H.A. Larson's Blog, page 82
January 3, 2015
It's a new year!
Goodbye 2014, and hello 2015! I already posted about how I was thankful for all that transpired in 2014, so I thought I'd take a bit of time to discuss what I'm looking forward to in 2015.
I'm looking forward to moving even further ahead on the new journey I've been on. I'm looking foward to writing a few more books, taking leisurely (and not-so-leisurely) hikes in the woods, camping, traveling domestically and abroad, and spending quality time with the people that matter most.
I'm looking forward to continued and renewed health. I quit smoking almost a year ago, and as a result, I've gained quite a bit of weight. So, this year I've recommitted myself to being healthy. I've also decided to give drinking a break, only indulging on occasion and by having a glass of wine here and there.
I'm looking forward to learning to play some new interests, and finally doing something with all these musical instruments I've been collecting. Now, with my smoker's voice gone, I can start working on my voice as another instrument as well. As a writer already, writing lyrics is something I'm looking forward to as well.
Most of all, I'm looking forward to being me, and not caring about myself through other's eyes. I will only view myself in my own terms, and not worry about the things I cannot change. I'm ready to rid myself of the negativity in my life and move forward now with as much positivity as I can muster.
For now though, I'm going to finish the last of the xmas gifts for friends that we always exchange well into the new year. Gifts I've collected from thrift stores and made myself. This year, it's a neat second-hand gift, a loaf of homemade bread, and some homemade mixed berry jam (my first).
Happy New Year! May you be looking forward to your best year ever.
All the best,
H.A. Larson
I'm looking forward to moving even further ahead on the new journey I've been on. I'm looking foward to writing a few more books, taking leisurely (and not-so-leisurely) hikes in the woods, camping, traveling domestically and abroad, and spending quality time with the people that matter most.
I'm looking forward to continued and renewed health. I quit smoking almost a year ago, and as a result, I've gained quite a bit of weight. So, this year I've recommitted myself to being healthy. I've also decided to give drinking a break, only indulging on occasion and by having a glass of wine here and there.
I'm looking forward to learning to play some new interests, and finally doing something with all these musical instruments I've been collecting. Now, with my smoker's voice gone, I can start working on my voice as another instrument as well. As a writer already, writing lyrics is something I'm looking forward to as well.
Most of all, I'm looking forward to being me, and not caring about myself through other's eyes. I will only view myself in my own terms, and not worry about the things I cannot change. I'm ready to rid myself of the negativity in my life and move forward now with as much positivity as I can muster.
For now though, I'm going to finish the last of the xmas gifts for friends that we always exchange well into the new year. Gifts I've collected from thrift stores and made myself. This year, it's a neat second-hand gift, a loaf of homemade bread, and some homemade mixed berry jam (my first).
Happy New Year! May you be looking forward to your best year ever.
All the best,
H.A. Larson
December 24, 2014
Happy Holidays!
It's that magical time of the year when people around the world celebrate a very special thing. That thing is different for different people. No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Yule, Solstice, Kwanzaa, or something else, it's a time to put those differences aside and focus on that which is really important.
For me, my family, my children are what drives this holiday for me, and truly makes it memorable. The looks on their faces when they eat some of their favorite foods, and open gifts that they truly want makes every trial and tribulation I might have faced during the year fade away.
I hope you find something special in this season as well, and that you realize how wonderful you are! Every day is a new day, and a new year is upon us. Do that thing you've always wanted to do but have many excuses for why you haven't. Call that person you've been thinking about, but haven't made the time for. Go somewhere different, and make it a special event.
There's no time like the present to be thankful for what you have, and to remember that what's in the past cannot be changed so to look forward. Have a wonderful, amazing day, and a wonderful, amazing life from this moment forward.
With fondness,
H.A. Larson
For me, my family, my children are what drives this holiday for me, and truly makes it memorable. The looks on their faces when they eat some of their favorite foods, and open gifts that they truly want makes every trial and tribulation I might have faced during the year fade away.
