Lydia Howe's Blog, page 37
July 4, 2015
June 2015 in Review
First of all... Happy 4th of July! Thank you to everyone who has fought for our freedom!
What I Focused on in June:
1. Spending time with my best friend and her sweet little baby
2. Busyness with my non-writing job
3. Working on the second draft of When Life Hands You Lymes
4. Spending time with family: Getting to meet my new little nephew and cousin-get-aways before one of my cousins gets married in a few weeks
Birthday Challenge and Dream List Update: Birthday Challenge: 13. Go to bed before 10:30 23 times (not in a row) {2}
Dream List:
12-11-14 Read the "Proverbs of the day" every day for 6 months
Reading List Update:
Fiction:7Non-Fiction: 0Reviews: 0
Considering that I've read 87 books this year, June is most definitely my least reader-ish month of 2015 so far. Not that that's a bad thing, because it's not. I do have to say, I need to brush up on my non-fiction, though! Three more months to read 14 non-fiction books (I am in the middle of several) and write 17 book reviews to complete my birthday challenge...
Traveling:
Nights gone: 17New states and countries: None
What I've been Learning:
I've been learning about the happenings surrounding the months before statehood was declared for Israel in 1948. It's amazing to me how much history I've missed out on because I was focused on other things. I am of the opinion that history is very important and have enjoyed delving into it this past month.
I also really enjoyed learning about Ronald Reagan while reading Hand of Providence . My family has been slightly amused at how much Ronald Reagan info I've been spouting off. I'm almost done reading the book so you can be expecting a review soon.
On a more personal front... I've been learning to let go. Mainly of my ideals of myself that I can't actually control. Recently I've run into some roadblocks concerning what I want to do and how I want to spend my days and what is realistic. Learning to work within my limitations instead of shutting down has been a process, but I'm gaining ground which is nice. A friend recently told me Remember, when you're tired it's your body trying to tell you that you need to rest. It was a wise piece of info that I really need to have stored up-front in my brain.
Other Things:
Of course my computer deciding to fizz out wasn't in my plans for this month, but I'm quite happy to have a newer laptop to be working on. I find a strange joy in typing. It's the easiest way for my thoughts to escape my head and I miss typing immensely when I don't have a computer to work on.
On the 7th I reached my goal of writing 100 words on my WIP for a 1,000 days in a row. That called for some celebratory milkshakes. And, just in case you're wondering, No, I didn't stop my 100 words a day roll. I'm currently on day 1027 and have no plans to stop in the near future. Why stop a good thing?
This last month has had so much packed into it, but not really the kind of things that can be documented and kept track of. It's been more of life happening and being and growing and loving and learning and hoping and working and resting and just being.
What about you? How was your June?
What I Focused on in June:
1. Spending time with my best friend and her sweet little baby
2. Busyness with my non-writing job
3. Working on the second draft of When Life Hands You Lymes
4. Spending time with family: Getting to meet my new little nephew and cousin-get-aways before one of my cousins gets married in a few weeks
Birthday Challenge and Dream List Update: Birthday Challenge: 13. Go to bed before 10:30 23 times (not in a row) {2}
Dream List:
12-11-14 Read the "Proverbs of the day" every day for 6 months
Reading List Update:
Fiction:7Non-Fiction: 0Reviews: 0
Considering that I've read 87 books this year, June is most definitely my least reader-ish month of 2015 so far. Not that that's a bad thing, because it's not. I do have to say, I need to brush up on my non-fiction, though! Three more months to read 14 non-fiction books (I am in the middle of several) and write 17 book reviews to complete my birthday challenge...
Traveling:
Nights gone: 17New states and countries: None
What I've been Learning:
I've been learning about the happenings surrounding the months before statehood was declared for Israel in 1948. It's amazing to me how much history I've missed out on because I was focused on other things. I am of the opinion that history is very important and have enjoyed delving into it this past month.
I also really enjoyed learning about Ronald Reagan while reading Hand of Providence . My family has been slightly amused at how much Ronald Reagan info I've been spouting off. I'm almost done reading the book so you can be expecting a review soon.
On a more personal front... I've been learning to let go. Mainly of my ideals of myself that I can't actually control. Recently I've run into some roadblocks concerning what I want to do and how I want to spend my days and what is realistic. Learning to work within my limitations instead of shutting down has been a process, but I'm gaining ground which is nice. A friend recently told me Remember, when you're tired it's your body trying to tell you that you need to rest. It was a wise piece of info that I really need to have stored up-front in my brain.
Other Things:
Of course my computer deciding to fizz out wasn't in my plans for this month, but I'm quite happy to have a newer laptop to be working on. I find a strange joy in typing. It's the easiest way for my thoughts to escape my head and I miss typing immensely when I don't have a computer to work on.
On the 7th I reached my goal of writing 100 words on my WIP for a 1,000 days in a row. That called for some celebratory milkshakes. And, just in case you're wondering, No, I didn't stop my 100 words a day roll. I'm currently on day 1027 and have no plans to stop in the near future. Why stop a good thing?
This last month has had so much packed into it, but not really the kind of things that can be documented and kept track of. It's been more of life happening and being and growing and loving and learning and hoping and working and resting and just being.
What about you? How was your June?
July 3, 2015
When Life Hands You Lymes #77
Happy Friday, everyone! Welcome to the 77th segment of my fictional story, When Life Hands You Lymes. I've been working on the second draft of the manuscript this week which is pretty exciting. I hope you enjoy it and as always, your comments are appreciated.
