My Unresolutions for 2012

Like most, I've spent the last few days thinking about the ever popular, New Year's Resolutions. Should I make some? Should I avoid them? Everyone has their opinion and they all make valid points. Resolutions are often made in January and forgotten by February. It's like their M.O.

I read several blogs on the subject and a few really stuck with me. So with all my resolution knowledge, I am going forth with this...My Unresolutions.

They're sort of like resolutions, but different, think of them in the realm of Unbirthdays. Stick with me here, even I have no idea where I'm headed.

I'm not making the obvious resolutions - weightloss, more exercise, save money - nope, those never stick. This year My Unresolutions will be focused on the things I love, reading and writing. Before you start jumping down my throat, there are others things I love (hubby, friends and family included) but since these are MY unresolutions and MY blog, I plan on doing this MY way!
*steps down from soap box*

Now that we've cleared that up, let's continue.

My Unresolutions are a way to set some goals for the year, without the pesky pressure attached to Resolutions. In this way, I'm hoping to avoid the February failure.

So without further delay, My Unresolutions for 2012!

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1) Read 52 books. I've set this before and managed to come very close. I feel it is completely doable.

2) Finish my two outstanding works in progress. Again, this shouldn't be too hard since I wrote an entire novel in November, I can DO this!

3) Edit my NaNoWriMo novel. I've been letting it sit since November in hopes that my "fresh eyes" will see where my writing faults lie.

4) Write at least  500 words each day. This goal was already in the making, but signing up for #WIP500 will ensure I stick to it. (See previous post for more details on #WIP500)

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5) Edit the to-be-completed two WIPs. This will be a year of editing for me. Not sure how I feel about it, I tend to write and never edit. Therefore editing has become my nemesis. Kill the beast!


So that's it folks. Five Unresolutions that I hope to accomplish...no wait...that I will  accomplish! No more of this wishy-washiness (I'm just making up words now I realize, but again MY blog.)

I wish you all a wonderful 2012. I look forward to chatting with you, writing with you and sharing experiences. Thank you all for the support in 2011! Now let's go kick some ass in 2012!

What are your Unresolutions, Resolutions, Goals or Hopes for 2012?

500 Words per Day, 366 Days a Year - Oh My!

Defiantly Literate

Well, I've gone and done it again! I've signed myself up for another writing challenge. No, it's NaNoWriMo in January, it's #WIP500, silly.

In classic Write Me Happy fashion, I stumbled across this challenge by pure luck. And by pure luck, I mean Twitter. Oh Twitter, is there nothing you can't do?

#WIP500 is the brainchild of Cara Michaels and it works as follows:

1) Write 500 words per day, every day, in 2012.

2) See above.

Yes, it's just that simple. Every day I write 500 words on my work in progress (hence the WIP for those, like me, who are sometimes acronym challenged).  500 words isn't all that much for a daily total. I can usually crack that off in one #wordmongering #wordsprints #wordwar session, easy peasy!

It's the whole, every day part that seems a little more daunting. Cue dramatic music.

Over the Christmas holidays my resolve to write every day, got lost in the chaos. Instead I went an entire week <insert gasps here> without writing a single word on either of my WIPs. Okay, so I made notes in my trusty notebook, and blogged a few times, but nothing substantial.

On Wednesday, a week from my last writing session, I admitted to my fellow writer tweeps that I had been a bad girl. Suddenly, true to their amazing nature, my #wordwar buddies sounded the drum and we set off to write. That 30 minutes sparked a fire in my mind and I continued to write for the next 6 hours accomplishing 6,616 words. Some comeback, I'd say.

So with January 1st looming and two WIPs begging for my attention, I plan to call upon all my writing buddies to give me a push (or kick) towards my 500 word daily goal. Like me, I know that sometimes they will need that push or kick or a crack from my most famous whip (Yes, whip! Just ask a few writing buddies!) and I plan on delivering. While writing is an extremely individual sport (for the most part) cheerleading is not, and I plan to be the best damn cheerleader out there!

Tallyho Writers! Success in the form of 500 words per day.

