3.14

Today I was working on a exercise from the book, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. In this particular exercise, I was directed to write down five imaginary lives.  If you had five imaginary lives, what would you do? I went into this exercise with an open mind, and jotted down the first thing that came to mind.  And it surprised me. 

For my first imaginary life, I'd be a pie baker for a diner.  Some home style diner on Main Street in Small Town America.  I could actually see the diner in my mind.  A long counter top, with stools filled with regulars.  Several 2 and 4 tops scattered strategically in a small, but open feeling space.  Bright sunlight drifting in through sparkling windows.  A chalkboard above the griddle advertising the day's specials, including the famous blue plate special...served on an actual blue plate!  Behind that counter, serving up coffee and pie, would be an older woman, wearing a starched uniform, and homey looking apron.  Her name is Mabel, and she's worked there all her life.  She knows everyone, and if they order 'the usual', she knows exactly what they mean.

And there I'd be,  back in the kitchen, rolling out dough for pies.  There's an art to making pie dough.  Do it wrong, and you have something inedible and tough enough to resole your shoes with.  Do it right, and you have a flaky, tasty creation, fit to hold the fragrant filling within.  My specialty would be (and is) apple pie.  Made with two kinds of apples, liberally spiced with brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, freshly ground.  There would be strawberry pie in the summer, and pumpkin pie in the fall.  And bubbly blueberry pie, served warm with melty vanilla ice cream.  And in the ice box display case would be banana cream & a tall chocolate dream pie.  Mmm....

When I had a spare moment, I'd slip out and chat with the customers, and slip fresh snickerdoodle cookies to the kids.  It would be hard work, but very satisfying.  

I'm not sure what the point of the imaginary lives exercise is, but can't wait to find out more.....

Thank you for sharing this momentary vision with me.... Mmm..now I want a piece of warm apple pie.  Hey, I do have two kinds of apples in the fridge right now!

Poof!

Poof!  What happened?  Life intervened a little too well, and I seem to have dropped off the grid for a month or so. (No, Jamie, I don't mean the Grid wherein I wear a red shirt and hassle, er, keep drivers safe.) I apologize for my long absence and promise to do all I can to not repeat it in the future.

So, it's finally summer.  My deck garden is getting tall and green!  I've a few small baby peppers growing, and one big one that I'm waiting until it ripens to red before I pick it.  No tomatoes yet, though both heirloom plants are as tall as the deck rail. Actually, the stripey one took a tumble and broke in half, but it's recovering.  I've had to hack, er, prune the herbs.  Though the three, oregano, basil & mint, are together in a modest container, they seem intent on world domination, starting with my deck.  The strawberries have run their course and are now a pretty green leafy plant.  And the two pots containing flower seeds from packets that had the year 1959 are actually growing. Slowly, but there are plants growing!  Wow.

My friend, Andrea, asked me why she hadn't heard about me writing much lately.  I realized I have also taken an inadvertent hiatus from one of my great passions-writing.  Let this blog be my statement of renewal.  I am writing again henceforth.  (mentally, I'm hearing thunderous music, and a guy shouting Ta Da!)

My other passion, I have been indulging greatly in.  I have been reading Rick Roirden's series (Yes, they are young adults, or teen books, but that's a genre I enjoy, and want to write.)  I've also been reading several quilting books and ones on vegan cooking. No, I'm not vegan; I love cheese too much. 

Pet peeve- people who utter, 'oh, reading?  I don't have time to read.'  So, I ask them. 'do you smoke?'.  Usually, the answer is yes.  See, I find the same mini pockets of time to read that the busiest person finds to smoke.  And reading is a whole lot healthier.  Reading is like exercise for your eyes and mind.  It's a mini trip without the gas prices.  It's learning something new.  It's an adventure, and excitement, all in a handheld, easily operated device.  A book.

Enough rambling thoughts. I'm back. I'm writing.  I'm always reading, and interested in what you all are reading, or suggestions for books/series to read next. 

