I have so many blog posts I want to write and not enough time to write them all.
Two other bloggers really got me thinking last week.
If you have a chance check out My Rights to Living a Life at Life or Something Like It. It is sure to get you thinking about how you are living your life and how you would like to be living your life. Basically, it leads to self examination of the soul.
Then there is Running Into the Waves at A New York City Life.
"These things that keep coming, these changes are transforming my life, even by just a tiny bit. They are creating paths for the moments that will be lived, the memories that will be created." How can you not want to read more?
All of you touch me every day, get my mind churning, expand my view of the world. A great Big Thank You and hugs and kisses to each and everyone of you! You are special and I feel special just knowing you virtually.
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
1:50 a.m. Thoughts
It is 1:50 a.m. and I can't sleep. Insomnia, a blessing or a curse? I'm not sure, but it visits me on occasion and if I charted it, it probably happens at least once every three months. This night/morning, thanks to insomnia I have discovered Shutter Sisters, visited twitter peeps nests, begun experimenting with watercolor pencils in my newly created art journal, got to wondering about a certain poet/artist I only sort of know and would like to know better, and began reading through this awesome cookbook. Maybe if I did not do things to energize my brain when I have insomnia, I would be better able to sleep, but laying in bed wide awake for 40 minutes is more than enough for me... I would rather be productive.
I have a feeling I am going to read this post some time much later today and quite possibly regret posting my ramblings.
Wii Fit is remarkable. When I asked for it for Christmas I wasn't sure if it would work or if I would stick with it, but I knew it was quite nippy here in New England and I no longer had the motivation to go next door and shoot hoops in the park. I also knew that if I joined a gym I would find every excuse not to go. So, I asked for Wii Fit and it was under the Christmas Tree. I have been using it for the past two days and have the compulsive urge to use it right now, but my husband who does not have insomnia would most likely not appreciate my running in place on our wood floors. Wii Fit is FUN! So fun that I have worked out for more than an hour each day. There are Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobic Exercises, and Balance Exercises. As you improve, you unlock additional exercises in each category. Sun salutations, alternating push-ups and side planks, Hula Hooping, tightrope walking all in my own living room! And it WORKS, just ask my abs, thighs, glutes, and upper arms. Still, in all of my soreness, I can't wait to hop on the balance board for the third day in a row and practice my warrior pose, rowing squats, advanced step-aerobics, and ski jumping. Who knew working out, trying to shed 25-30 pounds, could be so entertaining?
Digital Camera. I have woefully been without one for three days short of a year. We have received our refund, but it will not be put towards a camera. Why? Santa took care of that, too! I have been snapping away, but have not yet learned how to transfer photos from the camera to the computer. Easy Schemeasy I have no doubt, but still I must learn. Hopefully Mr. B&B will help me out when he wakes up today and I can get some holiday and other photos posted. Being without a camera for a year was difficult, but looking back there were positives as well. Instead of capturing the moments on film, I was able to be in the moment and capture the little moments in my heart. This year brought perspective into my life and taught me that as a photographer you need to not only capture moments on film, but in your heart and that you have to have heart to capture those moments on film. Can't wait to delve back in to photography and share that journey with all of you.
Pillow. In my 27 years, I have never had a brand new pillow. Instead, I inherited pillows from others. Like other families pass down hand-me-down clothing, our family passed down hand-me-down pillows. On Christmas morning, for the first time in my life, I received a brand new, still in the packaging, crisp white pillow. It is so comfortable and smells fresh and is already melding perfectly to my neck and head. It is the little things that bring joy, I'm telling you... Still, I have insomnia and am not sleeping on my pillow, but hugging it to my chest while I type. Odd.
Do you ever find yourself thinking and wondering about someone you didn't realize was on your mind? I do. Right now that person is a poet/artist I know, but don't really know and would like to know better. We've crossed paths on a few occasions and every time I have been blown away by this person's kindness, creative capabilities and ability to completely capture my attention in every way. This person is unflinchingly honest in all artistic pursuits and always seems to present an authentic self from clothing to conversation to art. To me that is just so beautiful.
If you are ever up at 1:50 in the morning and looking for some entertainment, check out Twitter. Talk about a cross-section of the world's population! Informative, entertaining, inspirational, laugh out loud funny, talented... Hours of mindless entertainment.