I hope you find something special in this season as well, and that you realize how wonderful you are! Every day is a new day, and a new year is upon us. Do that thing you've always wanted to do but have many excuses for why you haven't. Call that person you've been thinking about, but haven't made the time for. Go somewhere different, and make it a special event.
There's no time like the present to be thankful for what you have, and to remember that what's in the past cannot be changed so to look forward. Have a wonderful, amazing day, and a wonderful, amazing life from this moment forward.
With fondness,
H.A. Larson
December 10, 2014
Introspective
Instead of waiting until the new year to talk about how thankful I am, I decided that I'd like to do that now.
It's definitely been a great year. I've accomplished many things, things I never would have thought were even possible a mere few years ago. I quit smoking at the beginning of the year, I wrote all of the 2014 editorials for the magazine I write for, I published my first book, I took a dream trip to Ireland for a week, and I got to see one of my favorite bands in concert (and took my teenage son with as well). I've started on my second book, and I'm excited by how much I've improved since the first one. I've seen how much I've grown and changed all while strengthening my bonds with my kids, my family, my friends, and even with my acquaintances.
To be sure, there were a few lows, but I'm not one to lay down and cry about my woes. In this world, the only way to move forward and achieve your dreams are to just do them. That's where I am. I used to be afraid to attempt things, or try to do things because I was most afraid of rejection. I hated saying 'no' and I didn't always have the best of self-esteem, but this year...that has all changed. I don't worry about how people view me anymore, I only worry about how I view myself. I have nowhere to go but up, and for the first time in my life, I'm dreaming big.
I'm so grateful and thankful for all that 2014 has brought me, and I'm looking forward to all the great things to come. I hope and wish for you peace within yourself and peace without.
Much love,
H.A. Larson
It's definitely been a great year. I've accomplished many things, things I never would have thought were even possible a mere few years ago. I quit smoking at the beginning of the year, I wrote all of the 2014 editorials for the magazine I write for, I published my first book, I took a dream trip to Ireland for a week, and I got to see one of my favorite bands in concert (and took my teenage son with as well). I've started on my second book, and I'm excited by how much I've improved since the first one. I've seen how much I've grown and changed all while strengthening my bonds with my kids, my family, my friends, and even with my acquaintances.
To be sure, there were a few lows, but I'm not one to lay down and cry about my woes. In this world, the only way to move forward and achieve your dreams are to just do them. That's where I am. I used to be afraid to attempt things, or try to do things because I was most afraid of rejection. I hated saying 'no' and I didn't always have the best of self-esteem, but this year...that has all changed. I don't worry about how people view me anymore, I only worry about how I view myself. I have nowhere to go but up, and for the first time in my life, I'm dreaming big.
I'm so grateful and thankful for all that 2014 has brought me, and I'm looking forward to all the great things to come. I hope and wish for you peace within yourself and peace without.
Much love,
H.A. Larson
November 26, 2014
Thanksgiving
Well, it's been another week, and here it is the day before Thanksgiving already. My how time has flown. Another year is close to being over, and since it's a giving thanks kind of holiday, I have some things I am grateful for that I'd like to share.
I've been through a lot over the past few years, and this year is no different. I've accomplished things this year that I would never have thought possible a few years ago. I quit smoking back in January (the 12th was the last day I smoked), I wrapped up a whole year of writing editorials for a local magazine, I published my first novella, and I took a trip to Europe, a life-long dream come true.
I've watched my amazing children thrive and grow another year. My son has a driver's permit, and excels in school. My daughter is so creative, and also excels in school. They are both healthy and I love them so much. I couldn't imagine a life without them in it.
I no longer worry about the same things, or fear new challenges or the unknown. There's a great, peaceful calm and way of dealing with the world that only the 40's could bring.
