Happy New Year 2015!

Wait. What? I hadn’t blogged since November 2014? It’s 2015, in the second week no less.

I thought once 2015 hit, things would slow down a bit. Not so. January appears to be as busy as December. I’ve been contemplating what goals and intentions I’d like to set for 2015, but first a little recap for 2014... in the way of creativity.

I had submitted about 10 things for publication.

I had two articles published.

That’s it for writing, other than daily journaling and illustrating my children’s book, oh and the never-ending letter writing (by choice of course!).

I designed, drew, and created my own Christmas card.

I crafted handmade gifts for family and friends for Christmas.

Now, here’s what I sent out via the good ole postal service in the way of cards and letters: 809 items. If you include the family newsletters that I do quarterly, that brings the total to 1,321. Excluding the newsletters, I averaged 67 items per month. Not too bad.

I think I’ve talked about Letter Writing Month that is held in February. I decided that I’m going to write a letter/note a day. Why just do it in February? That might be a rather huge task, but at least it will keep me writing as I continue to illustrate on my book… that’s the other goal, to have the illustrated draft completed by the end of 2015 (if not sooner). Long term is to have it published by 2018 (if not sooner, again).

I’d like to challenge any of you to write a letter… say just one or two for the year. Anyone reading this, if they’d like a letter written to them, just let me know via email: lober13(at)gmail(dot)com and put LETTER in the subject line.

I have lots of other goals too, but… I’ll leave you with one of last year’s sketches…

Remember to keep the end result of your intentions in mind – the acting as if principal.

Happy 2013 New Year!

Dear Mom,

Amazing how fast time flies… just finished a book The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom on that very subject. Interesting. In the weeks leading up to Christmas until now, I also read Margo Dill’s, Finding My Place, as well as The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan, Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. And don't forget Fifty Shades of Santa edited by Patrica Smith. I really loved all the books, page turners until the end. I couldn’t wait until I was at the end, and yet, I didn’t want them to end. Hhmmm. All different writers with their unique voices, which helped clear up some self-badgering I do… thinking I wish I could write like that. But how boring if all writing were the same. We all have different tastes… you know the saying, different strokes for different folks.

I love to write, always will and whether or not it measures up to others doesn’t need to be a concern. It’s about putting my heart and soul into it and to just be. Just be… a writer. My own kind.

And with that, I’d like to invite you all to check out The Writers' Lens as there’s a little ole interview with me. Thanks Teresa for inviting me.

May you all have a safe, healthy, prosperous and creative New Year… whether you write, paint, sculpt, play music, do photography, crafts, film, sew, cook, whatever you create… get a move on and do your thing!

Writers, here’s something you can submit to: Cupid’s Quiver. Don’t waste any time as the deadline is January 15^th. Click on the poster for submission details.

 

And if you’re looking for a challenge to get you in the habit of writing every day, maybe try this—I’m going to... try. I heard about it from my friend Estrella from Life's a Stage. Check out: Mindful Writing Challenge

Happy New Year!

Dear Mom,

A little late, but Happy New Year! So much for being more on top of things for 2012. But hey, I've been busy. I had to make sure I ate the rest of those chocolate Santa heads. Waste not want not. How can you concentrate on goals, like watching your weight, when Santa heads are staring at you? They're not staring at me any more.

I had to make sure I started cleaning out my closet. How can I work on things if I can't find them? Part of it is finished, but now I have the clothes to go through, but at least I can walk in there now.

Next I'll be heading to the writing room, but once I'm in there it might be a long time before you hear from me again. My husband says, "You're the most disorganized organized person I know." That pretty much explain my writing room... a disorganized organized mess. I'm shooting for removing the disorganized part. Wish me luck. I'll need every bit of it.