Who feels like they are running in survival mode?
October was difficult. Normal life of keeping 4 small children alive is hard enough, but we had Halloween costumes, a few parties to host or attend, church responsibilities, yard and home projects, repairs and deliveries to schedule, dentist visits for 4 people, and some other personal/family obstacles to deal with. Maybe that list seems normal to some, but for me it was hectic and kinda stressful. It felt like nothing got crossed off my "to-do" list, and nighttime just meant that I'd have to wake up and start over again.
November is starting out much better. I can breathe a little bit. Sure, I still have almost everything from the list above, plus Christmas planning, but it feels like deadlines aren't as close together and I have a minute to breathe in between larger tasks.
One thing I missed in October was my Wednesday afternoons. In our home schooling schedule this school year, I had planned on ending our day 2 hours early on Wednesdays, so I could have "me time" to work on a project of my own. Well, two Wednesday afternoons we went to the dentist, another had some necessary errands, and one had too many left over projects from the morning, we couldn't quit. I think in November, I get my Wednesdays back!
One fun writing project I did with my kids last month was a persuasive essay. We listed out pros and cons, comparing two things. Then they had to pick the one they liked the best and write a paragraph convincing me why they made that choice. Our topic was Tiny House vs. Mansion. I think we came to the conclusion that it would be great to have the space of a mansion, for the cost of a tiny home! Ha! My 8 and 6 year old have decided that they want to buy a trailer/tiny home for when they go to college. Then they can have cheaper rent (only hook up fees), own the thing, and move it where they want. I think it sounds like a great idea!
Try a pro/con list with your kids (or yourself) and tell me about it!! Maybe they can compare two different toys they want for Christmas to figure out the best one. Maybe which animal would be the best pet. Maybe what vacation would be the best camping, or beach. Convince me of your point of view!!!
Monday, November 11, 2019
Friday, September 27, 2019
Superheroes!
Short post today.
Brainstorm this....
What superhero power would you want to have?
What would you use it for?
I'm torn between flight, or super speed. It would be great to save time and money on traveling, I've had many dreams where I am flying and it seems pretty peaceful. However, super speed could also get me places quickly, and I could super clean my house really fast and have time left over to play with my kids.
What about you?
Brainstorm this....
What superhero power would you want to have?
What would you use it for?
I'm torn between flight, or super speed. It would be great to save time and money on traveling, I've had many dreams where I am flying and it seems pretty peaceful. However, super speed could also get me places quickly, and I could super clean my house really fast and have time left over to play with my kids.
What about you?
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Assignment #1
This week for our home school history lesson, we talked about Christopher Columbus. My oldest made a cute diorama of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. We looked at a map of the world, and talked about the reason behind Columbus' trips. We made and decorated a compass out of paper, and talked about finding your way without maps, pictures, or GPS devices. The last activity we did was kind of interesting. There was a list of jobs that Columbus might have advertised for to fill the requirements on the three ships. The kids did a writing assignment where they had to write a letter to Christopher Columbus applying for a position on one of his ships.
There were some interesting jobs back then. They had ships musicians, doctors, map makers, artists (to draw pictures of the things they find), cleaning people, chefs, religious people, and more. The job that was most intriguing for the kids was to be the ships boy/girl. They would bring some children to go around and help wherever someone needed extra hands. My kids thought it would be fun to help the artist and the chef the most!
During this assignment, I thought that it has been a LONG time since I have actually written a letter. It is kind of a dying art. I don't remember the last time I have written a real letter.
My assignment to you this week, is to write a letter to someone you care about, and actually mail it!!! It is so fun to get something in the mail besides bills. Think of someone who could use a cheery note, and spread some happy!!
There were some interesting jobs back then. They had ships musicians, doctors, map makers, artists (to draw pictures of the things they find), cleaning people, chefs, religious people, and more. The job that was most intriguing for the kids was to be the ships boy/girl. They would bring some children to go around and help wherever someone needed extra hands. My kids thought it would be fun to help the artist and the chef the most!
During this assignment, I thought that it has been a LONG time since I have actually written a letter. It is kind of a dying art. I don't remember the last time I have written a real letter.
My assignment to you this week, is to write a letter to someone you care about, and actually mail it!!! It is so fun to get something in the mail besides bills. Think of someone who could use a cheery note, and spread some happy!!
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Pros/Cons
Do you ever make pro/con lists?
I am a list maker, but usually my lists are "To-Do" lists. I love the feeling of crossing things off, and I love to see a page that has almost everything crossed off. I think I even still have a few lists from years ago that are all completed, but I like to look at it and see how much I accomplished in whatever amount of time.
