I hate surprises. Absolutely can't stand them. I've often considered what this says about me and here's what I think: 1) With surprises, comes the fact that other people know more about what's going to happen to you than you do. I'm a control freak so I loathe being out of the loop b/c it means other people have more information than I do and that doesn't sit well with me. 2) I feel like I'm that person who hates secrecy in general. Most surprises are shrouded in secrecy and deception. I've often found myself on the receiving end of many surprises that came with equal parts boldface lies and half-truths. 3) What's the point to surprises anyway? If an event (say a surprise birthday party) is truly unexpected, it would be just as surprising to the recipient to learn about it weeks in advance as it would be when people jump out from behind living room furniture - and far less likely to induce heart failure. To me, a book ending is just another surprise - one which many people know about and that gives them an unfair advantage over me.
Back to my original point, which I have yet to state: almost nothing I read is a complete surprise because I almost always spoil the ending for myself. This fact draws the ire of many serious readers. ("What do you mean you read the last pages of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows before you read the first chapter?!" "You googled the ending before you finished Mockingjay?!" "We're not friends anymore.") But the funny thing about spoiling book endings for myself is that even when I know with relative certainty how a book is going to end, especially if the ending is tragic and heart-wrenching, I still hope until the very last pages that all of the internets is wrong. A character may be hurtling to a certain death, of which I may or may not know the details, and I still turn each page hoping for a different outcome.
I guess the purpose of this post is to say that while I spoil books for myself, it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy them. I may know the final destination, but the journey is still every bit as exciting. Everyone reads differently and I just so happen to be an adept googler who knows the ending before I become acquainted with the beginning. I don't spoil anything for anyone because that would be just as distasteful to me as someone willfully withholding information from me and that's just not how I roll.
Showing posts with label deep thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deep thoughts. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Make Good Art
Some of you may have seen this already, but it's a message worth repeating. Neil Gaiman is the author of some amazing books (American Gods, Neverwhere ((my favorite))). But he isn't just a writer of adult fantasy. He's written television shows, children's books, and worked in audio books. Plus, he's funny in a charming, self-deprecating English way.
This is a link to the commencement speech he gave at The University of the Arts (Phl): http://vimeo.com/42372767
In it, he makes one central point: make good art. When things are hard, make good art. When no one believes in what you're doing (least of all you), make good art. No matter what the world is throwing at you, make good art. His point is that people do a lot of things for many reasons, but there's only one that matters. Make art for yourself and make it how only you can.
It's a beautiful message. In today's material society, it's tempting to take a job you don't love just to pay the bills. (I'm not saying let your family starve because you're too proud to take something that's beneath you. I'm talking about taking something you don't have to just for the sake of a few extra bucks.) It's easy to compromise yourself and do something that's more fashionable and less authentic. There's that silly saying about choosing between what is right and what is easy. If you're lucky, they're the same thing. But I've found that, more often that not, I'm unlucky.
I have uncompromisingly high standards for myself, and putting forth less than my best is infuriating. I'd rather do nothing than produce something I don't love. Sure I worry that others won't like it, but if I think I've done my best then there's no room for doubt. Right now, I'm in that hard place where I won't work because it's not going the way I want it to. I refuse to move forward until I believe it is where it should be and I'm kind of stuck.
I need to take Neil's advice to heart and make good art, but I also need to kick myself in the pants and do something. If I find that middle ground, I'll be sure to let you know.
This is a link to the commencement speech he gave at The University of the Arts (Phl): http://vimeo.com/42372767
In it, he makes one central point: make good art. When things are hard, make good art. When no one believes in what you're doing (least of all you), make good art. No matter what the world is throwing at you, make good art. His point is that people do a lot of things for many reasons, but there's only one that matters. Make art for yourself and make it how only you can.
It's a beautiful message. In today's material society, it's tempting to take a job you don't love just to pay the bills. (I'm not saying let your family starve because you're too proud to take something that's beneath you. I'm talking about taking something you don't have to just for the sake of a few extra bucks.) It's easy to compromise yourself and do something that's more fashionable and less authentic. There's that silly saying about choosing between what is right and what is easy. If you're lucky, they're the same thing. But I've found that, more often that not, I'm unlucky.
