Enjoy good food, great friends, tons of laughter, and heaps of joy.

photo credit: Seth W.

You must register to attend the event, but registration is free, and you will have access to replays of the presentations if you can’t attend all the sessions live. Registration also gives you access to six pre-event videos.

The event bills itself as “the biggest ever free online conference exclusively for solo professionals.” The lineup of speakers is impressive, and the topics include many important to the success of any freelancer. The Web site includes the complete schedule and speaker bios.

Every month when I post thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile this list. I have explained my system in detail in Compiling Thanks to Commenters.     Top Contributor (15 comments)   Beverly Ellison (My apprentice who will be posting here starting next month responded to comments on her welcome post.) Administrative Support Services     Major Contributor (13 comments)   Christopher Roberts Christopher Roberts Technology     Outstanding Contributors (4-8 comments) Jane Recovering Deleted Files Carolyn Howard-Johnson How to Do It Frugally Holly Jahangiri It’s All a Matter of Perspective Dominique 4 Walls and a View Andrew Heaton Good Honest Dollar Bluestocking The Bluestocking Guide Jeremiah  Yes PDX Krista Krista McCrae Jewellry Nick Luxury Spanish Property Blog Sabrina Sara K Blanco Photography Ron Smart Trading     Significant Contributors (2-3 comments) Cath Lawson Cath Lawson Helen Ginger Straight from Hel Karen Swim Words for Hire Mia Software Business Partners Restuty Yusnita Shopacoholic Robert Pendleton Blue Water Benefits Vinish Parikh Storm Shadow Costumes Aggie Villanueva Visual Arts Junction Angelie Virginia Criminal Lawyer Brian Yo-Yo Books celine Custom Harley Davidson Handlebars for All Chris PDF Electric and Supply Company Ed Affordable Indiana Health Insurance Gibbs Kids Rolling Suitcase Jeanne Dininni Writers Notes Jenny Software Business Partners John Sytek Central MN Julie The Premier Collection Larry Host Nexus Mike Rowan etermlifeinsurance.com Nikolay Absorb the Web  Peter Agriya Sally Sara K Blanco Photography Steve Flower Canvas     Important Contributors   Alex SQL Steps Alfred Bruce Witchel alice Health Insurance Washington Amanda Giving Plants Andrew Keir Andrew Keir Andy Let It Grow Angela In His Name Anne Michigan DUI Defense Anthony Animo Para Vivir April Confessions of a Working Mum Aridne The Premier Collection Arthur M Uncut-Spiele Audrey Squidoo: Razor Pocket Rocket Barbara Stainless Steel Pan Bonnie Resin Wicker Patio Furniture Store Brian The Up Blog Caroline Top Translation Cedric diadema Christina Eden Pure Heaters Corissa Network Marketing Tools Cher Samantha Milner Blog Christopher 8 Walls Real Estate Claudia Villanova U HR Certification Cori  Well Being Universe: Alternative Health Product Craig Williams Adelec Crystal Andrus Crystal Andrus Blog Danielle The Premier Collection Dave Benzomatic Torch Dave Car Sat Nav World Dave Citronella Torches Dave Cordless Straighteners Dave Folding Camping Chair Dave Reciprocating Saw Dave Solar Torches David Garden Candles David Virginia DUI Lawyer Deb S Media by Sistrunk Dennis Cheng Baby Play Mats Store Dina Mother-Ease diocelin Art Viper  Edgar Allen Cinesource Elina Chong Leveraged ETF eric Cambium Works Ernest Giving