The Journal of the Traveling Squid

Fellowship, Goodwill and Making Connections Worldwide with Other Squidoo Lensmasters! The Journal of the Traveling Squid is a goodwill project connecting Squidoo lensmasters, particularly Giant Squids of yesterday, today, and tomorrow worldwide. The inspiration for the journey of the traveling squid really originated in the Summer of 2008. At that time, I contemplated how to launch this project of sisterhood and brotherhood for charity; to take my Giant Squid t-shirt, sign it and send it on to the next Squidoo lensmaster.

The Traveling Squid International Edition T-shirt photographed by JaguarJulie

This is the original, founding lens of The Journal of the Traveling Squid -- which tracked the traveling squid worldwide journey internationally and in the United States. The journey celebrated its anniversary on March 21, 2014. That was coincidentally my 8-year anniversary on Squidoo. The Traveling Squid kicked off its worldwide journey in Jacksonville, Florida and then flew on to Gordon Hamilton in the United Kingdom.

Volume II, the U.S.A. edition was traveling last in California. Volume I left the U.K. after enjoying 6 full months there; stopping off in Ireland and then on to Australia! Volume III, the second U.S.A. edition headed out to Merritt Island, Florida and is looking to travel in the state before moving on.

Whew! The international edition arrived home in Jacksonville, Florida on August 18, 2010. On July 15, 2010, we informed Flynn the Cat in New Zealand that the international edition was being called home to the United States, home base in Jacksonville, Florida, for a rest period. The international traveling squid has had a lot of fun traveling internationally -- thank you everyone for participating so boldly! Oh, the USA traveling squid also arrived back home in Jacksonville, Florida a short while after the international edition. Thanks folks for contributing to such a marvelous journey. There is a possibility that we will resume its travels some time in the future!

March 21, 2014, Jacksonville, FL: Relaunch ... We launched the next edition of the traveling squid in the United States in Florida. And, we now have a new lens, The Journal of the Traveling Squid USA. If you are in the United States and want to participate, lensmasters in the U.S.A. sign up here.

Look At THAT Squidoo Giant Squid T-Shirt - The International Edition! OMG, is this not a cool t-shirt?

It is our objective to auction off The Journal of the Traveling Squid — signed international edition of the Squidoo Giant Squid t-shirt! This auction is to benefit a Squidoo charity. Once we have determined where the auction will be held, we will let you know. The winning bidder will have the distinct honor of determining WHICH charity will benefit from the proceeds.

WOW! Look at this shirt! Imagine the priceless miles, the priceless experiences, the sheer amount of DNA the shirt has collected in its worldly travels. I tell you, it boggles the mind! Yes it does.

What is The Journal of the Traveling Squid? There is a Journal and a Giant Squid T-Shirt ...

The Journal of the Traveling Squid project consists of the Journal and a Giant Squid T-shirt. As each Squidoo lensmaster receives the forwarded package containing the journal and shirt, they will make their contribution to the journal with a journal entry. And, they will also sign the shirt with their lensmaster name, location and date.

Each participating lensmaster is asked to make a personal journal entry of their choosing. What does Squidoo mean to you? What are you passionate about? What matters to you? Feel free to add a drawing or maybe some poetry. After all, this is your journal entry.

Read on for further information about participants’ participation in this project — 7 things you should know — for participants.

Purple Star Journey

BTW, wonderful news for The Journal of the Traveling Squid -- on June 25, 2009 this lens earned the coveted purple star for quality content. The traveling squid is overjoyed! Then, Gordon Hamilton and The Five Dollar Vacation earned a purple star! Woo Hoo! Holy Moly Batman, KimGiancaterino earned a purple star for The Journal of the Traveling Squid Hollywood and KathyMcGraw earned a purple star for The Journal of the Traveling Squid Palm Springs.

The Journal and the Giant Squid T-Shirt

How do you feel about The Journal of the Traveling Squid?
Can such a pay it forward, goodwill / charity project work? Do you believe the traveling squid will make it around the world? A few lensmasters weighed in and this is what they had to say!

7 things you should know when participating
If you participate in this worldwide project; when you receive the package!

* Please sign the shirt with your lensmaster name, date and location [city, state, country].

