Don Charisma – Blogger, photographer, writer, promoter, scuba diver, web designer/developer/ninja, SEO guru … tinker tailor soldier spy … well, you get the idea, my talents are varied as are my interests …
(Beach Sunset Selfie (c) Don Charisma 2014)
… because anything is possible with Charisma
I’m a bit of a phoenix, as my life changes, so do I and the things I focus on and do, I guess it’s much the same for everyone.
“Life has three rules: Paradox, Humor, and Change.
– Paradox: Life is a mystery; don’t waste your time trying to figure it out.
– Humor: Keep a sense of humor, especially about yourself. It is a strength beyond all measure
– Change: Know that nothing ever stays the same.”
Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives
(How I Cartooned Myself (c) Don Charisma 2013)
Don Charisma’s Realms
In the practical realm I’ve been an engineer fixing boilers and designing central heating systems. Not many a tradesman’s job that I can’t do or haven’t done. Whilst I can be incredibly creative, I can also be incredibly technical. So art + geek, or any degree in between.
In the thought realm I’ve also been an engineer fixing bank’s humongous computer systems, building new parts and adding a little creative sparkle where possible. I like to fiddle, play, hack, build, create or what-ever-you-like, with software and hardware, DIY in the world of technology, love it! Cooking up ideas in the thought kitchen, ideas-chef, sometimes I am 😛
In the teaching realm I’m a qualified and certified diving instructor, helping people to learn to dive is fun. What I love about teaching is – what’s more satisfying than helping someone else achieve their dreams and become all they can be ?
In the spiritual realm I’ve explored myself and my mind through channels like meditation and relationships. I believe in God, but I’m not religious. Knowing myself and taking responsibility, I know are key. Also “let it be, let it change, let it go.”. So simple wisdom, “KISS”, ie Simple Stupid !
In the internet realm I built a successful company that SEO’ed number one for quite some time, all my own doing… well a little help from my family and friends. Right now we’re doing well on Google etc with DonCharisma.com and DonCharisma.org
In the financial realm I’ve been involved in property, I’ve worked for employers and traded the financial markets, I’ve made money, I’ve lost money. Making money isn’t so hard, keeping it, now that’s a challenge:) Financial freedom and passive income would be nice, but for most of us it’s hard work that keeps the bank manager at bay.
In the future realm it’s not always certain for any of us. The best of both worlds is to be do something I love and make a decent living doing it. That said, happiness trumps wealth, for me, almost any day of the week, so I’m happy doing something I love, like blogging 😀
My Blog My Way
This is my personal blog for things that interest me, from the mundane and everyday, to the very exciting and fun. Art, design, geek, writing, photography, videography, improv and opinions … oh and did I mention I love watching movies, and my life wouldn’t be the same without music.
BUT Overall, Charisma is “what it’s about”.
If you’ve found this page I hope you enjoy what you find here, and I wish you happiness and success in your life.
Most of all I hope that some of you reading this will become friends. WHY? Well, it’s not possible to have “enough” good friends, the world is a far far better place for those that like us and probably wouldn’t turn without those that love us 😀
Thanks for reading,
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By Don Charisma
*Please Note – I do not answer comments on this page*
Please comment on my “Please share yourself here” post OR any other post on my blog (if your comment would like a response).
Hey! Awesome blog! Nice work! Thank you for the follow! Needed to connect, but didn’t found your contact email! Kindly please drop your email id on painttheworldwithwords@gmail.com
Thanks very kind 🙂
Thank you! Did you mail me?
Just pinged you one over
🙂 Will have a look !
I have nominated you for the Creative Blogger Award. Please find the details here : http://talkingthailand.co.uk/awards/creative-blogger-award/
Best Wishes
x
Hi Don. Your energy level is impressive! Keep up the good work.
~Hello There!
Feel free to accept or otherwise the three day quote challenge! 🙂
http://axewhyzet.com/2015/06/15/a-quote-to-remind-me-of-reality/
~
I will be back to explore your blog soon.. 😀
Very good article and Photographs
G’morning from the West Coast 🙂
I’ve nominated you for an award, come take a look!
https://keepaweathereye.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Thanks that’s very kind 🙂
Trying to follow the Guest Posting contest criteria. I read your About Me page and will try and make my guest post jive with it. Now, on to your photos.
Janice
Hello Don,
I have nominated you for very inspiring blogger award.:-)
Ciao Don!
