The Advantages Of Private Adoptions

For the non-traditional parent, single parent or low income parent, using a traditional adoption agency may not be the right path for them to take. There are agencies that do not allow some adults the privilege of adopting a kid through them.

That is why many couples and singles are turning to private adoptions as a way to have the child they have always wanted, without dealing with the hassle of going through an adoption agency. There are some great benefits to this method of having a kid.

An agency is the go between for the adoptive parent and the birth parent(s). The biological parents sign over the rights to the child to the agency, who then in turn will sign them over to the adopting parent(s). In the case of private adoptions there is no agency interference.

The entire process is handled between the adoptive parents and the biological parents. This creates a better bond and relationship between the two parties. It is very similar to what happens during the step child adoption process.

With a private adoption, the biological parents can choose to have open adoptions with the new family. This allows the kid to know his or her biological parents and it is thought that it reduces the trauma and psychological issues associated with finding out that he or she is adopted.

The kid is given the option of whether or not he or she wishes to contact his or her birth parent(s). It does not mean that the birth parent(s) can come back and take the child later.

A private adoption also means that the adoptive family may have the opportunity to go through the pregnancy with the birth mother. Many teens elect to use this form of getting a kid because it means that she will not go through her pregnancy unsupported. It is a great way to develop a bond with the new infant and to foster good relationships with the biological parents.

Private adoptions appeal to many people for a variety of reasons. It may be that a same-sex couple wishes to adopt but have been denied the adoption process because it was a Christian adoption agency that did not believe in placing children in that environment.

It may be a denial for a single man or woman who longs for a child of their own. There will still be fees involved but at least the adoptive family has the option of being actively involved with the biological parents. Those benefits cannot be measured.

We offer a free child adoption audio gift. Learn more about private adoptions at our portal, and drop us a note at our domestic adoption blog.

Myths of birth order dispelled

Does anyone have an older sibling that still treats them like they are five? Okay that’s me and I have three of them.

I love my older sisters, but they have always been my older sisters. It started when they were born first.

I always got the hand-me-downs. By the time I got the hoola hoop, it was square. When I got the easy bake oven, it had e-coli. And when I finally got the Ken and Barbie doll, they were already in a mid-life crisis.

Well, sometimes my oldest sister would watch us three younger sisters. My mom would give us four dolls and a stack of saltine crackers for a snack. She would of course decide when it was time to feed us. We would all sit there like baby robins in a nest with our mouths open waiting for her to drop something in our mouths – so she would ask if we wanted the cracker with or without salt. If we wanted it without salt she would take a cracker and lick the salt off and then hand it to us. It took the meaning of sodium free to a whole new level.

The 7-up Slurpee that we all shared… Well, that is why I have emotional backwash to this day.

How many of your remember when jelly came in those little Flintstone glasses? The neat thing was when you were done with the jelly – then you could wash the little glass jar and then use it at the table as a glass – if you ate enough jelly you could furnish a whole set — even Martha Stewart hadn’t thought of that. One day I accidentally broke one – and one of my older sisters said, “How come can’t we keep anything nice around here?”

I love being the youngest in the family but some people don’t like their birth order. The problem? The problem is all those books out there about birth order. And all of us believe it and live by it as though it were all true.

Well, I say if you don’t like your order in the family why not change it so you end up where really want to be?

How can that be done? Well, what do you do if you didn’t like your first, middle or last name? You’d go to court and have it changed. Want to be first born? The youngest? Disappear in the middle? Go on the Web, find a site created by lawyers to change your birth order, download the forms, and voila! You’re now top of the heap and can run the universe. Or, if you’re now the baby of the family you can stomp your feet, get big alligator tears and threaten to go tell Mom and Dad even if you are 38.

To change your birth order you might try telling people the hospital got the ink footprints mixed up and actually you were born a decade before your oldest sister who looks nine years older than you. You can then go over to your (former) oldest sister’s home, knock on her door, and shout, “Give me back my make-up purse! Who said you could borrow it in the first place? And don’t let me ever find you in my bathroom again!”

