Trista Herring Baughman's Blog

Pursuit of Less

I’ve been simplifying for a while now. I’ve let go of things I never would before—belongings I felt obligated to keep, activities that didn’t serve my purpose and relationships that were one-sided.

I have a long way to go yet, but I’ve made some difficult decisions about even more things to let go of. This blog is one of them. For now.

I have 31 subscribers. I’m not sure if any of them ever read this since I haven’t gotten likes or comments in a very long time. If you do read my posts and are a subscriber, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you’ll hang around and bear with me.

I won’t completely abandon the blog. I will only use it for important updates and book releases. You can still contact me and read about my books here.

I won’t continue the author spotlight interviews, book reviews, advice, writing tips, art work, or homeschool shenanigan updates. It makes me a little sad, but it won’t be for forever.

I’m taking time to focus on writing and marketing my books. I can’t do it all. And that’s ok.

It’s time to do less, but better.

Y’all keep lookin’ up.

God bless,

~T

What is art?

Art is defined by Miriam Webster as “decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter” and “skill acquired by experience, study, or observation.” There are about four other possible definitions, but these work for my purpose.

When I think of art, I typically think of paintings and drawings, but there are many other forms of it.

I’ve tend to take art for granted. Although I appreciate it, I often feel guilty spending time making art or spending money to buy art (or art supplies) when there’s other things that need my time and money.

I want to tweak that because art is valuable. Art is the expression of the soul. It may be a painting, a photograph, a sculpture, a poem. It gives us a creative outlet; an alternate purpose.

It connects us.

It transcends time.

Can you imagine a world without it?

I’m taking time to build my skills and I’ll be sharing more of what I’m working on here. I’m going to share artwork from my family as well (with their permission, of course.)

Ruby-crowned kinglet in mama’s tree.

I’m going to make more time for it in my day, in our homeschool day. Keep an eye out for paintings, photographs, doodles, carvings, crochet, and poems. Feel free to share your artwork (kid-friendly, please) in the comments.

God bless. Y’all keep lookin’ up.

P.S. Whatcha reading? I got this for my birthday. I’m still reading a zillion others, but started it anyway.

10 Years Post Reboot!

Ten years ago today, (as I’m typing this on Dec 27) my husband had been set to go on a business trip, but it was canceled at the last minute. With our kids safely tucked in their beds, we decided to watch the new Transformers movie in our basement living room.

Not long into the movie, I started having a seizure and my heart stopped. My husband reacted quickly and called 911. First responders arrived in minutes.

If I had been alone, I probably wouldn’t be here typing this today.

I won’t go into all the medical details of the event, but I’m very fortunate that there wasn’t a worse outcome even getting help so quickly.

I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have been gifted ten more years with my husband, boys, and our family or how appreciative and thankful I am for those first responders and for our family and neighbors that helped us and prayed for us during that time.

That event made me reevaluate my priorities.

I want to encourage y’all to cherish your moments. Even when things are crazy, be present in them.

It’s easier said than done, I know.

Slow down and take time for yourself. Make a list of your top priorities and focus on them rather than every thing that comes your way. It’s ok to say no.

Things have been a little crazy here lately, so while I have been writing and doing other writerly things, I haven’t published my goal of 4 books this year.

That’s ok. I’ll get there, good Lord willin’. Instead of focusing on things I didn’t accomplish, I’ll think of the things I did. And I hope you will do the same. If all that was accomplished was making it through the year, you did it! I’m rooting for you.

Have a blessed & happy New Year!

~ T

Do Good – Part 2: Do Unto Others

In elementary school we were taught The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s a pretty basic concept; treat others how you wish to be treated. It doesn’t matter what religion you are or aren’t, it’s sound advice.

In part 1 of this post I asked, “What have you done good for yourself lately?” Part 2’s question is, “What have you done good for others?”

That’s a rhetorical question.