The weariness I felt had swallowed me whole. Starting with my body and slowly creeping through my brain, my heart and finally my soul. Each time I tried to rally my brain and come up with the power to think I was left feeling hopeless, as if reverting back to my normal self was beyond my control. “Madalyn, it’s time for your tinctures.” Mom’s voice prompted me to open my mouth but not my eyes. That would have taken too much energy. I felt the bitter tasting liquid fall onto my tongue. I closed my mouth and swallowed. “Sweet dreams.” I drifted back to sleep, my dreams anything but sweet.
“There’s something fundamentally wrong when it’s no longer unusual to sleep the whole day away.” I stopped my rant to suck in some deep breaths since I was suddenly gasping for air. “I don’t even feel like a human any more. The world if flying past while I float away on a dream world that I can’t control.” “At least we know it’s just temporary, a corridor on our way to better things.” Dad stood next to my bed, his smile gentle. “Think of how long we begged for answers and now we have them.” “I never in my wildest dreams, and they can get pretty wild, imagined that the process of getting over Lyme disease would be so horrific.” I’m calming down now and rationale is taking over. “It’s difficult for us to see you feeling so miserable, too.” Dad rubbed the back of his neck. “But when I think of what this medicine is doing for you, it makes it all worth it.” “Dad?” “Yes, Madds?” “What do people who have Lyme disease and don’t have wonderful parents like you do?” I gave Dad a silly smile. “Does that mean you’re thankful for us?” “Hum, let’s think about that.” I scratch my head. “Number One: You pay for all of my medicine and doctor appointments. Number Two: You keep encouraging me and pulling me out of my pit of despair. Number Three: You love me even when I look like this.” I wave my hand to include my greasy hair, rumpled pajamas and thrashed bed. “Number Four: You take time out of your busy day to come up and check on me to see how I’m doing. Number Five: You keep giving me uplifting books, DVD’s and audio to fill my mind with.” I let out a deep sigh. “Yeah, I think I must be pretty thankful for you.” By the time Dad heads to get ready for bed a few minutes later I feel like I’ve made a definite improvement on my outlook on life. Sure it’s a pain sleeping the day away and having zero energy, but like Dad said, I am on the road to recovery. This is just a corridor, a long, pitch black, creepy and suffocating corridor, but it won’t last forever. Dr. Shay’s advice echoed in my mind. I needed to keep my mind on positive things. It was a battle I’d been fighting each day. Some times with success, other times with so much failure I wanted to scream. “Alright. Madalyn, you are going to rejoice.” I glanced at the clock. Other than trips to the bathroom I’d been in bed for twenty-four hours straight. Most of them had been spent sleeping. “One thing you’re thankful for for each hour I’ve been in bed.” Somehow talking out loud made the night seem more friendly. Julia was visiting her parents for a week in Florida and Darrick was gone on a business trip. By this time both my parents were probably sleeping.
The weariness I felt had swallowed me whole. Starting with my body and slowly creeping through my brain, my heart and finally my soul. Each time I tried to rally my brain and come up with the power to think I was left feeling hopeless, as if reverting back to my normal self was beyond my control. “Madalyn, it’s time for your tinctures.” Mom’s voice prompted me to open my mouth but not my eyes. That would have taken too much energy. I felt the bitter tasting liquid fall onto my tongue. I closed my mouth and swallowed. “Sweet dreams.” I drifted back to sleep, my dreams anything but sweet.
“There’s something fundamentally wrong when it’s no longer unusual to sleep the whole day away.” I stopped my rant to suck in some deep breaths since I was suddenly gasping for air. “I don’t even feel like a human any more. The world if flying past while I float away on a dream world that I can’t control.” “At least we know it’s just temporary, a corridor on our way to better things.” Dad stood next to my bed, his smile gentle. “Think of how long we begged for answers and now we have them.” “I never in my wildest dreams, and they can get pretty wild, imagined that the process of getting over Lyme disease would be so horrific.” I’m calming down now and rationale is taking over. “It’s difficult for us to see you feeling so miserable, too.” Dad rubbed the back of his neck. “But when I think of what this medicine is doing for you, it makes it all worth it.” “Dad?” “Yes, Madds?” “What do people who have Lyme disease and don’t have wonderful parents like you do?” I gave Dad a silly smile. “Does that mean you’re thankful for us?” “Hum, let’s think about that.” I scratch my head. “Number One: You pay for all of my medicine and doctor appointments. Number Two: You keep encouraging me and pulling me out of my pit of despair. Number Three: You love me even when I look like this.” I wave my hand to include my greasy hair, rumpled pajamas and thrashed bed. “Number Four: You take time out of your busy day to come up and check on me to see how I’m doing. Number Five: You keep giving me uplifting books, DVD’s and audio to fill my mind with.” I let out a deep sigh. “Yeah, I think I must be pretty thankful for you.” By the time Dad heads to get ready for bed a few minutes later I feel like I’ve made a definite improvement on my outlook on life. Sure it’s a pain sleeping the day away and having zero energy, but like Dad said, I am on the road to recovery. This is just a corridor, a long, pitch black, creepy and suffocating corridor, but it won’t last forever. Dr. Shay’s advice echoed in my mind. I needed to keep my mind on positive things. It was a battle I’d been fighting each day. Some times with success, other times with so much failure I wanted to scream. “Alright. Madalyn, you are going to rejoice.” I glanced at the clock. Other than trips to the bathroom I’d been in bed for twenty-four hours straight. Most of them had been spent sleeping. “One thing you’re thankful for for each hour I’ve been in bed.” Somehow talking out loud made the night seem more friendly. Julia was visiting her parents for a week in Florida and Darrick was gone on a business trip. By this time both my parents were probably sleeping.
