In 2013, Selfie topped the list of Oxford’s word of the year. It also topped many a list of words “please oh please” don’t ever say in 2014. With that in mind, and the focus on my writing works, I decided it was the perfect time to take an affirmation “selfie”. So to share with you my new author “that which shall not be said” photo op! Professionalism at it’s finest! Now I just need a cover to place it in….Here’s to 2014!
Filed under Uncategorized
My family and I recently went to the movie Frozen. As we left the movie theater my daughter ran in circles flinging her hands into the air as if she was Elsa and had the power to freeze things. She was unaware of the gawking eyes that followed her every move. I watched this angel in awe.
As you know, I want to publish a book. I am already an author as I write and have completed manuscripts, but I want to actually have my book published. I am afraid though. Afraid of what people might think of me, and what they might feel. What do they say about my writing in their own homes, I wonder. This blog is the first step in the direction of losing my fear. I sat with my mouse hovering over the post button the first time I shared something that I wrote and questioned my own abilities. I thought of my mini Elsa and clicked the button.
Now, I hate to admit, it is still not easy. I am still fearful of what others think. I wish it were not this way and I wonder how this is happens. My young daughter loves to sing. She loves to share her art and creativity with the world. She is so confident in her abilities that she once asked me, “Mom, do you think Jewel is mad at me?” I asked her what she meant by that, to which she responded, “Well, I can sing better than her, but she is pretty good too.” Will she loose this too? Did I once love sharing my words?
So in my New Year I will make a resolution to find my courage. The courage to believe in myself. To find joy in my own art and to share it with the world, no matter what they might think. I may never reach the place where I wonder if Lisa Gardner is mad at me, but I sure hope I can overcome the point where I wonder if others will like me.
Filed under Uncategorized
My very first public book review!
The Plague Legacy-Acquisitions by Christine Haggerty
I am not sure that if my family had been killed by the plague and I was about to board a ship to the land of gladiators, that I would want to survive. Cam, however, is not given a choice and with his kind heart and determined spirit I find myself cheering for him and thinking about him even when I am not actively reading this book. This is a gripping story about a boy’s hunt for his place in a very scary world, where the future of the entire population rides on his shoulders. There is a slice of love, mixed with danger and fear and an overwhelming desire for survival. It is a must read and I highly recommend it!
Can be purchased here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Plague-Legacy-Christine-Haggerty-ebook/dp/B00H15COZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388361858&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Plague+Legacy
Christmas is just around the corner and my family and I are busy in preparation. I love this time of year. The smells, the lights, the smiling faces and the music! I believe in God and our savior Jesus Christ. I believe in the true meaning of Christmas and in keeping Christ present.
I also believe in the Spirit of Santa Claus. I do not feel that he has taken away from the true meaning of Christmas, but just the opposite in fact. It is through the spirit of Santa Claus that I have witnessed more people being Christ-like this season than any other time of year. It is the act of giving, donating, and bringing awareness to others and their needs that show the true essence of Christ.
Instead of doubting humanity and the spirit that is Christmas, let us in our own homes ensure that our children understand the great sacrifice that was made for us, while still allowing them the joy and to see the good and kindness in others through the spirit of Santa Claus-as for some, that may be the only way. Instead of hoping others realize the true meaning of Christmas, I say let’s make a change, and challenge ourselves to live without judgement and keep the Christmas Spirit all year long. Not making others see as we do, but instead, see what we do. For that is the true meaning of Christmas.
Filed under Uncategorized
As mothers, we will never be good enough. Historically, and I know this from my mother and grandmother, they too felt inadequate. In their time, the expectation was that they have a clean house, good food on the table and well behaved children. The way they achieved this was through time spent cleaning, cooking, sending the kids outside, yelling and discipline, and a spank now and then. They now wish that things would have been left and they would have spent more time with their children.
If I am to believe what all of the blog posts are saying, the expectation today is that it’s all about the kids even to the extent that we should have dirty houses, quick meals, constant playing, and absolutely no yelling. Cherish every moment, and allow them to express their individuality. Not all, but the pattern of children now is a large group of entitled and disrespectful children that our elderly population just doesn’t get.
What are we to do? Well as for me, I am just going to do the very best that I can. I am a firm believer in all things in ration. Every day there are things I wish I did differently or better. Every night I accept my imperfections and forgive myself, starting tomorrow anew. What I know about myself and my raising of my children is this: If my child doesn’t listen, I might yell. If they misbehave, are disrespectful or rude, there will be consequences. They will know right from wrong, and know that God exists, watching our every action-but that there is great forgiveness. They will learn to play on their own, outside and in-this may include tv or a video game now and then-all things in ration. They will learn please and thank you and to send a card in the mail when words just aren’t enough. They will have a clean house and a good meal and it may take me all day sometimes. I will work and will sometimes text and be on the computer-there are others things important too, even if not as much. Through this, when they are older, they will realize how important it is to work hard, and also that they need to call each other and their friends once in a while to say hello. In high school, they won’t have large holes in their ears or tattoos on their arms, and their pants will cover their underwear-they can show their independence elsewhere. They will know they are loved, they are important, and that they are amazing souls that I am so blessed to be a part of their lives. They will know what it feels like to dance in the kitchen, and run around on hands and knees playing horses with me. They will know that my Barbie likes to flip her hair, and that my truck runs into a lot of things. They will know they can tell me anything and that I will help them, without judgment-but hopefully with advice. I will hug them every night and every day. I will drop everything to come to their rescue when they are hurt or need me. I will kiss them when they will let me and through my relationship with their dad, I will show them what love and friendship looks like. They will laugh and will know the meaning of family and that it is the most important thing above all else.
I will know, in the future, when I am doubting my decisions and full of “I wishes” that in the moment, I just did the very best that I could, and hopefully, when I pick up the phone to call them, on the other end will be a well-rounded, confident independent child that loves me (even a fraction) as much as they know I love them.
Originally Posted at: http://becauseiamamom.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/in-pursuit-of-motherhood-perfection/
Filed under Uncategorized
I knew that I wanted to be an author when I was in the third grade. I wrote a story about a car accident that my family had recently been in. I colored the pages, had them laminated and stapled them precisely right down the middle of the crease. I was so proud and I knew that this is what I wanted to do. Truly, doesn’t this face look like a storyteller extraordinaire?
Many things in life changed for me and instead of pursuing a career in writing, I instead, started in Criminal Justice, finished in Business and eventually began my career as a post-secondary educator and grant writer. Stories have always been my passion and I am now circling back to the focus of making my dreams come true. The art of story-crafting, however, I am finding is not as much in the tale as it is in being able to portray your story in a marketable fashion, and then, getting it into the hands of those who will take it where you want it to go. I am learning about the ever-changing field of publishing and finding that the learning curve is somewhat steep. I am also discovering that it takes a lot of dedication, commitment, trust in yourself, and one solid backbone. This is where I will share stories of the ups and downs, as well as the lessons that I learn along the way to my one day future as a published author.
Filed under Uncategorized
