Presidential Election

Posted in NaBloPoMo, November 2012 by

What are your thoughts about tomorrow’s election in the United States?

Let me start off by saying that I have already voted. I have been a fan of Early Voting for the last few Presidential elections. It started when I was unable to vote one year due to incredibly long lines, and that night was a family dinner night for a family member’s birthday. All of my other family members had participated in Early Voting. Lesson learned!

I highly dislike discussing politics with anyone, with the occasional exception of my husband. I admittedly do not follow news and politics closely, therefore I never feel very confident that I know enough to bring much to the discussion. Also, it seems that most political discussions end up being more about one person trying to convince the other that their beliefs are the right one and often shaming others who don’t agree. This always seems worse in the 3-6 months before a Presidential election, and it gets so ugly. I try to refrain from making political statements or remarks among friends and social media, but every once in a while I regrettably slip up.

With all that said, I do believe in exercising your right to vote. It doesn’t matter if the candidate you feel is best is the one your parents, spouse, friends, enemies support. It’s your decision! It’s also your decision to share who you voted for, as well. I didn’t share my 2008 Presidential choice with anyone until just recently when I slipped up and told my husband. I have told a few people this time around who I voted for but mostly I’ve kept it to myself.

I think the whole election process needs an overhaul. Do we really need a dual party system? Shouldn’t we take a serious look at those other non-Republican/Democrat candidates? Don’t even get me started on the Electoral College!

Do you vote? Are you in favor of the same candidate as most of the people you’re around most often? 

During the month of November, I am participating in the National Blog Posting Month, also known as NaBloPoMo, hosted by BlogHer. Most likely I am following these suggested prompts, but I might just get crazy and change things up every once in a while. I’m one wild and crazy gal! 

NaBloPoMo November 2012

 

Weekend Links

Posted in Weekend Links by

I just decided to start including a Weekend Links entry today. I’ll try to get this out on Friday so that you’ll have all weekend to check them out. But hey, you have an extra hour today, right? 

What were some links that you enjoyed this week? 

 

Sunday Scribblings: Heal

Posted in NaBloPoMo, November 2012 by


On Sundays, I am starting to participate in Sunday Scribblings, a weekly writing prompt challenge. There are no rules within the challenge, however I am imposing the same rules that I follow for Five Minute Friday: Write for five minutes. No editing, revising, or over thinking. Just write.

Today’s Topic: Heal

START

How do you truly begin to heal when the pain on the inside has not been fixed? Sure, the wounds can close over, and the scars can begin to fade, but if it still hurts inside you will never heal.

What if you can’t find the remedy to heal the ailment? You’ve searched all over and every time you think you’ve found the cure, the wound tears open again.

When did the trouble begin? You try to remember when the hurt began but never seem to find the cause, therefore you fear that you’ll never find the remedy to heal.

Who caused the misery that you feel? Maybe you know, maybe you only have an idea, maybe it was a mixture of causes or maybe the memory is too old to remember.

Where does the tenderness reside? This you know, but you fear it’s beginning to spread.

Why does it still hurt? Until you can find the Who, What, When, Where and How, it will always hurt and never fully heal, but still you keep trying to find the solution.

Never give up fighting. Never give up seeking. Never give up trying.

Never give up. 

STOP

Read other Sunday Scribblings posts on the topic of ‘Heal’.

During the month of November, I am participating in the National Blog Posting Month, also known as NaBloPoMo, hosted by BlogHer. Most likely I am following these suggested prompts, but I might just get crazy and change things up every once in a while. I‘m one wild and crazy gal! 

NaBloPoMo November 2012

 

There’s No Place Like Home

Posted in NaBloPoMo, November 2012 by

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Sometime around the 5th grade, I became obsessed with all things related to Australia. I collected kangaroos, koala bears, maps, magazines, and anything having anything to do with Australia. I can’t remember what sparked this interest, but I do remember that it was very strong. I would tell people that someday I was going to live in Sydney, Australia and be a lawyer. I’m pretty sure that the lawyer thing came from watching too much L.A. Law, something else that I still can’t explain.

That was my dream: To live in Australia (and be a lawyer).

I’m pretty sure that I had this dream throughout junior high and most of high school, though I wasn’t quite as vocal about it with others, as I realized I might have appeared to be a crazy person. I suppose as I got older, that dream mostly faded when reality set in that my personality was not the type that successful lawyers comprise, and the exoticism of Australia started waning in my mind. My college years were spent about 3 hours away from home in Martin, Tennesse. During those 4 years, I realized just how much I loved living in the Nashville area. I moved back to the Nashville area after graduation and have lived here since.