I have uncompromisingly high standards for myself, and putting forth less than my best is infuriating. I'd rather do nothing than produce something I don't love. Sure I worry that others won't like it, but if I think I've done my best then there's no room for doubt. Right now, I'm in that hard place where I won't work because it's not going the way I want it to. I refuse to move forward until I believe it is where it should be and I'm kind of stuck.
I need to take Neil's advice to heart and make good art, but I also need to kick myself in the pants and do something. If I find that middle ground, I'll be sure to let you know.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Katie and the Subject of Time
I tell people this frequently, but my most valuable and limited resource is time. I think this comes across as kind of snooty (as in, "my time is so valuable that you should feel honored that I'm granting you five minutes"), but I don't mean it to be. Let me explain.
I'm a wife and a mom. I read. I write. I'm blessed to have my immediate family living in the same state as me. I have a tight network of close friends. I have a full-time job. My days are usually packed and my weekends are almost always booked a month in advance. I know this is not unusual in today's world. People are busy. My struggle to balance those I love with things I am passionate about and a job I still need is not unique. That doesn't make it any less challenging.
When I say my time is valuable, I mean that when I'm doing something I usually have five other things I could (or should) be doing instead. The number one thing on my list is spending time with my son. If I have free time and he's awake, I want to be with him. I want to watch him discover the world and revel in the wonder that is being a kid. If I'm not with him when I could be, I have the mommy guilt. It sucks.
So my "free time" is usually in the evenings (because I already get up at 5:15 am and I REFUSE to get up any earlier), after my son has gone to sleep. I try to spend those precious hours with my husband doing things we both enjoy (like eating ice cream or watching tv), writing (b/c I have to every day or else I can't call myself a writer - I checked), or exercising (to work off the ice cream). There's always something I feel like I should be doing instead of what I am doing. It's a hard pill to swallow and I have prayed for a time-turner to magically appear under my pillow on more than one occasion. But until such time as the time-turner appears, I make compromises. Let me tell you I hate to compromise. I want it all. It's in my nature.
Day by day, I do the only thing I can - make best choices and hope they're the right ones. If anyone has discovered a way to make more hours appear (and still keep my bank account in the black), you let me know.
I'm a wife and a mom. I read. I write. I'm blessed to have my immediate family living in the same state as me. I have a tight network of close friends. I have a full-time job. My days are usually packed and my weekends are almost always booked a month in advance. I know this is not unusual in today's world. People are busy. My struggle to balance those I love with things I am passionate about and a job I still need is not unique. That doesn't make it any less challenging.
When I say my time is valuable, I mean that when I'm doing something I usually have five other things I could (or should) be doing instead. The number one thing on my list is spending time with my son. If I have free time and he's awake, I want to be with him. I want to watch him discover the world and revel in the wonder that is being a kid. If I'm not with him when I could be, I have the mommy guilt. It sucks.
So my "free time" is usually in the evenings (because I already get up at 5:15 am and I REFUSE to get up any earlier), after my son has gone to sleep. I try to spend those precious hours with my husband doing things we both enjoy (like eating ice cream or watching tv), writing (b/c I have to every day or else I can't call myself a writer - I checked), or exercising (to work off the ice cream). There's always something I feel like I should be doing instead of what I am doing. It's a hard pill to swallow and I have prayed for a time-turner to magically appear under my pillow on more than one occasion. But until such time as the time-turner appears, I make compromises. Let me tell you I hate to compromise. I want it all. It's in my nature.
Day by day, I do the only thing I can - make best choices and hope they're the right ones. If anyone has discovered a way to make more hours appear (and still keep my bank account in the black), you let me know.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
On Waiting and Hoping
Krista over at Mother. Write. (Repeat.) just posted about the publishing waiting game. She had some interesting thoughts on why the road to become a published author, while nerve wracking and sometimes unbearable, isn't the worst thing. Her point was that as long as you're waiting, you're still in the game. Even in the loneliest, darkest pit of limbo, there's a glimmer of something wonderful to keep you going - it's hope.
