Take All the Time You Need

Good Morning! I spent the first few hours of the day outside today while the baby (almost sixteen months already!) frolicked in the grass completely naked. Frolicked sounds like such a frivolous word—but that’s truly what she did. She was thrilled to run without a diaper, and skampered about with pure delight.

It was wonderful.

even though her mom made an executive decision to not put sunscreen on her shoulders and figured 15 minutes of under-seventy degree weather was fine and now she has her very first sunburn.

oops.

How are things with you? Are you remembering to slow down and soak things in? Are you remembering that life is a journey to be enjoyed and not a race to the finish line?

I forgot this a few weeks ago. I let myself feel other people’s stress. I allowed myself to get sucked into DRAMA that had nothing to do with me. I allowed myself to absorb the tension in others instead of letting it wash over me and then down the drain.

My wise friend Shirley told me last week that life truly is like a roller coaster—you can fight this fact, or you (universal you, although I let her speak directly to me ) can go with the flow and enjoy the ride.

This morning I enjoyed the ride, and I challenge you to do the same. There will always, always, always be something that you “should” be doing. But usually the shoulds just don’t matter.

they really don’t.

I have received the proofs yesterday for the Totally Together journal. This has been an over-eight-years-in-the-making project, and it’s finally going to print. I was told “no” dozens of times. It took me two years to find a literary agent and then another two years to secure publication, just for it to disappear due to the economic downturn.

Each time I was told “no,” I was upset. It bothered me that agents or publishers couldn’t see my vision. It annoyed me that I allowed myself to become upset. I figured if I was a stronger person, I could take disappointment with grace and not let it weigh me down. I felt guilty for wanting this book to come alive since I had succeeded with the crockpot site/books. I felt guilty for wanting more. I felt like I wasn’t supporting the “brand” of a slow-cooking expert, whatever that means.

I still feel that way at times.

The fact that it’s finally coming out makes my heart swell with pride in such a different way than I felt with the crockpot books. This was something I worked at—and while the crockpot thing was work, it was a different kind of work. I think this was the book/tool I was supposed to produce.

I’ve got a lot of ideas that I want to implement in the next little while to help tie this site to the crockpot site. It’s going to take time, effort, and work. But this time, I’m not going to fight it—-instead, I’m going to trust that the twisty obstacle course is meant to happen. Shirley is right.

I’m going to enjoy the ride.

I found this today under the play structure–the kids drew it where it can’t be washed away by either rain or the sprinklers. I loved finding it out of the blue.

Even if you’re having an otherwise-icky day, find a rainbow. It’s there, somewhere.

I hope your day is filled with lots and lots and lots of love.

Wednesday, clobber the cobwebs and other things

272

I finished a deadline last night that was hanging over my head. I was practically-but-n0t-actually late but it’s done and over and I feel SO MUCH BETTER. I know I’ve written about this before, but I am a really bad procrastinator when it comes to writing deadlines. I like writing, so when I’m “told” I have to write about this or that by a certain time, all creativity seems to fly out the window and I push it to the absolute last minute.

This is kind of problematic when you’re trying to make a living as a writer. The year I did the crockpot challenge, I also was in charge of the local parenting magazine’s event calendar. The job was pitched as 10-15 hours a week, and my deadline would be the 6th of each month for the following month. I was supposed to process the press releases as they came in and write the blurbs on the corresponding calendar date. Easy.

I only did it this way once. After January was complete, and the editor wrote back that she was thrilled with the work, I began to push the envelope. I’d start working a week before my deadline. Then three days before. When December was due, I did it all in one sitting and pulled an all-nighter. It kind of felt exhilarating, like I was back in college BSing my way through Shakespeare class.

I’m learning that I can’t do this anymore because it isn’t fair to the family to be glued to the computer for an entire day (or more), grumbling about “being on a deadline.” The baby HATES the laptop with a firey passion, and whines as soon as I pull it out of it’s hiding place in the armoire.

or maybe I just need to be more creative. I don’t see me tackling work as soon as it’s assigned–it’s just not me.

yet.

