Writing through November - or NaNoWriMo

I’m six days into NaNoWriMo and its really quite a challenge. For me, there isn’t a lot of writing that happens on the weekends. I have too many distractions on Saturday and I truly believe Sunday should be a day of rest from worldly (and wordy) pursuits. Weekday mornings seem to be my most productive time and yet I find a lot of things to interrupt the writing process. Things like …

Snow shoveling, (I live in Montana)

Laundry, (it never ends)

Social Media, (there might be something inspiring posted)

Housework, (not really. Only two people live in my house)

Snacks, (the Halloween candy is calling)

Doubt.

Can I really write 50,000 words in one month? I have several projects in process, so I don’t lack for material. That helps because, like I said, I am easily distracted.

I also get bogged down with self-editing. I spend a lot of time correcting punctuation and rearranging thoughts as I write. I have yet to learn to just spew forth words on paper and fix them later. That is not to say that there isn’t a lot of editing after the first draft. There is always plenty of editing. I suppose in the long run it doesn’t matter when the editing occurs, so long as the project gets finished and polished.

That’s the key for me. Completion of a writing project is validation for me. All those hours not cleaning, shoveling, baking, or eating are justified when the project is finished. Staying in my seat in the interim is the real challenge. When in the middle of a writing project it appears that I will never reach the end, I am tempted to put it on a shelf, store it in the back of my mind, and wait. Wait for what? The perfect time to write? The perfect motivation to write? The perfect photo to accompany my writing? The perfect audience? Oh, if only I could find that perfect audience!               

I think I nailed it yesterday with the help of a friend. I mentioned that I feel guilty and self-indulgent when I am writing. She asked why I felt that way. I formed an answer and verbalized it.

“Because writing does not have a guaranteed paycheck attached.”

Do my fellow writers ever feel that way? When a worker punches a time clock, he has confidence he will get paid for the time invested. Contracted workers are paid for the products they produce. Writers and artists work on speculation. First, they produce the product and then hope to get paid for their work. If there is no pay (here’s the tricky part) then the writer (me) might think she has spent all her time pursuing her own fun. Guilt follows! Oh, the conundrum!

Well, the sidewalk is shoveled, the laundry is under control, the house isn’t messy yet, and I don’t need to eat more Halloween candy! Those distractions are under control, but …

I think I hear the FedEx truck!

Have a great day my reading and writing friends!

For a view of some of my finished projects visit my Amazon Author Page

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

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Accepting the NaNoWriMo Challenge!

I’m biting the bullet and committing to NaNoWriMo this year! It's a challenge to write 50,000 during the month of November. Why? Because I’ve been finding other things to do and neglecting my writing. That’s kind of like a bow hunter neglecting target practice, or a pianist who never plays. Also because my better half encouraged me to do it. I’m already behind because it took me all day on November 1 to decide to commit. Now I have to come up with a topic, title, genre, a project of some sort. I’ve already begun outlining a cookbook, but recipes do not lend themselves very well to busting out a lot of words in one day. They are going to be mundane, technical, and take a lot of proofreading, so the cookbook is probably not going to be on this list. This blog might benefit from NaNoWriMo, but I get stumped on topics there as well. What to do? What to do?

Perhaps I could be like those song lyrics I detest, you know the ones that use nonsense to fill in measures instead of filling them in with something of value.

Lalalalalala….

Ohooo, oho, ohhhhh …

Hey, hey. he-e-ey …..

You get the drift. I feel that is just like adding blank or lined “journal pages,” or decreasing the page dimensions or increasing margin size in the hopes of gaining a greater page count. It’s all junk. As one friend once reported, “Garbage, no matter how it’s presented, is still garbage.” I think he used stronger wording than that, but it means the same thing.

So here I sit, baffled by the commitment I have just made. How do I begin? The cookbook is out for this month’s project. However, I will still be open to collecting and researching recipes. After all, cooking is my “what to do when I don’t know what else to do” tactic. It’s an escape that gets credit for being productive, because others benefit from it. They get to eat the fruits of my procrastination.

Fiction? I’m still sitting on my novel – afraid to publish it. I know I can write short stories, but I would have to write several to fill the word count. Do I have another novel idea? Perhaps.

Non-fiction? It’s what I know best. I’ve still got projects that need completion. And I have yet to write “Soup is not a Meal.” It’s about misconceptions and unrealistic expectations between men and women as they pertain to or are experienced in marriage. I’ve had my share of research on this topic over the years.

