Gettin’ Old Ain’t for Wimps

You may think gift books are a thing of the past. I beg to differ.

I won a copy of  Gettin’ Old . . . by Karen O’ Connor.

The pictures never cease to bring a smile to my face, including the one on the cover. It also helps that the vast majority of the subjects are even older than I am. (grin)

Each of the 11 “chapters” includes a story that is sure to make you grin, two quotes, a scripture verse, and a prayer.

Who wouldn’t love stories about those who are gettin’ old that include “The Honeymooners,” “My, How You’ve Changed!,” and “Chicken-Feet Hands”?

It just goes to show you that a person can be old at 30 or young at 80.

Are you looking for a gift for an older lady? Are you looking for a reason to smile?

Are you looking for a chuckle or a story that warms your heart?

This little book might be just what you’re hunting for.

And as the author says, “May we age with hope, humility, and humor.”

I’m sure the full length book is equally wonderful. You can purchase them both at Harvest House Publishers.

“Security” by Guest Blogger Lori Freeland

I want security. I crave it.

Security, synonymous with safety, brings me peace, quiet, calm. Who doesn’t desire those things?

But what if living a safe, pain-free, invulnerable life is not what’s best for me? What if I’m actually a better person when I’m insecure?

Consider this.

When I’m insecure, I shadow Jesus. Closely. When He moves, I follow, because I know that where He walks is the right way.

When I’m secure, I run ahead of Him, sometimes taking the path to the right without realizing He’s veered left.

When I’m insecure, I am careful of others’ feelings. Before I tread over their emotions, I consider my words, my actions, my motivations.

When I’m secure, I don’t always remember to think before I speak because my heart has switched off its empathy mode.

When I’m insecure, I pray without ceasing, needing to hear His direction in every step of every day. I beg to be used by Him – in His way and in His time.

When I’m secure, I pray out of duty, when I remember I should, and go my own way. My prayers are me-centered, rather than God-centered. I ask, “What can You do for me” instead of “What can I do to serve You?”

When I’m insecure, I trust the Lord to draw my life map, understanding He sees things I can’t possibly imagine. His plan is perfect because He is perfect.

When I’m secure, I scribble out my own life plan, taking what limited knowledge I have and filling in the rest with sketchy, incomplete information.

When I’m insecure, I push myself to be stronger, faster, nicer, kinder, more loving. I strive to be a better wife, mother, daughter, friend.

When I’m secure, I coast, not worried about pushing toward growth and change because I don’t feel the drive to let the Lord work in me.

Now that I think about it, security may be the best place for me to live – as long as I find my security in Jesus.

What do you think?

Lori Freeland is addicted to her husband, her kids, and flavored coffee (three reasons why I like this lady). She coaches writing for the North Texas Christian Writers, edits for The Christian Pulse, blogs for Crosswalk.com, and writes articles for various inspirational publications. On the side, she explores her passion for young adult fiction and is busy at work on her first novel.

You can get in touch with Lori at lafreeland.com

 

Meet Writer Mum Jo Linsdell

Jo Linsdell is the author and illustrator of the rhyming children’s picture book OUT AND ABOUT AT THE ZOO. Find out more about her at www.JoLinsdell.com

As most writers will tell you, finding the time to write is one of the big obstacles we face. If you’re a mum and a writer, this problem is even greater.

I’m a mum of two. My eldest is four-years-old and my youngest is 10 months. Needless to say, my days are pretty jam-packed. So when do I write? The short answer is when I can. Unfortunately for me, neither of them sleep very much, day or night. On the upside, both are usually very well-behaved and will play quite happily either together or individually. This tends to give me a good twenty to thirty minutes here and there to get some work done.

I’m a big list maker. At the weekend, I make a list of all the things I need to do during the week and mark them in order of importance. This makes it easy to know what needs to be done and saves me time.

During the morning, I try to get through as much of my to-do list as possible. My husband will often take the boys to the park for an hour to let me concentrate on the bigger jobs that need doing. You’d be amazed at how much you can get done in just a short amount of time with no distractions.

Part of being a writer is promoting your work. I’m a self confessed social media junky and so manage to get quite a lot of marketing done in just a few minutes. I try to program my blog posts and some Twitter updates in advance so I’m covered for the days when I can’t get on the computer. Now that Facebook has introduced scheduled posts, I sometimes program a few posts for my pages there too. An hour of programming gives me a solid online presence for weeks, meaning I just need to check in occasionally. It’s easy to find a five-minute break here and there to monitor action across the board. This also means my ‘work’ posts are all set and I can concentrate on the social, relationship-building side of things when I pop in.