Today:

daily 7

sweep, mop, dust, vacuum

begin ordering Holiday gifts (don’t get mad! )

day 127–Friday Fun Day

127

Happy Friday! I’m writing from Anaheim, at the Disney California Food and Wine Festival. The ride down was uneventful—and as I type the kids are pool-hopping. The weather is gorgeous, and I’m happy and thankful to be here.

Today:

remember that patience is a virtue

daily 7 (I’m on vacation, so for me that means really just means the last 1: tidy up after yourself, and help others do the same.)

While I do let the kids throw wet towels on the floor while we’re away, I am a stickler for putting clothes back into suit cases, and I don’t let the kids leave toys all over the place.

But we do jump on the beds, A LOT.

They also quickly help me to wipe down the phone, door handles, and tv remote with clorox wipes. yes, I travel with clorox wipes.

Have a happy day!

xoxo

day 53–PROM the books

53

I hope you had a great weekend! This week, we’re going to PROM the books. I used to collect books and had so many that the bookcases were overflowing. I bought books that I thought I should read, and kept books that I had read years and years ago, even though I knew deep down that I’d never want to read them again. As our family grew bigger and bigger, our book collection grew and grew. When we moved we had so many books they hardly fit into the boxes I bought to contain them all.

Are you the same way?

Are there books in your home that would be better enjoyed by someone else? Books are not trophies. Reclaim the square footage in your home housed by forgotten books.

You can give your books to: your local library, local children’s hospital, local schools and child care centers, VA hospitals, military bases, get rid of them on craigslist or freecycle, or drop them off at the Salvation Army/Goodwill.

Today:

PROM the books: look through all bookcases and quickly purge unwanted, unneeded, and unloved books

weekend recovery

yesterday: days 51 & 52

So This is December

I failed at National Novel Writing Month.

I’m okay with it.

I’m also okay with the word “failed.” I think many times people shy away from the word because it sounds harsh, and it’s much easier to make excuses than to own up to shortcomings. I had/have every excuse in the book: I’m tired, I’ve got too much work to do, the kids need me, I’ve got Thanksgiving to plan, Christmas to plan, the baby’s room needs painting and decorating, the garage needs a playroom makeover, I’ve got to Christmas shop now, I’m having contractions, it hurts my tail bone to sit, I’m helping at the school today, the kids are only this age once, I haven’t been a good friend to so and so and should really have her over for coffee, etc. and etc. again.

But it all boils down to conscious choice, and I consciously made the choice each and every time I decided to not sit down and write.

and I’m okay with it.

The fantastic news is that we’re now completely ready for this baby, and that feels wonderful. I’ve got about 4 weeks to go, and the room is painted and done, the garage is set up as a play space with the toy kitchen and a separate art area, and the Christmas lights are up. The shopping is practically done, including gift wrap and stocking stuff, and I never left the house to do it. I LOVE THE INTERNET.

I’ve also caught up on way too many hours of The Baby Story, and am weighing the cord blood thing. I didn’t do it with the other girls, and since this will probably be the last baby, maybe I should just go for it. But it’s expensive.

I’m excited about the upcoming New Year. I’m looking forward to exercising again, and getting my brain cells back (boy I hope they come back…). I’m also looking forward to wine and coffee (that’s okay to say out loud, right?) I’ve got a few writing projects lined up, and I’ve got to figure out what to do with this site, since I totally suck at keeping it updated.

I’ve got a guest post lined up in the next few days from a reader who is also nutritionist, so if you have any questions about nutrition, get them ready.

have an absolutely wonderful day.

NaNoWriMo—day 9

It’s the ninth of November. How did that happen already?

Well, I took all of your wonderful advice and cut myself some slack and took a break from writing this weekend, and immediately felt a huge sense of relief and my shoulders weren’t so slumpy. We had a very busy weekend, starting off with a book launch party for the slow cooking book on Friday. It went really well, and I’m so happy it’s over and I can check one more thing off my list. Saturday was all-day soccer stuff and a Costco run, and Sunday was a baby shower thrown by my amazingly wonderful friends. We also took the playroom apart and prepped it for painting and set up the crib.