I love reading your inspirational quotes and viewing your beautiful photographs, so I nominated you for the ‘Real Neat Blog Award!’
https://puglianpleasures.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/real-neat-blog-award/
I’ve just nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award!
https://butismileanyway.wordpress.com/2015/01/18/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Ritu
Hi. I’ve nominated you for the Premio Dardos Award. Here’s the information. http://wp.me/p54xZT-AI
You have a wonderful blog!
Hi there, I am not sure if you “do” blogging” awards, but if you do, you will hopefully be pleased to know that I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Here is where you can read the post: http://wp.me/p4Do1g-so.
All the best!
Thanks, very kind … I’m a bit backlogged on awards, but I’ll get to it soon as I can 😀
You are very welcome. 🙂
😀
Great site love it
Just a little FYI — I noticed you followed my new blog, and then I went and changed the name and address because of a pip of a misspelling. I must have been rather under the surface when setting it up. The corrected address is vestiary.wordpress.com, if you are still interested. Cheerio!
Hi Don, thank you to follow Moral Value Story blog 🙂 May I know what is your expectations from this blog?
Please read my about page again, especially the end part.
Yes 🙂 It is to gain financial freedom through passive income. Do I understand correctly?
LOL … not quite … further on :
*Please Note – I do not answer comments on this page*
Please comment on my “Please share yourself here” post OR any other post on my blog (if your comment would like a response).
Ups, sorry about it.
No worries, feel free to comment elsewhere 😀
🙂 thank you for your graciousness
My pleasure 😀
Mr. Charisma ~ I am thoroughly enjoying your blog! thanks so much for initiating …
Thanks for the follow Don. I look forward to reading more of your blog. The Philippines is a great diving spot. Went there last January and going back again this next May. Your Photos are great and as well as your blog. Thanks again for the Follow.
Thanks Don for following my blog https://therationalexchange.wordpress.com. I appreciate the effort you put into creating your blog and envy your entrepreneurial fortitude.
Hello Don. I find some of your views interesting. I found out about you when you sellected to follow my humble blog about AirRifles and AirPistols, hunting, and making a good life with out money. Though mostley about AirRifles and AirPistols.
One question: Where is your AirGunning content?
I guess that is a no response?
*Please Note – I do not answer comments on this page* … it’s right at the end of my about page 😀
My what a prolific chap you are. I shall observe your exploits with interest.
Thanks, very kind, and I shall enjoy immensely being observed 😀
Cheers
D
Hey Don. Thanks for following my blog memyselfnegypt.wordpress.com. I’ve moved it now to tumblr (memyselfnegypt.tumblr.com) where I primarily post. So please be sure sure to follow it there. By the way, my husband and I are divers too. Have you ever dived in the Red Sea, Egypt? It’s a whole other world of diving here!
You’re very welcome, and thanks for the heads up on tumblr … I’ve heard some fantastic reports on Red sea, although not dived there myself, 99.9% in Thailand … a whole world of diving it’s true 😀
Thanks Don for following my blog & look forward to reading through yours.
you’re very welcome 😀
Hello Don, thanks for the follow on my theatre/stage manager blog. Your site looks great and I look forward to reading more of it.
You’re very welcome 😀
Thank you for beginning to follow my blog! I’m excited to start checking yours out. It seems really interesting and I already clicked the follow button 🙂
Very happy for that, good to make new connection and you’re of course very welcome 😀
Hi Don! Thank you for following my blog. Your blog looks very interesting and I’m going to have a look around.. Good luck on your many ventures!
You’re very welcome 😀 … and very kind
Thank you once again for the follow(s) Don, you have a great site yourself here!
You’re very welcome 😀 … very kind
thank you so much for the follow. 🙂
cb
WElcome 😀
Hi, thanks for following my blog!! All the best!! _/\_
You’re very welcome 😀
thanks for following me…I will seek inspiration from you to get my book out of the blocks in a few weeks time. As for your future you may want to follow my example and take a long train journey, they can be quite inspiring.
J
You’re very welcome 😀 … and wishing you every success with the book … a very very good idea, although mine tend to be long flights, a great chance sometimes to be doing nothing, room to “just be” I do very much enjoy 😀
Thank you for following my blog!
Carmen Calvo
You’re very welcome 😀
Thanks for the follow and the point to your blog – I’ll definitely be visiting you for inspiration and technical advice as I get more comfortable – and adventurous – with my own!
You’re very welcome 😀
I’m a total newbie to blogging, thanks for the follow, your blog looks like something to live up to 🙂 thanks from the UK! LL x
You’re very welcome 😀 … and thanks very kind, glad to have inspired !
