I, Yaya's Home, Thank You

In the beginning I had a history of thinking of myself as a writer. After all, I had spent my whole life honing my craft. When I was very small, I made the decision to do whatever it took to write my stories an' putting words to paper always had something of a magical effect for me. I thought like a writer, acted like a writer, studied an' wrote like a writer. As far as I was concerned, I had all the bases covered; I was a writer.

I even practiced the skills I felt were needed an' I did so in several different genres. Some of my work was published an' I had collected what I felt was a flattering amount of money for various writing projects, over the years. Have I missed anything? Doesn't that sound to you like someone who has met all the qualifications of a writer? I was sure that it was just a matter of time before the world would catch up an' realize that this author was someone whose works were worth spending time with. At least, that's what I liked to tell myself. In truth, my confidence was somewhere in the basement.

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Little did I know that, once joining Squidoo, I would have the feeling that I would be entering Noah's Ark again. First, The Flood of realization that I had finally found a solution to the puzzle that is every writer's quandary; how to get paid for doing what we love. The next flood that washed over me had to do with my feelings of insecurity. How to begin building pages that would pay?

I clicked on many pages in my effort to learn what Squidoo was all about. I studied, I researched, I pondered an' I prayed. In short, I learned what most Newbies on Squidoo learn; that there's an awful lot to learn an' I couldn't do it alone. I visited Squidu.com, a place where I was encouraged to ask questions. Often, those questions were answered within minutes; sometimes, by several people who revealed that they, too, had felt as confused as I was now feeling.

Oh, good; I had found moral support. If they could do it, so could I.

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I had great examples of how to build a Squidoo page. By writing good pages themselves, other lens masters showed me how to succeed. I learned from HQ Officials, Giant Squids, Squid Angels, other Lens Masters and Newbies. There was so much to learn, but I kept working at it. Before long, there were people who stepped forward an' offered even more help. I was invited to join Fresh Wonders. An' eventually, I made my own First page.

This is not my first page, but it is my effort at thanking everyone who ever has or ever will help me along the way. I'm still at the front end of learning my way around, but I could not have done it without you. Thank you. For every visit, comment, Squid Like, Angel Blessing, word of encouragement an' pat on the back, I thank you so very much.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I'm thankful to the people who are my heroes, the teachers who have helped me begin to understand how to 'Squidoo.' Jus' like the super heroes we often read about, I am blessed with heroes within the Squidoo community. As I continue to learn how to write an' build pages on Squidoo I have a great appreciation for those who help others along the way. I feel that every single person who stops by to say hi is cheering me on. Thank you for a wave, a Squid Like, a handshake or a comment. I do hope you will comment an' lemme' know you were here. If you return in the future I'm sure you will see that my list of heroes is growing. I will be adding the name of every person who visits an' participates on any of my pages.

I look forward to a long an' pleasant experience on Squidoo an' I truly hope you will be here to help me enjoy the journey . Until the next time, keep a hug on..

~ Yaya

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net