Did I mention it's a leap year? Yeah, just my luck....

Five Sentence Fiction

 

Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction. This week's inspiration word is : Mistletoe 

"Will you kiss me?" She asked, a crimson blush spreading across her otherwise milky white cheeks.

"Is that your custom?" He replied, with a smile knowing full well the legend the tiny plant held. 

"It is," She drew the waxy green leaves, with it's tiny white berries, over her head.  

"The I must, for it is bad luck to go against a legend," He pulled her in close to him; her skin smelling faintly of lavender. The mistletoe dropped from her fingertips, forgotten in the midst of a passionate kiss.

It's Christmas & I'm Thankful for YOU!

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It's Christmas Eve day, I'm sitting at my writing desk, hunched over my computer reading wonderful blogs and tweets from other amazing writers and thinking how lucky I am.

I know it's usually Thanksgiving that we state what we are thankful for, but given that Christmas has become a mega holiday filled with presents, greeting cards, food and oh so delightful eggnog, I wanted to strip back all the glitter and glamor and get to the real sense of Christmas for me.

I am not a religious person. In my younger years I took a strong stance against religion in attempt to rebel against those who were. It was wrong of me, but only age has shown me this. However, I do consider myself spiritual, though I still despise the label. This spirituality has lead me on a journey to discover who I am, at my core. It's here I discovered and embraced my writing, my own uniqueness and my comfort with those around me. I embraced tolerance, understanding, empathy and all those other really fantastic traits that I lacked as a young adult.

So with that little piece of insight on how the cogs turn inside my head, I move back to my original thought, thankfulness.

I am thankful for a wonderful husband who gets me like no other has. He sees my faults and accepts me anyway. He challenges me when I need it and never lets me storm off angry, which I have a tendency to do. His support is unquestionable and I love him with all my heart. Even though that sounds kind of cornball, it's the truth. Thank you!

I am thankful for my family and friends that have been incredibly supportive over the last few years. Those who have comforted me, celebrated with me and given me the nudge I needed. That laughed, cried and scolded me, sometimes all within the same conversation. Without all of you, life would be dull. Thank you!

I am thankful for the writing community I have tapped into via Twitter and Blogging. Without you, I would never have been able to complete an entire novel in November! Hell, I wouldn't even know about NaNoWriMo. All your #wordmongering #wordwars #wordsprinits #fivesentencechallenge helped me through my writing block and continue to motivate me to write, write, write. Thank you!

There are so many other people I could thank individually, but this short post would end up giving The Never Ending Story a run for it's money.

So in closing, this Christmas, I am blessed and thankful!

Circus, Here I Come!

You may have noticed that my blogging has been sporadic, at best. It's not that I don't enjoying coming here and putting my two cents out there. In fact, I enjoy blogging, a lot. But lately I've been feeling like I should join the circus. Or at the very least some street side show. I have become a Juggler.

I have quite a few juggling balls on the go right now: Writing, Working, Reading, Blogging.

I prefer to think of my roles (and the long list of tasks that come with them) as hats I wear while juggling. Wife, Friend, Daughter, Aunt, Sister, Employee, Homeowner. I change my hat while trying to keep all the balls in the air. For the most part it's all about timing. Balls go up, hat gets changed, balls come done. Repeat.

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I like to think I do a pretty decent job, but add Christmas into the equation and things go from hectic to insane.

Some balls drop while others seem to get stuck in the air, hanging motionlessly above my head, just beyond my reach. I try to pull them back down, to rotate in something else, but I fail.

And which ball is stuck up in the air? Writing.

While Blogging has dropped and Reading seems to make an occasional appearance, Writing is a constant (so is Working, but that's not by choice). I'm not complaining. Not even whining a little bit. The fact that my Muse is here and playing nice, thrills me. But I know that in order to keep you folks interested, I need to pick up that Blogging ball and start giving it a toss.

So this is my promise to you. I solemnly swear I am up to no - wait a second, wrong oath. I solemnly swear to post, at the very least, two posts a week until the end of 2011. In 2012, I promise to increase this.