Hi Don,
As you know, I am one of your most loyal commenters =). I gave you a shout out in my recent blog post and I am hoping you could share it with your readers.
Here is the link
http://wp.me/p5jxvv-xo
Thank you!
Janice Wald
Reflections
mycurrentnewsblog.com
Thanks for the blog follow at Sam Nelson Movie Revews Don Charisma. Wishing you the best.
-Sam
You’re very welcome 😀
Thanks for your visit and follow ^^
You’re very welcome 😀
Paradox. Humor. Change. Yes, that’s what life is. 🙂 Thanks for the follow and looking forward to your posts!
You’re very welcome 😀 … and yes KISS is a good idea !
Thanks for visiting my blog and following! You sure have a very interesting blog which I will visit quite often!
You’re very welcome indeed 😀
I’m nominating you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award.
http://julxrp.wordpress.com/2014/12/06/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Congrats. Its well deserved. 🙂
Thanks that’s very kind my friend 😀
Thanks for following my blog Don!
You’re very welcome 😀
Welcome to Musings. I’m still a rookie at blogging but I think I’m getting the hang of it! Hope to hear from you again….and from your followers. I write about all kinds of things so bear with me!
Just takes time and patience … perhaps you might like to post something on my “please share yourself here” page ?
Welcome to Musings. I’m still a rookie compared to you……but I can see I will learn a lot from your blog! See ya ’round…….
Thanks for following my blog! Lots more good stuff coming, so stay tuned.
You’re very welcome 😀
Thanks for following our adventures in sailing and photography, DC. Not sure how you came across our website, but appreciate the support! It’s only been going for a few months, but we are enjoying the connections we make.
You’re very welcome 😀 and yes likewise happy to make new connections …
Evening Don, You looked in at my Blog some time ago and I failed to respond because…well for many personal reasons and I had stopped blogging…but I’m thinking I’ll take another go at it which will probably still be an occasional offering…at least for awhile & for a variety of reasons. I am enjoying the upbeat tone and smiles offered in your writings & comments.
mE
(Earlene)
Hey Earlene, ok, and don’t worry it’s ok to take a break, do your blog because you want to … if it starts to feel like work, take a break …
I try and do upbeat, also like to have a moan once in while, sometimes it’s good to get it out there 😀
Speak soon
D
Thank you for visiting and following my Flights of Fancy blog (which I should rename to ‘the utterly unambitious blog’). Your blog is such a wealth of information and fun, but it will take some time to look around thoroughly. 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂 … and utterly unambitious blog … I like that I might just register it !
Hi Don Charisma,
thank you for following my “poor” blog (geoch1.wordpress.com) about typical and funny things of Switzerland, seen with the eye of a foreigner.
I like your blog and website.
Interesting subjects!
I’ve been in switzerland and there’s plenty that’s typical, funny and strange there !
And thanks 😀
Hi Don Charisma,
thank you for following my “poor” blog about typical and strange things in Swtizerland (geoch1.wordpress.com).
I like the variety and the subjects of your blog!
Hi Don Charisma! Thanks for following my blog. Yours is interesting, too. Will be back …
Cheers, Adrian
You’re welcome 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my blog and following. I am surprised that a person such as you would find interest in a little blogger like me. But it is cool. I lead a rather boring life but maybe reading your blogs will add a bit of seasoning to mine. Have a great day. Cheers ~ Louise
You’re welcome … I have varied taste in people, charisma comes first 😀
Thanks for following! Nice to see someone who isn’t afraid to dabble in a bit of everything! 🙂
You’re welcome 😀 jack of all trades …
Thanks for the follow!
You’re welcome 😀
Thank you so much for visiting and following my blog! I pray that it blessed your heart and I hope you’ll stop by again! You have a great blog! I’ll be visiting again! Blessings to you! 🙂
You’re welcome 😀 be blessed !
Nice blog Don- Thanks for following mine. I’ll try to keep it interesting.
You’re welcome 😀
Thank you so much Don for following my blog. Your writings have such a variety of topics. Looking forward to spending some time here!
You’re welcome 😀 very kind …
Thank you for following my blog! Your writing posts are very interesting. Looking forward to more! 🙂
You’re welcome 😀
Hi, thanks for your visit and the follow!
You’re welcome 😀
Hey there! You have a wonderful blog here 🙂 Thank you for following mine!
You’re welcome 😀
Thank you for visiting and following my blog. It’s always lovely to gain a new follower.
