The Single lady's Guide to a Good Mechanic

     If you are a single independent woman, a mother, a daughter, a friend, a lover, and a co-worker, then you already know that everything falls down to you, and that includes the maintenance of your car. So, how do you find a great mechanic?
     Well if you are anything like me then you'll probably wondering were do you start (sigh). You take your car to the shop and your fairy God mechanic zaps your vehicle into shape, it costs you little to nothing and then your on your way. Does this sound like a dream, yep it's my fantasy too. We all know it's not that simple. So ladies, here are a few things to help you become your cars Zen masters.
     First, your search for Mecca or (in your case a good mechanic) begins when you seek the guidance of a spiritual leader, i.e. a trusted friend. A friend is going to be your greatest source of information. People who have given them great service and bad service will be provided by a trust worthy source. Also, don't be afraid to talk to people who have similar cars as yours. They will have invaluable information on who does great service for their own car.
     Second, you should check for certifications. Is the shop accredited by American Automobile Association (AAA)? Are the mechanics certified by National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)? Also check with the better business bureau (BBB) to find out if there have been any complaints against the shop.
     Next, once you find someone and you take your car in for service, you will want to get a full explanation of the repair work that will be done. Does the mechanic mind if you stay and watch? What type of warranties are you getting on repair work? You will want to find this out before any work has begun. Remember to also check with your shops operating hours. That way you can plan on when to pick up your car. Do they provide loaner cars?
     Finally, the most important thing, don't wait until you are having car problems before seeking out a mechanic. You should start right away and have small jobs done by the mechanic to build a relationship. Get your brakes done, oil change etc. Keep a car personal calendar and date down when you last had repairs on your car, when it's time to have that tune up etc. Now you are thinking like your cars' Zen master and maybe you have arrived at Mecca. Good Luck.

Beauty Tips from around the Globe

The Beginning Writer: Basic 101

Have you ever heard the saying “The pen is mightier than the sword”, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Then you are already aware of how powerful writing can be. Let’s just say with words you can flay an enemy over and over again. Now to become a powerful writer one of the first basic elements is point of view (POV). If you do not have consistent POV and jump around from first person to third person, then you could confuse your readers. Let’s take a look at the difference between each POV:

1^st person:  this POV transports the reader into the mind of the character. Now the reader will be able to know the thoughts and have a more intimate feel for the character; just as if it were the readers own thoughts, like in Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

2^nd person:  This POV is not really used. You will often see second person used in guide books, self-help books, do it yourself manuals, interactive fiction, games books such as choose your own adventures series and also blogs.  

3^rd person limited: POV of third person limited gives the writer more freedom then first person but less than third person omniscient. The best example is in Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. We are able to know Harry’s thoughts and reactions throughout the entire story, however Ron’s and Hermione’s thoughts will only be known through their actions.

3^rd person Omniscient: Lastly is third person omniscient or all knowing. The author is able to jump around to different characters. The story is not bound by one character. However writing from this POV can be limiting to some writers. The best example of an author using third person omniscient is J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Some great links to study up on POV are:

www.The-writers-craft.com 

www.cherylreif.com

www.fictionwriting.about.com  

 

There are a plethora of other sites you can search out; also visit YouTube, I found a terrific site by zebra fox that gives great information on POV as well as fiction writing. I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any questions please submit it to me and I will try to get back to as soon as I can. I do read all my messages and will respond.