I try to involve my eldest as much as possible with my work. I wrote my children’s picture book, Out and About at the Zoo, after taking him to the zoo for the first time. Having my target audience on hand throughout the creation process was definitely a plus. He was always an eager listener when I needed to read through the text and wasn’t shy about giving feedback either. As with most kids his age, he asks a lot of questions too, which actually really helped me as it made me think about the project from a different angle.

I got him to help me with the illustration part too. He loves drawing and so was excited at the idea of helping me create the animals for the book. We researched together to find pictures of the animals I needed, using our own photos from our trip to the zoo and pictures we found in books and on the Internet. Every illustration included in the book was given his seal of approval . . . and trust me, he was very demanding. If it didn’t look right to him, it was redrawn.

Another upside to involving him in the project was that he was fantastic at motivating me to work on it. He would often ask, “Mummy, did you finish that picture yet?” or “Is the book ready now?” It made everything all the more fun. This book definitely holds a very special place in my heart.

Being a writer mum isn’t easy but it doesn’t have to be that hard either.

8 Reasons I’m Not Bummed

I tried on a dress today.

“Oh, my! Is that really my reflection?”

It could have bummed me out, but no, instead, it spurred me on.

Here are eight reasons I’m glad I’m overweight.

1. I know my appearance is not the most important thing, but I can’t neglect it either. If I want to have the energy to do those things that are important to me ~ and lower my health risks, I have to take care of my physical well-being.

2. I’ve finally set a deadline for my weight loss. “One day” is no longer enough. (The number that really matters is the percentage of body fat. If I have to choose between being a healthy 140 pounds or an less healthy 130, I go with the former. Besides, toned muscle looks so much nicer than the alternative, and muscle burns more calories than fat for ongoing positives.)

3. Therefore, I have to workout regularly and include a significant amount of cardio.

4. I also have to eat better. Thankfully, this is something I enjoy once I get into the habit.

5. I have to replace my calorie-rich beverages with water. (I will, however, allow myself a home-brewed specialty coffee each day ~ unless the calorie info proves too scary.)

6. And yes, I will have to restrict my sweet intake. We used to eat dessert only on the weekends. I can do that again.

7. My reflection also made me take an honest look at other things I have been making excuses about ~ and determine to change. (See “No Excuses,” posted earlier today.)

8. All that said, I have to take some time to plan. These things won’t just happen.

A Word to Readers

This is a very personal post. We each have different priorities at any given time in life. This is my time to deal with my weight.

No Excuses

These are some of the areas in which I’ve made excuses for too long. I plan to take steps in the right direction during the coming week and beyond.

Social Networking (and Internet Surfing)

I have to learn to walk to tightrope here. Social networking has connected me to many amazing people and opened doors I wouldn’t otherwise have discovered. And yet, like many people, I have to be careful not to spend too many hours darting here, there, and everywhere.

Watch Less TV

This isn’t so hard in the summer, but when the new shows start in the fall, it’ll take more self-discipline.

Read More

It follows that if I watch less television, I will have more time to read.

Journal

From thinking to praying, from hoping to dreaming, I do it best on paper ~ or the computer screen. (I also like to “talk it out,” but sometimes that’s asking a lot of my audience . . . well, all except for the praying part.)

Eat Better

Since I’ve given myself a deadline of October 31 for my weight loss goal, I have to get serious.

Exercise More

Buying a gym membership and personal training sessions is helping, but I still have to stop making excuses for not doing more.

Housework

For all my fellow Horrible Housekeepers . . . Not to worry. I do want to commit more time to de-cluttering, organizing, and cleaning my home, but I am in no way in danger of losing my HH title.

How about you? What changes do you plan to make this week?

July 29 ROW Check-in

The month is almost gone. Seriously? How did that happen?

Relationships

This Week

~ arrange for the pick-up of my son’s computer, which he sold while in Europe I still haven’t heard from the potential buyer.

~ try to arrange a Skype call with my second born; I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before (J seems open to the suggestion. I’ll see how it goes.)

~ take my daughter and her BFF out for lunch and to their fave art supply store on Saturday (Done . . . plus we went to a comic book store and then to the mall for dessert and some window shopping. Fun!)

Next Week

~ arrange dinner out for our 30th anniversary

~ look into a weekend away for hubby and me

Writing

The blogging is going well. Being part of the Ultimate Blog Challenge was a good thing.

Blogging regularly keeps me writing and that’s good enough for now ~ especially when I get such encouraging feedback from my readers. It always makes me happy when I can brighten your day.