However, “Soup is Not a Meal,” may also lend itself well to fiction. I’m pondering on that one. Humorous? Clean. Does it lift and inspire others? Lifting and inspiring is one of the reasons I write. If it isn’t worth reading, then it probably isn’t worth writing and it definitely isn’t worth sharing with the world. That’s my opinion, anyhow, and it has evolved over the years.

So, … I want to write something worthwhile to lift, edify, inspire or motivate others. I’m going to sleep on it and hopefully, by morning I will have a plan. At least a starting point. That’s what I’m doing right now, is it not? Starting?

No more looking at a blank screen or baking before writing. I’ve got some work to do and mornings shall be my time to do it – after breakfast and scripture study, but before exercise. Perhaps the scripture study prior to writing will help me stay on track with my purpose – to uplift, inspire, and motivate.

I've just shared my first 600 words with you. And away we go!

If you would like to join me in this NaNoWriMo quest, it's not too late. Here is the link to sign up. https://nanowrimo.org/

I'll try to keep you posted on my progress throughout the month, but I may be too busy writing, or baking!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Spring Writers' Symposium and Writing Contest

The Third Annual ICAN Spring Writers’ Symposium and WritingContest will be held in Parma, Idaho on March 17, 2018. The event promises to be packed with information and interaction for beginning and established writers seeking to improve their writing and marketing skills. A networking luncheon will give attendees the opportunity to interact with fellow writers and presenters.

Presenters include ICAN members, Phyllis Vavold Nettleton, JoEllen Claypool, Sheila Eismann, and Carol Green. Guest speaker to be announced! Come prepared to engage in a writing activity to practice what you have learned! Specific topic titles will be announced before the end of January 2018!

The day caps off with an awards ceremony for winners of the writing contest. The writing contest is optional (not required for attendees), but we encourage participation as it is an opportunity to hone your writing skills. The  contest submission deadline is February 24, 2018.

Idaho Creative Authors Network assists new authors in publishing and marketing their work. This blog post from Elaine Oostra, an attendee at our first event, relates how ICAN has helped her publish two books.

If you are an aspiring author or just need to make more connections with local authors, register today for the ICAN Spring Writers’ Symposium and Writing Contest.

REGISTER HERE

We look forward to getting to know you better and helping you reach your writing goals!

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Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

- Carol aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

SMART Goal Setting for the New Year

Here we go again making New Year’s Resolutions and getting ready to break them! Why is it so easy to identify a need for change, yet so difficult to master the change? Could it be because the method we use to achieve the goal is not SMART? I’m guilty. Sometimes I wish for a change and employ no method at all, thus setting myself up for failure. That’s why I’m sharing this blog post, not so much for all of you, but to help me commit to setting SMART goals that employ effective methods to attain them.

What is a SMART goal?

A SMART goal is specific.

A SMART goal is measurable.

A SMART goal is achievable or attainable.

A SMART goal is realistic or reachable.

Finally, a SMART goal is timely or time bound. It has an end.

“I’m going to lose weight,” is not a SMART goal.

 “I’m going to lose 5 pounds,” is specific and measurable.

“I’m going to lose 5 pounds in two months,” is specific, measurable, achievable, and time bound.

“I’m going to lose 5 pounds in two months by tracking my calories daily,” is also realistic. It provides a specific goal that can be measured for progress, it can be done, it has an end, and it includes a plan, or HOW, for success.

Here is another example:

“I’m going to write a book this year.”

What is wrong with this goal? A year ought to be enough time to write a book, unless you don’t begin, or stay on task, or know what book you are going to write, etc.

Here is a much better example. You might call it SMART.

“I’m going to write a 200-page book about gardening in 2018 by generating 1500 new words per week. I will re-write the previous week’s word count weekly. I will use the final 3 months of the year for editing, proofing, and cover design.”

Can you see how the latter description might lead to greater success than the first? It’s absolutely attainable, and may even be accomplished more quickly than the timeline requires. And that’s okay! It’s specific including what I want to accomplish and how and when I plan to complete the task. It is measurable on a weekly basis, so I will know if I am ahead of or behind schedule. Because it is measurable, it can easily be broken down into daily goals or expanded to monthly goals.

There! I’ve just defined two SMART goals for you for the New Year! (I’m not really writing a book on gardening, so you can take that goal and run with it if you would like!)

Remember: Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Realistic. Timely.

What is your SMART goal for 2018? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!

- Carol aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

Cross Training - Because I can't run

It just keep falling!

