It's hot here. 90+ degrees. And we all know how much I love heat, right? NOT. I am perpetually thankful for the invention of air conditioning. Thank you, oh wise inventor, whoever you may be.
But even before the heat hit today, I woke up feeling really blue. No particular reason...just, that's what I got today in the dice-roll of life. (sigh) After a few hours moping around in my bathrobe, I'm finally up and doing fine. I don't know why mornings are so hard. They ARE getting better, but darn it, I just want everything to be happy. Is that so much to ask?
So I'm still working at the happiness-creating. Chocolate works sometimes. Knitting works once in a while. Music can work. Having my husband here, or some other family member, definitely helps. Koko the parakeet helps too! Even though he doesn't know it.
I just have to find the way to inspire myself to TRY those things when morning seems like it's not worth facing. Because some days, lying in bed until I fall back to sleep seems like the only reasonable option.
What do YOU do when you want to improve your mood? All suggestions gratefully considered!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday Happies 8/27/10
As soon as I opened my eyes and saw the sun shining, that was my first "happy." We needed the rain--heck, we need more--but the gloomy, damp weather really affects my mood.
I'm looking forward to my daughter coming over this evening after work for a night of pizza, movies and knitting. I'm so happy to have a good relationship with all my kids, especially my girls. It just makes me pleased as punch to know they like me and actually want to spend time with me!
I'm delighted that my husband will be back tomorrow from his backpacking trip. I know he loves the outdoors and the more strenuous the hike, the more he seems to like it. So I don't begrudge him his outings. But I'm sure happy when he comes home.
And lastly, today seems to be spiderweb day. I have seen not one, but two perfect ones today. One is between the arm and back of the rocking chair on the porch. Must be made by a small spider as the silk is quite delicate, nearly invisible. I have avoided sitting on the rocker as I don't want to ruin it. Sooner or later, it will have to go; but for now I just enjoy the artistry.
I found a second perfect spiderweb over the license plate on the back of my car. It could have been made by the first spider's sister...very similar. Unfortunately, a little of it was pulled off when I opened the trunk to stow my groceries, but most of it is still intact.
There are so many small things in nature that hold such beauty, if we would not only take time to see them, but take time to FIND them, which isn't always easy. The next time you go out, look at your world from a different angle--kneel down, or tilt your head, or look way up or straight down. I bet you'll find something awesome you didn't know was there!
I'm looking forward to my daughter coming over this evening after work for a night of pizza, movies and knitting. I'm so happy to have a good relationship with all my kids, especially my girls. It just makes me pleased as punch to know they like me and actually want to spend time with me!
I'm delighted that my husband will be back tomorrow from his backpacking trip. I know he loves the outdoors and the more strenuous the hike, the more he seems to like it. So I don't begrudge him his outings. But I'm sure happy when he comes home.
And lastly, today seems to be spiderweb day. I have seen not one, but two perfect ones today. One is between the arm and back of the rocking chair on the porch. Must be made by a small spider as the silk is quite delicate, nearly invisible. I have avoided sitting on the rocker as I don't want to ruin it. Sooner or later, it will have to go; but for now I just enjoy the artistry.
I found a second perfect spiderweb over the license plate on the back of my car. It could have been made by the first spider's sister...very similar. Unfortunately, a little of it was pulled off when I opened the trunk to stow my groceries, but most of it is still intact.
There are so many small things in nature that hold such beauty, if we would not only take time to see them, but take time to FIND them, which isn't always easy. The next time you go out, look at your world from a different angle--kneel down, or tilt your head, or look way up or straight down. I bet you'll find something awesome you didn't know was there!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
New Classes Available
I'm teaching two courses starting on Thursday (8/26), and I hope you'll join me for one--or both! Here's the info.
ESSENTIALS OF ROMANCE WRITING
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Does a deep love story live in your soul? Could you join the ranks of the Bronte sisters, Nora Roberts, Judith McNaught, Danielle Steele, or Nicholas Sparks? Discover your romantic writing roots while you familiarize yourself with the specific factors that create a successful romance story.
Essentials of Romance Writing
~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE GREAT FICTION: DIALOGUE
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Dialogue may be the most important characterization - but most difficult to master - tool at a fiction writer's disposal. Stiff, unnatural or overdone dialogue will doom the liveliest characters or stall an exciting plot. Effective dialogue propels your characters and story off the page, deep into the imagination of your reader.
In this workshop, you will gain a thorough understanding of effective dialogue in fiction, including the functions of dialogue to develop characters, expose motives, reveal setting, create tension and suspense, speed up scene and more.
Abolish your fear of dialogue and access your story's unique voice!
Write Great Fiction: Dialogue
Hope to see you there!
ESSENTIALS OF ROMANCE WRITING
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Does a deep love story live in your soul? Could you join the ranks of the Bronte sisters, Nora Roberts, Judith McNaught, Danielle Steele, or Nicholas Sparks? Discover your romantic writing roots while you familiarize yourself with the specific factors that create a successful romance story.
Essentials of Romance Writing
~~~~~~~~~~
WRITE GREAT FICTION: DIALOGUE
8/26/10 - 10/7/10
Dialogue may be the most important characterization - but most difficult to master - tool at a fiction writer's disposal. Stiff, unnatural or overdone dialogue will doom the liveliest characters or stall an exciting plot. Effective dialogue propels your characters and story off the page, deep into the imagination of your reader.
In this workshop, you will gain a thorough understanding of effective dialogue in fiction, including the functions of dialogue to develop characters, expose motives, reveal setting, create tension and suspense, speed up scene and more.
Abolish your fear of dialogue and access your story's unique voice!
Write Great Fiction: Dialogue
Hope to see you there!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday Gripes 8/23/10
Rain. Clouds. Gray. Fog. Mist.
