Decayed & Abandoned

Recently, while driving with Michael to my parent’s farm in Sterling I had plenty of time for reflection.  As we passed through places like Last Chance, Atwood, Woodrow and Hillrose, I saw many homes dead and abandoned.  The family farm or ranch bought out by corporations with the decaying dwellings of the former owners left to time.  I realized just how true that the family farm and ranch is slowly coming to an end.  I saw further signs of the times with makeshift signs for Sheriff’s on farm trucks, and gas stations turned into homes.

I  also realized, as a virtual assistant, how blessed I am to be working in such a way that my geography literally doesn’t matter, as long as I have an internet connection and phones (which I can get online).  In this economy, a virtual assistant can thrive because of the abundance of work.  Knowing the abundance of work comes from the fact that many of our clients have let go staff is a bitter knowledge, but one that must be accepted. The work must still be done.

I realized that these tiny places like Last Chance which didn’t even have a gas station, could still house a thriving virtual assistant.  That Woodrow, with its handful of buildings, could still be a hub of activity.

As virtual assistants we are blessed to be able to both have a viable career, and extremely satisfying life.

I for one, am truly grateful for this industry.

Kathy Ritchie, ~thebestva

Using some more photography from krpgallery.com I’ve created another personal blog page template.

This is a great design for a gardener too!

Thanks, Kathy

In one of the newsletters in my inbox (Online Tech Tips), I discovered something very cool for printing more ‘green’.

GreenPrint Software allows you to select which aspects of documents and web pages you need to print at that time.  If you don’t want the images, turn them off, or want the first page but not the other 7? Turn them off.

They have three versions, Enterprise, Home Premium and World.  The World version is free, but ad supported (they say the ads are tasteful).

We’ve all seen the email signatures for being more green:

Now, take it a step further!  Visit GreenPrint Software and choose your version.

Thanks, Kathy

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Clara Fyffe on Saturday, June 26, 2010.

Clara never stopped fighting her battle against cancer, and she always wished to resume her work as a virtual assistant.  She is one of the most courageous people I have ever known, even though she and I never met face to face – except through video chatting.

She told me frequently how important our industry was to her, and the blessings of numerous friends she met while virtual assisting.  Some of her fondest memories were made ‘computer to computer’.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls, WI.  I will post more when I know the details.

Clara Fyffe,  July 1947 – June 2010

Rest in peace.

Clara’s Bio:

Clara Fyffe is the owner of All-Write Virtual Office, established in July 1995 in Evansville, Indiana.

Prior to opening her business, Clara worked in the accounting office of a major auto dealership. When that office reorganized, she found herself out of work and divorced. In hopes of improving her life, Clara chose to return to college and signed up at the University of Southern Indiana. In May 1992, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications, Journalism and Creative Writing. Clara had always enjoyed writing and worked as a reporter for the campus newspaper, “The Shield.” Following graduation, she wrote feature articles for the “Boonville Standard” newspaper. She then worked as editor for the regional print magazine “Road Trippin’” and advanced to writing her own monthly column, “Mom’s Musings,” an ongoing series of articles relating to the trials, tribulations, triumphs and tricks of her college student son.

Following a serious auto accident in 1994, resulting to injuries to her back and legs, Clara found that she could no longer work outside the home. After talking to another woman who wanted to close her home secretarial business, Clara learned all she could and opened her own company, then named “All-Write Creative Writing and Printing.” She did most of her marketing by word of mouth, but also used the Internet, searching out those with like interests, joining multiple “writing chat rooms” to make her presence known. By doing so, she acquired many high-paying projects.

In November 1998, Clara moved to Bloomington, Indiana, to be near her family. She immediately sought out the expertise of her local SBDC and took courses to further her abilities for re-opening her business in its new location. She also chose a new name, “All-Write Virtual Office,” and created a new logo, as well. She set up an extensive home office and got to work, enjoying every minute of it.

Then, in September 2002, a direct hit by an F-4 tornado destroyed Clara’s home, office and car. It took nearly a year – and the support of the IAVOA community – to get through the insurance red tape and re-outfit her business in a new location and home. One year later, she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and underwent brain surgery on October 8, 2003. Two years later, she is again moving her business forward. As before, the IAVOA community helped tremendously in supporting her and urging her not to give up.

Clara fought and repelled lung cancer and was in remission for almost a year before it reappeared in a different spot.  This time, although she fought bravely, it was just not to be.

I just received word that Clara Fyffe has slipped into a coma and not expected to pull through. One of her family said its not expected she’ll make it longer than 24 hours. If you would like to read her online journal, you can view it at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/clarafyffe.