July 2, 2015
A Dash of Inspiring
No, I did not forget about my blog.
What happened is that my computer decided to rebel again, only this time worse than before. Hence I had to wait until I got a new (for me) laptop so I could continue this journey of blogging. The demise of my laptop also happened to coincide with a sudden strong urge to work on the second draft of When Life Hands You Lymes. See, I've been dreading the book and imagining all of the problems that are in it and hardly even daring even to peek at the words (although I did get the first half of the book read) and then boom! All at once I feel like hugging the words and dancing around with the book and editing, editing, editing. (Strange, no?)
I finally got desperate enough that I borrowed a laptop yesterday and downloaded my WIP from my email and spent a while going over the first chapter with a fine-toothed comb. It was glorious. The story wasn't nearly as horrible as I thought it would be (in fact I was kinda impressed) and I had a lightbulb moment about a problem that needed fixed and I was once again reminded that editing can actually be fun.
And now to the post that I've been waiting to blog this whole week.
Work was crazy last week. Wonderful, but a little bit stretching. And added to that I was getting sick so there were a couple of instances when I wanted to find a dark corner and curl up and cry. So, being the resourceful person I am, I scouted out a dark, far away corner and sat down and cried and prayed and asked God for a lot of grace.
Then, while waiting for my face to return to somewhat of a normal state after my sob fest I checked my emails. The day before I had received an email from Ashley, fellow blogger, wondering if I was alright with her posting about me on her blog for a challenge she was doing. I had sent back a quick email telling her I would be honored and requesting a link to the blog. Well, when I checked my email I had a link, so I clicked on it.
The post was entitled
There were several thoughts tumbling around inside my head as a read the post, the top ones being:
Woah, this encouragement came at just the right time! Thank You, God!
Wait a second, I thought I was really real and raw on my blog, but this sounds way too good to be me!
And
Oh my! Ashely is so incredibly sweet!
It also reminded me that a lot of the time we don't know how our actions are effecting other people and that instead of getting discouraged when it feels like we're getting no where in life, we should continue plowing ahead toward our goal.
I've blogged for three years now and for the last year it's been very rare that I don't blog four or five days a week. (This week being a sad exception due to lack of computer.) I spend hours each week pouring out my thoughts, ideas, triumphs and struggles onto Noveltea and hardly ever hear a word back from any of Noveltea's readers. And that's fine. That's the nature of blogging. Then I receive the email from Ashely at the perfect time letting me know that I'm an inspiration to her and my whole week was seriously better because of that.
Then, due to my busy week and not feeling well I didn't email Ashely until today thanking her for the blog post and therefore she had no clue how big of an impact she had in my week. (By the way, THANK YOU Ashely! I really appreciate you and your post!)
So, my challenge for you today is to tell someone who inspires you how much they have impacted their life and in that way you can spread a little bit of sunshine. And, while you're at it, remember that you are impacting the lives around you, too!
* * *
Who is someone who you are inspired by?
What happened is that my computer decided to rebel again, only this time worse than before. Hence I had to wait until I got a new (for me) laptop so I could continue this journey of blogging. The demise of my laptop also happened to coincide with a sudden strong urge to work on the second draft of When Life Hands You Lymes. See, I've been dreading the book and imagining all of the problems that are in it and hardly even daring even to peek at the words (although I did get the first half of the book read) and then boom! All at once I feel like hugging the words and dancing around with the book and editing, editing, editing. (Strange, no?)
I finally got desperate enough that I borrowed a laptop yesterday and downloaded my WIP from my email and spent a while going over the first chapter with a fine-toothed comb. It was glorious. The story wasn't nearly as horrible as I thought it would be (in fact I was kinda impressed) and I had a lightbulb moment about a problem that needed fixed and I was once again reminded that editing can actually be fun.
And now to the post that I've been waiting to blog this whole week.
Work was crazy last week. Wonderful, but a little bit stretching. And added to that I was getting sick so there were a couple of instances when I wanted to find a dark corner and curl up and cry. So, being the resourceful person I am, I scouted out a dark, far away corner and sat down and cried and prayed and asked God for a lot of grace.
Then, while waiting for my face to return to somewhat of a normal state after my sob fest I checked my emails. The day before I had received an email from Ashley, fellow blogger, wondering if I was alright with her posting about me on her blog for a challenge she was doing. I had sent back a quick email telling her I would be honored and requesting a link to the blog. Well, when I checked my email I had a link, so I clicked on it.
The post was entitled
There were several thoughts tumbling around inside my head as a read the post, the top ones being:
Woah, this encouragement came at just the right time! Thank You, God!
Wait a second, I thought I was really real and raw on my blog, but this sounds way too good to be me!
And
Oh my! Ashely is so incredibly sweet!
It also reminded me that a lot of the time we don't know how our actions are effecting other people and that instead of getting discouraged when it feels like we're getting no where in life, we should continue plowing ahead toward our goal.
I've blogged for three years now and for the last year it's been very rare that I don't blog four or five days a week. (This week being a sad exception due to lack of computer.) I spend hours each week pouring out my thoughts, ideas, triumphs and struggles onto Noveltea and hardly ever hear a word back from any of Noveltea's readers. And that's fine. That's the nature of blogging. Then I receive the email from Ashely at the perfect time letting me know that I'm an inspiration to her and my whole week was seriously better because of that.
Then, due to my busy week and not feeling well I didn't email Ashely until today thanking her for the blog post and therefore she had no clue how big of an impact she had in my week. (By the way, THANK YOU Ashely! I really appreciate you and your post!)