No time for writing.

Today was much calmer, and although we’re out tonight, I was able to squeeze in a few thousand words to bring my word count to practically 6k. I’m still much lower than I wanted to be this far in the game (most people are reporting 15k counts on twitter), but I’m feeling okay.

I am writing a lot of dialogue—-it seems my brain seems to propel the storyline forward with dialogue, as if a play or movie is playing out in my head, so at some point I need to go back and add filler. But for now, I think the important thing is to propel the story forward as much as I can before it disappears out of my head.

and to be honest, the story isn’t so much of a “real” story as it is a bunch of scenes I’ve got to tie in together somehow.

But it’s fun, and it’s definitely something I haven’t done before, so I’m getting a kick out of the process.

How’s it all going with you? Are you having the same experience with “seeing” it happen in your head, then reporting it to the computer, or are you writing from a completely different viewpoint?

xoxo steph

day 1, day 2, day 3, day 5, NaNoWriMo: I’m in. I think. Maybe.

NaNoWriMo—day 5

I love hearing about all the writing you’re all doing! Congratulations!

I’m doing okay over here, although I haven’t logged very many words the past few days. This week has gotten a bit bonkers, and the weekend is going to be super busy. I feel much better about the whole thing, though, and have stopped freaking out over a self-imposed daily goal.

It’ll happen when it happens—it always does!

I did go back and do some editing, which I believe you’re technically not supposed to do much of during NaNoWriMo–but whatever, and am feeling confident about what I’ve written and where I’m going. I’ve got scenes outlined, and know the words will flow nicely when I’ve got the time to get them down.

I overdid it yesterday, and ended up taking an hour-and-a-half long nap this morning after school drop-off, complete with drool. Lovely. But I feel much better. I was worried there was something other than just being pregnant wrong with me, but I’m pretty sure it was just being on my feet too much.

I hope you’re all doing well and are feeling good about the progress (or lack thereof!) that you’re making.

NaNoWriMo–day 2

I did it. I logged 2186 words today, bringing my grand total up to 3801/50,000. I’m happy with what I wrote, although it did take much, much longer than yesterday.

Today I was easily distracted by the internet, the phone, and the children. Yesterday, Adam was home to watch the kids, and I was somehow able to tune everything else out.

I also kept watching the clock, nervous that I’d miss kindergarten pick-up. As it so happened, I did get on a roll, and all of a sudden had only 10 minutes before the class let out. Tomorrow I’m going to set an alarm.

I haven’t experienced writer’s block (so far) as much as I’ve experienced extreme procrastination. I think having these daily word count goals (which Cathie pointed out is 1666, not 1500 as I originally thought. I really need to brush up on my math skills!) is good for me—I’d just pilfer away my time otherwise.

How’d you do today? Any tips to share?

related:

NaNoWriMo–day 1

National Novel Writing Month. I’m in. I think. Maybe.

NaNoWriMo–day 1

November 1, 2009

Happy November! I logged 1615 words today—it didn’t take that long to write, and flowed faster than I thought it would.

What a pleasant surprise.

I’m happy to have gained an extra hour due to Day Light Savings Time. It’s not yet 11am, and the laundry is done, the beds stripped, the crib assembled, the kitchen mopped, and the writing done.

I only actually did the writing part, but I did oversee the other happenings from a very comfortable position at the end of the couch.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to milk this being really pregnant thing for all it’s worth.

Day 1 down, 29 to go. How’s everybody doing? Still in a sugar coma from last night?

related:
National Novel Writing Month. I’m in. I think. Maybe.

Holiday Gifts to Support Bloggers

Don’t look now, but the Holidays are RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. They really are. Pretending you’ve got plenty of time will only cause a lot of undue stress.

I’m trying to get as many presents out of the way as I can in the next few weeks or so because

1) that’s just who I am. I like to get things done and out of the way (I know. It’s annoying. Feel free to throw eggs, I can handle it).

2) Whether I’m ready or not, this baby is going to get born. I spent most of the summer in denial, but she’s really going to come. I’m actually getting a bit nervous and feel the need to disinfect and re-paint every surface of the house.

