Today I was doing some research on one of the magazines I'm hoping to submit some articles to and via a comment to a post I happened upon a link to a blog authored by another individual pursuing this dream of writing. (Did you catch all that)?
The particular post I landed in asked the title question, "Am I a writer?" Essentially the post encourages those who are sitting in this boat, pondering that question to stop questioning, doubting, and lacking the general chutzpah and just own it. Yes, I am a writer. It's not about being published or making the big bucks - though those things are lovely, it's about this need to write. Period.
This came at a great time (gotta love a great God-incidence, don't you?), as I've been struggling with thinking I sound like a complete idiot when I tell people about committing myself to writing. I. Am. A. Writer. Phew. The book I'm reading about writing and publishing children's books said the same thing. You have to give yourself permission to not only take this seriously, but to take it seriously while expressing to those around you that this is it; you are a writer, this is a job, not a whim or a passing fancy. It's a passion we're hoping to go places with.
Again, this affirmation of taking ownership of this dream come to life couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Last night I applied for a National title with Examiner. Who knows if I'll get it (it can take up to two weeks to hear back), but if I don't get this one, I'm going to keep trying. I've got to keep pushing myself and how better than to reach for more exposure?
Talk about a baby stepper, huh? Think good thoughts for me as I wait to hear on the National title. I'll let you know, good, bad, or fabulous. So there it is: You better believe I'm a writer! Moving on.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
"The Giving Tree" How much is too much?
For some time now I've been mentally pulling together an article on Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. For certain it is one of my favorite books, but the more I read it, not only as an adult, but as an adult reading it to children, I struggle with the premise of the book.
Recently I began wondering if perhaps I was missing something because surely something that starts off as a pure and beautiful friendship can't morph into this relationship where one friend turns up simply to use the other while this sweet, giving tree is apparently completely oblivious. I thought, "I must be missing something here," but I'm thinking...Not so much.
In all this thinking came the idea to read the book to my wide-ranging-in-ages nieces and nephews and get their immediate feedback on the book. I know the way I view this book has certainly changed as I've aged. Bottom line, when you're a kid, you just don't look that deep into these things. (Thank goodness for that in this instance). From here I'll take you to the actual Examiner article where you'll find out just what the kids had to say about The Giving Tree. We've got a nice variety of ages too; 10, 8 (almost 9), 7, and 4.
At the end of this I think the greatest gift this book has to offer is an opportunity to start a conversation with our children about what it means to be a good friend.
The video I'm attaching is one that I am addicted to. I love the song choices this person added to the slide show, are perfection.
Recently I began wondering if perhaps I was missing something because surely something that starts off as a pure and beautiful friendship can't morph into this relationship where one friend turns up simply to use the other while this sweet, giving tree is apparently completely oblivious. I thought, "I must be missing something here," but I'm thinking...Not so much.
In all this thinking came the idea to read the book to my wide-ranging-in-ages nieces and nephews and get their immediate feedback on the book. I know the way I view this book has certainly changed as I've aged. Bottom line, when you're a kid, you just don't look that deep into these things. (Thank goodness for that in this instance). From here I'll take you to the actual Examiner article where you'll find out just what the kids had to say about The Giving Tree. We've got a nice variety of ages too; 10, 8 (almost 9), 7, and 4.
At the end of this I think the greatest gift this book has to offer is an opportunity to start a conversation with our children about what it means to be a good friend.
The video I'm attaching is one that I am addicted to. I love the song choices this person added to the slide show, are perfection.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Ginny's story...Continued
Yesterday, I introduced you to the inspiration that is Ginny Hein. It is with great sorrow that I tell you she passed away tonight. I am thankful she is no longer in pain, but my heart is broken for her family and honestly, I can't quite wrap my mind and heart around the idea of a world without Ginny. Ginny often commented that she was given this challenge so that she could be an example to others through her faith. She certainly did that and since getting Ginny's story posted, I have been on a quest to get her story to the greatest audience possible. I have been an e-mailing fool and am really hoping to get at least one response. My ideal would be to get a response from the group who penned and perform Ginny's "theme song," Sidewalk Prophets. (You can give the song a listen below).
If you're so inclined, please say a prayer for Ginny and her family - especially her sweet girl. And please, help me share Ginny's story, pass it on.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Ginny's Story
I think my heart is breaking bit by bit today. I have been working on developing a website for the Relay for Life team I belong to. It’s not up and running yet, but when it is I’ll post a link and I hope you’ll check it out.
Putting this site together is far more emotionally challenging than I had anticipated when I volunteered to do this for the team. With each story we post and each memory I recall, my heart breaks just a little more. The same question keeps running through my head: "Why isn't there a cure yet?"
In addition to the this site I’ve been slowly pulling together the story of a friend who is in the midst of a four-year battle with cancer. It’s finished and turned into a great demonstration of Ginny’s faith and strength.
Let me tell you why I felt Ginny’s story needed to be shared and I hope you’ll go check it out in its entirety.
Ginny’s story is one that needed to be told if only to be a source of hope and inspiration to not only other families who are going through something similar, but to all of us as we continue to put the daily pieces of our lives together one day at a time. Regardless of what’s happening in Ginny’s life and with her illness, she has maintained her ‘true north’ and that is her faith. It’s easy to believe in something when the going is good, but it’s a true testament to her strength and faith that when the going got rough she held on.Read more
If you like what you read, I ask that you pass on her story to at least one person. I've felt this overwhelming need to share Ginny's story and I'd appreciate your help getting it out there. You can also "Digg" it.
