GMC. You know the term. Every main character (hero/heroine) must have one in your story to make their actions ring true. Even if your character doesn't understand why she wants what she wants, your reader will want to know, so YOU must know. Ah, so what does a character do when conflict gets in her way? Push through that conflict so that the character can have a happy ending. (Of course, you don't want it to be too easy, and boring, so the reader stops reading).
As I contemplate my character's GMC, I'm also contemplating mine:
GOAL: finish ms
MOTIVATION: to be published (and because I love to write!)
CONFLICT: life, full time job, business partnership with husband (I do the financials and tax season is upon us)
HOW TO OVERCOME: make a schedule and stick to it
***
GOAL: to attend the DARA conference
MOTIVATION: to meet other authors and have a chance to pitch my novel
CONFLICT: money (I have a tooth problem that is going to cost $1000!)
HOW TO OVERCOME: save, make extra money, get loan or don't go
***
GOAL: to get my website back up and running
MOTIVATION: because all authors should have one
CONFLICT: lack of knowledge
HOW TO OVERCOME: learn all I can and get help where needed
***
I've had my head down in editing my current WIP and in plotting my new novel. You probably won't hear from me except sporadically for now, but I am going to try to get back into a routine. Still, my writing is most important and so things like blogging are put on the back burner. :)
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, November 16, 2008
How to Craft an Album with absolutely no sewing!
With Christmas just around the corner and the economy the way it is, there is nothing more special than creating a gift for a loved one. I enjoy creating this for myself, but it makes a great gift too! They are so easy and a lot of fun. You can make a journal, a photo album, a binder notebook, or a business card album, just to name a few.
First, find the album you want. A binder notebook, an uncovered photo album or, in this situation, I used a business card album. This also works with notebook journals.
Figure out your theme. There are cheap fabrics and left over fabrics you can use, or maybe you have your own stash somewhere. For this theme, because it is a business card album that I place business cards in, thus sharing information with others, I used a pendant that, to me, looked like the earth. I used jewelry pieces that say "wish", "believe", "inspire", "share" and "create". For another photo album (see below), I used red beaded fringe, red fabric, and lady accessories such as shoes, a hat and a handbag. Choosing a theme is the funnest part, and your options are endless.
I could go crazy at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or any other craft store. You can use iron on transfers or glue your own accessories from wood, jewwels, or anything. If you can sew, you have even more options! (Unfortunately, I don't/can't sew).
The materials you need will vary. A low-heat glue gun works best. Find fabric you like and some decorative accessories, like iron on patches and trims. You also need some kind of poster board (I use thick stock paper) for the inside of your album.
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Measure the fabric around the album and cut to where you have a half inch to an inch of spare fabric.
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Glue the fabric using a low heat glue gun.
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Trim any excess pieces.
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Measure, cut, and glue any trim pieces, fringe or ribbon you want to use around the album.
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Take a piece of poster board or stock paper and measure the inside of the album. Cut the poster board so you will have just enough space to cover the inside, without it overlapping the outside.
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Measure, cut and glue your fabric around the poster board. One side doesn't need fabric, since it will be face down on the inside of your album.
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With your low heat glue gun, glue your covering to the inside of your album. This goes on top of your trim work, so as to cover the fringe or ribbon you used.
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Adorn the outside with decorative pieces.
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Admire your finished work.
Here are other albums I've done. They aren't perfect by any means, but they were fun, and that's the beauty of art.
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First, find the album you want. A binder notebook, an uncovered photo album or, in this situation, I used a business card album. This also works with notebook journals.
Figure out your theme. There are cheap fabrics and left over fabrics you can use, or maybe you have your own stash somewhere. For this theme, because it is a business card album that I place business cards in, thus sharing information with others, I used a pendant that, to me, looked like the earth. I used jewelry pieces that say "wish", "believe", "inspire", "share" and "create". For another photo album (see below), I used red beaded fringe, red fabric, and lady accessories such as shoes, a hat and a handbag. Choosing a theme is the funnest part, and your options are endless.
I could go crazy at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or any other craft store. You can use iron on transfers or glue your own accessories from wood, jewwels, or anything. If you can sew, you have even more options! (Unfortunately, I don't/can't sew).
The materials you need will vary. A low-heat glue gun works best. Find fabric you like and some decorative accessories, like iron on patches and trims. You also need some kind of poster board (I use thick stock paper) for the inside of your album.
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Measure the fabric around the album and cut to where you have a half inch to an inch of spare fabric.
.JPG)
Glue the fabric using a low heat glue gun.
.JPG)
Trim any excess pieces.
.JPG)
Measure, cut, and glue any trim pieces, fringe or ribbon you want to use around the album.
.JPG)
Take a piece of poster board or stock paper and measure the inside of the album. Cut the poster board so you will have just enough space to cover the inside, without it overlapping the outside.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Measure, cut and glue your fabric around the poster board. One side doesn't need fabric, since it will be face down on the inside of your album.
.JPG)
With your low heat glue gun, glue your covering to the inside of your album. This goes on top of your trim work, so as to cover the fringe or ribbon you used.
.JPG)
Adorn the outside with decorative pieces.
.JPG)
Admire your finished work.
Here are other albums I've done. They aren't perfect by any means, but they were fun, and that's the beauty of art.
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Saturday, November 15, 2008
About my love of reading and writing...
