Writing is working and working is discipline...

It's not been easy getting back into writing habits after a long break. Not only was I on a fantastic trip for ten days and I have to have the discipline to create and keep to a writing schedule, it's also the smaller version of a break down I get once in a while due to my difficult path.

The path being a writing career.

It's difficult to feel like what I'm doing is the right thing, that I'm good at it and it will all pay off, when there are no signs of it going anywhere or any kind of encouragement. I did write an advertised article that I got paid for and was on the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press -- which was awesome! I didn't get a byline and it wasn't the kind of thing I wanted to get paid to write and I'm not sure I even consider it published, but I DID get paid and it was the highest ranked article they ran in the series. But that kind of encouragement only lasts so long. The company currently doesn't need anything written and therefore, no writers. 

My new beats headphones, a bright, fun pink, has gotten me into music while working in a way I haven't been into in a long time and it's fantastic! Helps from outside distractions as well.

I post pretty pictures of things that inspire and motivate me in order to double the inspiration and motivation. Sometimes it works! I've at least been editing more and I'm nearly done with my novella! Not sure what I'll do with it though... probably self publish it as a kindle once I submit and get rejected by Kindle Singles. 

Sometimes a change of scenery helps. There's a fantastic new coffee shop that opened in my town. It's big, open, a lot of tables to choose from and a lot of natural light. Not to mention some great cups of coffee! Here is a dirty chai. It's a chai with two shots of espresso and it's my new favorite drink, especially for autumn. The scenery and fancy drink helped me get a lot of editing done!

 A few things I read that help me feel inspired in certain ways. Bella Grace is a beautiful magazine (if you can call it that, it's more like a book) filled with people's narratives, essays, quotes and even writing prompts to enjoy life, be in the moment, notice the small things, that life is beautiful and full of magic. I submitted a piece to them, thinking it was not only a perjfect thing for me to read (I have three issues now) but that it's so me that it would be perfect for me to write for, too. Well, they didn't publish my piece.

It's hard to take rejection, especially from something you like, admire and feel inspired by so much. I'll keep reading it, keep being inspired by it, and I'll keep submitting to it as well.

There's also Womankind, also my third volume. It's different than Bella Grace. It can be a bit too feminist for me, but there are also some great articles about all sorts. This is an autumn/Halloween issue full of bats and caves and haunted castles! Totally inspiring.

I'm reading The Martian, which has had a LOT of hype, and so far I'm enjoying it. It's not inspriing in the way that I can take it to my own writing, but it's nice to read something not YA or complete fantasy sprinkled with angst romance. I've been having a seriousl problem reading 75% of a novel and then putting it down and starting a new book! I really need to finish my books. I have so many to read. So I'll finish this then I'll go back and finish all my mostly down novels. All whilst editing my own stories and starting new ones and maybe I can still get published in some way this year.

This is my year! It has to be.

Wooded Walk & Writing, Writing, Writing...

Hello and happy Tuesday lovely ladies and generous gents.

I'm just posting about life over here, so here are a few updates! Of course, it mostly involves reading, eating, and walking around!

From a walk I went on with my dad - what a beauty!

Husband makes me coffee every morning and sometimes, it's just a masterpiece!

One day last week I had poptarts for breakfast and...

Spaghetti Os for lunch! The 90s looked good on my desk ;)

I have been writing in The Little Gratefulness Diary (from Flow Magazine), everyday for a few weeks now. It's a 29 week thing and I'm loving it! Oh to write something you're grateful for every day. To stay positive and happy and grateful! Also, I'm trying to calm down (do the !! give me away), and relax. Learning to meditate. I'm also using calm.com app and site - it's all great so far.

I bought a typewriter! Isn't it beautiful? From the 70s and looks brand new! It has a few quirks when typing, the spacing goes a little wonky but that's okay, adds to the charm!

I've begun a few projects that I'm really excited about -- I'll be sharing some in a post soon!

Lucky Charms! With extra magical swirly diamond marshmallows. Just eating my way through the 1990s over here!

