Over the years I've created accounts on other sites on a regular basis.   Not all of the accounts I used regularly, as some I used for branding purposes - and others I created to just check websites out to see how well they work and for general review.

I've used the pen name 'edlives' for as long as I've been blogging on Xanga, where it was first introduced.   It was used as a means to keep a small level of anonymity.   I also shared much of my faith in the early days of my blogging life, and the pen name carries a bit of that meaning with it - but I digress.

Gone are many of the sites I used to be on, and others still remain as a shell of their former selves.   But I still remain on several sites.  I still contribute regularly - but only as time permits.

I do contribute to Howtolearn.com and Technorati.com, and I encourage you to look at those sites if you have the time.  Sometimes I'm asked o write articles for sites and publications that cater to the autism community.

Over the past few weeks I've been able to devote a little time in revamping my personal accounts.   And I think it's time to do a little reveal as to the major places where most people are online - and where they can connect with me.   It was just time that I looked at what I did online, and refocused where I'm at, and what I needed to focus my time when I'm online.   It was long overdue, but glad I did it.

So, here are the sites that I'm regularly on if you'd like to connect with me.

Xanga.com

- http://edlives.xanga.com  - this is my main blog, where you are reading me now (in case you didn't know).  I call it my blogging home.   I also blog on Autisable, but will hold off on sharing my specific blog url on that site until the site gets relaunched.

Facebook -
My personal account - https://www.facebook.com/joel.manzer  - now I will say I do have a tendency to accept friend requests as I am a constant networker.   However, I do check people's accounts that want to connect with me.  So, if you try to connect with me through a fake account - be warned.

My Fanpage - https://www.facebook.com/brainfriednetwork  - this is where I share just about anything I come across online.  Weird/Mundane.  It's also where many of my blogs and contributing articles will be promoted.   I do manage several fanpages on facebook, but this one is my personal one.

Twitter -  http://www.twitter.com/edlives  - when I must I do tweet a few things here and there.

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/pub/joel-manzer/5/353/826/   -  do you want to connect with me professionally?   then this is the place.  Be aware, however, that like my personal facebook account - I will look at your account.  After all, there must be a purpose to connect with me on this site.

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/JoelManzer    - This is an upgrade from my previous youtube account which will eventually be shut down.   Focus with this account is to share hitrecord projects that I'm a part of (when I can), and also more professional quality videos.

Hitrecord.org  - http://www.hitrecord.org/users/edlives   - this is a collaborative production company.  I like doing voice overs and this site gives me the opportunity to practice.   I may share some of the results on my soundcloud or youtube accounts - which will be shared via facebook, etc...  Being that I like doing voice overs, I am still deciding what site I want to use the most - as I have accounts on a few sites for that as well. But I'll save that for a later time.

Vine.co - https://vine.co/u/999118920944627712    - I like to do impressions, be silly and have a bit of fun.   I use vine to connect with folks and have a bit of fun in the process.

Instagram.com - http://www.instagram.com/joelmanzer  - like my youtube upgrade, this account is actually an upgrade as well.  The previous account is no longer being used.   Sometimes I come across a good picture I'd like to share - so expect those on this site.

So, the above sites listed are where I'm at usually.   Feel free to friend/follow/subscribe.... you know, the usual rhetoric to say 'connect with me here as well'

Until later, Be Blessed.

In August of last year  Autisable - along with the entire Xanga network of blogging community sites -  was shut down.   This was due to the decision by Xanga.com to close their proprietary platform and migrate everything to a site powered by wordpress technology.

The Xanga team has been working hard at getting Xanga back up to speed, and each of the network sites, including Autisable - has been put on  bit of a back burner while they address issues as new servers, data management, etc..

Relaunching a website is no easy task, and add to that the planning and replanning of what needs to be done, how we need to go about it - etc...

I don't want to promise anything and deliver something that will fall short of expectations.   In short, I don't want to over promise and under deliver.

In that regard - Autisable's relaunch is going to be a rather simple one - with not a lot of bells and whistles on the site until we get some things reestablished.

Our first goal is to get the articles and author's matched up on our main site.  There are over 6,300 articles and a couple of hundred authors.   We've made some serious progress, but it's a long and tasking process.  The migration from Xanga's prioprietary platform to wordpress has proven a serious challenge - but at least we're making some major progress to reach this level.

We are looking at relaunching the site back to it's domain prior to the completion of the first goal - so we can get the look and feel of the site established.