Writing has been an adventure that has taken me down the rabbit hole where down is up and up is backwards. Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a foreign country (digitally speaking) with its own customs, celebrities, and history. Through it all, even when things are looking bleak, my hope refuses to die. It manifests itself as a tiny voice encouraging me to keep writing, keep revising, keep working at my craft. Often I find myself wanting to tell it to take that cheerleading bull and shove it. Then I remember that I'm having an argument with myself in my head and I stop because I'm not established enough to be haunted by inner demons (yet!).
The process of querying, entering contests, and finding new beta readers for more revisions is tiresome. There are days when I want to quit just so I can sit on my butt and read a good book (which is how I got myself in this predicament in the first place). But I know that I will never be satisfied until I'm published. I won't ever quit because I'm compelled to forge on for reasons I don't even understand myself. As long as there are stories that need to be written, I'll write them. Plain as that.
While waiting still sucks, I'm happy to look at it from a fresh perspective. Waiting is the place where my hope lives and thrives on the limitless possibilities to come. I'm grateful to be in the game at all, so I wait. Hoping, I wait.
Writing has been an adventure that has taken me down the rabbit hole where down is up and up is backwards. Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a foreign country (digitally speaking) with its own customs, celebrities, and history. Through it all, even when things are looking bleak, my hope refuses to die. It manifests itself as a tiny voice encouraging me to keep writing, keep revising, keep working at my craft. Often I find myself wanting to tell it to take that cheerleading bull and shove it. Then I remember that I'm having an argument with myself in my head and I stop because I'm not established enough to be haunted by inner demons (yet!).
The process of querying, entering contests, and finding new beta readers for more revisions is tiresome. There are days when I want to quit just so I can sit on my butt and read a good book (which is how I got myself in this predicament in the first place). But I know that I will never be satisfied until I'm published. I won't ever quit because I'm compelled to forge on for reasons I don't even understand myself. As long as there are stories that need to be written, I'll write them. Plain as that.
While waiting still sucks, I'm happy to look at it from a fresh perspective. Waiting is the place where my hope lives and thrives on the limitless possibilities to come. I'm grateful to be in the game at all, so I wait. Hoping, I wait.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Fixation Friday: New Library!
I can't help but smile every time I pass a public library. I'm not sure why this happens, but inevitably I see a mom and her 2+ kids scampering out the doors with arms full of books. These scenes seem so idyllic that I end up looking over my shoulder to see where the director for the lifestyle commercial they must be shooting placed the cameras (b/c these things don't happen like this IRL, do they?). Unless the director has craftily hidden the cameras in bushes, this does happen regularly and it warms the cockles of my cold, jaded heart.
I say jaded because here in Denver most libraries are only open four days a week, and it breaks my heart. When I frequent my local library (as often for books as I do for access to a cheap printer ((because I don't have one and really don't care to buy one))), I see the same situation each time - kids running around the courtyard, families playing in the toddler area with kids books and stuffed animals, adults taking continuing education classes on the Microsoft Office Suite. It makes me so happy to see how the library isn't just a quite place for reading, it is a community gathering space. It's a place kids can go to safely waste away the summer. Where adults looking for jobs can brush up on their Excel skills. It's a valuable resource that should be open every day of the week. Money is tight, and I understand the need for cities to reign in their spending. I just wish there was a way to do it without sacrificing these neighborhood jewels.
Enough of the sad stuff and on to the good news. A new library is about to open up near my office in Denver. The last one that the City of Denver opened up is the penultimate modern library with a huge selection of books, media, and space for study groups or informal business meetings. I'm counting down the days until August 11th!
Educate yourself about the topic in this post:
I say jaded because here in Denver most libraries are only open four days a week, and it breaks my heart. When I frequent my local library (as often for books as I do for access to a cheap printer ((because I don't have one and really don't care to buy one))), I see the same situation each time - kids running around the courtyard, families playing in the toddler area with kids books and stuffed animals, adults taking continuing education classes on the Microsoft Office Suite. It makes me so happy to see how the library isn't just a quite place for reading, it is a community gathering space. It's a place kids can go to safely waste away the summer. Where adults looking for jobs can brush up on their Excel skills. It's a valuable resource that should be open every day of the week. Money is tight, and I understand the need for cities to reign in their spending. I just wish there was a way to do it without sacrificing these neighborhood jewels.
 |
| This sums up EXACTLY how I feel (via Bookshelf Porn) |
Educate yourself about the topic in this post:
- Sam Gary Library - Denver: http://denverlibrary.org/bond-stapleton
Friday, March 30, 2012
Fixation Friday: Hunger Games (Soundtrack)
What's this? A regular segment? Maybe. I'll give it a go for a while and see what becomes of it.
