A Write Idea

Journaling – Does it work for you?

2010-12-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Much as I try to journal my thoughts or experiences, I just can’t seem to be consistent with it. The only time I was able to do it on a regular basis was when I was in counseling during a particularly difficult time in my life. My counselor/pastor used it as a way to get me to identify and verbalize my feelings and thoughts. I was so used to hiding and putting them away, that I had lost the ability to even think. Journaling enabled me to rediscover who I had shut away.

Currently, journaling for me seems to be tied to a form of self-therapy instead of what many people use it for, as a way to chronicle experiences and thoughts, which may still be tied somewhat to self therapy, but maybe not as much. I have a deep respect for those who make this a daily or regular practice. Much as I try to make it part of my writing life, it just always seems to get pushed aside for a story. I guess that is why I don’t do it except when I’m in duress.

As I reflect on various occurrences in my life or with my family, it would be fantastic to have something in writing, instead of trying to rely on my memories which are often faulty. Journaling would give a record of sorts to at least the special things that happen, such as the birth of my daughters or my grandson. Descriptions of people, emotions, the environment and more can lend special texture to the experience that fades over time like an old photograph.

So, if you are one of the amazing people who journal, know that I for one am deeply in awe of you. You create a special record of thoughts and events which are important. Maybe, not on the scale of Anne Frank, but who knows? Even she had no clue how important her journaling would be. The right events can lead to something special in writing. Regardless, keep up the good work. You are writing history, even if it is just your own.

I Did It!

2010-12-01T20:07:00.000-08:00

“A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first to be convinced of it.” – Alexandre Dumas

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t do something? Has someone ever told you that you weren’t good enough? Unfortunately, most of us have had this happen. However, a positive way to treat these experiences is to use them to your favor. Use them to inspire you to achieve what you or someone else thought you couldn’t do.

If you have read my blog before, you may have seen me talk about National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo, which takes place every November. Once again, I participated wondering if I had enough of a story to complete the 50K words required to “win”. I surpassed even my wildest expectations by attaining that goal by November 14th and actually completed the novel on the 21st. Now, let’s clarify, this is a first draft, which means it is full of flaws and problems which need editing. But, that’s what writing a first draft is for. It is the time you run pell mell down this unknown path and wonder where it is going to take you. If you just go for it, it is full of surprises and twists and turns you never expected. For me, writing the first draft like this makes it far more fun and exciting.

Before participating in NaNoWriMo, I used to write in a slow, formatted form, carefully weighing out each word so that by the end of the story, I would have very little editing to do. I discovered in writing this way, that I was inhibiting my stories. They were also short and unfulfilling because they never had the opportunity to spread their wings and fly.

By turning off my internal editor while writing the first draft, I discovered a whole new joy to writing. I find new words and phrases and unexpected adventures I had never allowed to happen before. It made writing freer and less stilted. My characters and plots develop and mature.

An example of this was at a point about three-fourths thru the novel when the story made a surprising turn where one of the main supporting characters died through injuries sustained in the previous battle scene. I had gotten to know my characters so well, that I was sobbing as hard as I was typing. Tears were just flowing down my cheeks. My husband was watching football in the chair next to me, just smiling and shaking his head and occasionally handing me a tissue.

It wasn’t all that long ago where I thought there was no possible way I would ever complete a novel, let alone write one in three weeks while working full time at another job. Yet, I have, and did so by putting one word down after another and before I knew it, I was done.

Don’t let self doubt or the doubts of others stop you from doing something you want to do, whether it be writing, playing music, climbing a mountain, or any number of wonderful endeavors. You only have this one life. Make it a good one and don’t let it pass you by without giving some of these opportunities a chance. Just go for it. What have you got to lose?

Oops, I took a break

2010-08-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it has been two months since I have posted to my site. It has been a very busy time with programs breaking for the summer and summer programs beginning. An emergency surgery also sidelined me for a short time from which I have recovered almost fully.

My husband and I also welcomed the visit of his brother, sister and brother-in-law for several fun-filled days. We took a couple of days to travel up and down the Oregon coast, visiting antique shops and eating lots of seafood. They are such a joy to spend time with and we always count ourselves blessed when those opportunities arise, especially since we live so far apart.

In between all of that, I have been working very hard to finish the first draft of the book I have been writing on since November. I have every intention of getting this completed by this coming November so I can once again be involved in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I learned so much from doing it this last year and I want to be able to start a new project without having to worry about finishing this current one.

If you have never heard of NaNoWriMo or have been reticent to partake, I encourage you to go to their website and check it out www.nanowrimo.org . It is a free opportunity to join writers around the world during the month of November in the goal of writing a minimum of 50,000 words of a new novel or writing project. Last year, I was coerced by a friend to jump in and do it two days before the start date of November 1. I had no idea what to write about and had been in a slump for some time. A hint of an idea came to me and I decided I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. It has since turned into something I feel has some real merit and has been a joy and learning experience to work on.

Last week, I quickly jotted down some thoughts about this years project and look forward to fleshing it out. It looks like it will be a sequel to the project I am current trying to finish. In the meantime, I will attempt to get back to my diligence of posting to this site at least once or twice a week. Having a blog or website is another wonderful way of building your writing muscles in different ways than writing novels or other projects. When you take advantage of opportunities to write, you can’t help but get better.

If you would like to be a writing buddy on NaNoWriMo, I am Tale-Creator. So, let’s stretch those writing muscles together!

Take A Deep Breath

2010-06-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

The weather today is spectacular. The sky is a vivid and clear blue, the trees fully leafed out, and the warm weather is bringing out the wonderful smells of the grass fields. My allergy pills are thankfully working and allowing me to breathe in the incredible aroma my little valley has to offer.

We have had so much rain this spring that the warm sun is bound to cause everything to burst forth in a fit of gleeful growth. The garden might actually start showing signs of producing the fruits and vegetables we planted there some time ago. The only thing that has been loving the soggy weather has been the slugs, who have also been feasting on the plants we are hoping to supply us with our summer crop. Slug bait, here we come.

Along with the sights and sounds of happy birds, are lawn mowers, motorcycles, convertibles, children and dogs in play, and the humming wings of the hummingbirds feasting from the feeder hanging from our porch awning. I don’t know about you, but I actually enjoy the sounds these evoke, as it shows that others are enjoying the world around them.

Flowers are also bursting forth in colorful abandon, sending their intoxicating sweetness through the already aromatic air. The sun’s rays causing their leaves and branches to stretch skyward as though trying to touch its brightness, giving thanks for its life-giving warmth.

It’s truly a time to rejoice in the sounds and smells of nature.

Using “I” Instead of “You” in Relationships

2010-05-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

The making of a good relationship takes work. Relationships are just that – relating to one another through being in one another’s life, good times and not. Whether it is a friendship or a marriage, the people involved should be better because of it, not made to feel less.

Often, when there are problems, it’s usually because there is a breakdown in communication. Sometimes, along with the lack of communication, is an assumption that was made which is frequently based on not enough information or choosing to not see the information for what it is.

When confusion or conflict arises, instead of playing the blame game, which only succeeds in causing more hurt and widening the distance, try talking about what is really causing concern. However, instead of using the word “you”, use “I”, like “I am feeling…..” or “Help me understand…” By changing to using “I” wording, you switch the direction of the conversation to how you are feeling and how you are being affected. This change of focus keeps the other person from feeling so defensive and allows for more open and honest communication.

Start slow and be gentle. Allow for the conversation to develop, peeling away the layers of concern and you will often find that by handling it in this manner, that you and your partner will be able to clarify issues and see that more often than not, what was getting in the way was a feeling of insecurity or that someone jumped to an errant conclusion.

Get in the habit of immediately taking care of these feelings when they come, instead of letting them fester and grow to something that feels unmanageable. It’s never a pleasant task, but it does get easier the more often you do it. The key is staying open and if something is affecting the health of your relationship, then it needs to be addressed.

The key is taking the first step and talk.

Research, it’s become mandatory

2010-05-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

25 years ago, I was fortunate to have eye surgery to correct my eyesight. I was so severely myopic (nearsighted) that I was legally blind. Thanks to my prayer team, the Good Lord, and a brilliant doctor (who was just hoping to enable me to see the big E on the chart), I was able to have perfect vision up until just this last year or so.

According to my optometrist, RK and laser surgery lasts about 25 years, which is awesome as far as I’m concerned, before there becomes a possible need for some minor correction. Then, the scar tissue begins to lose its strength and causes the cornea to sort of collapse. Now, before you faint, this isn’t as bad as it sounds. Of course, when they told me that my corneas resembled Mt. St. Helens, I did think I was going to faint. She explained this was normal and was easily corrected with lenses. Big sigh of relief.

My eye exam showed that I had some astigmatism, which was the probable cause of the headaches I had been suffering with for the last few months. They sent me in to see the glasses specialists, but after several attempts at getting lenses to work, I decided to see the optometrist, again. That was when I decided to do a little research. I figured that since I had worn contacts before my surgery, there should be contacts to help my eyes, now. Even though there have been great strides in contact technology, I wasn’t completely sold on rigid lenses. So, I kept digging. I eventually discovered a couple of new lenses for eyes like mine. One in particular looked like it would work the best. It married a rigid center with soft skirt.

