Hmm... Notice anything strange lately? It's past mid-September, and it's still pretty warm in my neck of the woods! Usually I would be wearing jeans and a long-sleeve tee. Maybe a hoodie. But right now I'm hot. Humid hot. I'm wearing shorts every day and not even thinking about packing my flip-flops away. What is this strange phenomenon?
The unusually warm weather has not stopped me from dreaming of autumn. Colorful leaves, crisp air, apple orchards, hot cocoa, curling up with a good book and a blanket--I anticipate them all. Yes, I love fall!
Tons of swoon-worthy reading spots have popped up in Pinterest lately. Cozy, overstuffed chairs next to a fireplace get me every time. Or the table settings with pumpkins and lit candles--yes, I'll take one of those. Pie recipes, chili recipes, and biscuit recipes have me drooling.
Magazine covers beg me to buy them. Halloween candy beckons at the supermarket. Let's not forget about harvest festivals and trick-or-treating. Football is in full swing, and I make a lot (A LOT) of nachos in October and November. Why not?
The only thing I get a bit sad about is the waning sunlight. Our days grow really short around here. Gone are my long walks outdoors. Hello, moon, at 6pm!
This morning Sophie, my mini-dachshund, trotted into the living room with a brown leaf in her mouth. Then she proceeded to shred it to bits. Even she loves fall! And I have a feeling the cooler weather is right around the corner...
What do you love about autumn? What don't you love?
Have a terrific day!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Do You Produce or Fritter?
I'm reading a fascinating book, Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus & Sharpen Your Creative Mind, edited by Jocelyn K. Glei. It's a compilation of short essays by leaders and creative types.
One of the essays, "Scheduling in Time for Creative Thinking," by Cal Newport, discusses how much of our day is wasted on pointless e-mails and other social media interactions. I enjoyed the piece and headed over to his website, CalNewport.com where I came across another great article that really made me think.
"Woody Allen and the Art of Value Productivity" (linked) argues it's not how much time we put into a project; it's how much value we produce from the time we put in. This is true for me.
When I'm mindful about using my block schedule, I produce more value content, whether it's plotting, writing a first draft, revising, or planning my future.
My natural impulse is to check e-mails, pop in on Facebook, send a quick text, and any other "quick and harmless" activity throughout the day. But when I resist, when I focus on my project, I double, even triple my output.
I can interact on Facebook in less than ten minutes. But I often find myself scrolling through for an hour. Does more than ten minutes on Facebook help me reach my current goals? No!
My reality? It's much easier to fritter away my day on "busy" work that produces nothing than to sit down and create something of value.
Last year I used a block schedule to organize my day. Not surprisingly, I accomplished more--much more--than I did when I wasn't being mindful of my time. Summer throws new challenges my way, but now that school is back in, I'm reverting to my block schedule.
My dreams are important. I don't want to fritter this moment away.
Are your dreams worth it to you?
Have a wonderful day!
One of the essays, "Scheduling in Time for Creative Thinking," by Cal Newport, discusses how much of our day is wasted on pointless e-mails and other social media interactions. I enjoyed the piece and headed over to his website, CalNewport.com where I came across another great article that really made me think.
"Woody Allen and the Art of Value Productivity" (linked) argues it's not how much time we put into a project; it's how much value we produce from the time we put in. This is true for me.
When I'm mindful about using my block schedule, I produce more value content, whether it's plotting, writing a first draft, revising, or planning my future.
My natural impulse is to check e-mails, pop in on Facebook, send a quick text, and any other "quick and harmless" activity throughout the day. But when I resist, when I focus on my project, I double, even triple my output.
I can interact on Facebook in less than ten minutes. But I often find myself scrolling through for an hour. Does more than ten minutes on Facebook help me reach my current goals? No!
My reality? It's much easier to fritter away my day on "busy" work that produces nothing than to sit down and create something of value.
What is something of value?
For me, it's writing novels.Last year I used a block schedule to organize my day. Not surprisingly, I accomplished more--much more--than I did when I wasn't being mindful of my time. Summer throws new challenges my way, but now that school is back in, I'm reverting to my block schedule.
My dreams are important. I don't want to fritter this moment away.
Are your dreams worth it to you?
Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
My Post-Conference Routine
Last week I had the pleasure of spending five days surrounded by other Christian writers. To say I enjoyed ACFW's annual conference would be an understatement! All good things do end, though, and my post-conference duties kick in.
Once home, I jot a quick list of must-not-forgets. Then I plan for as much of a quiet day as I can. This year, I had a full day of rest after coming home, but it's not always possible!
This one is pretty self-explanatory!
I know this probably seems self-indulgent, but all of those lovely friendship seeds won't sprout if we don't water them. Adding pictures, leaving messages, and just reaching out to our friends is important. Do it while you're still excited!
I'm usually too excited about returning to a manuscript to review and file my workshop notes, so I keep it all in my office until I'm ready to deal with them.
Conferences are so much fun--but they're also exhausting. I rarely sleep enough or well. Add to that the extra energy of meeting new people, trying to get to appointments on time, finding the right room for the workshop, and making sure I look presentable--well, it adds up to me being super tired! Frequent naps are a must when I come home.
I've yet to attend a conference where the air didn't suck the moisture from my body. I drank extra water during my stay, but I still feel parched.
Chances are I have ideas for a new book, plans for my current work-in-progress, tweaks to make to a requested proposal or manuscript, and any number of other tasks banging on the door for my attention. I can't do everything at once, so I spend time prioritizing and planning.
Some people go out of there way to make me feel special. I appreciate them and want them to know it.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers! Thank you also for the well-wishes with the Genesis Contest. I didn't win, but I felt like a winner just for being there!
What does your post-conference routine look like?
Have a fantastic day!
Once home, I jot a quick list of must-not-forgets. Then I plan for as much of a quiet day as I can. This year, I had a full day of rest after coming home, but it's not always possible!
My Post Conference Routine
a. Compose important business e-mails
This one is pretty self-explanatory!
b. Upload and tag pictures to Facebook while everyone's names are still fresh, also add new contacts to my social networks
I know this probably seems self-indulgent, but all of those lovely friendship seeds won't sprout if we don't water them. Adding pictures, leaving messages, and just reaching out to our friends is important. Do it while you're still excited!
c. Unpack conference materials and stack them in my office to deal with later
I'm usually too excited about returning to a manuscript to review and file my workshop notes, so I keep it all in my office until I'm ready to deal with them.
d. Nap
Conferences are so much fun--but they're also exhausting. I rarely sleep enough or well. Add to that the extra energy of meeting new people, trying to get to appointments on time, finding the right room for the workshop, and making sure I look presentable--well, it adds up to me being super tired! Frequent naps are a must when I come home.
e. Drink extra water
I've yet to attend a conference where the air didn't suck the moisture from my body. I drank extra water during my stay, but I still feel parched.
f. Create a game plan for the next week or month
Chances are I have ideas for a new book, plans for my current work-in-progress, tweaks to make to a requested proposal or manuscript, and any number of other tasks banging on the door for my attention. I can't do everything at once, so I spend time prioritizing and planning.
g. Thank everyone who made my conference extra special.
Some people go out of there way to make me feel special. I appreciate them and want them to know it.
***
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers! Thank you also for the well-wishes with the Genesis Contest. I didn't win, but I felt like a winner just for being there!
What does your post-conference routine look like?
Have a fantastic day!
Monday, September 9, 2013
The Panic Before a Writing Conference
Lists. Heartburn. Unfinished laundry. Random papers everywhere. Weight gain from chocolate. No, it isn't the week before Christmas. It's even better! It's time for ACFW's annual conference!
Why do I get so wound up? I have no idea. It's ridiculous!
Maybe I'm nervy due to my life being in a busy phase. I'm afraid I'll forget something important. I don't envy my hubby for the weekend he has ahead! We are definitely a divide-and-conquer couple.
Pitching my novel also contributes to the tension. The fact I have trouble sleeping when overexcited has me a little frayed too. And, as much as I caution myself don't butt into conversations, don't accost the author you're dying to meet, don't act like a moron...I know--deep down know--I will butt into conversations, accost the author(s) I'm dying to meet, and yes, I'll act like a moron.
One thing I'm not stressed about? The ride there. I really enjoy driving by myself. I get to indulge in a large coffee with triple cream, quadruple sugar, and no one is there to judge me. The radio? All mine. I can sing at the top of my lungs or let my mind wander. Good times!
