Saturday 28 December 2013

What Does No Excuses Actually Mean in 2014?

When I started this blog in October 2007 I had a dream of being a writer.  I think I thought that while I wasn’t working I would write a book, get it published and live happily ever after....

We can all but dream...

But I think that is what this blog (or at least the writing of it for me) has emphasised.  We must each give ourselves the time to dream and where possible take steps towards our dreams.

My dream at the start was to be a writer.  Since then I have become a mother.  This changes so much of you.  In fact, it makes you a totally different person to the one before.  I have often compared it to walking through a door that you can never go back through. 

Would I have succeeded as a writer if I had not been a mother?  Who knows?
 
However, this year I intend to continue to write both my blogs; one on the trials and jubilation's of being a writer, and the other documenting the wonderful journey of motherhood. 

Since having my son in 2009 I constantly look for effective organisational and time management strategies, as well as tips on saving money and being the perfect housewife.  My son has taught me that time is precious.  He inspires me to keep asking questions, and to look for the fun in everything, He reminds me that any opportunity for creativity must be grabbed with both hands and to reach for the stars whenever possible.

Saturday 21 December 2013

Rhyme To Remember My Friends

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book.
And every year at Christmas time I go and have a look.
And that is when I realize that these names are a part,
Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime.
And in that meeting they’ve become the rhythm of rhyme.

And while this sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel I am composed of each remembered name.
And while you may not be aware of any special link,
Just meeting you shaped my life more than you think.
For once you’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase.
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine,
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between.
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It’s because you’re on the list of folks I am indebted to.
For you are but a total of the many folks I’ve met,
And you happen to be of those I prefer not to forget.

And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some way you have a part to play in shaping things I do.
For every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew,
The biggest gift that life can give is meeting folks like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever and ever endures
Leave its richest blessing in the hearts of you and yours.

Peter Scarcliffe, Lincoln (This poem appeared in the Lincolnshire Echo a few years ago and I have kept it in my 'Christmas Box' so am reminded of it every year. I don't know Peter, but Thanks to him wherever he may be. )

Sunday 15 December 2013

ArtyPots, Me?

This year, I am sure one of my resolutions was to; 'be creative everyday'.

So, Saturday I took Jamie and his friend along to Arty Pots in Newark www.artypots.com/

I did some lovely painting and, although I felt very apprehensive that I was about to make a right old mess and end up with a pot that would go straight in the bin, once I got the hang of it I had a great time.

We have left the pots there to be 'fired' (or whatever) to seal the colours in.

Lets see what kind of 'artist' I really am!!

Thursday 12 December 2013

Keep Proving...

Literature is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to people who have none. 

Jules Renard

Quoted in Writers News - November 2013 www.writers-online.co.uk

Sunday 8 December 2013

Rule Number Three: Don't Let Christmas Sneak Up On You....

Feeling a bit overwhelmed today.   I seem to have let my list slip this week and as I sit at the table, I am not sure where the list actually is at the moment.  This is because I find myself surrounded by Christmas cards and 'stuff'.

So, Rule Number Three must be; When you are writing any 'To Do' list, take account of any other events happening within your time frame.

If writing your 'To Do' list in December, don't forget you have Christmas presents to buy and wrap, cards to write, decorations to put up.........In the rest of the year remember birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays and other commitments. 

These will all take up time.  Time that you won't have for your list!!

Ensure you write your list with your diary for that time frame in front of you, and consider how much of your precious time may be taken up with these other commitments. 

It might be at this stage that you can think how you might reduce the impact of these commitments.  Can you delegate any of the tasks that need to be done (that aren't on your To Do list).   Isn't it about time your other half bought the presents or at least wrapped them all?   Or instead of wasting hours tramping around the shops, see what you can buy on line?  Do you really need to send (and write) that many cards?  Will an email do that you can write once and send to lots of friends?

Excuse me while I finish writing my Christmas cards.......Hubby has been 'volunteered' to wrap the presents.  They might not be up to my standard, but its time I can use for another job!!

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Rule Number Two: Put Things 'To Do' Out Of Site

So, am still working on the 'To Do' list to be completed before Christmas.

What occurred to me this week is that once you have your 'To Do' list written, you need to put all those things on the list out of sight. 

If you leave items in a huge pile on your desk, or in the corner of your room, or wherever, you will still think about them and even be tempted to try to reduce the pile; which defeats the object.  The other jobs will keep calling to you; until you do something with them.  And that means you end up being unable to focus on the job that is actually on your list for that day / week!

Once you have initially written your To Do list, try and forget about everything that is on it. EXCEPT the first item.  Concentrate on that only.  Once you have completed that item, cross it off and move to the next item.

Trust yourself and your list.

Sunday 1 December 2013

Why didn't I take my camera?


 
Went on a last minute shopping trip to Newark at the weekend and only took my little camera.  The sunset was absolutely gorgeous and although I took these photos, I regret not having my 550D with me....