This blog introduces you to my special brand of BIKE. I show you how to find your Best self, access your Inner strength, tune in to your Killer instincts, and use your Expressive voice. It's inspiring, spiritual, quirky, and it's all in your head. It's about ATTITUDE, not exercise, though that might be a side benefit.

Writing Clips

"Just saw an article of yours in Arizona Highways and decided to write you just to say hello. You were one of [Today's Arizona Woman's] best freelance writers. I could always count on your writing ability, being on time and word count!"
      ~Becky Kistler, former editor, TAW
"...just went through the proofs for Backroads & Byways of Arizona. What a spendid little book. It just makes the place incredibly interesting and varied. Great job on this by Jackie Dishner."
     ~Kermit Hummel, editorial director, Countryman Press
NEW ONLINE!
AAA Highroads A Walk Back in Time
AAA Highroads Get Acquainted With Quebec
AAA Highroads Weekend in Jerome 

AltMedForYou.com  Book Review: Spontaneous Happiness

Contently.com Blog Post: 8 Tips for Measuring Engagement of Your Blog Readers 
Modern Love Rejects Acting Out  
Ms. Magazine Time to Say No to "Jerry"
Restaurant Management (Rmgt Magazine) How to Boost Beverage Sales
Rmgt Magazine No Charge for That! Customer Service That Ensures Repeat Business
Rmgt Magazine Booth Your Bottom Line With Festivals
Rmgt Magazine 5 Ways to Wow Customers 
Rmgt Magazine Classes for a Cause

The Office Professional Book Review: Boring Meetings Suck
The Office Professional Book Review: Knock 'em Dead  
Wine Enthusiast Destination: Verde Valley
Wine Enthusiast Destination: Quebec City
Wine Enthusiast Mixologist of the Month: Danielle Griffin
Wine Enthusiast The Festive Cocktails of Dia de los Muertos


BUSINESS/TRADE
MPI's One+ magazine MODEL EVENT: Auto club drives into Mesa, Ariz., for branding and bingo
REALTOR® Association Executive Balancing generations in leadership

EDUCATION
Fast Company Life in the desert

GREEN ISSUES
Fast Company Life in the desert
Phoenix Business Journal
Scottsdale goes commercial with green program


GOVERNMENT POLICY
Law Enforcement Technology The Arizona uproar:
A first-of-its-kind state immigration enforcement bill stirs a mixed audience of opinions

Goldwater Institute Good health policy or criminalizing bad habits
(This article initially appeared in the state's political tabloid, Arizona Capitol Times.)

REAL ESTATE
REALTOR® Association Executive Balancing generations in leadership
BobVila.com Tax Tips for Homeowners 
HGTV's FrontDoor.com Is An Auction Right for You?

SHELTER
HGTV.com 7 beautiful window treatments for bedrooms
HGTV.com Playful kids' rooms designs
HGTV.com Before buying that new faucet, think finish first
HGTV's FrontDoor.com Greek Revival architecture (I did a series of these stories for the Web site) 
BobVila.com Remodeling the Empty Nest

TRAVEL
Arizona Highways A force to be reckoned with?
AAA Highroads Cabin Fever
Out Traveler Urban Walkabout
Country Inn and Suites Blog, Talk of the Country, Phoenix, Arizona: Desert Delight

*GUEST POSTS
Hilary Nangle: Maine Travel Maven 10 Reasons to Visit Peaks Island, Maine 
Out and Employed How to Inspire a Strong Recovery
Christine K. Bailey 10 Steps to Guest Blogging Success
Creatives Marketing Social Media Rocks Promotion
Popcorn Homestead No Gardening Experience Required 
Michelle Rafter/WordCount 8 Great Reasons to Do the Blogathon

CO-OP TRAVEL BLOG PAGE
Travel and Adventure in Arizona

THREE FAVORITES
Savoring the Salsa Trail
Why I like this one? It features a topic I managed to squeeze five stories out of as well as a chapter in my Arizona guidebook. Doing the Salsa Trail in Southeastern Arizona has probably been one of my all-time favorite trips. I was with great company. I was on a road trip (Is there anything better?), and we were having a grand old time trying to hit every stop on the map, which we managed to do. To top it off, the people down there are my new fans. It was a great ego-boost of a story to write and write and write about some more.

Five tips to keep your fountain running Why I like this one? I had pitched the editor maybe six months earlier, and it had been promptly rejected. I forgot all about it till the editor came back to me with an acceptance. Her editor decided she liked the idea after all, because of the nylon stocking tip. So, what I thought was a lost cause was reborn--all because of ripped hosiery. It turned out to be a quick, fun story to write for decent pay--an all-around winner from a freelancer's point of view!

25 ideas for fresh garden style Why I like this one? This story has taken on new legs since it was first published several years ago, but it's a good example of why evergreen stories work. And it was fun to compile all the ideas from many different sources from all over the country. Plus, there are ideas in the copy I still want to use in my own house.

SAMPLE ARTICLES (Clips available upon request)
Business:
The Business Journal
"Long-term computer use can create employer woes"
"Iron maker wrought with success"
"Expanding services made this company a smart one"
"Quality employees help build success for contractor"
"NIENEX races to Private 100 list with sales goal of $300M"
"CPG promotes high-profile clients, sets sights on Europe"

Essays:
Arizona Republic
"The bald fact: the man I married became Uncle Fester"
"Seminar convinces comic she's funny"

Health:
The Business Journal
"Computer eyestrain common complaint"
"Cord blood research unveils cellular building blocks"

Lifestyle:
Arizona Republic
"It's poetry in motion; poets, musicians climb aboard Artlink's shuttle"
"Nearly famous artist's watercolor displayed at White House"
"New gallery showcases 3 sculptors"
"Devotees court danger to collect Mexican art"
"Improv theater goes on after founder's death; students keep tradition alive"
"Painter's body of work draws wide exposure"
"Boutique takes a chance on emerging designers"
"Wine tastings stress good times; snobbery out, fun is in at Fountain Hills store"
"Couple's creations turn tabletops into artwork"

Writing:
The Writer
"Are writer blogs worth it?" -- a point/counter point feature where I say yes
"Making every word (and rhyme) COUNT" -- a Q/A interview with children's author Karma Wilson
"Networking 101" -- a feature with tips on how to make the most of your working relationships
"Deep in the fictional landscapes of RON CARLSON" -- a Q/A interview with the short story expert