Been reading Gala Darlings Radical Self Love - I for one didn't know how she was until her book came out and some of the circles I follow on instagram were very excited. I looked it up and thought it might be something I would like. I read and loved Girlosophy as a teen and I hoped this would be like an adult version! I was a little skeptical, new agey things, lots of pink glitter girl warrior stuff. But I can take things away from anything and am so far enjoying this book! I'm even trying a bit of tapping (EFT) which I'm not saying works but it's a type of meditation and as I said before, I'm working on meditating! Keep you posted on all that I read! I'll have a post soon to wrap up June, too (it was kind of a sad month, to be honest).

I'll try to be posting more often. I don't spend a lot of time running around, or at least as much as I'd like to, going on adventures and finding new places. I do spend a lot of time writing and reading, so I'll just try to start sharing more on those things - it's who I am after all!

Let's meditate! And love ourselves and write about what we're grateful for every day! I would also say let's cook and eat healthier and less processed, but did you see all that terrible 90s food I posted?

It's raining again here, it's been a very rainy summer. I kind of don't mind it because you know... I sort of love the rain! I do wish there was a tad more sunshine. It rains pretty much some every day and I would LOVE a few more thunderstorms. 

Have a lovely week!

Goodbye May, Hello June!

May sort of went by quickly and I'm not sure I ever posted!

Unfortunately I only read one book (gasp!) last month, which doesn't really qualify for a mini review, given the book was only 60 pages.

I read Very Good Lives - JK Rowling's commencement speech from 2008. It was fantastic! I got my Mom and Dad to read it as well. I gave it 5 stars for inspiration, motivation, and all around healthy thinking and reading.

Here are a few pictures to wrap up the month of May.

Books I bought new in May

All books I got in May! Kindle represents End of Days, which isn't posted above, oops

Started reading Magonia. It's pretty good. I'm enjoying doing a lot of reading and writing outside. Except four our neighbor that smokes. And, he must be stressed lately because he's smoking every 5 minutes.

Went on a walk with my Dad. We keep trying to go on more but, busy times and lives!

Been having some stunning sunsets

 My Dad spotted this gorgeous moth and we observed it for a good ten minutes. Iridescent wings, black underneath makes him look spray painted white, fuzzy head. Just beautiful!

 James and I finally made it to Dinosauria at the Detroit Zoo. We got stuck in 30 minutes of car a line a few weekends ago, they weren't letting any more people in to park. So we abandoned and when we finally made it, it was busy but manageable. Didn't realize it would cost $5 a person but we had a great time. We ended up with free ice cream, too!

Admiring my London books collection

 Was pretty excited when I saw Bella Grace was out a few days early. I bought it immediately. Trying not to blaze through it as fast as I did the previous one. Halfway through. Savoring. Inspiration, motivation, peace.

 More time outside

 Though it's missing my newest succulent from my dad (outside soaking sun) I've been enjoying this corner of my desk. It's got a light, simple feeling to me. At least, compared to the rest of my desk and home and life. See my new bookends? They were bought and brought back from Malaysia (by a stranger)

Mad Hatter Bistro

Husband and I went in March to the Mad Hatter bistro, an all Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant! What is there not to love about that magical and whimsical idea? I don't know how it took me so long to discover it but once I did, we were there! And, it was amazing.

Pretty, right?

Interior was great! Wish I had been able to capture more of it. Clocks and things everywhere, and they had a little downstairs for afternoon tea and the carpet has the image of grass and flowers and then the walls are faux grass, like going down the rabbit hole. But, I didn't capture it!

And, of course, the grand finale of the AMAZING food. Also, let me point out I had about 3 sips of the Drink Me Potion and I was a tiny bit more than tipsy! The chef did a walk around and I said it was so strong I couldn't have any more so he took away and off the bill. Very nice!

I had an egg sandwich and cheesy potato casserole. It was on faux England newspaper on a silver tray. The food was delicious. 

 James had a salmon benny of sorts. We both had a ton of food, neither of us finished. The alcohol and constant giggling didn't help!

To help sober up and just go all out with the fun, we got coffee after our meal.

See Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum creamer? :)

 Mmmm, I could go for some of this now!

Husband and I would love to go back, but it's nearly always crowded with a long wait, and it's a little more expensive than what we normally would spend going out. Great for a special treat once in a while. And, with this absolutley lovely weather these days, think we may be ready to go again soon!