So, my challenge for you today is to tell someone who inspires you how much they have impacted their life and in that way you can spread a little bit of sunshine. And, while you're at it, remember that you are impacting the lives around you, too!
* * *
Who is someone who you are inspired by?
June 26, 2015
When Life Hands You Lymes #76
Hey Folks! Here it is. Busy, busy, busy day today! I'm glad to finally get the post slipped in. I hope you enjoy the 76th segment of my fictional story When Life Hands You Lymes.
My fingers curled, refusing to open. I tried to force them open, but the intense pain was so strong it made me gasp with it’s power. Holding my hands up to my face I blew on them, hoping the cool air would sooth them. I turned to open my computer so I could google search a fix, but again my fingers stopped me. My felt my breath coming in sharp gasps. “God, no!” Deep breath. In. Out. In. Out. “God, if I don’t have the use of my fingers how will I be able to make music?” I was shaking by this time and I couldn’t stop. “I need my music. It’s part of me. It’s who I am. My music speaks the words that I don’t know how say. Music is my connection to the world. You can’t have my music. It’s Your gift to me and it’s not right for You to take back a gift.” I want to slam my fist on the bed, but the pain checks me. Instead I kick the mattress with every bit of strength I can get control of. “If I can’t have my music I’m done. I give up. I don’t want to live without my music. If You’re not going to give my music back, then please, take me, too.” Then flipping over I push my head under my pillow and scream into the mattress until I lose my voice. Then I fall into an exhausted sleep that brings me no peace.
I wake up with a dread hanging over me. My music is just beginning to take off. There is no way I can handle the horribleness of it being taken away from me now. I feel my breath beginning to come in short gasps and I can’t handle it.
“Madalyn.” Dad is shaking me awake and I stare into his face, wide eyed. “Dad?” I could feel my breath coming in short gasps and Dad’s face was worried. I clenched my teeth and sucked in a mouthful of air. “What is going on? You were screaming and we were afraid you were having a nightmare.” “A nightmare that transcends sleep.” I hold up my hands. “I knew that Lyme disease could effect the joints but I didn’t think it would actually attack my hands.” I shake them in his face. “My hands. I can’t do anything without my hands.” I feel the pressure falling down on me again, crushing me with it’s weight. “I can’t, I can’t do it.” I’m too upset for tears. “My hands hurt. Like they’re on fire.” I’m shaking, my whole body is trembling. “Dad, what will I do without my hands? It’s like a pilot going blind. A runner becoming crippled. If my hands don’t heal then my life as I know it is over.” “Madalyn.” Dad’s voice is calm. “Dad, now is not a time to be calm.” I pull the pillow over my face and scream. “My life is ending. Right before my eyes. And the pain, Dad! The pain is horrible.” I clench my teeth together. “If this is what Lyme disease is going to do to me, then I give up. I will not see my world slowly slip away and leave me without hope. I’ve struggled long and hard but I can’t get through this one. I’m not strong enough.” “Madalyn.” Dad sits down on the bed next to me. “For real, Dad.” I shake my head, “It’s too hard.” Mom comes in and sits on the other side of the bed, a little tube in her hands. She squeezes some of the lotion-ish stuff on the tips of her fingers and then gently begins massaging it into my hands. “Does this hurt?” I shake my head. “No. Thank you.” It actually soothes me. My hands. They’re practically useless. I begin to doze off, spent from my emotional outburst. As if from a great distance I hear Dad’s voice. It takes me several moments to realize that he’s reading the Bible out loud. I fall into a dreamless sleep.
My fingers curled, refusing to open. I tried to force them open, but the intense pain was so strong it made me gasp with it’s power. Holding my hands up to my face I blew on them, hoping the cool air would sooth them. I turned to open my computer so I could google search a fix, but again my fingers stopped me. My felt my breath coming in sharp gasps. “God, no!” Deep breath. In. Out. In. Out. “God, if I don’t have the use of my fingers how will I be able to make music?” I was shaking by this time and I couldn’t stop. “I need my music. It’s part of me. It’s who I am. My music speaks the words that I don’t know how say. Music is my connection to the world. You can’t have my music. It’s Your gift to me and it’s not right for You to take back a gift.” I want to slam my fist on the bed, but the pain checks me. Instead I kick the mattress with every bit of strength I can get control of. “If I can’t have my music I’m done. I give up. I don’t want to live without my music. If You’re not going to give my music back, then please, take me, too.” Then flipping over I push my head under my pillow and scream into the mattress until I lose my voice. Then I fall into an exhausted sleep that brings me no peace.
I wake up with a dread hanging over me. My music is just beginning to take off. There is no way I can handle the horribleness of it being taken away from me now. I feel my breath beginning to come in short gasps and I can’t handle it.
