In the Zone

Good Monday Morning! I've been in my writer's zone for quite a few days now. That's why no recent posts.  

This morning, though, I'm meeting with my friend, Tara (above) to go over a speaking engagement for a writer's workshop she is in charge of. Tara and I met in April 2009 at a Habitat for Humanity event, and later I wrote  her story about losing everything in Hurricane Katrina. It was published in an anthology "Thin Threads; More Real Stories of Life Changing Moments" in 2010. (I'm also including it in my memoir.)

Until I'm back.... 

Enjoy your week! 

Take time for yourself. 

Delight in the beauty around you.

And Laugh....often!

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons." -- Ruth Ann Schabacker

*A Grand, Grateful Day*

First of all, I am overwhelmed by the number of comments and new followers I've received since posting my new contest! Thank you all so much. It really means a lot to me that people enjoy visiting my blog. I am truly grateful for that. Welcome new followers: Krysten, Together We Save, Ann, Donnie, Becky, Tammy, Thmini2 and Cheri!

Today was another near perfect autumn day. Blue skies, few white clouds, light winds, very warm temperatures. Fortunately, I was able to be outside for a little while and soak up some of the bliss. For that I am also grateful.

I saw a few writer-friends today, and although it was way too brief, they still brought smiles to my face. For that I am grateful.

A very dear friend stopped by my house this evening, and again even though she could only stay a minute, we shared smiles and laughs together. For that I am grateful.

A check arrived in the mail today! It's my payment for the Thin Threads story. (the book is due out later this month.) I am sharing the money with Tara, who actually lived the story. All I did was write it, after getting together with her a few times, and taking LOTS of notes. She and I have become friends and I admire her greatly. We'll both be attending the "Habitat for Humanity, Celebration of Trees" event this Thursday evening. I am grateful for meeting her and our resulting friendship.

One more "grateful" thought. Yesterday, while walking through my neighborhood, it occurred to me how fortunate I am to live in a country, in a town, in a neighborhood, where it is safe to take a leisurely walk during the day or night. I know this. I try to always remember this. But how many others do not? Isn't there always something to gripe and complain about? Some people just cannot see the goodness right in front of them. And something else I think about SO often.....Why am I here, in this particular place...when millions of others suffer and live in such horrendous conditions? Those are some questions which I might never receive an answer, but they help me to remember to always strive to feel very fortunate and grateful.

"Grateful"

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." -- Denis Waitley

** Thursday's Tidbits **

I've decided to participate in Nanowrimo, National Novel Writing Month. If you don't know what it is, click on the link and you'll learn all about it. It runs from November 1st until November 30th. The point is to write a 50,000 word novel in those 30 days. Don't bother with grammar and editing....just write! This year is my first attempt. I haven't done it before because: A) I'm not writing a novel. I'm writing a memoir. B) It's the month of November, for Pete's sake!!... Hello?!....Thanksgiving, shopping, decorating for Christmas, etc.? BUT, I decided it's a fantastic challenge, so I'm going for it, in my own little way. I'll keep y'all posted and I'm sure I won't be posting as often, unless it's a sentence or two, describing my angst! And my comments will be left even less than they are now, which I feel really bad about. Please know that I read as many and as often as I can, but sometimes I just don't leave comments. All my blog friends mean the world to me!

Also, I've accepted the position of President of Saturday Writers for the upcoming year. It's a matter of volunteering to be on the Board, and I said I'd give the presidency a try! For some reason, I think I heard distant hysterical laughing after I said I would do it. Wish me luck!!

Hot off the presses: the cover of the newest Thin Threads anthology. More Real Stories of Life Changing Moments. (due out next month) I think it's a beautiful cover. How about you? My story about Tara Rhodes, a Hurricane Katrina survivor, and Habitat for Humanity home recipient, is included. I can't wait to see it!

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One more, hot off the presses: The cover of the newest Patchwork Path book, Treasure Box. (due out next month) I think this is a cool cover, too. My humorous story about "something" of my dad's is included. Can't wait to see that one, too!

"The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do." -- Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, 1996