Research possible e-publishing options for a client and me – Because of our day out on Saturday, it hasn’t happened yet, but I hope to make some solid headway before next Sunday (August 5).

Editing

My goal was to complete the first edit of my client’s children’s chapbook by the end of July. The new deadline is Saturday, August 4.

This past week, I did three rush jobs and am awaiting a fourth. Needless to say, it made it necessary to reorganize my other goals.

Submitting

I’m still debating about this goal. I actually like working for others, so I’m definitely not complaining.

Reading

My weekly goal is to read one fiction chapter, one non-fiction chapter, and an article or two in Writers Digest or other skills development resource. I will have the non-fiction chapter read tonight (Saturday) and perhaps the fiction one as well. Skills development? It’s highly likely I will do so after posting this.

All of that said . . . my #1 reading priority for tonight is to review a submission by a young writer. He is awaiting my input and I shouldn’t put him off any longer.

Exercising

~ do the exercises my trainer gives me five times per week (Tuesday and Thursday ~ check; Saturday ~ perhaps, since the headache pills seem to be doing their job; I also walked for over an hour on Friday with a couple of my friends ~ not really fast enough to be considered cardio.)

- do cardio at least three times before next Sunday (1.5x ~ see above)

Additional Fitness Goals

~ eat dessert only on weekends

~ lose at least two pounds between Monday, July 30 and Sunday, August 5 (My ultimate goal is to lose 15-20 pounds. I have to give myself a deadline for this as well. So, that date is October 31. There, I’ve said it!)

ROW-specific Goals

~ visit other ROWers’ sites weekly (check)

My advice to me for the week, but you’re free to “listen in” . . .

Decide what’s truly important and stop making excuses as to why you’re not living accordingly.

Tag, I’m It

As a participant in the Ultimate Blog Challenge, I’ve been tagged . . . twice. Thank you, Melinda (http://mom2specialneedskids.blogspot.ca) and Susan (http://ripplespillers.com).

The Rules of Tagged

1. Post the rules.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you in his/her post.
3. Create 11 new questions to ask those you tag.
4. Tag 11 people on the Facebook page with a link to this post.

My Answers  to Melinda’s Questions

1. What clothes do you wear when you want to be the most comfortable?

~ capris and a t-shirt

2. What is your favourite childhood vacation spot and why?

~ anywhere I could swim

3. Which city did you grow up in, and if you don’t live there now would you go back?

I grew up in the country, one hour north of Toronto, Ontario. If my hubby and I found work in the area, I would consider living there again.

4. Who is the person you admire the most?

My husband ranks very high on the list. He has loved and provided for me for almost three decades. We wrote our vows and he promised to love me “as Christ loved the church.” At the time, I thought it was a lovely sentiment but had no idea how he was going to live it out. He has – even when I was very unlovable.

5. How many hours do you sleep a night, and how many would you like to sleep?

I aim for at least six. Somewhere between seven and eight would probably be best.

6. What do you think has been the most challenging part of blogging?

~ sticking with it when life happens

7. What do you admire in other people’s blogs?

~ openness, honesty, and authenticity: traits I admire in people

8. What would you say to someone who thinks they know everything?

After trying very hard not to laugh, I would try to gently point out that no one, no matter how smart, knows everything.

9. Do you pick up hitchhikers, and if you don’t, why not?

I don’t. Sadly, because in this day and age, it’s just too scary.

10. If you could live in any city in the world, where would you live and why?

I would move to Jasper, Alberta, with my hubby. It’s his favourite place on earth.

11. What was your favourite childhood game?

It’s not a game, but I loved to horseback ride.

My Answers to Susan’s Questions

1. What gets you out of bed each day?

I truly enjoy what I do.

2. If an alien landed on earth, what would your top tip ‘for living here’ be?

Look for ways to make the lives of others better.

3. What is your ‘happy song’?

My theme song is Johnny Reid’s “Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World.”

4. Do you have a special place real or imagined?

I enjoy sitting in my backyard in the hammock chair my family bought for me as the sun sets, the solar lights go on, and the fireflies come out, specialty coffee in hand.

5. What childhood fable, fairy tale or movie stretched your imagination and sticks with you today?

This is a tough one. I can’t really think of anything.

6. What is your idea of a perfect evening?

Going out to dinner and a movie with my hubby and our three grown kids.

7. As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

It may sound corny, but I always wanted to be a mom.