Plants Fblack EasyIRS.com  Francis Global Matrix Media Fred Black Internet Business Gadi JA Law Geoff Cross Country Running Shoes gnemeno MKT Pro Realty Group Heidi Simpson Bpovia Internet Marketing Henry Credit Card Debt and Debt Consolidation Solutions Heru Kurniawan Golf Swing Mechanics Ian Giochi Gratisq Ian Out of Stress Jack Blog Hosting Jack Electrician Tool Pouch jaycee Living in the Sun Jake FoxPro Answers James Nail Polish Rack James Xpirt Design  Jamie Modern Wall Company Jan Mortgage Sanity Jane Halcyon Days Salons and Spas Jane Outdoor Scene Jane Writing Children’s Books Janet Queen Anne Furniture Jason Cutsa Jean Lassen n/a Jef Law Offices of Jef Henninger Jen M.P. Interiors Ltd. Jennifer Squidoo: Purity Rings Jennifer Taylor Fencing Jenny Button Down Short Sleeve Shirts Jimmy   Gaming 20 Jimmy Cliff Lawyers for Business Johan Gratis Pengar John Ubscure Article Directory John Legend Just in Time Hotels John Sargent Modani Josh Healthish Blog Jovit Sytek Kaitlyn Blacket A&S Gifts Katlyn Halcyon Days Salons and Spas Kelvin Youngman Richardson Kim HGH Works Kyle Downriver Computer Solutions Lee Costley Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Lara Liver Disease Herbs linda Logo Design New Zealand Linde Mother-Ease Lori The Premier Collection Malcolm Bedroom Furniture Shop Marcy Vaniqa Cream Mark Projecting British Culture Mark UK Jobs Guide Matt Lose Weight Daily Mich Marketing with Michael S. Brown Michael   Marketing with Michael S. Brown Michael Stinger Patriot Coach Michelle Tenant Direct Mike   eBay PortoGear Mike B Global Matrix Media Mini Play Poker mithun DBS Infosoft Nathan World of Zune Nick Rajdhjani Nicole wwwFull Novan therapistca.com Parminder Tenant File Patrick Unleash Your Full Potential Paul Funky Fancy Dress Paul India Snacks Paul Sytek Peter Glenn Beck Books Peter   Healing Emotions Peter Harrison Print Buying Direct Philippa Burgess Your Media Brand Mentor Pietas First Central Mortgage Funding rasim muratovic Slow Computer Fix Rhea Sunday Drive Richard Christmas Tree Scented Candle Ricky The X Views River CBS Custom Business Solutions Rob Lester Levenson’s KISS Releasing Sedona Method Robert Mountain Bike Shorts Robert Vessels Skechers Superstore Robin Alley Inspiration Motivation Information Sally Real Estate & Homes for Sale Sally Ferguson Sally’s Words Sam  Folding Camping Chair Sam Hellraiser Costumes Sammy Tiki Oil Torches Samuel Fast Quick Weight Loss Diets Samuel Viagens Online Sandy CBS Custom Business Solutions Sarah Lam Writing Consultation schimdth Blogging with Pride Scott Advanced Web Marketing Scott Between the Lines – BookRix Blog Sean RNB Guitar Academy shabana Thomas Sabo Shane Dayton Master Dayton Shanna The Premier Collection Sheila Walker Maternity Clothes Shirley Kelly Lanterns for Less Spot Spot Cool Stuff Steve Crystal Table Lamps Steve Home Gym Systems Steve Hydration Rucksack Steve Marino Games Live Stewart We Do Web Pages Sylvia Dickey Smith Sylvia Dickey Smith Thalita Sultan Costumes Thomas Texas Home and Lifestyle – Houston, TX tihiro hayasi Blue Water Benefits Tony A Vital Limousine Tori The Premier Collection Valor Avital  Limousine velharth First Central Mortgage Funding vince 10Articles.com Vince Blogging with Pride vinusha Nilayoram Wilhemina Meek Gift Bed William Nilayoram Willy Remote Access Software Zezebel Princess Zezebel Lair

