Thursday, February 05, 2009
What a happy thought. I need a nice happy thought today, how about you? There is a small remnant of snow on the ground, most of it has melted in the bright sunshine. It's dreadfully cold here and I do not like cold one tiny bit. I've been working on year end paperwork all through the month of January and it is almost done. Tedious sifting of receipts, entering and adjusting figures. My mind is as numb as my fingers.
Today I wanted to share with you the great wealth I have in this world. Not in monetary values but in relationships. I can honestly say some of the most amazing people on this planet are my friends. I've laughed with them in person. I 've laughed with some only online because our lives take us in different directions, states, and countries. I have learned from them countless lessons and taught some myself. I can cry with them but I'd rather rejoice. I am a very rich woman only because of the women and men I am lucky enough to call my friends.
I hope today you will look into your life and be able to say the same thing; you are indeed a wealthy person by the beautiful souls who frequent your life.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
I have a lovely little book called "Walking On Alligators" by Susan Shaughnessy. It's 203 pages of meditations of encouragement for writers. I think all writers should have small reminders for themselves, a voice that speaks uniquely to who you are deep inside. I am a firm believer in helping others to reach further than they believe possible but sometimes the favor is not returned. Since I am practical in all things, I have learned to buoy myself up during down times and my favorite way is through other writers thoughts. These are the precious souls who know where I am, how I yearn to write and some days do everything but show up on the page even though I know it is what makes me truly whole. Sometimes I liken it to taking medicine that will help me during an illness but gagging throughout the entire process. I need to write. It is almost as essential to me as breath. Have you ever felt this way? Then you, my friend, are a writer.
I often have people ask me when my book is being published. Where is it already? I study a lot of things about writers and my answer is usually 'it will come in time, the time it is meant to be'. It took J.R.R. Tolkien twelve years to write "Lord of the Rings" and I suspect now, decades later as it still provides income for his descendants it was probably an insignificant amount of time in the scheme of things.
I write daily but I also care for a home, for a family, for a business, and for myself. Many things demand my time and it used to drive me insane when I couldn't write more. One day I realized through the written words of others that "A writer's life is her work" and I stopped obsessing so much. I started to write on small pieces of paper tucked in my purse while I was volunteering in school, waiting at the stoplight, wandering around the grocery store. Life was showing me colors, people, situations and when I stopped long enough to catch my breath, I realized some days I needed to live so I could write more fully and add life to my characters, to my words.
I am a writer. Now, every day, in so many ways, I write.
You don't become a writer when your work is published or even praised. You become a writer when you tell yourself that is what you are. I was meant to be a writer. I may write differently than what I was instructed to in school but I am a writer. I may not always write about subjects that you enjoy but I am a writer. And as Susan assures me today, "Your membership card as a writer is issued in the closet of your soul". She's right; I am a writer.
This thought is for my friends; the writers, poets, photographers, and the other amazingly artistic people I am honored to have in my life. I love you all. I am in awe of your talents. You inspire me. I hope you never lack for a reassuring word about your art. I also hope you choose today to boldly proclaim to yourself and the world exactly who you are creatively.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
"For months I've tried to fly, " she said. "Why couldn't I before?"
"You didn't really think you could, " said the cat. "Isn't it amazing the things we don't do simply because we think we can't do them?"
- Taken from No Flying In The House by Betty Brock - a book I loved to read as a child.
It's amazing what you can find in your favorite childhood books. The lesson from this one is belief. You can do anything if only you set your mind to it. There is magic in believing. I have found even if you have all the necessary skills yet don't believe in your heart you will accomplish your dreams, you will struggle much more on your path until you learn this very simple principle.
I didn't have many in my life that could teach me how to achieve anything more. Most well meaning people wanted me to reach my goals as long as I didn't overshadow their own success. It wasn't very encouraging. Thankfully, I have learned through countless books and a few wise men and women that I can do more. And all they really taught me was to believe in myself.
Do you believe you can do more? I hope so. And if you don't believe it yet, I wish for you to get ahold of belief and bring it into your own heart. May all your dreams come true.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
I hear many people doing something new this year for themselves. Eating well, beginning a work-out program and I am thrilled especially since they are all my friends. Our lives are spent in this one body and it is easier to accomplish things when you are rested, well fed with healthy food and in good health.
