The

Eclectic

Newsletter

Vol. 1, No. 1

First off, let me say Thank You! I know that Inbox real estate is precious and that your time is very valuable. I am honored that you have taken a minute to read what I have written.

Some of you will recognize my name, Dena Vaughn, from various business or personal interactions. Others would more readily remember Dena Stalnaker or QuickBooks Guru. Whichever way you remember me, Hi! 😀

I have begun an intrepid journey as a writer. Throughout various courses and coaching in my writing career, I have been advised to write about my interests. Or write about my industry experience, especially in commercial writing.

Coaches and mentors say writing about your passions, or “what gets you out of bed in the morning,” will interest your readers more. Your readers will know if you don’t care about what you write.

This is supposed to lead you to a “niche” to write in and about.

My problem: my interests are so wildly varied. I like to learn. I enjoy reading stuff about things like:

• Astronomy and planets 🪐
• Oceans and marine life 🌊
• Green energy and sustainability 🌞
• 3D printing and its uses 🖨️
• Writing fiction 📖
• Architecture throughout history 🧱
• Origins of commonly used words and phrases 💡
• And so many more topics!

So, it’s challenging to narrow this down to just one or two topics.

That’s where this newsletter comes in. And I hope you’ll stick with me.

I’ll write short snippets about something I have learned that caught my fancy. I may occasionally link to a longer blog post if the subject genuinely caught my attention, to provide additional information and insights.

Moons 🌚

For example, I recently read a piece about the moon “race.” Not in terms of humanity’s rush to get to our moon (again). And maybe this was the author of the piece making the comparison, not the scientists themselves.

Apparently, there was a “competition” between Jupiter and Saturn for which planet had the most moons. Saturn won with a whopping 146 (and counting!) over Jupiter’s mere 95.

It makes Earth’s paltry one moon seem insignificant in comparison. Even Mars has two, although some scientists think these “moons” were possibly part of the planet at one time.

These fascinating facts about Mars’ moons are courtesy of the UAE’s Martian probe Hope, launched in 2020. It reached Mars in February 2021.

Architecture 🛠️

Another one of my fascinations is architecture. But even this topic takes a variety of forms.

For instance, when I took my “bucket list” trip to Paris, I visited the Louvre. Most people around me were interested in the magnificent art pieces and unique Egyptian artifacts to be found inside.

I enjoyed looking at that stuff, too. But what truly fascinated me was the building itself.

The ceilings, walls and floors were in themselves glorious works of art and architecture. The hallways and salons were floored in intricate designs made from colored marble. Not one was the same as any other.

Walls were adorned with frescoes, borders creating frames, and pillars sculpted into statues.

Soaring overhead ceilings were painted and gilded, segmented into different scenes, sculpted, and filigreed. I could have spent hours in a single room to see everything the ceiling offered.

Until Next Time 👋

I hope you have enjoyed a short interlude away from your own pursuits. If you made it this far, thanks for the opportunity to share things I find to be interesting.

You were added to this newsletter because I already had your contact information. I hope that you will stay and learn new things with me.

But I understand not everyone has the time or inclination to read eclectic bits and bobs. For you, there is an unsubscribe link in the footer. I’ll be sorry to see you go.

Let us know if you prefer to receive this newsletter in a different inbox.

If you enjoyed this first issue, please share it with people you know who might like it. They can get their copy of future editions using the subscribe link in the footer.

Have a Blessed Day!

Dena Vaughn

dena@denavaughn.com