Recipients are asked to pass the award along to 15 other blogs, preferably blogs new to us. Narrowing down the list was a challenge. In general, I tried to select blogs that I’ve started reading within the past few months and that update regularly. I also tried to select a mix of blogs—some are Christian devotional blogs; some relate to writing or books; and some focus on other topics. Some will not pass the award on, but I wanted to recognize them anyway.

The criteria for accepting the award are as follows:

• Post it with the name of the person who granted you the award along with a link to her Web site.
• Pass the award on 15 blogs that you have newly discovered (if possible).
• Contact the bloggers to notify them they have received the award.

Here are my choices (in the order they appear in my feed reader):

• Books on the Knob—Every day Karen lists books that are free or discounted for the Kindle and other e-readers. Many of the books on my Kindle right now are there because I clicked on a link at Books on the Knob to download a free copy.
• Carolyn Scheidies’ I Deal in Hope Blog—I confess this is not a new blog for me. I’ve known Carolyn Scheidies and read her blog since she started it several years ago. However, I’ve never acknowledged how much I appreciate her daily devotionals and want to do that now.
• Daily Grace—Dr. Bobbi Jo’s devotional blog is a recent discovery for me. Her daily devotionals are short but packed with meaning.
• George Angus, Tumblemoose Writer—George’s passion for writing and passion for books shines through his posts.
• Good Honest Dollar—This is another blog I’ve read for a while but never recognized. Andrew discusses the ethics (or lack thereof) in real-world business situations.
• In His Name—Angela Joseph has been posting Christian articles and devotionals since 2005, but I only discovered her blog recently and am very glad I did.
• Indie Author—April L. Hamilton provides great advice and information about self-publishing.
• Sally’s Words—Sally is a minister’s wife who writes an eclectic blog about ministry, motherhood, and  more.
• Self-Editing Blog—John Robert Marlow doesn’t post often, but when he speaks, authors listen to his excellent advice.
• Solid Rock or Sinking Sand—Lloyd Cannaday’s reflections constantly remind us to build our lives on Solid Rock (Jesus), not sinking sand (the world). 
• The Book Designer—You would expect a designer’s blog to be lovely, which it is, but Joel Friedlander provides much useful information that every self-publisher needs to know if they want their self-published book to look like a traditionally published book.
• The Old Geezer Blog—The Old Geezer writes about faith, politics, current events—and he’s funny. I do have one thing against him. According to his bio, he’s a few months younger than I am, so if he’s an old geezer, what am I?
• Visual Arts Junction—You’ve seen links to VAJ several times here, so you may think this is not a new blog to me. However, I didn’t discover Aggie Villanueva’s blog until I hosted her on a blog book tour early this year. In addition to all the great information for authors, VAJ is one lovely blog because of Aggie’s fabulous photographic art.
• WordJourney Magazine—This is another blog I’ve read for quite awhile, since it first began, but have never publicly acknowledged how much I appreciate Matt Keegan’s information and inspiration.
• Words for Hire—Another not-new-to-me blog that I couldn’t leave off because everything about Karen and her words is absolutely lovely.

Thank you to each of these special bloggers for bringing me pleasure, information, and inspiration every time I open my feed reader. There are many more wonderful blogs that I enjoy reading regularly, many of whom I’ve recognized previously with other awards. Thank you for your contributions to the blogosphere.

After my stroke, I was in a manual wheelchair for months. I wasn’t strong enough to maneuver the wheelchair myself so I hired someone to drive me and push my wheelchair. People always seemed to be uncomfortable around me. Often they spoke to my helper and ignored me. They looked at me with pity, but most of the time, everyone I came in contact with went out of their way to help me—rushing to open the door or make room in the elevator.

Then I got a motorized scooter and no longer needed an assistant.  Instead of looking at me with pity, people talked and joked with me: “How fast does that thing go?” “Been in any races lately?” “Hey, don’t run me down!”

Suddenly, I was a person again—no longer an object of pity. Although some individuals still seemed unsure how to act around me, most people treated me the same as they would as if I had been walking on my own two feet. They didn’t see me as totally helpless like they did when I was in a wheelchair pushed by someone else.

I hadn’t changed, but people’s perception had. When I was dependent on someone else to help me, people looked away and ignored me. When I could get around on my own—because of the power of the assistive device I was using, not because of any change in my own physical ability—people treated me as an independent human being.

I was blessed that the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect around the time I was going out into the world as a disabled person for the first time. I seldom had any trouble finding a parking spot—people who had been disabled for a long time apparently weren’t getting out yet because they hadn’t discovered that they had opportunities they didn’t have before. Sometimes, though, able-bodied people didn’t seem to understand why the best parking spaces were marked with a wheelchair icon. One time, I went to a movie with family members. Every handicapped spot was taken. We had to wait until the previous showing ended before a bunch of teenagers ran out to the cars with handicapped license plates and drove off.