What do you do when forces beyond your control require you to make a change? It’s January 4^th already and the continued snowfall and icy roads indicate I will not be running any time soon. As much as I would like to avoid it, I’ve committed to cross training until the pavement reappears. I’ve long said, “Change is good because it presents an opportunity for growth.” Whether or not we choose to grow – well, that’s up to us. I’m trying to grow. Or perhaps, I am trying to stop growing around my middle!

Today was Day Two of my indoor, group training, weights included, video led, cross training workout. It didn’t kill me. I’ve been using snow shoveling as my cross training, but it mostly makes me sore. There is some cardio involved, but I don’t know if I can honestly count shoveling as cross training.

I’m hoping that by incorporating these workouts into my routine, I will be better prepared when the running begins again. Every winter I vow to “run through it.” I’ve been successful some years and others I have not. This is one of those unsuccessful years.
Winter running tip.

Chocolate Berry Smoothie

The good news is that because I was all warmed up from the workout a cold breakfast smoothie sounded awesome. Rather than hunkering over warm eggs and toast, I indulged in one of my favorites  - Chocolate Berry Breakfast Smoothie. Yum!

Now I’m all cooled down it’s time to do some more snow shoveling cross training! I’ve been praying for adequate precipitation for years, so I’m trying not to murmur. Who knows? Maybe I am growing. I do look forward to the day, however, when the pavement reappears and I can go for a run. I really miss running and I miss my running buddies!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running! Carol - aka Running Granny Green

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Mental Trick to Run Beyond Your Goal for Beginners

Choose a landmark and then run past it.

This mental trick will help you run beyond your goal. It's especially helpful to new or beginning runners. I use it to keep me moving when I want to quit. I’ve taught it to my middle school cross country runners and it works for them, too. When I am on a run I choose a landmark and plan to run to that mark before taking a walking break and I give myself permission to rest when I reach the goal. The landmark may be a crossroad or a driveway or mailbox. Rural running offers fields, canals and ditch banks, even a tractor parked in the field that can be used as landmarks. 

Here is the mental trick.

I force myself to run beyond the landmark – even if it’s only a few steps. If I have chosen a crossroads or corner as my goal, I run around the corner for five to ten strides. I often find, however, that I can keep going because I have endured through the difficult part of my run. Perhaps the scenery has changed and I want to keep going or my perspective has changed. Sometimes I've controlled my breathing or the discomfort in my calf has moved to another part of my body. I may have reached a downhill slope on the course and running is suddenly easier. Whatever the reason, I usually find that I have endured a difficult stretch and I can now run farther.

Try this:

On your next run pick a stopping point and then run past it. You may choose a telephone pole, a driveway, or a crossroad as a point for a rest. Just look ahead and decide, “I can run to that point. Then I get to take a break.” In the meantime, determine to always run past the stopping point. You might choose to turn the corner, run up the driveway, or run to the next telephone pole. Force yourself to run beyond the landmark – even if it’s only a few steps. Going a little farther will help you grow confidence and increase your physical endurance.

Whether you are a beginning runner or a seasoned competitor, this mental trick can help you in other parts of your life. If you think you can’t keep going through one of life's challenges, find a point to allow yourself a rest and then turn the corner, endure for another day, exercise patience one more time. Hang in there a little longer than you thought you could and things might get easier!

Do you have a mental trick that helps keep you moving? Please share it in the comments below.

Happy Running!
- Carol aka Running Granny Green
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Motivation to Run for Fun

I have admitted I don't love running, but there are some things about running that are fun! Fun can be a great motivator. I love making friends and running buddies are great friends. Racing, even when you are slow, can be exhilarating especially at the end. Feeling accomplished after a long run or completing a training schedule in preparation for your first half marathon is especially fun. Even during a difficult run, there can be moments of fun. Focusing on the fun stuff can keep you going when the going gets tough, or in other words, when you don't feel the motivation to run.

Running Buddies are Fun Motivators

I cannot say enough about the value of a running buddy. Running buddies encourage us to run when we would rather sit, to keep going when we would rather stop and to laugh when the situation seems dire. They commiserate over lost toenails and worn out running shoes. Running buddies indulge our desire to talk about food - a lot! They join us for a three mile run during a blizzard and accompany us on big adventures like the Grand Teton Relay. They are our cheerleaders. As they share our misery they become our community - our family. Running buddies are fun and they make us smile.

How Many Running Buddies do You Need?