Or, finally, to change your birth order go to HighSchoolReunion.com and use Photoshop to insert your own picture into the class of ’86 where your brother’s face used to be. The amazing result? Suddenly, you’re now Wally Cleaver and he’s the Beaver. Even Ward and June are too old to go ape over something like that.

Finally, remember birth order begins to repeat itself in large families with every fourth child. This is mainly because no birth order book has more than four types of children so then by the fifth one the child starts acting like the first one. If someone could think of another chapter it would likely transform families overnight.

Birth order, according to some authors, affects everything about your life. It affects whether or not you have asthma, what type of exercise program you should undertake and whether the leaves turn in your front yard turn to autumn colors before or after others in your family.

Basically if you know about birth order, you don’t need to know anything else. And why should you?

You already have a brother who knows everything for you.

——————–

By Cheryl and Bob Moeller
Cheryl Moeller is a columnist for www.mommiesmagazine.com. She’s also an outrageous stand up comic for moms. Her syndicated humor columns will make you laugh until you feel better. Find out more about her new CD “Spin Cycle,” her humor columns and how you can bring her to speak at your mom’s group at www.momlaughs.blogspot.com

She has co-authored two books. Marriage Minutes, Moody Press and For Better, For Worse, For Keeps, Marrriagevine Press can be purchased on www.momlaughs.blogspot.com.

General Hints On The Teaching of Games

Group games can prove extremely theraputic for children of all ages and following are some hints and advice for the smooth teaching of games. The following advice is to ensure all children in a group benefit from the playing of games and that maximum gain is made by all.

SOME GENERAL HINTS ON THE TEACHING OF GAMES:

1. Always have players in a straight line, with their attention focused, before explaining a game.
2. In cold weather teach active games that need only short explanations, or else explain the game before going to the playground.
3. Whenever possible, reward good sportsmen or those who merit some special consideration, by making them leaders or by placing them in prominent positions.
4. Remember that children want to be leaders and to hold the conspicuous places.
5. Stress the moral development possible in every game.

a. Notice what possibilities there are for unfair play, and eliminate or overcome them.
b. Endeavor to bring out any elements which develop a sense of good sportsmanship and fair play. The players should take pride in playing the game in the right way and feel contempt for unfairness.
c. In relays, be sure to have players wait on the line to be tagged befn^ starting to run.
d. Emphasize the fact that not only does the individual who plays unfairly suffer, but the whole team.
e. Encourage friendly competition, but watch for any spirit of spitefulness or antagonism and take measures to prevent it.
f. Teach absolute respect for the decisions of the umpire.
g. Teach self-control never allow a player to start before the signal is given.

METHODS OF CHOOSING SIDES:

1. Racing for first choice. If there is a large group of children and the play space is out-of-doors, in order to determine who shall be choosers for sides, have them all race to a designated spot. The first and second ones to reach there may be the two choosers.
2. Counting off. A quick method is to have all participants placed in a straight line. Then let them number off by twos, threes, or fours, as the special game may require.
3. Teams on opposite sides of field. When it is necessary to have one team facing another on opposite sides of the field, have all players form a long line and march to where the teacher stands; then alternate ones turn to left or right and form two separate lines along the sides.
4. For forming a circle. This may be accomplished informally as a result of a simple command to form a circle, or the players may march in single file, the leader describing a curve so as to join hands with the person at the end of the line, all then facing inward. This same procedure with two lines marching side by side may be used to form concentric circles, or the players in one large circle may count by twos and the alternate numbers take one or two steps toward the center of the circle.

RELATED SUGGESTIONS:

The method of allowing children to choose is not recommended for frequent use, since it wastes a good deal of tune and is apt to result in the same group’s being chosen every time on a side. It also makes the unpopular children more conspicuous, as the same ones will always be left until the end, while on the other hand it makes a few very popular ones too conspicuous.

It is suggested that wherever the same group of children play together day after day, it is often a good plan to divide them into three or four permanent teams, of equal strength, give each team a name or color or some mark of distinction, and encourage a friendly spirit of competition. This would save time in choosing sides each day.