There are many ways to do good for others, here are a few to try:

Be kind to someone who doesn’t deserve it. It’s easy to be nice to people we like, but not so easy to be nice to people we don’t like or people who don’t like or are rude to us. Sometimes those people are the ones that need kindness the most. Try to show them a little grace. You might even turn those people into friends. Stop by to see an old friend or family member that you haven’t talked to in a while. Think about relatives and friends who are widowed, ill, or in nursing homes. If you can’t visit, give them a call. It can make a huge difference in someone’s day, and life even, to know that other’s care. Donate. Clothes, money, blood–whatever you feel led to do. You could go through your closet, or do a house declutter sweep, give money to St. Jude’s, an animal shelter, or whatever organization you prefer. Take some books you’re finished reading and give them to the little free library. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, just do what you can. Volunteer. Homeless shelters, animal shelters, volunteer fire departments, and community projects are a few places to consider helping out. It could be a once-in-a-while thing or something more regular. It doesn’t have to be for an organization, either. You could volunteer to help a neighbor or friend with a move or mowing the grass or whatever. Pay for the order of the person behind you in line if you’re able to. A kind soul did this for me once. I was having a rough day and had stopped with two rowdy kids to stand in line at a restaurant. I was busy wrangling them and was shocked to find out that our meals had been paid for. I didn’t get to thank the gentleman, but I did pay it forward and get the meal of the person behind me. That small act of kindness brightened my day. Teach someone something. Or ask them to teach you something. Maybe you are good at painting and your friend wants to learn. Or your aunt likes to crochet and could show you how. You could teach your kid to play chess. The possibilities are endless. Taking time to teach and learn from others builds relationships and helps keep your brain young. Be courteous. Open the door for the folks behind you. Let the older lady or gentleman ahead in line. Smile at someone and give them a compliment. If you see someone struggling to get something off the shelf, offer to help. Forgive. This one can be hard to do, especially if the person you’re to forgive isn’t sorry. Forgiving doesn’t change what the person did, but it allows you and them to move on. It may help you more than them by keeping you from turning bitter and angry. But I try to give everyone a second chance.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are a gazillion (Is that a real number?) ways to do good. It’s best to do these things quietly and without expecting anything in return. It’s not about making yourself look good, it’s about genuinely helping others from your heart. That’s where it’s at. When you do good for others, you’re doing good for yourself, too. It will bring you joy each time you help or are kind to someone.

It’s easy to get caught up in our lives, so it feels like we don’t have the time to do good for others. But I’d like to encourage you to give it a try.

I hope y’all have a blessed day. Keep lookin’ up.

~T

Halloweensie Contest Anyone?

Fall arrangement by my mama. (unrelated to this post, it’s just pretty.)

October is my favorite month. And being a poet who loves to write poems, the Halloweensie contest is something I look forward to each year.

You can check here for the official rules, but the main points to know are:

Your story must be for children and 100 words or less (this doesn’t count the title of your work.) Your story must include the required three words. You can use any form of the words. They are different each year. It must be evident that the story takes place on Halloween. It can be rhyme or prose. It must have a story arc.

This year’s words are: goblin, tiptoe, and chill.

Your entry must be posted on the official blog post (see link above for more info for the time and dates.)

This contest inspired my poem “Halloween Witch,” which is included in my poetry collection, Halloween Night and Other Poems.

You can find more about my books on my website or get them on Amazon.

If you plan to participate in the contest, let me know in the comments.

Keep an eye out for my entry post. Happy Spooky Season!

God bless,

~ T

Do Good – Part 1: Something for Yourself

“What have you done good for yourself lately?”

One of my great aunts would often ask when she saw me. Back then, I didn’t usually have an answer. I’m not sure how I responded, but there wasn’t much that I was doing for myself. 

It was a chaotic time of life. I barely took time for even the most basic self-care. I had two young children that I homeschooled, my parents were going through a rough time with health issues, and I might have to drop whatever I was doing to drive five-ish hours to go home and help out at a moment’s notice. My youngest had night terrors. I’ve always been a night owl and it seemed like the only time I could have quiet time to catch up on chores or to write was at night. By the time I did go to bed, one of the kids would be up. I seldom got enough sleep, so I’d end up sleeping later than intended, making me feel lazy and behind on everything. I was struggling to get my chores done. My hubby was often away for work. If I had “extra time,” I usually spent it on the couch scrolling through social media or just feeling anxious and stuck. 

At some point, I worked out a basic cleaning routine. I usually got the laundry washed and dried, but I often forgot to swap it and had to rewash a load. It seldom got put away and would sit for days in a basket that we’d pull clothes from as needed. I kept the bathrooms clean, but there was a never-ending pile of dishes. It frustrated me because I couldn’t stand cooking in a less-than-perfectly tidy kitchen. 

