Under Construction: Baby Steps, Bob. Baby Steps.

There’s been a handful of small changes around here lately. Both at home and on the The Blog. I’m more active, getting more done, and not waiting until A Big Project falls in my lap to do anything about it. It’s the little steps that’ll get ya’ there.

Remember the movie “What About Bob?” with Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss? That famous quote, “Baby steps, Bob. Baby steps.”

I have to keep reminding myself of that. It’s not one giant leap. I’m not SuperWoman. I’m Bob. I’m Just Bob. And I have to walk before I can run.

Yet suddenly The Blog and my writing are taking flight in ways I’d hoped for but didn’t really believe. Murray’s character Bob goes to his therapist (Dreyfuss) to overcome issues and fears. He knows once he crosses that line, his life will be what he’s dreamt it to be. But he still lets fear hold him back.

The unknown. What could happen? Injury. Rejection. Pain. Humility. Or worse. Independence. Success. It’s not failure that holds him back. It’s the fear of accomplishment.

And sometimes, it holds me back, too.

So I’m taking Baby Steps to get me there. I don’t have to write an entire book in a week. But I do have to add quality writing to it on a regular basis. I don’t have to have a completely landscaped yard by the end of August. But I do have to get rid of those weeds. Those weeds that choke and uglify and detract.

I’m weeding out the Blog, too. I’ve not been shy about asking for help and ideas, and you’ve come through. I’m branching out more and paying attention to what works (and what doesn’t). I’m seeking to be That Which I Want To Be.

And it seems to be working. Because while my Life and The Blog are still Under Construction, the Foundation is still here. And it’s being built upon. And added to. And adjusted.

And it’s great.

My Life and The Blog are not just about me seeing society. It’s about being a part of it. It’s about all of us, together.

“Reunited, and it feels so good…” [Sorry. Couldn’t resist.]… [Okay. I could have. But I didn’t want to.]

Bob knew this. He was willing to take those Baby Steps. To let others help him, guide him, and to recognize that even in his sheltered state, he had something to offer.

Frankly, My Dear… may not be the most popular blog in the Blogosphere. New Inklings Press publications may never win the Nobel Prize. But Molly Jo won’t stop moving forward.

A dear friend once told me, “Three steps forward and two steps back is still one step forward.”

In early August, Frankly, My Dear… will undergo some more drastic changes. They’ve been in the works [read: thinking stages] for a while, now. But the time has come to implement some design features and shake things up around here. It’s time to step forward. Even if it’s just One Baby Step.

For now.

Yesterday was my most-viewed day ever on The Blog. The post, Alienation, is already my third most popular post. Ever. I must be headed in the right direction.

Thank you for noticing.

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

You may also like:
Who I Am
What I Learned on Women’s Retreat [The Big Whammy!]
What’s Your Writing Style? Creatively Overcoming Writer’s Block
Permission to Write

In Case You Missed It: This Week’s Posts

It’s been quite the growth spurt this week at Frankly, My Dear…

If you weren’t able to check in recently, here’s this week’s most popular posts:

What’s the Word? Wednesday [Blog Hop]. Lots of great links to other blogs.

Alienation. My take on the Chick-fil-A “issue” that’s circling the social media world. My third most popular post ever. Thank you!

Recipe & Giveaway. Enter for your chance to win a 6-Cup Rice Cooker sponsored by Aroma Housewares.

HOW TO WRITE A BETTER BLOG: I Have Questions. You Have Answers. An ongoing Blog Hop designed to collect ideas, suggestions, and information on what makes a Better Blog. Feel free to add your comments and link up your posts.

Happy reading!

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

What’s the Word? Wednesday [Blog Hop]: July 25, 2012

I had Jury Duty today. At least, I was summoned. I tried to talk my way out of it but because I had inadvertently failed to show up last month, I was definitely on the books for this month with a “Failure to Appear” notice. By the time the groups were selected, I was actually looking forward to it.

I’ve sort of always wanted to serve on a jury. Maybe I watched too much “Law & Order” in the past. Maybe I’ve read too many detective books. I’m the kind of person that likes to get behind the scenes and really figure things out. I watch Director’s commentaries every chance I get. I like seeing what makes things tick. I’d love to be a part of the discovery process during a trial… as long as the trial was something like a traffic accident or simple robbery. I can’t stomach anything where people get hurt or maimed. Especially children.

During the waiting period, I struck up a conversation with a nice woman. We discovered we had a lot in common and exchanged contact information. And then my group was dismissed: The parties settled just before jury selection started.

I was at once relieved and disappointed. I’ve recently set up a routine at home. I’ve gotten into the swing of cleaning, cooking, writing, and weeding. I have a pattern. Jury would have convoluted that fine calendaring. And yet… being on a jury would have been a remarkable experience.

Ah, well. I’ll just have to wait another year until they call me back.

In the meantime, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about justice and the horrific crimes being reported from around the world. And I have a lot to say about it all. So stay tuned. Because Frankly, My Dear…

I DO GIVE A DAMN!

“What’s the Word?” Wednesdays is a link-up that allows other bloggers and readers to share whatever they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it!

A few things to remember:

  • Each week’s link-up is valid from Wednesday through the following Tuesday. So if you link a post today, you can still come back and link another post tomorrow! In fact, you can link up as many posts as you want.
  • If you add a link, please put the badge on your post as well.
  • Each week has a new link-up. Please make sure you grab the correct Badge Code.
  • Be sure to check out what others are posting, and even leave a few comments.
  • You can now show your “likes” by voting for your favorite links.

So, c’mon. Join the conversation. After all, a great coffee date is one where everyone gets to chat, dontcha think?

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

WhatstheWord