3) Thanks to your wonderful comments and emails, I’m going to go for NaNoWriMo (national novel writing month). I’m kind of excited!

I get emails about book publishing and blogging, and how to get the two to collide. I am probably not the right person to ask, since the book I spent a hundred million years of my life (8, but whatever) trying to get published got canceled (but I’m staying positive. Yes, that’s it. Serenity Now!), and the slow cooker book was kind of a fluke thing—the publishers came to me, which is NOT NORMAL. Regardless, I’m going to pretend I know something and throw this idea out there, which I do believe makes sense:

If you write a blog, and want to become published, the best way to help achieve that goal in the long run is to support bloggers who *have* books. Because the more they sell, the better the chances of you selling a proposal to an agent and/or editor. And it’s good karma.

On that note, start your Holiday shopping early and support a blogger (or twenty-three) at the same time.

Note: Whenever possible, I’ve linked to the author’s Amazon Associate account, not my own. While reading the reviews on Amazon is a fantastic way to get a feel of the book, buying the book at your friendly neighborhood independent book store is best for your local economy. I am familiar with the work of *all* of these bloggers. While I am sure that there are other books by bloggers “out there,” I have not personally read their blogs or their books.

Cookbooks:

The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook Elana blogs at Elana’s Pantry, and has a beautiful website and an even more beautiful book. She has healthy recipes for all types of gluten free food that is healthy and wholesome. She introduced me to the wonders of almond flour and agave nectar. Cooking with almond flour creates moist, delicious gluten free baked products.

Clotilde’s Edible Adventures in Paris Clotilde blogs at Chocolate & Zucchini, and was the first food blogger I followed regularly who wrote a book. This book reads like a memoir/travel guide, and she does have a fabulous cookbook, Chocolate & Zucchini: Daily Adventures in a Parisian Kitchen.

David Lebovitz I’ve linked to David’s author’s page on his blog, because he has a great collection of cookbooks and a fantastic new memoir entitled, The Sweet Life in Paris. David goes out of his way to support bloggers, and is an all-around nice guy.

Pioneer Woman Cooks Ree blogs at The Pioneer Woman, and her cookbook just came out (well, tomorrow, Oct. 27, but it’s already shipping). Ree is warm, friendly, and loves butter–a fabulous trifecta. She’s absolutely wonderful.

Steamy Kitchen Jaden writes at Steamy Kitchen, and has phenomenal recipes for all kinds of Asian-inspired food. Her recipes are simple, clear, and use fresh ingredients. Her friendly writing style and gorgeous photos suck readers right in.

The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook Erin blogs at $5 Dinners, and is not only a great friend, she has created a fabulous resource for busy families on a budget. ALL of her meals have been made for $5 or less for a family of four. Her book isn’t out yet, but you can pre-order it and have it delivered to your gift recipient.

Family Feasts for $75 a Week Mary blogs at Owlhaven, and has 10! children. She knows how to feed a crowd, and knows all about picky eaters. A fantastic resource for anyone looking to streamline the kitchen, learn about meal planning, and save money.

Gary Vaynerchuk’s 101 Wines Gary blogs at Gary Vaynerchuk, and he does video-blogging (vlogging) on wine. He is hysterical, witty, and down to earth. Gary is the furthest thing from a wine snob, yet knows all there is to know.

Make it Fast, Cook it Slow Stephanie (that’s me!) blogs at A Year of Slow Cooking. In 2008, she made a New Year’s Resolution to use her slow cooker every day for a year, and write about it online. This book has the best 338 recipes from the year. All recipes are gluten-free, due to a family intolerance.

Parenting:

Sleep is For the Weak Rita writes at Surrender, Dorothy and she put together the best of the best of the mommy bloggers into a great gift for any pregnant woman, new mom, or any dad who needs to better understand his wife’s wonky behavior. I’ve given this numerous times as gifts, and it’s always well-received.

Sane Woman’s Guide to Raising a Large Family Mary (featured up above) writes at Owlhaven, and is a mom to 10. I read this book when we were deciding to take the plunge from two to three, and found her advice helpful and straightforward.