This past week, I have had many situations where I need to make a big decision. Both choices in the situations are good. Both outcomes would be fine. I have had to weigh my options, and make pro/con lists. One of the lists has come to a stand-still, though....neither side winning, and it has been no help in making a final decision.
What holds you back from making difficult decisions?
What helps you to make a tough choice?
As most of you know, from previous posts and personal interactions, I have a dream to publish a book (or many). I have never had anything published before, and I am completely new to the whole process. Here we are in 2019 with so many options available, and I can't figure out what to do.
Traditional Publishing would be amazing. A company would find merit in my work, pay me for my manuscript, format and publish my book, and get it into bookstores/online platforms around the country and world. I would receive some money up front, and (pretty small) royalties off of the sales. I would have an 'in' for publishing more books. And I could turn writing into more than a hobby, and possibly go to book signings and releases of new books all over the country.
Traditional publishing typically requires you to find an agent that wants to represent your ideas, and you work with them to finalize the book and find a publisher. There would probably be a lot of rejection, and take a lot of time to see if something would come of it. Also, they typically purchase your rights to the book, and they have say on illustrations and final 'look' of the book.
Oh, and another thing. Traditional Publishers do like to see an established author who is getting consistent sales and interest in their work. To be a first time author would be difficult to find a publisher who wants to take a risk on me and represent me.
Self-Publishing would also be a great option. I could definitely see my name in print soon!! I could have complete say in the illustrations, and everything would be approved through me. I retain my rights to the stories, and royalties are a much higher percentage. Amazon has a self-publishing program that is free to use and get a book printed, but then there is the problem of marketing the book and getting people to see it/buy it all over the world. That scares me. I am a quiet 'nobody'. How would I get my books out there to enough people?
There are self-publishing companies who will do marketing and distributing for you. Awesome! But, they cost quite a bit up front to get your book started (like, thousands). AND, you still have to be approved. They can decline doing your book, even if you are ready to pay them! They look for original, inspiring ideas that they can already see potential. Makes sense, but still...there is risk.
Maybe, what I'm trying to say, is both ideas terrify me. To find a publisher to traditionally publish my books as a first time author is probably dreaming too big. I believe in my books. I like them. Family and friends like them, but I don't know if that is enough. And self-publishing is scary to market myself or to pay a lot of money to have a company help with the marketing part.
Last thing, I promise! Either direction I go, it seems like it is better for me if I have my own illustrations.....so, who has an 'in' with an artist? I have such a vision for my books, but I don't have the artistic skill set to pull it off. I need someone who will work with me in creating the artwork for my words. Anyone? Anyone?
Thanks for coming on this journey with me, friends!!
I am a list maker, but usually my lists are "To-Do" lists. I love the feeling of crossing things off, and I love to see a page that has almost everything crossed off. I think I even still have a few lists from years ago that are all completed, but I like to look at it and see how much I accomplished in whatever amount of time.
This past week, I have had many situations where I need to make a big decision. Both choices in the situations are good. Both outcomes would be fine. I have had to weigh my options, and make pro/con lists. One of the lists has come to a stand-still, though....neither side winning, and it has been no help in making a final decision.
What holds you back from making difficult decisions?
What helps you to make a tough choice?
As most of you know, from previous posts and personal interactions, I have a dream to publish a book (or many). I have never had anything published before, and I am completely new to the whole process. Here we are in 2019 with so many options available, and I can't figure out what to do.
Traditional Publishing would be amazing. A company would find merit in my work, pay me for my manuscript, format and publish my book, and get it into bookstores/online platforms around the country and world. I would receive some money up front, and (pretty small) royalties off of the sales. I would have an 'in' for publishing more books. And I could turn writing into more than a hobby, and possibly go to book signings and releases of new books all over the country.
Traditional publishing typically requires you to find an agent that wants to represent your ideas, and you work with them to finalize the book and find a publisher. There would probably be a lot of rejection, and take a lot of time to see if something would come of it. Also, they typically purchase your rights to the book, and they have say on illustrations and final 'look' of the book.
Oh, and another thing. Traditional Publishers do like to see an established author who is getting consistent sales and interest in their work. To be a first time author would be difficult to find a publisher who wants to take a risk on me and represent me.
Self-Publishing would also be a great option. I could definitely see my name in print soon!! I could have complete say in the illustrations, and everything would be approved through me. I retain my rights to the stories, and royalties are a much higher percentage. Amazon has a self-publishing program that is free to use and get a book printed, but then there is the problem of marketing the book and getting people to see it/buy it all over the world. That scares me. I am a quiet 'nobody'. How would I get my books out there to enough people?