You’re welcome 😀 and as am i 😀
Hi DC!
Thanks for following my li’ll old learning log blog – am astounded anyone outside the course I’m doing is remotely interested – but it’s lovely. Am looking forward to reading more of yours – very entertaining and informative – cheers 😃
You’re very welcome … there’s a whole world of people out there 😀
That’s one hell of a name you’ve got for yourself my friend – I might change mine too – Titanic sounds good!
And I see you’re a “scooby-do” diving instructor – now that’s one group I definitely swim in a totally different direction from – you lot are a danger unto yourselves and those of us who have to come in and rescue you ~ “no honestly, we never went below the 100 ft mark, our depth gauges must have been faulty and clearly as were our inflatables that took us to the surface at the speed of sound. We most certainly did not panic and anyway, we like wearing our lungs on the outside.”
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa – seen it all before and many times.
Thank you for your “follow” indication – however, I would like to point out that I don’t “follow” anyone or anything – not even Charisma !!
Thanks very kind … the only person I’ve ever heard use that phrase was a retired navy diver, who now owns a cheese farm, so guessing you’re (ex?) forces or commercial diver … whilst the bravado is funny, perhaps witty, I honestly couldn’t see the point of being a commercial diver essential a underwater grunt, a labourer working in conditions with extreme risks, and obviously the serious associated long term health risks … and personally never had an interest in underwater war-games … so I think you guys take the piss out of recreational divers to make yourselves feel better about yourselves, mostly !
So laughing mostly at you, which hopefully you are too by this point … I could go on to do technical diving, but the effort, cost and time investment to “go to 100m” probably isn’t worth the rewards … well at least that’s how I feel at the moment … so I’m happy where I am, for now, paddling in the kiddies pool, it’s relaxing(ish) and relatively safe 😀
And you’re very welcome on the follow, mr i-don’t-follow-anyone grown up diver 😀
Oooooooh nice one Mr Charisma – good luck to you.
Thx 😀
Thank you for following my blog. 🙂
You’re welcome 😀
Thanks Don for the follow! I hope you enjoy my content. I look forward to seeing more of your stuff
You’re very welcome indeed, and hope so too 😀
Thank you very much for following my blog.
It’s my pleasure 😀
Thanks for visiting my blog and following – I love your photos haven’t looked at the rest of your site yet but I will be visiting for sure
You’re very welcome my friend, and happy for you to enjoy 😀
Thanks a ton for the follow! Waiting to hear from you..Cheers to thee!
You’re very welcome Jade, see you soon 😀
Hi Don ! Thanks for following my blog! I’ll surely follow yours as I find it very interesting! Cheers!
You’re very welcome 😀
Hey Don!!! Really amazing and informative blog..n Thank you very much for liking my blog..Hope u will get amazing pics from my blog..
Thanks
You’re very welcome, and lovely to hear from you … photography also one of my passions 😀
Hi Don, thanks for stopping by my blog.. You have a great blog 🙂 Will surely keep visiting it often. Have a great day.
You’re welcome, and that’s very kind of you to say 😀 Hope see you soon …
Hi Don
Thanks for the follow. You are probably the biggest “jack of all trades” of my dinky small following so thanks again. Very nice to see someone with so many talents since I see so many blogs authored by those who really have not done much other than create blogs and try to live in as many countries as possible without any real practical skills.
I plan on going though your entire blog and exploring and now I know who to ask; Why the hell does someone with such a small following get so much spam? Is it people as smart as you that can’t put their time to better constructive use?
Anyway, thanks again for the follow
Cheers
You’re very welcome, and thanks, that’s very kind, hope you find things that are useful here 😀 … there are some odd bloggers around, for me the most important thing is the connection made, networking and sometimes friends.
As for spam, generally/usually the intention is to obtain backlinks to a website that sells something. In very basic terms Google uses backlinks as a way of assessing “popularity” of a website, and the theory is, the more backlinks the higher the site will rank on Google. I probably get as much or more spam, more spam than I do comments, and I get quite a lot of comments. Presumably they are after variety of spammed backlinks, from sites large and small, varied across the internet in order to increase the “quality” of their “portfolio” of backlinks.