* Add your journal entry: What does Squidoo mean to you? What are you passionate about? Feel free to write a page entry about something that matters to you. Add a drawing or maybe some poetry.

* Photographs please: As shown below, take a picture of your journal entry. Also, we are asking participants to have a photograph taken of themselves holding the shirt and journal next to an interesting landmark close to their location. If there is no interesting landmark, an outdoor picture will work! Pictures should be emailed to JaguarJulie at the email included in the journal. You may also want to upload these to your Flickr acount.

* Visit The Journal of the Traveling Squid lens and leave a comment here for participants in the International Edition and likewise leave a comment here if you are a participant in the U.S.A. with date the package arrived, your location and provide your favorite charity!

* Most important: package up the journal and signed t-shirt and mail/post it on to the next lensmaster. Each participating lensmaster may determine the next lensmaster to receive the package with the goal of covering all interested lensmasters in a location [city, state, country] before moving on to a new state or country. Check this lens for interested lensmasters!

* A donation to your favorite charity is encouraged at the time you receive your package. This part is optional and up to you!

* Please keep me [JaguarJulie] in the loop when you receive your package. You can use the contact me on my lensmaster profile.

The goal of The Journal of the Traveling Squid
The goal of this project is to connect lensmasters worldwide, hoping to travel far and wide — to all continents, and to raise money for charity. Inspired by The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this journey is starting with an idea — with a journal and a shirt.

The Very First Logo Graphic for This Project
Designed by lensmaster Janusz Biela

This cool logo was designed by fellow lensmaster Janusz Biela. It was his creation to feature a Traveling Squid wearing the Giant Squid t-shirt, standing atop Mt. Everest holding the Journal! Pretty clever don’t you think. Janusz offers his designing skills free to fellow Squidoo lensmasters — that is mighty remarkable, don’t you think. Thank you Janusz!

Have some ideas?

Stazjia Jun 05, 2013 @ 4:20 pm - I remember the Travelling Squid so well and followed its progress. I can just about see a bit of my name on the left shoulder, hidden a bit by the fold. I even remember where on the T-shirt I signed it though it was 4 years ago. It was a marvellous, magic idea which demonstrated the Squidoo spirit of the time.

The Journal of the Traveling Squid P1 and P2

Make your mark by signing the Journal and the Giant Squid t-shirt

International Edition of The Journal of the Traveling Squid
It flew to the U.K. in March 2009 and has returned to Jacksonville, Florida for a rest period!

Welcome to the International Edition of The Journal of the Traveling Squid! If you are a Squidoo lensmaster who is or will be participating in the Traveling Squid project, and live outside the United States, this is where YOU will be found. This page is highlighting the journal entries and landmark pictures of participating Squidoo lensmasters internationally. We started off the International Edition in March 2009, and here we are, one years later and still going strong!

The journal started off in Jacksonville, Florida and was dispatched to the United Kingdom. Do you know, the traveling squid spent 6 months in the U.K.???? Oh my goodness, I say! From the U.K., the traveling squid HIT Ireland and then flew like crazy to Australia. Said traveling squid spent a good bit of time there, down under, before gearing up to hit New Zealand.

July 15, 2010: We have informed Flynn the Cat in New Zealand that the international edition of the traveling squid is being called home to the United States, home base in Jacksonville, Florida, for a rest period. The international traveling squid has had a lot of fun traveling internationally — thank you everyone. Oh, for the time being, we will continue on with the USA traveling squid. Thanks folks!

The Journal of the Traveling Squid is a goodwill project connecting Squidoo lensmasters, particularly Giant Squids of yesterday, today, and tomorrow worldwide.

Volume I -- International Edition: U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and on!

The Journey in the U.K.
Continuing throughout the U.K. connecting so many lensmasters and giant squids. Gordon Hamilton has ‘made his mark’ on the Volume I U.K. journal and t-shirt in March 2009. Some six months later, the journal had visited 17 lensmasters in the U.K.! That’s pretty remarkable.

Once all willing lensmasters located in the U.K. have participated in the journey, the journal and t-shirt will be ready to make its way out of the U.K. into Ireland and then into Europe for an Eastern journey around the world!

