This document provides guidance for seniors considering moving into a retirement home. It discusses the key factors to consider, including assessing individual needs, the different types of retirement facilities (independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes), and activities of daily living that are used to determine the level of care needed. The article aims to help seniors make informed decisions about senior living options and preparations for relocating from their current residence.”

1. Content Writer Portfolio
Created by Lon Britton

3. Eye Catching Elements That Improve Your Photos
There are elements you can incorporate in your photograph when composing your subject that will draw the
viewer’s eye in and add interest to the subject. Follow these simple guidelines and the quality of your pictures
will improve dramatically. Adding them can make a drab photo come alive.
When you see a picture you like, you know you like it, but may not know exactly what it is about the picture
that really appeals to you at first glance. Chances are the picture incorporates one or more of these elements.
Once you recognize these elements you can incorporate them in your own photos to improve them vastly.
These elements are:
1. Framing
2. Reflections
3. Leading Lines
4. Pattern
5. Shadow
6. S-curve
7. Backlighting
8. Silhouette
9. Mood evoking

4. There are plenty of good sources for seeing examples of photographs with these elements in
them. Let’s discuss this from the angle that you are on a photo road trip. There is a twofold
bonus in it for the photographer here. Your sources: the local souvenir shop of the destination
you have selected, and the postcard rack in the motel lobby where you might be staying.
I say twofold bonus because these are also good sources for additional places you may not be
familiar with. Of course, you did your pre-trip homework, didn’t you? You can never cover it
all even with the most thorough of research. There’s nothing like being there for true exposure
(pun intended).
You might even get an idea for a shot from looking at the postcards. I’m not talking about
being a copycat. Yes, we all like to get the classic photo of a well-known icon, but once you
have that try to be creative and come up with your own imaginative shot. Enough with the idle
chatter, let’s get down to the brass tacks.

5. Framing
Most of us have seen the tropical beach scenic where the palm tree leaves hang over the shore often casting
a shadow on the sand with the ocean in the background. This is classic photo framing. The beach is the main
subject, but the palm leaves frame the subject.
In nature, trees are often found in abundance and consequently, are commonly used for framing subjects. In
the absence of trees, like in the desert, shrubs and cactus can be employed to fit the bill.
See how I have incorporated tree framing in the photo of the covered bridge. Natural
and manmade arches, rock formations, stairways, bridges, and statues are other objects that can be used
to frame subjects just to name a few.

6. Reflections
Reflections add spice to a photo. Natural reflections can be found on a lake, or other body of water, and
monument reflection pools are a typical example. Check out my reflection shot of Marquette Harbor
Light. Note how the reflection enhances the photo. Cover the reflection with your hand and compare the
before and after view to see if you don’t agree that the reflection “makes” the photo.
Look for reflections in other
objects like the shiny surfaces of
chrome bumpers, building
windows, and mirrors.
Sometimes a good rain can
produce reflections in the form
of puddles that are not ordinarily
there.
If your subject is near an ocean
environment watch for
reflections that may have been
produced by tides and wave
action. Often if wave activity
is sufficient water can collect
in pockets of eroded rock
formations, for instance, far
from where a typical high tide
might deposit some.

7. Leading Lines and the S-curve
Leading lines draw the viewer’s eye into the picture. Leading lines can be the main
subject, but typically, they lead to the main subject. Common leading lines include
fences, stairways, walkways, aisles, nature trails, highways, and piers. Note how the
elevated walkway leads right up to the Marshall Point Lighthouse.
The S-curve is another type of leading
line; however, it is S-shaped much like
the Yellow Brick Road that Dorothy
and her three cohorts took on the way to
see the Wizard. The ole brick highway
actually had many S-shaped curves as I
recall.
The classic S-curve is usually seen on
the likes of road atlas covers in the form
of a highway snaking along through a
scenic landscape. Find them in many
of the common leading lines mentioned
above including gravel roads.