Putting this site together is far more emotionally challenging than I had anticipated when I volunteered to do this for the team. With each story we post and each memory I recall, my heart breaks just a little more. The same question keeps running through my head: "Why isn't there a cure yet?"
In addition to the this site I’ve been slowly pulling together the story of a friend who is in the midst of a four-year battle with cancer. It’s finished and turned into a great demonstration of Ginny’s faith and strength.
Let me tell you why I felt Ginny’s story needed to be shared and I hope you’ll go check it out in its entirety.
Ginny’s story is one that needed to be told if only to be a source of hope and inspiration to not only other families who are going through something similar, but to all of us as we continue to put the daily pieces of our lives together one day at a time. Regardless of what’s happening in Ginny’s life and with her illness, she has maintained her ‘true north’ and that is her faith. It’s easy to believe in something when the going is good, but it’s a true testament to her strength and faith that when the going got rough she held on.Read more
If you like what you read, I ask that you pass on her story to at least one person. I've felt this overwhelming need to share Ginny's story and I'd appreciate your help getting it out there. You can also "Digg" it.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Dream big baby
In talking with my sister tonight she was telling me my ten-year-old nephew has been compiling a group of short stories into a book with a main character being the thread tying the whole thing together. The irony is not lost on me that my sweet, oldest nephew is diving headlong into my very same dream and running with it as a young pup. But I love it!
My sister questions her ability to be offer an unbiased opinion on his writing, but she thinks they're really good and wants me to give them a read as well. (As if I'm any more objective where he's concerned). I figure a good read is a good read, but it's true that parental love can be slightly blinding at times. We'll see. At any rate, we're going to start researching publishers and such to see where we can go with this.
The thing I love the most here is that this is not all he's working on writing-wise. It sounds like a little focus would be good, but any opportunity one has to write, regardless what it is, run with it! I cannot wait to read his work.
I love that this wonderfully special boy has always believed anything is possible. This kid is amazing. He's got this big, brilliant brain and an equally spectacular heart to accompany it. He has a laundry list of what he wants to be when he grows up (an Ornithologist, to name just one) and truly believes he can do them all. It is my hope, my prayer, my dream that he holds onto this enthusiasm and belief in himself.
I'll keep you posted on how he's doing following his own dream. There's something to be said for embracing your dreams sooner rather than later.
Thanks for stopping by...
My sister questions her ability to be offer an unbiased opinion on his writing, but she thinks they're really good and wants me to give them a read as well. (As if I'm any more objective where he's concerned). I figure a good read is a good read, but it's true that parental love can be slightly blinding at times. We'll see. At any rate, we're going to start researching publishers and such to see where we can go with this.
The thing I love the most here is that this is not all he's working on writing-wise. It sounds like a little focus would be good, but any opportunity one has to write, regardless what it is, run with it! I cannot wait to read his work.
I love that this wonderfully special boy has always believed anything is possible. This kid is amazing. He's got this big, brilliant brain and an equally spectacular heart to accompany it. He has a laundry list of what he wants to be when he grows up (an Ornithologist, to name just one) and truly believes he can do them all. It is my hope, my prayer, my dream that he holds onto this enthusiasm and belief in himself.
I'll keep you posted on how he's doing following his own dream. There's something to be said for embracing your dreams sooner rather than later.
Thanks for stopping by...
Thursday, September 2, 2010
It was meant to be
The article I posted to my Examiner page today took a lot of work - mostly of the emotional variety. I've been working/wanting to pull this piece together for several weeks and I kept putting off the actual writing of it simply because I just couldn't handle it emotionally.
It's only been posted for about two hours now and the responses I've gotten have been amazing. It's as if I was meant to write this article now. What's it about you might be wondering? Helping loved ones cope with miscarriages. This topic is tough. No one wants to talk about it and it's constantly swept aside as something not to be dealt with by those of us on the outside looking in. It's not out of malice or lack of caring, rather it's not knowing what to do or say. For some tips on how to conquer those worries, please check out my article.
As I mentioned above, it feels as though this was meant to be and here's why. Just in the span of me getting my source's thoughts as she wanted them shared and pulleing everything together to post it, she gets a phone call from her sister-in-law asking the very questions this article answers. Immediately after posting I received an e-mail stating how this was just what she needed. It's reaching people in just the way I hoped it would.
Thanks for stopping in. Let me know what you think.
The second piece to this article was posted today: http://www.examiner.com/early-childhood-parenting-in-billings/finding-support-following-the-loss-of-your-baby
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| The Angel of Grief Photo by: tkksummers via Flickr |
As I mentioned above, it feels as though this was meant to be and here's why. Just in the span of me getting my source's thoughts as she wanted them shared and pulleing everything together to post it, she gets a phone call from her sister-in-law asking the very questions this article answers. Immediately after posting I received an e-mail stating how this was just what she needed. It's reaching people in just the way I hoped it would.
Thanks for stopping in. Let me know what you think.
The second piece to this article was posted today: http://www.examiner.com/early-childhood-parenting-in-billings/finding-support-following-the-loss-of-your-baby
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