Once the site has been relaunched and we are back on track - people will see that the site is powered by wordpress, but there really won't be a lot of bells and whistles on the site.     So, don't expect a lot of plugins and extra wordpress based technology other than the basics.

We will first be reaching out to our regularly syndicated bloggers.    We want to make sure that they can manage the upgrade with their accounts on the site before we make the site open to everyone again.   Due to data migration issues, there may be some accounts that have to be reestablished as well.   We will address each account when the time comes - and I appreciate the incredible amount of patience as we push through this process.

Now, what to expect after Autisable relaunches besides blogs and offering blogging to folks?

First - If you have a Smart TV, Media Streaming Device, or Gaming console - then you may be able to find The Autism Channel on any of these devices by the end of the year.    We are working with The Autism Channel in creating a show that will highlight musicians and non-profits that help the Autism Community.

Secondly - we are working on an ad revenue stream that will not only benefit Autisable, but people who also blog about Autism may be able to benefit as well.   Wish I could go into details now, but this will be announced in due time.

Third - we are working on a concert series and expansion of Autisable's website that will help families at a local level.  We are already working with several artists to make this concert a reality.  Stay tuned for more details.

Fourth - we will be developing an online store for Autisable.  I've personally made many a phone calls in how to make a store that will best benefit and serve the community.  I look forward to it's continued development.

We've been working on this for sometime, and I'm excited to see how things are developing.

In order to jump start some of these efforts - we will need some extra financing - a small budget to accommodate things like:

• programmers (for the websites)
• videographers/editors (for show on the Autism Channel)
• on Air talent (to serve as host for the show)
• travel expenses (from NYC, to Florida, to Los Angeles - much is being done that travel will be necessary to finalize some plans)
• computer (working off of a Dell Inspiron notebook is ok, but will need to upgrade/replace eventually)

So, we are creating a GoFund.me campaign to address our expansion efforts.   Of course, as our ad revenue increases, the need for a crowd funding campaign will diminish to where it will no longer be required.

Stay tuned, as we are getting closer to Autisable's relaunch.

Blessings.

-

This week marks the official closing of one door, and the next step of my journey to begin.

As I've been reminded time and time again these past couple of months - when one door closes - another door opens.

I'm still helping folks and keeping busy while working for another place of employment.  I've always had a challenge staying still for too long.

Along with working on Autisable and helping out T.O.N.E-z - I've been practicing some voice overs over at Hitrecord.org.

HitRecord is a collaborative production company, and for those who have Pivot on their cable line-up, you may see HitRecord on TV. People who contribute to the site and who's contributions are used, can be compensated... however, I haven't been lucky enough for that to happen to me.

I've been having a bit of fun in my spare time with this site - honing some of my vocal ability with what people write.   Interacting with some of the other contributors - and am rather inspired by the people who I consider fellow hitrecorders.

Because it's a collaborative site - anyone on the site can remix what anyone else contributes.   It's also interesting that due to the fact that people have a common goal to create - there's very little (if any) drama between folks.   The purpose, after all, is to create.

For example, someone writes a script - someone else takes that script and applies a voice to it.  Other people take that audio file and apply animation and visuals.

What happens next can be something like this video:

I applied the voice over for the above fake commercial - but over 24 resources were used to create it.

It was a pleasant surprise when someone used what I did, and remixed it into something new.   After all, I took the script that someone else wrote and remixed it into an audio file that another person can use.

This has put things into perspective - in that although my time at a particular place was temporary, people are remixing my work and taking it to someplace new - even better than what I could do.

A door may have closed, but I know I did the best I could, and from the encouragement I've received from folks still there - I am resolved at knowing I left a positive mark.

I now take that step of faith as to what is next for me.   I apply to companies, I help where I can, and see what window or door opens as I journey down this path called life.

Still pressing forward, I thank you for joining me on this journey - and I look forward to sharing what I can as the path twists and turns.

This past Saturday I was coordinating with several people to try to visit with T.O.N.E-z and Alicia Witt in LA during their video shoot of the song "My Baby Girl".   I'll share the video and more in due time, but I digress...

I wish I had a bit more time to coordinate the effort, and to reach out to more Xangans to make it a bit of a xanga meetup - but less than two full weeks was all I had - and so there was a bit of a time constraint to contend with.

I'm grateful however to Maurice (@myxldove), who not only was willing to go - but for also giving me a call when he was locating the place where the video was held.  Turned out the address I received was incorrect.   We were able to quickly update some folks and I was glad that Maurice was able to make it.   I look forward to his blog posts about his adventure - as sometimes I have to live vicariously through y'all.