It is also a good plan to keep a chart with the results of each day’s games on it. This is a good method for acquainting the child with the principles of team play and of good sportsmanship, the fundamentals of which cannot be taught too early. To encourage the spirit of sportsmanship, post a list of names, every month or two, of those children who are conspicuous as being “good sportsmen.” This will influence others to try to become eligible for that title.

FOUR RULES FOR A GOOD SPORTSMAN:

1. When you play a game always wish and try to win, otherwise your opponent will have no fun; but never wish to win so much that you cannot be happy without whining.
2. Seek to win only by fair and lawful means according to the rules of the game, and this will leave you without bitterness toward your opponent or shame before others.
3. Take pleasure in the game even though you do not obtain the victory; for the purpose of the game is not merely to win, but to find joy and strength in trying.
4. If you obtain the victory which you have so desired, think more of your good fortune than of your skill. This will make you grateful and ready to share with others the pleasure bestowed upon you; and truly this is both reasonable and profitable, for it is but little that any of us would win in this world were our fortunes not better than our deserts.

Malcolm Blake has researched the field of games extensively and has also looked into the popular field of cheap PSP games.

Courage Under Fire

 An actor in the movie “Ladder 49” said,  “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that there is something more important than fear.” Obviously, he was referring to the courage firefighters have when risking their lives for others. When I heard this statement, it instantly resounded in my soul that the courage he was speaking of lives inside me, and in you…as special parents.

     No matter how long you’ve been on your journey of special parenting, I’m sure someone has said to you, “I don’t know how you do it, I could never have the energy or courage to do what you do every day.” And I used to be one of those people, until my daughter came into my world.

     I know I say it often but I strongly feel that we were chosen by God to parent our kids. He gave us the skills we were going to need as parents the day we were born…think about that! The thoughts overwhelm me sometimes…When all of a sudden, usually without warning, you have to go into a mode of yourself that you never knew existed, you can do nothing but have courage. You gather the strength from somewhere deep inside that was waiting, lying dormant, for your child to enter your life. He planned it that way.

     Then, this little precious person becomes the thing that precedes everything in your life up until that moment, which is so much more important than any kind of fear that would like to take over.

What can be more important than your child? Whether you planned this life to be part of your family naturally, or traveled to another city or country to make him your own, the love you have for this child is without measure. Fear is not an option.

     Fear creates chaos and distance. It breeds worry and uncertainty. We don’t have time for such thoughts or actions. We usually have too many appointments, meetings, and unexpected challenges that come up to allow any of those words into our vocabulary.

     Think about how natural these things come to you– You have become better at multi-tasking that you ever thought possible. You have become your very own crisis intervention specialist. You took (or maybe still are taking) a crash course on your child’s diagnosis or disability; you quickly became the therapist, physician, specialist, and parent….all at the same time.  We don’t have time to live by fear. Fear is the opposite of faith.

    I choose to live by faith. Faith breeds answers, peace and hope. Hope for our children’s future, and ours. Faith creates the environment for healing, progress, and accomplishments for our kids on a day-to-day basis.

     Can you imagine what our world would be like if firefighters lived by fear? We have their courage– Courage to go where not many would choose to go, with faith, hope, and expectancy—for the life of another. So, my prayer is that you realize how so very valuable your journey as a special parent has become.  So valuable, that your life parallels that of a firefighter.  Regardless of limitation, different abilities, or challenges, our children have taught us how to fight the fires of their disability, and face the heat with faith and courage.

One Moment

     I recently had the pleasure of meeting a very seasoned “special couple” They have a daughter in her thirties who is profoundly deaf. They poured their life and heart out to my husband and I in a very short period of time….when you’ve come as far as they have as parents, a few minutes is all you need…

     They spoke of how they realized she was deaf, and how many times they had suspicions and were told they were over-anxious first time parents. They then explained how they moved across the country to find the services and schools they knew their daughter needed—No jobs in sight, and they moved from Ohio to California without even questioning themselves. After many years and moves, the Mother stated so simply that when their daughter was 6 years old, she saw a person that had a physical disability, and in her innocent, newly found voice, she said to her mother, “I am so glad I don’t have a disability.” All their hard work, sweat, and tears came down to that one moment. They had placed her in a school setting with professionals that taught her all about the hearing world and how to function in it. Every moment of doubt or questioning themselves as special parents became a quick memory in that one single moment.