There are self-publishing companies who will do marketing and distributing for you. Awesome! But, they cost quite a bit up front to get your book started (like, thousands). AND, you still have to be approved. They can decline doing your book, even if you are ready to pay them! They look for original, inspiring ideas that they can already see potential. Makes sense, but still...there is risk.
Maybe, what I'm trying to say, is both ideas terrify me. To find a publisher to traditionally publish my books as a first time author is probably dreaming too big. I believe in my books. I like them. Family and friends like them, but I don't know if that is enough. And self-publishing is scary to market myself or to pay a lot of money to have a company help with the marketing part.
Last thing, I promise! Either direction I go, it seems like it is better for me if I have my own illustrations.....so, who has an 'in' with an artist? I have such a vision for my books, but I don't have the artistic skill set to pull it off. I need someone who will work with me in creating the artwork for my words. Anyone? Anyone?
Thanks for coming on this journey with me, friends!!
Friday, September 6, 2019
Finding Time
This post is about being busy and finding time for hobbies/personal interests!
Look for the questions and answer one in the comments!!
I have 4 small children. Right now they are 8, 6, 4, and 2. Sometimes it takes enough of my energy just to dress, bathe, and feed those munchkins. Let alone, we are homeschooling, and I'm teaching pre-school to 4 extra kids three mornings a week. So, now I get to make sure my kids are fulfilling school requirements, planning lessons and activities, and giving all the kids enough one-on-one instruction that they get the information they need at their individual levels. Then there are tumbling classes, music practice, doctor/dentist appointments, church activities, etc. Lots of things take up time in a weekly schedule.
That takes up the most time in your week?
On top of taking care of the kids, a clean house is the key to my sanity. We just moved into a new construction house this past March. While it is amazing to have the space we need, it is much more space to keep clean. Plus, putting in a new yard from scratch is a pain. The time and money for completing that project might take years! I have finally forced myself into the habit of a clean kitchen, though. I have even washed pans while they are still hot, just so I don't have to see them sitting on my counter anymore. It doesn't take very long, and makes me so much happier to see a clean kitchen, than to see the pan every time I walk by.
What part of your house drives you crazy if it's a mess?
What could you do in a day, or 5 minutes, or 1 minute to make that space better?
Alright, getting down to it. Children, Homemaking, Home school, Pre-school, and whatever else takes up your time, it sometimes feels impossible to find a spare minute to do something for yourself.
What things do you want to find time for? Are you a crafter? DIY home projects? Want to read a book? Painting? Writing? Take a relaxing bath? Go to a store by yourself?
Usually, my hobbies get pushed to the back burner. Priorities come first, fun comes later. Only problem is that 'later' happens when the kids go to bed and then I am too worn out. Because I keep my kitchen cleaned throughout the day, though, I don't have to clean after bedtime. We also schedule other chores to a specific day of the week. Floors on Friday, Laundry on Tuesday, Bathrooms on Thursday, etc. Keeping up means not spending FOREVER cleaning when it's ALL a disaster, because it doesn't all become a disaster. Also, the kids have to put all toys away before bed. Seriously, rules, routines, and habits are making our house so much more pleasant to live in.
What habit can you implement in your daily/weekly routine?
For me, I have decided that Wednesday afternoons are my time off. The local public school has early out on Wednesdays, so our home school is also having early day on Wednesdays. This is my planned time each week to do something for me. Kids have free time to play (the little one takes a nap), and I get to write or craft or do my own project. This way I know that I have at least a moment during our weekly craziness to take a moment for me.
How do you make time for you?
Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments!
Look for the questions and answer one in the comments!!
I have 4 small children. Right now they are 8, 6, 4, and 2. Sometimes it takes enough of my energy just to dress, bathe, and feed those munchkins. Let alone, we are homeschooling, and I'm teaching pre-school to 4 extra kids three mornings a week. So, now I get to make sure my kids are fulfilling school requirements, planning lessons and activities, and giving all the kids enough one-on-one instruction that they get the information they need at their individual levels. Then there are tumbling classes, music practice, doctor/dentist appointments, church activities, etc. Lots of things take up time in a weekly schedule.
That takes up the most time in your week?
On top of taking care of the kids, a clean house is the key to my sanity. We just moved into a new construction house this past March. While it is amazing to have the space we need, it is much more space to keep clean. Plus, putting in a new yard from scratch is a pain. The time and money for completing that project might take years! I have finally forced myself into the habit of a clean kitchen, though. I have even washed pans while they are still hot, just so I don't have to see them sitting on my counter anymore. It doesn't take very long, and makes me so much happier to see a clean kitchen, than to see the pan every time I walk by.