When I went to my next appointment, I asked the optometrist if I could wear contacts. She told me that shouldn’t be a problem and took me in to meet the contact specialist. She tried fitting me with a rigid lens, and although not as painful as when I tried them in the mid-70’s, they still just felt like a piece of plastic in my eye. So, I asked her about this new lens. Her response was that they were expensive. I asked her how much? She said about $600, which was way lower than what I was anticipating. Then, she told me that my eyes should be covered by my health insurance, which could pick up the bulk of the cost. I was silently wondering whether she would have told me about them had I not researched them. I’m not sure she would have. The contacts were perfect and quite comfortable.

This is not the first time I have researched something ahead of time and had it turn in my favor, especially when it comes to my health or the health of my family or friends. In spite of what doctors may say, researching is often a good thing. What the doctors get wary of is when people research and then ask for something totally unreasonable. But, if it’s reasonable and you have looked at all of the pros and cons, you will then go into appointments and meetings with the information to ask the right questions and make good decisions.

It has come down to the importance of personally advocating for our own healthcare. We are not given enough time with the doctor (scheduled 15 minutes) for them to be proactive about our health. It’s up to us to take the initiative. It’s not up to us to diagnose, but it is up to us to check out our options. Remember, whenever you research, especially healthcare, make sure there plenty of substantiating documentation from different, reputable sites. Do not just settle on one that says something you want to see. That’s not being responsible or proactive.

Let Go, Let It Flow

2010-03-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, I’m still working on that novel I started this last November for NaNoWriMo. I finally got through the worst of the battle scene and am now wrapping up that chapter. That was a tough section to write. Actually, I don’t know that ‘write’ is a very good definition of what I accomplished there.

Maybe a better word would be ‘dumped’.

This section has no energy, no real intensity, and very little to redeem itself. I had absolutely no epiphanies or enlightened moments. It was simply an arduous daily task to pound out. All I can hope for is that when it comes time to revise, I will finally get some sort of inspiration to make this section become fulfilled.

The nice thing I discovered through writing this particular piece is that I don’t have to make it perfect the first time. In fact, it is better that I don’t. So, I'm okay the battle is less than perfect.

My writing skills in all of the areas that I write took a huge leap forward when I discovered the enormous merits of just putting everything down and revise it to the piece it should finally be. It allows so much more to work with and makes the piece more rounded and effective.

By putting down all of my thoughts and ideas as I go, I open myself and the story up to all it can possibly be. In other words, I’m not limiting the story, but allowing the story to drive the writing. In allowing the story to be the master, I’m not controlling the ebb and flow or the final outcome. I actually am surprised by what shows up on the page.

This is what makes writing so addictive.

The other novel I was working on before November, I was definitely the one in control. It’s plain to see. In that piece, I was trying to write it perfect the first time.

This is so stupid.

It’s also being very narrow-minded.

The reason I say this, is all you have to do is look at the word count. In not allowing the story to have its say, the story is short, stilted, and doesn’t explore all the areas that make a story so compelling. Now, I’m not saying the one I’m working on now is compelling, but it has a whole lot more potential than the first one. When I’m done with this first draft, it will be set aside and let to rest for a while.

During that time, I will go back to the first story and try to write a second draft that is more like a first draft. I really hope I can make that happen, as I really believe the story has a lot of merit and needs to be told. I just have to let it do the telling, not me.

What Nurtures Your Soul?

2010-03-21T17:47:00.001-07:00

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. - Albert Einstein, physicist

I have written before about the incredible beauty of where my husband and I live. The surrounding mountains are like majestic arms, offering protection within their tree-covered embrace. The varied green textures of the trees, shrubs, ferns and other plants bring peace and healing to the deepest parts of my soul. I especially love the contrast between the deep green of the trees against the amazing blue of the sky when I look at the ridge line.

Living in the Pacific Northwest gives residents the opportunity to take advantage of varied vistas of tremendous beauty, all within a relatively short distance. Ocean or desert, mountain or valley, each is possible in easy day trips. We count ourselves fortunate, grateful, and blessed to live in the natural splendor that surrounds us.

What is it that makes you feel nurtured and refreshed? Life is short and we never know how long we have. Make time for the things that help you feel alive and energized.

Lettuce Grow Some

2010-03-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Depending on where you live and what the current weather cycle is running, you may be able to start growing lettuce, now. This year, here in Oregon with El Nino causing warmer weather, we can actually begin growing some cold crops such as lettuce. This is exciting news, as there is nothing better than the flavor of fresh produce.

Even if you live in an area that is not quite warm enough, yet, especially if the fear of freezing is still possible, using a small greenhouse or clear plastic covering may still enable you to plant some early lettuce varieties. Remember, when starting seeds, keep them moist. By keeping the seeds and seedlings protected by a sheet of clear plastic over the growing container, but not touching them, gives them the oxygen necessary while retaining moisture for healthy germination.

Many leaf lettuce varieties are fairly hardy in cooler temperatures and if you are able to plant in a large container and keep it close to the house to offer protection, you may be quite successful. Oak barrels make an effective growing container and are tall enough to make picking easy while helping to keep pests out.

The nice thing about leaf lettuce is that you can pick what you need for sandwiches and salads. As the lettuce grows out, it is easy to just seed in some more. Try growing different lettuce varieties to add flavor and color. Plant some peas and radishes for more salad ingredients and texture and enjoy healthy eating.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T16:29:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is another one of those special holidays that encourages us to show love to others, to let those closest to us know how important they are in our lives. Our ability to love and be loved is supported by those we have chosen to have a relationship with. The more people we allow into our lives, the more love we have to share. The more we give love, then the more we receive. Friendship and caring are like that.

My wish for you this special day is that you have the opportunity to give and receive lots of love and know the value of the love given you. Nurture the love in your life. It’s well worth the effort.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day

What Nurtures Your Soul?

2010-02-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. - Albert Einstein, physicist

I have written before about the incredible beauty of where my husband and I live. The surrounding mountains are like majestic arms, offering protection within their tree-covered embrace. The varied green textures of the trees, shrubs, ferns and other plants bring peace and healing to the deepest parts of my soul. I especially love the contrast between the deep green of the trees against the amazing blue of the sky when looking at the ridge line.

The view from our home is spectacular, and there is nothing so nurturing as allowing my eyes to feed on the natural splendor that surrounds us. Living in the Pacific Northwest gives residents the opportunity to take advantage of varied vistas of tremendous beauty, all within a relatively short distance. Ocean or desert, mountain or valley, each is possible in easy day trips. We count ourselves fortunate, grateful, and blessed to live in such beauty.

What is it that makes you feel nurtured and refreshed? Life is short and we never know how long we have. Make time for the things that help you feel alive and energized.

Fruits and Veggies, Anyone?

2010-01-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

There has been a lot of push recently regarding the importance of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our daily diets in an effort to encourage healthier decisions. The rise of cancers and other diseases are increasingly being linked to what we eat. The tide is turning, however, against super-sizing the amount of food we eat to looking at being more responsible for our health and the health of our families.

Adults and children alike, though, struggle with a number of issues related to making healthy choices. One is convenience. In our often busy lifestyles, adding the required amount of fruits and vegetables is often difficult. We find it much easier to make a quick stop at a fast-food joint than pack a healthier alternative. Effort is another factor, as some fruits and veggies require a little preparation to make them more bite-sized. Probably, one of the biggest factors, though, is flavor. Much of the off-season produce we get in the stores is tasteless, at best. This is caused by produce being picked in their green state so it ships better and with less damage. However, because it has not had the chance to either ripen on the vine or tree, it has much less of its intended flavor.

One of the best ways to get around that is to purchase produce during their peak season. Granted, you can’t do that with all fruits and vegetables, but a large majority you can. For instance, this is a great time to take advantage of the citrus crops. Oranges are hitting their peak around this time. Many Farmers Markets are also open longer throughout the year, which gives you the opportunity to purchase locally grown produce while helping to support the farmers in your area.

If you have made or are thinking of making the move to organic foods, your local organic food store is an excellent place to purchase from. Because organic foods have no preservatives added, the have a shorter shelf life, however the flavor is superior to what you purchase in your local chain store. Often, much of what they supply is from local farmers who have developed greenhouses to enable them to grow a lot of crops year round.

If you are wondering how to better incorporate more fruits and veggies into your daily meals, but have some finicky appetites, here are a couple of very useful websites to help you. The first is My Pyramid www.mypyramid.gov , which will give you recommendations for quantities, as well as some other great resources. Another fantastic site is the Fruit and Veggie More Matters www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org , which also has some fun ideas to help kids enjoy eating more of what is good for them as well as adults. Both have good recipes and links to other helpful sites, all focused on healthy eating being fun and flavorful.

Good health to you all.

Rain

2010-01-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

I love the rain. It gives me a reasonable excuse to write and read without concern about what needs to be done outside. The sound of it coming down on our solarium windows is soothing in its rhythmic tapping. It creates a special ambience which nurtures my muse while I work on the numerous projects that need my attention. My husband feels it helps the fish grow, though I think that’s because more of the fisherman stay home – at least the fair weather ones.

The trees have started to put on new growth, their lime green freshness sprouting forth in heightened anticipation of warmer weather and longer days. The elk herd that enjoys the field behind our house have lost all their antlers, making it difficult to tell them apart. Soon, the babies will appear and a new generation will learn their ways.

I am in no hurry for the weather to change, though to most that may seem almost sacrilegious. I enjoy sitting near the fireplace as it burns quietly, giving off its warmth and allowing the sound of the rain to transport me to those other places that come from just relaxing in the presence of winter days.