As a reader, I’m looking for a story that makes me fall in love. As a writer I’m looking to reveal tension that grows until readers can’t wait another second to see what happens but hates the thought it’ll be over soon if they do keep reading. I write what I enjoy reading-romance, tension, profound characters, and suspense- and I write with a sense of purpose: to entertain, to make a reader feel emotions they didn’t know they were capable of feeling for a mere story, and to so enchant the reader that they will trust any new book that follows with my name.
Creativity in any form is a constant work in progress. As a writer, you must continue learning. Some writers say they don't read beause they don't want to be accused of taking over someone else's voice or stealing their idea. I say how sad. Reading helps me grow. I believe we are all individuals, and thus what we write will be unique.
Creativity in any form is a constant work in progress. As a writer, you must continue learning. Some writers say they don't read beause they don't want to be accused of taking over someone else's voice or stealing their idea. I say how sad. Reading helps me grow. I believe we are all individuals, and thus what we write will be unique.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
13 Ways to Feel Happier
1. Find yourself a hobby you are passionate about and stick with it. Even if you can’t do it everyday or every week, if this hobby gives you pleasure, try to do it when you have extra time, or make extra time for it.
2. Create something, even if you don’t feel like you’re a creator. Color a picture, paint by number, or hum a song in your head. Start that scrapbook you’ve always wanted to start or cut out pictures in a magazine and collage. There’s nothing more fulfilling than creating.
3. Make memories. I’ll never forget building Barbie houses with a cardboard box and making glue out of flour with my mother. Those are the kind of memories to leave with your children, and yourself.
4. Exercise. Exercise stimulates endorphins, exercise puts you in a good spirit. Exercise has so many benefits that there are millions of books written about it. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t take time to exercise daily. Even a small walk around the block would do wonderful things for your emotional, as well as physical, well being.
5. Chew gum. Smack. Blow bubbles. Who cares if it’s annoying? Chewing has been proven to release endorphins, which is better than taking a happy pill. There’s nothing better than chewing a big wad of bubble gum and then popping it all over your face. Give it a try!
6. Breathe. I know you’ve heard it lots of times, and you probably say you already do it. After all, if you weren’t breathing, you wouldn’t be here, right? Well, that’s right, but breathing can do so much more for you than keep you alive. Exhaling releases wastes and toxins out of your body, while inhaling carries more oxygen, which is vital to your body’s function and carries more energy to your cells. It isn’t always easy to take slow deep breaths every single part of the day, but try to at least a few times a day throughout the day. Think about your breathing and it can become a habit. Make your breathing a more important part of your life.
7. Find a confidante. Talk about your frustrations with someone you can trust. Be careful, though, that this doesn’t get out of hand. I’ve vented frustrations out on people I thought were trustworthy and would understand, only to have them turn on me. Be sure you can trust this person not only to hold your confidence, but also to understand that your venting doesn’t make you any less of a person.
8. Accept each person as an individual. No one is going to be perfect, and no one is going to be what you want or expect them to be. Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t cast judgments on others, when you yourself do things to irritate them. We will all irritate each other at one time or another. When this happens, instead of becoming angry or resentful, distance yourself from this individual but let them know you still love them.
9. Take time to get to know yourself. You’ve heard it before, but this time I really mean it. Really get to know yourself and what makes you angry. Next time, you may be better prepared when something happens to make you angry and you’ll be better able to deal with your feelings.
10. Pet a furry animal.
11. Sing loudly to your favorite song in the privacy of your own home (or in public if you want).
12. Dance with a mop if you don’t have a partner.
13. Remember that joy is ultimately up to you. You are in control of how you feel. Nobody else can make you happy, even if the man that sent you those roses made you happy at that instant. You can choose to be angry or you can choose to be happy. You can choose to react to a situation badly, or you can choose to react to a situation with self-control. Don’t let your emotions control you. You have to learn to control your emotions.
2. Create something, even if you don’t feel like you’re a creator. Color a picture, paint by number, or hum a song in your head. Start that scrapbook you’ve always wanted to start or cut out pictures in a magazine and collage. There’s nothing more fulfilling than creating.
3. Make memories. I’ll never forget building Barbie houses with a cardboard box and making glue out of flour with my mother. Those are the kind of memories to leave with your children, and yourself.
4. Exercise. Exercise stimulates endorphins, exercise puts you in a good spirit. Exercise has so many benefits that there are millions of books written about it. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t take time to exercise daily. Even a small walk around the block would do wonderful things for your emotional, as well as physical, well being.
5. Chew gum. Smack. Blow bubbles. Who cares if it’s annoying? Chewing has been proven to release endorphins, which is better than taking a happy pill. There’s nothing better than chewing a big wad of bubble gum and then popping it all over your face. Give it a try!
6. Breathe. I know you’ve heard it lots of times, and you probably say you already do it. After all, if you weren’t breathing, you wouldn’t be here, right? Well, that’s right, but breathing can do so much more for you than keep you alive. Exhaling releases wastes and toxins out of your body, while inhaling carries more oxygen, which is vital to your body’s function and carries more energy to your cells. It isn’t always easy to take slow deep breaths every single part of the day, but try to at least a few times a day throughout the day. Think about your breathing and it can become a habit. Make your breathing a more important part of your life.
7. Find a confidante. Talk about your frustrations with someone you can trust. Be careful, though, that this doesn’t get out of hand. I’ve vented frustrations out on people I thought were trustworthy and would understand, only to have them turn on me. Be sure you can trust this person not only to hold your confidence, but also to understand that your venting doesn’t make you any less of a person.