8. Pattern
Pattern is another element that is pleasing to the eye. Natural patterns in nature include sand ripples, zebra stripes, and
clouds and those are just a few examples. As you can see from the examples given pattern doesn’t have to be geometric
or have order. Common man-made patterns include lines of telephone poles, fences, and farm crop rows which double as
leading lines as well.
Shadow
Shadow, especially the long shadows found during early morning and late evening improve a photo by adding an
artistic touch. Shadows incidentally also add definition and depth to sand dunes which you won’t find in the direct
overhead light of the mid-afternoon. The burned trees in this
Yellowstone picture illustrate the visual effect of shadow well.
Note that this photo has at least three elements: shadow,
leading lines, and pattern.

9. Silhouettes and Back lighting
I included silhouettes and back lighting together since they are related. A silhouette is really back
lighting at its extreme. Silhouettes are basically a representation of a subject as an outline where the
subject is solid and usually black. It can be achieved to varying degrees by underexposing a subject
with the sunlight directly behind the subject. Two stops under is a good start. Take a look the saguaro
cactus photo for an example of this element.
As a reminder when dealing with silhouettes and back lighting
never stare at the sun. Use your subject to shield your eyes
from the direct sun. A typical back lighting shot is one where
you see rays of sunlight streaming through trees and casting
tree shadows on the forest floor. Another example is when the
sun is obscured behind a cloud and the light radiates out from
behind. This also leaves that silver lining look around the cloud
edge. Shooting the underside of leaves with the sun behind
achieves good back lighting effect and if, for instance, an insect
is on the top side of a leaf you’ll note that the insect appears as
a silhouette.

10. Colors evoke moods as well. Shades of blue give a sense of coolness like you see in snow and
ice, whereas reds imply warmth or even hot temperatures, generally, but not always. The light of early
morning and late evening add mood to a photo as well. For instance, the pinks, oranges, and reds of
sunrise or sunset are a massive display of eye candy. See the sunset shot of a highway bridge in
Baytown, Texas.
Lightning and ominous stormy clouds
in a photo can also evoke moods of
foreboding.
Sometimes these elements may not exist
in a scene at a particular time of day, but
they can be found by returning at another
time of day, morning or evening, before
or after a rain, or even in a different
season. These elements can also be
combined to incorporate more than one in
the same photo. Try using them the next
time you go on a photo shoot for
improved images that will dazzle your
friends; no more boring vacation photos.
Authored by Lon Britton
© Copyright - all images property of Lon Britton

12. The First Barbeque
By Lon Britton
The sound of my hurled stone echoed as it ricocheted through the forest barely missing the slimy
scoundrel as he slithered away from the apple tree. The crackle could hardly be heard above the
cacophony of the other forest dwelling creatures rousted by the snake’s presence.
As I strolled through the once again blissful garden on my way home, I couldn’t help but notice
how vividly green the fig leaves were this year.
I arrived home to be greeted by my lovely wife. I asked her how her day had been as I plopped
down on our Zebra skin covered couch and propped my feet on an ivory stool. She cheerily
replied that she had been slaving away all day in the kitchen as she brought me a fresh squeezed
fruit drink. I sipped the refreshing beverage and noticed it had a taste foreign to me, but
continued with our conversation without query as to the contents of my drink. I told her my day
was pretty routine, but I had run across that nasty reptile again.
She continued to enlighten me on how her day had progressed and proceeded to describe her
cooking experience that day. She really didn’t mind all the effort necessary to prepare our meals
over a scorching hot fire pit. She told me tonight’s cuisine would be a real surprise. I began
salivating before even hearing what was on the menu. She announced we were having something
she had coined the word ―barbeque‖ which was made using a chest cavity meat slathered in a
spicy brownish crimson sauce.
I waited eagerly as she brought out the main course. Instantly, I recognized the familiar
anatomical source of our dinner. She placed the platter before me and said, ―Why, spare ribs of
course, Adam and for dessert, we are having apple pie.‖
I responded with, ―The devil you say, Eve. You shouldn’t have!‖ I knew that drink reeked of Red
Delicious!