I've always done some sort of work-out program. At one point in my life, I struggled with my weight. I was hiding out really and covering myself so I wouldn't be noticed. I felt ugly and unloved for a long time. I was not happy and had so many things to work through but refused to do any of it so I substituted the necessary work with a protective covering. Early in my Air Force career I had to fight to maintain a suitable weight and those in charge were not incredibly encouraging. Thankfully during this time I began to shed my skin, literally. I uncovered buried hurts in myself and let go of things in my life that were unnecessary. Over the past 20 years I have learned even more about taking care of my body, my health, what works for me and my lifestyle. It has been incorporated into everything in my life and my family shares my love of healthy, fresh food and sufficient exercise.
Now at 40 and very in tune with myself and my spirituality, it only seems natural that I have turned to yoga. I use DVD's for my work-out and purchase them from www.acaciacatalog.com. They are very affordable, easy for beginners and those who have back or knee pain. I have talked to many people who say "I'm too out of shape for yoga" but really, you're not. It is at it's basic level only stretching. It is so simple, so invigorating of a practice for not only body but your mind. It is calming, detoxifying, and quite magical. I'm not nearly where the instructors are with flexibility but I can notice a huge difference in my posture, the lessened pain in my knees and rotator cuff. It is amazing and healing. I hope you have already decided to look toward something new physically this year for yourself and perhaps you will seek out yoga also.
Namaste.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice!
You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of ridiculousness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.
Monday, January 05, 2009
I am currently reading all of Jane Austen's novels. Have you ever read them? Maybe you were forced to by an English teacher in high school or college and hated it. The funny thing about that is sometimes, those novels you hated in school turn out to be absolute masterpieces when read just for fun. When you don't have to figure out the symbolism, the story comes to life and you find yourself lost in it.
For why I'm reading them, it happened when I watched a movie last fall called "The Jane Austen Book Club". Have you ever heard of it? The book club would meet after reading a particular book of Jane's and their witty banter about these characters made me want to know them in the same way. It spurred me on to purchasing all of Jane's novels so I could find out what I did not know and really be able to enjoy the book club discussion even more. I began with Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, and now I'm halfway through Mansfield Park. At first, the writing style is so strange, chock full of details (which is a tad boring at times) but once I overlooked all that, I find the characters extremely amusing. The entire setting of time that Jane lived, from the late 1700s to her death in 1817 reveal to me a period I'm not very familiar with but the time seems quite pleasant and very polite.
It's difficult to experience moments of happiness if we are not aware of what it is we genuinely love - Sarah Ban Breathnach
On Christmas, my children gave me a DVD of Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley. I watched it over this weekend - twice - and let me tell you something; the novel and this movie are quite possibly the best romantic pieces of work I've ever seen!
One look at Mr. Darcy striding across the field in the early morning light to come and propose again to Elizabeth Bennet is enough to make you believe in love all over again. Yes, there are certain liberties taken with the film, a few things are missing but it was magnificent and I highly recommend it. It made me think that this year I will purchase all the adaptations of Jane's books on DVD for myself. I get a catalog with all of them including another version of Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy - a must see because he is so charming and handsome.
My review is over and I hope you will consider looking into a classic literary work yourself this year. You never know what you might find and it may inspire you in ways you never imagined.
Monday, December 29, 2008
We are meeting some family in the mountains tomorrow at a ski resort. I'm not sure I'll be back on here again for the remainder of the week unless something has to be said. I intend on spending the time writing and shopping. Vacation = shopping, n'est pas? I don't really ski downhills. I can run into trees just walking in the woods, thanks.
The kids keep coming in, wondering if I'm playing a game and snatching popcorn from the table in front of me. They are now 8 years old and such fun; they have the best personalities. Every place we go together is more like an adventure. My daughter reminds me she still hasn't been to Texas. I'm not exactly sure what that is all about or why she even mentions it but it is kind of funny. They have been in more states already than most people I know. They have no idea how good their life really is.
I will be back in the new year, re-charged and refocused on my goals. A few days of different scenery can work wonders. I hope to have some great pictures too.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
It's Christmas Eve. No snow although I have watched with interest the news showing all the places in the country covered with it. I even muttered "Praise the Lord, I currently live on the shore!"
Well it's true. I am not a huge fan of blizzards, snow, blowing wind, or freezing rain. This body was made for the equator or as close to it as possible. While I love to witness the seasons, I could do without all the extremes. For my family and friends in the Midwest (and beyond), I hope your electric is restored, your fireplace is welcoming and there is cheer no matter where you go. I miss you all especially during the holiday season.