Racing is a Training Motivator

Racing is fun and if you want to be committed to a regular running schedule simply register for a race. A paid race registration is second only to a running buddy when it comes to motivation. Download a training plan for a 5K, 10K, or half marathon and observe your satisfaction as you do the workouts then cross them off as completed. Don't forget to record your time! You may even find yourself looking forward to each training challenge.

Watch the t-shirts and finisher medals pile up as you find new challenges and races to test your endurance and fitness levels.

Motivation through Personal Satisfaction

Much of your running experience will be driven by personal satisfaction. Only your running buddies will understand what it means to cut ten seconds off your last six mile run. Remember, the entire running community is your friend. That's a lot of support, but your neighbor and even some family members may stare at you with glazed over eyes as you brag about your latest feat. Fortunately, you will feel enough satisfaction that it won't matter much who else doesn't understand. Besides, you can always reach out to another runner. You'll need to be prepared, however, to give them equal time to brag.

Enjoy comparing your workouts on your MapMyRun app, marking the workouts off on your training schedule, and rearranging your race medals by distance, year, size of medal, and so on. It feels good, even fun, to do something that challenges your physical and mental self. Personal satisfaction may be the only running motivation you need!

What better motivation than to know you are doing something that may prolong your life and make it more enjoyable along the way? I'm a granny and its the best job I've ever had! I want to enjoy it for many years to come!

Why do you run? Please share your motivation tips in the comments below.

Happy Running!- Carol aka Running Granny Green
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Conquering Obstacles to Self-improvement - Lesson #1

The first challenge to creating change can be summed up in this statement. “You are going to have to get over yourself.” Before you decide to be offended, please read on. I think you will agree.

While it is true that the first step to creating change is recognizing the need for, or having a desire to, change, that’s not the first obstacle. Obstacles or challenges occur once the decision to change has been made. If there is no need or desire for change, then there can be no hurdles to clear.

Why would I state something so harsh as, “You are going to have to get over yourself?” Isn’t a desire for self-improvement the very thing that pushes us to set goals, step out of our comfort zones, and learn new skills? I would argue, “Yes.” I am not suggesting that one abandon his or her desire for improvement. Rather, I would submit that he must abandon those things, usually thinking habits, that are keeping him from moving forward. Let me illustrate with a running story. (I know. I use these stories a lot. Hey, life is hard. So is running. That’s why running is such a good teacher.)

I was once a non-runner. At the tender age of 47 (you read that right) I became a runner. Runners run.  That’s all there is to it. Non-runners who wish they were runners tend to come up with all kinds of excuses why they can’t, shouldn’t, or won’t run. I know. I found several of my own.

“I’m too old to start.”  Yep, I said that.

“I don’t like to run.”  I said that one a lot!

“It hurts to run.”  Uh-huh.

And then there is this one …

“I don’t want anybody to see me trying to run.”

Well, for those of you who are hanging onto this excuse, I have some news for you. NOBODY is looking at a runner and thinking this …

“Boy, that runner sure does look stupid.”

Nor this …

“That runner shouldn’t be running. She’s too big, old, fat, short, weak …”

In fact, those non-runners driving by in their cars with their car snacks by their side are most surely thinking something like this …

“I wish I were a runner. I wish I was strong enough, brave enough, in shape enough … to run.”

I know this to be true. I was once one of those non-runners.  And the runners that happen to be in a car while you are running are thinking …

“Look! There is a runner!  Maybe we could be running buddies!”

“I’m jealous. I wish I was running right now.”

“Wow. I hope I can still run when I’m as old as that guy!”

“I am so proud of that runner out there getting in shape!  Way to go, Runner!”

Early in our running quest my running buddy and I would search for the most hidden routes we could find to avoid being seen, but I got over that. I have learned that if I admire other runners when I am inside a car then surely others are not judging me while I am on the run. This applies to runners and non-runners alike.

It doesn’t matter if you have great running form or a cute outfit. The car riders cannot tell what your pace is and they don’t care. They only know that you are out there putting one foot in front of the other. They respect that, especially if they, too, are a runner. So get over yourself and just run!

Let’s take a look at those same excuses as they apply to other lifestyle changes.

“I’m too old to start a new job, write a book, lose weight, and so forth.” For every “too old” argument you can find, there is someone older than you making those changes today.

“I don’t like change.” Most folks don’t, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthy pursuit.

“It hurts to change.” Yes, this new venture is probably going to be a bit uncomfortable.

“I don’t want anybody to see me trying …” Because you might fail? Not trying is failing.