Google’s algorithm is a little contrived, so not sure I agree that it’s not constructive use of people’s time. AND yes there are smarter ways of doing such things, but at the end of the day, what works works … or another way of saying the same thing, spam must “work” or otherwise people wouldn’t do it …
Cheers
D
Thanks for the infirmation. I get five times the spam than comments. Although i write well i dont have paticence to spend hours networking beause fo me, early retirement needs to be relaxing and blogging has been harder work than my five years in the last job. Takes me three or four hours to craft a good post and i am maticulous with sentence structure and my eyes are too tired to then spend hours on social media
I love writing and sharing storires and readers seem to enjoy and read rather than just click follow so thats giid enough for me even if i only have a dinky following. Thanks again for your support
You’re welcome 😀 … perhaps networking not quite the right term, what I mean is connections with other bloggers … and yes agreed, blogging is a big time investment, some work harder than a job as you’ve experienced …
Good to talk 😀 … cheers D
As someone relying on humor to spice up his blog, it’s a pleasure for me to have you as a Follower.
LOL, I’ll take that as a compliment, I think 😀
Thanks for the follow. Interesting site.
You’re very welcome, and thanks 😀
Hi Don, thank you for visiting my blog. You have a great blog and some amazingly awesome photography. 🙂
Thanks that’s very kind of you and you are very welcome 😀
🙂 Thank you
😀
Hello Don, i would like to thank you for following my blog. I am looking forward to checking out your site and all it has to offer. Thanks again.
You’re very welcome, and thanks for stopping by !
Hi, thanks for following my blog, I’m looking forward to go trough your blog 🙂
You’re very welcome, and it’s lovely to hear from you …
Hello, Don, Thank you for following me on lifeaftersight. It is the newest of my four sites. I started it when I took Blogging 101.
Your site is an adventure. It is the sort that requires a good cup of coffee and a little time.
Blessings on you.
LOL, hopefully not an extra strong one ! … you’re welcome, and I wish you happy blogging 202 😀
Hi Don. Thanks so much for following my blog. I look forward to having a good look through yours as there is so much to see here!
Very kind, and thanks, and of course you’re welcome 😀
Thanks for following my blog Señor Charisma! 🙂 I’m enjoying perusing your site as well…tons of great info and things to enjoy. Cheers!
You’re very welcome … and thanks very kind, enjoy 😀
Thks for visiting! Hope to hear from you again, soon. Blessings for you 🙂
You’re welcome, and I you 😀
Hi Don! Thank you for following my blog! I like your blog and will definitely look around.
You’re very welcome, look forward to seeing you around 😀
Hi Don! Thanks for following my blog. Your site is very interesting btw 🙂
Ah, thanks that’s very kind …and of course you are very welcome 😀
Hey Don! Thanks for following my blog. You have a really great blog!
Very kind and you’re very welcome 😀
Thanks for stopping by on my blog and following. You have a great blog.
You’re welcome and very kind of you to say 😀
Thnks fr th fllw!
YW MY FRND 😀
Thanks for being among the first people to follow Leighton Literature. Great site – keep up the good work.
You’re very welcome 😀 … and thanks 😀
Love the name Don Charisma and the definition picture you shared with it. You’re an inspiration! 🙂
LOL, thanks that’s very kind … lovely to hear from you 😀
Hello.
Interesting site. Interesting life.
Thank you for peeking at the words on my page. It is appreciated.
ichibon
Thanks and you most welcome 😀
Thanks for following Now This Is What I Would Call Music. Enjoy the musical journey! Steve.
Nice one … and you’re welcome … I used to collect NTWICM CDs …
Related souls do recognize. 😉
Thanks for following.
Nicely put … and you’re very welcome 😀
Hi Don!! I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the “One Lovely Blogger Award” 🙂
Here’s the post to the link: http://jodythomae.com/2014/11/16/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thank you for inspiring me and so many others!!
Blessings of ARTistry, CREATivity & BEaUty,
Jody
That’s very kind and thankyou 😀 … just do my best …
Thanks Don for visiting my blog and following me. I love your site, lots to read and see! I’ll be back to really look around.
You’re welcome, and thanks for kind words 😀 see you soon …
Hi Don! I love your photos! I hope you would consider visiting the Philippines soon! I hope you could also check out my blog. More power to your blog!
I would love to visit the Philippines and will do some day soon … the diving is supposed to be awesome 😀 … and thanks very kind …
Thanks for the follow! I look forward to checking out what you’ve got on here as well.
You’re welcome and I hope see you soon …
Thank you for following me again. I had no clue since I had to take a long break from blogging. I am back now and hoping to enjoy it even more. But, love your photography since I would never be able to travel to your side of the world. Beautiful and my favorite subject, floral.
You’re very welcome, and good to refresh … vicarious photography 😀
Thanks for following my blog.
You’re welcome 😀