While I really enjoy traveling to different places like Savannah for our wedding, and love visiting family in the Detroit area, as well as friends in Las Vegas, toward the end of those trips I start to see just how nice it is in Middle Tennessee, and I am ready to go home. My favorite vacation spots usually involve the beach, but as we’ve seen with hurricanes, the beach has it’s problems, as well. Pretty much anywhere one could live will have problems of some sort, such as humidity, tornadoes, snow, cold, heat, hurricanes, earthquakes, and so on.

So while it might be nice to dream of living somewhere else sometime, my heart always goes back to Nashville. It’s where I belong.

Where would you like to call home? Are you where you belong? 

During the month of November, I am participating in the National Blog Posting Month, also known as NaBloPoMo, hosted by BlogHer. Most likely I am following these suggested prompts, but I might just get crazy and change things up every once in a while. I’m one wild and crazy gal! 

NaBloPoMo November 2012

 

Five Minute Friday: Roots

Posted in Five Minute Friday, NaBloPoMo, November 2012 by

The rules: Write for five minutes. No editing, revising, or over thinking. Just write.

Today’s Topic: Roots

START

Each day this month I am posting to Twitter and Facebook something for which I am thankful. This morning before looking at the Five Minute Friday prompt, I wrote,

“‎30 Days of #Thanksgiving, Day 2: I am thankful to have parents who are always there for me & raised me with good values & responsibility.”

When I looked at the prompt for this morning, ideas were already coming to my mind, but nothing was too terribly clear. I decided to go ahead and find a quote about roots to see if that prompted any more clear words for writing. This is the quote I found:

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley 

I guess this has been God’s way of saying that I have some pretty awesome parents who taught me how important responsibility is. While they have taught me independence, too, I also know that they are still right there behind me to catch me if I fall. Instances like this morning are how God speaks to me. Today he’s showing me that my roots are strong, and I will continue to weather the storms and thrive in the sun.

STOP

P.S. After publishing this post, WordPress reminded me that this makes my 100th Post!

Read other Five Minute Friday posts on the topic of ‘Roots’.

NaBloPoMo November 2012
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Favorite Quotation

Posted in NaBloPoMo, November 2012 by

Tell us your favorite quotation and why.

Considering that I ended every post for the last 31 Days with a quote or a Bible verse, this is an interesting prompt to start off with in November. The problem I have is that I don’t know if there is one quote that I like more than others. I have numerous quotes that I like, otherwise I wouldn’t have posted them every day for the past month. Picking a favorite is like asking Michelle Duggar to pick her favorite child of 19.

Without a doubt, I can say that I have a favorite Bible verse.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

It’s a comfort verse from me that I have had memorized since I was a child. It’s a wonderful reminder that all we need to do is have faith that Christ will strengthen us for anything that life hands us. When I’m feeling down or need motivation, I think of this verse and remember that I don’t have to rely solely on myself for strength.

Now that I’ve diverted from the quote question long enough, I suppose it’s time for me to make a decision about my favorite quote. While skimming through the quotes that I posted the past month, it hit me that I do, indeed, have a long time favorite quote! It’s actually from a song lyric that spoke to me back in 1994 when Tom Petty’s Wildflowers cd was released. The lyric is from the “Crawling Back To You” song.
“Most things I worry about never happen anyway.” – Tom Petty

While Tom Petty is my favorite musical artist, who knew that such wise words could be sung? We worry about so many things in life that haven’t even happened yet and quite possibly will never happen. I am so guilty of over worrying myself over things out of my control. There have been times that I sing this little line in my head to remind myself not to worry. I’m also really good at reminding others not to worry about things beyond their control, and it usually serves as a great reminder to myself not to let it get to me, as well.

Do you have a favorite quotation, Bible verse or saying that gets you through difficult times? 

During the month of November, I am participating in the National Blog Posting Month, also known as NaBloPoMo, hosted by BlogHer. Most likely I am following these suggested prompts, but I might just get crazy and change things up every once in a while. I’m one wild and crazy gal! 

NaBloPoMo November 2012

NaBloPoMo: November 2012

Posted in NaBloPoMo, November 2012 by

Starting November 1st, I am participating in another challenge similar to the 31 Days Challenge where I wrote the 31 Days of Journaling Prompts everyday of the month. In November, I will be participating in National Blog Posting Month, also known as NaBloPoMo, hosted by BlogHer.

Yes, I’m crazy! Why do you ask?

At this point, I am not going to make any promises that I will, indeed, write every day for the month of November, but I am certainly going to try. Part of the incentive is some pretty awesome prizes that BlogHer is randomly giving away to those who participate every day, but the true reason is because I have really come to enjoy writing throughout the month of October, and I liked the blogging prompts that BlogHer listed for NaBloPoMo.

