At Split Ends

Turn the page

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As I attempt to write this blog post, it is near midnight and the house is quiet. I’ll finally get to write, I’m thinking. While everyone is asleep… Everyone except my English Bulldog, Bobo, who is growling at the bedroom door. I’m not in the bedroom, and she can’t figure out why.

They say images are good when you’re writing a post. This picture was taken in north Georgia at Meeks Park. I love being near bodies of water. It’s calming. Now, the photo has nothing to do with why I’m writing tonight. But isn’t it pretty? Can’t you just hear the water traveling over the rocks? I took the photo during a walk back in the spring. I love traveling to the mountains. It’s good to go where the air is fresh and all of God’s creations can show off.

Y’all know that it’s been a hard year. I won’t get into details right now. We’ll save those details for another day.

Tonight, I just wanted to write.

Write to revive my corner of the world wide web. After reading old blog posts, I smiled at myself. Some articles are ten and fifteen years old. I was a voracious writer back then. Although I put on a good show, my confidence was weak. I was busy listening to everyone else instead of putting faith in myself. Instead of putting faith in what God had planned for me. Though the years may have been beneficial, as I learned a lot about the craft of writing, I have to wonder, what if I did this…? What if I did that?

Some of you may be saying, ah, ah ah… don’t do that. Don’t look back. And maybe you’re right.

So… what if we turn the page? Start a new chapter?

Are you wanting to start something new? Revive an old projects? I do. I’ve got ideas for books that need to be written. I’ve got plants to plant, weeds to pull, things to make and stuff to do. We’re not getting any younger, folks. Our day jobs aren’t going away. (I hope mine doesn’t… I need that paycheck!)

If we don’t follow our dreams now, when are we?

We can’t wait any longer.

Who’s with me?

I’m hearing crickets in the audience, but that’s alright. I’ll try to check back in with you so that we can hold each other accountable for our progress. Maybe you’re writing a book, too? Maybe you’re working on furthering your education? Maybe you’ve been trying to finish quilting a blanket or reviving your art skills. Whatever it is, let’s start now.

I need and I want to write again. Write more books, continue books in the series I’ve started. I wrote a blog post. So, what. It’s just a blog post.

I wrote. That is what matters.

Until next time,

Christy

Keep Me Accountable – Days 31 & 32

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This is it, folks. The finish line is in sight. I told you all that this contest and this drive to keep me accountable would end on April 30th. Tomorrow is it. Deadline time.

I won’t be working tomorrow, but there’s a whole lotta other stuff already on my list to accomplish. I’ve got to make sure I get some writing in somewhere! Drastic measures must be taken between now and Midnight on Friday, April 30.

I’ll post my progress.  Beyond word count, I just hope I can tell you I am at “THE END” of this book. I must plow forward and write those last true scenes.

I did write yesterday. It was fun, I had 45 minutes of free time and I used it. I actually got carried away rewriting an existing scene, but, the scene placement is helping propel the story forward. Just what I needed. An hour was upon me and I had to stop. The word count increased a little.

Current Word Count 56, 557.

I’ve got about 6 more scenes to write. I can do it, I just need God to carve out some time in my day, whether it be middle of the night, or whenever, to accomplish this goal. I know if this is His timing and part of His plan, then His work will be done.

Keep Me Accountable – Days 29 & 30

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No progress on the home front…

Tonight is our ACFW W.O.R.D. meeting at Sugar Hill United Methodist Church. If you’re in the area, we’re planning a wonderful meeting with our guest speaker Steeple Hill Author Debby Giusti. Find out more on our website for WORD.

Oh, and I blogged Sunday on FAITH. You can laugh at this, but the Agent I mentioned in said blog post was probably notified by a google alert… and she “tweeted” about the blog post. Check out the comments section after you read about the dream… Oh, and you can laugh with me. Sometimes I forget about this vacuum of information we post to, where anyone in the world can see what you’re doing.

I’ll report back with a word count later… now, off to work!

Keep Me Accountable – Day 25, 26, 27, 28

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Are you familiar with the teacup?

Not the one you drink from, but the carnival ride, “teacup.”  It may be called something else where you live. It may be called something different where I live… but I refer to it as the teacup. My daughter loves to ride it on the carousel at the mall. You sit in it and spin yourself around, as fast as you can, while the carousel is running.