“Madalyn.” Dad is shaking me awake and I stare into his face, wide eyed. “Dad?” I could feel my breath coming in short gasps and Dad’s face was worried. I clenched my teeth and sucked in a mouthful of air. “What is going on? You were screaming and we were afraid you were having a nightmare.” “A nightmare that transcends sleep.” I hold up my hands. “I knew that Lyme disease could effect the joints but I didn’t think it would actually attack my hands.” I shake them in his face. “My hands. I can’t do anything without my hands.” I feel the pressure falling down on me again, crushing me with it’s weight. “I can’t, I can’t do it.” I’m too upset for tears. “My hands hurt. Like they’re on fire.” I’m shaking, my whole body is trembling. “Dad, what will I do without my hands? It’s like a pilot going blind. A runner becoming crippled. If my hands don’t heal then my life as I know it is over.” “Madalyn.” Dad’s voice is calm. “Dad, now is not a time to be calm.” I pull the pillow over my face and scream. “My life is ending. Right before my eyes. And the pain, Dad! The pain is horrible.” I clench my teeth together. “If this is what Lyme disease is going to do to me, then I give up. I will not see my world slowly slip away and leave me without hope. I’ve struggled long and hard but I can’t get through this one. I’m not strong enough.” “Madalyn.” Dad sits down on the bed next to me. “For real, Dad.” I shake my head, “It’s too hard.” Mom comes in and sits on the other side of the bed, a little tube in her hands. She squeezes some of the lotion-ish stuff on the tips of her fingers and then gently begins massaging it into my hands. “Does this hurt?” I shake my head. “No. Thank you.” It actually soothes me. My hands. They’re practically useless. I begin to doze off, spent from my emotional outburst. As if from a great distance I hear Dad’s voice. It takes me several moments to realize that he’s reading the Bible out loud. I fall into a dreamless sleep.
June 25, 2015
The Focus Game
There are times when writing has to be put on a back burner because I'm crazy busy with life or my other job or just breathing in the essences of aliveness. This is one of those such weeks. I have a huge week at my non-writing job that is keeping me on my toes. It's a fun kind of on my little toes though, so you're not hearing any complaining from me.
I do miss writing when it comes to these 'not so writing weeks' though. Stories bubble out of me and sound extremely fantastic inside my brain when I'm going to and from work. If I get the time to actually sit down and work on them though, they kinda fizz out and don't make much sense any more.
My writing goal for these next few months is to work on the second draft of my book When Life Hands You Lymes. I haven't gotten very far along in that process yet. As in I've only read through the first draft. I've not even begun making changes to actually constitute being in the second draft. There have been a few nearly-freaking-out-sessions when I think of the huge task ahead of me, but mostly I've been able to stay relatively calm and enjoy the process. That's a big thing I'm working on: Enjoying the journey of being an author.
See, when I talk about my writing I'm not talking about something that I plan on working on for six months. Or a year. Or ten years. I'm seeing a life-long work in progress. (Not for one book of course, but for my writing journey.) And if I stress myself out and develop a bad taste for writing at this early age then it's going to be pretty hard to continue firing myself up and keeping motivated for the next eighty or so years.
I'm a passionate all-or-nothing person a lot of the time and when my attention is divided between writing, non-writing job, family, traveling and life in general I sometimes want to just curl up in a ball and go to sleep because it feels like there's too much going on to actually accomplish anything. I've been working on taking one task at a time and focusing my attention on it so I don't worry about everything else that I should be doing, or I think I should be doing or I want to be doing.
And speaking of focusing: I've got to get to my other job now.
What about you? How do you stay focused on the most important tasks of your day?
One of the cool parts about this week is I finally got to meet my sweet little (actually not so little!) nephew!
I do miss writing when it comes to these 'not so writing weeks' though. Stories bubble out of me and sound extremely fantastic inside my brain when I'm going to and from work. If I get the time to actually sit down and work on them though, they kinda fizz out and don't make much sense any more.
My writing goal for these next few months is to work on the second draft of my book When Life Hands You Lymes. I haven't gotten very far along in that process yet. As in I've only read through the first draft. I've not even begun making changes to actually constitute being in the second draft. There have been a few nearly-freaking-out-sessions when I think of the huge task ahead of me, but mostly I've been able to stay relatively calm and enjoy the process. That's a big thing I'm working on: Enjoying the journey of being an author.
See, when I talk about my writing I'm not talking about something that I plan on working on for six months. Or a year. Or ten years. I'm seeing a life-long work in progress. (Not for one book of course, but for my writing journey.) And if I stress myself out and develop a bad taste for writing at this early age then it's going to be pretty hard to continue firing myself up and keeping motivated for the next eighty or so years.
I'm a passionate all-or-nothing person a lot of the time and when my attention is divided between writing, non-writing job, family, traveling and life in general I sometimes want to just curl up in a ball and go to sleep because it feels like there's too much going on to actually accomplish anything. I've been working on taking one task at a time and focusing my attention on it so I don't worry about everything else that I should be doing, or I think I should be doing or I want to be doing.
And speaking of focusing: I've got to get to my other job now.
What about you? How do you stay focused on the most important tasks of your day?
One of the cool parts about this week is I finally got to meet my sweet little (actually not so little!) nephew!
June 24, 2015
Answering Questions from Adriana Gabrielle
As y'all know, I don't usually do the tags that I get tagged in, but I thought this one looked like fun so I decided to step out of the norm and answer the questions although I'm not going to actually tag anyone. Or follow the rules. Just answering the questions, y'know? Thank you to Adriana Gabrielle for tagging me!
1. What is one of your funniest childhood memories?One of my funniest childhood memories? Oh dear. My brain is drawing a blank right now. I always convulsed into giggling fits when my family would work together for a chain-reaction joke telling session. (You know, when people are sitting around telling jokes and a whole group of people tell seemingly unrelated jokes and then in the end it's actually one big joke.) So, I'll just have to go with those memories for now. :)
2. What would you say is one of your hidden talents? (Won’t be hidden for much longer. Mwahahaa)I can't really think of a hidden talent... Although people on my blog probably don't know that I have mad plant-killing skills. I'm not sure if that's a talent or not, but I'm a pro at letting house plants die. Humm... Another possible answer that my bloggy people probably don't know is that I can crochet pretty well/fast and I enjoy doing it.