A couple of years before, I’d died. I refer to this time as “reboot.” My hubby and I were relaxing and watching a movie in our basement. He was scheduled for a work trip but that got canceled. The kids were all tucked in. I remember the movie was particularly loud and flashy, and I had a headache already. I don’t recall much else about that day, but as we watched that movie, I had a seizure, and my heart stopped. Luckily, he was there, and it didn’t take the fire department long to respond and shock me back. (I’m so thankful for that!) It was a rough time in the following weeks and years. It seemed like one thing after another piled onto the mess that was our lives. Even so, we were blessed. 

I’m blessed to be here today with no ill effects from the events of that night. It took me longer than I like to admit to start making time for myself. I tried many times. It was frustrating because I had things more together before kids. I saw other moms (including my own) handle homemaking and caring for their kids in what seemed like a flawless manner. I felt like I was failing.

I took online challenges and classes from Crystal Paine, Allie Casazza, and others. Somewhere along the way, the things I learned from these classes and other ladies in my life started to stick. 

Today, if my aunt asked that same question, I could say, “Here are some things I’ve been doing that are good for me”: 

My Morning Routine – Nearly every morning, I try to wake up before my kids. I do some stretches (some of them while still in bed), take my vitamins, drink some water, then have a cup of coffee, read from my Bible and current devotional, and do a brain game (Wordle or a cryptogram.) I also use this time for prayer, for my morning hygiene routine, and for making the bed. I check my social media memories and see if there are any messages or comments that need replies, and then I’m off social media until the end of the day. This is my leisure time. I’m not rushing through to check off boxes, but using my time wisely and enjoying the quiet moments beside my hubby. Your morning routine may not look like mine. Choose things that relax you and motivate you to start your day. Making time for Jesus – (If you’re not a Christian, insert “making time for my faith.” But for me, it’s Jesus.) I pray pretty much all day, but I also have dedicated prayer and Bible time for just me and with the kids. It makes a world of difference. Learning Something New (or building on things I already know) – I’m taking Spanish with Duolingo, learning piano with the Simply Piano app, and taking classes or reading how-to books on writing and painting. The first two only take a few minutes a day, and I’m making progress, which feels good and is good for my brain. I try to do my classes while my kids work on their school assignments. Find something you want to learn. Maybe you can learn how to crochet or knit, garden, hunt, or fish from a friend. It doesn’t matter what you learn; learning helps keep your brain healthy. Making Time for Hobbies – I make time to write (not always as much as I’d like) and time to paint and read. I volunteered for my writer’s guild as managing editor, sold some of my art at my previous home’s local art council, and made a reading goal two or three years in a row that I’ve met or exceeded. Even if I didn’t meet those goals, though, at least I’m reading. Being Intentional – It’s so easy to let social media take over your time or let things like work and chores seep into your family time. I’ve worked hard to be present and in the moment. That isn’t always easy. We have a lot of interruptions in our day, but I try to have intentional time with my kids and my hubby. Screen-Free Day – No mindless scrolling on social media, no computers, phones, or tablets. Just being present in each moment with people, books, nature, or board games. I try to do this once a week. It’s great. Screen-free week is even better, but when you need to blog, market, and do other things of that nature, it’s not so easy to accomplish. I’m working on planning my work out in batches to make screen time less. Taking Back My Time – I no longer have FOMO. I don’t try to do everything and have my kids do everything. I don’t over-schedule our time; It’s been great! I also don’t feel the urgency to reply to texts, calls, or messages right away. I take the time to focus on the task at hand and give it my attention as much as I can. Decluttering – Finding Allie Casazza and her take on minimalism was such a blessing. I had so much emotional guilt over rehoming things. I’d feel guilty because so and so gave it to us or because we spent money on it. Learning to be grateful for the use I got from it and learning to let some things go is an ongoing process, but I have made progress with it. Especially with my wardrobe and it has been a game-changer. I no longer dread those piles of clothes or the sink full of dishes. Evening Routine/Bedtime – I’ve done this most of my life, but when things got crazy, I’d end up skipping it, and it would make things crazier for me. At night, I try to set things up for the next day. I set our clothes out if we have someplace to be the next morning. I plan breakfast to prepare ahead as needed—locate the ingredients, what I want to cook, etc. I ensure my purse, keys, and everyone’s shoes are where they should be. Otherwise, I will run around like a chicken with its head cut off, and likely arrive at my destination late and grumpy. Keeping a Commonplace Book – This began as a writing practice only for my writerly things. Now, I use my commonplace book for my to-do lists and journaling, too. I like to write special memories or work through my emotions in it. Spending More Time Outdoors – I won’t quote stats of all the latest studies, I just know I’m more happy and relaxed when I get more outside time. Changing My Mindset – Phillippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, [1]whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. “ Sometimes it’s positive quotes that I’ve read or Bible verses that resonate with me, but I say these in the morning and throughout the day as needed. It helps to stay positive. Showing Myself Some Grace – I’m not perfect. I will mess things up or fall short once in a while. But I learn from it and move on. I’ve learned to let go of expectations that don’t serve me and expectations from others that don’t serve me. It doesn’t matter what others think or say. Don’t let others pull you into their anxiety or anger or whatever. Pull them into your calm. My calm comes from Jesus. Trusting in Him makes this all a little easier. 