8. Accept each person as an individual. No one is going to be perfect, and no one is going to be what you want or expect them to be. Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t cast judgments on others, when you yourself do things to irritate them. We will all irritate each other at one time or another. When this happens, instead of becoming angry or resentful, distance yourself from this individual but let them know you still love them.
9. Take time to get to know yourself. You’ve heard it before, but this time I really mean it. Really get to know yourself and what makes you angry. Next time, you may be better prepared when something happens to make you angry and you’ll be better able to deal with your feelings.
10. Pet a furry animal.
11. Sing loudly to your favorite song in the privacy of your own home (or in public if you want).
12. Dance with a mop if you don’t have a partner.
13. Remember that joy is ultimately up to you. You are in control of how you feel. Nobody else can make you happy, even if the man that sent you those roses made you happy at that instant. You can choose to be angry or you can choose to be happy. You can choose to react to a situation badly, or you can choose to react to a situation with self-control. Don’t let your emotions control you. You have to learn to control your emotions.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Writing…My Antidepressant
I’ve been reading a couple of books from Eric Maisel, who is a creativity coach and psychologist. Recently I came across an article in RWA’s Romance Writers Report by Eric Maisel that talks about what I’ve been reading…creativity and depression. It’s something I’ve been dealing with a lot lately.
I’ve always blamed it on my job. Oh, if only I could just quit my job and write whenever I wanted. I wouldn’t get tired at the desk job, sitting at the computer, entering monotonous data into the system. I could focus on my story whenever I wanted and wouldn’t be too drained to write when I came home from work. I had (and still have) a romantic ideal of what my life could be like if only I made enough money writing and could quit my job.
With that notion in my head, I became even more depressed. I can’t quit my job and write. I may never be able to quit my job and write. I may have to steal (make) time whenever I can to pursue my passion and not let my full time job affect my creativity. I became even more discouraged. I wanted to write, but didn’t have the energy. My job drained me, I couldn’t deal with my boss another day, I couldn’t find another job that wouldn’t require me to commute up to 60 miles one way. What was the point in writing? Never mind the fact that I love it. Writing is like an anti-depressant and is truly the only thing that makes me feel better at the end of the day. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something, and that is what Eric in his books discusses. Even if nobody ever reads my stories, I’ve created. Creative people are more prone to depression because their life has to feel meaningful. For awhile, I lost my meaning. I published two books, but my life was still the same. It took a lot of work, I hated my job, and things didn’t change. If anything, I had to work harder. I had two books published, what would happen if I didn’t publish anymore? I had to work to get my name out there, talk to people about getting my books on the shelf, set up my own booksignings when I barely had the time to write, much less sit in a bookstore where the only person who comes to your signing is a friend.
There was always some kind of discouragement along the way. If you believe in God, then you can believe Satan was after me. After all, he doesn’t want us to succeed at anything. And boy, did I have plenty of discouragement. My internet at home had its ups and downs (the joys of living out of the city limits of what is already a small town). Health issues arose (that weren’t that big of a deal unless you already have a full plate). A hail storm, family issues, other financial problems. Lightning struck my home and I lost my computer (thank God for back ups). Just when I decided to start blogging again, I lost my internet for a while. Starting a new business while I continued to work my full time job and the downtimes the business had, with growing financial problems. Whew, how in the world was I going to balance everything?
A friend likened my life to pie. I have certain sections that I must take care of and at the moment, I wasn’t. Hand over some of these issues. Let my husband take care of the business side while I take care of the home side. What?!? My husband can run the business, but even he doesn’t want to run the finances. I have to take care of things.
Hubby asked me if I was going to use these experiences in my story. What?!? I want to forget these experiences, not use them. No, but my heroine has her own full plate and is able to deal with it. She’ll deal with it better than I ever did.
It got easier along the way. We’ve been in business for a year and though it’s not enough for me to be able to quit my job and write full time, we’ve accomplished something and I’ve realized a few things. I want to write. I will write because I love it and for no other reason. Nothing, not even my own inner critic (telling me I didn’t go to college, what right do I have, blah blah blah), can stop me.
I lost my way for awhile, but I found it again. Writing is the only anti-depressant I need!
I’ve always blamed it on my job. Oh, if only I could just quit my job and write whenever I wanted. I wouldn’t get tired at the desk job, sitting at the computer, entering monotonous data into the system. I could focus on my story whenever I wanted and wouldn’t be too drained to write when I came home from work. I had (and still have) a romantic ideal of what my life could be like if only I made enough money writing and could quit my job.
With that notion in my head, I became even more depressed. I can’t quit my job and write. I may never be able to quit my job and write. I may have to steal (make) time whenever I can to pursue my passion and not let my full time job affect my creativity. I became even more discouraged. I wanted to write, but didn’t have the energy. My job drained me, I couldn’t deal with my boss another day, I couldn’t find another job that wouldn’t require me to commute up to 60 miles one way. What was the point in writing? Never mind the fact that I love it. Writing is like an anti-depressant and is truly the only thing that makes me feel better at the end of the day. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something, and that is what Eric in his books discusses. Even if nobody ever reads my stories, I’ve created. Creative people are more prone to depression because their life has to feel meaningful. For awhile, I lost my meaning. I published two books, but my life was still the same. It took a lot of work, I hated my job, and things didn’t change. If anything, I had to work harder. I had two books published, what would happen if I didn’t publish anymore? I had to work to get my name out there, talk to people about getting my books on the shelf, set up my own booksignings when I barely had the time to write, much less sit in a bookstore where the only person who comes to your signing is a friend.