Oh, did you read that we started a second volume of the traveling squid on Seth Godin’s birthday??? July 10, 2009, the journal departed Jacksonville, FL headed to our very own Gil. Now it is September, and Volume II is underway in the U.S.A.

Kick-Off -- Volume I International Edition
Squidoo Lensmaster Participants

1. JaguarJulie -- Jacksonville, FL USA
2. Gordon Hamilton -- U.K.
3. AJ2008 -- U.K.
4. Inkserotica -- U.K.
5. Debnet and Poddys -- U.K.
6. The_Book_Garden -- U.K.
7. NanLT -- U.K.
8. Kate-Phizackerley -- U.K.
9. Stazjia -- U.K.
10. thefluffanutta -- U.K.
11. oneskms -- U.K.
12. Rob3 -- U.K.
13. MrLewisSmile -- U.K.
14. AndyPo -- U.K.
15. Wizard-Morton -- U.K.
16. sherridan -- U.K.
17. Auntiekatkat -- U.K.
18. tirial -- U.K.
19. spook -- Ireland
20. susannaduffy -- Australia
21. Charlyjl -- Australia
22. RhiannonL -- Australia
23. skiesgreen -- Australia
24. N376 -- Australia
25. RonPass -- Australia
26. seegreen -- Australia
27. Flynn_the_Cat -- New Zealand
28. Bria-Silivren -- New Zealand

Volume II - U.S.A. Edition
Originating in Jacksonville, Florida with JaguarJulie

Hello to my fellow lensmasters, Squidoo you all, who reside in the United States of America! Woo-Hoo you all. I am so glad to have connected with each and every one of you to celebrate the traveling squid in America. It was truly fabulous to actually have the important folk of Squidoo — let’s see, Gil Hildebrand, Kimberly Dawn Wells, Corey Brown, Seth Godin, Megan Casey … did I miss any of the HQ gang? How awesome it truly was to have these fine Squidoo people participate in The Journal of the Traveling Squid? Yes indeed. And, it has been a true honor to be involved with Squidoo, speaking for myself.

Thank you hugely to the fine U.S.A. lensmasters who lent their time and talents to the traveling squid. Hugs you all.

In the U.S.A. -- Volume II
Squidoo Lensmaster Participants

1. giltotherescue -- Boulder, CO
2. SquidooKimberly -- Medford, WI
3. Seth Godin -- N.Y.
4. Corey Brown -- VA
5. Susan52 -- AR
6. KimGiancaterino -- Los Angeles, CA
7. KathyMcGraw -- Palm Springs, CA
8. badmsm -- Modesto, CA
9. Squidster -- Riverside, CA
10. Frankster -- Fort Bragg, CA
11. Megan Casey -- San Jose, CA
12. boredofeducation -- Fullerton, CA
13. GreekGeek -- Irvine, CA
14. Heather426 -- Canyon Country, CA
15. Paperfacets -- La Verne, CA
16. _Joan_ -- Someplace in CA

Lensmaster Spotlight

GILTOTHERESCUE 8/10/2009 – Boulder, CO and New Orleans, LA

Wawaweewa! I’m delighted to be the second Squid to sign the US journal. For the collection, I’ve taken two photos – one at work and another at play.

In the photo at my desk I am hacking away, most likely on a lensrank bug or our new modules as pages project (hope you like it).

In the other photo I took the journal to my home town: the European-inspired, laissez-faire city of New Orleans. After walking around the French Quarter all day, I made a pit stop to take this photo on the corner of the famous (or is it infamous?) Bourbon St. before making my was to Port of Call, home of the best beef and portabello burgers in town.

Before I go I want to say thanks to all you fantabulous lensmasters for using Squidoo. We’ve created something special here, and I’m thrilled to work with such a talented, eclectic group of writers and marketers. Keep on rockin. ~ Gil aka giltotherescue

Squidoo Kimberly / Kimberly Dawn Wells August 24, 2009 – Medford, WI

Hi Lensmasters!

When I started doing web design in 1997 I never dreamed a service like Squidoo would become available and make the process so simple; nor did I ever guess I’d one day be part of the team running it!

In my photo I’m multitasking – kicking back in my office between a long day of coding and writing and preparing to be on ambulance call for the night.