Another person we were hoping to make the video shoot was a rapper kid with Autism named Rio "SoulShocka" Whyles.   Now I remember Rio doing a video for StandUp2Cancer several years ago - and he's come a LONG way since then with his collaborative video with Timeflies - doing a remix of "swoon":

Now - Rio will be collaborating with Watsky (of youtube fame) soon for an upcoming Autism Speaks event.

But, the challenge here is that Rio wasn't able to meet with T.O.N.E-z - and that was a bit disapointing.  However, through challenging situations come an opportunity.

If things went as planned, I most likely wouldn't have had the chance to talk with Rio's mom - who shared with me more about Rio, about the upcoming event he's doing with Watsky - and also about her book she's writing.

Sometimes when things don't work out the way you planned, just remember that there's a bigger plan in effect that's usually even better.

When working on a major project there comes a time where you have to battle with choices.

Lately we can't move forward due to the need to have artists participate - and artists needing to know where the venue is - and what's required of them.

It's the chicken or egg situation.   Advertisers want to know what artists are involved, and artists want to know what advertisers may be involved.   It's a bit of a dance, really - and I'm encouraged that two artists are wanting to make it happen so far - and we're working on reaching out to more.

In the coming weeks I'll be sharing about Autisable's expansion efforts.   We're already working on a commercial for a GoFund.me campaign.  The script is written, the director and his team are lined up - and we're just finalizing a few details before it gets filmed.

May take some time, but it will be worth it.  I like the simple concept of the script - just hope it gets executed well.

The crowdfunding campaign is to help provide a cash flow for Autisable's expansion.   As I've shared before, I haven't earned a substantial income (or any) since the site was shut down in August - when Xanga pulled the plug on the old proprietary platform.   The amount needed for the expansion will help with filming and editing a behind the scenes show - and also other promotional and programming needs for the site.

No matter how it all comes out, I know that it will benefit the autism community - and be entertaining and informative.

Faith is an incredible process where one has to put out their foot to take a step to see what happens.   This whole process has been a step by step one, and I've been incredibly encouraged each moment.

I posted on facebook that 'Cancer Sucks' - and the response I received was overwhelming to me.  From comments to private messages from people concerned about me, to sharing that they are going through cancer related issues either with themselves or with someone that they know personally.

To set aside a couple of things - I don't have cancer.    I posted that update after I received a call from my Mom who has been battling brain cancer for over a year - and getting an update from another family member who is dealing with the disease as well.

Mortality for those with Grade 4 Glioblastoma is very high.   My Mom is one of the strongest women I know, and seeing this happen and her response to it all does nothing but grow my admiration for her.   She has been the glue that keeps much of the family together over the years.   So our whole family is in support and in prayer.

With family getting older, a few having Cancer, and my son having Autism - along with the financial obligations one has to keep a house together - one would get the impression that I'm over it. But that is never the case.   I do get weary from time to time, and maybe get a bit of anxiety - but hey, we're all human.  Things like that should be expected.

I've heard sob stories where people have gone through a lot worse then me or my family.   I remember the phrase where a man complained about his shoes until he saw a man with no feet.  That phrase rings ever so true when I'm having to hear bad news or am going through some very bad things.

Just the other day I saw a man who lost both of his legs due to a car accident.  He's still moving forward.  He reminds me of those in the military who sacrifice their life for others.

These things may hinder or slow down one's life... and some folks may want to stop what they are doing and just hid in the corner.

But - No matter what, you must keep moving forward.

A preacher once shared that if you feel as though you are going through hell... don't stop.

I have to press on.   To me there are too many families that need help - that need encouragement - that need to have their voice heard.

My family is just one - but there are millions in just the United States alone that need to have their journey with Autism shared.

I believe that opportunities are available.   I am applying to jobs and submitting my resume.   I'm networking with as many people possible.   There is work out there, and it will just be a matter of time before the right fit happens.

In the meantime I'm helping folks as I am able, doing housework as I am able - keeping forward mobility in my life in motion.

Be encouraged.

For what resides within is greater than any problem that may come around.

No Matter What - Keep Moving Forward.

I've been blogging under the pseudonym of edlives for over a decade.   In that time I've been blessed to meet many people online and worked hard at helping people and businesses in promoting their efforts.

