Lila Johnson's Blog, page 5
March 10, 2016
Never, Ever Stop
The recent passing of my cousin has reminded me of one important thing in this life, never stop. It doesn't matter what it is; writing a book, making a quilt, caring for an ill family member or baking the worlds best chocolate cake according to your best friends. What ever it is, never stop giving it your best.
A few weeks ago I received a hurtful book review. It took my breath away and for a brief moment, it made me not want to write another book, article or even a note to a friend. But after a deep cleansing breath and a conversation with another author friend of mine, I realized that if I had stopped writing I would be miserable. I have been writing as long as I can remember. It has always been the only thing that really mattered in my life besides reading.
Like an actor, musician, scientist or one of a million things that a person does in his or her life, you push yourself to become better, stronger, wiser. The thing that you love is not work but a joy to do.
So when my cousin Freddie passed away unexpectedly, all I could remember were the messages of encouragement he would leave on my Facebook page or speak to me in person.
So to the critics and naysayers of my books I say, "Sorry but I'm going to be around for awhile. I don't plan to stop writing. My goal is to become a better writer each and every time. To you I say, no, I will never, ever stop."
A few weeks ago I received a hurtful book review. It took my breath away and for a brief moment, it made me not want to write another book, article or even a note to a friend. But after a deep cleansing breath and a conversation with another author friend of mine, I realized that if I had stopped writing I would be miserable. I have been writing as long as I can remember. It has always been the only thing that really mattered in my life besides reading.
Like an actor, musician, scientist or one of a million things that a person does in his or her life, you push yourself to become better, stronger, wiser. The thing that you love is not work but a joy to do.
So when my cousin Freddie passed away unexpectedly, all I could remember were the messages of encouragement he would leave on my Facebook page or speak to me in person.
So to the critics and naysayers of my books I say, "Sorry but I'm going to be around for awhile. I don't plan to stop writing. My goal is to become a better writer each and every time. To you I say, no, I will never, ever stop."
January 12, 2016
The Giving Tree
It started as a glimmer and turned into incredible fun. I decorated a 3 foot artificial tree for Christmas, placing it on a ledge at my job. I didn't use the traditional ornaments but instead candy, food, small gifts and anything else I could find. I decided that when people visited my office, they were allowed to 'take' not 'give' .
The greatest joy was watching the expressions on the faces of people, strangers to me, stop by and chose something from my tree. It was the housekeeper that cleans our suite, a doctor, a nursing assistant having a bad day, the transporter that picks up our patients or a nurse from the night shift that I've never worked with. All these people have two things in common; the look of surprise when I said, "Choose something from the Giving tree," and their childlike expressions as they tried to decide what they wanted.
The gifts themselves were of no great expense. For example their were things like paddle balls, a bottle of Mr. Bubbles, pocket mirrors, a miniature mystery novel by Agatha Christie, unique pocket notebooks, pens, votive candle holders, a can of Silly String even a bottle of hot sauce. All around the base of the tree were gobs of packaged candy, cookies, chewing gum, pretzels, chips and novelty candy.
I watched as they laughed, smiled and chattered about the choices they made. For me it was the giving that was so much fun. After all who doesn't like a surprise every now and then?
So now the Giving tree is the Birthday tree this month and finally for February the tree of sharing love. I know a few of you are wondering about the cost of all these gifts, how can she afford such a thing? Here's the secret; bargain shopping! Half off, 60 even 70% clearance items from stores like Michael's, Barnes and Nobles, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and other specialty places. You can even have fun at the Dollar Tree!
The most important part of this story is this, the giving comes from the heart. You can't expect anything in return. It's in the giving that you will find your joy. To know that you've made someone's day with a surprise no matter if it's a piece of candy or a Matchbox car that a grandchild can use, its about the giving.
The Giving tree may not bring me any closer to finding a handsome single man nor the riches from playing Mega Millions but for a minute I'm happy because someone else is happy and that's all I need to make my day.
The greatest joy was watching the expressions on the faces of people, strangers to me, stop by and chose something from my tree. It was the housekeeper that cleans our suite, a doctor, a nursing assistant having a bad day, the transporter that picks up our patients or a nurse from the night shift that I've never worked with. All these people have two things in common; the look of surprise when I said, "Choose something from the Giving tree," and their childlike expressions as they tried to decide what they wanted.
