Happy New Year!!

It's now 2011 and that begs the question what did you do in 2010 that you can be proud of? Did you accomplish the goals you set out this time last year? I myself did not complete everything on my list but I did check off some of the stuff. Mostly writing stuff but still is that ever enough.

This years list isn't that long but it is quite important. Why? Because accomplishing goals is always important, this year among many is of course Arizona, one of the big question marks from last year.

Secondly lose weight, I've been putting on weight far too long, and it's time to get it in check. If I can quit smoking, I can definitely lose some pounds. To quit smoking has been the hardest thing I've ever done besides healing from a traumatic event in my past.

Third, which is another thing that has been on my list for many years is to break into and rock out the literary world. I work hard, and continue to improve at my craft, why shouldn't I have the opportunity to feel how the other half does?

This is my year which is what I said last year but like last year I really mean it this time. Oh and by the way Mercury is coming out of retrograde I believe which means this will improve! *Fingers Crossed*

Over over over!!! Yes it's over!

I feel huge relief! No I didn't just use the bathroom, I am relieved that the holidays are over!!! I love this time of year and all the magic that happens, - except for family- but I can't be happier that it is over. The next week we are going to spend getting our home back in order since my husband always goes over board with the decorations and gifts. On a great note however; I got my E-Reader, and I'm super excited even though I'm thoroughly exhausted from the festivities. Anyone else happy it's over?

Here's to a new year coming...

Smoking -- Yuck?

Boy oh boy it has definitely been a while since I flicked a lighter and brought the flame to the tip of a stick of hazardous yet delicious nicotine. Truth be told it hasn't been that hard. The first week was the worst, the first month I wanted to kill a few people (actually I don't think that has to do with the lack of nicotine in my body, I just really wanted to kill people, ha!) Now I'm coming up on my 7 month smoke free and I actually really feel good about it. I still crave them, especially after a really good meal or when I first get into the car to leave the house but it gets better throughout the day.

So being smoke free is a good thing? I guess I would have to say yes, but I won't admit it out-loud. Till next time... Keep your smoke to yourself.

I Am A Writer?

I am a writer, words defining my life
A page at length, each word significant
I am a writer, some have told me so
Hard to believe though.. Am I?
A story that pours from my life
Blood running rapid and wild
Muscles constricting around a pencil
Eyes, watery staring at lead bleeding pages
Emotions permeating intensely
Dreams raging, but laying dormant
I am a writer, sources combining me
Dictionaries re-defining me
Thesauruses symbolizing me
I am a writer, complex yet simple
Complex in everything I want
Yet simple in what it is that I have
Understanding, yet contemplating
Understanding of human nature
Contemplating a future of success
Cherishing each word and symbol
Periods ending thoughts
Colons breaking lines in two
Symbolic of tattered hearts
I am a writer, consumed but fierce
Consumed by the want, fierce in ambition
Unsure, terror filled, but I am a writer.

Now that we are approaching the end of 2010, it will soon be time for our resolutions (or now time for pre-resolutions, as the case may be).

And as you cast your eye toward self-improvement, might I suggest one of the important fundamentals to the healthy and productive writer: exercise.

Not only because writing is a solitary pursuit, that writers sometime need the occasional mood-lift while pondering the depths of the human condition, and because we want to keep writing as long as Louis Auchincloss.

No. Not just those reasons.

Do it for the creativity boost!

I can't quantify this. I don't know if it's been proven by science (Livia?). I don't know if it's the endorphins talking. All I know is that when I'm stuck on a plot challenge or can't think of where things go next, I exercise. And it's amazing how it unlocks the brain.

And even from a macro sense, I find myself more productive and happier during weeks where I exercise. The ideas and words just tend to flow better.

Am I alone on this? Does exercise help your creativity?

I think Nathan Bransford (giving credit where credit is due!) has the right idea. Like any craft we need to exercise to keep our brains well lubricated! What are some of your exercises as a writer?

Thankful!

I hope everyone is well and enjoying this time of year. For some people the winter months are stressful and lonely, for other like myself I feel inspired. I think every day should be Thanksgiving. We should be thankful for the things we have. I find myself envious of other people who have more than I do but then again I also have more than others. So instead of wanting more I try to just enjoy what I have.

This month is wonderful though. Each night we sit down to dinner and tell each other something we are thankful for, and even though some of the responses are simple like "I am thankful today for football" there are other days when being thankful for each other is something so special. November is the month of love, everyday should be love but the month of November in my opinion should fill you up (in your soul) and make you feel an over abundance of love. Is it just me who feels this way?

My mother was rushed back to the hospital Friday night with the same bout of congestive heart failure she's been battling since her car accident a couple years ago. She has been hospitalized 5 times total in the last 4 months, and it's wearing on us. Most on her daughter since her boys haven't got a clue. But in my mind I have been thinking about what it would be like without her and each and every time I end up in tears. My point is, this is November, and November is the start of the holiday season. It's magical right? I know I'm an adult but all things magical is something I cannot or better say will not give up on. So as the month of November progresses, continue to think about the many wonderful things you have in your life and love, love everything and everyone with every fiber of your being and keep believing in the magical time of year where being thankful is something great.

Two Most Special People

And you know who you are. I love you two, more than anything and or anyone could ever love another. You two mean the world to me and I know that I have been a pain in the ass this last month, but this month will get better.



Thank you for standing by me, in a few days I will be smoke free for a month and even though I won't show it I am proud of myself. I didn't believe I had the will power but I had to give living smoke free a go if only to prolong my life a few more years. So thank you both so very much. And here's to another month!