Life Is Short

"Life is short
Break the rules,
Forgive quickly,
Kiss slowly,
Love truly,
Laugh uncontrollably,
And never regret anything that makes you smile."

This quote is attributed to Mark Twain.  When I came across it, it was only a partial quote.  When I first read this in it's entirety, I didn't know if I really liked it.  After mulling it over for awhile, I realized. I kind of did. Now I'm not advocating breaking the rules or never regretting your actions. What this quote reminds me to do, is live life to its fullest.

What does that mean exactly?  To me living life to it's fullest is making sure everyday is filled with meaningful experiences.  Learning what you can from experiences placed before us.  It means to be looking for places to grow and expand your mind and keeping our bodies healthy and vital.

I think sometimes we get caught up in the mundane of everyday living and forget there is a whole world out there to explore.  I don't just mean physically.  We need to stretch our minds as well as our bodies.  You can explore the world through many means but most of us don't take the time to do any of it.

If you know me you know I believe in Heaven and Hell I believe in God and I believe in Satan.  I know for every good thing there is on this good earth there is opposition.  For every good thing on the internet the are perverse and evil things.  Expanding our minds, being well versed in scripture, whatever scripture you read is always a good thing.

Looking at my quote above Life is short, forgiving quickly, is always a good thing. Kissing slowly is a very good thing, Loving truly and laughing uncontrollably makes life worth living.  I also believe laughter everyday will bring joy and happiness to your world.  Look for good things to fill your life, try and make the lives of others more joyful.

Have a good week.

So Many Things So Little Time

This is been such a hectic, but good week.  On Monday I took myself on a writers retreat.  Three days by myself to do nothing but writing and research.  It was very successful.  I wrote four chapters in one day.  Now, that may not seem like a lot to some people but to me it was amazing.  The ideas just flowed.  This new book is going to be a so much fun to write.  New people new places and of course murder with a little romance on the side.

Then two days at work for thirteen hours per day, then to finish up the week I painted my sons room with help from him.  I seem to always have a project or two going on.  I know I'm crazy but it seems to keep me sane.  Next week it's back to the gym for me to start training for my 100 mile bike ride in June.  How will I fit every thing in.

I feel like if I slow down then I will stop completely.  How much is too much?  When do you know it's time to give some things up?   I refuse to grow old.  So I will keep doing what I love, maybe just a little bit slower!
 
Have a great week

It's Finally Happening!

Well this is it.  On Monday I go on my very own writers retreat and start book number 4.

There is no name, there is only the very beginning of a plot line, but I found my inspiration.  That is everything.  You would think, this being my fourth book, that this would get easier.  Well for me it does not.  Writing for me is as difficult now as it was four years ago when I started down this road.  But it is also one of the rewarding things I've ever done.  There are many people who contribute to my novels.  Most of them don't even know.    Many people want to know why I have to go away to write.  The answer is focus.  At home I have too many distractions.  House cleaning, laundry, work, work, work.  The needs of my family will always come first.  Then there are the dogs.

When I go away I can sequester myself and have nothing but quiet and my own thoughts.  Last time I did this I wrote 4 chapters in 3 days.  I know for some authors that's nothing.  For me that's miraculous.

So on Monday I will get started on the last phase of the Mended Hearts Collection.  I have the hero, Sam,  his heroine almost has a name.  Her back story has been stewing in the back of my mind for over a year.  She will finally come to fruition.  So wish me luck and I will try to get this started and we will see how it will play out.

Have a good week.  

Sick, Sick, Sick

Have you ever had one of those years?  Okay maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration.  It just seems like it's been forever.  I don't normally get sick, for longer than about 12 hours.  This winter I have been sick a lot.  This week is no different.  But unfortunately I don't get any down time.  Why is it as a wife and mother I don't get to be down when I'm sick.  I am trying to find an upside but nothing is coming to me.  Perhaps if I slept for about 10 hours straight.  Then again maybe not.  I will try to more inspiring next week.  I'm going to bed.

Happy New Year

What a year!  2016 has come to a close.  Was it a great year for you?  Are you looking forward to another,or are you glad to see the end of 2016?  I look back on my year it had it's ups and downs.  I am looking forward to 2017.  I always feel hopeful at the beginning of the new year.  I am hoping to publish book number four this year.  I'm also looking forward to riding in my first century bike ride. It will be in June.  I am hoping do some fixing up around my home and yard.  I am hoping to lose some weight and feel better this year.  So even though I'm not great at goal setting there are some things I want to accomplish.  I have been blessed with two wonderful children, whom I love very much.  My hope for them this year is to be happy and find some joy in their lives.  I hope my husband will find joy in his life as well.

So far I haven't had many people follow me from my website to my blog but maybe some of them will find me.  Until then thank you who read my weekly ramblings.  And have a Happy New Year.  Drive safe and sober.

Merry Christmas

Hey Everyone Merry Christmas!!!!!

This time of year is crazy busy, crazy fun, and just plain crazy!!!  As I look at my Christmas Tree decorated with ornaments and presents underneath I reflect on this busy season.   I always hope my children are happy about the gifts they received.  Even though I know deep down inside it's probably not everything they wanted.  But praying they're content with what they received.

It's a crazy time for me.  I haven't had time to sit and ponder what this season should be about.  After the presents are opened and everything has settled a bit, I am able to watch the snow gently falling.  I am so grateful for my many blessings.  My family especially.  My life would be meaningless without them.  Yes, even the dogs.

There as so many things I wish for this year.  Peace, happiness, love and joy for everyone I know.  I wish for a pain free, disease free, cancer free world.  I wish for a world free of war and strife.  I wish no one had money problems and everyone had everything they needed.  I wish no one was homeless, or friendless.  I wish there was no racism, hate, or discrimination.  But then we would live in a perfect world.  Knowing that someday we will live in a perfect place helps me get through the day.  That, someday I will see my loved ones that have gone on before.  I look forward to the day when I will see my Savior again.

But until then, we must keep doing our best to show for love, kindness, and charity, to all around us. We must do our part to make this a better world. I hope this Christmas season is everything you hope for.  I hope this blog finds you happy and at peace.  May each of you have a joyous day.        

Transition can be fun!

Moving from my website to a blog is not by any means a huge step.  It will be a short hop for me. My worry is that those who follow my website blog will not follow me to this blog.  I guess that will tell me who is really interested my ramblings.  Anyway, I am actually finding myself not as depressed as usual during this Christmas season.  For those of you who don't know, I find myself sinking into an unusual state of depression.  This year however I am not as depressed as I have been in years past.  I don't know why but, I am okay with the change.  I am enjoying spending time with my family, decorating my house, and I'm almost enjoying listening to Christmas music.  Baby steps.  It's a great time of year for sharing with family and friends no matter what holiday you celebrate.  So Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and Merry Christmas.