These things have made a difference in my life and my family life. It takes some time to change your habits and mindset. I got a planner and put small goals on my list. I did this for a few months (and I still do it), but I do many of these things on autopilot now.

If you’re going through a rough patch in life, I just want to encourage you. These things have helped me and I think that they can help you, too. If you need a change, don’t be afraid to try something different.

What have you done good for yourself lately? 

What are you teaching?

I recently drove by a sign that read, “Every home is a school. What are you teaching?”

Now that is something to think on.

If you have children at home, they’re watching you. They’re gleaning something from everything you do—or don’t do.

They notice how you treat others. They notice how you treat yourself. If you’re a follower of Jesus (and even if you’re not) this is so important.

If you don’t lead your children someone else will. Read that again.

Even if you don’t have kids, you likely have nieces, nephews, grandkids, neighbors, and friends. Your life speaks volumes to them.

What are you teaching?

Busy as a Bee

Y’all, I have 14 tabs open. Canva, WordPress, Gmail, Google Docs, Search engines, etc., etc., etc.

There are twice as many tabs open in my brain. There’s so much going on; I won’t drag you through every detail, but for real. So much.

In some ways it seems like everything is falling apart, in other ways, like everything is coming together. I don’t know which it is, or if it’s both, but I do know God has this.

I just completed a lesson for illustration class (I chose some of my final characters), listened to a lesson in Your Uncluttered Home (Hobby Spaces), and edited/uploaded some things for Pikes Peak Writers.

This is after a chaotic day of homeschool and chores and errands. There are frustrations, but I love it. I’m so grateful for life, my husband, kids, and all of our family and critters, and all of my writing endeavors.

Marketing has taken a back seat. I plan to step that back up soon.

It’s 12:21. Bleh. Pea-picking time is early tomorrow (we have peas!), but The Band Perry just came on my playlist. Just one more song, then sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day of sorting: keep, trash, donate. Sigh.

What are y’all working on? Let me know in the comments.

I hope you have a wonderfully blessed day.

Don’t give up and keep lookin’ up.

God bless,

~T

P.S. And now a Toby Keith song!

Writerly Mood Boards

When I was a little girl I would fold sheets of paper in half and staple them together to make a book. I’d write and illustrate the story, then design the cover. I still have some of the little books I made. Some of them aren’t bad, others are just plain awful. 

I’m doing the same thing 30-ish years later as a self-published author. I’m learning as I go. I’ve taken a few writing classes since those halcyon days. (I’ve waited a long time to use that word in a sentence. I’m not sure if I like it, though.) 

I write books, illustrate them, and I’ve designed a few of my covers. (They’re much better now. )

After illustrating my book, “Zombiesaurs,” I realized I enjoy that aspect of making books. 

I’ve always enjoyed drawing but never considered myself extremely good at it. It got me thinking, “Well, maybe I can learn more about it.”

I took a Craftsy course on illustrating children’s books (The Art of the Picture Book.) I gained a lot of valuable info. from it about book layout and telling stories with pictures. I looked for other classes but didn’t find any at the time.  Later, I started to see classes advertised everywhere, but my time and money budget had little to no wiggle room.  