The potential of Squidoo has only begun to be tapped. Every day lensmasters surprise us with new ways to collect, share, and archive information through their creative use of lenses. Keep up the great work, and keep working hard on what you are passionate about. ~ K. D. Wells

Seth Godin Wednesday September 2, 2009 New York, New York

SQUID ALERT!

That’s the little Seth action figure wearing his too big t-shirt.

Keep Creating

Keep Leading

Keep making a difference

~ Seth Godin

Corey Brown Thursday September 10, 2009 Winchester, Virginia

The traveling squid has made its way to historic old town Winchester, Virginia, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

I’m sharing two pictures … the first is one of me in front of The Bright Center, where we have a coworking location. The second is me hard at work, reading an email from Blake on something Squidoo-related and coming soon.

Thanks to all the Squids for all you do. You’ve made this platform better than we could have imagined. ~ Corey Brown

Donations? Yessirreee Bob! We are talking about charity and donations, part of the foundation celebrating the worldwide journey of The Journal of the Traveling Squid! Each step of the worldwide journey was slated to be marked by charitable donations from participating lensmasters.

What is your pet charity? Do you actually work with a charity? Me? Well, yes I do! My pet charity is First Coast No More Homeless Pets often known as FCNMHP. Funny when I spell that out, I have to repeat the words to get it right. My journey with FCNMHP started in October 2003 and I’m still going strong with this fine charity even today … as we speak.

The mission of First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP) is to eliminate the killing of dogs and cats in our community through free and low-cost spay and neuter programs.

So, let’s pony up and do our part in the charitable donations department. It will feel good — go ahead; try it; you’ll like it. Charity begins at home! Your home.

Thanks Squidoo for the Memories!!

giltotherescue Mar 22, 2010 @ 11:52 am - I love browsing this lens from time to time to see where the traveling squid has gone next. Reading about so many passionate lensmasters all over the world is inspiring.

THANK YOU * THANK YOU * THANK YOU!!!

History: The Journal of the Traveling Squid was originally created on March 21, 2009. On June 25, 2009 this lens earned the Purple Star Award for quality content. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #14 overall. This was a top lens with 65 days on the Top 100 list. Lens #412 in the quest for Giant Squid 500 Club.

Angels on earth can be heavenly indeed

Did you know that there are angels amongst us? Angels on earth? And that angels on earth can be quite heavenly indeed.

If you are a Squidoo lensmaster like JaguarJulie, you get to interact online with some wonderful lensmasters. It's really a great perk that you first of all are able to write about your passions and interests on the platform of Squidoo. Once you have become established with over 50 quality lenses, you have the opportunity to qualify to be a Giant Squid. Make over 100 quality lenses, and you may join the Giant Squid 100 Club. Giant Squids earn a number of perks for the honor of this role on Squidoo, and you will see gold stars on their lenses to designate that status. Take that a step further, and a Giant Squid might earn a purple star for their quality lenses. Purple stars are awarded weekly by the Giant Squid Organizers.

There is an additional honor that comes along a couple times a year on Squidoo, and that is the role of Squid Angel. JaguarJulie has been distinctly honored to regain her Squid Angel wings on October 13, 2009. Squid Angels have a code of ethics and honor in how they conduct their daily roles on Squidoo. They are entrusted with the ability to "bless" worthy lenses; to provide a little of their angel dust to deserving lensmasters' lenses. That is the glass is full scenario. Squid Angels can also serve in their roles to give a proverbial "thumbs down" to spam.

JaguarJulie grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended a number of Catholic schools. This 'rewarding' childhood presented her with the opportunity to attend daily masses, interact with priests and nuns and to learn more about heavenly angels. This childhood experience contributed to a deep appreciation for all things spiritual. So, JaguarJulie is quite the spiritual individual who is distinctly honored to be a bit spiritual in her role as Squid Angel. Thanks to those that made this possible! Blessings to YOU my dear!!!

A beautiful journey to Hollywood with the Traveling Squid!

To celebrate my three year anniversary with Squidoo on March 21, 2009, I launched The Journal of the Traveling Squid, Volume I. By now those of my friends who have followed this journey know that Gordon Hamilton in the U.K. was the first participant in this journey. And, you probably know the story behind my selecting Gordon? We had previously emailed each other to talk about my leaving a package for him at a Southern Spanish hotel. After deciding that might be a risky venture, I opted to mail the traveling squid directly to Gordon. However, I decided to leave a test package for Gordon with Juan, a receptionist at The Hotel Bali, Benalmadena.