My word has been given. If you see me slacking, please feel free to give me a kick in the ass. I'm sure I'll deserve it.

Five Sentence Fiction

 

Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction. This week's inspiration word is : Poison

 The cocktail was mixed; a lethal combination that would ensure his position. He examined the noxious peanut, so harmless in his hands. He marveled at the magnitude of Science for which he did not understand. Once ingested his enemy would succumb. Once ingested, he would be rid of her for good.

Five Sentence Fiction

 

Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction. This week's inspiration word is : Nineteen

She counted them from left to right, over and over again, but each time she ended up with nineteen. Ten fingers and nine toes wiggling as she numbered them off one by one. She was positive she went to bed with twenty; the missing toe, not missing at all. Yet somewhere between night and daybreak, the little piggy made its heroic escape. How curious, she thought, as she counted them again.

Rolling with the Punches

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I feel like this post couldn't have come at a better time. Right now I have quite a few friends/family members who are going through some major life changes. New jobs, school, pregnancy, moving etc. You name it and I probably know someone going through it. Change is a HUGE part of our lives. There's just no way to avoid it. So this post is dedicated to all the people I know who are struggling. I hope it helps. I'm not an expert, but I think given my history, I have gained some valuable experience.

If I have learned anything in my 32 years walking this Earth, it's that life never goes as planned.
No matter how hard I try to plan my future, the more changes crop up. The bloody thing almost always does the exact opposite. Sometimes I feel it's just to spite me.

It's like trying to stick a square peg into a round hole. No matter how hard you force the bugger it just won't budge. Then, as soon as you find a round peg that will slip in nice and easy, the bastard changes to a triangle hole and your damn peg won't fit...AGAIN!

That's how life is. A butterfly flaps its wings and a tsunami hits Japan. (Or some other equivalent terrible disaster.)

This happens to be incredibly frustrating for me as I'm a chronic planner. I organize my free time for god's sake! Yup I am that person. <insert neurotic joke here> So when life throws me a curve, it pisses me off to no end. I not only want my plans to follow through, I want them NOW. I've become a product of the impatient society I despise.

UGH!

Up until 2 years ago my frustrations at life's ever changing nature used to send me reeling. I was no where near the path I'd set out to follow and I thought that was a bad thing.

I was wrong! Surprise, surprise.

Meditation taught me how to relax. It taught me that it's the present I should be focusing on, not the future. Living your life for tomorrow is a fool's errand. It's impossible to live in the future because once you're there it becomes the present. So you dwell on living in the future which becomes the present - again - and then your head blows up. Seriously, don't even try to work that shit out.

It's the same for the past. Can't live there either - well yet. I'm holding out for time travel, in which case this entire rant will be a load of crap. Until that day, I think it's safe to say it's the present we should be focusing on.

Okay, so we all agree that we live in the present, or at least should, now back to the pesky changing life issues.

Even if we could plan out every single aspect of our lives, would we want to? I mean really, if my life went according to plan, think of all the experiences I'd miss. The friends I'd never meet, the fun I'd never have.

Have there been struggles? Absolutely! Without question! I've had my share of tears and regrets. There's been mistakes I've made that I wish I could erase. I'd love to call Do-Over on many experiences. Yet this crazy path led me to life I have now. Even if I could go back (time travel fully instated) and change all those mistakes, take all the chances I didn't take and avoid all the crap ones I took. If I could go back and set everything "right" in the desperate attempt to ensure my plans came to fruition, I can guarantee my life still wouldn't end up as planned.

Such is life. Ever changing. Ever growing. Ever learning.

From now on I'm putting my faith in changes. Shit happens, life contorts and it almost always works out. Now I'm not saying, plan be damned! I'm still going to make my decisions with the future in mind. I'm not about to leave everything to chance.

Oh yes! I think I will sell my house and all my possessions because the Universe will take care of me!

Doubt it. That's just being plain stupid. But when my life takes an unexpected turn or falls of the tracks I've carefully laid down for it, I'm going to walk up to the new challenge and be like..

Oh yeah, life? What up Bitch?! Let's do this!!