Yuck!
It is SO dark and gloomy today, it's hard to stay positive. I'm trying, because I really need to keep a positive attitude. But the weather has a definite effect.
We do need the rain, I admit. We've been in a bit of a drought. The Souhegan River is so low, you can see all the rocks at the bottom.
But isn't it a shame it can't rain from a blue sunshiny sky?
That said, I just had a cheerful little interlude.
Every year, a little local boy comes around, selling gourmet popcorn as a Boy Scouts fundraiser. I only see him once a year, but he's bright and talkative and has no trouble chatting with an adult. He showed up just now at my door...riding his bike, despite the rain...and he sure has shot up in the past year! I had to remark on how much he's grown.
We had a lovely chat. He asked about our dog and cat, and I told him that sadly, we'd lost them both within the past year. He related that he, too, had lost both a dog and cat recently, but added they now have a new one of each. I introduced him to Koko (the parakeet), and he was absolutely fascinated. "That's so cool," he said. "He's so little. I want a bird!"
It was a small thing, but it really cheered me up. So even the Monday blahs can be chased away, with the right medicine! A little human contact is all it takes.
Yuck!
It is SO dark and gloomy today, it's hard to stay positive. I'm trying, because I really need to keep a positive attitude. But the weather has a definite effect.
We do need the rain, I admit. We've been in a bit of a drought. The Souhegan River is so low, you can see all the rocks at the bottom.
But isn't it a shame it can't rain from a blue sunshiny sky?
That said, I just had a cheerful little interlude.
Every year, a little local boy comes around, selling gourmet popcorn as a Boy Scouts fundraiser. I only see him once a year, but he's bright and talkative and has no trouble chatting with an adult. He showed up just now at my door...riding his bike, despite the rain...and he sure has shot up in the past year! I had to remark on how much he's grown.
We had a lovely chat. He asked about our dog and cat, and I told him that sadly, we'd lost them both within the past year. He related that he, too, had lost both a dog and cat recently, but added they now have a new one of each. I introduced him to Koko (the parakeet), and he was absolutely fascinated. "That's so cool," he said. "He's so little. I want a bird!"
It was a small thing, but it really cheered me up. So even the Monday blahs can be chased away, with the right medicine! A little human contact is all it takes.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday Happies 8/13/10
The past two weeks have been a challenge. Too dang depressing to call them gripes on Mondays, and too stressful to have anything to be happy about on Fridays.
Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I knew it was a possibility, but naturally it wasn't the answer I was hoping for.
Since then, I've struggled with trying to get through depression to acceptance. It's not an easy path, though I've had valuable tips from people who have walked their own roads of accepting a difficult diagnosis. I'm still working on it, but I've learned a few things so far.
Diagnosis or no, I still have a lot of things to be grateful for. Supportive family and friends, a comfortable home, a job I can adjust around my condition and schedule, a saucy little parakeet to keep me company, a beautiful state to live in...I'm grateful for them all, and more.
Exercise helps improve my mood, as long as I can get over the horrible hump of getting out of bed and getting started on it. Just moving around can give me a boost.
Singing helps. Listening to music helps. Sunshine helps. So does chocolate!
By far the most helpful thing is my family and friends. Hearing their voices, seeing their smiles, feeling their hugs, all help me put things in perspective and go on with my life, one step at a time, one day at a time.
I'm trying to get my life back on track, including posting regularly. I know I'll have challenges to face, but I can only tackle them successfully with a brave smile and courageous heart. So I'm working on it...
Happy Friday the Thirteenth to all of you!
Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. I knew it was a possibility, but naturally it wasn't the answer I was hoping for.
Since then, I've struggled with trying to get through depression to acceptance. It's not an easy path, though I've had valuable tips from people who have walked their own roads of accepting a difficult diagnosis. I'm still working on it, but I've learned a few things so far.
Diagnosis or no, I still have a lot of things to be grateful for. Supportive family and friends, a comfortable home, a job I can adjust around my condition and schedule, a saucy little parakeet to keep me company, a beautiful state to live in...I'm grateful for them all, and more.
Exercise helps improve my mood, as long as I can get over the horrible hump of getting out of bed and getting started on it. Just moving around can give me a boost.
Singing helps. Listening to music helps. Sunshine helps. So does chocolate!
By far the most helpful thing is my family and friends. Hearing their voices, seeing their smiles, feeling their hugs, all help me put things in perspective and go on with my life, one step at a time, one day at a time.
I'm trying to get my life back on track, including posting regularly. I know I'll have challenges to face, but I can only tackle them successfully with a brave smile and courageous heart. So I'm working on it...
Happy Friday the Thirteenth to all of you!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Sting of Rejection
Check out this great story of an unusual rejection letter:
Sting of Rejection
Makes you look at them in a different way!
Sting of Rejection
Makes you look at them in a different way!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Monday Gripes 8/2/10
Saw the neurologist today about my neck issues. As of tomorrow, I launch into a new round of physical therapy, to try to at least not lose any ground I've gained with the two spinal cortisone shots. And, if I'm lucky, perhaps the PT will give me even more relief. Fingers crossed!
It's a big pain in the neck, though (literally and figuratively) to drive over to PT twice a week--half hour drive, half hour appointment, half hour drive home. I already have other activities going on, and this basically fills up the rest of my schedule. Oy.
On the lighter side of Monday, check this out. It'll give you a much-needed laugh!
It's a big pain in the neck, though (literally and figuratively) to drive over to PT twice a week--half hour drive, half hour appointment, half hour drive home. I already have other activities going on, and this basically fills up the rest of my schedule. Oy.
On the lighter side of Monday, check this out. It'll give you a much-needed laugh!
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