What do you do to make the most of your winter days?

Happiness

2010-01-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how many people think happiness is something they buy or will happen TO them. They fail to see how happiness is a state of being, a choice. In spite of life’s bumps, those who make a choice to be happy are able to handle these bumps with a better viewpoint and make choices based on building stability and happiness. That’s right, happiness is a CHOICE. It is an action, a decision to be happy.

Unless you live in a bubble, you will have ups and downs in life. Choosing to be happy enables you to enjoy life in spite of the downturns that come along. It is not a case of walking around in an oblivious state, but a decision that no matter what comes along, you take a deep breath and look for the good. Once you find it, leverage off of it to turn the rest into something positive.

Make a decision to choose happiness today. In spite of whatever you are facing, whatever you are feeling, look for the good. You will likely be surprised by how much good there is in your life.

Organic Foods

2010-01-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

I was recently doing some research regarding an investigation by USA Today about the USDA and the meats they make available for school commodities. It made me quite disgusted with the USDA’s practices or lack thereof of testing meat. This investigation, along with a number of other articles over the last few weeks have sent my personal food scale shifting mightily to the side of home grown or organic foods which my husband and I should eat. I have been increasingly discouraged by the levels of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides being sprayed on our foods, but also of the hormones and feeds being given to the beef and chicken we eat and to the cows that supply the milk, cheese, yogurts and other dairy products we consume.

It is no wonder that cancer and other diseases are increasing. It is also no wonder there is an increase in many antibiotic resistant strains of disease emerging. One article discussed how potatoes are one of the 7 foods many researchers will not eat due to the level of toxins. Growers spray herbicides to kill weeds off the fields before planting, then as the plants grow, they spray fungicides and pesticides to keep the plants healthy and discourage any disease. Then, when the farmers are ready to harvest, they will spray the fields once more with an herbicide to kill off the plant so they can easily dig up the potatoes.

Dairy farmers feed their milk cows feed that contains large levels of rBST, a type of hormone, so the cows will produce higher quantities of milk. This rBST is in the dairy products we consume. Research is also finding considerable adverse effects using hormone additives for both the animals and for humans.

Bottom line, the foods we eat significantly contribute to the health of our bodies. When we give our bodies foods rich in nutrients and free from harmful additives, we give our bodies what it needs to be healthy. A healthy body is able fight against disease and enables us to live a long life.

The Honor Of Listening

2010-01-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

We have all heard or read about the importance of listening. But, how many of us make a concerted effort to actually not just listen to the person talking to us, but actually HEAR what they are saying? We have to realize that our own personal points of view, history, and life lessons filter what is said before it reaches our understanding. Therefore, what the person says may not necessarily be what they mean.

When we stop and really listen, we also learn. It gives us the opportunity to understand perspectives. It gives us time to actually get a better picture of what our part may be or whether we even have a part. Sometimes our part is simply to allow the person an opportunity to talk.

Listening honors the person talking. It says to that person ‘you are important.’ One good way to make sure what you heard is really what they said is by paraphrasing it back them. Remember, it is not always necessary to give your point of view, offer advice, or solve the problem. Sometimes, it may be the best way to process through a problem in order to reach the solution themselves.

Who have you honored today?

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

It’s a new year, at least as far as the calendar goes. Many people use this as a good starting point for making a change in their lives. I, for one, am looking forward to a new year filled with blessings of love, good health, family, friends, and joy.

I am always looking to lose a few pounds, or a lot, and exercise more. However, this year, I plan on building my freelance writing career and get at least one of my novels ready for publication. One of the things I did that will help me achieve this goal is signing up for a Freelance Writing course through WOW that will help me build my platform, develop a writing resume, and how to best contact possible clients. There is much that I don’t know about the business, so therefore, I’m taking a class to give me the tools I need to succeed. The other thing that I am doing is continue to keep writing on the novel I am currently trying to complete. It’s about three-quarters done, I think… Once the first draft is done, I will set it aside and allow it to ‘rest’ a bit while I work on articles.

I’ve got my goals and I’ve developed a detailed plan to make it happen. It is highly rewarding when you can cross off each accomplishment of the plan. Remember, it’s the journey to attaining the goal, more than the goal itself.

Have a great journey and a great year!

Opportunities

2009-12-28T11:26:00.000-08:00

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle, comic

This last year has been a difficult one for almost everyone, at least on some level. Economically, professionally, personally, or a combination thereof, it has left few unscathed. I, too, am looking forward to a year with a little more light.

The start of a new year has always seemed a good time to embark on a new plan. Many people use it as the jumping point to quit doing something like smoking or eating unhealthy foods. But, this is also a really good time to open doors of opportunity, whether it be a new job, a new house, or whatever.

Now, don’t go scoffing at me quite so quickly. One of the best ways to look for opportunities is to sit quietly and make a list of what you have. Include even what you might consider “given” or obvious things, such us a roof over your head and food. Many people struggle for these important items. Even if all you can say is that you are alive, that is important. Everything can go “Up” from there. Really.

Next, look at what your obstacles may be. This may include things like pride, lack of organizational or time management skills, transportation or appropriate clothes.

For me, one of my goals this next year is to get my freelance writing on more stable ground. This will mean I will have to set aside certain time in the evenings and some weekend time to query magazines and websites for articles that I can submit. I would also like to have at least one of my novels in a finished state where I can start looking for an agent. These all require me to build doors of opportunity by identifying any hurdles and finding ways to leverage them in my favor.

Develop a detailed plan of how to reach your goal. Let people know what you are doing, as often they will help you and support you to achieve. As you complete a step or point, mark it off so you can see your forward progress. If you need to see more completions, break down each step into smaller ones, so that you can really get the positive rewards as you move towards your intended goal. Make your plan work for you. If it’s not working, find out what is the hang up and change it so it does. The most important thing is to believe in your goal and in yourself. You can do it. Just make your steps small enough so you can keep climbing.

Let me know how you are doing and we’ll walk together.

Loss

2009-12-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

The loss of a family member, in this case a pet, is a heart-rending experience. Though I have lost a number of pets in my life, it is never easy. There is a void where that member filled and it is difficult to find solace until you have processed through all of the stages of grief.

Our dog had an extremely expressive face and great eyes like brown limpid pools. Also, like most labs, she was a four-footed garbage disposal, willing to eat virtually anything. She especially liked pancakes and French fries. Her last meal was buckwheat pancakes.

I miss her eager greeting when she would see us. However, she suffered all her life with food allergies and other health-related ailments that made her life less than optimal for such a sweet hearted dog. We finally had to do what was best for her as she had reached a point where she was suffering. There is nothing worse than when someone you love is suffering.

Our pain and loss will heal and be replaced by the good and funny memories that we had with her. I still have to laugh at one time we were camping and we had a hot dog and bun left over. She was standing outside of our travel trailer and my husband reached down and gave her the hot dog and she just opened her mouth and it slid whole all the way down without her even chewing once. My husband was totally disgusted and she was totally happy. I laughed.

Success!

2009-12-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. This was my first year doing NaNoWriMo and it was such a rewarding experience. The minimum word count was 50 K beginning November 1st and ending November 30th and I was able to get over 64 K, while battling the flu all month. The story is about 2/3 of the way completed and so I am still working on it. However, it is what I learned this last month in the process that is the most valuable to me.

I had only two or three days to prepare for this, so I really went into this blind. I came up with a story which was really minimal, at best, and I worried whether I was going to get any mileage out of it or not. Happily, the story unfolded as I typed. It has been fun to see all of the twists and turns it has taken. I am now really looking forward to how this ends.

What was thrilling for me was that in spite of being sick, in spite of not having a story mapped out ahead of time, and in spite of not having written anything for a long time, I was successful in creating something that is working. I was also successful in seeing that by turning off my internal editor while I write the first draft, I actually do my best work. That is not to say I don’t have a whole lot of editing to do afterwards, but I allowed myself to go down rabbit trails to see where they led. I often discovered that those little side trips took me to some interesting places that I might not have explored otherwise.

The most important thing that came from this exercise was that just the act of participating made me successful. It is really about how you measure your success, because really, it is not a house unless you build it. It can’t become a story unless you write it. You can’t be successful unless you do it.

NaNoWriMo

2009-10-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I’ve decided to take the plunge and enter my first NaNoWriMo, which is National Novel Writing Month in November. www.nanowrimo.org. The goal is to write at least 50,000 words by the end of the month. For those of us who love to write, we can hardly wait. A co-worker friend of mine convinced me to dive in earlier this week, which doesn’t give me much time to prepare. However, I’ve been assured by her that I won’t go to Writer’s Jail if I don’t reach my 50K goal, and neither will she, if she doesn’t get there, either.

Woo-Hoo! It’s going to be a ride. But, this also means that I won’t be heard from for a month. Never fear, I will let you know how this works out. http://tinyurl.com/yl23mvk is my Sponsorship page, if you would like to donate to supporting writing for children and adults. This is a non-profit organization whose focus is to encourage writing. 100% of every donation goes to this organization. Such a worthy goal. For more information, please click on the link, above.

I do have the beginning of an outline developed, so far. I hope to have it better organized by Saturday night. I am really looking forward to this. I know it won’t be easy, but I have lots of support from my family and friends, and especially from my husband, as he will basically just see me typing away in the chair next to him, and that’s about it.

What better than doing something we love! See you on the other side. Or, better yet, come join the fun!!!