Exquisite Corpse Coffee Shop

Recently revisited a coffee shop in Port Huron. There was a bad experience there a while back and we didn't go back until now. We had a really nice time. Good coffee, beautiful plants to inspire, and admire.

A few shots from the visit!

Breve! Huge breve...

I love the bowl of cactus and succulents.

It was a really pretty and peaceful place to work. The coffee, though massive, was really delicious. We got to spread out on the one large table next to a big window with lots of natural light and a lot of plants. We worked and talked for over an hour. It was really nice and I look forward to returning.

Brunch at Craft Day

It has been a while!

I guess I've been busy. I quit my part time job and have been working hard on my career, writing. I submitted two pieces and am working on what feels like a hundred more. I have deadlines and lots to do! It feels good though.

I had a craft day with my Mom, and friends Shar and Diana at Shar's house. She made a wonderful brunch for us.

The spread. Chicken salad sandwiches, heirloom tomatoes, avocados, cheeses and grapes! Lemon water and coffee. Beautiful, right? She even hand painted the four vases with chalk paint and we got to take them home.

Close-up of my meal. I could go for it right now, actually. Mmm.

 For dessert she bakes pistachio coconut lime cake. It was delicious! Great color, wonderful subtle flavors that went together perfectly.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Happy Days

Good Morning!

It has been a good past week. First, I put in my two week notice at work! Here is my quitting outfit and face! Though I don't have a full outfit picture. We only have one small mirror. I wore a beautiful brocade skirt, it's pale mint with grey dots and the high waist is a grey and white scalloped, wide elastic.

 Then, I immediately began writing! Because, that's why I'm quitting. To put all my energy into what I love and into what is my career. My Mom discovered a newer magazine by one of our favorite publishers, Stampington Collection (I actually emailed them for a job right out of college, they responded saying I was funny and they'd keep me in mind if they were ever in the area), called Bella Grace. With a copy in hand, I knew it was perfect for me! All about living life to the fullest, finding magical moments in the ordinary, being happy and positive. It's absolutely beautiful, the pictures and the writing. The pages have a matt finish that smell and feel great and will stand the test of time. Oh, I read it in a few days and was in love. I wrote a few pieces, just train of thoughts about different topics that mean something to me. I already submitted one this past Monday and am working on some others. Even if nothing comes of it for this magazine, those essays mean something to me and it's getting me excited and inspired to write more.

 I read this delightful, light-hearted child's novel this week. I've been eyeing it for some time and got it on a whim at Meijer (or I should say, my Mom did for me, she's sweet like that). It was exactly as I hoped. Charming, funny, sweet, and plain fun. I think I will get more books by this author.

 An order from amazon finally arrived this week! I bought two novels I've been wanting to read (newer ones, I don't often indulge in), because I had a gift card from my birthday from January! Bone Gap! Not a lot of reviews on Amazon but on Goodreads things are interesting. People either really love it or don't like it at all! Most people seem to think it's strange and wonderful. I'm very excited!

As you can see here, Luna is also excited for Bone Gap. Actually this picture is to show you the other novel I received. Greenglass House! Very exciting! A magical looking middle grade novel that takes place in winter. Perfect research and inspiration for the novel I'm currently working on! Plus that cover is gorgeous!

 I read this fun little book from Neil Gaiman the other day. It's a goofy, one sitting book. The Illustrations were just as fantastic as the story.

Full, mini reviews (as in the mini reviews I give as a recap) will be up at the end of the month for all the books I read in April. 

Now some extra pictures of what I've been up to!

Pretty tea at Starbucks. James and I go about once a week together, to work on separate things, together on our graphic novel, and to play card games.

 Coloring is meditation. I've had this beautiful adult coloring book, Secret Garden, for a few years. I don't get a lot colored at any given time, but I've finished a half dozen pages over two years and they make me happy to work on and to see. I have another one, The Art of Nature, which is beautiful in its own way. I'd love to have the Enchanted Forest by the same artist that did the one shown here.

 Here are the other two things I got in my amazon order! I am so excited for this spring and summer. To hike, be on the beach, exploring! Watching birds and butterflies, finding beach glass and fossils, collecting butterfly wings, feathers, pressing leaves and flowers and everything and anything else!