3. What is your ideal vacation? (Location? What would you do?)Flying/cruise/drive around the entire world and visiting every single country. Although I'd rather combine it with work and write and hold book signings and sell books along the way.
4. I demand a #Shelfie! (Picture of your book shelf/shelves in case you don’t know what it is?)
5. What is one thing you want to do or have done that will/has surprised everyone?I guess some people were surprised when I ate a little bit of a T-rex's tooth. It was just a fragment that fell off a fossil so I thought Why not? Cause come on, how many people do you know who have eaten dinosaur?
6. Favourite color! Go!Certain shades of blue. There's also one particular shade of brick-ish red that I really like.
7. Do you have a favourite notebook/journal? What is the contents of this journal/notebook?I really like this notebook that my sister got me; I find it rather inspiring although it has yet to be written in. I enjoy just looking at it and smiling at it and flipping through it to read the quotes. It's incredibly cute and inspiring.
8. Who is the author you most want to meet? or have you already met them? (If you have tell us about it!)An author I really want to meet is
Catherine Farnes.
Her writing style is one of my favorites. I've read several of her books over and over again.
9. People watching! (Admit it, writers, you do this.) What are your techniques to appear less stalker-ish while people watching?I think I kinda forget other people can see me when I people-watch so I probably freak them out. At least I don't follow them or anything like that.
10. What is your favourite movie/TV show right now? Why?I like watching videos on Youtube that are performed in front of a live audience so there's a lot of clapping. Clapping and cheering inspires me.
11. What are some writing/blogging goals you have for this lovely year of 2015?My biggest goal with writing that I have right now is to finish the second draft of the first When Life Hands You Lymes by my birthday. Although, if my computer keeps refusing to work half of the time I'm not sure if that will happen or not.
* * *If any of y'all feel so inclined to answer any of these questions in the comment section, I'd be delighted to read your answers!
And because I had fun answering these questions... If you have any questions YOU would like me to answer, just go ahead and leave them in the comment section or email them to me at: aidylewoh@gmail.com and I can do a post with your questions. :)
1. What is one of your funniest childhood memories?One of my funniest childhood memories? Oh dear. My brain is drawing a blank right now. I always convulsed into giggling fits when my family would work together for a chain-reaction joke telling session. (You know, when people are sitting around telling jokes and a whole group of people tell seemingly unrelated jokes and then in the end it's actually one big joke.) So, I'll just have to go with those memories for now. :)
2. What would you say is one of your hidden talents? (Won’t be hidden for much longer. Mwahahaa)I can't really think of a hidden talent... Although people on my blog probably don't know that I have mad plant-killing skills. I'm not sure if that's a talent or not, but I'm a pro at letting house plants die. Humm... Another possible answer that my bloggy people probably don't know is that I can crochet pretty well/fast and I enjoy doing it.
3. What is your ideal vacation? (Location? What would you do?)Flying/cruise/drive around the entire world and visiting every single country. Although I'd rather combine it with work and write and hold book signings and sell books along the way.
4. I demand a #Shelfie! (Picture of your book shelf/shelves in case you don’t know what it is?)
5. What is one thing you want to do or have done that will/has surprised everyone?I guess some people were surprised when I ate a little bit of a T-rex's tooth. It was just a fragment that fell off a fossil so I thought Why not? Cause come on, how many people do you know who have eaten dinosaur?
6. Favourite color! Go!Certain shades of blue. There's also one particular shade of brick-ish red that I really like.
7. Do you have a favourite notebook/journal? What is the contents of this journal/notebook?I really like this notebook that my sister got me; I find it rather inspiring although it has yet to be written in. I enjoy just looking at it and smiling at it and flipping through it to read the quotes. It's incredibly cute and inspiring.
8. Who is the author you most want to meet? or have you already met them? (If you have tell us about it!)An author I really want to meet is
Catherine Farnes.
Her writing style is one of my favorites. I've read several of her books over and over again. 9. People watching! (Admit it, writers, you do this.) What are your techniques to appear less stalker-ish while people watching?I think I kinda forget other people can see me when I people-watch so I probably freak them out. At least I don't follow them or anything like that.
10. What is your favourite movie/TV show right now? Why?I like watching videos on Youtube that are performed in front of a live audience so there's a lot of clapping. Clapping and cheering inspires me.
11. What are some writing/blogging goals you have for this lovely year of 2015?My biggest goal with writing that I have right now is to finish the second draft of the first When Life Hands You Lymes by my birthday. Although, if my computer keeps refusing to work half of the time I'm not sure if that will happen or not.
* * *If any of y'all feel so inclined to answer any of these questions in the comment section, I'd be delighted to read your answers!
And because I had fun answering these questions... If you have any questions YOU would like me to answer, just go ahead and leave them in the comment section or email them to me at: aidylewoh@gmail.com and I can do a post with your questions. :)
June 22, 2015
Seasons
Happy Summer, Everyone!
Sometimes it seems like seasons slip by me without me even noticing. If it weren't for the date on the calendar I would have no clue when spring ended and summer started. They merge together and almost become one for several weeks before summer becomes more defined.
Each season has definite advantages and drawbacks. Some seasons I like more than others (autumn!) but there aren't any seasons that I actually dislike. Although there are a few days each year when I long for another season to be gracing the land around me. During the hottest days of summer I pine for the coolness of autumn. During the most downcast days of spring I miss the whiteness of winter.
When I stop and think about it though, I realize that the muddiness of winter and the mugginess of summer work together to create a more well-rounded, four-season year around me and each day has it's own special and unique brand of beauty even when it's hard to see at the time.