     As the Mom was speaking, I instantly began to weep. I wept because isn’t that what all of us want? We want all these appointments, research, running on empty wondering if it will all truly be worth it one day—to come down to one moment just like that. Maybe some of our kids wouldn’t be able to communicate that to us as beautifully as their daughter did, but even if our moment came down to some form of confirmation from our child or someone that has to do with our child’s functioning that we did OK. Because when it comes down to it, the approval of our kids is one of the main goals—at least it is for me.

     I look forward to the day when my Olivia is ready to tell me thank you for all of the services I made sure she had, or that she doesn’t feel inside any different than anyone else she comes in contact with—because of the way we treated her, and never made her feel any different.

     I also wept at the thought of that feeling as a parent. When we became parents, whether we knew our child had different abilities right away or not, parenting in general is a challenge. We all want to do the right thing for all of our kids-we want to help guide them in their decisions; we want what’s best for them. And the ultimate would be to get some kind of confirmation of that—verbal or otherwise.

     The tears I shed while driving away from meeting them were much different than the tears I have shed on my special parenting journey thus far.  They were filled with hope for Olivia’s future, and for our family as a whole. This beautiful couple that shared their special story with us, filled us with expectation and hope for the future—not just for Olivia’s future, but also for ours as parents. They taught us that we will survive—they’re proof.

     How many of us had to travel across the country to get services for our child? We may have had our share of obstacles along the way, trying to find the right professionals to be on our child’s team, but I’m pretty certain not many of us had to do what they did.

      I feel they are an inspiration to special parents everywhere. I’m sure they don’t feel that way… through their humbling, genuine words; I realized that they did what any one of us would have done. They didn’t have a choice. When you become a special parent, you realize that your needs and wants are no longer an issue; all that matters is your child. They are the epitome of parenthood.

     My hope for you and your family this month is that you will remember the simple words of this precious little girl at such a young age—and look forward to your moment just like that. And instead of filling your days with worry and thoughts of doubt in this journey with your child, focus on the hope and expectancy of your moment, and know that you’re doing a good job.

  

Enjoy The Journey

 

     Many parents I know say to my husband and I, “enjoy them while they’re little, they grow up so fast.” I agree already, from experience with both of my kids, and they’re only 8 and 5 years old.  They are growing before my eyes, and in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is definitely a challenge to just sit back and enjoy them completely.

     It is even more challenging to relax and be in the moment when you have a child with special needs. When we get in a pattern of crisis management, or planning for multiple procedures our kids need, we are in caregiver mode, rather than parent mode. Regardless of how often your child’s condition requires you to be in this mode, my prayer is that my words will guide even the smallest steps toward enjoying your special child more.

     So how do we come to a place where we consciously make an effort to focus on our child’s unique blessings they give to us daily, rather than worrying about the next crisis?

 I feel we must get in the habit of focusing on all the wonderful things our kids are capable of doing, rather than their limitations. When we have to be “on-call” so to speak for the next obstacle, it is so easy to get in the mode of only seeing the disability.  Personally, I try to focus on my Olivia’s smile, her words, and her beautiful, string-willed spirit that shines so brightly. I’ve found that the more I see what she can do, the things she can’t do become so very small.

    A friend of mine that is a parent coach always says, “What you focus on grows.” Think about that and how it relates to your child, and how much brighter your days would be if the center of your focus is on the positive things he or she shows to you every day. Even the smallest accomplishment can grow if you allow it to.

     The small victories that our children have—a new word, a new movement, the ability to tolerate a new situation, etc…those are the things that should get us from day to day. These small goals our kids meet may not mean anything to the outside world, but in our world, in our families, they mean so very much.