All gangster like, guns blazing.

Changes aren't always the negative we perceive them to be. In fact I'm willing to say that changes can be the best part of our lives. So embrace them, hang on and enjoy the ride!

Crossing the Finish Line

December 1st - the end of NaNoWriMo. PHEW!

I must say it has been quite the ride. I started this journey nervous about accomplishing the daily word totals. Nervous is an understatement, but it sounds much better than the gut wrenching, sweaty palm sickness I felt each time I actually thought about it.

So... yeah... nervous :)

I set myself the goal and I am more than a little happy to report I DID IT! Yeah! I finished! I won! WOOT! etc etc etc. <insert happy dance here>

Not only did I finish, I managed to do it with time to spare (4 days to be exact) and even kicked in a few extra words...105 extra words! So I'm now an official NaNoWriMo winner, complete with a certificate! You may have noticed my shiny new badge on my blog too.

Look Ma! I did it!

Until NaNo I had completed short stories and a long list of poorly written poems that I dare not share. I even completed a novel about the same length. Except that novel took me two years to finish! Completing my 50,000 words in 26 days has been, by far, the best experience in my writing career. I use the term career loosely since no one has come banging down my door to pay me the big bucks to write...yet ;)

The journey was not without its challenges. I even had a mini breakdown mid-way through the month. Despite being ahead, I felt my writing was utter crap. The language was wrong, the grammar atrocious and don't get me started on all the little writing rules I knew I was breaking - and all the ones I didn't know.

I'd poked the inner critique and that bastard was pissed! He came strutting in nitpicking all my sentences and pointing out the mistakes. He urged me to give up, cut my losses and go watch some mindless TV. Wasn't there some crap show that I just had to watch!? Huh? HUH?

The bastard almost won. I can admit how close a call it was. But I had one trick up my sleeve that he didn't see coming - support. I had friends, family, co-workers and twitter folk that were always there to lend an ear, hand or whatever else I needed in the name of conquering the NaNo beast. I couldn't have asked for a better support system. I feel blessed!

In short I kicked NaNoWriMo's ass this year and I plan on doing again in 2012.

Thanks to all my friends, family and twitter folk for all the love and support. Much Love!

The No Mo - Week Four

By now the staches of the world are in full bloom. Carefully groomed with a loving hand. Thick and bushy like a nice little broom on the upper lip of the men of the world.

But sometimes, despite their best efforts, the mo just don't grow.

My brother in-law happens to be one of the hair follicle impaired men I speak of. But he's a good sport and agreed to give me a quick interview.

Q: Why is Movember important to you?

A: Movember is important to me because it sheds light onto a topic that is typically not spoken about due to men being shy or not vocal about this issue (prostate cancer). Generally when men congregate, the most popular topics to converse about are sports, cars, video games, women etc...not how your prostate is doing. Men's health isn't a typical conversation piece.

With that being said, I hope Movember becomes even more popular in future years. I know most women hate that their significant other has a hairy upper lip, but I think the individuals that look at Movember as just an excuse to grow a 'Mo' really should sit back and look at the actual meaning. 

Q: What style of 'Mo' are you growing?

The Ghost Mo

A: I've unwillingly created my own style. It's called "The Ghost Mo". The mustache will span across the entire upper lip like any other standard mustache BUT since my facial hair is very light, it is difficult to see if you're more than 5 - 10 feet away from my face. This is where the "ghost" portion comes from. The Mo is there...but you can't always see it!

Q: What's your itch factor on a scale of 1 to 5?

A: I spend every night serenading my mustache so it is very tame and has not caused me any itching issues. I think it's very important to have a strong working relationship with your mustache otherwise it will itch and potentially stunt the growth. 

To donate to Trevor and his Ghost Mo follow this link




As for the hubby, he's anxious to shave the Mo. He's managed to raise $115 towards a team total of $740, so far. Donations are still being accepted, so why not do your part and donate to the members of The Velvet Undernose today!

Five Sentence Fiction

I've decided to try my hand at Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction. Below is a description from her blog.