The gifts themselves were of no great expense. For example their were things like paddle balls, a bottle of Mr. Bubbles, pocket mirrors, a miniature mystery novel by Agatha Christie, unique pocket notebooks, pens, votive candle holders, a can of Silly String even a bottle of hot sauce. All around the base of the tree were gobs of packaged candy, cookies, chewing gum, pretzels, chips and novelty candy.
I watched as they laughed, smiled and chattered about the choices they made. For me it was the giving that was so much fun. After all who doesn't like a surprise every now and then?
So now the Giving tree is the Birthday tree this month and finally for February the tree of sharing love. I know a few of you are wondering about the cost of all these gifts, how can she afford such a thing? Here's the secret; bargain shopping! Half off, 60 even 70% clearance items from stores like Michael's, Barnes and Nobles, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and other specialty places. You can even have fun at the Dollar Tree!
The most important part of this story is this, the giving comes from the heart. You can't expect anything in return. It's in the giving that you will find your joy. To know that you've made someone's day with a surprise no matter if it's a piece of candy or a Matchbox car that a grandchild can use, its about the giving.
The Giving tree may not bring me any closer to finding a handsome single man nor the riches from playing Mega Millions but for a minute I'm happy because someone else is happy and that's all I need to make my day.
December 30, 2015
Oh No! Another New Year
Is it really that time again? Well, let me count the things I accomplished this year.
I started 2015 with a birthday trip to Wilson Ranch in Oregon and got my cowgirl on.
My book, THE FAT GIRLS CLUB, was released and although the sales I have to say have been slow, the reviews have been wonderful. As a new author, it's nice to know that my readers are relating to my girls which in turn encourages the writing of the next book in the series. To all those who took time to read my books I want to say, "Thank you."
As usual, Santa forgot to leave my man under the tree so I have to celebrate New Years Eve alone. Not to worry, it gives me something to write about in the next book.
I worked in Oregon and California this year and learned a lot. I visited several sites that served as the background for movies and television shows. The coastline of both states refreshed my heart and soul. I found waterfalls and various small towns that offered much in terms of history and variety.
I met many people, staff and patients, in the dialysis clinics I worked in that allowed me to occupy a small space in their world. To all of them I open my arms wide to say, "Thank you so much. You taught me how to be a better person in the world."
I visited Paris once again. Although I had a few ups and downs, I would return again and even consider living there.
In 2015 I cried, laughed, smiled and even had a few angry moments. In all, it has pushed me to the next level of growth and improvement.
So come on 2016. Give me whatever you've got because I'm ready! To all my readers, have a great, blessed and safe New Year.
I started 2015 with a birthday trip to Wilson Ranch in Oregon and got my cowgirl on.
My book, THE FAT GIRLS CLUB, was released and although the sales I have to say have been slow, the reviews have been wonderful. As a new author, it's nice to know that my readers are relating to my girls which in turn encourages the writing of the next book in the series. To all those who took time to read my books I want to say, "Thank you."
As usual, Santa forgot to leave my man under the tree so I have to celebrate New Years Eve alone. Not to worry, it gives me something to write about in the next book.
I worked in Oregon and California this year and learned a lot. I visited several sites that served as the background for movies and television shows. The coastline of both states refreshed my heart and soul. I found waterfalls and various small towns that offered much in terms of history and variety.
I met many people, staff and patients, in the dialysis clinics I worked in that allowed me to occupy a small space in their world. To all of them I open my arms wide to say, "Thank you so much. You taught me how to be a better person in the world."
I visited Paris once again. Although I had a few ups and downs, I would return again and even consider living there.
In 2015 I cried, laughed, smiled and even had a few angry moments. In all, it has pushed me to the next level of growth and improvement.
So come on 2016. Give me whatever you've got because I'm ready! To all my readers, have a great, blessed and safe New Year.
December 7, 2015
Tis The Season
While watching the television show, Emergency, my mind wanders to how busy I've been in the last 72 hours.