Right now, I am stalking The Hunger Games Songs from District 12 and Beyond. It is soooo good. I usually like soundtracks, but this one is a bit different. None of the (awesome) songs are in the movie. Fact: there was no music that had any lyrics in the actual film. But this, like many soundtracks, really captures the feel of the film and District 12 in particular. It's beautiful and haunting and kind of stripped down. I highly encourage everyone to take a listen or pick the album up.
My faves:
Educate yourself on the topics in this post:
Right now, I am stalking The Hunger Games Songs from District 12 and Beyond. It is soooo good. I usually like soundtracks, but this one is a bit different. None of the (awesome) songs are in the movie. Fact: there was no music that had any lyrics in the actual film. But this, like many soundtracks, really captures the feel of the film and District 12 in particular. It's beautiful and haunting and kind of stripped down. I highly encourage everyone to take a listen or pick the album up.
My faves:
- Both songs by The Civil Wars (they're so amazing it hurts)
- Daughter's Lament by The Carolina Chocolate Drops
- One Engine by The Decemberists (who I normally don't love)
- Abraham's Daughter by Arcade Fire (who I also don't normally love)
Educate yourself on the topics in this post:
- The Hunger Games Songs from District 12 and Beyond: http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunger-Games-District-Beyond/dp/B0072HTHKS
- The Civil Wars (because you should for real listen to them): http://www.amazon.com/The-Civil-Wars/e/B003CLHWIW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1333137005&sr=1-1
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Today's Lesson: Emotional Co-Dependency with Fictional Characters
I love to read. Like love it. Though I am an avid fan of several genres, the books I like most are series. I know that I complain about having to wait for the next installment when I begin an unfinished series. But secretly, deep down inside, I love that too. See what I usually don't talk about is how emotionally invested I get in characters and their stories. After a few books, I feel like I know them and have grown attached. To me, there's nothing more depressing than saying goodbye to a character who has been with you for years.
I bring this up because a good friend of mine is in Orlando and going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter today. Now this may be shocking, but I am HUGE Harry Potter fan. I started reading books over a decade ago when I was in high school and am still a loyal fan today. When the series ended in 2007, I was hit with the sadness that comes from seeing a story end. It was especially poignant because the series had been with my through my teenage years, college, and into the real world.
Lucky for me though, I had several more movies and then a theme park left to look forward to. But once the credits rolled on the final film and I ate my Chocolate Frog from the Honey Dukes in Orlando, I was back to that feeling. That final goodbye. For me, that was a very sobering moment. Not just because there was no more new Harry Potter related wonder left to look forward to, but because I was also faced with the reality that I reached the end of that particular chapter of my childhood. I was all grown up, and though Harry and his friends were with me during some important years, it was time for me to move on - without them.
It was a bittersweet ending to the journey and I found that the whole experience could be summed up by the wisest person ever, Dr. Seuss.
I bring this up because a good friend of mine is in Orlando and going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter today. Now this may be shocking, but I am HUGE Harry Potter fan. I started reading books over a decade ago when I was in high school and am still a loyal fan today. When the series ended in 2007, I was hit with the sadness that comes from seeing a story end. It was especially poignant because the series had been with my through my teenage years, college, and into the real world.
Lucky for me though, I had several more movies and then a theme park left to look forward to. But once the credits rolled on the final film and I ate my Chocolate Frog from the Honey Dukes in Orlando, I was back to that feeling. That final goodbye. For me, that was a very sobering moment. Not just because there was no more new Harry Potter related wonder left to look forward to, but because I was also faced with the reality that I reached the end of that particular chapter of my childhood. I was all grown up, and though Harry and his friends were with me during some important years, it was time for me to move on - without them.