OK, enough rambling. If you stayed with me through this whole post, I am sure it cannot have been easy and I thank you. To not only spare me from my insomnia, but also spare you more of these early morning ramblings, please leave a comment detailing your sleep remedies. Many thanks! and Sweet Dreams <3
I have a feeling I am going to read this post some time much later today and quite possibly regret posting my ramblings.
Wii Fit is remarkable. When I asked for it for Christmas I wasn't sure if it would work or if I would stick with it, but I knew it was quite nippy here in New England and I no longer had the motivation to go next door and shoot hoops in the park. I also knew that if I joined a gym I would find every excuse not to go. So, I asked for Wii Fit and it was under the Christmas Tree. I have been using it for the past two days and have the compulsive urge to use it right now, but my husband who does not have insomnia would most likely not appreciate my running in place on our wood floors. Wii Fit is FUN! So fun that I have worked out for more than an hour each day. There are Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobic Exercises, and Balance Exercises. As you improve, you unlock additional exercises in each category. Sun salutations, alternating push-ups and side planks, Hula Hooping, tightrope walking all in my own living room! And it WORKS, just ask my abs, thighs, glutes, and upper arms. Still, in all of my soreness, I can't wait to hop on the balance board for the third day in a row and practice my warrior pose, rowing squats, advanced step-aerobics, and ski jumping. Who knew working out, trying to shed 25-30 pounds, could be so entertaining?
Digital Camera. I have woefully been without one for three days short of a year. We have received our refund, but it will not be put towards a camera. Why? Santa took care of that, too! I have been snapping away, but have not yet learned how to transfer photos from the camera to the computer. Easy Schemeasy I have no doubt, but still I must learn. Hopefully Mr. B&B will help me out when he wakes up today and I can get some holiday and other photos posted. Being without a camera for a year was difficult, but looking back there were positives as well. Instead of capturing the moments on film, I was able to be in the moment and capture the little moments in my heart. This year brought perspective into my life and taught me that as a photographer you need to not only capture moments on film, but in your heart and that you have to have heart to capture those moments on film. Can't wait to delve back in to photography and share that journey with all of you.
Pillow. In my 27 years, I have never had a brand new pillow. Instead, I inherited pillows from others. Like other families pass down hand-me-down clothing, our family passed down hand-me-down pillows. On Christmas morning, for the first time in my life, I received a brand new, still in the packaging, crisp white pillow. It is so comfortable and smells fresh and is already melding perfectly to my neck and head. It is the little things that bring joy, I'm telling you... Still, I have insomnia and am not sleeping on my pillow, but hugging it to my chest while I type. Odd.
Do you ever find yourself thinking and wondering about someone you didn't realize was on your mind? I do. Right now that person is a poet/artist I know, but don't really know and would like to know better. We've crossed paths on a few occasions and every time I have been blown away by this person's kindness, creative capabilities and ability to completely capture my attention in every way. This person is unflinchingly honest in all artistic pursuits and always seems to present an authentic self from clothing to conversation to art. To me that is just so beautiful.
If you are ever up at 1:50 in the morning and looking for some entertainment, check out Twitter. Talk about a cross-section of the world's population! Informative, entertaining, inspirational, laugh out loud funny, talented... Hours of mindless entertainment.
OK, enough rambling. If you stayed with me through this whole post, I am sure it cannot have been easy and I thank you. To not only spare me from my insomnia, but also spare you more of these early morning ramblings, please leave a comment detailing your sleep remedies. Many thanks! and Sweet Dreams <3
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Changing the World
I just finished reading "Writing to Change the World" by Mary Pipher. It was very helpful to me and got me thinking about what I am trying to say and accomplish by writing my memoir which is tentatively titled "Just Boyfriends" and in my writing in general. She also sets out several clear ways in which to determine your reasons and goals and achieve what you are trying to achieve through writing.
Some thoughts popped out at me more then others. They include:
"I am not interested in weapons, whether words or guns. I want to be a part of the rescue team for our tired, over-crowded planet. The rescuers will be those people who help other people to think clearly, and to be honest and open-minded. They will be an antidote to those people who disconnect us. They will de-objectify, rehumanize, and make others more understandable and sympathetic."
"A writer's job is to tell stories that connect readers to all the people on earth, to show these people as the complicated human beings they really are, with histories, families, emotions, and legitimate needs. We can replace one-dimensional stereotypes with multidimensional individuals with whom our readers can identify."