This week has been one long, but good, teacup ride…

Day 25 – I don’t remember if I wrote. I do remember it was my husband’s 34th birthday –

Happy Birthday, Hon…  We went to dinner and got home late. The kiddos were with us and my daughter begged for a pink balloon. Of course, the restaurant had one and graciously gave it to her.

Day 26 – I don’t think I wrote that day either. It seems the day was a rush from beginning to end. Thursday after work, I baked a cake for my husband’s birthday, with my daughter’s help. God bless my dear husband that he doesn’t get caught up in the details of life. Some people may be upset that their spouse didn’t do something special to recognize their birthday… and that the special something came a day late.

Day 27 – I don’t think I wrote that day either. Am I repeating myself here? I do remember working until 8pm that night. I was working a later shift, so I was only supposed to work until 7pm. But when you’ve been up since six and running wild trying to get everything accomplished BEFORE you arrived at the office, working an hour over tends to make you feel a little put out. Oh, well, duty calls and I tend to be willing to answer that call of duty since those paychecks help put food on the table and support my writing career.

Day 28 – I didn’t write today. I was back at work, anticipating a storm system that could generate a whole lotta work for my office. I did accomplish something, though. I read entries for a couple of contests I’m judging. Reading for one contest helped remind me where I’ve been in my writing. Reading for the other contest shows me where I want to go.

Which is why I’ve got to get back to writing and let everything else go for one more week!

I’ve been riding this insane teacup for the last four days. It’s time to step off, regroup, and get back into a normal, more calm schedule.

AND FINISH THIS BOOK!!!

What have you all been up to this week?

Oh, and here’s my current word count:  56,460

Keep Me Accountable – Day 4

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I’m so proud of my new coffee pot! When time allows, I’ll post a pic. It’s nothing fancy, just new and you know how new things feel…

Previous Word Count 39,488
Current Word Count 39,539
Target Word Count 60,000

**
I wrote a few words… these may have popped in via osmosis as I can’t remember when I actually wrote anything, LOL!

**
Today, I slept in and I don’t remember hitting the snooze button… Did I mention that since I had my last child, my mind, my memory, has slightly altered? Sometimes I even say things that sound weird. Part of my brain must have checked out when I delivered my little boy.

Oh well, just so long as it wasn’t my creative side, I’ll be okay.

**

Have a great writing day!! I’m taking my laptop with me to work and hope to write during lunch… how about you?

******************** Join me in this writing rally!!! **********************

If you would like to help keep me accountable and be entered in my contest for a $10 Starbucks gift card + a special surprise from me, leave a comment here. The winner will be announced at the end of this contest April 30. If you go to my post on FAITH you’ll see I’ve posted instructions for the contest. I blog every Sunday on FAITH and will give a weekly update there as well. So those Sunday comments also count toward the contest.

But Only Blogger comments will be counted… Facebook comments don’t count.

Thank you for your support!

Slice of Life: Marathon Saturday

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Today has been a marathon kind of day.

No, I don’t mean I ran a marathon. Pulleeeze! I’d have to be running for my life to attempt one of those and then I’d probably question if running was the only way for me to save my life.

When I say marathon, I mean I broke down and did some much needed housework. I swept the floors – needed to vacuum but ran out of time for that chore – I dusted – I did the laundry – I folded laundry ( I separate these chores out because I’m notorious for starting something and not finishing it ) – I went to WalMart.

I was actually calm for the most part – of my trip to Walmart. Usually, the adventure at Walmart is one that leaves me flustered and downright irritated. Dollface was running up the isles as usual, but I kept calm. I suppose my hormones weren’t on overdrive today and that was how I was able to remain tranquil amidst the ruckus of a Saturday at WallyWorld.

And then, after a full day of doing all of the above…. drum roll please, I cooked!

Yes, I cooked. That is a feat in itself. By the end of the day my back and legs were aching so bad I just knew I’d collapse come bedtime. Dollface was still running off some kind of nuclear energy I don’t comprehend. My mother claims at 4 years old I didn’t have that much energy so I blame her father’s side of the family for her 100mph speed. (I blame them, kindly and I’m smiling – I wouldn’t trade my Dollface and her energy for anything!)