I'm taking a week off of blogging, but I'll be back next Wednesday with a full update.
What stresses you out most about a conference or business trip?
Have a wonderful week!!
Why do I get so wound up? I have no idea. It's ridiculous!
Maybe I'm nervy due to my life being in a busy phase. I'm afraid I'll forget something important. I don't envy my hubby for the weekend he has ahead! We are definitely a divide-and-conquer couple.
Pitching my novel also contributes to the tension. The fact I have trouble sleeping when overexcited has me a little frayed too. And, as much as I caution myself don't butt into conversations, don't accost the author you're dying to meet, don't act like a moron...I know--deep down know--I will butt into conversations, accost the author(s) I'm dying to meet, and yes, I'll act like a moron.
One thing I'm not stressed about? The ride there. I really enjoy driving by myself. I get to indulge in a large coffee with triple cream, quadruple sugar, and no one is there to judge me. The radio? All mine. I can sing at the top of my lungs or let my mind wander. Good times!
I'm taking a week off of blogging, but I'll be back next Wednesday with a full update.
What stresses you out most about a conference or business trip?
Have a wonderful week!!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Celebrating Small Successes: 2 Minute Resolutions Vlog
The 2 Minute Resolutions vlog series is back!
Today I'm sharing how to be mindful of small successes and why celebrating them is important.
Do you celebrate small successes? Share your story!
Today I'm sharing how to be mindful of small successes and why celebrating them is important.
September 2013: Celebrating Small Successes 2 Minute Resolutions
Do you celebrate small successes? Share your story!
Have a fabulous weekend!!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Smile--It's September!
September? I love it! Love it!!
Every September represents a new beginning for me. The kids go back to school, the hot, humid days grow cooler, and visions of new projects, fall colors, cozy sweaters, and hot tea come to mind.
I already cleaned off my desk, organized my office, and emptied my bulletin board. Like I said, September is all about renewal in my world!
All month this song runs through my head. It's a goodie!
When Earth, Wind & Fire start playing, I feel like dancing! Oh, yeah!
We're celebrating a few birthdays this month (including mine, gulp!). I'll be shuttling my kids to sports events every weekend. College football pre-shows dominate Saturday mornings in anticipation of the afternoon games. And I love it!
Apples will be picked. Roasts will slow cook. Shorts will be packed away.
The thing I'm looking forward to most this September, though, is heading to ACFW's annual conference. It's the only time I see the majority of my writer friends, and I plan on smooshing every bit of fun into the four days as possible. Yes, I'll take lots of pictures. When I get back, I'll share my embarrassing moments--they're inevitable in my world--and anything else you might be interested in.
How do you feel about September? Love it? Hate it? Why?
Have a wonderful day!
Every September represents a new beginning for me. The kids go back to school, the hot, humid days grow cooler, and visions of new projects, fall colors, cozy sweaters, and hot tea come to mind.
I already cleaned off my desk, organized my office, and emptied my bulletin board. Like I said, September is all about renewal in my world!
All month this song runs through my head. It's a goodie!
When Earth, Wind & Fire start playing, I feel like dancing! Oh, yeah!
We're celebrating a few birthdays this month (including mine, gulp!). I'll be shuttling my kids to sports events every weekend. College football pre-shows dominate Saturday mornings in anticipation of the afternoon games. And I love it!
Apples will be picked. Roasts will slow cook. Shorts will be packed away.
The thing I'm looking forward to most this September, though, is heading to ACFW's annual conference. It's the only time I see the majority of my writer friends, and I plan on smooshing every bit of fun into the four days as possible. Yes, I'll take lots of pictures. When I get back, I'll share my embarrassing moments--they're inevitable in my world--and anything else you might be interested in.
How do you feel about September? Love it? Hate it? Why?
Have a wonderful day!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Enjoy Your Labor Day!
I'm relaxing and hanging out with my family today to honor Labor Day. :)
I think every Monday should be a national holiday. Let's make a petition!
Hope you're relaxing and enjoying it too!
What's on your plate today?
Cheers!
I think every Monday should be a national holiday. Let's make a petition!
Hope you're relaxing and enjoying it too!
What's on your plate today?
Cheers!
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