It sounds like you were seeing one of the infamous ads, corar, that slide down and cover up the contents of the page and even if you click in a clear area that doesn't seem like part of the ad, you're clicking a link? The solution is a good adblock. In windows I think firefox with the adblock extension is mentioned. On a mac you can do that or I just use glimmerblocker, which works for all my browsers.

Sound to me like you might be better off working as a consultant for another larger or more established firm. Or perhaps specializing in work that may be less glamorous but is always in demand, such as doing cost estimating or helping to produce construction documents for another firm. Those are the sorts of work tasks in the design world that always need additional staff, and the most likely to fit in with your need to earn immediate cash. You probably also know that high end garden maintenance and fine pruning are skill sets that are also always in demand, but it doesn't sound like you have the physical capabilities to do that sort of work with whatever your health problems are. I think you know that there aren't any easy methods for generating new work, I'd suggest you work your previous client list and ask if they can give you referrals, that has always been my single best source of new work. Giving slide shows or talks for local garden clubs, local nurseries, local horticulture societies has also always brought in some immediate work for me, but they usually tend to be smaller jobs and budgets. Getting linked in with contractors or architects/interior designers who specialize in remodels or kitchen design also seems to be a good source of work, as people spending $50,000 or more on a kitchen remodel are already prequalified to be more disposed to spend money on their home, and this may transfer to the garden if your work/designs speaks to them. It doesn't hurt to be friendly with owners and staff at local nurseries to generate referrals, and I appreciate having a strong network of fellow garden designers as friends, and we throw work each other's way when possible or necessary. None of these are sure fire methods for getting new clients and immediate work, but you may not have thought of them.

We gave up on Desperate Housewives earlier this season. We decided it had finally jumped the shark. Don't miss it at all.

Great idea about the foamcore Kippy, that would be fabulous and so much easier than painting. I'll give that some thought. I need to get bold, there are so many amazing paints out there. Everytime I go to Home Depot, there is a new line of metalic spray paints. jlc712, I think that the bookcase is where I can make the next biggest impact in the room. I hate to get rid of our beloved Little House on the Prairie set, but if I find a niece to send it too, that will make the parting a little sweeter. Maybe if I thin out some movies I can store books below in the cupboard. My audiophile husband loves his sound equipment, however. To think, I can't turn half of it on! Great idea about the calendars. Clever and budget-savvy. So hard to throw away those beautiful calendar pictures. I've got to put 9 frames of something above the fireplace. That wreath comes down this weekend, its the Feast of the Presentation so the time has come. Maybe I'll find 9 pictures of the Blessed Mother to frame. There is an endless number of painting of her, and I could gaze at those forever. Of course, my husband would want pictures of National Parks, so I guess I've got a lot of thinking to do. Tibbrix, you are right, this big room needs big furniture. The coffee table is 48" and the sofas are 72" so it gives a foot on each side to sit. Remember, we walk behind the sofas, in front of them, beside them AND we chase Captain around the room! It's really a dog run, I guess. I would have loved to buy large English-arm three cushion sofas and lovely accent chairs, but it's the fact that we move the loveseats (sometimes daily) to watch television or play video games. I know this seems crazy. We only have one functional TV. With seven kids on board (well one is gone but we still have her bedroom that she shares with a sister), all of our rooms are full of kids. I figure that when the time comes to change the furniture once again, I have seven people who would love free sofas. ; ) Need to work on paint, don't have a budget for that now. Thank you so much for your thoughtful replies. It means so much to hear your opinions. -Cupofkindness