Thursday, July 3, 2014

* CONCLUSION OF "WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES"



I got a kick out of the comments left on my previous post. Only two people, Myra and Marcia, mentioned anything about my habit of leaving music on for Vern!! J


While I'm at my desk and he's lying on the daybed next to me, I always have some kind of music playing then, too. When I first started writing, I couldn't have any music on except "easy listening" instrumentals. Anything else interfered with my thoughts and writing was impossible.


~~~

 

 
Okay, remember when I said Don't start applauding, yet, though! on Tuesday's blog post? Well after losing all that weight and being so happy with myself....the horribly cold, freezing, frigid, icy, numbing, arctic, Siberian, Polar Vortex arrived and I was homebound for what seemed like months! So, what did I crave? In the beginning, it was Comfort Food. Any kind would do. Then the carbs started their invisible tug, and I was eating sweets like there was no tomorrow. For a while, my weight really didn't change. (It tricks us that way!) But after quite a while, the pounds began to show up on the bathroom scales and in how my clothes fit. I told myself I had plenty of time to lose the weight and everything would be fine.
 
But, as I gobbled everything in sight while sitting in my recliner, watching TV, wearing warm slippers, sweat suits, and covered up with a quilt, the willpower didn't return. Then I ate my way through spring, and now half the summer!! I'm really aggravated at myself, but obviously not enough to do something about it. All I can say is Thank Goodness I haven't gained ALL those 25 lbs. back. I actually got weighed at a doctor appointment today and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Whew!
 
I guess my stubborn determination can only focus on one project at a time, and during these past seven months, I've used it solely to promote and market my memoir.
 
~~~

 
One of my relatives said something to me the other night that kind of surprised me. In a round about way, I took her words to mean that I've worked so hard for so long, that maybe it was time to slow down, or maybe even quit. But I know she just doesn't understand. If I wasn't receiving great reviews on Amazon, or praise from other authors, then it would certainly be time to take a hard look at myself and my writing. But that's not how it is. I still believe in my memoir. I believe it will become very well known the way most books do, by word of mouth. I still have so much to do and so many places to go. Quitting has never entered my mind. I gotta keep on keepin' on! 
 
 
 
 P.S. Please notice my Goodreads Book Giveaway at the top of the right hand column. Almost anyone can enter to win one free print copy of my memoir. I'm offering it not only to US residents, but also to readers in Canada, the UK, and Australia!    

JULY 4th * I thought my giveaway would've been approved overnight, but as of early this morning it hasn't, so I removed the gadget for now. My apologies! I'll put it back on as soon as I get the okay. * AND, I guess the good folks at Goodreads had the day off today, which makes sense, so hopefully, my giveaway will be up and going tomorrow?? Saturday?? OR, maybe not until Monday. Whatever happens, I'll be sure to post it on my blog! Thanks for being patient.
 
Happy Independence Day, America
 
 
*Monday, July 7th: I received approval overnight from Goodreads, so I will be posting about my giveaway now. *
 
 
 
"No one succeeds without effort. Those who succeed owe their success to perseverance." -- Ramana Maharshi

 
 

20 comments:

  1. First of all, I wasn't on the computer much yesterday, so I didn't read that post about leaving music on for Vern...BUT if I had, I would definitely have commented, as I do the same thing for my Ginger dog. I will NEVER leave the house without turning on the TV and switching to either channel 801 (Big Band/Swing) or 820 (Beautiful Instrumentals). My sweet little dog NEEDS the noise to muffle the outside sounds. And, of course, I think she has great taste in her music choices.

    Also, I can relate on gaining weight. In the last 18 months, I've gained 25 pounds! I blame much of it on menopause. My metabolism has completely changed; in fact, it's stalled. I just look at food, and I gain weight. And I've been struggling with a disc issue in my neck for about 7 months now. It makes it hard for me to jog, as the pressure of hitting the pavement is just too jarring. Thus, almost no high-intensity exercise for many months. No wonder, the pounds haven't budged.

    I can't wait to read your memoir. As I told you, I'm taking it on vacation with me. I may even start it on the airplane.

    Happy 4th to you and yours.

    Love,
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Patti! I think it's so unfair when people (and it's usually women!) gain weight for reasons other than their calorie intake. Different meds can cause that, too. I think you're short, too, like I am and every little pound shows up on us. Oh well...I keep telling myself that I'm happy and I feel good, really, both physically and emotionally...so??? I hope your neck will get better. I also know about necks and backs being "out of whack!" Sheesh!. I'm glad you're so excited about reading my memoir, too!

      Delete
  2. Sigh on the weight front. Medication kick started my ballooning trick, and now I think I would need to be about twelve feet tall to be the right height for my weight.
    I may have to borrow some determination from somewhere. Got any spare Becky?
    A writer is a significant part of who you are - so I love that you have focused on marketing and promoting your achievement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, EC! I understand about needing to be 12 feet tall to be the right height for weight! LOL. Oh well....We need to enjoy our lives as much as possible, and I love to eat! :)
      Sure, I got plenty of spare determination I can give ya! Thanks for always being so supportive.