There was always some kind of discouragement along the way. If you believe in God, then you can believe Satan was after me. After all, he doesn’t want us to succeed at anything. And boy, did I have plenty of discouragement. My internet at home had its ups and downs (the joys of living out of the city limits of what is already a small town). Health issues arose (that weren’t that big of a deal unless you already have a full plate). A hail storm, family issues, other financial problems. Lightning struck my home and I lost my computer (thank God for back ups). Just when I decided to start blogging again, I lost my internet for a while. Starting a new business while I continued to work my full time job and the downtimes the business had, with growing financial problems. Whew, how in the world was I going to balance everything?
A friend likened my life to pie. I have certain sections that I must take care of and at the moment, I wasn’t. Hand over some of these issues. Let my husband take care of the business side while I take care of the home side. What?!? My husband can run the business, but even he doesn’t want to run the finances. I have to take care of things.
Hubby asked me if I was going to use these experiences in my story. What?!? I want to forget these experiences, not use them. No, but my heroine has her own full plate and is able to deal with it. She’ll deal with it better than I ever did.
It got easier along the way. We’ve been in business for a year and though it’s not enough for me to be able to quit my job and write full time, we’ve accomplished something and I’ve realized a few things. I want to write. I will write because I love it and for no other reason. Nothing, not even my own inner critic (telling me I didn’t go to college, what right do I have, blah blah blah), can stop me.
I lost my way for awhile, but I found it again. Writing is the only anti-depressant I need!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Starting a New Business in Shady Times
How to Succeed in a Failing Economy
Most people would have told my husband and I that it wasn’t a good time to start our new business, but we wouldn’t have listened. Is there truly ever a good time to start a new business in corporate America if you don’t have the right people on your side? Because we started with next to no money and loans galore, we have learned a lot from our mistakes, and we've been in business for one year now! Because there have been so many lay-offs and the ecomony is so scary, here are a few ideas to help you if you're thinking of going down that road.
Use What You Have
With times as they are and no end in site, many people are hanging on to jobs they are either unhappy with, or they have lost their job and have no where to go. My husband had worked in the collision repair industry for ages, so he had plenty of body shop tools. What he didn’t have, he knew someone who was willing to sell a tool. There are some things we had to do without, but we had to watch our money closely and do without a few things. If you decide to start a new business from scratch and have nothing to work with, your costs go up exponentially.
Do It Alone
Do you really need an employee to micromanage, or can you do it yourself? Having employees may articulate that you are successful, but if you are able to do everything on your own, you cut your costs by doing so. Let's face it: Small Business are Taxed, Taxed, Taxed! Not only do you have to pay the employee, you have to pay taxes and insurance on them and worker's compensation. Even if you start to thrive and have to say no to people because you can’t do it all yourself, give yourself time to grow before hiring someone else. Start small, even if you have to turn away potential customers. There is such a thing as thriving too quickly.
Have the Right Tools
Even if it’s just you, tracking your finances is important. I found that Quick Books Pro was the best way to do this, but if you can keep your own spreadsheet, more power to you.
Overhead
Let’s face it. Most businesses fail for lack of capital. It’s important to keep overhead costs to a minimum. Do the cleaning yourself. Have your spouse or kids help with something. Maybe your children’s friends will want to help. Advertising gets expensive, so try to depend on word of mouth.
Location
If you’re good at what you do, location shouldn’t matter, but it does help.
Advertising
Again, if you can do most of this yourself, then by all means, do. We spent a fortune on radio ads, and it didn’t help at all, but we've learned from our mistakes. A good placed ad in the newspaper might help, but be sure you don’t pay for it without knowing exactly what you’re getting. By far, joining the Chamber of Commerce is your best advertising option, but be sure to take all they have to offer. Vistaprint or any of the other online printing services makes great business cards for cheap, and National Pen offers good deals, too. Watch them for those deals, and you may get a lot for next to nothing.
Take Care of Your Costumers
They are the ones keeping you in business. Send them a thank you card, a Christmas card, a birthday card. Anything to make them remember you and to show your appreciation. Go out of your way to make yourself stand out from your competition.
Take Time
If you’re doing everything yourself, you have to take the time to research, learn, enter you financials, make phone calls, make records, and other necessary tasks of running a business. My husband runs the business end, I run the financial end. I try to set aside Saturday mornings, as I drink a cup of coffee, to enter our checkbook into Quickbooks and pay the upcoming bills such as rent and utilities. Because our business is so small, we only use a CPA at the end of the year.
Balance
Though running a business requires time, be sure to take time for yourself as well! I don’t let this business take over what I am really passionate about: writing. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses and count your blessings. We’re not making it rich (how can you in corporate America?) but my husband isn’t spending gas to commute everyday to work. We've made it a year, and they say a year is your hardest yet. Already we have grown, and that is something to be proud of.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
13 Thoughts on the Government and the Current Events (and why do they think the American Public is Stupid?)
I usually try to keep politics, current events, government and religion out of my blog, but it’s time for me to rant. Many won’t agree with me. If anyone actually sees this rant, I expect a lot of backlash. So be it. I’m entitled to my own opinion and though I should probably keep it to myself, I just don’t want to right now. If I’m not correct on some of these facts, I apologize, but most of this is what I have heard on national television (so blame them, not me) and some of it is what I know from experience and observation.
