As some of you know, the past few months/years have been a bit stressful in many ways, and yet every now and then, there always seems to be something to be completely ecstatic about.
My favorite online dictionary, http://www.dictionary.com/ always has a Word of the Day and yesterday's, June 7th, was one of my all time favorites: Serendipity.
Such an appropriate word! A couple of really great things happened to me this week...in fact, both on the same day: Tuesday, June 6th. My spirit would've been lifted by just one, but the two of them together were simply serendipitous! 😊
1) Tuesday I was interviewed for a part-time job, was hired, and I start next week.
2) And also on Tuesday, I was notified that a story I submitted will be published in the upcoming book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dog Really Did That? I'm extremely excited about both, and especially the way they both happened....You know, those "meant to be" things?
The job came about because of a friend, in a zig-zaggy kind of way.
And, I haven't had anything published anywhere since 2013, and my most recent Chicken Soup acceptance was 2008!
Now, if I can just lose about 20 lbs. really fast so I can fit into my business casual clothes!
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? Wellafter 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
I love the song, "What a Difference a Day Makes." The lyrics are powerful and when sung by Dinah Washington, pure gold. It popped into my mind the other day when I was thinking about my life last year at this time and how different it is now.
The Ronald and I moved last spring which was a huge change and yet thinking back on it, went rather smoothly. I didn't write much of anything for quite a while except blog posts. (Do they count as "writing?!") My mind was a jumbled mess, but hey....that's nothin' new for me, is it?
As we unpacked and I began to get settled in, I mentally searched for answers concerning my memoir. At the time, I still wasn't finished with it! The chapters were complete, but not in any kind of order. I hadn't written a forward or acknowledgments, either. And I was still trying to decide how to publish it.
Another thing that was happening was I'd made up my mind to lose weight. I don't think I blogged about it because usually when I make "the big announcement" about being on a diet, I immediately lose all will power. The day we moved, I made up my mind then and there, to begin the following day. And I did. And I stuck to it. And over the summer I lost 25 lbs. (Don't start applauding, yet, though!) I walked a lot, did a few simple floor exercises, and practically went Cold Turkey as far as eating was concerned. I ate tiny servings of food, no matter what it was. I didn't give up anything, but I also lived on less than 1000 calories a day. I did not suffer. I loved it and it felt so good to fit into smaller sizes of clothing. (It was easy! It reminded me of when I quit smoking, Cold Turkey, about 30 years ago. It was just the Right Time for each accomplishment, I guess, since I began and quit smoking and dieting zillions of times.)
I made my publication decisions. I completed my memoir. And I self-published it with Createspace in November. All in all, it was quite a year.
Stay tuned for the next installment of "What a difference a year makes." Hope to see you there! (I changed the color on five important words above!.....)
~~~
P.S. Sometimes when I leave to go on errands, I turn the TV to a music channel for Vern to listen to while I'm gone! Yes, I really do! He likes Golden Oldies and Classic Country the best, so yesterday it was Classic Country. You won't believe what song was playing when I walked in the door..... Charlie Rich's "Rollin' With the Flow." True! (see blog post from June 27th.) Ahhh, another one of my Twilight Zoney, Cosmic moments.
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." ~Alan W. Watts
While driving to the grocery store this afternoon, with my list of fruits and veggies to buy, the following words popped into my head. I've mentioned before that I am not a poet, and don't y'all know it, as you can see below: (Hint: Sing these words either out loud or in your head to the tune of ♫♪ Back in the Saddle Again. ♫♪)
I'm back into salads again. Burgers & fries won't make me thin. I saw some gorgeous clothes at the mall last week. I must fight this war on fat and win.
(courtesy google)
Chorus: I'm back into salads again. Lettuce & broccoli are my friends Also low cal dressing will help Try to get rid of my chin(s) I'm back into salads again.
(Forgive me Gene Autry!)
*Also welcome to my newest follower: Peggy!I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! (Especially after tonight!)
