time in nature because it's so good for you in other ways.

Re: How to capture the perfect holiday fireworks photo

Donna Hull — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 09:43:22 -0000

Great advice and a lovely fireworks photos. For those of us who are casual photographers, use the fireworks programmed setting on your point and shoot. If you don't have a tripod, placing the camera on something solid, like a post, will help too.

Re: Hunt, Gather, Sauté

Donna Hull — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 15:03:00 -0000

Thanks for explaining about what a professional forager does. Very interesting. And I agree that there's a special quality to foods from local sources. I just experienced it last week at The Pointe Restaurant, Wickanninsh Inn in Tofino where the salad greens are from just up the road in Ucluelet.

Re: Wellfleet Today Blog - Should GMOs Have Labels?

Donna Hull — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:36:29 -0000

What I want to know is how can we be sure that non-GMO seed hasn't been contaminated? An organic pig farmer (yes, there is such a thing) in Missouri told me that all soy is contaminated, even when it's labeled non-GMO. And what are the requirements for non-GMO? Is it 100% non-GMO? This same farmer told me that the non-GMO label is determined by percentage and once the contamination is below a certain level (sorry, I don't remember what it is), then the seed company or food manufacturer can claim non-GMO status even with small amounts of GMO in the product.