In my package to Gordon, I include five brand new dollar bills -- USD currency. I wanted to send a little help with postage costs. It was from the five dollar bills that Gordon created a remarkable project, The Five Dollar Vacation - A Worldwide Charity Project with a Difference. This is a remarkable lens and an equally remarkable charity journey with a big difference. At Squidoo, a lensmaster can earn a bit of recognition for their remarkable work. It is called the purple star and it is a star that is purple-colored and appears on your work. Well, if you visit Gordon's lens, you will see a beautiful purple star there!

Well, Volume II of The Journal of the Traveling Squid departed Jacksonville, Florida on July 10, 2009, Seth Godin's birthday you all! The project had already spent 6 months in the U.K. so it seemed right to launch the second edition. As of this writing, the journal has visited Gil, Kimberly, Seth, Corey, Susan and now Kim -- Kim Giancaterino. The journal has traveled from Jacksonville, FL to Colorado, Wisconsin, New York, Virginia, Arkansas, and now California! Something beautiful happened in Hollywood with the traveling squid! We owe it all to our dear Kim who created a beautiful tribute and travel lens, The Journal of the Traveling Squid Goes Hollywood.

Oh, and how wonderful to hear that the Hollywood journey earned a coveted purple star when it was newly published? Congratulations to Kim and a big thank you for her beautiful, beautiful lens and journey. It doesn't get any better than this -- to think that the original lens earned a purple star, followed up by two additional purple stars for its goodwill journey around the world.

You'll want to take time to check out these wonderful lensmasters KimGiancaterino and Gordon_Hamilton as they write some truly amazing articles and lenses. And, they are remarkable people too!

P.S. Please be sure to check out my other writings over at Squidoo while you are at it! I'm known consistently as JaguarJulie there. And, if you are convinced that you are ready to put pedal to the meddle and maybe earn a purple star medal for your work, join me on Squidoo! I've helped many a lensmaster to succeed there; to write better lenses and to even earn giant squid status too. Oh, and be sure to check me out on Twitter -- Yep, I'm known as JaguarJulie there! I like being consistent with my messages. ;)

JaguarJulie Just Finished Summer School

What's that you say? JaguarJulie has just finished Summer School? Huh? Yep, JaguarJulie, as a member of the Giant Squids, attended an 8-week Summer School course to hone her writing skills. In fact, she is already a member of the Giant Squid 100 Club, but still opted to try her hand at Summer School. All the Giant Squids were tasked with a different weekly assignment each Friday. JaguarJulie was chopping at the bit to get that last assignment in and finally get to enjoy her Summer!

Where am I going next? Ah, NO, not Disneyworld or Disneyland -- ha, gotcha on that one! Why it'd be the Jacksonville Zoo! That's where you can find JaguarJulie -- at the Jacksonville Zoo.

By the way, before you head out to visit the Jacksonville Zoo, do pay your respects and visit these lenses that JaguarJulie authored for the 8-week Giant Squid Summer School course. By the way, many have now been deleted!

• Rocky the Raccoon -- Caption Me!
• Pug the Cat -- Caption Me!
• My Mind -- My Most Prized Possession!
• Meyer's Latin Flair in Jacksonville, FL
• Thank You Mom!
• How to Create a Patio With Stone Pavers
• Our Favorite Tool -- What is Your Favorite Tool?
• My Favorite Lipstick -- Revealed
• Reality Check by Guy Kawasaki
• Jacksonville Zoo -- Your Entertainment Destination

Oh -- and this would be the sounding of the school bell -- the announcement that JaguarJulie is a graduate of Giant Squid Summer School -- oh, for old-timers like her, you can learn new tricks you all.

• Summer School for Old-Timers -- A Graduate!

Wake-up you sleepy head -- meet me at the zoo -- the Jacksonville Zoo!