     My challenge for you this month is to make a conscious effort to focus on one positive thing your child is capable of doing—not comparing him or her to typical peers—find one thing to hone in on, and watch how it grows. Just like a seed placed in soil, if it is not nurtured and taken care of, it will not grow.

     The same is true of our kid’s beautiful seeds that are right in front of us every day. We must water the seeds with faith-filled words of encouragement and hope for their future, and feed their rich soil by basking in their accomplishments, no matter how big or small they may be.  Their self-confidence and self-pride is counting on us to consistently be the sunlight in their lives, and not bring pity into the way we react to them, to ensure they continue to grow and blossom.  By allowing ourselves to see the magnificent flowers they are becoming, we can relax and enjoy them each step of this special journey we are walking together.

  

Mummy’s Top Five Treats

My Mother’s Day dream features a fluffy white duvet, baby kisses and cuddles, a relaxed breakfast in bed and a day let off domestic duties.

Should I dare to dream? I imagine many other women share this soft-focus vision but perhaps it never comes true. The reality is an over-excited toddler, a tea-stained duvet with bits of jammy toast stuck to it and a weary mummy. Daddy has done a runner and gone to play football against the local pub team.

We all have to face the fact that some dads are a bit useless. Tickling, cuddling and being the Daddy-Monster are no problem. It’s just the really thinking about what their partner might appreciate that they find difficult. These five treats should get them on the right track.

1 You can’t top making us cry. The power of a kiss, cuddle and a big smile from the children and their Daddy is amazing. Pregnancy, labour, lack of sleep, a different body or a lost career all pale into insignificance when your little one shows you that not only do they know who you are, but they love you too. A home-made card or cake has the same effect.

2 We also value being able to leave the house on our own and escape the family for a short while. A spa treatment, from a massage to an hour in a floatation tank or the whole weekend at a luxury hotel, is always a winner. It also suits any pocket. Lastminute features numerous offers around the country which you can search for by location. Special packages are available at luxury hotels in the von Essen group, some of which include activities to keep dad and the children entertained while mum relaxes.

3 Most mummies love to re-live their teens and get down to a bit of dirty dancing. The perfect opportunity to treat your lady and get some precious time together is to book a babysitter and a West End show with an overnight stay in a nearby hotel. As part of a London Theatre Break with Holiday Extras it costs from 119 pounds per person for tickets to Dirty Dancing with a night in a 3 or 4 star hotel including breakfast. You can add afternoon tea and a pre-theatre dinner to the package and really drive her wild.

4 Getting away for a few days is a real treat. If you want to take the whole brood, get searching for cosy guest houses, country cottages or luxury hotels that cater for families. The Enjoy England website has some great ideas, like staying in a lighthouse or a castle. For extra brownie points take her further afield and pre-book an airport lounge where she can relax before the flight.

5 Harassed mums really appreciate a tasty meal cooked and cleared away by someone else. It’s a classic Mother’s Day treat so book Sunday lunch at her favourite restaurant in advance. Daddies must remember that they are on child-feeding and restraining duty so that Mummy can eat her meal while it’s still hot and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine.

My first Mother’s Day passed me by slightly as I was still trying to get to grips with motherhood. This year I’m ready to enjoy every minute of it, whether it’s a whole cup of tea in bed or a night in a castle.

Max Clarke is a first-time parent and part-time copywriter for a holiday services company. Holiday
Extras

It’s Time for Spring Housecleaning

One of our most difficult choices was to sell a new home we had built a year earlier. No, we didn’t have mold in the basement or obnoxious neighbors living next door; we just couldn’t afford it. We were house poor and we were honest enough to admit it. Moving into a house half the size meant we had to swallow a great deal of our pride.

Why was that so hard to do that one spring? Materialism teaches the lie that we are what we own. It promises that whatever we lack in our self-confidence we can make up in what we own.

God offers a wonderful alternative to materialism. It’s called contentment. Contentment is the choice we make to be at peace with the provisions God has placed in our lives. It’s a radical and counter-cultural thought.

