Thank God for Creativity

Thank God for creativity, which keeps me sane. I escape into craftily written stories on pages worn by constant turning. They transport me to places where characters are observed without reciprocated scrutiny. Even villains fascinate. Escapism? Maybe, but when I'm through there is enlarged capacity to cope, to execute.

Sometimes I look at pretty things - fashion, vintage cars, beautiful landscapes and fabulous decor. Or, I write. Words tumble from my soul, and cascade down to fingers moving faster than my thoughts. Once captured on paper I shift phrases around, and erase sentences which I'd believed clever, yet needed more work. There is no drudgery in the process though. I love it, as much as I love music, another avenue to harmony.

Worship songs, soothing jazz, salsa, flamenco, blues, easy listening, or reggae (I am an Island girl), all have the same effect. They make my heart happy. It's easier to face the day, the issue, the person, the challenge, when you're filled with joy. Do I handle all things perfectly after these moments of beautiful? The answer is no, but my best efforts are easier and I'm grateful to a creative God who knows exactly what I need.

Constant Companions

Sweet words,
Constant companions.
They calm or stir,
evoke,
deride,
assault,
assuage,
force guilt,
or joy,
peace, anger -
fear.
Sweet words,
Constant companions.

Craftily woven
they create a
tapestry which
bends the ear and
draws the heart
unraveling tales,
triumphant,
woe,
Sweet words,
Constant companions.

Can I live
without them?
This I'll never know
When I wake up
or go to bed
They're always there
breathing, new life
Like Bible verses
truth rings clear -
Sweet words,
Constant companions.
I'll never let them go.

No Other Choice

I juggle daily.

When will I be able to get back to my manuscript? It is on my calendar, yet I struggle. Many writers understand this challenge. We have full time jobs, families and writing goals, among other things. The to do lists grow by the minute. To consistently persist until writing goals are reached is a constant choice. The journey from start to finish requires successful time management - and resolve.

The first thing which keeps me sane and moving is the fact that writing is my calling. The second, it is a passion that drives me. I will never give up, and I will become artful at making time. I have no other choice.

The Best Gift Ever!

I published my first book a few months ago, titled Pour the Oil. It feels great, and though the process had many challenges; I would not change anything about it. 

When I first began writing, it was amazing. There was an easy, continuous flow. I needed a tape recorder when I was driving, and ample sheets of paper and pen handy at all times.  Words flowed at a rate which created exhilaration.  It almost felt like someone else was having the experience. 

I kept thinking, "This is happening; I am really writing a book." As the writing progressed, I thought, "This is work. This is hard," but no matter how battered my spirit felt from the emotional journey, I kept going. It was an assignment from God. As relevant truths were revealed in the words I penned, I felt myself going through a transformation. 

Writing is not for the faint-hearted. You have to be completely committed to your work. Without that commitment, you wind up with unfinished manuscripts. There came a point when it seemed like the journey was a daily uphill climb, fighting for time and space; yet I could not still my mind. It took fourteen months to complete the first draft of Pour the Oil, and another seven months before I was done with editing, cover design, manuscript formatting and publication. I healed, I learned, I understood, I grew. 

The rewrite process was an eye opener. By the second draft I'd shaved more than twenty thousand words from the manuscript and another few thousand by the third draft. When my Editor was done, there was still more shaving to do. I never felt like giving up, but I felt every bit of the effort required to get to the finish line.

The process was my best gift. I also benefited mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  I am looking forward to more growth as I continue to live this arduous and fulfilling journey as a writer. Be encouraged. Don't give up in the process. Your best gift is on its way.

  

A Glimpse of Awesome ...

My mind was racing one hundred miles per minute, as I sat enveloped in silence. Six heads were bowed over a 1,464 word handout from the manuscript of my book, Pour The Oil. It was the first time my writing was being critiqued by our local Word Weavers group. I was both excited and apprehensive.

I saw hands moving. I heard pen on paper. Facial expressions reflected focus. The silence seemed endless; the air charged. It may have been due to a comment uttered when the last word was read from the handout, "... and she leaves us there. We want more." I chuckled inwardly. Maybe I was the only one charged. That was the thought until the group began sharing. 

They were thorough, intuitive, complimentary and enthusiastic. I felt encouraged. It was easy to receive comments geared toward making the work better, and wonderful to be affirmed. I heard things like:-

"This is a parallel to my life" 

"It is raw"

"I can't wait to hear more"

"I am going to add this to my reading list"

"It is needed now, in this time"

"You write well"

"It is obvious that you are a teacher"

"God will complete what He has started in you"

As valuable than the comments was the dialogue which started as a result of the (Pour The Oil) content shared. 