13. “What is the prime Directive of seo,” captain KirK?
Or The Importance of SEO
(Article Written as Intended for a Website)

14. In a Captain Kirk-like tone, I hear you ask, “What is the Prime
Directive of SEO?”
In a nutshell, the purpose and importance of SEO is to gain visibility on the internet for a website. If it is
a business website, visibility opens potential for more customers which ultimately leads to increased sales
that translate into piles and piles of those green paper bills called Benjamins. Benjamins, Captain Kirk,
are the prime directive!
Let’s proceed to explain the importance of SEO, but at a pace considerably slower than warp speed. Let’s
consider a leisurely saunter like Dorothy and her cohorts used as they traversed the Yellow Brick Road on
their journey to see the Wizard.
Definition of SEO
I thought it prudent to define SEO before we get too far into addressing the importance of SEO.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a methodology of strategies, techniques and tactics used to
increase the amount of visitors to a website by obtaining a high-ranking placement in the search results
page of a search engine (SERP) — including Google, Bing, Yahoo and other search engines. Reference the
webopedia link: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SEO.html

15. Importance of SEO
SEO is basically an internet marketing tool designed to help search engine robots to understand what a
particular website is about. The robot can then rank the website among other sites and pages on the internet
pertaining to the same or similar subject matter based on the content within. It is therefore, important that
website content incorporates SEO language to try to maximize ranking placement in the search engine
results page (SERP).
The use of keywords relevant to your website’s content is a valuable SEO tool. When an internet user
performs a search by entering a keyword(s) into a search engine the more relevant web pages pertaining to
that keyword(s) will be returned in the results. Choosing the ―right‖ (optimum) keywords when producing
content for a website will improve your website’s SERP ranking. Generally, if your website or some subject
matter from your site is listed within the first three pages of an internet search that is considered a high-
ranking result.
Naturally, it is preferable to have a high-rank which is conducive to gaining more visitors (hits) to your site.
Having your site show up as the first entry on page 1 of search results will practically make your toes curl.
There are search engine ranking checkers that check your search engine position ranking for any
keyword in the major search engines.
There are multiple keyword research tools, some free, and some for a fee, that assist in finding the
optimum keyword or keyword phrase to maximize your probability of a higher-ranking in search engine
results. I’ll discuss this subject briefly later in this article. It is a topic of its own, deserving greater
depth, but it is pertinent to SEO. Remember, Captain Kirk, we have dedicated this piece to the prime
directive, the importance of SEO.

16. Benefits of SEO:
Increased website visibility
Increased site traffic
Improved credibility through higher-ranking
Improved conversion rates* from more relevant traffic
Expanded markets
Improved competiveness
Maximized Benjamins
* The conversion rate is the percentage of users who take a desired action. The typical
example of conversion rate is the percentage of website visitors who buy something on
the site.

17. Statistics Supporting the Importance of SEO
The internet has been in existence long enough so that credible statistics have been
compiled, which illustrate the importance of SEO and why you should incorporate SEO
techniques into your website to increase traffic, be competitive in the marketplace, and to
increase revenue. There are many statistics citing the importance of SEO, but please
reference the following website with a subtitle of ―10 MIND-BLOWING SEO, Social & Web
Statistics‖ at http://zerogravitymarketing.com/seo-statistics/ for a few examples.
A Brief Discussion on Keyword Research Tools
As promised earlier in my article, I want to discuss keyword research tools, although slightly
off topic. I thought since I was writing an article on the importance of SEO that I should
naturally incorporate SEO in my article, duh!
As an example to illustrate how I went about deciding on what keyword to use, in this case
keyword phrase, to help optimize the odds of my article ranking higher placement in SERP, I
used one of the free keyword research tools. I recommend for a potentially flourishing
business, if you are a solo entrepreneur, that you tighten your belt a bit, forgo a couple of
designer coffees a week, and find a decent and affordable keyword research tool pay site.