It was a bittersweet ending to the journey and I found that the whole experience could be summed up by the wisest person ever, Dr. Seuss.
Don't cry because it's over
I now look forward to the day when I can share the enchanting tale of Harry Potter with my own son. I have a feeling that it will be just as magical the next time around :)
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Is Minimalism the Secret to Happiness?
I try not to post more than once a week. I know everyone has enough to do without being bombarded by my dribble. Alas. I read this article that linked to this blog post that I really want to comment on. It sounds more convoluted than it is. SIDEBAR: Sometimes, I want to do that brain map thing where I track my thought process. If I transcribed what I was thinking all day, I'd make Mrs. Dalloway look like kiddie reading (Joking! Just joking! Virgina Woolf could probably have kicked my butt)./SIDEBAR
The Deal: Andrew Hyde is a known entrepreneur and meeting organizer. He is young and (from what I read) not hurting for spending money. But all that is rather ordinary. What makes him so interesting is that he owns 15 things (8 of which are clothing items (not including undies)). This floored me. How can anyone get by without owning more clothing, for one, and more stuff , for another? Well I guess this guy does.
In the interview, he talks about how his change in mindset allowed him to clear the clutter (literally and figuratively) and get his life more relationship centric vs. stuff centric. This is a surprising feat since we live in a very consumerist culture where every holiday is an excuse to buy, buy, buy! I've always admired people who can do without because I never thought of myself as someone who ever could.
If you've read Blue Like Jazz, you might remember a story the author recounted about a friend who went a whole year without buying clothing for herself. A whole year! I still think that's nuts, but as I grow up (and I do, little by little, day by day), I find myself wishing that I was more like those people who didn't need material things or feel driven to consume more. But, like so many things I've just never felt motivated enough to try it.
Cue grand experiment! I'm going to attempt to not spend any money (outside of groceries and gas) for an entire week. Starting Monday (because Mondays already suck and I would hate to inflict this on some other less sucky day of the week).
Anyone ever attempted this? Thoughts and such welcome!
Educate yourself on the topics in this post:
The Deal: Andrew Hyde is a known entrepreneur and meeting organizer. He is young and (from what I read) not hurting for spending money. But all that is rather ordinary. What makes him so interesting is that he owns 15 things (8 of which are clothing items (not including undies)). This floored me. How can anyone get by without owning more clothing, for one, and more stuff , for another? Well I guess this guy does.
In the interview, he talks about how his change in mindset allowed him to clear the clutter (literally and figuratively) and get his life more relationship centric vs. stuff centric. This is a surprising feat since we live in a very consumerist culture where every holiday is an excuse to buy, buy, buy! I've always admired people who can do without because I never thought of myself as someone who ever could.
If you've read Blue Like Jazz, you might remember a story the author recounted about a friend who went a whole year without buying clothing for herself. A whole year! I still think that's nuts, but as I grow up (and I do, little by little, day by day), I find myself wishing that I was more like those people who didn't need material things or feel driven to consume more. But, like so many things I've just never felt motivated enough to try it.
Cue grand experiment! I'm going to attempt to not spend any money (outside of groceries and gas) for an entire week. Starting Monday (because Mondays already suck and I would hate to inflict this on some other less sucky day of the week).
Anyone ever attempted this? Thoughts and such welcome!
Educate yourself on the topics in this post:
- Interview with Andrew Hyde: http://www.scottberkun.com/blog/2010/the-man-owns-15-things/
- Blue Like Jazz (yes, it's Christian non-fiction. No, it doesn't suck. It's actually quite a funny and refreshing take on Christianity and God): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7214.Blue_Like_Jazz
Monday, January 9, 2012
Book Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
I just finished The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin over the weekend. It was a fast-paced story that took me for a ride that I really enjoyed. I had read some mixed reviews on Goodreads and from my peeps on the Nest Book Club (from whom I get almost every book recommendation). So perhaps my good experience was a result of going into the read with low expectations. Probably not. I would have enjoyed Mara as a character no matter what.