So, instead of holding on to autumn with all my might and begging for the world to stop changing around me or shunning the heat of summer and trying to make it fade into the past I've learned to go with the flow, to make memories and find joy in each day as it passes.
And it has made my life so much more rich.
Sometimes I feel like it's the same way with the seasons of life. There have been some seasons that I've found to be so delightful and beautiful that I wake up wanting to hug the world and dance through hay fields. But when I notice the season beginning to change I keep a firm grasp on the time and fight against reality, begging the world to stop turning.
What happens is I forget to embrace the new season I'm entering because I'm kicking so hard in an attempt to get back into a season that is now in the past.
Each season has beauty though, even when it's almost hidden in the gray skies and muggy weather and muddy, soggy ground.
And looking for that beauty and embracing it has made my life so much more rich.
Sometimes it seems like seasons slip by me without me even noticing. If it weren't for the date on the calendar I would have no clue when spring ended and summer started. They merge together and almost become one for several weeks before summer becomes more defined.
Each season has definite advantages and drawbacks. Some seasons I like more than others (autumn!) but there aren't any seasons that I actually dislike. Although there are a few days each year when I long for another season to be gracing the land around me. During the hottest days of summer I pine for the coolness of autumn. During the most downcast days of spring I miss the whiteness of winter.
When I stop and think about it though, I realize that the muddiness of winter and the mugginess of summer work together to create a more well-rounded, four-season year around me and each day has it's own special and unique brand of beauty even when it's hard to see at the time.
So, instead of holding on to autumn with all my might and begging for the world to stop changing around me or shunning the heat of summer and trying to make it fade into the past I've learned to go with the flow, to make memories and find joy in each day as it passes.
And it has made my life so much more rich.
Sometimes I feel like it's the same way with the seasons of life. There have been some seasons that I've found to be so delightful and beautiful that I wake up wanting to hug the world and dance through hay fields. But when I notice the season beginning to change I keep a firm grasp on the time and fight against reality, begging the world to stop turning.
What happens is I forget to embrace the new season I'm entering because I'm kicking so hard in an attempt to get back into a season that is now in the past.
Each season has beauty though, even when it's almost hidden in the gray skies and muggy weather and muddy, soggy ground.
And looking for that beauty and embracing it has made my life so much more rich.
June 19, 2015
When Life Hands You Lymes #75
Good morning to all you wonderful people! Today I'm happy to have my computer working and my blog being updated at a reasonable hour. It's one of those foggy, nearly raining mornings that are so beautiful. The world around me is bursting with greenness and I see raindrops clinging to the blades of grass and window panes like children playing piggyback.
Can you believe that this is already the 75th segment of my fictional story When Life Hands You Lymes ? I hope y'all enjoy!
Some days I felt horrible. Other days I felt ok. And some days, those happy days that helped to spread hope to the tips of my toes, I felt as close to normal as I could remember feeling. It was then that the doubts started plaguing me. They scared me. Numbed me. Horrified me. I wasn’t supposed to feel like this. I was supposed to want to get better with every fiber of my being. Being sick wasn’t normal. Being sick wasn’t good. Being sick held me back from living the life I wanted to live. But it was my comfort zone. It was what I was used to. It was all I could remember. It took me a long time to admit it to myself, and even then I cringed with fear. I guarded my secret, didn’t even write it in my journal. I couldn’t let anyone know. I couldn’t say a single thing that would hint at the truth. Because if I did, then they would all know how bad I was. That I didn’t deserve to get better. That somehow, somewhere along the way I had changed. I might even be partly crazy. At night, though, my brain would come alive with fears. With different pictures of what could happen to me. I felt like I had to put on a show. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, dare not slip up and admit the truth. I was scared of being healed. I was frightened at the thought of being whole. I freaked out at the image that was never quite clear in my mind of a normal me. “Focus, Madalyn. Focus.” I took a deep breath then sat down at my piano. The swirling thoughts that were dancing around in my head confusing me soon took shape into notes as I ran my fingers over the keys. The shivers started in my legs and moved up to my arms as for the first time all week I began to have some sense of peace in my life. I closed my eyes and let my body sway with the music as I listened to my thoughts pouring out though a kaleidoscope of some unknown melody. I don’t know how long I sat at the piano bench, totally enthralled in the world I was creating, but eventually the pounding in my head subsided and my mussels began to relax. Pain became a memory and the anxiety I’d been bursting with transitioned into a deep stillness I could almost taste. What seemed like hours later I looked up to see Darrick leaning at the doorway, a sad smile on his face. I blinked, then continued feeling my way along the keys. Darrick didn’t say anything, but after a moment I felt him sitting on the bench next to me, a calm declaration of his support. I clenched and unclenched my jaw several times before finally giving into the tears that threatened and leaned into my brother’s embrace as I let the tears flow.
Can you believe that this is already the 75th segment of my fictional story When Life Hands You Lymes ? I hope y'all enjoy!