I'm all about Christmas and for the past few days, I've spent my time decorating several places. First, my dad's house. I placed a white flocked tree on the staircase landing and gave it a soft woodland look with birds, berries and pine cones. I had to fight off my sister's cat while attempting to place sprays of bobbles throughout the tree branches.
The second spruce that sits in front of the window, has a colorful, bright whimsical look with ornaments of various themes and orgins;a Batmobile, snowmen made of glass, a miniature version of the board game Operation and so it goes.
If that weren't enough, I also decorated the entrance hall to look like Santa's packaging area complete with decorative boxes, tin containers, elfs and Santa sitting on top of it all while eating cookies and drinking hot cocoa.
Next, my apartment. A three foot tree with a snowman theme, (yes, I have a lot of snowmen)with an occassional Santa for good measure. Berries, glass bulbs and a few decorations from my recent trip to London and Paris finish out the look. The one foot bathroom tree(don't ask)displays my miniature ornament collection. Alice inside of the "Drink Me" bottle is adorable.
I completed my final tree at my place of business. Using stocking stuffers like lip balms, hand gels, Mr. Bubble, Silly Putty and candy canes for example, took the place of traditional ornaments.
So when someone asks, "Are you ready for Christmas?"
I say, "Yeah, bring it on!"
I'm all about Christmas and for the past few days, I've spent my time decorating several places. First, my dad's house. I placed a white flocked tree on the staircase landing and gave it a soft woodland look with birds, berries and pine cones. I had to fight off my sister's cat while attempting to place sprays of bobbles throughout the tree branches.
The second spruce that sits in front of the window, has a colorful, bright whimsical look with ornaments of various themes and orgins;a Batmobile, snowmen made of glass, a miniature version of the board game Operation and so it goes.
If that weren't enough, I also decorated the entrance hall to look like Santa's packaging area complete with decorative boxes, tin containers, elfs and Santa sitting on top of it all while eating cookies and drinking hot cocoa.
Next, my apartment. A three foot tree with a snowman theme, (yes, I have a lot of snowmen)with an occassional Santa for good measure. Berries, glass bulbs and a few decorations from my recent trip to London and Paris finish out the look. The one foot bathroom tree(don't ask)displays my miniature ornament collection. Alice inside of the "Drink Me" bottle is adorable.
I completed my final tree at my place of business. Using stocking stuffers like lip balms, hand gels, Mr. Bubble, Silly Putty and candy canes for example, took the place of traditional ornaments.
So when someone asks, "Are you ready for Christmas?"
I say, "Yeah, bring it on!"
November 9, 2015
Paris is still...Paris
A deep yawn, a heavy sigh and eyelids that want to close for a long, deep sleep.
I'm still in recovery mode after my trip to Paris. My five days whisked by so quickly that I thought I was dreaming. With each morning, I spent it either writing in the lounge of the Victoria Palace Hotel at 5:30 in the morning or I was chasing down subways to my next destination.
Sometimes disappointment would set in as I revisited a diner that I enjoyed last year and upon this visit, the service was poor and the food bland. A shop that I purchased several scarfs from last year, this time around the clerk chatted on the phone and looked at me in surprise to find me waiting for him to finally cash me out.
But I did not allow those things to distress me and continued to search out my subjects to research for the book. The Pantheon was just as majestic as its photos as Saint Chapelle is breathtaking.
The 15 stained-glass, 50 foot high windows are enough to make you say a little prayer. If I could, I would have spent two hours just in the Upper Chapel with the 1,100 scenes surrounding me.
I found my way through back streets with twists and turns to find The Abbey Bookshop run by a kind French-Canadian gentleman.
I stepped into a world of art, history and wealth when I visited the chateau Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau.
A train ride to London placed me at the doorsteps of the British Library. With a collection that extends to 160 million items, it continues to grow on a daily bases. To view the works of Bach, Handel, Jane Austin's writing desk and glasses or the lyrics to the Beatles song, Help is priceless.
So my five days of research were full of disappointments but the good, the wonderful and the beautiful surpassed the bad. I have collected postcards, tickets, papers, pages of notes, several thick, beautiful scarfs and chocolates and delightful, sinful macarons from Laduree.
But the most wonderful gift of all is the blessing to be able to experience it all and to share those stories with others.