We meet Mara Dyer, a high school student, when she awakens from a coma after surviving an accident that her friends did not. Mara can't remember anything from the past several days and has no idea what happened to cause the accident that claimed the lives of her friends. Mara's journey takes her away from her home to a new private school in Miami. We're introduced to Noah, Jamie, and a bevy of stereotypical high school bullies - with the exception of Hodkin's version of the dumb jock. Mara's memory slowly unfolds the events of the night she can't remember and she discovers some surprising secrets of her own.
I had a great time reading Mara's story. Her character was fun and funny and the story had several passages of witty banter. I love witty banter. If you've watched Gilmore Girls, you know what I'm talking about. I especially enjoyed Mara's relationship with her two brothers (one older, one younger, just like me!).
There were several story points I didn't get or agree with and I wish some attention was paid to some of the minor characters who were total scene stealers. Overall, I definitely recommend Mara and hope the next installment will outshine the first.
Speaking of installments...
I didn't know that this was the first installment of a series. I'm kind of ticked that it is because I wasn't mentally prepared for a faux-ending (what I call the point in a story where the author, publisher, editor, whoever chooses to end the first installment). Though I don't know, I expect this to be a three-parter. Most three-parters follow the tried and true Star Wars method. Volume 1) Ends on a high point by wrapping up the major conflict of the story and introducing the larger, more important conflict. Volume 2) End on a low point. Here we have the "How will the hero make it out of this pickle?!?". Volume 3) Ends when the hero faces and triumphs their inner turmoil that has held them back from achieving true greatness.
Educate yourself on the topic in this post:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8591107-the-unbecoming-of-mara-dyer
We meet Mara Dyer, a high school student, when she awakens from a coma after surviving an accident that her friends did not. Mara can't remember anything from the past several days and has no idea what happened to cause the accident that claimed the lives of her friends. Mara's journey takes her away from her home to a new private school in Miami. We're introduced to Noah, Jamie, and a bevy of stereotypical high school bullies - with the exception of Hodkin's version of the dumb jock. Mara's memory slowly unfolds the events of the night she can't remember and she discovers some surprising secrets of her own.
I had a great time reading Mara's story. Her character was fun and funny and the story had several passages of witty banter. I love witty banter. If you've watched Gilmore Girls, you know what I'm talking about. I especially enjoyed Mara's relationship with her two brothers (one older, one younger, just like me!).
There were several story points I didn't get or agree with and I wish some attention was paid to some of the minor characters who were total scene stealers. Overall, I definitely recommend Mara and hope the next installment will outshine the first.
Speaking of installments...
I didn't know that this was the first installment of a series. I'm kind of ticked that it is because I wasn't mentally prepared for a faux-ending (what I call the point in a story where the author, publisher, editor, whoever chooses to end the first installment). Though I don't know, I expect this to be a three-parter. Most three-parters follow the tried and true Star Wars method. Volume 1) Ends on a high point by wrapping up the major conflict of the story and introducing the larger, more important conflict. Volume 2) End on a low point. Here we have the "How will the hero make it out of this pickle?!?". Volume 3) Ends when the hero faces and triumphs their inner turmoil that has held them back from achieving true greatness.
Educate yourself on the topic in this post:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8591107-the-unbecoming-of-mara-dyer
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2011 Year-End Review
Around this time of year, I'm always bombarded with questions about resolutions. Did you meet yours for this year? Are you making any news ones for next year? Would you like fries with that?
I've never been a 'New Year's Resolution' kind of girl. I don't have goals for a year; I have goals for my life. I kind of think of it like a company's long-range plan. Your overall goals should never really be met since they are constantly evolving with you. You can achieve the smaller objectives that support your overall goals, but those goals serve as the road map to your life. They end when your journey does.
2011 has been a year of huge changes for me and my family. At the end of last year, we welcomed our first son. In the spring of 2011, we moved into our new house. We went on our first 'family vacation' this past summer and this fall I completed NaNoWriMo for the first time. In a day and age when things are rough for everyone, I count my blessing daily and am so thankful to have the most wonderful friends and family. Things can be hard. They can be crappy. They can suck big time. But when they are, I try to push my eyes away from the ugly in front of me and focus on the horizon. The bigger picture is sometimes a lot more cheery than the narrow view of today.
That said, I do have some things in 2012 that I want to do:
Happy New Year!