Who we are is shaped by what we worship. True self-confidence comes from worshiping Jesus Christ. He allows us to be at peace with what we own, even if God never adds anything to it. If we have worked hard and followed Christ diligently, then all we own is all God must believe that we need for right now. Do you know the best news of all? God’s contentment doesn’t cost us a thing - except our misery.

Maybe instead of just doing spring housecleaning this year you need to consider downsizing to give yourself time for what is really important. Maybe you don’t need to sell your home but maybe you need to give up something else that is hindering the new true wealth which is time. You will finally be able to afford both quality and quantity time with your family. You may finally have time for a date night every week with your spouse. You may have time to deepen your relationship with Christ. You may have time to find that Christ can meet your needs in any and every situation because you won’t be chasing and running after everything else. You may have time for Scripture memory, prayer, church attendance, and Bible study.

At the Christian college that Bob attended a most unusual college course was offered. For thirty days each January during the coldest month of the year in Minnesota, a history professor took students to live in what what was known as “The Depression House.” The idea was to replicate the difficult conditions of rural America in the 1930’s. For one month the students would forego hamburgers, pizza, and tacos for a diet consisting of cornmeal, homemade bread, and beans.

The irony is that students flocked to the course. The majority were from affluent homes in which they had never known deprivation or struggle. The value of the course was that they discovered true contentment and happiness can survive even a Depression.

The apostle Paul from the New Testament wrote most of his letters while held in damp and dreary prisons. We can assure you those awful prisons needed a real spring housecleaning but Paul could speak of joy and contentment because he discovered that even in prison Christ is present and alive. The secret of contentment for the Apostle Paul was his relationship with Jesus Christ.

“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12b

God wants us to learn the lesson in our family and marriage that Christ is contentment. That’s the secret to really doing a spring housecleaning where it matters most - in your soul.

————————–

By Cheryl and Bob Moeller
Cheryl Moeller is a columnist for www.mommiesmagazine.com. She’s also an outrageous stand up comic for moms. Her syndicated humor columns will make you laugh until you feel better. Find out more about her new CD “Spin Cycle,” her humor columns and how you can bring her to speak at your mom’s group at www.momlaughs.blogspot.com

Bob is President of Marriage. His conference website is www.forkeepsconference.com. He is a pastor, speaker, TV show host, and writer on marriage issues.

They have co-authored two books. Marriage Minutes, Moody Press and For Better, For Worse, For Keeps, Marrriagevine Press can be purchased on www.momlaughs.blogspot.com.

Can A Bad Relationship Be The Result Of An Unhealthy Body And Mind?

Your life can be affected in many ways by having an unhealthy body because of poor eating habits and the lack of exercise. But can your love life be affected?

When a new relationship is started with that certain someone special, then you want it to last as long as possible. A healthy relationship needs to be established in order to achieve that. You will want to ensure that you have a healthy body and mind in order to have a well-built relationship with someone.

How can a relationship be made healthy? By having secure, self-esteem and confidence in yourself will result in a healthy mind, resulting in you being aware of what you want out of life. Self-determination can be achieved when having a healthy mind, which will help you to believe in yourself and undertake things yourself, not depending entirely upon your partner.

By having an unhealthy mind, you will have very little or no sense of worth or self-confidence. Communication becomes absent because you are in your own little world and only look to your partner for direction in your life, which will place a weight upon the shoulders of your partner.

A healthy body is when you take care of yourself. An effort is made to maintain a healthy weight and you take pride in your appearance. You don’t smoke or drink or undertake anything that would give grounds for damage to your body over a period of time.

On a regular basis you undertake exercise in order to keep your heart in a healthy condition and consume a sensible diet. You keep a positive attitude which makes your partner want to spend quality time with you.

You will certainly have an unhealthy body when you cannot be bothered to take care of yourself or your body. You let yourself go while smoking and drinking. Most of the time you consume junk food and your waist inflates.

You don’t undertake any form of exercise or do anything that would maintain a strong heart because you cannot be bothered and do not care about yourself. You have a bad mental attitude, which results in your relationship breaking up because your partner does not wish to spend any more time with you. After all, you can’t fault your partner. If you don’t care about yourself, then why should they?