Autumn Preparations

2009-10-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

The heavily falling leaves are now revealing the intricate structure of the trees they once covered. Cloud-filtered light finds less obstruction as it illuminates once-shaded ground. Gray smoke wafting from chimneys and burn-piles, add to the haziness of the day.

Cooler weather persuades most to slow down and ready themselves for the attributes of winter. Spring and summer endeavors readied homes and supplies for more adverse conditions, allowing for a more comfortable existence within cozy confines as colder temperatures drive occupants for cover.

Where activities were centered outside during warmer temps, they become focused inward to reflect thoughtful anticipation of festive occasions and quiet pursuits. Soothing smells of comfort foods waft lazily along and urge contemplative grazing.

The effects of winter will soon embrace the hibernating landscape, slowing movement to a veritable crawl. Wistful expectation of warmer weather and vigorous growth encourage all to prepare for the rites of spring, thus completing the cycle.

Difficult Times Offer Opportunities

2009-09-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how going through difficult times really shows who you are as a person? Do you go through hard times with bitterness and blame, or do you look to make it an opportunity to become a better person? No one likes to go through periods of great difficulty. It takes a huge toll on your body and emotions. Unfortunately, most of us encounter bumps in our lives that require us to show an element of bravery, strength, understanding, and an ability to look beyond the current situation to a time of healing and hope. Often these difficult moments in our lives cause us to refocus on our faith in God and on each other. We discover how grounded we are and whether we walk through the darkness with our heads up carrying the light or if we curl up in a fetal position and allow the darkness to overwhelm us.

Though I truly dislike going through difficulties, it does offer me an opportunity to grow and see what kind of person I really am. Do I handle it with optimism and look for a positive outcome, or do I react in anger and bitterness, wallowing in despair? Depending on the circumstances causing the difficult situation, varying degrees of “negative” emotions are normal and even healthy, as long as one passes through them to embrace more positive emotions and behaviors. Often, some level of forgiveness is necessary so that we can move on and put things behind us. Do not expect to feel necessarily better or enlightened by doing so, at least not right away. The act of forgiving someone, however, puts you in a position of aligning yourself into a positive direction. Then, forgiveness does become a reality and healing develops more rapidly. Maybe, the one you have to forgive is yourself. Doing so has the same effect as forgiving someone else.

Allow growth to happen. Find joy, even in the smallest things. Be optimistic that you will find your rainbow. It’s there. You just have to look up and see it there, with all its colors. Remember, hope is an attitude and a choice. Embrace it and it will be a reality in your life. Turn your back on it and you will remain in darkness and despair. Life is a choice.

Give A Little

2009-06-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

Do something for somebody every day for which you don't get paid. - Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, musicologist, doctor

Have you noticed when someone does something nice or gives that extra attention to detail that wasn’t asked for, how big of an impact it has on how you feel? I went to lunch with my friends, today, and the waitress was very nice, making sure we had what we needed and kept a watchful eye from a distance to be sure all her customers were well cared for. She knew we were on our lunch break, and so when she saw we were finishing our meal, she had our checks ready and we didn’t have to stand around waiting for her. It was awesome and we were able to return to work at the right time. It’s like when someone holds the door open for you, or your husband washes your car without saying anything. It’s special. I really appreciate people who give me that consideration. In turn, isn’t it nice when we try to give that same consideration and appreciation to others? Even small opportunities to help others make a difference.

Isn't Nature Grand?

2009-06-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have a pair of Clematis growing on a new arbor off our back deck. My husband scored on a new arbor at Home Depot when they were having a fantastic sale. It was a $100 arbor for $20! Wow. He put it together so it could replace the one that fell apart this last winter. The Clematis clearly love this new arbor, as you can see (my husband took these photos). The one on the right, we actually thought was white, not pink. We were thrilled to see how beautiful it is, since the plant had never been vigorous. Now, you can see how robust it has become with vibrant blooms that we have never seen before. We just keep looking at both of them, amazed at their beauty and size. It has been a joy to nurture the plants and trees around our home. Our garden is growing by leaps and bounds. We will soon have tomatoes and cucumbers. Our spring weather has been interesting, so say the least (unusually unpredictable and violent), but the plants have been loving the high humidity and moisture accompanied by intermittant periods of sun. Currently, it's cloudy and cool, but tomorrow is supposed to have some sunshine. That will give them something to grow about! We have noticed that more people have put in gardens, this spring. No doubt, this is due in large part to the economy as well as the "growing" desire to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. We have grown a garden virtually every year, and look forward to the exceptional taste that comes from food freshly grown and picked right outside our door. We never seem to grow enough peppers, though. We love salsa and we cook with lots of green peppers and despite our best planning, we have yet to have enough. We always have lots of extra fruits and veggies to share with out neighbors and co-workers, though. What a blessing.

The Act of Kindness

2009-06-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop, Greek author of fables

I don’t know about you, but when people are kind to me, I can’t help but feel better and more alive. Even if it’s just something little like a smile, can be huge if I’ve had a bad day. It’s like opening the door for someone when their arms are full or letting someone cut in front of you in the grocery line because they clearly are in a hurry or they have only a couple of items to your 20. When we are kind to people we come in contact with, the cycle begins to spread. Traffic is the worst. I have to remind myself that it’s okay to let someone in when the traffic is stringing dozens of cars back. Being kind spreads the rewards. We don’t know if that person we just smiled at or lent a helping hand to wasn’t having the worst day of their life, and our act of kindness, though small, changed the direction of their day. I intend to increase the kindnesses I can do for others on a daily basis. How about you?

Freelance Writers Corner

2009-05-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

If you are a woman freelance writer or an aspiring freelance writer, you might want to check out WOW! Women on Writing’s Premium Green Freelance Writing Market. It is packed with great information on querying and other success tips, as well as lists of writing markets. The other big plus, is that you become a member of a very talented pool of freelance writers who want to help you succeed.

Just in the short time that I have been a member, I have seen my own output increase due to just reading the posts and feeling the positive energy that comes from people who rejoice in successes and support when there is a rejection. It’s wonderful that these special people reach out and take us newbie’s under their wing and guide us into a new writing realm. They have also opened doors to other groups and sites that are really making a difference – people who are working at their craft.

If you love to write and want to pursue it on a more rewarding level, this may be the open door you have been waiting for. You can still move at your own pace, but it has been fantastic to find some new and better tools and have access to people who are successfully making a career from their writing. There is nothing quite like seeing what the page will bring forth.

Stop procrastinating

2009-05-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

You can't escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today. - Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President

Our home office has become a catch-all for everything that doesn’t have a ready home or we need to file. Receipts, gift bags, bills, our grandson’s toys, extra gifts, and books are all over the place. It’s also where my jewelry-making supplies are located. What a mess. I keep telling myself I have got to get in there and get it straightened out. But, there are always other things that need to be done. Like write. Right?

Well, no. Every time I look into that room or have to go in, I feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the disaster awaiting me. However, I need to take my own advice and make the job smaller, therefore more manageable. My oldest daughter stopped by to pick up a couple of things and wanted a couple of music CD’s to take with her on their day trip. I had to burn a copy of one, so while I was waiting, I started organizing. I’m a long ways from being done, but I accomplished a lot just in the short time I was in there.

I notice when I procrastinate on things like that, it infiltrates my subconscious and conscious mind which takes away from my focus, especially when I’m writing. It’s like when the floor needs vacuumed and you can see it staring at you while you look at the screen. Frustrating, to say the least. Often, these annoyances can actually be taken care of in just a few minutes. Once it’s done, I don’t think about it anymore. Of course, there are some things that can and sometimes should wait for a more opportune moment, but if it’s interfering in something more important, stop procrastinating and “Git ‘er done!”

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

Most of us have had someone close to us pass away. Depending on the relationship is our reaction to that loss. Memorial Day is that special, designated day to remember those people who have impacted out lives, especially in a positive way.

For me, it was my Grandma Grant. She battled cancer the majority of her life, but despite the toll that awful disease took on her, she was a loving, Christian woman who cared deeply for those in her life. She was one of those women who made you feel special and glad to be in her presence. She was encouraging, guiding, and loving. Generous of heart and hands, she gave while rarely complaining. Was she a saint? No, probably not. Have I put her on a pedestal? Maybe. But, for me, she was that quintessential person I looked up to and try to emulate every day. It’s my hearts desire when I leave this earth, that I will be remembered for the same love, joy, and encouragement I gave to others.

What special memories do you have of people who have touched your life?

Make Life Meaningful

2009-05-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my mother, yesterday morning, and she was saying how incredibly busy they are. I mentioned in an earlier post that she plays music. She is a member of numerous groups and loves every minute of it. Her husband loves to listen to her play and sing, too. They live in a wonderful little community where their group of friends go to concerts, go out to dinner, have parties, play music, shop, and just generally have a good time. She loves living there and is truly make the most of her life.

There is this great cartoon that keeps circulating through my email which essentially states that we should spend less time trying to leave this earth in a perfect body having not experienced much, but go sliding in sideways, having lived life to its fullest and given it everything you’ve got. We are only given this one life. Make it meaningful and fun. Live, love, and laugh often. Even dark days brighten in the presence of love and laughter.

Facebook

2009-05-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh. I now have a Facebook page. That was not even on my personal radar. Of course, a couple of months ago, I wouldn’t have imagined that I would have a blog, either. Wow. What a trip. The Facebook page came at a request from a college friend of mine who asked me to join so we could share photos and such. Why not?