"Therapy and writing have a great deal in common. Both are highly-disciplined endeavors, involving long hours in small rooms. Both require asking intelligent questions, excavating for emotional truths, and solving complex problems. Often, the work is ambiguous, and success elusive. Wise therapists help clients to think more clearly, feel more deeply, and behave more responsibly. Wise writers often want to do these same things."
"Cynicism is a form of resistance, a walling off of the possibilities for transformation. At its core, it is a response to learned helplessness, a defense strategy. Scratch every cynic and underneath you find a wounded idealist. For therapists and writers alike, the best treatment for cynicism is healing stories."
and finally...
"Many people have powerful stories but lack the skills to be powerful writers. Writers need to be skilled or, when the heart speaks, it is the language of sentimental schmaltz. Yet skill alone is not sufficient. We need authentic emotion to go with it. Powerful writing includes sparkling details, apt metaphors, surprises, and restraint. It has tones and rhythms that change like those of a symphony. The best writing causes readers' breathing to change."
So, that is just a little taste and hopefully gives you something to think about.
Writing to Change the World is very different from other books I have read about writing. I believe it spoke to me even more strongly because I have just begun attending therapy and part of the book compares writers and therapists as Mary Pipher is both.
There has been a lot of talk about change lately with the presidential election nearing. I also find that most people I talk to have something they want to change about themselves, the town they live in, the state they live in, the country, even the world. Writing is one way we can all make a difference or take a step towards change be it in writing a book, sending a letter to the editor of the newspaper or town board, writing an essay, blogging, etc. Pipher's book shows the writer different ways of going about this and brought me hope.
If you are interested in learning more about Mary Pipher and/or reading some of her books you may visit her website at http://www.marypipher.net/Home.html
Some thoughts popped out at me more then others. They include:
"I am not interested in weapons, whether words or guns. I want to be a part of the rescue team for our tired, over-crowded planet. The rescuers will be those people who help other people to think clearly, and to be honest and open-minded. They will be an antidote to those people who disconnect us. They will de-objectify, rehumanize, and make others more understandable and sympathetic."
"A writer's job is to tell stories that connect readers to all the people on earth, to show these people as the complicated human beings they really are, with histories, families, emotions, and legitimate needs. We can replace one-dimensional stereotypes with multidimensional individuals with whom our readers can identify."
"Therapy and writing have a great deal in common. Both are highly-disciplined endeavors, involving long hours in small rooms. Both require asking intelligent questions, excavating for emotional truths, and solving complex problems. Often, the work is ambiguous, and success elusive. Wise therapists help clients to think more clearly, feel more deeply, and behave more responsibly. Wise writers often want to do these same things."
"Cynicism is a form of resistance, a walling off of the possibilities for transformation. At its core, it is a response to learned helplessness, a defense strategy. Scratch every cynic and underneath you find a wounded idealist. For therapists and writers alike, the best treatment for cynicism is healing stories."
and finally...
"Many people have powerful stories but lack the skills to be powerful writers. Writers need to be skilled or, when the heart speaks, it is the language of sentimental schmaltz. Yet skill alone is not sufficient. We need authentic emotion to go with it. Powerful writing includes sparkling details, apt metaphors, surprises, and restraint. It has tones and rhythms that change like those of a symphony. The best writing causes readers' breathing to change."
So, that is just a little taste and hopefully gives you something to think about.
Writing to Change the World is very different from other books I have read about writing. I believe it spoke to me even more strongly because I have just begun attending therapy and part of the book compares writers and therapists as Mary Pipher is both.
There has been a lot of talk about change lately with the presidential election nearing. I also find that most people I talk to have something they want to change about themselves, the town they live in, the state they live in, the country, even the world. Writing is one way we can all make a difference or take a step towards change be it in writing a book, sending a letter to the editor of the newspaper or town board, writing an essay, blogging, etc. Pipher's book shows the writer different ways of going about this and brought me hope.