So, I'm so very thankful. Thankful for what I have, thankful for the opportunities, thankful for determination and hard work, and thankful for a life that I love living. While it may not seem like much to others, it's definitely so very very much for me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving eating great food, and spending it with great people whether with family, friends, or just yourself.
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
I've been through a lot over the past few years, and this year is no different. I've accomplished things this year that I would never have thought possible a few years ago. I quit smoking back in January (the 12th was the last day I smoked), I wrapped up a whole year of writing editorials for a local magazine, I published my first novella, and I took a trip to Europe, a life-long dream come true.
I've watched my amazing children thrive and grow another year. My son has a driver's permit, and excels in school. My daughter is so creative, and also excels in school. They are both healthy and I love them so much. I couldn't imagine a life without them in it.
I no longer worry about the same things, or fear new challenges or the unknown. There's a great, peaceful calm and way of dealing with the world that only the 40's could bring.
So, I'm so very thankful. Thankful for what I have, thankful for the opportunities, thankful for determination and hard work, and thankful for a life that I love living. While it may not seem like much to others, it's definitely so very very much for me. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving eating great food, and spending it with great people whether with family, friends, or just yourself.
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
November 20, 2014
Post-vacation
Hello! I'm back from my fantastic vacation to Ireland, and how sweet it was! I travelled from Dublin to Limerick to Galway visiting castles, eating an authentic medieval feast, checking out museums, toured St. Mary's Cathedral, Grange Henge, and spent a memorable day driving through the Burren on our way to the Cliffs of Moher.
Besides the Rocky Mountains, nothing else has ever amazed and impressed me as much as watching the mighty Atlantic ocean crash against the gigantic cliffs of Ireland. I took many pictures, and then gazed out towards the Aran Islands in awe of the magnificence of nature. Indeed, it was one of the best days of my life.
I arrived back home this past weekend, but I needed a bit of downtime in which to relax and recover from my whirlwind trip, jetlag, and an unfortunate knee injury from climbing one too many castle staircases.
I now feel renewed and inspired, as I had hoped. I have been processing the ideas for my second book, and I am pretty excited about it. I hope you have had a good few weeks, as I have, and look forward to blogging and posting on my (old) regular schedule!
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
Besides the Rocky Mountains, nothing else has ever amazed and impressed me as much as watching the mighty Atlantic ocean crash against the gigantic cliffs of Ireland. I took many pictures, and then gazed out towards the Aran Islands in awe of the magnificence of nature. Indeed, it was one of the best days of my life.
I arrived back home this past weekend, but I needed a bit of downtime in which to relax and recover from my whirlwind trip, jetlag, and an unfortunate knee injury from climbing one too many castle staircases.
I now feel renewed and inspired, as I had hoped. I have been processing the ideas for my second book, and I am pretty excited about it. I hope you have had a good few weeks, as I have, and look forward to blogging and posting on my (old) regular schedule!
Warm regards,
H.A. Larson
November 4, 2014
Update before Vacation
Ahh, it’s so good to have my book out there and available for everyone to read! I have it on Amazon for Kindle, Barnes & Noble for Nook, and it’s on Smashwords for other formats as well (it will be part of their premium catalog very soon). On the Smashwords FAQ section, they detail how to download books to computer as well, so if anyone needs some assistance, it’s there. I’m also glad to have all the fear, stress, and anxiousness of completing my novella over and done with.
I hope everyone likes Cold! There’s a piece of me, lying bare before you, inside its pages. If you would all be so kind as to leave a review when you’re done, it would be incredibly helpful and very much appreciated!
I will be absent for the next week and a half to two weeks as I'm taking a much-needed vacation (sans husband and kids) to Ireland! It should just the thing to be inspired by. Until then, check out my book!
Here are the links:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Smashwords
I hope everyone likes Cold! There’s a piece of me, lying bare before you, inside its pages. If you would all be so kind as to leave a review when you’re done, it would be incredibly helpful and very much appreciated!