The Rookie Mom’s Handbook Heather and Whitney write at Rookie Moms, and wrote this book when they were trying to figure out how to keep their little ones entertained during the day. The handbook is chock full of developmentally appropriate activities, broken down by age groups. I’ve met Heather and Whitney, and like it that they are *real* moms, instead of parenting “experts.”

It Sucked and Then I Cried Heather is an internet rockstar. She started Dooce an awful long time ago, before there were tons of blogs, and is known as the Ultimate Mommy Blogger. I found her memoir fun and light-hearted. Although it’s presented as being primarily about postpartum depression, I wouldn’t classify it as such—I found it more like a being pregnant and new-mommy memoir.

The Mominatrix’s Guide to Sex Kristen blogs at Motherhood Uncensored. Her book isn’t out yet, but will be mid-January, just in time for Valentine’s Day, and is available for pre-order. I’m probably more prude than most, but am happy that a book like this exists, and that a blogger wrote it.

Sippy Cups are Not for Chardonnay I’ve linked to Stefanie’s Author page on Amazon, because she has three books out. She blogs at Baby on Bored. I’ve read her first book, and thought it was a nice change to the parenting books I was reading at the time. Stefanie isn’t afraid to call it as she sees it, and she doesn’t sugar-coat the hard(er) parts of motherhood.

Memoirs:

Gluten Free Girl Shauna writes at Gluten Free Girl, and she was one of the first resources I turned to when we were first diagnosed with Celiac in our family. Shauna’s love for food and her vast knowledge gave me the confidence I needed to start embracing our new lifestyle. Her eloquently-written memoir shares much about her personal road to gluten free living. She is working on a new cookbook which I eagerly await.

Half-Assed Jennette blogs at Pasta Queen, and shares her personal journey of losing 180 pounds all on her own in this fabulous memoir. I read this book coming home on an airplane during some rather rough turbulence, and her friendly writing style and hilarious anecdotes kept me calm.

Straight Up and Dirty and Moose Stephanie writes at Stephanie Klein, formerly named Greek Tragedy. I met her July 2008 at BlogHer, and was charmed by her warmth and wit. Stephanie has led such a different life than I have–which is kind of neat since we have the same name. I’ve read both of her books, and loved being able to “listen in” on her life experiences–both as a newly-divorced and dating single, and as a young teen at a camp for overweight youth.

Bitter is the New Black, Jen Lancaster Jen blogs at Jennslyvania, and was one of the first bloggers I’d heard of to write a memoir. I’ve linked to her Amazon page, as she has four books under her belt. Jen writes like a friend speaking, and immediately engages the reader with her cut-t0-the chase humor.

Business/Blogging:

The IT Girls Guide to Blogging Kathie and Joelle blog at Moxie Design Studios, and have written a comprehensive guide to blogging—perfect for the newish blogger,  the wanna-be who wants to get started on the right foot, or the blogger who wants to beef up his/her web presence.

No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog Maggie writes at Mighty Girl, and wrote a fun compilation of blog post topics. This is great for the personal blogger who sometimes has a hard time figuring out, or narrowing down blog post ideas.

Personal Development for Smart People Steve blogs at Steve Pavlina.com. I found his blog a few years ago when I was googling how to create a highly trafficked website. I like a lot of his ideas, especially the 30 Days to a New Habit posts. Some of his ideas are quite out there, and may be offensive. Please read the Amazon reviews carefully.

Crush It! This is Gary’s (featured above) newest book. I haven’t yet read it, but am interested in doing so. It’s gotten rave reviews as a fantastic resource for any interested in learning more about social media.

TypePad for Dummies Shannon blogs at Rocks in My Dryer. I love how Shannon writes, especially the way she interacts with her readers. I was fortunate to meet her at BlogHer in 08, and was thrilled to learn that she was writing a Dummies book on Typepad. The book isn’t quite out yet, but you can pre-order it on Amazon.

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okay! I hope these ideas help in your holiday shopping—hopefully you can quickly cross people off your list and help fellow bloggers out at the same time.

Happy Shopping!

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