Hello ,

As you probably know by now, Shelley and I love telling stories. She with words, and me with still and moving images. It makes for a healthy partnership, providing us each the opportunity to express ourselves in our own way.

Today, someone quoted the phrase "a picture is worth 10,000 words" citing Chinese philosopher Confucius after they said it. I didn't correct them.

"A picture is worth 10,000 words" is an idiom that suggests that a single image can convey a complex idea or convey more information than a large amount of written or spoken words.

The origin of the phrase is often attributed to Fred R. Barnard, who used a variation of it in an advertising trade journal in 1921, stating, "One look is worth a thousand words."

By harnessing the power of visual elements such as composition, color, symbolism, and perspective, a picture can provide a direct and immediate emotional impact on the viewer, stimulating their imagination and inviting them to interpret and engage with the image in their own unique way.

While a picture can be incredibly evocative and powerful, it may not always replace the need for words.

We will continue to use our words and our images to tell our stories, like this:

Taking a break for a tailgate lunch along the Jemez River during our most recent day trip to the area. The menu included an Indian Taco, a Frito Pie, and "pastelitos" - blueberry and apple. Everything tasted authentically memorable in the warmth of the afternoon sun, surrounded by all the wonderful smells of nature and the sound of a nearby river flowing at a spring runoff pace.

Unlocking Personal Growth: The Power of Making Good Choices, Taking Responsibility, and Expanding Your World

by Shelley Carney

The power of choice is a topic that we all have to deal with in our lives. In this week's episode, we explore the different ways in which choices impact our experiences and mental states. 

We start by reading Chapter Two from A Gypsy’s Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure. The themes we focus on in this chapter include the importance of making choices and the expansion of our world.

“Had you been given a choice, would you have chosen to live at St. Mike’s? Would you have chosen to stay at home? You did miss your mom and your sister and your brothers, but at the same time, you were developing these stronger bonds with the people you were living with… And then I remember we talked about PTSD…you had the choice of going. You joined up, you decided you wanted to go to Vietnam…because it was your choice, you didn’t have that struggle. Whereas when you were sent to St Mike’s as a boarding student, you didn’t have that choice.” — Shelley Carney

Making Choices: The Power of Long-Term Thinking

Every day, we are faced with choices. Some are small, like what to eat for breakfast or what shirt to wear, while others are much bigger, like where to live or what career to pursue. 

Regardless of the size of the choice, each decision we make has consequences, both positive and negative.

One of the most important aspects of making choices is considering the short-term versus long-term consequences. 

Short-term choices often have immediate rewards, while long-term choices may not yield benefits for months or even years. However, the long-term choices we make have the power to shape our lives and determine our success and happiness in the future.

For example, choosing to eat a healthy breakfast instead of a sugary one may not provide the same immediate satisfaction, but it can lead to better health and increased energy over time. Similarly, choosing to invest in a retirement fund early in life may not provide immediate financial benefits, but it can lead to a comfortable retirement in the future.

Making short-term choices without considering the long-term consequences can lead to negative outcomes. 

For instance, constantly procrastinating on important tasks may provide temporary relief, but it can cause missed deadlines and poor performance, ultimately affecting career prospects and personal growth. Similarly, consistently making impulsive purchases without considering their long-term impact on finances can lead to debt and financial stress.

The Hangover of Bad Decisions: "There's always a hangover associated with a bad decision. When you get that feeling of regret, like the hangover, it’s your indication that the decision you made just before the hangover was a bad decision." — Toby Younis

Click here to read the rest of Shelley's informative article on our blog.

Here's our next week in content:

4 pm MST, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. New Mexico Day Trips with Shelley Carney and Toby Younis. Video Upload.

What is a "Nugget Bucket" and What Does it Have to do with NMDT?

Since Shelley and I are busy visiting family this week, we had to make some find somewhere close by for our New Mexico Day Trip outing. We decided to go prospecting for gold in the nearby Cibola National Forest using our newly acquired Gold Rush Nugget Bucket.

The Gold Rush Nugget Bucket is a unique and innovative tool designed for gold prospecting enthusiasts, with a comprehensive gold panning kit that delivers results. Join us for the fun!

4 pm MST, Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Garage Prospecting with Shelley Carney and Toby Younis. Premier.

How Much Gold? Silver Spike's Two Pounds of Crushed Ore

YouTube.com/@silverspike posted a video short saying he would send 2 pounds of crushed ore from his Utah mine to anyone who volunteered to pan it out for gold. I told him I wasn't very good at panning, but if he sent it to me I'd run it through my process. Next thing I know the UPS guy is ringing my doorbell with the package. I may have bitten off more than I can chew. Did I get gold or did I get spanked?

4 pm MST, Thursday, May 18, 2023. Our Story Your Story with Shelley Carney and Toby Younis. Premier.

Exploring the Depths of Feeling Abandoned | A Gypsy's Kiss: Chapter 3

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the enchanting world of A Gypsy's Kiss: A Treasure Hunt Adventure, focusing on Chapter 3. Join us as we explore the profound theme of feeling abandoned and unravel its intricate layers.

With Shelley's warm and empathetic approach and Toby's keen analytical mind, you'll be guided through a rich tapestry of emotions, exploring the intricate web of abandonment and its impact on our lives. Whether you've personally experienced this theme or are seeking a deeper understanding, this episode promises to be a transformative and enlightening experience.

Don't forget to share your own stories with us by emailing us at support@agkmedia.studio. We can't wait to hear from you!

Want to Have It All?

Find our New Mexico Day Trips website to see all our photos and blog posts for NM Day Trips and Garage Prospecting at nmdaytrips.com

Learn more about AGK Media Studio products and services on our website: agkmedia.studio

You can still find all our past content to improve your content marketing for your small business at messagesandmethods.com

Thank you for spending time with us in the AGK Media community. Scroll down for more information.

Sincerely,

Shelley and Toby

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