18. These sites can give you regional as well as global information on how well certain
keywords rate. They will give you an idea of search volume, competitiveness for specific
words and phrases, and more. For example, a simple check using one of these tools prior to
writing this article found that for higher-ranking, it was better to use the phrase ―importance
of SEO‖ versus ―SEO importance‖ and to use the acronym ―SEO‖ as opposed to spelling out
―search engine optimization.‖
Remember what your mother used to tell you as you were jaunting cheerily off to
school, ―Don’t forget the importance of SEO when producing content for your website!‖
Mr. Sulu, prepare to engage thrusters!
Authored by Lon Britton

19. Basic Factors for Seniors to Consider
When Preparing to Move into a
Retirement Home
(Website Article Written for Mr. Organize It, a Senior Relocation
Assistance and Organizing Service Company)

20. Basic Factors for Seniors to Consider When Preparing to Move
into a Retirement Home
There are several factors for seniors to consider when making preparations to move from a residence
into a retirement home. This is especially true if the residence is a house that has been lived in for a long
time. The subject is broad enough that this article will concentrate more on decisions that are not directly
related to picking a particular facility.
The subject of deciding on a particular facility and the things to look for will be covered in a separate
article. See “Choosing an Assisted Living Facility” at www.mrorganizeit.com
Facilities
The decision to move into a retirement facility can be filled with emotions. Whether you are a single
person or a couple, each person’s individual needs must be assessed. There are three main types of
retirement facilities where seniors can live outside of their own home. Other options involve in-home care
or hospices, which are not discussed here. Knowing the types of facilities that are available is tantamount
to choosing the right one for you.
Independent Living or what are often referred to as Retirement Communities – These are typically
confined to people age 55 or older and have little if any assistive services.
Assisted Living - There are two levels of assisted living, Type A and Type B.
Assisted Living facilities are designated Type A or B and each is licensed to
accept and care for different needs (more on these to follow).
Nursing Homes - Daily nursing and comprehensive support for disabled individuals.

21. Independent Living Facilities
Independent Living communities are for folks who are healthy and self-sufficient. The community may
provide services like laundry, group meals, local transportation, and planned social activities. These
communities are for folks you like the idea of spending their retirement in a community of peers and living
in a smaller home that is easy to care for.
Assisted Living Facilities
As mentioned above there are two levels of assisted living.
Type A assisted living facilities may only accept and care for individuals who can evacuate the residence
without assistance and who can follow directions in an emergency.
Type B assisted living facilities may accept residents who don’t qualify for a Type A facility because they
either need personal assistance to evacuate the building, or they cannot follow directions on their own in an
emergency or both.
The senior care industry has adopted what they call Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). There are six basic
categories of ADLs:
Hygiene (bathing, grooming, shaving, and oral care)
Continence
Dressing
Eating (the ability to feed oneself)
Toileting (the ability to use a restroom)
Transferring (actions such as going from a seated to a standing position and getting in and out of bed)

22. Typically, if you require help with any of these ADLs (depending on the extent of help needed) you will
likely want to choose an Assisted Living facility at a minimum as opposed to an Independent Living
Community.
Personally, I would stay in my private home as long as possible, and as long as I could keep up the
chores of the house like yard work and cleaning and if I were able to take care of my personal hygiene, feed
myself and the like, without help from others. That also takes into account my ability to drive and take care
of personal matters like buying groceries.
Assisted Living facilities are for folks who need some help with ADLs, but wish to remain as independent
as possible. They are a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes. They tend to provide
more privacy, space, and dignity than many nursing homes and at a lower cost. An Assisted Living facility
does not offer extensive medical care like a nursing home does.
Select a few facilities to visit and have a close relative accompany you. A professional caregiver at each
facility can evaluate you and determine your care needs.
A very important consideration when choosing a facility, is if an individual has a condition that will
likely worsen, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or some other
degenerative disease. In these cases, it is prudent to select a Type B assisted living facility or a facility that
has both Type A and B units on the same grounds. This makes transfer much easier, and it is less stressful in
the event a patient needs to move from a Type A level facility to a Type B when a condition progresses.