1. AIG agreed to pay a severance package of $25 million to the previous CEO who has only been there since June. He declined to take it (for obvious reasons), but if they agreed to pay him this type of severance package, how much salary or severance packages have they paid in the past to their CEOs, CFOs, and other higher ups? Ooh, here’s an idea: stop paying higher ups an exorbitant salary and maybe you won't fail, which means we won’t have to bail you out against our will.
Seriously, most banks and corporations pay their higher up employees in the millions of dollars, offering bonuses even when they don’t deserve it. There are many corporate scandals who charge their customers an exorbitant fee, yet use their meetings as a vacation, hire escort services, etc. If you don’t believe me, I have a few in mind that I would rather not mention but do your research (or email me). Just one example of why we shouldn’t give tax breaks to these large companies and why these large companies shouldn’t be charging us loads of money and paying their higher ups in the millions of dollars.
2. Any company that makes over a certain amount of money should reimburse their customers their fees. I know these higher ups will not agree, but stop being selfish a moment and realize the importance of your actions on America as a whole. Money truly is the root of all evil and you reap what you sow. Even if you don’t believe in God, you should believe that what you put into this world will come back out to you. Instead of charging your customers $10 a month or 19% interest, charge half that. You may have to make less, but we little people have learned to budget and compensate in a year of our lives with half of what you make in a month.
3. If you serve in Congress even for only two years, your insurance is paid for life. Where do you think that comes from? Our tax dollars. Ooh, here’s an idea: once you retire or lose your government job, you lose your benefits, too, like the rest of the American people.
4. Why is any government official allowed to own stock? I believe that no government official who has the authority to make a decision should have any vested interest in stock. (Yes, that means you, President Bush). Seriously, they are making decisions based on the American people’s welfare and well-being. Don’t you think they are going to favor something that may affect the company they own stock in, or disfavor the competitors? Why should President Bush or half of the congress care how high oil is when they are making millions off the stock? Again, I know of a school district whose superintendent and the school board voting on using business for certain things that they had a vested interest in. Don’t you think the government is doing the same thing?
5. We produce wheat more than any other country. We have to ship this wheat (using fuel) to other countries. Uh, here’s an idea: charge more to ship the wheat if they are going to charge so much for the oil. But I won’t get started on an oil rant.
6. Here’s an idea: let the stock market crash. Let the rich people suffer. America was built from small business. The stock market didn’t exist from the beginning of time and companies still grew. Sure, Google may not be as huge as it is today, but America was built from small. Yes, we should grow, to an extent, but to to the extent where we become stupid and lazy. Let the small businesses run America again. Let mom and pop stores and hometown banks rule.
7. If rich people and the government really wanted to see the economy get better, why don’t they stop donating money to corporations and instead donate money to individuals who really need help? I know of several hurricane victims (even from Katrina and Rita not to mention the new Ike and Gustav we had recently) who could really use the money. Small business who are struggling could sure use the money. Seriously, if those who made in the millions contributed $100,000 to 10 people, they would only be out $1 million dollars (and could receive a tax break this way) and 10 new people would start spending money again. If 10 people donated $100,000 to 10 people, that’s $10 million dollars that new people have to spend. What do you think those millionaires are doing with it? Sure, they’re spending, but they’re also investing, spending on certain items or brands. 1000 people would their money on different things, and thus give the economy and businesses a chance to grow and thrive again. Let’s face it, the less we spend, the more we’re contributing to the decline of the economy. Sure, you don’t always know who you’re donating to, but that’s a chance everyone has to take. With a little research, it wouldn’t be hard. (Or make it into a lottery of sorts where individuals have a chance of winning once—of course, then you have to trust the people running the lottery, and how can you trust anyone these days.)
8. McCain was supposed to meet with David Letterman last night, but cancelled because he had to suspend his campaign because of the economic crisis. (Look it up if you think I’m making it up.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjkCrfylq-E However, he was found in New York (same place David Letterman is in) talking to Katie Couric. Uh, if he’s lying about this, what else is he lying about? How is he going to run America during a crisis when he cancels his campaign because of a crisis? (watch the whole thing) I never trusted the guy anyway. How do we know he was a war hero? Where's the proof?
9. No one should make money in a war-torn country. They did it in Vietnam, they’re doing it now. When we’re at war, the government nor any company should make money in the middle of the war. I won’t go into it more, but that’s just my opinion.
10. Ooh, here’s an idea: don’t allow Exxon to have a profit in the millions. Don’t allow insurance companies to have a profit in the billions of dollars. Any profit should go back to the American people by paying on our National Debt so our taxes can be decreased. Tax the big companies and not the little people. Stop giving the big companies tax breaks. It’s ridiculous.
11. Why do medical companies profit so much on their medicine and charge so much for medicine the people have to have? If a generic brand can be made by half, why is it the higher end medicine so exorbitant? It’s not my fault I have to have insulin. Don’t punish me. People are paying so much for gasoline and medical costs that we can’t buy anything else.
12. Insurance controls everything. They control what a certain individual is going to get paid (doctors, auto body repair men, etc etc) yet when you have something happen to your home or vehicle or body part, they only pay a certain amount and you have to fight even to get that. They try to tell you where to take your car (that's because they make deals with auto body shops who charge less labor rates to the insurance companies but the basic rate to individuals who don't have the insurance). Let’s look at how much profit these insurance companies have. Again, a profit over a certain amount should be reimbursed to its customers and insurance should not tell us what to do with it or where to go.
