Mar 15, 2013 |
It’s TGIF time. It always seems to work out that when I’ve been blog-absent and finally have much to say, it’s a TGIF post. I like that. Blog and I, we work well together.
And believe me, I have oh-so-much to say. The first is, I’m learning how to not say everything. As a writer, I’m a bit cavalier with my words. That’s not always a good thing. I see a story everywhere, but that doesn’t mean I should tell it. Some stories aren’t mine to tell. Others are mine, but not worth telling. Still more are shared stories, and to be told in different avenues than the Blog. I’m finding a Magic Filter that makes it okay to write… and okay to not write.
I’m making much better use of my daily organizer. Not only am I keeping track of appointments and writing assignments, I’m also keeping track of accomplishments. “Ordered mugs.” “Writer’s Group 10 a.m.”. “ICL Assign #4”. These are only a few of the entries for this month. It’s my goal to have at least one entry each day relating to writing. So far, so good.
Now that the Cookbook is in production and I have an actual inventory, it’s time to work on production of my next project. A Study on the Ten Commandments is a work I’m humbly proud of. The writing is finished, the cover is designed, and yes, there’s a Kickstarter campaign for pre-selling and raising funds for publishing.
Ten Commandments Cover
My newest writing project is half done. Broken Girl and Other Stories of Redemption: A Collection of Parables, Poetry & Prose. I’m very excited about this one for many reasons. Even in my journals, I’ve written creatively. This is a collection of moments in the past two decades as I stretched my wings, flown the coop, and raised my own family. Lessons learned and failings felt. It will also feature photographs from my big brother, Mark. His photography skills are astounding, and last year he gave me carte blanche to use them as I see fit for this publication. I was so happy to call him this week and let him know this project is finally under way.
Broken Girl cover
I don’t know how the entire project will come together, but I intend to use this beautiful photo as the cover. I call it “Desert Beauty” and I’ve used it on my Blog before. Of course, he has such a plethora of nature photos that by the time I’m ready to produce the book, I may change the cover… oh, who am I kidding?! I love this photo and I’ll use it nine ways to Sunday if I can!
Oh, sure, I could complain about my nagging fears and personal woes. But, as I so often used to say, “Everybody’s got something, y’know?” The specifics of my trials and tribulations don’t matter. The history of how I got here is insignificant. All that matters is the goal, and whether I reached for it. That, in itself, is a great accomplishment.
I have much to write over the next week:
- My views on the Vatican and Pope Francis.
- Joshua Tree blooms.
- How to score birthday freebies.
- Philippians 4:13.
- My Morning at the DMV and Why Appearances Aren’t What They Seem.
I may not get to it all in the next week. But you know what? I’m okay with that. Because I’m also learning to not sweat the small stuff… and, as Pastor Tom often says, “It’s all small stuff.”
Whatever this week brings your way, Be Blessed!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Mar 11, 2013 |
The last few weeks have been as busy as ever. Never could I have imagined the bulk of my work for the Cookbook would come after the success of the Kickstarter campaign! But here it is, and I’m filling hours with orders for merchandise, approving final edits, managing mail lists… what a great, exhausting time this is!
Are you ready for a surprise? Until just about ten days ago, I assumed the cover for the Second Edition would be the same. That is, until I received this flavorful photo.
Hot Dog Casserole
And then I got to thinking… and talking with my Designer. Who put two and two together and came up with a new cover. I can’t possibly tell you how incredibly impressed I am with his talents. Especially when they gift me with something like this.
The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition
Speaking of talents, Dot put her heart and soul into sketching the cover for my next project, ‘A Study on the Ten Commandments’. This is what her sketch looks like.
Ten Commandments Stone
And this is what it looks like with the title.
Ten Commandments Cover
I can’t begin to tell you how utterly amazed I am at how fast this new project is coming about. And just this weekend I realized how I can accomplish my next project. But that’s a surprise for now… for most of you!
My work here is done, at least for tonight.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Mar 6, 2013 |
That’s an inside joke between me and Dot. You can read about it here. It’s one of our little catchphrases that’s grown into a life of its own. When something keeps interfering with the end goal, you can hear us chuckle and shout, “I just wanna eat my stinkin’ food!”
So. This post isn’t really about all that. But it is about food. And a goal.
I’m hosting my annual Pampered Chef party. Have you ever heard of Pampered Chef? It’s one of those Direct Home Marketing businesses like Mary Kay or Tupperware. I used to sell it. This product sold itself! It’s that great. It really is.
After I bought my house, I hosted two shows. It’s so much fun. It’s like inviting your friends for a dinner party that somebody else caters. And you know I’m all about the food, right?! So… yeah. Recipes. Friends. Someone else doing the cooking for once. It’s a blast!
Anyway… on April 7th, I’m hosting a show. My wish list keeps growing. Mostly I’m after the egg slicer, free with any $60 total order. My mom has the egg slicer. I use it every chance I get. It slices boiled eggs, soft fruits, cheeses. This toy is amazing!
And then I saw their new herb infuser. This great little gizmo that you can use to drop fresh herbs, berries, or citrus into your drinks, soups, stews.. whatever you brew.
Of course, we can use a new set of their outdoor picnic glasses. Those are our favorites. We use them all the time. These wonderful large cups are fun to hold, and they hold a lot!
If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I invite you to check out my friend Holly’s website, here. If you see something you like, I invite you place an order. Product can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. (no P.O. Box) for a nominal charge. You can add your total to my party (a win-win for everyone) by searching for Host first name “Molly” last name “Jo”.
Pampered Chef is wonderful. Long-lasting. Enduring. And it makes being in the kitchen fun. Don’t believe me? Host a Pampered Chef of your own and find out!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
I’d post photos, but I’m prohibited by copyright laws… I guess you’ll just have to click on Holly’s link to see for yourself.
~Happy Eating!
