Focus First Proofreading

Happy Grammar Day!

Merry Christmas everyone! Joyeux Noël tout le monde!

I collect pewter Christmas tree ornaments. But this isn't why I'm sharing this. These particular ones are for a wonderful cause: My community lost two beautiful young people tragically in early 2016. Their families have since created a foundation in their honour, "...giving support to youth who, despite having to endure great loss, made an active choice to integrate this experience into their lives and make positive change in themselves and in the lives of others" through sch...olarships - You can learn more at https://choose2beresilient.com/ Aside from the ornaments, there are also pendants, keychains and pins (see photos.) Unbeknownst to me initially, they happen to be made by one of my favorite companies, Amos Pewter in Nova Scotia. 100% of profits go to the charity. Pictures and pricing are attached. They make wonderful gifts. To order and pay by e-transfer, email [email protected]. If local to the Halton Hills area, delivery or pick-up can be arranged. Delivery can also be arranged for postage/courier fee elsewhere.

Never Forget N'oublions jamais

Have a beautiful day!

I'm proud to be associated with a client whose products help a hard-hit Montreal hospital, and others, fight COVID-19. French article: https://www.javelin-tech.com//un-client-du-quebec-lhopita/ English article: https://www.javelin-tech.com//quebec-customer-jewish-gene/

OMG! And people wonder why they should hire professional translators. A coffee 'mug' is not going to attack you with a hand gun, that's why!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Bonne fête de l'Action de grâce!

Colin Sprake is holding Business Survival Masterclasses with amazing guest mentors, during these unusual times. If you're a business owner, I highly recommend that you attend the FREE daily online sessions. 11 am - 12:15 pm PDT each day = 2 pm - 3:15 pm EST Week 5 starts tomorrow. Click here to register: http://workshop.mymsuccess.com/business-survival-masterclass

Good morning! My proofreading partner's already napping. Have a great day!

Happy Canada Day! Bonne fête du Canada!

Happy Easter! Joyeuses Pâques!Happy Easter! Joyeuses Pâques!

In this week's video, I share a great resource created by a kid, for kids, that's both educational and helps them have a positive mindset during these times. Also, important information for adults. Cette semaine, je partage une ressource pour les enfants (en anglais seulement, malheureusement) ainsi que des renseignements importants pour les adultes. - For children / pour enfants : https://dreambigpodcast.com/resources... - For adults / Pour adultes : https://www.amazon.ca/When-Im-Gone-Practical-B//1770850465

In this video, I'm sharing a great educational and upbeat resource for kids, by a kid, as well as important information for adults. For children: https://dreambigpodcast.com/resources... For adults: https://www.amazon.ca/When-Im-Gone-Practical-B//1770850465

I wanted to share with you some activities that you can do this weekend, with children, and some by yourselves. Je voulais partager avec vous des activités à faire faire aux enfants, à faire avec eux et pour vous aussi, en fin de semaine. - For and with kids: Pour enfants et à faire avec eux :... https://www.facebook.com/toufik.benbouchta/videos/3093317914012804/ Source: @toufik.hiboux - For adults / Pour adultes : https://www.johannabasford.com/happyplace/ Source: @johanna .basford

I wanted to share this today as we all need to remember to be kind and to be there for one another in these stressful times. Give someone a call, send an email, reach out and let's help one another. We will get through this.

March 4 is National Grammar Day (in the U.S., but why not make that broader.) Fun ways to mark this day: you can take a free online quiz to test your grammar (just Google 'online grammar quizzes free' and you'll find many), search Google for 'Embarrassing Grammar Mistakes' or watch Weird Al Yankovic’s Word Crimes video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gv0H-vPoDc&feature=youtu.be. Enjoy!

"A typographical mistake in legal language can overturn a court decision, prejudice a judge, dismiss a complaint, disqualify a confession or even release a prisoner on the basis of a technicality." The above is part of a presentation that I give on The Secrets of Proofreading for Business Owners. Hello! I'm Sophie. My mission is to help you be successful by ensuring that you communicate clearly and mistake-free in English or French, or both. You want your customers to focus o...n the products or services that you offer; not on the mistakes or typos in your communications (whether printed or online.) I will help ensure that you put your best foot forward to make the greatest first impression. Do you want to broaden your reach to include the Canadian-French market? I will help you with that too. I offer translation services English to French, French to English, and proofreading (either language.) https://focusfirstproofreading.ca/ See more

Des milliers de personnes sont touchées par des problèmes de santé mentale. Contribuons à sensibiliser la population et à améliorer l'accès aux services de soutien. Chaque fois que vous regardez la vidéo de la journée Bell Cause pour la cause, Bell versera 5 cents à des initiatives canadiennes en santé mentale. Partagez la nouvelle! #BellCause https://youtu.be/9OHliXthiGE

Thousands are affected by mental health issues. Let's help raise awareness and improve access to help. Each time you watch the Bell Let’s Talk Day video, Bell will donate 5 towards Canadian mental health initiatives. Spread the word! #BellLetsTalk https://youtu.be/az9ufxbkWDw

Have a great weekend!