13. Believe only half of what you see and none of what you hear. This includes my little rant here. In reality, it’s little o’ me and little o’ you. There’s not a lot we can do to change the world. However, I can do small things. I can shop at my local grocery store or meat market instead of going to Wal-Mart. I can buy my clothes at a local store and bank at my hometown bank. I can drive my used, beat up car and hope it makes it to my next destination or I can walk. I can buy someone’s meal who needs it more than I do. I can support the little dog, even if it inconveniences me a little.
1. AIG agreed to pay a severance package of $25 million to the previous CEO who has only been there since June. He declined to take it (for obvious reasons), but if they agreed to pay him this type of severance package, how much salary or severance packages have they paid in the past to their CEOs, CFOs, and other higher ups? Ooh, here’s an idea: stop paying higher ups an exorbitant salary and maybe you won't fail, which means we won’t have to bail you out against our will.
Seriously, most banks and corporations pay their higher up employees in the millions of dollars, offering bonuses even when they don’t deserve it. There are many corporate scandals who charge their customers an exorbitant fee, yet use their meetings as a vacation, hire escort services, etc. If you don’t believe me, I have a few in mind that I would rather not mention but do your research (or email me). Just one example of why we shouldn’t give tax breaks to these large companies and why these large companies shouldn’t be charging us loads of money and paying their higher ups in the millions of dollars.
2. Any company that makes over a certain amount of money should reimburse their customers their fees. I know these higher ups will not agree, but stop being selfish a moment and realize the importance of your actions on America as a whole. Money truly is the root of all evil and you reap what you sow. Even if you don’t believe in God, you should believe that what you put into this world will come back out to you. Instead of charging your customers $10 a month or 19% interest, charge half that. You may have to make less, but we little people have learned to budget and compensate in a year of our lives with half of what you make in a month.
3. If you serve in Congress even for only two years, your insurance is paid for life. Where do you think that comes from? Our tax dollars. Ooh, here’s an idea: once you retire or lose your government job, you lose your benefits, too, like the rest of the American people.
4. Why is any government official allowed to own stock? I believe that no government official who has the authority to make a decision should have any vested interest in stock. (Yes, that means you, President Bush). Seriously, they are making decisions based on the American people’s welfare and well-being. Don’t you think they are going to favor something that may affect the company they own stock in, or disfavor the competitors? Why should President Bush or half of the congress care how high oil is when they are making millions off the stock? Again, I know of a school district whose superintendent and the school board voting on using business for certain things that they had a vested interest in. Don’t you think the government is doing the same thing?
5. We produce wheat more than any other country. We have to ship this wheat (using fuel) to other countries. Uh, here’s an idea: charge more to ship the wheat if they are going to charge so much for the oil. But I won’t get started on an oil rant.
6. Here’s an idea: let the stock market crash. Let the rich people suffer. America was built from small business. The stock market didn’t exist from the beginning of time and companies still grew. Sure, Google may not be as huge as it is today, but America was built from small. Yes, we should grow, to an extent, but to to the extent where we become stupid and lazy. Let the small businesses run America again. Let mom and pop stores and hometown banks rule.
7. If rich people and the government really wanted to see the economy get better, why don’t they stop donating money to corporations and instead donate money to individuals who really need help? I know of several hurricane victims (even from Katrina and Rita not to mention the new Ike and Gustav we had recently) who could really use the money. Small business who are struggling could sure use the money. Seriously, if those who made in the millions contributed $100,000 to 10 people, they would only be out $1 million dollars (and could receive a tax break this way) and 10 new people would start spending money again. If 10 people donated $100,000 to 10 people, that’s $10 million dollars that new people have to spend. What do you think those millionaires are doing with it? Sure, they’re spending, but they’re also investing, spending on certain items or brands. 1000 people would their money on different things, and thus give the economy and businesses a chance to grow and thrive again. Let’s face it, the less we spend, the more we’re contributing to the decline of the economy. Sure, you don’t always know who you’re donating to, but that’s a chance everyone has to take. With a little research, it wouldn’t be hard. (Or make it into a lottery of sorts where individuals have a chance of winning once—of course, then you have to trust the people running the lottery, and how can you trust anyone these days.)
8. McCain was supposed to meet with David Letterman last night, but cancelled because he had to suspend his campaign because of the economic crisis. (Look it up if you think I’m making it up.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjkCrfylq-E However, he was found in New York (same place David Letterman is in) talking to Katie Couric. Uh, if he’s lying about this, what else is he lying about? How is he going to run America during a crisis when he cancels his campaign because of a crisis? (watch the whole thing) I never trusted the guy anyway. How do we know he was a war hero? Where's the proof?
9. No one should make money in a war-torn country. They did it in Vietnam, they’re doing it now. When we’re at war, the government nor any company should make money in the middle of the war. I won’t go into it more, but that’s just my opinion.
10. Ooh, here’s an idea: don’t allow Exxon to have a profit in the millions. Don’t allow insurance companies to have a profit in the billions of dollars. Any profit should go back to the American people by paying on our National Debt so our taxes can be decreased. Tax the big companies and not the little people. Stop giving the big companies tax breaks. It’s ridiculous.
11. Why do medical companies profit so much on their medicine and charge so much for medicine the people have to have? If a generic brand can be made by half, why is it the higher end medicine so exorbitant? It’s not my fault I have to have insulin. Don’t punish me. People are paying so much for gasoline and medical costs that we can’t buy anything else.