If you are interested in learning more about Mary Pipher and/or reading some of her books you may visit her website at http://www.marypipher.net/Home.html
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Drunk with Literary Love
Again I have missed Fess Up Friday. This is entirely due to being drunk on and physically unable to put down either of the two Sue Miller books I borrowed from the library. A long while ago I read The Good Mother because it is one of my mother's favorite books and, a few years ago I read Family Pictures. My interest in Sue Miller was rekindled when I applied to the writer's conference as she is going to be there. So, on Wednesday, I picked up a few of her books at the library. Friday I began reading The Distinguished Guest. Yesterday I finished hungrily devouring it and began reading Lost in the Forest and, just a few moments ago as the clock struck midnight, I finished it. I would have finished sooner if not for love of my husband above all. It seems that in my literary drunkenness the dirty laundry, mail, and other household responsibilities piled up. This afternoon he told me he would like some help and intermittently I, somewhat begrudgingly I must admit, put down the book and answered his pleas. We went to bed at 10:20 and at 10:40 I found myself laying in bed wide awake unable to sleep having not finished the book. Suddenly I found myself shimmying out from under the arm my husband had protectively placed across me and creeping into the living room where my book waited. So elicit!
There is something about Sue Miller's work. The way it flows nearly seamlessly. The way she manages to let each of her characters have their say without making the transitions feel bumpy or abrupt. The way she writes sex so honestly and unflinchingly. The humanity she brings to all of her characters in all of their dealings, pleasant, unpleasant, or anywhere in between. Reading her work inspires me to keep working on mine, to keep seeking perfection in my own writing.
_____
Inspiration to keep moving forward in my own work is something I really need these days. I received an email last week informing me that I had not been selected for the Lesley University Writers Conference, but encouraging me to "continue pursuing (my) passion." After much self-doubt and some mild disappointment, I have come to the conclusion that this is a good thing, this being rejected. It is part of being a writer. You work, you submit your work, you frequently get rejected, but you keep working, keep striving, keep writing for the love of it. Maybe you aren't really a writer until you submit and get rejected. In any case, this was a milestone. I will keep writing in order to get better at it, improve my craft, and apply again next year.
I have also been exploring other conferences coming up this summer and beyond and found The Green Mountain Writers Conference in Vermont, the Patchwork Farm Writing and Yoga Retreat in the Berkshires, Kentucky Women Writers Conference, the Sanibel Island Writers Conference (Florida in November sounds delightful), the A Room of her Own Foundation Retreat, Robert Vaughn's Write on the Beach... There is just so much out there to explore and apply for! It is encouraging.
______
As far as fessing up about my writing this week, aside from blog entries and to-do lists and one thank you note, I have been stalled. As result, I allowed myself to indulge in literary drunkenness, but it has brought me inspiration and tomorrow is another day.
There is something about Sue Miller's work. The way it flows nearly seamlessly. The way she manages to let each of her characters have their say without making the transitions feel bumpy or abrupt. The way she writes sex so honestly and unflinchingly. The humanity she brings to all of her characters in all of their dealings, pleasant, unpleasant, or anywhere in between. Reading her work inspires me to keep working on mine, to keep seeking perfection in my own writing.
_____
Inspiration to keep moving forward in my own work is something I really need these days. I received an email last week informing me that I had not been selected for the Lesley University Writers Conference, but encouraging me to "continue pursuing (my) passion." After much self-doubt and some mild disappointment, I have come to the conclusion that this is a good thing, this being rejected. It is part of being a writer. You work, you submit your work, you frequently get rejected, but you keep working, keep striving, keep writing for the love of it. Maybe you aren't really a writer until you submit and get rejected. In any case, this was a milestone. I will keep writing in order to get better at it, improve my craft, and apply again next year.
I have also been exploring other conferences coming up this summer and beyond and found The Green Mountain Writers Conference in Vermont, the Patchwork Farm Writing and Yoga Retreat in the Berkshires, Kentucky Women Writers Conference, the Sanibel Island Writers Conference (Florida in November sounds delightful), the A Room of her Own Foundation Retreat, Robert Vaughn's Write on the Beach... There is just so much out there to explore and apply for! It is encouraging.
______
As far as fessing up about my writing this week, aside from blog entries and to-do lists and one thank you note, I have been stalled. As result, I allowed myself to indulge in literary drunkenness, but it has brought me inspiration and tomorrow is another day.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Vacation
My husband was on vacation last week and I was at my nanny job on Wednesday and Thursday which left me little time for writing. It was wonderful to spend time with my husband though and awfully difficult to say good-bye when he went off to work this morning.