I have noticed this year that most people on the planet are not very nice. Have you come to this realization? While I am certain they are lovely humans to those they love, they go about their way in the world without a care of how they treat other people they don't 'really' know. Sometimes, I wonder if they ever consider they could be "entertaining angels unaware"? I know I have run into a few honest-to-goodness angels in my day to day activities. One minute they were there, encouraging me and flowing with love for all in their vicinity, and the next minute they were gone from sight. Do you believe in things like this? I am fond of telling my children, "just because you don't believe it, doesn't make it untrue". Are you a believer of angels? Have you ever encountered one in your daily round?
For today, I'm asking for peace. Peace in my mind, in my heart, on our planet. I hope this Christmas is overflowing with peace and love. I do understand how difficult it is to receive such a gift. You do have to be in a place to accept and receive peace and love. I hope you look toward the new year and seek peace for yourself, seek a safe place where you can learn to receive all good things to yourself. You are so deserving. God bless you on this Holy Night.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Time flies when you're having fun! Look at the years that have gone by and I've changed, for the better in my opinion. I'm not where I need to be but thank God, I'm not where I used to be either. I'm sorry I've been away so long but the race isn't always to the swift and I've been on quite a journey.
It's currently Hanukkah and in a few days, it will be Christmas. Yes, I know I'm not Jewish and you're probably not either. But I am always a fan of Hanukkah purely because the faith of the Maccabees and their fight ensured that the Jewish faith would continue. Do you realize if they didn't rebel and win their freedoms, that there would have been no Jewish community for our Lord to be born into a century and a half later? I am grateful for their victory and for the restoration miracle, the abundance of oil that burned for 8 days in the temple.
I hope you are having a peaceful holiday season. My wishes for you are for you to enjoy the ones you love. Pray for those who challenge you. Live each moment of every day.
God bless you now and into the new year.
Monday, September 25, 2006
I've done an immense amount of work since I have been here last. I've changed a few goals. I've begun to work with the years of my writing to see where the story will take me. I also have been inexplicably changed by some in my life. It has all been good to see more clearly now the reasons I did not understand. For so many years I have forgotten the most important things and almost lost touch. Illness has helped to set me straight and remind me my spirit is much stronger than first believed.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
The kids are in the playroom and I'm attempting to do some work. Writing that is.
I have so many thoughts and ideas in my head and plans for my future.
I hope you do too. I am in the goal setting mood today and that means I hope to put a date on my aspirations so as to bring them into existence. Will what I dream of happen today? Who knows? What I do know is that if I never toss it out there, nothing will ever happen.
I know many women who want to do more with their lives than laundry and dishes. Women who aspire to be actresses, singers, writers, artists. We are all these things right now and we just don't realize it. We have success in our daily round; we manage a life right now rather successfully. We need to just project our bigger buried dreams into the universe for them to take shape and bring us success also.
Let's embark on this journey together. I am tired of saying "If Only I had..."
Let's just leap and the net will appear.
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. Joseph Campbell
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
I am heading to the great Midwest at the end of this month to visit family. I am sure that will be noteworthy so stay tuned.
I met Edwin McCain earlier this year with Stef - that was a lot of fun although I got in trouble for the really late night (4 a.m.) Oh well, you only live once, right?
I am re-reading "Simple Abundance" again (it's a yearly book, you know). I wish everyone would read this book and allow it to saturate their lives. It has changed me so much it is amazing. Sarah is my favorite author...still.
Enjoy your summer! I plan on coming back again soon.
Saturday, December 20, 2003
I saw the Return of the King on opening night - all I can say is this movie rocks big time!! Can't wait for the dvd! Did everyone just love that kiss that Aragorn planted on Arwen at the end.....swoon!! And Legolas did some serious tail kicking in this flick. I was impressed.
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
We just had a full weekend of parties - one for my birthday and one for a bridal shower. It was a lot but so much fun! I know we had kids everywhere and they were running around, sliding down the water slide and having a great time. We had a great feast and I felt relaxed and at ease. I only have a birthday party every 10 years so this one was extra special.
I have a passage in Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach that I read religiously every year around my birthday. It is called "A Birthday Ritual".
Sarah says "Many people who love you will try, but no one can celebrate your birthday exactly the way you need for it to be observed. That's because no one really knows the year you've just completed; no one else has lived it. Birthdays are new beginnings, but they're also moments of personal closure.
Every birthday, not just the ones marking a new decade, is a significant milestone. Every age brings with it three hundred sixty-five Real life lessons.