Very best wishes to you and yours for a very Happy New Year! Bonne année à tous!

Best wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas!

Honoured to have won the Halton Hills Chamber's Featured Member Profile.

OK, nothing to do with proofreading or translation, but in these festive but stressful days of planning and running around and finalizing projects and such before the Holidays, I wanted to send you all a smile and wish you a great week!

Ready to add to 200 gift bags for a big event tomorrow.

Hi folks, it's been a while, sorry. We're all running around with end of year & upcoming Holidays madness! I just wanted to send you a little refresher, summary or introduction, if you're new to my business. Here goes: Hello! I'm Sophie. My mission is to help you be successful by ensuring that you communicate clearly and mistake-free in English or French, or both. You want your customers to focus on the products or services that you offer; not on the mistakes or typos in your... communications (whether printed or online.) I will help ensure that you put your best foot forward to make the greatest first impression. Do you want to broaden your reach to include the Canadian-French market? I will help you with that too. I offer translation services English to French, French to English, and proofreading (either language.) https://focusfirstproofreading.ca/ (Website is in the process of being updated.) See more

If you run your own business, large or small, you need to pay attention not only to the quality of the products or services that you offer, but also to that of their description, both online and in print. Typos and grammar mistakes can very easily sneak into your content and potentially have dire repercussions. We will discuss every type of ramification possible and ways to avoid them at this lunch and learn event on November 19th. Guests are welcome at a cost of just $10 + HST. (There is no fee for Chamber members.)

Lest we Forget N'oublions jamais

Today, September 30th, is International Translation Day. "International Translation Day is meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security." -- United Nations. I am all for promoting communication, understanding and world peace! Aren't you?

I met a wonderful branding photographer, this year, and was so happy to have her shoot updated images for me/my business! Here's a sampling of the results. If anyone in the Toronto & Greater Toronto area is looking for a photographer to take care of your marketing photo needs, I cannot recommend Jenn of JnkImagery enough! ... (Details in comments) See more

The word of the week is "Health" = "Santé" in French. I want to take this opportunity to mention two things: 1. I am taking part, this weekend, in The Terry Fox Run for cancer research. This will be my 31st year taking part in the Run, in the memory of some very special people and with the knowledge that every $ raised does make a difference. Together, we can beat cancer and save our children or our children's children. To sponsor me, please visit: http://www.terryfox.ca/So...phieGodonsPage 2. PLEASE sign organ donor cards. Tell your loved ones your wishes. A friend of mine is alive today because he underwent an emergency organ transplant a few months ago. Because someone chose to donate, and his or her family respected those wishes, my friend is alive today. He is in his early 50s, a husband, a father to two young girls, a son, a brother, an uncle, and a good friend to many. I'm aware that it's not a fun topic, but we're all going to leave this place some day. It is one of medicine's wonders that such transplants can occur, and thus that many lives are saved. You will not need your organs when you move on into another dimension, none of us will. Meanwhile, they can literally mean the world to someone else. And their family. And their friends. Register at beadonor.ca.

Sophie Godon Owner, Translator and Senior Proofreader Photo credit: Jenn Grachow of JnK Imagery

What a lovely place for a networking meeting (yesterday)! Especially when one's favorite place is by the water! Lakefront Promenade Park, Mississauga

Here is what clients have been saying about our services to date: Her attention to detail was top notch and she communicated with me regularly. When the copy changed a couple of times on our end, Sophie rolled with it. I will be confident calling upon her again. I have been impressed with her prompt replies and efficient work with both proofreading and translation. Sophie always goes above and beyond what is asked, and does so in a very professional way. I would definitely... recommend her services. was very pleased with her thoroughness and efficiency. She had few questions and got the job done quickly and within the timeline and budget we had agreed to. We would love the opportunity to help you be successful by ensuring that you communicate clearly and mistake-free with your clients, in English or French, or both. I have 26 years of experience, 23 of which were spent working for Fortune 500 companies. Let me help you. [email protected]