What it's all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction. This week's inspiration word is : SACRIFICE

Sacrifice

She eyed the last piece of apple pie that she'd been dreaming about all day. She scooped it up with her hands and slipped in onto her plate, licking her sticky fingers. He strolled in just as she was sinking her fork into the flaky pastry, poised for that memorable first bite. His bottom lip jetted out and her heart melted into a mushy goo not unlike the apple filing. She handed him the fork and watched as a smile spread across his face. 

Movember Week 3 - The Man Behind the Mo

Mr. Mo Captain - Sean

Meet the man behind The Velvet Undernose! The man who created the team. Captain Sean shares why Movember is important to him.

Q: Why is Movember important to you? 

A: My grandfather was a huge figure in my life and he died of complications from prostate cancer.  When I first heard about it, MOvember was the easy and fun way to contribute to a growing problem.  Breast cancer is so "out there" because women tend to be more vocal about issues - men are too passive and this is a great tool to use.

Q: Tell us about The Velvet Undernose

A: The Velvet Undernose is a growing team, we have founding members that dedicate their face to their art every November, and at the end of the month we do a hairy gathering.  We do our collective best to snare as many donations as possible, but the hidden agenda is to have fun looking totally ridiculous for one month - and getting away with it.

Q: How can people help?

A: Support The Velvet Undernose. Make a donation to our team, or get a tattoo that says you care about my prostate, whichever is easiest for you.  Either way, prostate cancer must be cured, so the more awareness, the better.  Plus you can touch my 'stache too after you touch Ryan's.

Q: What style of Mo are you growing?

A: " 70's Art-Rock Retro ", when I meet new clients, I introduce my stache as "the real deal sex appeal".  I think it's catching on.

Q: What's your itch factor on a scale of 1 to 5? 

A: No itch.  It's more like a soft and loving caress. Whenever I can, I gently brush it from side to side like a caged tiger I just caught. When I ever so gently kiss my wife's cheek, the tiger roars and makes it's presence known.  No itch: though a wild beast, it is my ally.  

To make a donation to Sean and his 70's Art-Rock Retro Mo follow this link

Brandon contemplating his Mo

This week Brandon's Mo is really started to come in nicely. And by nicely I mean absolutely sick. It's getting quite hard to take anything he has to say serious. I often find myself laughing or staring at the Mo.

When asked about his itch factor, he stated:

"Now that the broom is starting to grow longer, it's less about the itch and more about the maintenance. I am learning how to embrace the stache and it has almost reached its full potential! God I'm SEXY!"

To make a donation to Brandon and his life changing Mo follow this link

Interview with My Mo Bro - Week Two

We're two weeks into Movember and once again the hubby is hairier. Hairier and greasier. '70s Porn Star greasy. Yeah...like that.

So this week I decided to keep the title the same because the interview is quite literally with my brother, Ryan.

Ryan is also a proud member of The Velvet Undernose. He's been known to dye his sick stache and from what I can tell, he actually enjoys sporting a Mo. I'm sure you'll agree after reading his
Q & A.

Q: Why is Movember important to you?

A: Cancer affects so many people in our lives. It's nice to get involved and try to raise money and awareness while having a few laughs along the way. Plus it gives me an excuse to showcase my porn star-esque, charming, yet oh so sexy, hypnotizing demeanor, something that I have to harness the other 11 months of the year...

Q: Tell us about The Velvet Undernose.

A: A good group of dirty mustachios. Best part is the party at the end of the month where my moustache tends to drink more than I do.

Ryan and his "Bread Maker" Mo

Q: How can people support you and The Velvet Undernose?

A: Show me the money baby!! If you're lucky I might let you touch my stache...

Q: What style of Mo are you growing?

A: I like to call it the "Bread Maker". Interpret that as you wish..

Q: On a scale of 1 to 5, how itchy is your Mo?

A: First off, you need to learn to embrace the stache. I don't itch, itching is for catfish-faced prepubescent rookies. These things have a mind of their own and you have to learn to love them. Sometimes I actually wonder to myself...am I growing a moustache or is the stache growing me???