I've never been a 'New Year's Resolution' kind of girl. I don't have goals for a year; I have goals for my life. I kind of think of it like a company's long-range plan. Your overall goals should never really be met since they are constantly evolving with you. You can achieve the smaller objectives that support your overall goals, but those goals serve as the road map to your life. They end when your journey does.
2011 has been a year of huge changes for me and my family. At the end of last year, we welcomed our first son. In the spring of 2011, we moved into our new house. We went on our first 'family vacation' this past summer and this fall I completed NaNoWriMo for the first time. In a day and age when things are rough for everyone, I count my blessing daily and am so thankful to have the most wonderful friends and family. Things can be hard. They can be crappy. They can suck big time. But when they are, I try to push my eyes away from the ugly in front of me and focus on the horizon. The bigger picture is sometimes a lot more cheery than the narrow view of today.
That said, I do have some things in 2012 that I want to do:
- Run a half-marathon
- Finish my novel and start sending out queries
- Learn to knit and sew
- Find a volunteer opportunity
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Yummy Eats: Pumpkin is My Favorite
After last week's cupcake debacle, I was a little gun shy getting back into the baking saddle. So this weekend, I decided to go with a tried and true favorite to get my baking mojo back - delicious pumpkin bread (and easy to make too). I'm happy to report that it was a total success :) I even received a text from my husband this morning raving about it.
Here's a link to the recipe I use: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/downeast-maine-pumpkin-bread/
It's super delicious and pumpkin-y and nutmeg-y.
I'm feeling really encouraged by my success and it could not have come a moment too soon. With Christmas this weekend, I know that my future will be coated in sugar and dipped in chocolate. Growing up my family was never into the whole "Cookie Christmas" thing, but it's now a tradition in my own home and I can't wait to get going.
I love the traditions of holidays and the spirit of sharing treats baked with love. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. In that spirit, anyone have a great cookie recipe to share? I'm always looking for new suggestions ;)
Since this will be my last post before the holiday, Merry Christmas to all!
Here's a link to the recipe I use: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/downeast-maine-pumpkin-bread/
It's super delicious and pumpkin-y and nutmeg-y.
I'm feeling really encouraged by my success and it could not have come a moment too soon. With Christmas this weekend, I know that my future will be coated in sugar and dipped in chocolate. Growing up my family was never into the whole "Cookie Christmas" thing, but it's now a tradition in my own home and I can't wait to get going.
I love the traditions of holidays and the spirit of sharing treats baked with love. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. In that spirit, anyone have a great cookie recipe to share? I'm always looking for new suggestions ;)
Since this will be my last post before the holiday, Merry Christmas to all!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Cupcake Fail
I love baking. I actually want to write a story about a pastry chef someday. That's another blog post though...this post is about my failure at cupcaking.
Yesterday was my mom's [redacted] birthday. For her birthday dinner, I decided that I would make cupcakes from scratch. I trolled the internet and found a couple of recipes for red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes with a separate recipe for the cream cheese frosting.
The cupcakes came out in a more-than-edible state, but I was heartbroken over what I saw to be abject failure. I had never attempted any of the three recipes I tried yesterday, but like everything else I do in life, I expected them to turn out Happy Cakes quality the first try. (If you don't know Happy Cakes, check the link at the the bottom of the post and discover greatness.) Even though everyone who tried them (my husband, friend, mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and sister-in-law-to be (I have two brothers, one didn't try the cupcakes)) all assured me that they turned out good, I was near tears.
Something you may not know about me, I'm a perfectionist. (If you hadn't guessed, this post is more about me and how I deal with the less-than-perfect in my life instead of cupcakes.) I was so disappointed because I actually tried and didn't live up to my own expectations. There is very little in my life that I don't think I can do if I really apply myself. I'm not sure if this is a result of an overinflated sense of self-confidence or because I'm just that awesome (usually). Throughout what some have called a charmed existence, I have found that I am a capable person capable of good things.