Oh! One other reason is that about 7 years ago, I got a wild hair and thought I would participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and only made it about a fourth of the way through when I was so lost in what my characters were doing, saying and going that I gave up and never tried again. If the past 31 Days taught me anything, it’s that I am definitely more comfortable writing in my own voice than I am in a fictional voice. So maybe, just MAYBE NaBloPoMo is for me. I guess we’ll find out!

On this page, I will post the links to my daily entries. The prompts are subject to change. Weekends are for free-writing, and I will post them as they occur. I am also swapping Fridays and Saturdays and plan to participate in Lisa Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday.

November 2012 NaBlogPoMo Prompts

Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tell us your favorite quotation and why.

Friday, November 2, 2012
Five Minute Friday: Roots

Saturday, November 3, 2012
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Sunday, November 4, 2012
Sunday Scribblings: Heal

Monday, November 5, 2012
What are your thoughts about tomorrow’s election in the United States?

Tuesday, November 6, 2012
If you were President of the United States, what would be your first act in office?

Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Talk about the last compliment you received.

Thursday, November 8, 2012
If you could have any job (and instantly have the training and qualifications to do it), which job would you want?

Friday, November 9, 2012
Five Minute Friday: Quiet

Saturday, November 10, 2012
If you could change one thing about your life right now, what would it be?

Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sunday Scribblings: Mud

Monday, November 12, 2012
Where is your favorite place to blog?

Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Praise Project – Guest Post at We Live Inspired

Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tell us about the best meal you ever cooked.

Thursday, November 15, 2012
If you had the superpower to know what everyone was thinking (but not saying) would you use it?

Friday, November 16, 2012
Five Minute Friday: Stay

Saturday, November 17, 2012
Would you buy your dream house if the price was right BUT you also were told it was inhabited by ghosts?

Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sunday Scribblings: Silence

Monday, November 19, 2012
If you had to get locked in some place (book store, amusement park, etc.) overnight alone, where would you choose to be locked in?

Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Who is someone you wish you could see again?

Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Where is your favorite place to read?

Thursday, November 22, 2012
30 Days of Thanksgiving

Friday, November 23, 2012
Five Minute Friday: Thank You

Saturday, November 24, 2012
What is the hardest word for you to say?

Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday Scribblings: Flood

Monday, November 26, 2012
Do you speak more than one language?  How did you learn the additional languages?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012
What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tell us about the worst trip you ever took, Part I

Thursday, November 29, 2012
Tell us about the worst trip you ever took, Part II

Friday, November 30, 2012
What has been the hardest part about blogging daily?

NaBloPoMo November 2012

31 Days of Journaling Prompts: Future

Posted in 31 Days, 31 Days of Journaling Prompts by

Day 31: Future

It’s hard to believe that Day 31 is here, and I made it through every single day! There was only one day this month (just a few days ago) where I didn’t have my entry ready to post at midnight, but I did get it posted later that day. I have a problem with following through with things like this, usually because it sounded like a good idea at the time, then it gets boring or tedious or I take on too much. I feel accomplished that I stuck to it, and it tells me that I can do this!

You know what, though? I’m actually kind of sad that it’s ending. I’ve actually been dreading this day for the last week or so because it’s been really nice to already know what I am going to write about, so now I feel like I have to come up with all new content. I probably won’t continue to blog everyday and go back to blogging a few times a week when the words need to get out of my head. Strike that! I started writing this earlier in the day then received an email from BlogHer about November’s NaBloPoMo this afternoon and just might have been hopped up on novocaine from a dental appointment, but I decided that I’m going to participate. I’m making no concrete promises that I will participate every day, but I’m going to make an effort. It helps that the blogging prompts for November have already been posted. There’s no pressure from BlogHer to stick to those prompts, but they seem like reasonable prompts for my style of writing.

I purposely saved the journaling prompt of Future for the last day of the challenge because I feel like beyond this entry is the future of my blog. Well, duh! It’s the future of everything, right? Of course it is, but I feel like these past 31 days have really set the groundwork for what I’m going to do with my writing and this site. After a very long time, I’m really close to feeling like a real writer. I’ve learned that I don’t have to have a published novel or have a full time job writing to be a writer. I can be a writer for my own enjoyment and the people who read what I have to say.

I am a writer and this is the beginning of my future. I hope you will join me in my journey.

What does your future look like? What goals are you looking forward to achieving?

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt 

Read more about the 31 Days of Journaling Prompts
Today’s recommended 31 Day Blogger: 31 Days of Powerful Words @ Cindy H Ramsey

31 Days of Journaling Prompts: Potential

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Day 30: Potential

All my life I’ve heard that very few people live up to their potential. While I won’t argue with that statement, I do wonder at what level one would have to be in order to live up to the throne of using all of one’s potential? Did Albert Einstein, Marie Curie or Alexander Fleming live up to their full potential or could they have discovered something even greater? Where’s the limit?