NOBODY is looking at you and thinking this …

“Boy, she sure is stupid to try to change!”

Nor this …

“She shouldn’t be going back to school or making a job change. She’s too dumb, old, fat, short, weak, tired, poor …”

In fact, most people watching you strive for self-improvement are going to be cheering you on thinking something like this …

“I wish I were doing something new and interesting. I wish I was strong enough, brave enough, in shape enough, hopeful enough … to change.”

I know this to be true. I’ve been one of those wishing for change. We’ve all been there, hesitant to strive. The others that are well on the road to their goal? They are your best cheerleaders …

“Look! There is a striver, a goal setter!  Maybe we could help each other!”

“I’m jealous. I wish I was working on my goal right now.”

“Wow. I hope I can still learn new things when I’m as old as that guy!”

“I am so proud of that person out there making improvement!  Way to go, Person!”

I have been guilty of keeping my goals to myself, much like my running buddy and I tried to avoid being seen. I have learned that if I admire others for their attempts to achieve, then surely they are not especially critical of me while I am striving for self-improvement. In fact, they are most likely cheering me on.

It doesn’t matter if you have it all figured out. The passersby do not know how far you have come or how quickly you are improving and they don’t care. They only know that you are out there putting one foot in front of the other. They respect that, especially if they are striving to better themselves. So get over yourself and just work towards your goal!

Achievement  Exercise #1:

Begin by making a list of all your excuses - all the reasons you can't. 

Then address each excuse. Is it actual or perceived? Can it be overcome? Is the goal greater than the obstacle?

Clear those hurdles, cross them off, and move forward!

Are you still feeling offended? Tell me what is keeping you from beginning your quest for self-improvement?

Happy Running!
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Guest Blogger: Paulee makes decorating easy

Meet Paulee, a wife, mother, farm girl, artist, and favorite team member of mine!  Paulee has an eye for style and enjoys helping others work with the things they already have to make their homes a reflection of themselves.  She shares tips on Facebook as Perspective by Paulee.

Judith Taylor says that designers don’t follow a secret rulebook.  There are no hard and fast laws governing what we do.  We are creative types by nature and love to imagine, dream, and explore, following our intuition. 

With that said, my advice is just to have fun and put in your home only what you love!  I have found over the years that making the space in your home fit your personality is vital to your happiness level, although we sometimes don’t realize it. 

Do you ever walk into someone’s home and feel comfortable, happy, loved and at peace. You might wonder why and think, “how can I do this in my home?”

Only put in your home what you love and what makes you happy. Keep it clean and organized. One way I try to create this effortless balance is to incorporate rustic and refined, mixing textures and having a little fun!

Marie Kondo, the bestselling author of the 2014 book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” suggests keeping only what gives you joy! Decorating and refreshing your home will help you have a more joyful life surrounded by the things you love.

It’s spring and you are probably no different than me in that you want to spruce things up a bit before getting outside in the yard. There is no need to break the bank on this one. There are many little things you can do to accomplish this idea. One of the easiest and fastest ways to do this is just to move your furniture around. Call a best friend or a grab a willing husband. Sliders come in handy when doing this task and can be purchased at your local hardware store. Just put them under the feet of your furniture and push. You can also do that Spring Cleaning you have wanted to do while you are at it.

Another quick and easy thing you can do is rearrange your counter tops and coffee tables. Counters get cluttered up so easily. Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to get things looking nice again. Start by clearing everything off your countertop and replace only the items you use daily. Choose a few interesting objects that are in storage or from other rooms in the house and display them, like a wire basket or serving tray propped against the wall. Bring in some of those beautiful spring flowers and display in a jar or pitcher.  Also inviting friends over always gives you that extra push to get things just right.

If you want to elevate the feel of your home take my mothers advice. My mother taught me to always use your best. Don’t wait for a special occasion to bring out those fabulous dishes hiding in the cupboard or the glasses that Aunt Shirley gave you for your wedding. It makes you feel really special. What’s the point of having it if it just sits in a storage most of the year?

Another suggestion I have is to have fun with art and family photos. Art doesn’t have to be fussy or beyond reach. Take the time to look for art wherever you go. Seek out smaller galleries, student sales and affordable online sources and go with your gut feeling. You might even be able to make your own. Art makes you happy and can add personality to your living space and lift your spirits every day. The same goes for family photos. A simple way to freshen up photos is to swap out frames. You can pick up inexpensive frames most anywhere. Also change the photos to fit the season. Retire the old skiing pictures and fill those frames with summer activities and family vacation photos. 