If you want to donate to Ryan and his Bread Maker Mo follow this link.

Learning to embrace the Mo

This week Brandon has listed his itchy factor as a 3 stating...and I quote...

"I give it a 3 cuz I'm still learning how to embrace the stache."

If you want to donate to Brandon and his Undercover Brother Mo follow this link.

If you missed Brandon's Q & A don't fret! You can check out his feelings about Movember by clicking HERE .

Interview with a Mo Bro - Week One

With week one of Movember now behind us, we careen into week two a little bit hairier. Not me of course, the hubby. Though I did debate not shaving my legs. It is Movember after all.

When I first decided to blog about Brandon's journey, I figured it would be a good idea to do a little  research. I found the following facts on Movember's website.

Prostate Cancer Canada

I was quite surprised to learn that on average, 11 Canadian men will die of prostate cancer every day. I also learned that in 2011, there have been more cases of prostate cancer diagnosed than breast cancer.

But it's not just about prostate cancer. Movember is about promoting men's health in general.

• The average life expectancy for men is five years less than women. With men's average age being 78 to women's 83.
• After cancer, the leading cause of death in men is heart disease.
• Among Canadians of all ages, 4 out of every 5 suicides are male.
• 5% more men will develop cancer during their lifetimes in Canada than women.

Those few facts alone are astounding and reinforced for me, how important Movember really is. As someone who has a family member that is battling prostate cancer, I can't emphasize enough how important early detection is. My grandpa has been living and managing his prostate cancer since the '90s. Thankfully his cancer was detected early enough that the doctors were able to offer medical treatments to improve the quality of his life.

Men's health can be somewhat of a tricky topic. Men are often tight-lipped when it comes to anything that concerns their health. Unfortunately this silence ensures that these important health concerns continue to fade into the background.

While the fight to put an end to breast cancer has gained immense coverage over the years, prostate cancer is slowly moving into the light. Movember Canada partnered with Prostate Cancer Canada encourage men to take a stand and speak out against this terrible disease.

As promised I've included a short Q & A with Brandon to get his thoughts on his Movember experience so far.

Brandon's dirty Mo after week one. Lord help us.

Q: Why is Movember important to you?

A: First off I think it's a great fundraiser. I also think it's really funny to see everyone grow a moustache and laugh at each other.

Q: What's the name of your team? Tell us about them.

A: Our team name is The Velvet Undernose. The team is made up of a group of really funny guys that are willing to sacrifice their face for a good cause.

Q:  How can people support you and The Velvet Undernose?
A: If people want to support us they can follow the link and donate to either myself or the team. 

What his Mo should look like.

Q: What style of Mo are you growing?

A: This year I've decided to grow The Undercover Brother.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 5, how itchy is your Mo?

A: Umm...I'd say it's only a 1 right now. Until it starts growing in more.

Next week I'll chat with another member of The Velvet Undernose and get an update on Brandon's Undercover Brother Mo. Stay tuned! 

Will You Donate to Help Change the Face of Men's Health?

Growing a Stache for Cash!

And it's a Great Cause TOO!

Let me first clarify. I'm not growing a moustache, that would just be wrong on so many levels.

No, this blog post is dedicated to my loving and brave hubby, Brandon, who has agreed for the second year in a row to throw away his razor and grow a creepy stache for Movember.

If you've never heard of Movember, you aren't alone. Until last year I was clueless.

Here's the DownMo:

In the month of November men around the world let their moustaches grow in order to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer. The event first took place in Melbourne, Australia and has now become a global movement.

Movember

In 2010 nearly 119,000 Canadians (Mo Bros and Sistas, as participants are referred to) raised $22.3 million CAD. That's just the Canadian total!

Women can participate by raising money...growing facial hair is optional ;)

For more information on Movember, check out their Worldwide Movember Website and select your region.


Now back to the blog and my hubby.

Brandon's Pre-Mo Face

For the month of Movember I will be following Brandon's Mo progress. Once a week I will post a picture of him to document how his stache is growing with a short Q&A on his Movember experience. Don't worry, I checked with him first. He's totally cool with having his creepy stache blogged!