The other reason I went ahead and joined was due to comments from many people in my writing group who have them to promote their work. Facebook has been a nice tool to showcase new articles, stories, or books they have written. Many of them have had success using these pages. Again, why not?

I guess I can’t help but be amazed at what or who comes my way. What’s better than opening our arms to opportunities and enjoy the ride. I have been blessed by those who have come into my life, and I hope I am a blessing in return. Better to spread kindness than negativity and dissension.

The day is beautiful, a light breeze is blowing, and I’m writing. What could be better than that? Have a fantastic day.

Making Fear An Opportunity For Change

2009-05-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

How we face adversity says a lot about who we are, both as individuals and then as a whole. Have you noticed how some people really rise to the occasion when something serious happens? It can be as devastating as a catastrophe or a short-term challenge. Some people look at these moments as opportunities instead of negativities. They face the fear and turn it around and make it work for them.

Some fears can have a debilitating effect on some people. My oldest daughter has battled a panic disorder for many years. I am impressed by how she deals with it. Sometimes, it does get the better of her, but usually, she’s the one on top. She has made adjustments to make her life as normal as possible, such as shopping at non-peak times and taking her medications. She takes each day and works to make it her own. It’s not easy and her battles can sometimes be moment by moment, but she battles, nevertheless. She faces her adversity and refuses to let it beat her.

We all know people who look adversity in the eye and stare it down. Moments of weakness are inevitable, but setting your resolve to make it positive, gives you the energy, momentum, and creativity to breathe new life into it and turn it from fear to advantage. We all have things we want to turn into an advantage. Identifying is the first step. Second step is to imagine it changed into something good. Third, develop and action plan. What might it take to achieve it? Four, take each line item and break it down further, until it’s something that can be handles one small thing at a time.

It’s like learning to read. You learn the alphabet first, then come the sounds, and soon the letters are connected into words and words into sentences. Wow, what was so hard became so wonderful.

Don’t be afraid of trying or failing. Don’t be afraid of what others may think. Success at anything means taking chances, overcoming those fears and seeing them as opportunities and advantages.

Time For Time

2009-05-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

I read an article the other day that started out talking about how quickly time is passing by. If we think that our hours or days or years are running away from us, they probably are. However, the article went on to say that if you are experiencing this, you are probably not very organized with your time. Now, that may be the case for some people, but I and my co-workers agree that it is not a case of organizational skills that is needed, but time. As the economy continues in the current state, and jobs are either being eliminated or cut back, those of us left behind are forced to pick up the work not being done. The article stated that if one is too busy, then they should delegate the work to someone else, but that is impossible when there is no one to pass the work on to.

I think many of us would agree that our lives have more options than we know what to do with. Though some things could be time saving, many are not. Or, something I have noticed recently, if I string enough “time-saving” things together, I theoretically get more done. Reality shows, however, that I may be able to do more, but I lose quality. Take fast food, for instance. Fast food tastes okay, but lacks quality and nutritional value. We do that sometimes with the work we do. We have so many deadlines and things that must get done, many things lose the quality that is necessary.

Maybe, to a small degree, the article was correct regarding some of our time management. But, instead of delegating, maybe we need to step back and reevaluate our work or lives and prioritize those things that require time and quality and those that do not. Possibly, that’s where our organizational skills can come into play. Granted, that too requires time, but possibly could be beneficial to our feeling of accomplishment and well-being. Let me know how it goes.

Annual Flowers

2009-05-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Annual flowers are plants which fulfill their life cycle in one season. In some mild climate locations, many annuals behave like perennials (meaning they come back every year), but usually not without some special care. The wonderful thing about annuals is that they typically have large, brightly colored flowers. Plants such as Petunias, Pansies, Marigolds, and Impatiens are typical varieties of annuals. Of course, there are many more than just these.

Don’t be afraid to plant annuals close together. This “crowding” can give a wonderfully full look that doesn’t harm the plants. Fill containers and flower beds with plants. When working with several varieties of flowers, I like to take the plants and place them while still in their pots, on top of the ground so I can get plant height and colors where I want them before planting. Placing your plants in advance of planting also helps to organize your space effectively, even if you are doing mass plantings.

Once you have your plants in the ground or in the containers, water them in so the soil settles around the roots and fills any open spaces. For best blooms and foliage, use a water soluble feed such as Miracle Gro or Peters every second or third watering. Deadheading is also an important part of maintaining continued blooming of your plants. By keeping the plant from going to seed (developing seed pods), your plant will be forced to make more flowers. If your plants get too leggy or stretched out, feel free to prune them back. This actually promotes branching and will make your plant fuller with more places for flowers to bud.

The biggest thing I see most often is that people neglect to regularly water and feed their plants, especially in hot weather. Container plants, especially, will dry out faster in warm weather, than plants in ground beds. Remember, never feed a wilted plant. The salts in the feed will kill your plants. Water them first until rehydrated, then feed them the following day. Also, never allow plants to sit in a container of water for a long period of time, as this will cause the plant to drown.

A little extra care of your annual plants will make your investment a showstopper for the entire season. There is nothing like annual flowers to add color and brightness to your home or business. Happy planting!

Appreciate

2009-05-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

An open mind embraces the wonders of the universe, where nothing is too insignificant.
- Katherine Adair

I am always in a constant state of amazement over how complex the wonders of the world are, how intricately and delicately balanced everything is in this phenomenal world we live. It is especially more poignant as our ecosystem is becoming more fragile because of our poor and often misguided treatment of our planet.

My husband and I have a beautiful drive to and from work, every day. We live out in the country and we have to cross over a mountain. We are often asked about our commute, which is between 22 and 25 miles one way to work (mine is 22). One side of the mountain is very curvy, but we find it just adds interest to the drive. We love it, but clearly other people would have serious trouble with it, especially in the winter. Regardless of the season, we think it’s spectacular.

The elk frequent the field behind out house. Today, I watched a hawk fly low over the tall, grassy field looking for rodents to feed on. Deer walk across the lawn by the house totally unafraid of our worthless watchdog. The orchard provides us fruit, the blackberries make great cobbler and wine, and the garden gives us fresh vegetables. On clear nights, we take the telescope out to look at the stars and constellations.

The community we work in is equally diverse. As it is a university town, we draw people from far and wide. There is a concerted effort to embrace and understand the diversity in our town so that acts of prejudice are eliminated. Though it is a work in progress, it is really wonderful how far we have come. Every culture has so much learn from, if we just open our minds and hearts to the wonders of each other.

Train

2009-05-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

I went through a very difficult first marriage. Though my daughters came from this, who I love more than they sometimes know, the marriage was disastrous and abusive. I actually had a drawing I had clipped from a magazine of a tunnel with a light at the end of it. The caption read, “Sometimes, the light at the end of the tunnel IS an oncoming train!” At the time, that was how I really felt about my life.

Despite my faith, I was miserable and felt trapped. I came down with pneumonia during that period and nearly died, but my daughter’s futures caused me to fight for my life. I knew if they were to have any semblance of genuine hope, themselves, I had to survive and get us out of there. I did, and we did. It was not easy, but God is amazing and led me step by step, opening doors of opportunity and understanding along the way. I worked a minimum wage job, so I applied for food stamps and HUD. A small modular home opened up to rent and we moved.

Abuse in any form, is intolerable. It’s easy to see when you aren’t used to it. But, when it comes at you, slowly, insidiously, imperceptibly, you suddenly find yourself trapped in a dark hole, unable to see your way out. It’s frightening beyond belief, and you lose all sense of hope. Your strength is gone, and people don’t understand. They just think you are weak, stupid, or just want to stay there.

You are not weak, not the way they think. You are weakened in your confidence, because this other person has viciously and selfishly stolen it from you. You need something bigger than all of it to lead you out of the situation, where you are not relying on your confidence to be the driving force.

I would urge you to not listen to the lies the world or religion would say that you must stay in situations like this. I listened to that for too many years, until I realized that if I didn’t get out of there when I did, I would likely only leave in a body bag. That is a harsh thing to say, but was the reality of my life, at the time. No one deserves to live with domestic violence. There are agencies designed to help. Please take advantage of them until you can get on your feet. I am a survivor. You can be one, too.

The light at the end of the tunnel does NOT have to be an oncoming train! Follow that light to life and freedom from abuse. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not feared.

Dreams

2009-05-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you, too, can become great.
- Mark Twain, writer and satirist

Dreams do not have to be some ethereal and ungraspable thing that only happens to other people. They also don’t have to be something to let go of, because some disillusioned person tells you that dreams are just dreams and not something that ever comes true. Don’t listen to that junk.

We just watched the Kentucky Derby. The winner was a 50 – 1 shot named Mine That Bird. The horse was purchased for $9500 and running against other 3 year olds worth upwards of millions. He was driven up by his trainer from New Mexico to Kentucky – a 21 hour drive. The jockey ran this horse in the back of the pack until just coming around the last corner. Then he put him on the rail and drove him to win the race of all races. This horse was a total longshot, but the owners and trainer had a dream. They dreamed of winning the Kentucky Derby, and they did. Hard work and taking a chance paid off. Big.

If you have a dream and when you think about it, it makes you feel right and good, then don’t discount it. Sit down with paper and write it out. Break it down into smaller bits. Then break those bits down until you are able to reposition those bits into a plan of action.

