Heather Down
Bio
I am an observer of life through the lens of middle age. Owner of an independent publishing house and a published author, I spend my time obsessing about all things communication. Follow me at Wintertickle Press.
Stories (58)
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My First Week on Vocal. Top Story - March 2020.
I am not going to lie; I was a little skeptical when the Vocal ad came through my social media feed. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me and I clicked the bait, read the verbiage and decided to give it a try. I had been in on the early days of istockphoto when it was still a tiny Calgary-based disruptor in the stock photography industry before it was bought out by the giant, Getty Images. Because of my experience in this creative arena, I knew the value of both disruptors and micropayments firsthand. Volume is the key.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Journal
The One Book Every First Responder Shouldn’t Be Without
Whether deployed or not, being in the military has its challenges and inherent hazards. The same can be said of first responders such as firefighters, police officers and paramedics. They run to danger when the rest of us flee. They often witness the worst of humanity and the most heinous of circumstances.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Psyche
5 Tips for Being a Good Friend With Someone With PTSD
Full disclosure: I do not have a post-traumatic stress injury or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). What I do have, however, are a lot of friends dealing with this serious set of sometimes debilitating symptoms. I do not pretend to know what it is like to live with this somewhat hidden disorder, but through the years I have utilized 5 guiding principles that have helped me be a better friend to those dealing with post-traumatic stress.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Psyche
Butterfly: Stillbirth and Adoption
I AM NOT A NATURAL hugger. It just isn’t in my nature. I respect and adore personal space, and I loathe those awkward moments when I don’t know what is the most socially acceptable course of action. Is now a good time to shake someone’s hand; or is a pat on the shoulder better; or is a hug what is called for? It is actually a standing joke among my closest friends. I remember when, after an extremely long run with our local run-club members, one guy decided to give each and every one of our sweaty crew a hug. Apparently, my expression gave my inner disdain away, and my two friends who witnessed the event couldn’t stop laughing.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Families
Gratitude Is More Than an Attitude
If you are familiar with Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret or The Power, you are completely in the loop of what many in the New Age realm call “The Law of Attraction.” However, according to Harvard University's website, there have been quite a few studies that substantiate a link between being grateful and being happy, and H.A. Fraser has set up a personal gratitude experiment anyone can conduct on their own in her book Thank You, Yes Please.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Motivation
19 Signs You Are a Long-Distance Runner
Long-distance runner vs ‘jogger’ A few months back I was chatting with the new owner of a massage-therapy chain. I had just finished my treatment, and I was mentioning that the purpose for my massage was to loosen up my muscles from long-distance running.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Longevity
Merry Tuesday!
Merry Tuesday! I went for a “run” this morning and, much like my memory, it was short and slow. I have been nursing a shoulder injury and my dreams of training for a spring half marathon have been crushed by the sledge hammer of reality. It is a stunning day, sunny, crisp, a Tuesday, and incidentally it is December 25th.
By Heather Down6 years ago in Motivation
