JoDee Luna's Blog, page 45

The Chocolate Bark Company

If you are going to be absent from your blog for a while, you really should have a good excuse. Can I just say one word in my defense?

Chocolate

As in…fully involved…grownup…chocolate.

I've been working a temporary Christmas job at The Chocolate Bark Company here in Sarasota, Florida, and can I just say it's pretty much heaven? With more than 50 generous 6-ounce barks, essentially large chocolate bars, this is a no brainer for delectable treats. Dark chocolate with cranberries and walnuts, or pumpkin praline seeds, or sea salt and caramel. And that's just for starters. There are also the truffles, including mocha, espresso, raspberry, coconut, cocoa, pomegranate, key lime, passion fruit, creme brulee and more—guaranteed to make eyes roll in bliss, tense shoulders melt into chocolate oblivion, and turn grown men and women into 6-year-olds. READ THE ENTIRE POST…

Goodreads.com: Discover What Books Have Formed You

I signed up for Goodreads after author Christine M. Grote mentioned the website in a blog post. I must confess that my initial reaction after reading about this social media community was to groan and blurt, "Not another time sapper." Yet I have to say that my experience with Goodreads has been remarkably positive for several reasons: I've met interesting people; created an online space where I can share about my book; and found new books I want to read. Yet more than these benefits, this experience has taken me through the process of remembering the books that have helped to form the person I am today.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life by Donald Miller

The website provides three ways to categorize books: read, currently reading, want to read. Most of my already read books are packed in boxes and stored in the rafters due to Christmas decorations that took their place on book shelves. So to recall the books I've read has taken a concerted effort. I've had to retrace my personal reading history, and in doing so, have discovered a clear path. No wonder I want to self-publish nonfiction books. My entire library fills with nonfiction. I definitely have a bent towards personal development that spurs me to devour books in this genre.

The Element by Ken Robinson http://sirkenrobinson.com/skr/the-ele...

One of the books that I remembered is titled Rich Dad, Poor Dad by author Robert T. Kiyosaki.

My son, Josiah, (who worked for the business consulting firm Bain & Co) recommended this book several years ago after I told him that I had a hankering to build another home-based business. I bought and devoured this book's contents from cover to cover. Although it's packed away today, I can still recall the message I received: When you build a business, do what you love. Find a hobby you would develop whether or not you make money from it.

As I look back over these last five years, since I decided to pursue writing, I can attest to two truths:

I've done what I loved.
I haven't made any money from it.

Now don't get me wrong, I've made tremendous progress with my first book on the way, any day; however, I've also realized that the financial benefits may never materialize. Would I do it all over again? You bet I would. In fact, the second book is about ready for my editor. Doing what I love has improved my quality of life and mental state, which are wonderful benefits.

So I end this post with some amateur wisdom. Retrace your reading history and recall the types of books you love. This exercise in self-discovery holds the key to opening future doors of possibility. Whether or not you desire to become a writer, you can always share the books that delighted or inspired you with others. After all, the best advertisement is word of mouth. So, why not make an author happy by passing on a positive word about his or her book to other eager readers. You never know, perhaps there are other writers in the making who just might decide to pursue the craft after reading your suggestion.

*Authors and books featured in the photos:

Donald Miller – A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life

B.J.Taylor - The Complete Guide to Writers' Groups that Work

Kathi Lipp - 5 Simple Steps to Kick-Start Your Speaking Career

Rafe Esquith – Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire: The Methods and Madness Inside Room 56

A Women's Christmas Coffee: Pamper One Another

Yesterday, the women in my family gathered at my house for a Christmas coffee. My daughter, Elya, came up with the idea: "We should have a special time when we can enjoy each other's company, give gifts, and eat delectable treats. After all," she insisted, "it's the women in the family who take the time to shop and pamper."

So we did what we always do for family events; we decided upon a potluck meal in which everyone would bring a special dish or desert. We had croissant sandwiches, mini quiches, assorted vegies, moist brownies, chocolate chip cookies, Christmas cookies, and white mousse with berries.

We chatted and nibbled, joked and laughed. Then after the feast, we found cozy, comfortable spots in front of the Christmas tree and opened our gifts for one another.

Elya made Mom a Memory Book

Women heaved sighs of relief when someone expressed the sentiments of us all, "It sure feels good to relax during this hectic time of year!"

Gatherings for the women in my family have a bit of a history. Several years ago, my sister, sister-in-law, and me had a discussion. "It's time we take over the responsibilities for planning family events so we can take the pressure off Mom." someone suggested. So Gina, Susan, and I rolled up our sleeves and made sure the family enjoyed those special times that delighted us all. We worked hard at holidays while others relaxed, sipped their drinks, and sat in chairs.

Then Susan suggested that we escape on regular retreats to reward ourselves with "Three Sisters' Excursions."

Yet yesterday, Gina's sentiments expressed all of our frustrations when she said, "I want to provide homespun holidays for our family like Mom did for us, but I have to work fulltime and Mom didn't."

"That's why we need to make these special a priority. If we don't, we'll end up feeling resentful." I said in return.

So as I reflect on yesterday's magical moments, a few thoughts come to mind. I find that these events help me to have a generous attitude when the holidays roll around. I've been sufficiently filled up with womanly togetherness. I've opened gifts and enjoyed the pampering that women are so good at gracing upon one another.

I've also enjoyed watching our daughters begin to give back by being a part of the planning, cooking, and giving.

Aunt Gina and Elya Decorating Christmas Cookies

Life speeds by at an alarming rate. Before we know it, spring will appear on the horizon. There will be birthdays and babies, and weddings and Easter to celebrate.

Elya made Rebekah and Stephen a Memory Book

The women in my family will roll up their sleeves and make each event a delight. And then we'll hop into a car and escape from the world for a weekend or for a day. We will enjoy one another because life is far too short to neglect the ones who make us smile.