      Delete
  3. What?? No Book Giveaway for African readers? Boo-hoo. No problem, dearest Becky, I'm just joking! I've been meaning to tell you that since I downloaded your memoir on my Kindle early in April, the Kindle went haywire. Fortunately it "came right" last week (sheesh, thank goodness!) and I finally finished your memoir over the weekend. I LOVED it! Is there somewhere that I can do a review? Also I feel so much closer to you now, dear friend. On the weight front: I lost 30kg (we work in kilos here) in 1985 and apart from a 6kg weight increase/ wobble during my menopause years, I remain stable these days; a little under the weight I should be for my small 5'4" frame. I follow Weigh-less which is very popular and effective in South Africa and have even written motivational pieces for their magazine on how to stay on track in our sixties! Oh, and I would love your determination and perseverance in your writing and promoting, so I think you should ignore the relation's remark about slowing down. Blessings and (((hugs))) Jo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jo! I've been thinking of you. I need to get over to your blog and read what's new. How are you feeling?? I hope you are completely over the malaria and NEVER get it again!
      I didn't know about your Kindle going haywire, but thank goodness it's working again. And I'm so happy you LOVED it! I guess you can leave a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, etc. I'll send you an e-mail.
      I wonder if "Weigh-less" is like Weight Watchers? Yes, you are short, but I've got you beat on the "short list!" LOL.....I'm only 5 feet tall, with shoes on! :)
      My weight has zig-zagged over the years...kind of like my writing!
      And thanks...Yes, I'm continuing with my promoting. My relative isn't a writer, so she just doesn't "get it," you know? Thanks so much for being such a great friend!....Oh, and hugs right back to you :)

      Delete
  4. Hi Becky,
    I used to eat whatever I wanted and not have to worry about weight. Now, food choices can be such a burden as my metabolism has slowed down - a tough reality for me to face. And of course writing is sedentary, so that adds to the problem. LIke you, I focus well on one thing at a time!

    I tried signing up for your book, joined Good Reads, only to learn your giveaway is "HIdden." Do you know what that means? Help!

    Happy Fourth!

    Vickie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vickie! My weight has been an Up and Down thing just about my entire life. I mention it a bit in my memoir, and I'm going to go into it further in the sequel.
      I'm sorry about the giveaway sign-up! I assumed it would be up and running this morning, but since it isn't, I took it off for now. As soon as I get the okey-dokey, I'll put it back on. Goodreads always has to approve all giveaways, which is a good thing! Thanks for always stopping by! It's fun to have a new bloggy friend!

      Delete
  5. Concentration, focus and persistence is what gets you what you want.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Vanessa! Thank you! Yes, those are three powerful attributes to have. I do have a problem with focusing at times, but I guess my persistence takes over and gets me through!

      Delete
  6. Hi Becky, I saw your note and just wanted to thank you for filling us in...I'll be sure to keep an eye out as I would love to enter to win a copy of your book. I am looking forward to reading it one way or another! Keep writing...sounds like your sequel will be wonderful too. Vickie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Vickie! I'm also planning on having a give away on my blog in the near future!

      Delete
  7. I'm very familiar with the good old weight yo-yo. Seems to come with getting older, I guess. Maybe you should think about sending that tale to NYMB on Dieting. They're looking for stories right now!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Pat! Yep, I agree about the weight thing and getting older....They kind of go hand in hand, don't they?? Thanks for the reminder about NYMB. I thought they'd closed submissions for that particular book....Hmmm....I'll check it out!

      Delete
  8. I used to leave the radio on for my dogs, but got our of the habit. I think I'll do it again. I still think you did great to lose all that weight. It's normal to gain some back then remain at a plateau.
    Don't let anyone discourage you. People may not understand your passion, but it's valid and worth it, so keep doing what you're doing.
    Have a happy 4th Becky.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Myrna! As far as gaining back some of my weight, I DO believe that I was living on very little calories, although they were healthy ones, it was just a matter of time before I would want/need a bit more. I guess? That's my story and I'm sticking to it! LOL. And no, I really don't let people discourage me. I get aggravated because they don't understand, but I don't get discouraged!

      Delete
  9. No, don't quit… you are a star! Now let me go get a cookie… NO… a piece of fruit instead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathi! I am thrilled to see you here!! Thank you so much for stopping and commenting. No, I'm not going to quit. I'm definitely not a star, though! :)
      You're sweet to think so!

      Delete
  10. What is the old Churchill saying? "Never, never, never give up," right??

    And you shouldn't!!!

    =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, thanks Sue! You're fabulous, dahhhling!

      Delete

I'm still getting quite a few spam comments that are Anonymous, so I'm trying "User with Google Accounts." If anyone tries to comment that I know, and it won't let you, send me an email, okay? Thanks so much.