Where Am I? Happy News, &, What’s That You Say?

During this month’s Camp NaNo writing challenge, I decided to count hours instead of fresh words. That flexibility offers a chance to work on edits and new story as I see fit.

Yesterday and today I made minute changes to a short story. Finished reading those words, I moved back to a WIP with different characters. In one amusing moment this afternoon, I recognized a mistake. Switching between Nickolas and Alex in Cincinnati, I set Arick and Lita in that same region instead of their native US state of Idaho.

I rectified that with a chuckle. Meanwhile, I am enjoying this ongoing dedication as a writer sans the stress of attempts to publish. We shall see what the future holds in that department.

In other happy news, lunch with someone considered the little brother I never had and a lady who has been making him very happy rounded out another successful and rewarding day. Now I’m about to join my husband for some YouTube video content. On a less pleasant front, a few days ago his hearing seemed to take an abrupt and sever downturn.

Deaf in one ear for several years, attributed to otherwise asymptomatic mumps (shocking considering he received inoculations in the Air Force decades ago), my spouse has been turning broadcasts up to the point it makes me flinch on occasion. To combat this, I put cotton in my ears.

Even that proved inadequate the other evening and I located Styrofoam ear plugs. When spotted, that did not go over well. He stormed out of the room and got on his computer. Today I implored him to get a hearing test. He met that with stoic dissatisfaction. I guess we all are in denial over something.

Any suggestions for what I should do next? How far should I push, and how fast before things deteriorate further?

Anything exciting happening in your neck of the woods?

-

How to Win at NaNoWriMo

It's National Novel Writing Month! Come check out the Writer's Retreat blog and read how I survive and thrive...

Darla's Writer Wednesday

Happy writing!

-

Tuesday Tidings for June, 2015

I can hardly believe this is the ninth of June! So far, it has brought ups and downs. But this post will focus on the upside, to be sure.

1. My mother seems to be doing better despite ongoing and recently exacerbated health issues.

2. Loved ones have kept me updated and been supportive when I update them.

3. At least seeing Mom’s strength and health issues inspire me to work out.

4. I impressed a fitness trainer today with my strength.

5. My strength and will allow me to keep my house and gardens lovingly (if not perfectly) maintained.

What brings you joy today?

-

Tuesday Tidings

Today is a one I like to dedicate to reflections upon the blessings in my life. In that spirit, I must say that I'm thankful for the following five things:

1. Words and Writing - my life would not be the same without them

2. Mom - who read to me when I was a little girl and shares my love of language

3. Dad - for kicking my butt at Scrabble and thereby teaching me strategy outside a strength in spelling

4. Having both parents - I'm thrilled by a low divorce rate in my immediate family

5. Parents with diversified interests - Corvettes, gardening, pets, and music are fondly shared delights

My friends at the Writer's Retreat Blog are in on the joyous fun. I hope you will join us for:

Gratituesday in the Zen Garden

 

Tuesday Tidings for May 12, 2015

A month or so ago, my fellow authors on the Writer’s Retreat blog decided it would be a joyous thing to start sharing five blessings every Tuesday. They might be intimately personal issues or have more of a world view, and items may vary from the silly to the profound. It’s all about bringing some positive energy into the world. I hope you enjoy my inaugural entry:

I’m thankful:

1. my home is filled with laughter.
2. I enjoyed a wonderful week visiting the Atlantic Ocean.
3. the spring weather appears amenable to planting annual flowers and vegetables (note the operative word ~grin~).
4. it’s still early enough that I can visit the YMCA and achieve some other chores before lunch.
5. for plastics which, despite various negative connotations, make my modern life so much more comfortable than I can imagine without the stuff.

Since my daily journal entries open with five blessings per Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” teachings, I hope to keep the lists varied. It’s a rare day that nothing comes to mind even if there are perennial repeats I cannot avoid.

At any rate, the title for this came to me shortly before rising for the day. Is “tidings” too antiquated a word? I’d appreciate suggestions, as well as reading what blessings you can name today.

When we have a group linky set up on the Retreat, I’ll share that here and you are welcome to add an entry from your own blog if you wish. Happy Tuesday!

***

Reflections Upon the A to Z Blogging Challenge

This first week of May I am sitting with a door open upon the Atlantic Ocean. It's delightful, and the view helps inspire introspection. This seemed the perfect time to write my reflections upon the April challenge.

First off, I felt the moderators did a wonderful job. Several of these fine folks did visit my posts, both here and on the Artist's Retreat blog. And they left very bolstering, friendly comments.

The guidelines seemed to be ignored by many bloggers, but on the flip side some very friendly participants reminded me to include my website's location within comments. That really does help others to find you, and many took that opportunity to make a kindly reciprocating stop. I know of one person who dropped out due to a lack of comments from others. Perhaps she missed out on this directive.

There are so many wonderful folks I want to mention.

Talented author Catherine Noon is one because she introduced me to blogging and inspires me on a regular basis in all things writing and beyond.

Vidya Sury kindly mentioned me on her blog in thanks for my encouragement when she truly inspired me with her lovely theme of writing for her son. And we plan to begin sharing blessings weekly on that aforementioned Writer's Retreat Blog. That should be a fun way to spread love and joy.

Keith really wound me up for writing flash fiction for he is a master. And he had sweet commentary for me whether I blogged about gardening, music, or celebrities. I look forward to his return from a fantastic sounding visit to Turkey. Travel safely, Keith!

The Squirrel Nutwork is a fantastic resource on nature in Virginia hosted by a foursome of delightful squirrel characters. Nutmeg and company are a joy. I continue following them for wonderful images and information.

Moggies and all things cat-tastic can be found at That's Purrfect. I'm addicted, and Carlton the cat is a delight.

If you want to read about a hero to feline strays, look no further than The Cat Woman.

I count my blessings when reading the stories by Drusilla Barron about her difficult childhood and equally thank heaven that she came through the other side with such an obviously awesome attitude.

Would I do the challenge again? I think that answer is a resounding YES. Will I also do the Camp NaNoWriMo novel challenge simultaneously? Probably. April was interesting, for sure.

Happy May, all! I look forward to gardening upon my return home.

What are you looking forward to this month?

-

Interview of "Kelland"

If you're looking for something to read, come check out my review of "Kelland".

The Writer's Retreat

~~~~~

Wiley Wednesday ~ Comments on Writing

My humble treatise on the use of language is rather amusing today. I'll hope you'll stop in and have a read. Happy Wednesday!

The Lady with Dust Bunnies in Her Hair

~~~~~

Blessed Being

Need a boost? Read my Writer's Retreat post.  Blessed be!

Blessed Being

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wiley Wednesday

Today's the day I try to say something worthwhile and pertinent to writing. I hope you check it out and enjoy. Happy Wednesday!

The Writer's Retreat

May 18th Already?

Today is mine for posting on my group's blog. Come on over for a bit of rambling and a book review...

Neuroses in Little Japan

Wiley Wednesday

Wiley Wednesdays are posts about the various aspects of writing. Today on my group's blog, you can read my humble contribution regarding rewrites. Come on over, and be sure to check out what my talented cowriters posted in the past. You're sure to find good information and valuable inspiration.

The Writer's Retreat

Are You Going to Conference?

This week I stopped to look at the ways my inner critic has held me back from getting involved in RWA. This made me realize how fortunate I am to have a plethora of encouraging people behind me...

Writer's Retreat Blog

Orienteering vs. Alleycats

Come read my oddball musings for today:
The Writer's Retreat

Wiley Wednesday

Ready today's Wiley Wednesday on The Writer's Retreat.

Finding Inspiration