I came to a resolution last night while I was moping in the car on the way home; it's ok for things not to turn out perfect the first time, or even the second and third times. Some things take practice and I need to be patient with myself. I certainly don't expect others to do things exactly right the first time through and I need to learn to apply that same mindset to myself. So expect to see a post (or two) about future baking adventures, because a little stumble won't keep me from Daring Greatly in the future. Not with baking, not with writing, not with anything.
Educate yourself on the topic in this post: http://www.happycakes.com/ - Happy Cakes greatness :)
Yesterday was my mom's [redacted] birthday. For her birthday dinner, I decided that I would make cupcakes from scratch. I trolled the internet and found a couple of recipes for red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes with a separate recipe for the cream cheese frosting.
The cupcakes came out in a more-than-edible state, but I was heartbroken over what I saw to be abject failure. I had never attempted any of the three recipes I tried yesterday, but like everything else I do in life, I expected them to turn out Happy Cakes quality the first try. (If you don't know Happy Cakes, check the link at the the bottom of the post and discover greatness.) Even though everyone who tried them (my husband, friend, mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, and sister-in-law-to be (I have two brothers, one didn't try the cupcakes)) all assured me that they turned out good, I was near tears.
Something you may not know about me, I'm a perfectionist. (If you hadn't guessed, this post is more about me and how I deal with the less-than-perfect in my life instead of cupcakes.) I was so disappointed because I actually tried and didn't live up to my own expectations. There is very little in my life that I don't think I can do if I really apply myself. I'm not sure if this is a result of an overinflated sense of self-confidence or because I'm just that awesome (usually). Throughout what some have called a charmed existence, I have found that I am a capable person capable of good things.
I came to a resolution last night while I was moping in the car on the way home; it's ok for things not to turn out perfect the first time, or even the second and third times. Some things take practice and I need to be patient with myself. I certainly don't expect others to do things exactly right the first time through and I need to learn to apply that same mindset to myself. So expect to see a post (or two) about future baking adventures, because a little stumble won't keep me from Daring Greatly in the future. Not with baking, not with writing, not with anything.
Educate yourself on the topic in this post: http://www.happycakes.com/ - Happy Cakes greatness :)
Monday, December 5, 2011
Memory Lane
I recently read an article by
tchotchke to help me remember, I want something that will actually help me remember, like a photo.
tchotchke to help me remember, I want something that will actually help me remember, like a photo.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Christmas Time
I love Christmas time. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. One reason I love it is because I feel like it's a great opportunity for Christians to share their faith. Kind of like when the Olympics come to a city it's that city's chance to shine in the spotlight. Christmas is a time that centers on a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. I'm not a preachy person, but I like to talk and I like Jesus, so it's a win-win for me.
My message is this: Christians, don't waste this chance to show people what we're all about. Which, in case you don't remember anything from Sunday School, is love. We're about love. Love for one another and love for God. Take a chance this holiday season and share a bit of that with someone in need. It doesn't have to be flashy. It can be as simple as wishing someone who's having a rough go of it a "Merry Christmas". It can be as easy as dropping a buck in someone's cup. It can be whatever you want. You don't have to buy everyone bibles for Christmas. Just be the light that shines so brightly that it causes someone to wonder what you're all about. Then it's up to you to share as little or as much as you'd like.
One of my favorite Christian groups, and I realize that there are a lot of them out there that aren't good, is Casting Crowns. To use their words (because if someone more talented than you says something better than you ever could, you should just use that):
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
It's early and you might hear it often from me, but Merry Christmas!!!
My message is this: Christians, don't waste this chance to show people what we're all about. Which, in case you don't remember anything from Sunday School, is love. We're about love. Love for one another and love for God. Take a chance this holiday season and share a bit of that with someone in need. It doesn't have to be flashy. It can be as simple as wishing someone who's having a rough go of it a "Merry Christmas". It can be as easy as dropping a buck in someone's cup. It can be whatever you want. You don't have to buy everyone bibles for Christmas. Just be the light that shines so brightly that it causes someone to wonder what you're all about. Then it's up to you to share as little or as much as you'd like.
One of my favorite Christian groups, and I realize that there are a lot of them out there that aren't good, is Casting Crowns. To use their words (because if someone more talented than you says something better than you ever could, you should just use that):
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
It's early and you might hear it often from me, but Merry Christmas!!!
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