A positive attitude can be acquired once your body and mind are in sync with each other. This will keep the line of communication with your partner fully open. This will allow you to listen to your partner which will help you to support them if they require. It is more likely that you will do whatever is necessary in order to keep your relationship solid.

Avoid setbacks at all times and take a stand on your physical and mental health. Do not allow setbacks to obliterate your state of mind or have an impact upon your health for the long term. Maintain a healthy body, mind and relationship.

Kevin Sinclair is the publisher and editor of My-Personal-Growth.com, a site that provides information and articles for self improvement and personal growth and development.

3 Easy Ways A Blog Can Turn Your Hobby Into An Online Business

All of us have an interest or a hobby that we enjoy doing on a regular basis. In most cases, our hobbies have nothing to do with our work.

For example, you could be an avid stamp collector, compiling rare and unique stamps from all over the world. Or maybe you enjoy fishing, and you’ve visited some of the most unique fishing sites in the world and learnt some useful fishing tricks along the way. Perhaps you even partake in the joy of painting, quietly creating your art masterpieces in your basement every weekend.

Whatever your choice of hobby may be, you can make it a lot more than just a fun pastime by expanding your interest online, that is, by getting a domain name (that could be your own name) and setting up a Blog dedicated to your hobby, on that domain.

Of course, it will still be as fun and enjoyable as it always is - that will never change. But the opportunity for you to make money from your hobby by simply sharing your joys online will surely be a welcome change. Here are three extremely easy ways you can do just that:

1. Sell Your Own Products
If your hobby is something that involves a physical product, then one way you can make money is by selling these items.

Say, for example, you have a vast collection of stamps that you’ve collected over the years. Even though you may not want to sell ALL of them, you could perhaps sell SOME of them, ones that you have more than one copy of or those you’re willing to part with.

There are millions of similar minded hobbyists such as yourself online (whatever your interest may be), and once your Blog becomes somewhat popular, you’ll find that there is indeed a big market of prospective customers for almost any type of product.

2. Sell Similar or Related Products As An Affiliate
Of course, not all hobbies have products that can be viably sold on the Internet. But if you include products that are related to your hobby, then suddenly the market becomes a whole lot larger.

Say, for example, your hobby is deep water diving. You don’t personally create any products with your hobby, but there are a lot of products that are RELATED to your hobby, such as body suits, flippers, diving coach programs, diving vacations and the such.

You don’t need to start a company, of course, to sell these products, but you can become an Affiliate for other websites and individuals who provide these products and services and receive commission in exchange for any customers that you introduce to them.

Therefore, if a visitor to your Blog reads about your underwater exploits and is inspired to try out diving for himself and clicks on your Affiliate link to buy a diving training package that you’re recommending, you’ll be earning a commission for that sale. It really is that simple.

3. Sell Your Knowledge and Experience
After so many years of being involved with your hobby or interest, you have no doubt picked up a lot of skills along the way as well as gained a lot of information and experience in the matter. So why not put it to good use?

Put some of this knowledge into writing and you can sell them as e-books on your Blog. Ebooks can be easy to write if you know the proper techniques of writing, and you can include a good number of pictures as well.

Or if the idea of ebooks doesn’t appeal to you, you can provide online training (for example, in fly fishing) to visitors interested in picking up your hobby and learning more about it. You can also send regular information to your clients via e-mail in exchange for a monthly fee, too.

The above are just some BASIC ideas on how you can make money with a Blog at your own domain that is your name, and they barely scrape the tip of the iceberg. Once you start your Blog, you’ll find that there are a HUGE number of ways you can make money with your hobby.

So why wait any longer? Start now and turn your hobby into something that actually makes money - instead of one that just spends it!

Sen Ze and his 1-of-a-kind sites at http://www.SenZe.com (where else?) and http://www.SOLOBIS.com help you make money online in ways you’ve never known. Use this Personal Domain Name Checker to see if a dotcom version of your name is still available for this purpose!

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