What part of your house drives you crazy if it's a mess?
What could you do in a day, or 5 minutes, or 1 minute to make that space better?
Alright, getting down to it. Children, Homemaking, Home school, Pre-school, and whatever else takes up your time, it sometimes feels impossible to find a spare minute to do something for yourself.
What things do you want to find time for? Are you a crafter? DIY home projects? Want to read a book? Painting? Writing? Take a relaxing bath? Go to a store by yourself?
Usually, my hobbies get pushed to the back burner. Priorities come first, fun comes later. Only problem is that 'later' happens when the kids go to bed and then I am too worn out. Because I keep my kitchen cleaned throughout the day, though, I don't have to clean after bedtime. We also schedule other chores to a specific day of the week. Floors on Friday, Laundry on Tuesday, Bathrooms on Thursday, etc. Keeping up means not spending FOREVER cleaning when it's ALL a disaster, because it doesn't all become a disaster. Also, the kids have to put all toys away before bed. Seriously, rules, routines, and habits are making our house so much more pleasant to live in.
What habit can you implement in your daily/weekly routine?
For me, I have decided that Wednesday afternoons are my time off. The local public school has early out on Wednesdays, so our home school is also having early day on Wednesdays. This is my planned time each week to do something for me. Kids have free time to play (the little one takes a nap), and I get to write or craft or do my own project. This way I know that I have at least a moment during our weekly craziness to take a moment for me.
How do you make time for you?
Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments!
Sunday, September 1, 2019
About Me
I am a 30-year old stay-at-home homeschooling mom. To say I have free time to write or work on my own projects is a laugh. However, finding a spare second for my interests and hobbies is important, so I will make time to increase my talents.
My whole life, I have considered myself okay at a lot of things, but never great at any one thing in particular. As I continue practicing the art of putting words on paper, painting stories in a readers mind, I feel like perhaps I am good at something. It is hard being my own critic, and I definitely doubt my words often, but it’s a work in progress and it is progressing!
On this blog, I want to invite readers into my imagination and help you expand your own. I want to put some ideas out, and get feedback. I want to eventually publish my work, and see my name in print on a book at the store. This is my journey, and you can join me for the ride!
Some posts might be a look into my brain, or a ‘day in the life’ of an author mom. I might share a book idea. Or suggest ideas for you to start writing your own stories. Some days I will share the inspiration and process I follow when writing for myself. Subscribe to be surprised!!
My ultimate dream is to be invited to a book signing somewhere and have people actually stand in line because they want my name in a copy of my book. How cool would that be?
I have never been a ‘writer’, so this is where I start!! Comment a goal or dream that you are working towards.
My whole life, I have considered myself okay at a lot of things, but never great at any one thing in particular. As I continue practicing the art of putting words on paper, painting stories in a readers mind, I feel like perhaps I am good at something. It is hard being my own critic, and I definitely doubt my words often, but it’s a work in progress and it is progressing!
On this blog, I want to invite readers into my imagination and help you expand your own. I want to put some ideas out, and get feedback. I want to eventually publish my work, and see my name in print on a book at the store. This is my journey, and you can join me for the ride!
Some posts might be a look into my brain, or a ‘day in the life’ of an author mom. I might share a book idea. Or suggest ideas for you to start writing your own stories. Some days I will share the inspiration and process I follow when writing for myself. Subscribe to be surprised!!
My ultimate dream is to be invited to a book signing somewhere and have people actually stand in line because they want my name in a copy of my book. How cool would that be?
I have never been a ‘writer’, so this is where I start!! Comment a goal or dream that you are working towards.
First Post---Getting Started
Hello, everyone!
As an aspiring author, I have hundreds of ideas floating through my head, and finally a few of them are getting out on paper. I am excited to start expanding my internet presence and get feedback from friends and followers. Hopefully, someday, I will have published books in the stores and online. For now, enjoy my ramblings, leave comments, follow my writing prompts for yourself, and enjoy the magic that is trapped in our imaginations!
As an aspiring author, I have hundreds of ideas floating through my head, and finally a few of them are getting out on paper. I am excited to start expanding my internet presence and get feedback from friends and followers. Hopefully, someday, I will have published books in the stores and online. For now, enjoy my ramblings, leave comments, follow my writing prompts for yourself, and enjoy the magic that is trapped in our imaginations!
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