As for writing, I did manage to edit some early scenes I’d written and re-write a new one. I’m getting closer to the end, but am even closer to the big point of the story where everything falls apart. In fiction, that’s the pinnacle we as writers are climbing to achieve.

All in all, today I learned if I remain calm, things will be handled better than if I blow my top and then feel bad about it later. I am thankful for my job, thankful for my family, for my home and that I am able to find small amounts of the day to write. In the end, being thankful for whatever God has given us, is the main thing to pull us into a new day.

Dollface Starts Pre-K

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Last night and this morning have been a struggle.

After one last hoo-rah at church last night – where the Varsity catered their yummy burgers and fries and the church gym was full of games, giant blow up obstacle courses – it was time to start organizing for Monday: my daughter’s first day of Pre-K.

Sigh….

Of course I got in a tizzy, as is my personality. I was flitting around the house, getting ill because time had crept up on me and I’d known this day was coming for several months now. Still, the day was upon me and I wasn’t ready. I snapped at my poor girl more than I should have only because I was so nervous myself about her starting this new season of her life.

Finally, I got focused. Put aside the ironing that didn’t have to be done right then sat down with baby girl and we decided on the perfect outfit to wear. I knew I had bought more clothes for this school year but realized I was still quite behind on my washing… same story, different day. Luckily, we had a brand new outfit and new puppy dog bows she wanted to wear.

We took care of baths last night and finally got in the bed an hour later than I intended. Of course I couldn’t sleep, stayed up until midnight, knowing I was going to hate myself for it the next day.

Groggy & reluctant, I woke up this morning and pulled myself out of bed, knowing I couldn’t be late. Tardiness is frowned upon in the school system and I was going to have to shake off my procrastination for good.

Bless her, baby girl woke up in a good mood. She was ready to start school. She had her orange juice and granola bar (a routine we’ve been on for a while now) and then was ready to get dressed. She was excited about wearing the new clothes we’d bought her last weekend, and topped the outfit off with her puppy dog bows. She let me fix her hair and even brushed her teeth! (Folks, this is PROOF God was really around this morning as that was a pure miracle!)

Baby Girl slung her backpack over her shoulders and out the door we went. We rode quietly in the car and I made sure to tell her how proud I was of how she got dressed this morning and what an awesome day she was going to have.

I walked her into her class room, unbelieving how quickly this time had come. I forgot my camera but after the teacher got her seated at her table, I snapped one picture of Baby Girl about to start her day. I captured her sweet little dollface as she looked at something beside me… the uncertainty in her eyes nearly broke my heart, but I knew, I reminded myself, she was going to do spectacular!

I wanted to stay, but knew it was nearing eight, the time class starts. I should have lingered outside the window a little longer, to wave at her… yet my heart was so heavy, I knew I was about to break. I couldn’t let her see me as anything except confident. If she saw my weakness, she’d start to worry. I waved and followed another set of parents out of the room. The mom ahead of me smiled and I knew she was probably feeling the same way I did.

I made it to the car before the first tear fell. I blame it on horomones, but really, pregnant or not, I would’ve cried.

An hour and a half has passed since I dropped her off. I’m dying to go back to the school and peak in on her. I’m thinking they’ve already been outside to play by this time, already had their breakfast snack. I worry she won’t eat enough and will be hungry…

But I’ve prayed that God will be with her and I know He is. I can rest with that knowledge and look forward to seeing her afterwards when I know she’ll be full of stories about her first day of Pre-K.

Be strong and of good courage for He is with you….

Christmas Cards

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… I love receiving them. I love sending them. This year, however, Christmas snuck up on me and I didn’t have any Christmas photos made of us, or just my daughter. And by the time I purchased Christmas Cards to send, it was the Saturday before Christmas. What was was the point of sending any this year? Some of the cards may not have reached their destination until after Christmas. Plus, I still didn’t have time to dedicate to addressing them. Hopefully, next year, I can find the Christmas cards I bought this year and send them next year. 🙂

I’m not here to whine about what I didn’t get to this year. What I wanted to address is: what do you do with the Christmas cards when Christmas has passed? Find out more on the FAITH Blog…