Surround yourself with people who support you. Only listen to people who will help you make your dream come true. Persevere through discouragement. It’s like when I was trying to learn how to play chords on the piano. Other people clearly knew how to do it, why wouldn’t it come for me? Chords just didn’t seem to make sense to me. Then, one day, everything fell into place and made sense. From that time on, I could play chords.

In other words, don’t give up on your dreams. They really can come true.

Happy Mother’s Day!

2009-05-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

My mother is a particularly amazing woman. She is generous and thoughtful, artistic and musical. She has always loved to paint and is quite good. She is also rather prolific. Our home is filled with her paintings, as she keeps few for herself. She feels that by the time she gets done with a painting, she’s tired of it and doesn’t want to look at it, anymore. We love it, though, as her diversity and changes in style make each one unique and special. Though she has worked with different mediums, her choice is oil. She paints anything, standing still or not. Landscapes, flowers, seascapes, people, animals, whatever looks interesting and will help her work on her technique.

Her first love, though, has always been music. All genre’s, though she has a softness in her heart for jazz and the classics. Although, she started taking piano lessons while still in high school, and played some on her own as I was growing up, she really didn’t begin her “music career” until she was nearing retirement. She decided to learn to play the violin, again. She met another person learning who was playing with a local Old Time Fiddler’s group. Mom joined and was soon entering competitions and “fiddling” up a storm! Soon after, she decided to pick up the viola, started taking lessons and then played with the local orchestra. Once she retired, she then had the time to really devote to lessons and playing.

She has learned to play numerous instruments, but focused on the piano, violin, viola, and cello. She has become particularly adept at the piano and violin, playing anything from classical to jazz, individually or in a group. She plays in public, doing gigs all over, from coffee houses to concert halls, nursing homes to weddings. This Mother’s Day, she will bring her jazz band to play at a local nursery called the Thyme Gardens, which hosts an annual arts and cuisine event. Mom’s music group is the headliner! Not bad, when you’re an energetic and youthful 72!

Friends

2009-05-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

I am very fortunate to have a special group of friends. Regardless of how traumatic a situation is or may seem, this group closes ranks around her, supporting her in a multitude of ways. I have not only been the recipient of this support, but have been honored to give it. We must never underestimate the incredible support our friends can give us during difficult times.

How often do we find ourselves shutting down when something happens in our lives? We tell ourselves we don’t want to bother others by our problems. What we fail to see is it is an honor to give to those around us, whether it’s deemed trivial or too personal. It makes each of us stronger and helps us grow as individuals, which we can’t do unless given the opportunity. Our relationships become more special when we walk hand-in-hand through dark times together.

When we encounter life’s difficulties, our personal perceptions can become skewed. When we allow others into the situation, we get (relatively) unbiased perceptions, which can give us a better perspective upon which to base decisions. I, for one, have a strong tendency to make emotional decisions, if I am unable to stand back to make more logical ones. The “heat of the moment” sorely tempts me to make poor choices based on emotion. Without the more solid guidance of my steady friends, I could end up in a world of hurt.

I wish to thank my sweet friends for being that sound voice. I also thank my friends for allowing me into their lives to be their sound voice and the shoulder to lean on, as we walk hand-in-hand over the hills and into the valleys and back out, again. It is the encouragement and caring spirits of our friends which gives us courage to mount an attack on defeat.

The Art of Listening or I Didn’t Know You Were So Smart!

2009-05-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, listening is an art form. It is something that must be practiced continuously. When we do so, it is amazing how intelligent others become! We, as humans, want to be heard. We love to talk. But, when we stop and listen to others, allowing them to speak and share their thoughts, we bless them and ourselves.

Sometimes, we just need to be heard. We just want someone to listen. We don’t need advice. We just need the opportunity to release what needs to be said. When we have someone who will actually and actively listen, really listen, to what is said, then comes a level of knowing. A gift has been given.

It’s like when someone comes to your place of work and has a complaint. The best way to handle someone’s complaint is to truly listen to what they have to say. Actively hear them. Repeat back what they have said to be sure that what they said was what you heard. Solutions come about when talking culminates into active hearing. Real conversations take place. We learn so much when we stop and listen.

Golden Nuggets and Silver Linings

2009-05-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

People are amazing, when we just listen. Once I stopped being so self-centered and absorbed, I was amazed to find how much I could learn from those around me and from the people I encountered on my life’s journey. Each of us has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge, but it is wrong to think we know it all.

A few years ago, I decided to go back to school to finish my Bachelor degrees in Business and Marketing. Many of my fellow classmates came from large corporations such as Intel, Hewlett Packard, Nike, and Columbia. Other’s, like myself, either worked for smaller organizations or was self-employed. Each of these people had a different set of experiences, knowledge, and life history from my own. Everyone would share something special or pertinent in the class – I call them Golden Nuggets – and I felt like I was mining for gold. What a wealth of information could be garnered if you were willing to listen and take it in.

Even though some things were not useful or positive, something could be learned even from that. You will find the silver lining if you are willing to look for it. Sometimes those silver linings come after the fact, like after my first marriage. The key is to look for it. You won’t find it, otherwise.

Look for your golden nuggets and silver linings. You will be richer because of them.

Small Steps

2009-05-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you following my posts, you know that I have been working on my writing, with the goal being eventual publication of my work. I know this doesn’t happen overnight, but requires consistent work at my craft. Much like a painter or sculptor, constant practice is required to perfect my style and adeptness. It requires taking small steps.

One of those small steps was to start this blog site, which gives me the opportunity to share with you a little of who I am. Another small step was to submit two of my stories to two different contests. I am cautiously optimistic and equally realistic. There are a lot of talented writers also submitting work to these contests. But, like this blog, I know without taking steps toward my goal, my goal will never manifest.

I also know the importance of believing in myself. That, too, required small steps. It certainly did, twenty years ago when I was in a bad marriage. Those small steps led me and my two young daughters into a much better life.

Remember, small steps are just that – one step at a time, taken in the direction that will bring the most positive results. One day at a time, or one moment at a time. Allow time. Believe in yourself.

Pine Seeds

2009-05-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Lodgepole Pine seeds are these wonderful little packets protected in a shell that requires the intense heat of fire to bring it to life. Once a fire burns away the resin cover, the seed is able to germinate. Other tree seeds require fire, not to open them up, but to clear away the underbrush and other trees that compete for light. The fire is necessary to clear away excess growth that takes nutrients away from the health of the forest. New life can then generate.

Our own life can sometimes mirror that of nature. Occasionally, a good fire can clear away the unnecessary debris littering and cluttering our lives, getting in the way of healthy growth. Though painful, significant change (fire) can give us an opportunity to take a new direction and reevaluate personal goals. When the change is unexpected, it can be frightening and confusing, but soon, a sense of direction develops. If we explore and embrace it, we often find something really special is the result.

Forest managers often will initiate a “controlled” burn to help create a balanced ecosystem. Sometimes, we can perform that in our own lives, if we see that we are becoming unhealthy in our jobs or personal lives. Creating change can be uncomfortable, but it can improve how we work and live. It gives us new eyes and the ability to break out of the shell we have become accustomed to. Creativity thrives once the debris is gone.

Embrace the pine seed within you and let growth happen.

Living A Blessed Life

2009-04-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

A local community member and past employee passed away from cancer, last week. She had spent her life giving joy to others and in return, been given joy. Her passing was mourned by many. In fact, her memorial service was held at a large, local venue and was attended by more than 1,000 people! In talking with friends and acquaintances, her sense of fun and whimsy in even the smallest of things was notable. One friend said that she was known as the “Candy Lady” because of the bowls of candy all over their house. She even made earrings out of candy and gave them away. Other people said they knew what holiday or season it was by the decorations around their home and property. It was festive all the time. Whatever she put her hand to was for fun. At work and play, to her, life was to be lived and shared with joy. She made class reunions, family reunions, gatherings and parties fun and enjoyable. She gave to those she knew and those she didn’t. She knew that the gift of life is to share it.

When you give happiness, you receive happiness. How impressive it is to be remembered by so many people because you brought that level of specialness into their lives. It is something we can all do. There is enough love in our hearts to share with the world. We don’t have to hide or hold it in check. Clearly, our lives are meant to be shared and through that sharing come the gift of joy and happiness. Make life fun. Don’t be afraid to enjoy even the simple things or the whimsy. Be silly and don’t be afraid to laugh. Your heart and those around you will thank you for it!

Bad Parent

2009-04-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

As I was driving to work this morning, the radio morning program was broadcasting. This morning’s topic was on being a bad parent. Callers were sharing different stories or events that showed what they had done to earn the title of “Bad Parent”. I’m sorry. I don’t know about the rest of you who are parents, but we all do or say things that we wish we could take back. I certainly do not need to air my faults on national radio. Given that freedom of speech allows these things, I still had to turn the radio off. I guess my personal belief is that we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes. If we recognize that we have done someone wrong, especially to our children or significant other, then we have a choice to not only make it up, but change our behavior so that we do not repeat ourselves. It is important to look at each day as a new beginning.

Indoor Herb Gardens

2009-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Virtually everyone has heard of container gardens, in all of their myriad of sizes, styles, and content. I might add here, that if you have containers on your balcony and you live in an apartment or condominium, please remember to put drain pans under your containers. That way, when you water them, you don’t drain water over the edge of your balcony onto your neighbor!