I love listening to music. Music brings me happiness and peace. This can really add to the feel of a home. Music stirs emotion and can bring a creative energy to your space so get that play list going.

Remember to imagine, dream and explore, following your own unique, individual style and intuition and have fun! Of course if you need any suggestions or help I would love to assist you!

Catch up with Paulee on Facebook at Perspective by Paulee or email her at perspectivebypaulee@yahoo.com

Visit my Guest Blogger Page to get to know all my blogging friends!
Happy Running!

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Cookies, Crafts, and Consistency

If you haven’t already heard, I make a mean batch of cookies. I’m not boasting – it’s true. The reason my cookies are so good is that I have perfected them over time. If you want to do something well, you have to stick with it.  Anybody who bakes cookies on a weekly basis will eventually be a very good cookie baker.

The same holds true of any project or practice. Take crafting, for instance. I’m not usually a fan – partly because I haven’t taken the time to learn how to paint or cut out wood and partly because I have another job that is very similar to crafting in that I work with my hands. It’s technical and tedious and I am very good at it because I have spent years doing it. In an attempt to combine my technical skills with creativity I have designed my own beaded bookmarks. The first effort was a little boring.

They have evolved and the current designs are much more satisfactory than the first.

Several years ago I was working for a doctor and as he celebrated an anniversary of the opening of his practice he said, “I remember that day. I came to work and I sat down and waited for the phone to ring.”

How often do we do the same? In my case, I published my first book and thought my life would magically change. My books would appear in large stores and readers would buy them up by armfuls, right?  None of that happened. I began blogging and supposed readers would flock to my site because I had so much to say. Doesn’t simply having a Twitter account “get the word out?”

The truth is … we have to work for success. None of it happens magically. There may be some steps to follow that will be more effective than others, but even those have to be climbed – consistently. If the first tweet doesn’t bring followers, be assured that Twitter is not broken. You’ll need to work a little harder, a little smarter and a little more regularly. If your online store doesn’t empty its virtual shelves the first time you post an item, keep posting. If you want someone to read your blog, you’re going to have to tell them about it.

If anyone wants to know, I’m going to keep baking cookies because I’m good at it. I’m going to keep crafting because practice makes perfect and I kind of like the bookmarks. I’m going to consistently share my regular blog posts and other pursuits so the people that want what I have to offer can find it.

And if you want those cookie recipes … they can be found on my Recipes Page.

Happy Reading!

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Guest Blogger: Nikki shares her Word of the Year

Guest Blogger, Nikki, is back today with an idea for making your New Year a success.  Nikki is an entrepreneur and owner of Bedhead Designs.  She is a homeschool mom who volunteers in her church and community. She recently helped her husband (and kids) remodel a very old and broken home. Thanks, Nikki, for taking time to share your thoughts with us!

Do you set New Year’s goals? I often set them…and come mid-February, I have forgotten all about them! Last year, I heard about a word of the year, and I thought it was brilliant! I could remember one word all year! Haha!

I hadn’t picked a word yet for this year.  I had all but given up because I hadn’t found one that felt right. Then, I read this amazing article. It’s called A Vow to 'Soften', So Your Loved Ones Can Shine.  Soften.  It spoke to my very core! Soften seemed to settle right in. When I thought the word, I felt myself letting go, softening.

One of my favorite lines in the article is: “I felt myself being less of a controlling manager and more of a peaceful nurturer. As my inner barriers weakened, my ability to respond more lovingly, more patiently, and more openly grew.” My children are homeschooled.   I love it, but it’s very time consuming, and can be frustrating when you are all things to everyone all the time! I feel this word, soften, is just the inspiration I need to be the mother, the woman, I want to be.  It’s easy to keep one word in the front of my mind. I can see it there, and when I’m interacting throughout the day, it can help guide me. I also plan to think of the things I CAN do. I’m so done with trying to ‘stop’ doing things. It is so hard to STOP, but it’s much easier to DO.  I can soften my tone.  I can take the time.  I can encourage.  I can be there. See how much better that feels? It’s really quite freeing!

This year will be my year to soften my rough edges and to make sure my loved ones know by deed, first, then word, that I love them.  I invite you to try a ‘word of the year’.  I think you will find it a great way to make positive changes in a softer, gentler way. (see, it’s right on the tip of my tongue!)

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Sharing Traditions
Follow Your Dreams

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