I don't say this to toot my own horn, but to express gratitude. I am thankful to Daddy God. I understand what He has done through me. There is purpose in this work and I see it. I got a glimpse ... of Awesome, and there is more to come. Stay tuned for more updates.

Bitten By The Bug

I have been bitten - by the writer's bug that is - and I cannot shake the symptoms of this windfall. My fingers will not stay still for a minute. My mind has created a folder of thoughts and concepts not yet typed. They are being stored at a rapid rate, and have reached a capacity that is threatening to overflow if I don't do something about it.

The Editor has been working on the "Pour The Oil" manuscript for exactly 6 days and I am itching to get back to writing. Clearly this is the season to accomplish this part of my purpose - to pen stories and principles that are destined to help those who are hungry for and have been prepared to receive them. I am ready for the words to begin pouring onto a page.

Today, I started the companion book to "Pour The Oil". It is a forty day Devotional. I am pretty excited about it. Stay tuned for more updates.

You Better Work!

Everyday, when you awake, you make a decision to get up, get yourself ready, and go. God just encouraged me this morning by reminding me of this fact. He said, "It is that simple. Make a decision everyday to serve with joy and gladness. Make a decision to complete whatever you start. Make a decision to win. All you need is a decision."

When you make a decision to get up, your brain communicates with your body and your body moves. If you decide to get ready to go, you prepare (find an outfit, take a shower, shave or put on makeup). You get the picture right? Corresponding action is necessary. To decide to do a thing requires both commitment and follow through. 

Are you willing to pay the price for your success? That is a loaded question, but it is unrealistic to have the expectation that simply deciding will make things happen. I am a part of the "you" that I'm talking to today, because there are times when I have to become a cheerleader and self-motivate. You have to sacrifice to bring the vision to life.

Sometimes I am wearied by the process, but I know that stopping is not an option. I regroup, refresh and keep moving toward my goal. There is no time out in a race - no hold on a minute - let me get myself together moment. Keep running until you reach the finish line, or you will become disqualified. Thank God this process is not a race. 

Don't focus on people in the other lanes, pay attention to your assignment. Runners are aware of the people running with them, but they are not turning around to see what others are doing. They run to win. They keep their eyes on the goal. Sometimes you make a decision, but when you see others who appear to be closer to achieving what they set out to do, you lose focus and become discouraged. Don't do that. Your work is your work. That is your focus. It is that simple, and I am grateful. 

Decide today that you will be a success. Understand that the journey is not always easy. Commit to achieving your goals, and whatever you do - don't.give.up. Your reward is coming, but to see it, you better work.

I love Dr. Seuss

I love Dr. Seuss. Oh yes, I do. Some of his quotes gave me the greatest joy today; starting with, "I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” The last line was my favorite. I felt invincible.

There are other Seuss quotes in my happy place. The next was encouraging and so true. “If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too.”  Those words evoked emotions and I could not contain them. Supernatural bursts of energy infused me - to keep moving, keep dreaming, keep doing, until I actually 'start happening'. 

I bounced right from that quote to, “You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting,  So... get on your way!” You know what? I believe. I am off to great places. My expectations have risen 1000%.

By the time I got to the next quote - “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try” My brain had moved into overdrive... creativity stretched, yawned and said, "I am here, I am up, and I am ready. Let's go!"

I was having a ball; then I saw, “If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.” I made a decision to lighten up even more. I promised myself that I would do spontaneous and joyous things. For me that could be as simple as a long walk on the beach right before the sun begins to set. I actually envisioned myself there as that beautiful ball of orange slowly sinks below the horizon. I am sitting on the sand, water gently lapping at my toes, banana split in hand, and a languid smile on my face. 

With his words, Dr. Seuss reminded me that,  “It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become.” I believe I will hold on to that perspective and begin again tomorrow full of hope, determined, armed with a bat and a great attitude. 

The end quote? “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”  I strive to make this my perpetual perspective. After all "It is fun to have fun.” 

My bond with Dr. Seuss has been renewed. Who knows what is in store tomorrow, yet somehow it does not matter, I will make it an awesome day! I know - it's up to me.

Today, I Write

Today I write, 
like every other day. 
Sometimes I pen the journey
on vacant, ready, reams
sometimes it's only written 
in my memory, it seems
But today, I write, 
like every other day.