Hi! I’m Evelyn.
My life has been most influenced by...
My name is Evelyn Helminen. Four things that have influenced my life the most so far are:
Of course that’s not all there is to know about me.
Contact me at evelynhelminen@gmail.com
Learn about where I'm from
I grew up in Michigan, but not anywhere in the "mitten." Did you know there's another whole part of Michigan? I was valedictorian in high school, and while I don't rest on those laurels, it does make me feel good to remember that from time to time. I love reading blogs, doing 30-day challenges, and working on my personal development. I have significant experience in writing, blogging, graphic design, website design, and online marketing. And I love making art.
Learn about my writing background
In third grade, I had an assignment to make up a story about how the elementary school got its name. I picked up my #2 pencil and started writing. I couldn't stop; I turned in a 33-page story and got an A++++ on the assignment!
In fifth grade, we had to read the book, "Hatchet," by Gary Paulsen. Afterwards, we read a Q&A with the author. One question was, "How do you get to be an author?" His answer was, "Read. Read everything you can. Read all the time." I took his message to heart. I didn't know if I really wanted to be an author someday, but I loved to read, and thought that I would continue to read a ton, just in case I grew up and wanted to be an author.
Fast-forward to today. I've written 9 novels through "National Novel Writing Month" (NaNoWriMo), joined a professional writing group, am currently editing my science fiction novel, and I continue to attend conferences and workshops to hone my writing skills.
Learn about my art background
From professional sculptors, artists, and hobbyists, the creative gene runs way up the family tree. I was always good at art in school, but didn't give it any credit. I didn't think I was good, because my grandma, my siblings, and my cousins were all so much better than me. But I enjoyed art classes—I took a few in high school and a few more in college.
I even participated in a few of my grandma—a professional and talented artist—'s painting classes over the years.
Then I drew and painted in silence every once-in-awhile, without making a big fuss about it. For years, nobody knew that I painted or did artwork of any kind.
In 2017, I decided to "paint more." For me, that meant finding an online painting challenge in which to participate. I found "30 Paintings in 30 Days," and thought, "Oh, that sounds nice. I'll do it in...August, maybe." Then I saw that it was starting on January 1st! Nothing like diving right into your New Year's Resolutions! I took the plunge.
Every evening with trepidation and fear that "today my painting will surely suck," I set up my painting station—put down my protective plastic sheeting and newspapers, grabbed a blank canvas, and perused the web for ideas centered around my chosen theme, "Writing." When my painting was finished, I had my boyfriend hold it up for a picture, which I posted on my blog, along with a short description of the process for my readers' enjoyment and my future reference. I was blown away by the positive response I received from my friends and family. My grandma, who is my best and most honest critic, said, "You're getting better!"
I finished the challenge with 30 paintings—more than I think I've painted in my entire life put together. You can't help but improve at something you dedicate yourself to every day!
I put together an art show to celebrate and share my accomplishments, and honor and appreciate all of my friends for their continued support.
Since then, I have exhibited at several arts and crafts shows, and expanded my outward artistic endeavors into wood burning and 3d carving as well.
Learn about my experiences with websites
I help people every day with their websites, and I actively manage several other sites.
My first experience with designing a site was in college in the early 2000's. I completely hand-coded a site from scratch with HTML, without the help of any type of code editing software.
Since then, I've used blogger/blogspot.com, wordpress.com, wix.com, weebly.com, and several other platforms. I've also worked professionally on a Drupal-based website and dozens of Wordpress-based sites (including this one.) I've experimented with hundreds of Wordpress themes and plugins, and am intimately familiar with the "customizer" and the "custom CSS" sections.
My favorite part of website design is the conversations I have with people about the reason for their site and what they are trying to accomplish. I'm not a "website shop." I don't want to make a quick site and then disappear from your life until you have a problem. I want to build relationships, talk about ways to make your site and overall online presence better, and then do everything I can to help you succeed.
Learn about my experiences in professional development
My dad used to walk around the house with his eyes closed and a book on his head. He used to wake us up by calling out, "Get up and seize the day!" My mom used to respond to the regular "How are you?" question by exclaiming, "Terrific!"
They were great influences on my interest in professional and personal development. I read tons of books and joined several different professional development classes, often as the youngest person in the room. Dale Carnegie, Toastmasters, a financial planning class.
I thrive on challenges, particular 30-day challenges. I've written a full novel during the 30-day "National Novel Writing Month" every November since 2009. I did a "30 Paintings in 30 days" challenge. I did 100 squats a day for 30 days. And more.
My latest obsessions are doing pyrography and learning 3D modeling software in order to utilize the new CNC router we got over at Tudo Azul for custom wooden cutting boards, butcher blocks, serving trays, and more.
Learn about my family
I come from a huge family. Ten brothers, four sisters, and a multiplying number of nieces and nephews. It's been a rough-and-tumble, rowdy ride. I was grateful to finally move out after high school and enjoy some (previously unknown) solitude.
It's hard to be recognized as an individual when you have so many siblings. I was always known as "so-and-so's sister." It was normal, coming from an area where there were many huge families. But that doesn't mean I liked it.
I wanted to differentiate myself, but it was hard.
I could paint and draw, but so could my grandma and at least half my siblings and now some of my nieces and nephews. So I didn't think that was anything special.
I could play the guitar, but so could about half my siblings. And some of them could sing and play the piano as well.
I ran cross country and played volleyball and basketball, but... I think you know what's coming.
So I just do my best at being myself, and try to remember that my siblings are individuals, too.
Learn about my interests
I love to travel. I've been to over 25 countries and over 42 states. I don't have a specific travel goal, except to continue to travel.
I did the Peace Corps in Armenia where I taught computer classes to college kids and their computer teachers. It was quite a life experience. If you've thought about joining the Peace Corps, I recommend it, no matter what age you are.
I try to stay active and involved in a variety of different fun activities. I love to blog. I'm interested in natural health. I'm getting into gardening.
I know this section isn't as well-defined as some of the others, but I figure if you got this far, you are probably just skimming anyway. Thanks for reading. Bye!