12. Insurance controls everything. They control what a certain individual is going to get paid (doctors, auto body repair men, etc etc) yet when you have something happen to your home or vehicle or body part, they only pay a certain amount and you have to fight even to get that. They try to tell you where to take your car (that's because they make deals with auto body shops who charge less labor rates to the insurance companies but the basic rate to individuals who don't have the insurance). Let’s look at how much profit these insurance companies have. Again, a profit over a certain amount should be reimbursed to its customers and insurance should not tell us what to do with it or where to go.
13. Believe only half of what you see and none of what you hear. This includes my little rant here. In reality, it’s little o’ me and little o’ you. There’s not a lot we can do to change the world. However, I can do small things. I can shop at my local grocery store or meat market instead of going to Wal-Mart. I can buy my clothes at a local store and bank at my hometown bank. I can drive my used, beat up car and hope it makes it to my next destination or I can walk. I can buy someone’s meal who needs it more than I do. I can support the little dog, even if it inconveniences me a little.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Don't leave me out!
A painting, a word, a song...art speaks to us and makes us feel things in a way that nothing else can. Music is a universal language. If you only speak English but hear a song in Spanish, it can still affect you. The blend of instruments with voice is a powerful device that can flip a switch inside of us.
When I'm depressed, music cheers me up better than any happy pill. I'll turn up the music and dance around the house as I'm cleaning. It pushes me to finish that last rep or that last mile on the treadmill. But it can also lock you into that depression if you listen to a sad song. Some say music makes you kill (sorry but I think if you're going to do that, you don't need music to make you).
My art is with words, but I've often wished I could make music. Music is an art that is more widely accepted, and appreciated. I don't know anyone who doesn't sing to the radio and karaoke is a huge thing for a reason, though I do know people who don't really listen to music. It can annoy and exasperate, gratify and entertain. It speaks to us on a deep level. Looking at a painting can bring these feelings out, but there's just something about music. I turn on my mp3 player when I'm writing and there is always a song that matches the emotion I need for the particular scene I'm working on.
Good singers use their emotion. Guitarists or drummers or pianist or fiddlers etc etc use their emotion but put it into the instrument they are playing. When I play RockBand, I feel, for a little while, that I am helping to create that song. Even though it isn't a real instrument, I have a lot of fun tapping on the drumset and drumming up a powerful feeling within me. Being a part of something, creating a song. That game is as close as I'll ever get since I don't play a musical instrument. I can match and hold a note, but I'll never be good enough to actually do anything other than sing to the radio.
Music is like writing in that each author has a voice. I can recognize any song from certain bands that I have come to love just by their voice and their style. Today I want to give a shout out to LEFT OUT. A friend I've known since 2nd grade is married to the singer/guitarist, so I'm highly supportive of them and love their stuff. I just got their next album (before it was released!!!!) and am happily drinking my coffee and listening to it. I don't have the album cover to post, but the one above is from their last album, which is just as good. And if you don't know how good, well here's a video of my book trailer with their song, RUST.
http://youtube.com/emmasanders
(Well, for some reason I can't find my saved version on my computer. Argh!)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Happy Anniversary!
Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don't know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings. Anais Nin
Today, my husband and I celebrate fourteen years of marriage. We are just in love now as we were those many years ago, even if we do have problems. With so many relationships failing (much of my family's have fallen apart), I'm going to write what I think is important to keep a relationship alive.
Love is just like any other part of our life. We can't skip work all the time and expect to keep our job. We can't not exercise and expect to stay fit. We can't abandon our friendships and expect to stay friends. Why should marriages be any different? Yet so many people treat them as if they are different. As if they're supposed to last without any work. So many people don't put the work involved to keep a marriage alive, yet after a divorce you have to work even harder. It doesn't make sense.
Why do people fall out of love with the person they once cherished? Why do they feel the grass is greener elsewhere? Those cute habits become annoying, those moments become something you have to do.
Personally, I think it's because they let it. They stop trying. They feel unloved themselves because maybe their spouse isn't putting even 100%, much less 50%. Here are just few tips that I feel will help:
1. RESPECT. Without respect, you can't stay in love. Or at least you won't feel like you're in love half the time. What did you once respect about your spouse? Can you find it again? Also, you have to be respectful. Bringing up a fault of your spouse in front of people is disrespectful. Arguing with him in front of others is disrespectful. You don't have to make it everyone else's business. Argue in private. You don't always have to be right.
2. TRUST. You can only trust by being truthful, yet sometimes it doesn't matter how truthful you are if others aren't. Even little white lies are hurtful. Honesty with yourself and others is always the best policy.
3. FUN. Have fun. Be silly. Laugh and play. You don't have a act like a grown up all the time. Laugh at your spouse's jokes even if they aren't funny. Eventually, you'll probably find them funny. Show your spouse you still find him/her charming.
4. TIME. Spend quality time together, but also allow your spouse his/her time. My husband has his hobbies and I have mine, and we both respect each others. We also have hobbies we enjoy together. He'll do things for me he doesn't necessarily want to do because he loves me, and vice versa. This is also respect.
5. TALK. Tell him/her how much you appreciate him. Tell him/her when you are proud. Praise him/her in front of others (though not all the time, that gets old, too).
6. CHERISH your partner.
7. CHANGE. Don't expect your partner to change. You be the one to make the changes. Most of the time, he/she will follow and be willing to make changes in order for things to work out.
8. SURPRISE each other! Your man likes them just as much as you do!
And here are a couple of things NOT to do:
9. DON'T EXPECT. High expectations will always disappoint. Your partner can't read your mind. You have to tell him without throwing out accusations.