My New Favorite Gadget Amazon Kindle

Well, I couldn't wait to be put on the tester list for this cool wireless reader from Amazon. And, I wasn't waiting to find it under my Christmas tree either. SO, I will have this baby in my hot little hands on June 26th! Be sure to keep an eye out as I write about my life becoming more wireless and how cool it is to travel without lugging a paperback book -- only a wireless reader the size of a paperback! It always was a bit difficult to pick just one book to take anyways ... now I am feeling pretty stoked in that I can pick from so many Kindle ebooks. Woot!

I am gaga over Amazon's Kindle. This wireless reading device is the HOT new must-have gadget that has gotten a lot of good buzz!

The experts are buzzing, as are bestselling authors, about the Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon! IMHO, the Kindle is the future of reading. Why pack a paperback book when you can pack your Kindle with a capacity to hold over 200 titles? It's lightweight, wireless, and customizable with 6 different font sizes.

My hubby too is all-a-buzz about this wireless reader. You see, he develops pressroom products for the Graphic Arts Industry; i.e. the PRINTING Industry -- this type of computer gadget CAN definitely impact the future of printing! You can bet that I've got his attention ... have I also got yours?

Cool features of this paperback-sized reader include:

• Easy to read: Revolutionary 6" diagonal E-Ink® electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper.
• Display: 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi, 4-level gray scale.
• Portable Size: 7.5" x 5.3" x 0.7"
• Lightweight and thin: Weighs only 10.3 ounces -- Lighter and thinner than a paperback.
• Capacity: Holds over 200 titles.

Take a closer look at the Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device and you be the judge ... after our flatscreen LCD TV, laptop, DVD player, digital camera, and iPod, this is the latest techie must-have for our household.

Expanding Your Lens Publishing Power

Expanding Your Lens Publishing Power :: A Squidoo How-To From a Mega Giant Squid! Hot off the presses of Squidu Review ...

Hello Lensmasters!The question is often asked on the forum, “How long is too long for a lens?” The answer varies, depending on the topic of the lens, the target audience, the types of modules, etc. However, if you are thinking about breaking your lens into smaller parts, or creating new ones to showcase new information, additional lenses can boost your linking power and give you new opportunities to get found online.

This week, Giant Squid Jaguar Julie teaches us how to expand your lens repertoire by creating new lenses from old ones.

***

Making New Lenses Out of Old Lenses

As Squidoo fanatics, many of us have loooooong lenses that we developed on our favorite topics. Is this the best way to go? There’s nothing wrong with a few long lenses, but many smaller lenses to compliment them can be very powerful as well.

When your readers notice that you have several lenses on one topic, they’ll be more interested in seeing what you have to say. “The more you have to say about one topic, the more people will think you know about it.” says Kimberly Dawn Wells. And, not only that, but “more lenses equals more links equals more opportunity to be found.”

You can take what Kimberly says “to the bank” as your Squidoo royalties will increase with more focused lenses too! How does that work?

Get a new suitcase

Does Your Suitcase Have a Lot of Miles on It? Checked luggage can take a real beating! Is your luggage damaged, out-of-date, OR lost and you need a replacement?

So, has the airlines maybe LOST your luggage or did they FIND it and now it looks like it's been around the world more times than the space shuttle? Are you in the market for a stylish and trendy piece of luggage? I've been shopping around for another fashionable suitcase that will distinguish mine from the next traveler. It's amazing the variety of bags you have to pick from these days.

As I was searching through all the variety of suitcases, I opted to buy one for my hubby who was toting around a very beat-up Travelpro Crew 5 22" carry-on. I replaced that bag with a black Crew 6 which is new and improved. Would you believe, he won't give up that old suitcase so that I can donate it to the Goodwill.

I've picked out some stylish luggage that I personally would like to own. At the moment, I really like the Heys styles too! Maybe you'll find something you like, as well. A number of years ago, I had a very nice Hartmann bag that was given to me as a gift. Hartmann is certainly a stylish and quality brand and I would love to own one. I must have sold the one I had at a yard sale because I can't seem to locate it. You'll find a variety of stylish Hartmann luggage as it's still one of my favorites. Does Your Suitcase Have a Lot of Miles on It? Well, get a new one!

Who is Jaguar Julie on Squidoo

Who is Jaguar Julie on Squidoo? This Lensography, Jaguar Julie Lensography, hopes to answer that question as inquiring minds want to know!