Several years ago, prior to even Autisable launching, I created the website called Brain Fried Network.

The site will be shut down, but the fan page associated with the site won't be shut down and will continue.

The site and several things associated with it is costing me over $20 per month.   There hasn't been any profits from the endeavor as I did it for the love of doing it.

Being unemployed has caused me to cut back on several things - and this being one of them.

The fan page on facebook will be my personal fan page - where all my blog posts connect, and where I will share whatever I can.

IF you are on facebook - feel free to like the page:  https://www.facebook.com/brainfriednetwork

Not only is this decision an effort to trim my expenses, it is also a decision that helps me refocus my attention on Autisable.

I will still be helping out the Xanga community - but it will be without Brain Fried Network the website.

until later.

A few weeks ago I met Actor/Artist  T.O.N.E-z.  He's that guy who created the theme song for the tv show Justified.

Since our first meeting I've had several phone calls with him, where we discussed much of his music - and social media.

Beyond that we talked about life experiences, and how many artists try to deal with their issues via song.

We found out that we had something in common.  We both experienced a miscarriage from an expectant fathers point of view.

It's not something I've ever talked about before - but since the movie "Labor Day" was released this past year, I think that the stigma of someone having a miscarriage should at least be addressed.

Now I know some folks don't want to talk about this topic - and I have to say that is ok by me.  However, there are people who may find it helpful to address this loss appropriately - and they need help.

T.O.N.E-z shared his experience with fellow Justified Actress/Singer  Alicia Witt though the song "Baby Girl".

Like much of his music, it hits the topic head on - from his perspective.  It's raw and full of emotion.

Please take a moment to listen to it - and if you like it - buy it from iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-baby-girl-feat.-alicia/id814496952

Here's another snippet:

http://www.reverbnation.com/tonez/song/19961525-my-baby-girl-snippet-tone-z-ftalicia

It's been a little over a month since the job hunt began.  From that day I've been working on paperwork, housework, and making sure that our finances and other issues are being taken care of appropriately.

I'm sitting in a Diner at the moment, listening to customers discuss everything from food to kids to their job.   Seems that no matter where I go, the same topics of discussion keep happening.

But today is a bit challenging, as I'm dealing a little with anxiety.  It's the issue where the mind wanders at 100 miles an hour thinking on what will happen - what should have happened - and how I should do what I need to do... whatever that is.

I met an interesting couple across from my table.  They were stopping in to grab a bite to eat.  He had years of service but was just dealing with his back.   Nice couple and I hope his back heals.

I find that in order for me to deal with anxiety, it's a good thing for me to network and talk with people - especially those who are going through a few things.  It puts things into perspective on not only how blessed these people I meet are - but also how blessed I am as well.

More job applications and resume's are being submitted, and everything is moving forward.

Just one of those days where anxiety reared it's head and had to be reminded to chill out.

until later, back to the grind.

For many years I was one to take on a project because I could see it's potential.   Then, I realized the importance of saying 'no' to doing things.

Sometimes saying 'no' doesn't mean that a project has no significance, but rather it's about being able to provide quality time and effort to provide a service that gives that project the respect it deserves.

I have been approached to help out on social media promotional campaigns, marketing consulting, logistics consulting, and other projects by which I've been known to have some success.   I am happy to listen to what people want to promote or organize a bit better, but I'm reluctant now as to what projects I will spend my time and effort.

My reluctency has nothing to do with anyone's ideas lacking pizzazz or passion - to the contrary, the folks pitching me their ideas have plenty of heart and passion.   The nature of my response is due to time management.

This reminds me of how many times I'm talking with people who are experts in their field, and how they would have to say no to a project because they just don't have the time to attack the project in a way that will show forth their best effort.

Would you accept a job and only provide half a measure of work?   I know I wouldn't.

But the power of saying 'no' not only protects a reputation of someone's time and work ethic - it also helps to refine a person's focus.

When we say, "yes" to helping others - it should be because we can truly help that person or project with all of our talents and abilities.   We should remind ourselves, therefore, that providing a 'yes' to someone needing our help would mean that we can help them fully - without reservation - but with set limitations to provide a realistic expectation.

In short, our yes should be yes - and our no should be no.  And whatever our response is, it should be clearly understood by all involved as to what level that we can be of service.

An answer of 'No' is therefore a sign of someone's limitations, and should be respected.   At the same time, however, it also is a sign of opportunity to seek out what other options remain available - as most likely those options were not yet explored.

It's only the beginning.