"We turn, not older with years, but newer every day." Emily Dickinson
Monday, July 28, 2003
The best part is that finally Simon LeBon looks good again. He looks like his old self.
He was doing something totally horrible for a while there. He was downright ugly! I couldn't stand it!
If you don't know, I was totally and completely in love with Simon. He stole my heart and kept me away from making huge mistakes with a few boys while I was in high school!
So here's to my smashing older man. May he always be in command of a stage somewhere. If I find myself in front of that stage one of these days...I'll keep a lighter in my purse in case "Save A Prayer" is on the play list...
Friday, July 18, 2003
Usual things going on...searching for a new cell phone carrier, talking to my sister, Cindy, sitting in the sun while watching the kids play. It's tough. Of course, the maid never shows up so I have to ALSO clean the house. Darn that woman!
I wanted to tell you about my ex-husband, Bryan Adams. I have loved him since I was in high school. I have all his albums on tape and cd (no small feat considering the first album I searched two continents for a copy on cd!)
Anyway I use to say he was my next husband. Everyone would just laugh about that. Ha ha! Right. So I was telling someone this one time and one of their friends leaned over and said "What did you say?"
I said "He is my ex-husband" and that girl looked at me like I was a celebrity or something. She kept asking me about Bryan and all this stuff.
I just said in a quivering voice "It's so hard for me to talk about him sometimes, please stop with the questions." Of course, I was all teary eyed.
It was terribly amusing and ever since then, Bryan has become my "ex-husband". I don't think he minds too much. I saw him on my birthday in 1997 - I was right next to him in the FRONT ROW and he winked at me so I think he understands. I hope he's amused too. He is a great singer/songwriter. Still my all time favourite. He was the best birthday present I have ever received up to that point.
UPDATE: Now in 2019 I have been blessed to see Bryan again and again with my husband, Patrick. He loves him or maybe he just loves indulging my love for Bryan. Whichever it is, it makes me happy.
Friday, June 27, 2003
So here we are watching the morning news and weather - it's getting boring so I flick over to cmt and vh1 to see what's going on with some videos. VH1 had "we are the 80's" on. Well, you know, I'm all about that so I stay on that channel a while. Well who shows up but....
...Bryan Adams! Yes, it's my ex-husband! He's singing "Run To You" and I'm loving it. Never mind that I own this video collection - that's not important. It's that I can see it on t.v.!
Isn't it great how a video or song can transport you to another time and place? This was a great way to start the day.
If you don't know the story about Bryan being my ex-husband, I'll tell you some other time.
Monday, May 19, 2003
It was wonderful there - very beautiful. It seemed like everywhere you drove there was a small river coming out of the mountains and spilling over rocks. Very peaceful.
I visited went to the aquarium and into the Smokey Mountains park several times. I even went to Dollywood and spent a morning riding up one of the mountains on a ski lift - that was adventure! Gorgeous views way up on top of the world (or so it seemed like we were on top of the world!)
All the food we had there was great (this is the South, you know).
Dave and Diana were absolutely fabulous on the ride down and back home (7 1/2 hours is a long time for 2 year olds!). So they were rewarded them with a new swing set! Yahoo! It has 3 swings (one for me!) and a big tower attached that has a slide, rock climbing stairs and a sandbox underneath the tower. They deserved it.
All in all it was a great week. This week my Godmother, Elaine, is coming to visit. Should be an adventure! I don't know what we'll get into - maybe just sit out on the deck and sun...
Wednesday, May 07, 2003
Other than that it's been the usual around the Eastern Shore. Happily awaiting summer now that I have a new backyard fence. I have my cowboy hat on most days - retinol therapy, you know! - so I don't get too much sun on my face. It's nice to be able to sit and watch the kids instead of chase after them.
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
The fence is up in the back yard now and the flowers are blooming beautifully in the front and back yards. It looks like we've lived here for a year or so already!
Here's a fun quiz. I enjoyed it anyway. Strange questions but then it's Wednesday in April with weird weather so it screams for something to do. Enjoy!
You are a descriptive writer. An avid reader of
Robert Frost, perhaps, you LOVE to use flowery
words and use the paper and pen as your canvas
and paintbrush. You prefer to paint a mental
image rather than simply toy around with
people's minds. A very inspired person, you
love to be in nature and usually are a very
outdoorsy type of person. A writer with a
natural green thumb, perhaps?
What's YOUR Writing Style?
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