A few days ago, I saw Domestika was having a special (.99 cents!), and now I’m enrolled in Sketchbook Techniques for Children’s Illustration. So far, it has been fantastic. I don’t have the supplies needed yet, but the information in the first few videos alone has been worth every cent and more.

The instructor introduced me to a new (to me) tool: Mood Boards.

Mood boards can be digital (like on Pinterest) or physical (like in your sketchbook or on a poster board.) You pin things (or cut them out and paste them on your board)  that set the atmosphere for your current illustration project, such as images to inspire the setting, characters, character clothing, items from the period, etc. You can add a few notes on it, too. 

Brilliant!

Our assignment is to illustrate a fairy tale.  I’m excited to get started once I have the materials on hand.

I made a mood board on Pinterest (part of the assignment) for my chosen tale and it dawned on me how perfect it was not only for illustrating but for writing. Maybe writers already do this but I’ve never heard of it. 

I’m going to make mood boards for all of my works in progress. This will help me get in the mindset for the story I’m currently working on. I’ll have a visual representation of my story to browse for inspiration or details to describe in my writing. 

If you’re a writer or artist and have never made a mood board, I highly recommend them. I hope it helps you as much as it has me. 

Happy writing and y’all keep lookin’ up. 

God bless, 

~ T 

What I Learned from Submitting to an Anthology

If you’ve been here before, you may know that I’m a member of Pikes Peak Writers. I’m glad I’ve found my writing people.

Since I joined the guild, I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and done so many new things.

I’ve submitted my work to writing contests, magazines, and now the PPW Anthology. (Chosen stories to be announced October 1, 2024)

My ghost story won a spot in a ghost tour and earned $30. Nothing major, but it’s something that I never would have done before joining PPW.

I’ve racked up several rejection letters from magazines. I wear them like badges of honor. Some would argue you aren’t a “real” writer without them.  I don’t know about that, but I feel more real. I’ve learned to have tough skin when it comes to my writing and not to get discouraged or give up.

I’ve self-published several more books. I’ve gotten those books into libraries.

I joined PPW’s blog team and later became its Managing Editor, which has been so wonderful. I always intended to submit to their anthology, but didn’t get around to it until now.

Life has been so very busy lately and I didn’t think I had time to write. But about a week and a half before the submission deadline for this year, I decided to give it a shot.

Here’s what I learned:

I can meet a deadline! Ok, I met this one by the skin of my teeth, but I did it. I have met other deadlines in writing, but none with so many other things going on in the background.I can edit while I write. It’s not advised, but when in a pinch, it worked out ok, I think. I actually even liked it. It refreshed the story in my mind and helped me think through what would come next. Keep in mind, most of my writing was done in the late to wee morning hours and my brain was long since done for the day. (So, it may not be as great as I thought it was at the time.) I can meet my word count goals. I edited & revised it probably 4 times. I didn’t write on it every night, but I did most nights, and I kept to my word count on those nights. I fully expected to stare at the blank screen, but getting my mind in ‘writing mode’ about the same time each night gave my creativity a boost.I learned how to delete metadata in a Word doc.I can research while I write and not go down rabbit holes or get distracted by social media. It just took a little self discipline.I can make time for writing, even when I’m crazy busy. Sometimes I had to sacrifice sleep, but maybe it will turn out to be worth it.I don’t have to write every night. It’s totally ok to take a break and work harder and longer as needed.

If my story is chosen, that’s income. If my story isn’t chosen, I’ve still applied myself and learned valuable lessons.

Next year, I will start my story on Day 1 of the deadline being announced.

Using What I’ve Learned

Now, I will take the things I’ve learned and get my **** together. I have 19+ WIPs.

Earlier this year I’d set a goal to write and publish four new books for 2024. I haven’t finished one yet. There’s good reason for that, but it is still a bit disappointing.

I won’t let it get me down, though. I’ve chosen two stories to focus in on and I am going to get started tonight. Y’all, wish me luck!

I’d love to hear from you and hear what you’re working on if you’re a writer, too. And if you’re not a writer, this post can still apply to you. Set your goals and then work to reach hem. You can do it!

Keep Lookin’ up.

xoxo,

~T

P.S. It’s late as I’m writing from my phone. Forgive any typos.