The Versatile Blogger Award

I have been given the Versatile Blogger Award by Lillie at Lillie McFerrin Writes. Thanks!

Now, I get to pass it on!

Here are the rules:

Thank the person who nominated you. Tell 7 things about yourself, so that your readers may learn more about you, and nominate 15 other newly discovered bloggers, then let them know you nominated them.

7 Things About Me!

1) I absolutely adore Hockey. I live, sleep and breathe Hockey! My favourite teams are the Vancouver Canucks, who I've loved since childhood and the Winnipeg Jets, a hometown team we lost 15 years ago that arrived back in out city this year! Yay!

2) Last year a friend taught me to knit. I made two scarfs and a hat that was supposed to be for me but ended up being too small. My other friend's little girl was able to fit it though. Great save of wool. 

3) I love to make soup. In fact I've been called the Soup Nazi (from Seinfeld) on more than one occasion. When I make soup have to listen to classical music. It's like a rule or something :) 

4) I make my own jewelry. Mainly earrings and bracelets.

5) I'm just as bad as a kid when it comes to Christmas morning. I get up early and beg my husband to wake up so we can open presents. 

6) I enjoy gardening and I grow vegetables in my back yard.

7) You can often find me singing and dancing in my kitchen ;-)

Winners!

I am happy to pass this wonderful award onto the following awesome bloggers:

1. Julie at Mommy Coach 

2. Dana at The Daily Dose

3. Ava Jae at Writability

4. Violeta at Lyn Midnight Against the Odds

5. Eleanor at A Buddhist On A Blog

6. J. Birch at Birch Writes

7. Dan at Surly Muse

8. Zencherry at The Zen Corner

9. Carissa at My Inner Stillness 

10. Alivia at Alivia Anders

11. Cylee at It's Okay. I'm a Writer.

12. Panda at Just Your Average Procrastinating Author

13. JT at Going for Coffee

14. Melissa at The Undeveloped Story

15. Alison at Fresh Pot of Tea

Don't Forget to Read!

Maggie Smith / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How important is reading for a writer? 

Seems like a silly question right? I mean of course in order to write, you need to read. That's a given!

Except for some reason when I get caught up in my writing, I forget to read.

Reading, for me, is like breathing. I don't just read books, I devour them. I'm a bookaholic. I set myself goals each year on how many books I want to finish. Last year my goal was 52 and although I fell short, I still managed over 40 books.

You see I'm a huge geek. For the last few years I've been keeping track of every book I've read. I keep special journals where I rate each book out of 5 and write a little review.

After reaching a career reading high last year, I decided that come January 2011 I would focus my attention on writing. I was worried that I was using reading as an excuse not to write. With sheer determination, I stepped into 2011 without a reading goal or a new journal.

Biggest mistake ever!

You see, I forgot how important reading is. I went almost 3 months before I finished two books.  My friends were amazed and worried about me. Yeah, that's how much I normally read. People worry about me when I'm not.

I let my creative well run dry. There's no better way to put it. Great writers read a lot and if I'm determined to be a great writer...which I am... I need to read.

When I'm feeling as though my writing is terrible or that no one cares what I have to say, I know that I've neglected my other passion.

I still don't have journal for this year, I'm struggling to find a novel that captures my attention and I'm doubting my ability.

Needless to say this January 2012 I'll be keeping track of my reading habits.

 Oh, and I'll have a pretty new journal too!

Hi, I'm not home right now...I'm Guest Blogging!

WriMos FTW!

Just dropped by to say that I'm guest blogging on a FABULOUS site called WriMos FTW!
TODAY (Wednesday, October 19th)

If you can't get enough of my quirky writing or maybe you're curious about what WriMosFTW! stands for...well...what are you waiting for? Check it out!

And since you've stopped by, why not have a little peek at all the talented writers guest posting all October and November.

Want more? Check out NaNoWrMo for all the details on the writing event taking place in November.

And that's all for me. Over and out.

NOTE: Please ignore my repetitive use of the word all....I'm in need of caffeine.  :)