My Bucket List

My son, Bob, has his Bucket List posted publicly on his website. He did this a few years ago, and when I saw it, it inspired me to create my own Bucket List.... (what's a bucket list? It's a list of things you want to do before you 'kick the bucket'.) I have a copy of this list in several places, where it'll always be there to remind me of my life goals. I have shown this list to a few close friends, but never posted it publicly. After seeing my son's list recently, and what he's crossed off it, I realized I needed to find the courage to do the same. So, here's my list (including subheadings):

My Bucket List:

1. Publish both Fiction & non-Fiction books (pref one on best seller list).
2. Move to beautiful condo or apartment (I've done this one!)
3. Own VW Bug (old or new)
4. Be financially stable (no debts, able to help family & others)
5. Travel: a. Scotland b. Paris c. Alaskan Inner Passage Cruise
6. Learn Languages: a. Sign b. French c. German d. something interesting
7. Learn to play the piano & harpsichord
8. Learn Tai Chi (half finished this one)
9. Be in shape
10. Make a quilt for each of my kids, parents, & Connie

Fear of Fun

As I thought about the past month, the month I took a hiatus from Farmville (ok, if you are gasping and feeling week from the thought, just breathe deeply, and clutch your keyboard 'til the sensasation passes), I tried to calculate just how much writing I actually got done. See, the reason for my hiatus (deep breaths) was to finish the book I began during NaNoWriMo. Did I? No. But I am closer...

I am a champion, gold medalist procrastinator. For some odd reason, I put off things I enjoy if they take any effort to begin. Now reading is simple... you sit down, open the book (I have books in at least 4 handy places) and begin. Ahh... But for writing, you have to turn on the puter, open the word doc, find where you left off, and then begin. Same with sewing. You have to move the clutter from the craft table, find the supplies, get them ready...you get the idea.

So no, I didn't get much done on the book. However, I did craft an article, the longest I've written, and submitted it to the Guideposts Annual Writing Contest. And I did write a chapter or two for the book. So, I am encouraged. And even today... as the last batch of cookies cooled (choc chip & snickerdoodles), I made myself sit down, and begin this...

So I think with some serious discipline, and self permission to put forth the effort to have fun (and a lack of new books to read), I'll work harder this month. And still find time Afterwards, to do a wee bit of farming. (feel better now?)

Second Life

When I was a kid, I imagined that when my kids were all grown, that my life would be fairly quiet. Just a time for quiet reflection, and preparation for the day when I'd have grandkids to spoil. (and I will...spoil them, that is!).

However, now I am there..at that point at my life when my kids are all adults, and beyond the occasional reminder, and copious batches of cookies & banana bread, don't really need my help. So, where am I now? Seated in a rocking chair, quietly reflecting on my life, as though it were over? Nah.... not happening here.

Instead, I find myself at a time in my life wherein I have been reinventing myself. Oh, as my best friend Connie would say, 'don't get me wrong', I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a mother. And I really & truly miss sitting on the couch with my three kids, reading to them....

However, now I find myself with time. Time to explore other interests, other sides of myself. Two seasons ago, I became a Grid Goddess at Waterford Hills racetrack. My dad used to take my siblings and I to watch the races. Now, I get my dad (and mom) into the pits, right into the midst of the action. I get to harass drivers, er, check safety equipment, and I love it. The sound of a open wheel car rumbling it's engine goes straight to my soul!

I am also spending time, nearly daily (tis my goal), writing. I am writing articles, my father's stories, and even working on a book (over 25000 words!). Granted, some times getting my backside in the chair to start is the hardest part, but once I'm there...I'm in heaven.

This may not seem like much, working at a racetrack, writing, hanging out with friends, but it's only the start.... and I'm happy, really and truly happy. I still get to see my kids, not as often as I'd like, but they are still in my life. (thank God for cell phones & texting & computers!) But this second life of mine is just getting started. Wonder what will happen next?

Why I Write

The question comes to mind: just why do I write? It's been my dream since childhood, since I figured out that someone wrote those amazing stories that I read. But beyond that, why?