My husband is a "car guy." He loves driving them, changing his own brakes, cleaning his wheels, racing them, and watching other people race them. This brings me to this past week during which we spent three days at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and one evening watching demolition derby at Brockton Fair. Being a writer, no matter where I am, I am always looking for stories and inspiration for stories. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy motorsports, but four days of car activities in one week... a lot. So, I observed people and let my mind wander. At Nascar in New Hampshire there were so many 'characters': a man in a bathingsuit, the Indian couple with their young son all decked out in Dale Jr. merchandise, the two Asian couples, the man with a long red ponytail and a bottle full of a vodka/redbull mix, the ladies with their tanktop and bra straps folded into their tanks so they didn't get tanlines on their shoulders, and all of this within three rows of me! If I can't come up with any material from all of that, how can I call myself a writer? The Brockton Fair was interesting because it is like stepping into a time warp and it brings out all of the kooky people. I was also fascinated by the animals in the petting zoo, for sale, putting on a show (elephants, camels, ponies), to ride (ponies), and racing (pigs). I wanted to set them all free. I think I could write a childrens book with the premise of a little girl or boy wanting to free the animals at the fair and imagining what would happen if she/he did OR write a short story from the perspective of the animals OR write a story where the animals are in charge and the people are racing, in a zoo, for sale, and putting on shows. Inspiration is everywhere.
_________
I officially applied to the Lesley University Writers Conference. It starts on July 27th, so I should be hearing back soon. Waiting is the pits, but I am trying to think positively in the meantime. I appreciate any positive energy you might send my way.
_________
I have been noticing more traffic and returning traffic to my blog the past few weeks. Thank you for reading!
My husband is a "car guy." He loves driving them, changing his own brakes, cleaning his wheels, racing them, and watching other people race them. This brings me to this past week during which we spent three days at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and one evening watching demolition derby at Brockton Fair. Being a writer, no matter where I am, I am always looking for stories and inspiration for stories. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy motorsports, but four days of car activities in one week... a lot. So, I observed people and let my mind wander. At Nascar in New Hampshire there were so many 'characters': a man in a bathingsuit, the Indian couple with their young son all decked out in Dale Jr. merchandise, the two Asian couples, the man with a long red ponytail and a bottle full of a vodka/redbull mix, the ladies with their tanktop and bra straps folded into their tanks so they didn't get tanlines on their shoulders, and all of this within three rows of me! If I can't come up with any material from all of that, how can I call myself a writer? The Brockton Fair was interesting because it is like stepping into a time warp and it brings out all of the kooky people. I was also fascinated by the animals in the petting zoo, for sale, putting on a show (elephants, camels, ponies), to ride (ponies), and racing (pigs). I wanted to set them all free. I think I could write a childrens book with the premise of a little girl or boy wanting to free the animals at the fair and imagining what would happen if she/he did OR write a short story from the perspective of the animals OR write a story where the animals are in charge and the people are racing, in a zoo, for sale, and putting on shows. Inspiration is everywhere.
_________
I officially applied to the Lesley University Writers Conference. It starts on July 27th, so I should be hearing back soon. Waiting is the pits, but I am trying to think positively in the meantime. I appreciate any positive energy you might send my way.
_________
I have been noticing more traffic and returning traffic to my blog the past few weeks. Thank you for reading!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Brainy and Beautiful is Born
I am a twenty-six year old college student finishing my BA in publishing. I went to school for two years to be a teacher, realized I had no idea what I really wanted to do with my life, took a five year hiatus during which I worked as a legal secretary, and returned to school in Fall 2006. In Spring 2007, I have eight classes and a thesis left to complete.
Pursuing a BA in publishing, I take a lot of writing and literature classes which require a lot of writing. Lately I have a desire to put my words out into the world and see what happens. Thus, a blog.
I am a writer, a dreamer, a photographer, a seamstress, a crafter, a reader, a student, a daughter, a wife, and a five-year old at heart keeping my inner-light and inspiration alive. I'm brainy. Brainy is beautiful.
Pursuing a BA in publishing, I take a lot of writing and literature classes which require a lot of writing. Lately I have a desire to put my words out into the world and see what happens. Thus, a blog.
I am a writer, a dreamer, a photographer, a seamstress, a crafter, a reader, a student, a daughter, a wife, and a five-year old at heart keeping my inner-light and inspiration alive. I'm brainy. Brainy is beautiful.
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