I will be absent for the next week and a half to two weeks as I'm taking a much-needed vacation (sans husband and kids) to Ireland! It should just the thing to be inspired by. Until then, check out my book!
Here are the links:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Smashwords
November 1, 2014
Finally!
So...I'm a few days late on my weekly blog post, but in my defense, I have a perfectly good excuse. I have finished my book! After countless hours in front of my computer finishing, and then editing my freshman effort, I'm glad to finally be done. More importantly, I couldn't be more proud of myself, or a bit nervous, to have finally accomplished my dream. For sure, this is only the beginning of my journey, and one I hope that you will come with me on. My novella, "Cold", is now for sale on amazon for Kindle, and will soon be published on Smashwords as well. I truly hope you enjoy it, and please review it for me when you're done. And as always, feel free to comment or ask me any questions you might have!
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Ghostly-Revenge-H-Larson-ebook/dp/B00P33V4KO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414846267&sr=1-1
I'm going to spend some quality time with my family before I leave the country next weekend for a much-needed, long-awaited-for solo vacation. After I get back, I have my next book to work on, which I already have an idea in mind. Have a wonderful weekend!
-H.A.
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Ghostly-Revenge-H-Larson-ebook/dp/B00P33V4KO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414846267&sr=1-1
I'm going to spend some quality time with my family before I leave the country next weekend for a much-needed, long-awaited-for solo vacation. After I get back, I have my next book to work on, which I already have an idea in mind. Have a wonderful weekend!
-H.A.
October 22, 2014
It's Wednesday!
Three weeks ago I was telling someone about my crazy, busy week. Two weeks ago I was telling someone about my crazy, busy week. This week has been...you guessed it, another crazy, busy week. My son's birthday was yesterday and we spent the day tracking down information and waiting in lines in an attempt to get him a learner's permit, just to have him fail. We went back this morning, and I'm happy to say he got it! I can't believe he's 15, where does the time go? I went and saw my friend's two-week old baby the other day, and all those memories of my son came flooding back. I admit I got a bit misty-eyed.
Today, I am wrapping up my latest editorial that I write for a magazine that publishes in five metro areas. It's officially been a year since I started writing their health editorials, and it's been great. Tonight the magazine is having a small gathering of it's writers, and it's my first. It will be nice to meet the rest of the people that make the magazine tick.
I'm inching closer and closer to my first real novel's publication, and my new job. I am cutting my two weeks notice down to one so I can get things done around my house that are desperately needed, and to get this novel done! I'm so excited for it to come out, and can't wait for all of you to read it.
I am taking the trip of a lifetime in a couple of weeks, and I am really looking forward to it. No husband, no kids, just me and my best friend. It's going to be relaxing, inspiring, exciting, and new. I'm ready.
I hope you have a great finish to your week, and make sure to mark your calendars for next Friday, Halloween. Until then, enjoy the unusally, gorgeous weather we're having here in the Midwest.
All the best,
H.A. Larson
Today, I am wrapping up my latest editorial that I write for a magazine that publishes in five metro areas. It's officially been a year since I started writing their health editorials, and it's been great. Tonight the magazine is having a small gathering of it's writers, and it's my first. It will be nice to meet the rest of the people that make the magazine tick.
I'm inching closer and closer to my first real novel's publication, and my new job. I am cutting my two weeks notice down to one so I can get things done around my house that are desperately needed, and to get this novel done! I'm so excited for it to come out, and can't wait for all of you to read it.
I am taking the trip of a lifetime in a couple of weeks, and I am really looking forward to it. No husband, no kids, just me and my best friend. It's going to be relaxing, inspiring, exciting, and new. I'm ready.
I hope you have a great finish to your week, and make sure to mark your calendars for next Friday, Halloween. Until then, enjoy the unusally, gorgeous weather we're having here in the Midwest.
All the best,
H.A. Larson