I'm still in recovery mode after my trip to Paris. My five days whisked by so quickly that I thought I was dreaming. With each morning, I spent it either writing in the lounge of the Victoria Palace Hotel at 5:30 in the morning or I was chasing down subways to my next destination.
Sometimes disappointment would set in as I revisited a diner that I enjoyed last year and upon this visit, the service was poor and the food bland. A shop that I purchased several scarfs from last year, this time around the clerk chatted on the phone and looked at me in surprise to find me waiting for him to finally cash me out.
But I did not allow those things to distress me and continued to search out my subjects to research for the book. The Pantheon was just as majestic as its photos as Saint Chapelle is breathtaking.
The 15 stained-glass, 50 foot high windows are enough to make you say a little prayer. If I could, I would have spent two hours just in the Upper Chapel with the 1,100 scenes surrounding me.
I found my way through back streets with twists and turns to find The Abbey Bookshop run by a kind French-Canadian gentleman.
I stepped into a world of art, history and wealth when I visited the chateau Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau.
A train ride to London placed me at the doorsteps of the British Library. With a collection that extends to 160 million items, it continues to grow on a daily bases. To view the works of Bach, Handel, Jane Austin's writing desk and glasses or the lyrics to the Beatles song, Help is priceless.
So my five days of research were full of disappointments but the good, the wonderful and the beautiful surpassed the bad. I have collected postcards, tickets, papers, pages of notes, several thick, beautiful scarfs and chocolates and delightful, sinful macarons from Laduree.
But the most wonderful gift of all is the blessing to be able to experience it all and to share those stories with others.
September 8, 2015
A Whisper on The Wind
Last Friday I recieved a call, one that everyone dreads. At 3:30 in the morning, my aunt called to say her sister died. It was so unexpected that I was too stunned and could not figure out why this had to happen my aunt Angela.
While at work, my mind recalled our teen years together. I laughed at the times when we, along with her other two sisters, pretended to be Diana Ross and the Supremes. Each of us would take turns at the broomstick/microphone and sing lead to their most popular songs.
But there is one thing that will always remind me of Angie, as we use to call her. She loved to read. As a teenager, she would devour books like a rat in a cheese factory. She could never get enough. It always surprised me that she chose books over dating. I would find her sprawled across her twin bed, paperback in one hand as other books, stacked on the floor, awaited their turn. One book in particular, The Thorn Birds, captured her attention to such a degree that she finished it in less than 48 hours.
I will never forget the expression on her face as she sat on the couch and read while eliminating all the noise and activity around her. Such concentration and love for reading.
I plan to dedicate my next book to aunt Angela. It will be my way to thank her for opening my eyes and heart to the world of great escapes through storytelling.
While at work, my mind recalled our teen years together. I laughed at the times when we, along with her other two sisters, pretended to be Diana Ross and the Supremes. Each of us would take turns at the broomstick/microphone and sing lead to their most popular songs.
But there is one thing that will always remind me of Angie, as we use to call her. She loved to read. As a teenager, she would devour books like a rat in a cheese factory. She could never get enough. It always surprised me that she chose books over dating. I would find her sprawled across her twin bed, paperback in one hand as other books, stacked on the floor, awaited their turn. One book in particular, The Thorn Birds, captured her attention to such a degree that she finished it in less than 48 hours.
I will never forget the expression on her face as she sat on the couch and read while eliminating all the noise and activity around her. Such concentration and love for reading.
I plan to dedicate my next book to aunt Angela. It will be my way to thank her for opening my eyes and heart to the world of great escapes through storytelling.
August 14, 2015
All Things-Paris
As words like le Tournesol, le Metro and le Croissant zip pass my brain through the use of French audio, I'm entertaining myself and possibly my downstairs neighbor.
Why so much madness? I plan to return to Paris, France again in the fall. More research for the second book in The Fat Girls Club series and the need to escape and land softly on the grounds of one of my favorite places in the world.
As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore, grow and of course get into a bit of mischief, they pull me into their world and as their writer I must find a way to bring them back to reason. At the same time, I'll have a chance to expand my "little grey cells" and become a better person because of it!
Au revoir!