One reason I just discovered this morning. When I get to work, and while getting my morning mug of tea (yes, mug...at home I brew proper pots of tea, but at work, can't often)...I usually end up briefly chatting with my friend Sharon. As always, the question arises, how was your day/night yesterday? This morning, I found myself answering 'I had a good day yesterday.' Then as I walked down the long corridor through cubicleville, I found myself thinking, 'why did I answer that?' The work day yesterday, while productive, was a frustrating one. So why did I think my day was good?

Then I had it..the difference was that yesterday I spent time writing. All I did was to work on an article, maybe 20 minutes or so. But that was enough. When I spend time writing, I am happier. A bit of joy is released from my heart in the act of writing...and encompasses me.

So, now, realizing that, I will endevor to write daily. I know I can do that, because in November, I took part in NaNoWriMo, and wrote for 28 days out of 30. So, watch for new posts here on Tuesdays and Saturdays...and know that in between, I'm at my keyboard (or using my magical Scottish pen), and I am writing.

New Perspective

It's midway through the first month of a new year. I've had a few magical Saturday mornings (I'll explain about the magic of Saturday mornings another time). But I've realized that this year didn't feel new...didn't feel any different. Then I realized it. The difference has to begin within me. So, now I have a new perspective, a new way of looking at this year.

This year, I'm going to focus on my writing more...submit more articles, finish my first book, and start a second one. When I've let it rest a while, I'll begin the revision process on that first book. I will post blogs much more often, frequently. I will continue to transcribe my father's stories, and ask for more.

This year, I'm also going to FINISH my various UFOs (unfinished object-meaning craft project). I've already been working on that this year.

So, my new perspective is to see new opportunities in projects, in writings, in life. Come and follow my journey here.

Truly Random Musings

This truly is random musings, without any pre-thought or carefully written drafts. I was without a computer for weeks, while my son Bob 'reloaded' the computer. Me, being a non-techy, I don't totally understand the details of this... but it seems to take many trips to and from a computer store (where he works), and the total cost for this work is a batch of brownies and homemade cocoa mix. But I'm back.....

Speaking of Bob, he's amazing. Apparently, he's teaching himself some computer language and using it to build a website for himself full of Bob-isms. His twin brother, is busy working and going to college and building snowmen with engagement rings for one eye. And Cat finished her first semester of college, and got the best 'report card' of her life. I had to make good on my promise and take her to Sagano's, a Japanese steakhouse, where cooking dinner is part of the show. Fun...and tasty, and not cheap. (shudder my frugal heart)

As to my writing career, as of today I know that my two short short stories that I submitted to the Writers Digest Short Short Story Competition did not place. *sigh* Ah, well. Tomorrow, I'll figure out where to send them next. I think that the one titled "Not An Ordinary Girl" is especially good. On another note, I sent off another article for consideration to Guideposts (you send them off, and hope), this one about a true story about my mother. I've started on another one, this time about my parents when they were dating.

The most exciting thing I've done lately (go ahead and roll your eyes now, and get it over with. I'll wait. Okay? Good.) is to attend a crochet/knitting group. See, I pass this church on Main Street in town, and it took me five days of passing by to read the entire sign. Anyways, I found myself standing in front of a church door, feeling nervous about walking into a group of people where I knew no one. Then I realized, hey, Laura... they are church people, what's to fear? So I went in. It was great.. a little old lady taught me how to make a granny square, and I finally learned the names of some of the stitches I already knew how to do, but learned by rote, not name. The group makes blankets for homeless, snuggies for animal shelter (little blankies for kitties to sleep on), and hats for chemo patients. I can't wait to go again.

The other excitement, and last random musing, is that last Saturday I attended a Tea at my sister's house. Her idea.. and it was great! I live on tea...never ever drink coffee (ick). We had scones, little sandwiches, and cookies... wow. Next time I'll host it.

Ok...until next time... keep on swimming. And remember the 'special ingredient' in special ingredient soup.

Laura

My Writing Journey

I began blogging because of an urge to write – regardless of whether or not anyone reads it. I have a need to write.

