Other than chocolate, I’ve long held I have no real addictions. This week, I realized that was no longer true. I think I’m addicted to e-mail, and for a reason that surprised me. See, I’ve always thought I insistently check e-mail out of a sense of obligation; I want to make sure I read or...
I’ve been reading The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle. I’m only about halfway through the book, but so far, his main point seems to be, stay in the moment. Stress comes from projecting our fears and worries into the future or revisiting our regrets about the past. If you...
A friend of mine gifted me a pair of earrings the other day. But there’s so much more to the story than that. See, S started out as an acquaintance, someone I’d chat with now and then at a gathering we both attend, but not someone I had ever spent time with outside of that...
I’m getting ready to roll out a new book and already obsessing about numbers. I’m wondering how many copies to order in my first print run. Should I dream big or be practical? How many books can I really sell in, say, the first three months? I’m concerned about raising my numbers of social media...
I hear the weather has been really nice the past couple of days. I wouldn’t know. I’ve been holed up in my basement office working feverishly on two writing projects with deadlines. These are projects that mean a lot to me, and though I worked to the point of making my arms ache and my...
I have a flash drive that is shaped like Speedy Gonzales. The other day, I was conducting a school visit and one of the students said, “What is that?” “This?” I said. “It’s Speedy Gonzales. Don’t you recognize him?” He did not. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a 21st century kid wouldn’t recognize...
My daughter did something very sweet this year. She asked all of her parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunts to tell her the names of their favorite books. Then she started to read those books and opened conversations with each relative about the story. If you really want to get to know someone, finding out more...
I’m not sure if you are familiar with the program “StrengthsFinder by Gallup.” I was introduced to the book years ago and it made a huge impact on my understanding of how I function as an artist and a business woman. As it turns out, though, most of my strengths lie in the category of strategy...
The other day, I was visiting with a group of writers, one of whom had finished a second major revision of her book and was about to start a third. “It’s like birthing a baby, isn’t it?” One of the other writers said. “Yeah, a breech baby,” my friend responded. There is nothing quick or...
This entry marks the fourth anniversary of this blog and the 200th post! Hard to believe. I’ve now shared 73,500 words with you, loyal readers. Enough to fill a book! Words I hope have provided inspiration, encouragement, support, and a kick in the butt as you pursue your artist journey or uncover your creative self....