Why so much madness? I plan to return to Paris, France again in the fall. More research for the second book in The Fat Girls Club series and the need to escape and land softly on the grounds of one of my favorite places in the world.
As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore, grow and of course get into a bit of mischief, they pull me into their world and as their writer I must find a way to bring them back to reason. At the same time, I'll have a chance to expand my "little grey cells" and become a better person because of it!
Au revoir!
May 27, 2015
Are The Voices Real?
There are voices inside my head that I question whether they are real or my imagination. I catch bits of conversation, laughter and heated debates at all hours of the day and night. No it's not the neighbors having a rousing party or my sister's feline friend hanging out with the other free and easy cats in town. These voices are those of my characters, Angela, Nicki and Sissy.
I have to admit that I am a tad bit jealous of them, they are such a close knit trio. But in their quest to lose weight, the friendship has gone through a bit of a strain as new ground is being tested. Will they resolve their differences and move forward to a healthier lifestyle? Will exercise become their new BFF? What new challenges will bring them full circle to move forward? To find out these burning questions you must read, THE FAT GIRLS CLUB, the first book in a new series. In the meantime, I too will be taking the first step in making slight changes in my health to keep up with the girls.
As Jack LaLanne once said, "The only way you get that fat off is to eat less and exercise more."
I have to admit that I am a tad bit jealous of them, they are such a close knit trio. But in their quest to lose weight, the friendship has gone through a bit of a strain as new ground is being tested. Will they resolve their differences and move forward to a healthier lifestyle? Will exercise become their new BFF? What new challenges will bring them full circle to move forward? To find out these burning questions you must read, THE FAT GIRLS CLUB, the first book in a new series. In the meantime, I too will be taking the first step in making slight changes in my health to keep up with the girls.
As Jack LaLanne once said, "The only way you get that fat off is to eat less and exercise more."
April 19, 2015
Catching up with Myself
Catching my breath. That seems to be the running theme of my life lately.
Last month I introduced my new book, The Fat Girls Club, to the public and before I could take two steps, it was time to write the sequel. It hasn't been easy. Writing, working, posting stories on my blog sites, working with graphic artists and catching up with reruns of Perry Mason.
Yes Perry, Paul and Della Street have kept me company in the late hours of the evening. Even when they've solved their cases and moved on, I continue to type away until two in the morning.
But writing is what I love and have been doing since I was child. My wish is that in the future I will be able to meet my blog site followers and those who support my published works during a book signing somewhere along the way.
It's said that you have to say what you desire in your heart aloud to activate the dream. I do so everyday!
Last month I introduced my new book, The Fat Girls Club, to the public and before I could take two steps, it was time to write the sequel. It hasn't been easy. Writing, working, posting stories on my blog sites, working with graphic artists and catching up with reruns of Perry Mason.
Yes Perry, Paul and Della Street have kept me company in the late hours of the evening. Even when they've solved their cases and moved on, I continue to type away until two in the morning.
But writing is what I love and have been doing since I was child. My wish is that in the future I will be able to meet my blog site followers and those who support my published works during a book signing somewhere along the way.
It's said that you have to say what you desire in your heart aloud to activate the dream. I do so everyday!
March 31, 2015
Finding the Sunshine
Whew! As this, the last day of March tiptoes in, I'm taking a break to enjoy it.
I'm grateful for all that I've accomplished while the weather has changed from cold, to rain to high temperatures and back again.
My debut e-book, The Fat Girls Club is off to a good start after numerous revisions. The print version is in its last stages of completion.
While that was going on I still had to write my next story and read more books by other authors.
So to recharge my batteries, I'm taking the day off to enjoy the 70 degree weather and soak up some vitamin D. And just for fun I think I'll bake some Toll House cookies.
Watch out sunshine, here I come.
I'm grateful for all that I've accomplished while the weather has changed from cold, to rain to high temperatures and back again.
My debut e-book, The Fat Girls Club is off to a good start after numerous revisions. The print version is in its last stages of completion.
While that was going on I still had to write my next story and read more books by other authors.
So to recharge my batteries, I'm taking the day off to enjoy the 70 degree weather and soak up some vitamin D. And just for fun I think I'll bake some Toll House cookies.
Watch out sunshine, here I come.