Like any kid, I first wanted to be a nurse, a fireman, a ballerina or a princess, preferably all four at once. But from the very first day that I fell in love with reading, all I’ve ever truly wanted to be is a writer. That was back in third grade, when we were reading the Boxcar Children series. As I watched my line of stars grow on the reward’s poster, I finally realized that it was someone’s actual job to write these wonderful stories! Why couldn’t that be my job?

While the path of my life meandered as much as a cow in a clover field, I finally came to realize that ‘someday’ had to begin now. I gathered up the courage, and sent out three articles. A year or so later, I had my first published article, August 07 issue of Guideposts Magazine.

Since then, I’ve struggled to find my rhythm in writing. Thanks to such wondrous books as The Writer Mama and Time to Write, I began working within a writing schedule, with set goals.

My comfort zone is in writing ‘the personal essay’, as found within Guideposts. I am currently working on several. Recently, I stepped outside of my comfort zone, and started learning to write fiction. This is so exciting!

Last week, I mailed out a piece to the Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition; a piece I have great hopes for. I’ve another that I simply need to polish before sending out.

And I’ve this great idea for a book—in fact, I think I’ll go work on it now!

A Writer Mama?

Am I still a Writer Mama? Because Christina Katz’s book, Writer Mama, is one of my favorites, and I frequent her blog, www.thewritermama.com, I found myself asking this very question. Most of the writers who participate in her blog are mothers of small children. When I first found this insightful book, I was the mother of three teenagers, all still in High School. My children were older, but still I felt that I fit in. I was a mother of school-age children. I was a writer with one published article. So, with the others in this unique writer’s community, I participated, commented and did copious amounts of writing.

Now however, my life is different. My twin sons, Ben & Robert, have graduated, and moved out on their own. My daughter, Catherine, has also graduated. She is still living at home. (“Hey, I know how good I have it,” she says.) She is a college student, attending the local community college.

The question is, now that my children are technically adults, am I still considered a Writer Mama? Or am I a fraud, no longer ‘one’ with Tiffany, Heather, and Marnini and all the other creative souls on Christina’s blog? Do I have to shelve my copy of Writer Mama?

No! That’s what I have decided. I am still a mother. While my children no longer need my constant supervision, they still need my prayers, encouragement, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. I will never stop being their mother.

I am still a writer, even more so, it seems of late. I’m actually writing this blog post long hand, while sitting in a Tim Hortons just two buildings down from the local branch of my daughter’s community college. Every Monday night, after I drop Catherine off at her English Comp class, I spend the intervening 3 hours holed up here. I sip very hot tea, eat the occasional donut (pumpkin spice tonight) and write.

So, yes, I have decided that I am still amongst the ranks of these creative Goddesses. Hey, Christina, I am a Writer Mama!

Writing Advice

Today I heard the very best writing advice I have ever heard. Now I have read countless writing books and dream achievement books. I have done writing exercises, and considered taking writing classes. I read several fellow writers blogs, including Tricia & Heather, and of course, the Writer Mama. I am even posting an answer to a blog question on the Writer Mama's site, hoping to win one of her writing book giveaways. (I recently won the Poetry Market 2008!!).

Today's blog question was "what is the best writing advice you could give other Writer Mamas?" The very first post was from a nice lady named Eliza, who stunned me with her simple advice. "Shut up and Get up". Wow. This sounds so much like something my blunt-speaking Aunt Alise would say. "Shut up and Get up".

Suddenly, I realized that I spend far too much time thinking about and reading about writing, and not enough time simply Writing! (and I spend far too much time simply watching TV!) Procrastination is the root of many disappointments in my life.

So, being a lover of a good quote, I now have a new one to motivate me. "Shut up and Get up." Get off that chair. Turn off the TV. Write. No complaints. Even if I have only 15 minutes, write. Get up earlier and write in the quiet of the morning.

And I am taking that advice right now. I was going to go watch tv after posting my answer to that blog. Instead, I headed straight here, and wrote this.

"Shut up and Get up"!