23. Nursing Homes
A nursing home is set up for people who need skilled medical professionals providing them care and
services daily. They will even administer prescription medication which is helpful for patients who may be
forgetful. Skilled nursing staff is available 24 hours a day.
These facilities are more expensive than assisted living facilities and the rooms are generally smaller and
with less privacy. When deciding on a nursing home check the ratio of nursing staff and other caregivers to
patient population. This is a good indicator of the level of care they will be capable of providing each
patient.
Major Considerations When Planning a Move
Your New Space and Downsizing
Naturally, you will want to know what size options are available for your new living quarters. Visit
some properties after you have selected some using the above criteria for the type of facility that fits your
needs best.
The staff should be able to let you tour and view living spaces available. Plan and begin shopping well in
advance of your move because in some cases they may have a waiting list.
Ask for room dimensions, floor plans, and brochures for each facility. You will need this information to
help you decide which property will accommodate your space needs. Your choice of new home will most
likely be considerably smaller than your existing home. This will require downsizing of your personal
property.

24. There are experts who can help you with the transition of finding a place, downsizing and preparing
for a move (check the internet for relocation assistance or your telephone book under Move Managers) if
you don’t have friends or relatives who can help. Also, check out Mr. Organize It at
www.mrorganizeit.com for professionals who will make your transition a smooth and thorough relocation
experience. You will want to preserve some memories in the process of downsizing. A few keepsakes and
decorations will make your new home cozier, but you will have to keep them to a minimum.
The floor plan will help you decide what furniture and other items to keep and what to get rid of. Consider
offering and giving away some of your items to your children, relatives, or close friends, or if budget is
tight sell them the items at a bargain price.
Also consider an estate sale as an option over a garage sale. You may be able to get more money for your
sold items.
Estate sales are especially good if you have a large home and a lot of high-ticket items and antiques. Estate
sale agents will be harder to come by for small houses, and if you do find one their profit margin will likely
be much higher than for a larger estate. However, even with their high profit margin hiring one can often
prove to be a significant advantage over conducting your own garage sale.

25. Medicaid
Keeping your existing home after a move into a new facility has its pros and cons. Your decision to move
should be a firm and permanent one. There are situations where you may want to hold onto your ―old‖
home, however. Naturally, upkeep in your absence will be a big consideration and possible source of
headache. Renting to a tenant is one idea for a way to keep the house, but being a landlord is no picnic, so
think hard on that one.
You may want to sell your existing home after moving into your new abode. If you plan to use Medicaid to
assist you financially with your new living arrangements be mindful that there are certain eligibility
requirements. Medicaid has limitations on income and other assets as a part of their qualification
program. The rental idea stated above will also be an issue with respect to assets if you go this route.
You will want to take these rules into consideration when deciding to sell your home or not. In addition, you
don’t want to jeopardize your situation or be in violation due to misuse of a government program. There are
penalties that can be assessed, and which could cause your eviction from your new retirement home!
It would be wise to check with a Medicaid office or your lawyer for current regulations should you decide
to consider Medicaid for housing assistance.
I hope these tips help minimize preparation problems for a retirement home transition.
Authored by Lon Britton

26. A Meck of a Hess
(A Poem Written for Organizing Section
of Mr. Organize It Website)

27. A Meck of a Hess
By Lon Britton
My house is truly a mess,
it is not something I wish to confess.
Clutter, clutter everywhere,
why there is even clutter in my hair.
Everything is in such disarray,
I get down on my knees and cry mayday, mayday.
You know you seriously need to organize,
when you remove the couch cushions and find uneaten pies.
This terrible mess I so despise,
and soon hope to see sunnier skies.
I enlisted the help of some friends,
and their thoughts and hands they did lend.
One began to utter,
that all the clutter,
made the house seem a gutter.
The other began to sob,
and commented I was such a slob,
but he would help with the job.
We had the place looking spiffy,
in quite a jiffy.
With things back in order,
I feel less like a hoarder.
Now my window lets in light,
since my junk was previously well above that height.
Finally, I truly can say,
I now have brighter days.

29. Photography Exhibit
By Lon Britton
Outdoor, Wildlife, and Nature
Images
Cullen Center Gallery, 500 Jefferson, Houston, Texas,
June 9 – July 11, 2003

32. Longmont Council for the Arts

38. 1999 KID CARE Charity
Calendar Picture
Contest Winner

39. Lon Britton
First Place
Winner in the
1999 Kid
Care Charity
Calendar
Picture Contest with four
photographs selected
representing the months of January,
September, November, and December.
There were over 600 contestants.
(Winning photographs follow)

42. Photography Samples