Some days I felt horrible. Other days I felt ok. And some days, those happy days that helped to spread hope to the tips of my toes, I felt as close to normal as I could remember feeling. It was then that the doubts started plaguing me. They scared me. Numbed me. Horrified me. I wasn’t supposed to feel like this. I was supposed to want to get better with every fiber of my being. Being sick wasn’t normal. Being sick wasn’t good. Being sick held me back from living the life I wanted to live. But it was my comfort zone. It was what I was used to. It was all I could remember. It took me a long time to admit it to myself, and even then I cringed with fear. I guarded my secret, didn’t even write it in my journal. I couldn’t let anyone know. I couldn’t say a single thing that would hint at the truth. Because if I did, then they would all know how bad I was. That I didn’t deserve to get better. That somehow, somewhere along the way I had changed. I might even be partly crazy. At night, though, my brain would come alive with fears. With different pictures of what could happen to me. I felt like I had to put on a show. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, dare not slip up and admit the truth. I was scared of being healed. I was frightened at the thought of being whole. I freaked out at the image that was never quite clear in my mind of a normal me. “Focus, Madalyn. Focus.” I took a deep breath then sat down at my piano. The swirling thoughts that were dancing around in my head confusing me soon took shape into notes as I ran my fingers over the keys. The shivers started in my legs and moved up to my arms as for the first time all week I began to have some sense of peace in my life. I closed my eyes and let my body sway with the music as I listened to my thoughts pouring out though a kaleidoscope of some unknown melody. I don’t know how long I sat at the piano bench, totally enthralled in the world I was creating, but eventually the pounding in my head subsided and my mussels began to relax. Pain became a memory and the anxiety I’d been bursting with transitioned into a deep stillness I could almost taste. What seemed like hours later I looked up to see Darrick leaning at the doorway, a sad smile on his face. I blinked, then continued feeling my way along the keys. Darrick didn’t say anything, but after a moment I felt him sitting on the bench next to me, a calm declaration of his support. I clenched and unclenched my jaw several times before finally giving into the tears that threatened and leaned into my brother’s embrace as I let the tears flow.
June 18, 2015
A Bit of an Update
Over the last few months my computer has been randomly deciding to take breaks from working. And then it randomly decides to work again. I'm not sure what's happening inside the little screen I normally stare at for so many hours each day, but it is a bit inconvenient. (I think it wants a bigger salary, but I can't afford to up it's pay just yet.)
After trying multiple times for the last twenty-four hours to get my computer to turn on again, it actually worked! Happy day. Of course I quickly pulled up my blog because I've been wanting to blog all day. I thought it would be polite to let y'all know what's up in case blogging is sparse during the next while.
It's crazy thinking about how June is already more than halfway over. I mean, where in the world does the time go? I had a weird moment earlier today when I was looking at how green all the trees were and I was thinking "Wow, the trees are almost as green as they are in the middle of the year" and then it hit me We are in the middle of the year. Craziness.
I've been staying busy with my non-writing job, hanging out with family and friends, throwing in a little writing here and there and doing a bit of traveling and housesitting. Pretty much that means that my life is totally off kilter and my schedule has become a thing of the past.
For instance tonight will be 20th night out of the last 24 nights to spent away from home. What is this madness?
Thankfully I was finally able to completely unpack from my last four trips which is always a good feeling. (Packing = Speed. Unpacking = "It will happen one of these days.") I was also able to get my office cleaned up again which is a huge plus. A messy office and I don't jive too well together.
Anyway! That was my little ol' update. I'd be delighted to hear how your life is going!
* * *
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27
After trying multiple times for the last twenty-four hours to get my computer to turn on again, it actually worked! Happy day. Of course I quickly pulled up my blog because I've been wanting to blog all day. I thought it would be polite to let y'all know what's up in case blogging is sparse during the next while.
It's crazy thinking about how June is already more than halfway over. I mean, where in the world does the time go? I had a weird moment earlier today when I was looking at how green all the trees were and I was thinking "Wow, the trees are almost as green as they are in the middle of the year" and then it hit me We are in the middle of the year. Craziness.
I've been staying busy with my non-writing job, hanging out with family and friends, throwing in a little writing here and there and doing a bit of traveling and housesitting. Pretty much that means that my life is totally off kilter and my schedule has become a thing of the past.
For instance tonight will be 20th night out of the last 24 nights to spent away from home. What is this madness?
Thankfully I was finally able to completely unpack from my last four trips which is always a good feeling. (Packing = Speed. Unpacking = "It will happen one of these days.") I was also able to get my office cleaned up again which is a huge plus. A messy office and I don't jive too well together.
Anyway! That was my little ol' update. I'd be delighted to hear how your life is going!
* * *
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27
June 17, 2015
10 Snippets from *When Life Hands You Lymes*
This morning I hit the half-way mark on reading my WIP When Life Hands You Lymes. Since that's somewhere around 300 pages and it took me weeks to work up the nerve to read it at all, I'm pretty pleased. And do you know what? It's actually fairly good. I even decided to share some of it with y'all. (I'd been thinking of posting some of the snippets on here and then a blog I follow shared some snippets of her WIP and I was like Coolio! I should do that too! and so here you go.)
So, just to make sure we're clear: These snippets are unedited. I've been reading WLHYL on my phone so I can't get distracted with editing and I just took screen shots of some of the story. Without further ado, here it is:
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5.
* * * 6.
* * * 7.
* * *8.
* * *10.
And there you have it, folks! Kind of a sneak-peak at what I have to work with when I plunge head-long into the second draft of When Life Hands You Lymes . As always I would be delighted to hear your thoughts and if you feel so inclined to let me know which snippet is your favorite that would make me very happy indeed.
So, just to make sure we're clear: These snippets are unedited. I've been reading WLHYL on my phone so I can't get distracted with editing and I just took screen shots of some of the story. Without further ado, here it is:
1.
* * *2.
* * * 3.
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4.
* * *5.
* * * 6.
* * * 7.
* * *8.
* * *10.
And there you have it, folks! Kind of a sneak-peak at what I have to work with when I plunge head-long into the second draft of When Life Hands You Lymes . As always I would be delighted to hear your thoughts and if you feel so inclined to let me know which snippet is your favorite that would make me very happy indeed.