Remember, as with any plants that are in containers, it is important to not let them dry out. Conversely, don’t allow them to sit in water. Too much water will drown them. A good rule of thumb is to water just enough so the water begins to drip out of the bottom, then stop. Always use containers that have drip holes and holding pans, especially with container gardens.

People who don’t have a balcony, but have good windows that let in lot’s of sun can still grow plants. Maybe, not tomatoes or peppers, but many herbs do well against an indoor window. Basil, sage, marjoram, oregano, and thyme are nice, basic herbs for indoor growing. Depending on your style of cooking, would depend on the number and types of plants needed to supply you with enough herbs.

Genovese Basil is a nice, compact variety with large, green leaves. It has a wonderful, rich flavor that adds a special quality to salads and sauces. Lemon Basil is not only fantastic in salads, but when you brush you hands over the leaves to release some of the oils, it sends out a fresh, lemony scent into the air. Basils can get leggy or stretched out when grown indoors if they are not getting enough sun, so using them regularly is good.

Try different varieties of the herbs you love. This is a great way to experiment with dishes you already make to add a new flavor. Remember, fresh herbs are much stronger than dry, so use only a leaf or two at a time, especially in cooked meals where you might add a teaspoon of dry. This also gives you permission to frequently taste what you are cooking!

This type of growing is rewarding and money saving. Your house will have that fresh, herbal smell that helps to relieve the stress of the day. What could be more special than that?

Helping Hands

2009-04-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm.
- Swedish Proverb

How many people do you know who complain how awful their life is or that no one is willing to help them? I’m not talking about the people who have just found themselves in a bad situation. I’m talking about the people who perpetually blame everyone but themselves for the state of their affairs.

Often, we help those people for quite some time, until we finally realize there is a pattern of usage. We actually become enablers of the very behaviors we are trying to stop. Let’s turn the table, how often do we ourselves, become caught in that same cycle of self-defeatism? We complain and whine to those around us how something or everything in our lives is wrong and no one wants to help.

The reality is that if we don’t make the first move or moves, why should anyone pitch in to help? That picture isn’t going to paint itself, the book isn’t going pick up a pen, the garden won’t plant the seeds (or at least not the ones we want!), or the promotion/job won’t happen if we don’t first make the effort to prove or help ourselves. When we start making things happen for ourselves, others are encouraged to join in the parade. That’s what hands are for!

Mmmm. It’s Spring!

2009-04-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

It always smells so good at this time of the year. The pitch has started to move in the trees, bringing a pine-fresh quality to the air which actually seems to signal to our own inner juices that it’s time to stir the hibernating winter soul into awakening. You can hear the birds and insects begin to stretch their vocal cords as nature’s choir begins its annual practice.

As the grass reaches to the sky, there is an unaccountable joy at the sound of lawnmowers as they signal the end of a cold lifeless winter, while they cheerfully clip at extra growth to make an even green carpet and filling the air with a wonderful, grassy aroma.

Even the sun, itself, seems to exude a sort of fragrance that is warm and rich and loving in its embrace. Maybe, it’s a combination of sweet rich soil, plants bursting forth in happy abandon, and clear mountain water, all rejoicing at being reunited with their old friends. But, whatever the reason, it makes every living thing dance and sing in unabashed ecstasy. Oh, herald the rites of spring!

Lifelong Learner

2009-04-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

Learning new things is exciting to me. A couple of years ago, I finished a dual Bachelor degree program in Business and Marketing, graduating with honors in both programs. Though I was working full time and going to school full time, it was an amazing process. The professors were terrific, except for the couple who felt they needed to prove something, and my classmates were great. I usually learned more from my classmates than the Prof. As older students, the majority of us were there to learn and complete our degrees, so we were focused. We also brought a lot of life history to the table. It was so cool to find out what other people know because they may have different values, sets of family norms, traditions, work history, culture, etc.

Research has shown that people who keep an active mind through learning are less apt to suffer dementia. Reading and writing are fantastic activities for working your mind muscles. Painting or other creative pursuits are also helpful. Whatever it is that gets you excited.

My husband and I love to travel. When we plan a vacation, we like to find out the history or important information of the area we are visiting. Even local waterfalls have interesting information, such as who named them, the water source, and more. We love to explore museums, even in towns that we visit regularly, as we discover new information we didn’t know before. It makes our travels far more interesting and we come home enriched by the experience. It is so important to keep being curious and take advantage of our life.

Amaze your family and friends with your wisdom. You, too, can be a lifelong learner!

Pets

2009-04-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have a dog and 3 cats. Yes, they rule our lives. Two of the cats are brothers and look identical. In fact, the only way my husband can tell them apart is to feel their tails. One of them has a kink at the end. They are the funniest things on four feet.

They LOVE an inflated Mylar balloon. Any Mylar balloon. As long as the string is within reach, the chase is on. Jerry will pull the balloon down until he can get the base of the balloon in his mouth, at which point, he will take off running around the house. Tom, his brother (yes, we named them Tom & Jerry!), will take off after him, chasing the string that is trailing behind. We have tried to take pictures or video, but it happens so fast, we never have time to catch them. What pictures we have gotten, are incredibly blurry. Fast moving felines. They make us laugh all the time.

It’s amazing how varied our furry kid’s personalities are. Ruby, our yellow lab, thinks the sun rises and sets with my husband. She would follow him to ends of the earth. Henrietta Marie, our old tuxedo kitty, feels the sun rises and sets with her. She’s SUCH a prima donna. Tom and Jerry follow me around like puppy dogs. Writing can be a bit of a challenge with them vying for space on my lap with my computer!

Each of them brings a new dimension into our lives we would miss without them. Though Ruby and Henri will likely pass on in the next year or so, they have enriched our lives through their own.

Who enriches your life?

Find Your Magic

2009-04-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

I am a big Harry Potter fan. The books and movies are great entertainment for any age, and obviously I’m not the only one to think so. One of the things I have noticed is how the creative energies of not just J.K. Rowling, who wrote the books, but the creativity of the people who made the movies, connect for so many people. I re-read the books this last winter to see how closely the movies reflected the books. Now, I know movie-makers condense and edit the books into a working screenplay. What was interesting to me is how many changes they made that actually enhanced both the movie and the book. There were some changes I felt worked better in the movie than in the book, and conversely, things that should not have been left out of the movies.

What struck me as I worked my way through them is how we creatively look at things differently. I’ve mentioned before how important it is for us to explore our own personal creative genius and let it shine. The world may miss what we have to share that can make a difference. After all, there is magic in all of us!

Have you found your magic?

Fruit Seeds

2009-04-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I really like uplifting or thought-provoking quotes. It probably has something to do with the fact that I like to analyze people, life, situations, anything. Personally, I feel it helps me understand why we react to things the way we do or to possibly look at making a positive choice to a potential circumstance. It has helped me a lot over the years.

Anyway, a Vietnamese quote I saw a couple of days ago says, “When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.” What a profound and far-reaching thought. To recognize and value the efforts of those who have a hand in the things that affect us – the food we eat, the clothes we wear, our transportation, our homes, everything. It is amazing to think of how many people are involved. I’m thinking about the little plastic Easter egg that we are filling with coins for our Grandson. Going backwards, from the store I bought it from, the sales person who put it on the shelf, the delivery person, the warehouse, the manufacturer, and all the people before that.

Think about what you do on a daily basis that makes a difference to other people. Whether we are at home, at work, in the community, we make a difference in other peoples lives. What more can we do to make a positive difference for those around us? There are lots of opportunities to plant seeds of goodness. What seeds can you plant today?

Enjoy your day!

Grow A Garden

2009-04-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

My husband and I owned a plant nursery several years ago. It was a wonderful opportunity to teach our daughters a good work ethic, how to handle money, and deal with customers. Of course, it helped pay the household bills, too. I was also a Master Gardener and subsequently our local chapter president. Part of my duties as a Master Gardener was to share my knowledge at gardening clinics, from fair booths, and to clubs and organizations that wanted a speaker. Since we owned a nursery, my calendar was always full. One of the topics most requested was on container gardening.

Container gardening is wonderful way to grow vegetables, not just flowers. It is also a good way to “contain” certain plants that you don’t want to get away from you, such as strawberries. Creative gardeners can actually grow more than one type of vegetable in their containers, which makes better use of available space. One the things we have done, is plant lettuce around the outside of a container with a tomato or two in the center. As the tomato grows larger, it helps protect the lettuce from too much sun, while the lettuce helps keep moisture in the pot. Adequate moisture and feed are critical to successful container gardening. Too much water and the plant will rot, too little and it dries out and dies. Being watchful of outside conditions and adjusting these levels will enable you to grow good plants.

The same applies for us, as people. We are walking “container gardens”. The food and water we intake nourish our bodies, while what we read, hear, and see feeds our minds and souls. The “fruit” we bear depends on how well we have nourished ourselves. The better we take care of ourselves, the more we have to offer to those who need us.

May your garden be plentiful!

Exploring Your Craft

2009-04-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

The advent of the internet has made exploring and looking up information enormously easier. Research is an amazing experience, now. Laboriously poring over books and not being sure you have found the right one, is a thing of the past. The ability to access information at the touch of our fingers is absolutely thrilling. We have the ability to look at far more information than we thought possible.

That being said, exploring information from such a variety of sources enables us to get a bigger and better picture of whatever is being researched. My efforts at seeing what other people are writing or getting better information on how to be more effective has been much more successful due to the number of people willing to share their expertise. The more I can stay up-to-date with my writing, the better opportunity I have of getting more of my work published.