When I was in high school and college, without a doubt I was smarter than the effort I put into my work. I wouldn’t say that I was lazy, but I know I could have tried harder. That pretty much sums up everything in my life. Let me pause here and say that I am NOT putting myself down or anything like that. I’m simply saying that there are numerous times where I know that I could try harder. I’m sure it’s the case for most people. There’s always going to be something that we halfway do for a variety of different reasons, such as lack of time, commitment, interest or resources. We live in a society where just getting by is good enough most of the time. Do the minimum to get it done. This isn’t always by choice, either. There might be a project at work that I would love to spend much more time doing and completing to perfection, but then there are other projects that need my attention.

I know that I could be a better writer if I ventured out more and tried other genres. As much as I enjoy reading fiction, I am not comfortable writing fiction. I’m sure if I worked on it or took a creative writing course, then I could excel at it or at least be decent with it. However, at this stage in my life, I am fine with the voice that I have with writing. It’s much easier to just be myself than to be someone else. Maybe someday I will try fiction again.

If writing is something that you are interested in, whether it be journaling your thoughts like I do or creative writing with fictional characters, I would like to encourage you to start exercising your writing skills by using the 31 Journaling Prompts that I have written about this month. They could easily be used for both fiction and non-fiction writing. Another great resource for me is Writing Through Life, a website with weekly journaling prompts, as well as a free 4-week Journaling 101 course. Finally, my awesome friend, Rebekah, wrote a Guest Post On Being A Writer that offers some practical tips on getting started. 

Whatever area of your life you have more potential than you are using, I encourage you to seek it out and try to be more than you are. In the long run, it will definitely be worth your time and effort.

In what area do you have more potential than you are using? Do you stick with just getting by or do you go all the way? 

“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” – Winston Churchill

Read more about the 31 Days of Journaling Prompts
Today’s recommended 31 Day Blogger: 31 Days: The Thrift Project @ Beautiful Objects

 

31 Days of Journaling Prompts: Inspiration

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Day 29: Inspiration

In my writing, I seek inspiration for myself, as well as sharing with others in hopes that they find inspiration, as well. At the end of most every entry I write in my blog, I include a quote or Bible verse that has spoken to me. I write include it just as much for myself as I do for anyone reading. I also gather inspiration from the words that I read in books and blogs written by others.

Inspiration is everywhere!

There have been a few times during this 31 Day journey that I have had a bit of writer’s block, though I admit that it’s not been as frequent as I feared when I challenged myself to this project. In the past, I’ve tried writing fiction, and those times usually end with incredible bouts of writer’s block to the point where I realized that fictional writing is not my genre. The words that long to get out of my head and onto paper (or the screen) are my thoughts and perceptions of what is in and around my life, therefore the inspiration that I find to write is all around me everyday and everywhere. There are times that I wish I had something that recorded my thoughts so that it would be easier for me to write them out later. But really, who wouldn’t want that? Okay, except for those thoughts that you don’t want to share with others. I’d need an on/off switch for sure.

Pinterest is incredibly popular right now and provides an excellent source for inspiration, as well as procrastination*. While I’ll be the first to admit that I have wasted many hours scrolling through Pinterest and adding pins of interesting projects or yummy meals, I have benefitted greatly from using Pinterest as inspiration, as well. My creativity often requires that I produce some sort of craft, and we all know there is a multitude of inspiring crafts on Pinterest. There’s also been memorable quotes and words to contribute to my contentment, fantastic meals I might not have discovered and DIY Tips to make life a little easier. While I know that Pinterest has been more positive for me than negative, I do try to be aware of how much time I spend there so I don’t get behind in other areas of my life.

Inspiration can also be found in your surroundings. Art is everywhere, whether created by man or by God. The beautiful season of Fall is here, and while driving this past weekend, I noted how inspiring the changing colors of the leaves can be inspiring to me to recycle, renew and reuse things in my own life. Our lives can cycle through different seasons, as well. We don’t have to constantly stay the same and it’s okay to go back to what we know and love.

How do you find inspiration? What inspires you? 

*Note: I’m so glad that I didn’t choose Procrastination as one of this month’s journaling prompts, though maybe I should have!

“Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his soul.” – Thomas Merton

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13  

Read more about the 31 Days of Journaling Prompts
Today’s recommended 31 Day Blogger: 31 Inspiring Days @ Ladybugs, Butterflies & Boxing

miscellany monday at lowercase letters

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