It’s been quiet on our end for a bit and we just want to give a quick update as to why. Honesty is my middle name after all, and I wanted to take a second to communicate the fact that I have recently lost one of my precious girls/daughters/cats. Samantha Godon passed away peacefully in my arms on April 19. She had taken a very sudden turn the previous evening, after a 6+ years battle with hyperthyroidism and 3+ years with kidney disease. According to her blood work, she ma...y have been hiding cancer from us as well. Sammi was the most beautiful girl/female cat in the world and she knew it!! She would flirt with men - not male cats; they had no effect on her except to make her hiss and growl - but human males. She was very motherly to her sister Paddington, always licking her and cuddling with her. And, although I had to prove myself to her at first, she became quite clingy and loving towards me as well. She was an incredible blessing in my life; they both have been. I didn't rescue Paddy and her; they rescued me. Samantha was my daughter for 17 years. It would be an understatement to say that it’s taken quite an effort to adapt to her absence. We each bounce back at our own rate; there is no guideline for grief. Her sister Paddington (Paddy) and I are slowly adjusting to our new normal. Work has gone on since her passing, but not much has happened outside of projects for clients. I have slowly been coming up for air and getting back into the rest of the tasks and activities involved with running a business. Sammi was loved beyond words. I tell/told them each many times a day. I can be at peace with the fact that she knew it and that I was there until the very end. She leaves me with incredible memories to treasure always. I look forward to being able to smile and laugh at all of those soon. Samantha was very special and it was truly an honour and a blessing to be her mother. If you are personally struggling with such a loss yourself, or know someone who is, this article (linked) may help.

There is still time to join us for my presentation tomorrow, on the importance of proofreading for business owners. If you run your own business, large or small, you need to pay attention to both the quality of the products or services that you offer, and their description, both online and in print. Typos and grammar mistakes can easily sneak into your content. Errors can bring on losses for your business, damage your reputation and your brand, lead to misunderstandings and e...ven result in legal penalties. Join me on Thursday, May 2 for an informative lunch and learn, where I'll be offering tips and tricks for reviewing your work and avoiding mistakes altogether, among other data. Full details and RSVP info can be found here: https://communicatorsconnection.com/proofreading/

If you run your own business, large or small, you need to pay attention to both the quality of the products or services that you offer, and their description, both online and in print. Typos and grammar mistakes can easily sneak into your content. Errors can bring on losses for your business, damage your reputation and your brand, lead to misunderstandings and even result in legal penalties. Join me on Thursday, May 2 for an informative lunch and learn, where I'll be offering tips and tricks for reviewing your work and avoiding mistakes altogether, among other data. Full details and RSVP info can be found here: https://communicatorsconnection.com/proofreading/

March 8 is National Proofreading Day! Be sure to double check your work or, better yet, hire a professional proofreader! #NationalProofreadingDay

Wearing pink (fuchsia) in honour of anti-bullying day.

Written Mistakes: Numbers Can Be Typos Too! http://info.focusfirstproofreading.ca//written-mistakes-nu

Proofread. Always proofread!

March 8 is National Proofreading Day!

A word to the wise: Today is National Grammar Day. Objectively speaking. Yes, I do realize that the prior sentence is a fragment. This could be a tough day. #NationalGrammarDay

The girls and I want to wish you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year! - Photo with Sammi courtesy of Greg Coman Photography. - Paddy's was taken by yours truly (her pic in my arms wasn't her best angle. )

I had a wonderful time at the Mayor's Christmas Luncheon organized by the Chamber of Commerce this week. Photograph courtesy of Ron Stiel

And... we're back! Already juggling (happily, mind you) running a business, we added a few too many events and courses and business related travel (all the while completing projects) over the course of the last month or so. Didn't mean to go radio silent, but the days ran out of hours. Halloween came and went (with a depressing number of goblins at the door, mind you -- it's not what it used to be) and there was snow of the ground this morning. Christmas movies on TV since N...ovember began, and Remembrance Day tomorrow. Lest We Forget! Interesting, thought provoking, fascinating (who knows?) content to come. Wishing you a Happy Friday and a good weekend!

Happy Halloween! Bonne fête de l'Halloween!

Have a good week!

Attention! September 6 is Read a Book Day.

We all make mistakes; it's part of being human. But no matter your goal in writing, be it a work email or an essay, a blog or a book, proofreading and copyediting are key steps to take before hitting 'Send' or handing off your material for print or publication. University graduates found out the hard way how important proofreading is, when they received their diplomas from the University of 'Wisconson', in 1988. It took six months before the university sent a new set of diplomas, this time with Wisconsin correctly spelled. How many do you think had issues with employers due to that? "Honestly, Boss, it's real!!"

Later than usual, but still good; here's a little inspiration for your week: Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see. WILLIAM NEWTON CLARKE

Here's an inspiring quote for the week: There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. - Edith Wharton Have a good one! Inspiration de la semaine : ... On peut répandre la lumière de deux façons : être la bougie, ou le miroir qui la reflète. - Edith Wharton Bonne semaine! See more

Inspiring quote for this week. Have a great week!

Happy Monday! Here's an inspiring article for you. Have a great week!

A very important note indeed! http://www.editors.ca//editors-canada-supports-copy-editor

June 28, 1981 36 Years ago today Terry Fox quietly passed away at Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, BC - one month short of his twenty-third birthday. Please keep Terry in your hearts today... terryfox.org/donate