Whether you like to write, play music, make jewelry, or whatever, exploring your craft is important if you want to advance. I have learned so much from the generous people who have shared their insights. Though one must fully understand that not all information is sound, by making sure you don’t stick with one source, but look at many, you can get a better handle on what is consistent. Make use of the opportunity that is given you and discover what others are doing in the field you enjoy.

Have a great day!

Choices

2009-04-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

I just read a quote that said, “Our lives are the sum total of the choices we have made” by Wayne Dyer. Every choice we have made to this point has led us to where we are today. I can see that I have made some good choices and some poorer choices over the years. Some choices are made for us, whether we like it or not. Circumstances can also produce a lot of leverage in either a positive or negative way. Regardless, we always have a certain amount of choice, even if it’s only how we deal with circumstances. Certainly, the current global economic situation gives us ample opportunity to make choices, especially how we handle changes in our own economic status.

While analyzing the above quote, I think about the decisions I am making that will shape my future. In the past, my writing has primarily consisted on writing pieces as the inspiration has fed them. I would work on them only when I could carve out a moment of free time, which was hard to do with kids, husband, business, etc. Now, I have more opportunity to focus on my own aspirations.

One of the decisions I have made is to subscribe to Premium Green, a freelancing eMagazine. It is full of great information and leads to periodicals looking for articles and stories. There are several I intend to query. I am also building a calendar and plan so I can stay on track. It is amazing how much information is available to help people succeed. I have listed some new websites and blog information on this site. I will continue to add more, as time goes on. Keep checking back to see what’s new.

Enjoy your day!

Impressions

2009-04-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

My mother and I were watching an interview on the Turner Classic Movie channel this last Saturday evening. It was an interview between the host Robert Osborn and actor Ernest Borgnine on his life and acting career. It was quite fascinating. My mother had seen a great number of his movies over the many years that he has been acting, as have I. Often, his character in many of his movies were that of a hard-mannered man facing difficulties. Though he also played men with an enormous amount of character and even humor, my mother’s impression of him was that he must be similar to the bulk of the characters he portrayed in the movies. She was quite amazed while watching the interview, that he was quite the opposite. He never criticized people or spoke negatively of anyone, instead, focused on the positive. If there was anything contrary, he only would cite situations as possibly being problematic. It was very interesting, and my mother came away from watching this interview with a whole new impression of a very talented and kind man.

How often do we believe something based on one dimension? People we see on the screen or even in our own community are often judged by what we perceive without seeing the whole person. Often, we don’t have all the information, but make assumptions based on incomplete information. I am just as guilty of jumping to conclusions, believing that I have what I need to make an informed decision. Yet, all too often, that judgment or viewpoint is based more on emotion than good sense. Alas, I need more improvement.

Springtime In Oregon

2009-03-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

It is a typical spring day in Oregon. A little liquid sunshine mixed with the real thing. But, that is what makes our state so green and beautiful. Spring is actually my favorite season of the year, as it is so full of new beginnings. Everywhere you look, trees and early plants are flowering and a sense of expectancy is in the air.

There is an elk herd that graces us with their presence from time to time. They are phenomenal creatures, large and majestic. Though we lost many members of the herd this last fall, there are several young ones to take their place and it is a pleasure to see them eat in the field behind our house. Our dog is totally unimpressed by them, not even deigning to acknowledge their very existence. Not a woof, a growl, or even a snort is emitted from her furry lips. Such is our watchdog.

I often find, with the advent of spring, that my pace through life quickens. Whether at work or home, I feel this inexpressible need to accomplish more than usual. Yet, instead, this is a perfect time to slow my pace and look at the world around me.

In the constant rush to accomplish everything we can, every minute of every day, do you stop to take advantage of special moments or enjoy the beauty of your surroundings? The adage “Stop and smell the roses” is not so far from the mark. The rush of “doing” can cause us to miss the moments of “being”. Before we know it, we have truly missed special moments that we might not experience again. Sometimes, things that are so simple can be what is most precious and will last in our memories for a lifetime. The smell of my Grandmother’s hand lotion or the beauty of a clear blue sky against an evergreen mountain ridge comes immediately to my recollection. What memories come to mind for you? I would love to see your comments.

Be Authentic

2009-03-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Besides reading and writing, I LOVE movies! The other day while researching a project, I flipped on the TV and “The Legend of Bagger Vance” starring Will Smith was on HBO. I love the part when he’s talking to Matt Damon’s character “Junuh” about finding his perfect golf swing. His “authentic” swing. This got me thinking, not just about golfing, but writing. Of course.

We all have authors we admire, whose work and writing style pulls us right into their stories and takes us on an adventure. Just as Junuh had to find his authentic swing, we have to find our authentic writing style. The style that is uniquely ours. Not someone else’s. It is important that we be authentic to ourselves, listening to the real voice within us so that what we write about and do in our lives is truly us. Not someone else. Not someone we admire. Our real self. Our authentic self. If we try to write like someone else, we are not writing at our best. It’s essentially a lie to our self. It’s their style, not ours.

We find our unique and authentic self through practice. An older movie that comes to mind is The Glenn Miller Story starring Jimmy Stewart and June Allison. Glenn Miller was a Big Band musician who formed his own band. However, there were a lot of big bands playing during that time, but he needed to establish his own sound in order to distinguish himself as different from other bands and musicians. Through perseverance, he finally found the “sound” that was uniquely his own. This is what we need to do through our writing. Keep at it until we find that unique writing style that is completely our own and distinguishes us from other writers.

Just like good musicians, singers, athletes or other people who are committed, they have each found their niche through hard work and being true to themselves. It’s just like the need to breathe. You just HAVE to. We write because WE have to. Show your true self in your writing. You will write tighter, sharper, better, more authentic work.

The Journey Is Worth It!

2009-03-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

“It’s the journey that’s most important, not the end.” – Chuck Jones, animator and director.

I was channel surfing, last night, and came across the tail-end of a biography on Chuck Jones, the famous animator for Silly Symphonies, Merrie Melodies, and Looney Tunes. I have always been a HUGE fan of these cartoons, and yes, collect them whenever possible. Throughout the segment I caught, he talked about how he would not change the importance of having goals and the journey to attain them. It was not about getting the Academy Awards that he received, though those were great perks and encouragements, but the creative journey that took him there. What wonderful characters and cartoons he participated in creating – Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, & Porky Pig, to name a few. Generations have loved and continue to love his work, much like Walt Disney and the legacy that this creative man has left the world or any of the other men and women who followed their passions and creative desires.

If we don’t share our creativity, then the world will miss out on what we have to offer. If these men had not followed their dreams, took the risks, and worked to improve their craft, we would be missing out on their gifts. They didn’t know starting out they would attain the heights they did, but they knew they had to try.

You may not think you have a gift, but if you don’t try, how do you know? If you don’t practice or seek to improve, what might the world be missing out on? I may not be the next J.K. Rowling, but I’m sure going to try. Besides, it’s the journey that counts, and I love a good adventure!

Enjoy your day!

Wow! People Are Amazing

2009-03-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

I started this blog on recommendation from many writers as a way to advance my writing skills as well as get possible exposure to veteran writers, editors and publishers. The other purpose of this blog is to share information that I have come across that has helped me grow. I believe in the importance of sharing knowledge, not hoarding it from others. The more information is shared, the better we all become.

As a woman writer, and even just as a writer, period, I have loved receiving my emails from WOW! Women on Writing or visiting their website at http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/. They consistently introduce new writers, authors, publishers and editors. This site has been pivotal for introducing me to large numbers of other informative writing websites and blogs with the same focus as I have – to share information and improve my skills as a writer and person. Even if you are not a writer, there are many people through this site who share their passions, whether it is for cooking, children with disabilities, or many other areas of interest. I am consistently impressed by what other people are doing to improve the world around them. Check it out. You may be impressed, too. And if you have a story, submit it in their contests. Their contests are a great way to improve the quality of your writing skills.

Enjoy your day!

Welcome!

2009-03-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have loved to write since my hand grasped its first primary pencil. The act of putting words to paper fascinated me. As my young hand became more adept, the written words began to flow as though by magic. Though the content was as immature as I was, I relished the process and creativity of putting my thoughts, ideas and dreams on paper.

Supporting this has been my lifelong love of books. Few things are more wonderful than being transported into a different world as you move through the pages of a book. Growing up, my favorite place was a library. Shelves upon shelves of knowledge, lives, stories, fantasies, and dreams were lined up ready for someone to open the pages and enter in. My young, fertile mind happily dove into these amazing realms.

Life interrupted my enthusiastic writing for a time. Raising two gorgeous daughters is a full time occupation, as those of you with children will likely agree. Though they are out on their own, they still lean heavily on "Mom" for support. Just because they are 26 and 27 doesn't mean they let me get far.

My husband and I live out in the countryside of Oregon, away from the noise and issues of city life, and we love it. We give thanks for it daily. We still work full time, commuting daily to our jobs, but the peace and tranquility of our new home has enabled me to return to my first passion. My husband has also taken advantage of our location to follow his passion - fishing!

Through these posts, I would like to share with you some thoughts, introduce you to fellow writing friends, and links to interesting sites. It will be an adventure.

I hope, as we make this journey together, you will also find the desire to make time for yourself. Give thanks for even the little things in life, for when we do, it is incredible how those little things multiply and become big. So, here we go!