10. DON'T TAKE without giving and don't take each other for granted.
"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.- Captain Corelli's Mandolin. "Love is the beauty of the soul."--St. Augustine
Being in love is wonderful. You can be together forever and still have that "in love" feeling. Happy Anniversary, honey!!!
Today, my husband and I celebrate fourteen years of marriage. We are just in love now as we were those many years ago, even if we do have problems. With so many relationships failing (much of my family's have fallen apart), I'm going to write what I think is important to keep a relationship alive.
Love is just like any other part of our life. We can't skip work all the time and expect to keep our job. We can't not exercise and expect to stay fit. We can't abandon our friendships and expect to stay friends. Why should marriages be any different? Yet so many people treat them as if they are different. As if they're supposed to last without any work. So many people don't put the work involved to keep a marriage alive, yet after a divorce you have to work even harder. It doesn't make sense.
Why do people fall out of love with the person they once cherished? Why do they feel the grass is greener elsewhere? Those cute habits become annoying, those moments become something you have to do.
Personally, I think it's because they let it. They stop trying. They feel unloved themselves because maybe their spouse isn't putting even 100%, much less 50%. Here are just few tips that I feel will help:
1. RESPECT. Without respect, you can't stay in love. Or at least you won't feel like you're in love half the time. What did you once respect about your spouse? Can you find it again? Also, you have to be respectful. Bringing up a fault of your spouse in front of people is disrespectful. Arguing with him in front of others is disrespectful. You don't have to make it everyone else's business. Argue in private. You don't always have to be right.
2. TRUST. You can only trust by being truthful, yet sometimes it doesn't matter how truthful you are if others aren't. Even little white lies are hurtful. Honesty with yourself and others is always the best policy.
3. FUN. Have fun. Be silly. Laugh and play. You don't have a act like a grown up all the time. Laugh at your spouse's jokes even if they aren't funny. Eventually, you'll probably find them funny. Show your spouse you still find him/her charming.
4. TIME. Spend quality time together, but also allow your spouse his/her time. My husband has his hobbies and I have mine, and we both respect each others. We also have hobbies we enjoy together. He'll do things for me he doesn't necessarily want to do because he loves me, and vice versa. This is also respect.
5. TALK. Tell him/her how much you appreciate him. Tell him/her when you are proud. Praise him/her in front of others (though not all the time, that gets old, too).
6. CHERISH your partner.
7. CHANGE. Don't expect your partner to change. You be the one to make the changes. Most of the time, he/she will follow and be willing to make changes in order for things to work out.
8. SURPRISE each other! Your man likes them just as much as you do!
And here are a couple of things NOT to do:
9. DON'T EXPECT. High expectations will always disappoint. Your partner can't read your mind. You have to tell him without throwing out accusations.
10. DON'T TAKE without giving and don't take each other for granted.
"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.- Captain Corelli's Mandolin. "Love is the beauty of the soul."--St. Augustine
Being in love is wonderful. You can be together forever and still have that "in love" feeling. Happy Anniversary, honey!!!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Be excited!
"Think excitement, talk excitement, act out excitement, and you are bound to become an excited person. Life will take on a new zest, deeper interest and greater meaning. You can think, talk and act yourself into dullness or into monotony or into unhappiness. By the same process you can build up inspiration, excitement and surging depth of joy." - Norman Vincent Peale
Friday, May 02, 2008
Goals, Motivation, and Conflict
I made a blogging schedule but have not been sticking with it...My days are filled with work, my evenings are filled with recovering from my stressful day and finding time and energy to write.
Books have been written about it, it's been blogged about more than anything I'm sure. It's one of those things you know your character needs.
What about us? When it comes to ourselves, it's sometimes hard to figure out our GMC.
Goal: To write
Motivation: I love writing and building characters and their stories
Conflict: Time and energy
My problem is I usually know what my goals are, but conflict gets in the way and I lack motivation. It's easy to forget or overlook what motivates me, especially when things get hectic and it's easier to relax on the couch with a glass of wine and a good movie.
Take blogging. I want to stick to a schedule, but time really does get in the way and it's hard to find motivation when you don't have a lot of readers on your blog. Well, it's hard to get readers when you don't blog!
Because today is my Top 8 of 8 if I go by my blogging schedule, I'm going to list 8 ways you can find motivation.
1. Keep a gratitude journal and write about what you're grateful for. Remember the small things we often overlook.
2. Pray.
3. Hang a picture of an inspiring person, place or event, or something that reminds you of what you want and why. Remind yourself why you want to reach this goal, and renew your vigor with that knowledge.
5. Assign yourself a personal mantra and say it everyday. I will I will I will.
6. Believe in yourself.
7. Reward yourself.
8. Penalize yourself. That's right. It's in direct contrast to what I said about rewarding yourself. I find that if I want something and I have the means (like if I want a piece of chocolate or a new pair of shoes), I'll usually buy it. I work for a living after all, why not? Yet sometimes that attitude makes it hard for us, because if we always get what we want, we don't have any reason to work harder at what we want. Parents penalize their children if they do something wrong, why shouldn't we penalize ourselves? When I first got on the insulin pump years ago, I had to be very strict about what I ate and what I did for a good month. I rewarded myself at the end of the month with an ice cream blizzard, knowing that if I did what I was supposed to do, I would enjoy that ice cream. It was rare for me to have Dairy Queen blizzards, so it was motivation for me to do what I needed to do. If I had a blizzard every time I was hungry for one (which I didn't back when I didn't have an insulin pump), I wouldn't have cared because I would have known I'd have one anyway. Just one example!
How do you motivate yourself?
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