I took on the name of "Jaguar Julie" when the Jacksonville Jaguars first hit town! That name became the name of my "brand" that has been primarily marketed online. Several years ago, as a supporter of Mark Brunell, our former quarterback, I sold his NFL, Premium Collection, Limited Treasures collectible bear. When Mark Brunell left town for the Washington Redskins, I later donated hundreds of these collectible bears to his local charity which benefits children.

This lensography was featured on March 7, 2008 as Lens of the Day [LOTD] making it the first of its kind to be a LOTD. No, my lensography was NOT the first lensography as there are many other lensographies to be found on Squidoo.

So, what did the honors of LOTD do for my rankings? Thanks to the wonderful people of Squidoo [there are so many cool people behind the scenes that I love each and everyone of them and would love to invite them over for dinner anytime], most importantly to all my wonderful visitors [xoxoxo] who visited my lens, and more particularly to those who took time to leave a 5 star rating [an extra xoxoxoxoxo], bah to those few who DID leave me a ONE STAR RATING* [God knows who you are!], LOTD took my lens to #1 in People! I forgot to thank God -- hey, did you know that Seth Godin is Squidoo King and actually has "god" in his name??? -- mom, dad, and those wonderful Dominican nuns with the rulers!!!

Yes, LOTD took my lens to #1 in People, and also helped to take my lens to #10 overall ranking amongst all lenses and #3 in top giants lenses. Thank you to the graciousness of Squidoo for picking my lens after TWO FULL YEARS of knocking my brains out coming up with ideas and burning up the keyboards, along with suffering through my first hard drive crash!!!

Stop by and visit me sometime ... maybe you too will be inspired enough to build your own Squidoo lens? Come on, what are YOU waiting for???

* P.S. If you are feeling regrets or a tad remorseful, you can go back and up those stars!
P.P.S. I want to adopt Gil !!! xoxoxo

SquidWho is Jaguar Julie

SquidWho: A people-powered Who's Who on the Web is giving other so-called people who's who on the internet a run for their money! Have you checked it out yet? Well, if not ... let me introduce you to SquidWho through this particular lens ... a subject that I know a lot about!!!

Who Is Jaguar Julie? So, just who is this Jaguar Julie you're surely asking yourselves?

A little more about me from my newest blog, Blondes that DIY.

Well, you have come to the right place for an 'organized' look at what makes Jaguar Julie tick! She's been around for more than a few years on the internet, but not long enough -- we guess -- to have a Wikipedia listing! Darn, we'll just have to fix that now won't we! HOW DO YOU GET A WIKIPEDIA LISTING ANYWHO HORTON???

A compilation of the chapters or segments of Jaguar Julie of which she is most passionate:

• BzzAgent ...
• Giant Squid and SquidAngel ...
• LOTD ...
• Lensmaster ...
• Lensographer ...
• Groupmaster ...
• Head Chef ...
• Online Seller ...
• Photographer ...
• Webmaster ...

And now that Jaguar Julie Ann Brady has retired! She is somewhat of a master gardener and yard person. Plus, photographer, designer, writer et. al.

Jaguar Julie Giant Squid

Giant Squid Sighting:  It's Jaguar Julie Giant Squid! Achieving the ranks of Giant Squid: What you can do to join me!

Yes, you too can be a Giant Squid on Squidoo. In the Summer of 2007, when the call went out to us lensmasters on Squidoo, the challenge was to create 100 interesting and topical lenses, by August 31, 2007, in order to earn the honor of being a Giant Squid. I do believe a few lensmasters, if not a lot, offered a bit of mild protest as "thee asketh too mucheth! 100 lenses, how can I accomplish that?"

Well, the mighty powers that be decided to scale back the challenge to a mere 50 lenses along with moving the deadline to September 4th. However, for me sitting at some 3 dozen, that number was still a wee challenge what with a normal 8-5 job. I honkered down and in no time was past the 50, and then 75 was in sight! August 31, 2007 was quickly approaching and I was ALMOST at 100!

Then, the UNTHINKABLE happened!!! OMG, I had a hard drive crash ... Aside from nearly flipping my wig, I realized that I hadn't done a data backup in weeks!!! Well, read about how I survived the hard drive crash, attained 100 lenses, and earned Giant Squid status. I'll also give you some pointers and tips so that you too can become a Giant Squid if that is what you desire!