The SOS for PMS: Practical Help and Relief for Moms by Mary Byers

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Christy here:

One day this week one of our managers brought a sales person around our department, and was introducing her to each one of us. The manager didn’t say anything wrong to me, but it was what she said to my co-worker that bothered me. She mentioned to the salesperson that “Julia has been with us forever…” or something of that nature (Names have been changed to protect the innocent!) Anyway, it set something off inside of me. I thought, Humph. Even though I left for 2 and a half years, I came back! And I was here longer than HER! Thank the Lord, I didn’t say this out loud, but I did mention something to Julia after the ladies left. However I admitted I was just being ultra sensitive and that I was being silly.

Am I always this sensitive??? you may be wondering. No. Three weeks out of the month, I’m normal. I’m happy to be a wife and mom. I’m thankful for my job, especially in these hard economic times. But that one, premenstrual week – WATCH OUT!!!

When I found out this book “The SOS for PMS“ existed I literally said: “Praise God!”
As I read Mary’s book, I realized I was not alone in my struggles. Things are so bad some times, my husband knows to steer clear of me. I related to so many of the examples in the book it was scary, but also made me feel more at ease that no, it is not just my personality that makes me act like this, it’s something many women struggle with. And it does get worse after you have children!

If you suffer from PMS or know a woman who does, I highly recommend this book. There are tips on how to handle those tenacious times of the month. Mary offers advice that may be obvious after you read it, but may not have been something you considered. While I was a stay at home mom, I never thought of calling up a girlfriend to see if she could help me out during the “rough days.” But that’s something we should be doing! It’s better to get help from your friends than to explode on your children.

I’m learning to watch the weeks that go by and recognize the times that I’m susceptible to PMS. If I admit that it’s the problem, I can almost tackle it better. However the key to handling PMS is realizing we are not alone in this. Although I suggest getting help from friends and family during these times, we should ultimately reach out to God. He is our true hope and only solution. Mary gives great tips, but keeps the focus on God, and that’s the most important
truth in this book.

I’m running a contest to give away a FREE copy of this book! Please comment now through Monday October 6th. I’ll draw the winner on Monday. Good luck!!!



About the Book:

In her latest book, Mary explores an often frustrating topic, the symptoms of PMS, and offers practical advice and encouragement for mothers. Readers will find comfort in the stories shared by other moms, realizing that they are not alone in their struggles with PMS.

With this book, you will find suggestions designed to inspire healthier lifestyles, relationships, and daily choices for all women.

Gather any group of moms together and the topic of frustrating PMS symptoms rises up in conversation along with the guilt and concern about its effects on family members.

Now Mary Byers, author of The Mother Load, offers mothers encouragement, help, and camaraderie as she shares:

~women’s stories-the good, bad, and the hopeful

~overlooked symptoms and how to manage them

~foods and activities to avoid or indulge in

God’s first aid for stress, depression, and anxiety a call for help-how husbands can come to the aid of their wives

This gathering of useful advice and shared experiences will comfort readers who have ever felt alone in their PMS plight and will inspire healthier lifestyles, relationships, and daily choices for all women.

To read an excerpt go here:

About Mary:

Mary Byers is a professional speaker and writer whose passion for transforming lives is evident in every project she takes on. In her first book with Harvest House Publishers, The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for Your Family, Byers teaches women how to take care of themselves so that they can nurture a happy, healthy family.

The mother of two lively children, she offers down-to-earth suggestions, spiritual truths, and real-life advice on how to juggle family responsibilities while creating a balanced life through supportive friendships, stress-relieving laughter, regular exercise, rejuvenating solitude, and an intimate relationship with the Lord. The founder of Word Works, Byers graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Telecommunications. She is also a Certified Association Executive. Byers and her husband, Stuart, reside in Illinois with their two children.

To learn more about Mary visit her website at http://www.marybyers.com.

A Word from the Author

“It’s my hope that this book will bring help, hope and healing to moms who suffer from PMS. It’s been a source of despair in my own life but things are looking up now that I’ve developed my own coping plan. Those I interviewed for this book shared intimately about their own battles and I believe their stories, along with that of Callie’s (the main character in the book) will convince other women that it is possible to change their current response to PMS and encourage them to start today.”