A Pile of Words

“Before I start a project, I always ask myself the following question. Why is this book worth a year of my life? There needs to be something about the theme, the technique, or the research that makes the time spent on it worthwhile.” – David Morrell

This quote makes me want to cry immediately after I read it. I’m not sure my story is worth the amount of time I’ve spent on it. Maybe I’ll do my best to make the time I spent on it my big secret. It’s for sure just a pile of words. I don’t know that they even come together to form something tangible. I mean, I hope I get there, but it might just be time to start a new story. Maybe I’ll return to this one in the future? I don’t know. It was never my plan to work on it this long. And there’s an infinite amount of stories to tell!!

What’s the longest you worked on a story?

Minds

“My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.” -Maya Angelou

This is my first time seeing this quote, and I love it! It adds so much balance to the way you should pursue an education. We should always be considerate of the minds of others, regardless of their college education. Listening, asking questions, and finding common ground are a few ways to show others consideration.

Painting

“The modern artist… is working and expressing an inner world – in other words – expressing the energy, the motion, and other inner forces.” -Jackson Pollock

I’ve spent years trying to figure out how to express the complexities of being human. It isn’t easy. I hope that the collection of thoughts I’ve shared throughout the internet somehow comes together to express the many things life has to offer.

But when considering the novel; it’s difficult for me to incorporate all these things, whether in subtle ways or bluntly., fantastically even. There are just so many ways to bring it all together in one story. There are infinite ways to tell a story too, so it’s just deciding which way fits best. And I’m not too sure yet.

I was working on the last part of the novel today, and I was ready to delete the whole section, which is fine because it’s not the whole book. I’m coming to learn that changing the point of view helps me see what’s worth keeping and what’s worth chucking out the window.

Anyways, I’m happy to be here learning the different ways stories can be shared.

What you’re favorite way to tell a story?

Connection

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” -Brene Brown

This blog is where I come to express myself about a million different things. Sometimes it’s just sharing pieces of my life; sometimes it’s art or writing, or sometimes I’m sharing the knowledge I’ve learned. But the point of this blog is to create a space where you can be human—where you can express yourself without judgment. I hope that this blog gives people a sense of connection, but not so much to me, more so to themselves. The point is that once you have a good strong connection with yourself, you are able to build these deep, intentional relationships where all parties can be replenished.

What are some ways you are intentional about connecting with yourself?

Spring Break Day 5

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” -Helen Keller

We’ve reached the end of my Spring Break adventures.

I saw an old mill burned down and googled it to find out the fire spread toxic chemicals everywhere, making the cost of demolition too great. It was a steel mill. It probably gave a lot of locals a decent job. I walked around a new town in the morning and then later I walked around the town I grew up in. It’s the same town I know and love, but different in so many ways. There were a lot of older couples with romantic vibes that barely noticed me. They were engulfed in each other. Laughing; searching out their next destination. My town has always brought those types of travelers. The sea water moistened the air as usual, and the marinas didn’t change much. The boats were wrapped for winter and looked slightly awkward on the shore. The sea air soothed my lips and brought me back to life. Well, something brought me back to life, or a bunch of tiny things did.

Alas, my time to rest and relax has come to an end. It almost feels wrong to do anything other than this.

Spring Break Day 4 pic

Today wasn’t much of a vacation day. Lots of momming was done, but I took moments for myself. When I finally got home, I melted into my relaxation. I’m grateful for my life. I’m grateful for where I get to be in life, and I’m excited to keep going. There’s not much to complain about, especially when I get to be home with my family. My family really means the world to me.

What are you loving about your life?

Spring Break Day 4

Today wasn’t much of a vacation day. Lots of momming was done, but I took moments for myself. When I finally got home, I melted into my relaxation. I’m grateful for my life. I’m grateful for where I get to be in life, and I’m excited to keep going. There’s not much to complain about, especially when I get to be home with my family. My family really means the world to me.

What are you loving about your life?

Spring Break Day 3

Spring Break Day 3

“Reading is just a vacation you pay less for, with an agenda you have no control over.” ―J.S. Wik

Reading, a tiny bit of homework, and light cleaning were my plans today. I took a nap, and I’ve been slacking on my mom duties in the name of vacation. It’s so liberating to let things go when you’re on vacation. To rest from that urgency to be in places. To take things slow even as I’m slowly preparing to return to my normal life. It’s so freeing to be able to take my time during the day. To think about what you want and move toward it with ease.

I forget what that feels like, lately.

I wonder how I can bring this with me into my next week?

Spring Break Day 2

“The secret of success is making your vacation your vacation” -Unknown

I’m taking it all in. Slow mornings. Reading books. Taking the time to make meals I love and all the self-care I have the energy for. Deep sigh.

Along with all this free time, I’ve been thinking about my 40th birthday. I have ups and downs about it. One thing getting me down is that I planned to graduate from college years ago. I definitely feel like I went backward when it comes to college. So I’m just trying really hard to appreciate where I am in life. But on the flip side, I’m still here and learning to live my life gently and passionately. I value my life more now than I ever have before. I value my mind, my timing, and my friendships. I’m still learning to value my sensitivities, but I’m happy to learn to accept them and love them.

Do you have any vacation plans? Or Dream vacation plans?

Rest & Relaxation

“It’s very important that we re-learn the art of resting and relaxing. Not only does it help prevent the onset of many illnesses that develop through chronic tension and worrying; it allows us to clear our minds, focus, and find creative solutions to problems.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

Spring Break Day 1

I made soup with these little tiny noodles, sausage, greens, and beans. I made two salads: a cucumber salad (my current obsession) and an apple salad (my newest obsession). This is ultimate self-care for me! I love healthy foods. It’s having the energy to make them that is hard to come by for me.

Then I just chilled around the house and took a nap. Of course, there was a critical part of me that tried to make me feel bad for resting, but I wasn’t having it. I’ve been working my butt off since January. It’s okay for me to take Monday to rest and make healthy choices for myself.