P.S. I think I smell something fishy! lol

Become a Squidoo lensmaster

What are you waiting for? Get in on the action over at Squidoo. Become a Squidoo lensmaster. Create a lens; start a debate if you dare! I'm over there waiting for you.

Do you know that creating a lens is quick and easy? It's also a great way to express yourself and actually focus your thoughts into one concise topic ... so unlike the helter-skelter of today's information world that has your mind going in every which direction creating mass confusion and TMI. A Squidoo lens allows you to pick ONE TOPIC and focus on just that ONE TOPIC.

I've been a Squidoo member and lensmaster now for precisely 2 years. I'm up to over 300 lenses along with 6 groups.

If you're a Jacksonville, Florida resident, supporter or just plain HAVE a lens about this great city, I encourage you to join Squidoo. Join me!

P.S. So! Would you believe it has now been almost five years since Squidoo transferred its content to HubPages? I followed that journey for one month and then retired my articles to my Google blogs. Time flies.

A good debate Hey Monkeybrain

Hey Monkeybrain!  Are you up to a good debate? You'll need to check out Squidoo's lastest and greatest! It's Hey Monkeybrain and the debates are on. They're getting heated. You'll find debates from the presidential campaigns to what foods are hot to social networking and other platforms.

Here is a snapshot of Jaguar Julie's HMB debates:

SALTY or SWEET -- Which type of snack do you prefer? SALTY or SWEET? Which type of snack do you prefer? Actually, I prefer salty snacks ... I really do not have a sweeth tooth! I personally think it tells a lot about the person as to which they prefer. Is it something that's in the genes? Is it a male / female or Mars / Venus thingy? Is it geographical, ethnic, or age related?

Is it possibly astrologically-oriented? For example, I am a Cancer -- that's a water sign -- so does that explain WHY I prefer salty snacks? Can we say that a majority of Cancers and water signs will opt for salty over sweet snacks? Or is it something more profound ... like that time of the month vs. a football game and beer?

BLONDES are SEXIER and have MORE Fun! Blondes are sexier and have more fun! Speaking from personal experience and of course very deep humility, I offer up the premise that blondes are indeed sexier and definitely have more fun! Only my hairdresser knows for sure whether all those platinum hairs are naturally sprouting from my noggin or come from a bottle of Miss Clairol.

COOL WHIP vs. REDDI-WIP: Which side are you on? Ah, a sweet topic indeed. Cool Whip vs. Reddi-Wip! For years the battle has waged over these mighty contenders for the #1 spot amongst dessert toppings -- and other uses not to be mentioned in this PG-rated lens! One typically comes in a tub whilst the other in a handy spray can. Reddi-wip, introduced in 1948, is the brand of aerosol propelled, sweetened whipped cream produced by ConAgra Foods. Cool Whip was introduced in 1967 by the Birds Eye division of General Foods and is a product today of Altria Group. I personally prefer Cool Whip ... So, which side are YOU on?

Funk for your Trunk Luggage Tags

Funk for your Trunk aka Luggage Tags! Trendy and Colorful Luggage Tags, IDs, and Whatnots that will make your Luggage STAND OUT from the rest!

Get a funky luggage tag at Amazon!

Have you ever noticed, when you are standing there at the luggage carousel in some large international airport that all the luggage looks the same? Hey, why does everybody have a BLACK bag? Has there ever been the time when you've had to wrestle your bag away from some other weary traveler who thought your bag was his? Well, I can honestly report that this has happened to me only one time--and I have red luggage!

Lately, I've been searching for new luggage tags, IDs, belts and other such accessories and am totally amazed at the variety available! There are classic and funky, chic, neon, leather, and some whimsical and funny to name just a few! I even found a Hermes orange leather luggage tag on eBay selling for $444.00! Wow--that's more than I want to pay for a suitcase.

Well, I think a luggage tag--for us women--can be like a handbag! As luggage tags can be very affordable, why not have a variety so that you can customize your luggage to reflect how you feel, what you're wearing, or where you're traveling? For example, if you are going on an island-hopper vacation, how about the luggage tag shown here? I authored the original Squidoo lens on luggage tags and IDs, you know?