On one occasion, I was visiting a client of my interior landscape company and needed help opening a heavy door.  The building manager looked at me on the scooter and said, “If I had to get around like that, I’d never go anywhere.”

I responded, “I’m not going to stay home, just lying around feeling sorry for myself.”

She obviously realized I was offended and hastened to explain that she meant it as a compliment. She thought I was very brave for facing the world from the seat of a moving chair. I told her no one knows how they would respond in a given situation until they have experienced it. We all have to make decisions every day as to whether we will let our circumstances get us down or do all we can in spite of whatever circumstances we face.

Many bloggers today will be posting about the need for government action on disability rights or about the importance of social agencies providing services to the disabled. My approach is a little different. I want to emphasize how disabled individuals can empower themselves and how the ordinary people they come in contact with—you and me—can empower them.

None of us can completely control our circumstances. We can do some things: Driving safely and soberly can reduce the chances we’ll be in an accident that disables us, and eating right and exercising will lessen the risk of disability caused by lifestyle diseases. However, regardless of what we do or don’t do, we can still find ourselves in less-than-desirable situations.

If you are disabled, don’t let your disability define you.

• Take advantage of every opportunity you have to participate in the activities you enjoy, even if that means some people will look at you with pity and others will suggest you don’t belong. Understand that every morning you have a choice: Lie in bed feeling sorry for yourself or do all you can to participate in life, whether that’s going out into the world or using assistive devices to get online.
• Be thankful for what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have. If you are in the United States today, you have incredibly more opportunities to participate in activities of all kinds than were available 20 years ago. No, the situation isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely improving.
• Educate others about how they can help. Most people would be glad to help, but they don’t know how. Individuals who don’t have personal experience with disability (their own or a loved one’s) usually don’t understand the challenges you face. Often they will appreciate your pointing out that it’s difficult for you to see what’s happening when you’re in a wheelchair and everyone else is standing up or that the aisle that seems plenty wide to them is obstructed for someone in a scooter. Sometimes just a smile and a hello from you will make another person more comfortable around you.
• Remember that you are God’s precious creation. He loves you, and He will help you handle pain, fear, and rejection. Call on Him for strength when you don’t have any of your own.

If you are a healthy, able-bodied individual, recognize those who aren’t as fortunate.

• Treat everyone you meet with respect and courtesy. That person in the wheelchair or with the guide dog or acting strangely because of mental illness is a human being with emotions just like yours. Don’t  ignore them or look at them with pity. Realize that disabilities come in all shapes and sizes—and not all are visible. 
• Provide assistance, if appropriate, without condescension. Open a door for someone in a wheelchair, just as you would hold the door for a person carrying a heavy load. If someone seems to be struggling, ask if you can help them, but don’t be surprised or offended if they prefer to do it themselves. If they need help and you’re not sure what to do, ask how you can best assist them.
• Don’t pre-empt handicap facilities. Leave the handicap parking space for someone who needs it, even if you’re driving your grandmother’s car with handicapped license plates. Leave the handicap stall empty in the restroom even if you have to wait for a minute.
• Advocate for the disabled. That doesn’t mean you have to become politically active and try to get laws passed. But if you’re in a business and notice that the trash can is blocking wheelchair access into the restroom, notify the manager. If you have input into hiring where you work, ensure that a qualified applicant isn’t turned away because reasonable accommodation is required. If you see someone parking in a handicap space who is obviously not handicapped, politely remind them that disabled people really need the space. Of course, you must be careful about this—someone can have a heart condition that limits their walking ability but that isn’t visible to the casual observer. However, if you see a teenager run across the parking lot to join her friend, she probably doesn’t need to be taking up a handicap parking space.

Let’s all look at people with disabilities as people first.

Do you have other suggestions for how those who are handicapped and those they encounter can empower people with disabilities? Please share in comments.