8. What is your favorite type of movie?

That, too, is a tough call. I often enjoy a well-acted drama based on a true story, but it’s rarely what I choose when given the option. (“Freedom Writers” is my favourite movie.) I like action/adventure, sci-fi, chick flicks, some teen romance, and CG, but nothing above a PG rating.

9. If you won the lottery would you tell anyone?

It would be hard to keep something like that to myself. I would probably tell family and friends.

10. If you could visit anywhere in the world where would it be?

As I mentioned, my husband would like to at least visit Jasper. I would want to do that for him.

11. Do you believe in Destiny?

As a Christian, I believe in a loving God who has my future in His hands.

My Questions

1. What was your very first blog post about?

2. Why did you decide to participate in UBC?

3. Do you belong to any other FB writing groups? Which ones?

4. If you could make a living pursuing just one type of writing, what would it be?

5. What is your favourite social network and why?

6. What is your favourite time of year and why?

7. Do you absolutely love to do something that isn’t writing-related? What would that be?

8. What do you do when you want to take a break?

9. What’s the single best piece of advice you ever received?

10. If you had to move to a different country, which would you choose? Why?

11. What one word would you use to describe your life today?

The 11 Bloggers of my choice:

1. D’Tarelle Tullis

2. Holly Fulford-Jeffrey

3. Cathy Morton

4. Rob N Carri Hensley

5. Nikki Riddle

6. Sara Hadiaris

7. Cheri deFonteny

8. Dyrene Bell

9. Veronica Sheather

10. Emily Brewer

and last, but definitely not least my WB (writing buddy)

11. Julie Jordan Scott

Disabled People Want to Work Too

Here is the third post in the series by guest blogger Pamela Lynne Murray. You can read Higher Ground here and Born to Write here. (Please note: Some of this information is more relevant to my American readers, especially as it pertains to government programs. Most, however, is applicable across the board.)

I come from a home where one spouse is disabled and in a wheelchair and the other is not. I was originally going to share 10 tips for finding your dream career, but quickly realized this factor is intertwined into one’s entire life. I, therefore, changed it to 10 tips for a disabled person or spouse to find their dream career. Ready? If you’re not disabled, you’re going to get an education. If you are, you are probably going to be nodding your head.

Tip #1 – Credit Cards

You will be targeted by credit card companies. Do not use them unless you have the means to pay them off every month. If you contact me, I will be glad to tell you a horror story or two to change your mind about overuse.

Tip #2 – Babysitting

If you’re going to babysit from home so that you can be with your disabled husband or wife, please take heed to this advice: Make sure the arrangement is right for your situation. Let’s face it, you already have a lot on your plate. Don’t overload it with extra stress. Take your time deciding. It could save you time, money, and needless suffering.

Tip #3 – Housecleaning

Housecleaning is a wonderful option for the able-bodied. Find out ahead of time if the homeowners are willing to let you report your income to the government. Some are. Some aren’t. Also, try to find out if you can do a trial run to see how long it will take. If it’s a long drive and it takes longer than you expect, it may not be a good fit. You know what works best for your situation.

Tip #4 – Craigslist

There are many great opportunities on Craigslist, but there are many scams as well. Do your research. If  requested, my husband can give you a long list of scammers. There are some  with upfront and hidden costs. They may require more money than you have just to advertise, therefore, making credit cards a temptation.

Tip #5 – Home-Based Businesses

This is another area that many people opt to get involved with. Make sure you love the product, can learn, and are willing to do all of paperwork involved. For some, this is a great avenue. Others are not cut out to do this kind of work. However, like the opportunities on Craigslist, it is readily available. Check the pay plan and know what you are getting into.

Tip #6 – Telemarketing

This is another targeted area for disabled couples. You must love to be on the phone. It is a numbers game. It is almost always commission based. Some weeks will be good. Others will be not so good – unless you are really good at selling. Many of the companies use automated dialers. For people with a neurological problem, these are no-no. I am not disabled, but I cannot use these machines. They make me dizzy and nauseated.

Tip  #7 – Nine to Five

This is a tough one. It’s very hard to work nine to five or even split shifts. Personally I recommend an early morning three-hour shift. These positions, however, are very hard to find.  If you’re on SSI, the spouse must report all income that will cause the SSI check to go down or food stamps to be cut back. If you’re on Disability, then you’re smooth sailing. The spouse can make as much as he/she can or wants to make. Something we never considered until this year was working in the same place. It might just be the answer for you. Things get more complicated when and if children are involved, but they are so worth it.

Tip #8 – Time

If you do find a job you can do at home, be prepared to spend a good chunk of your time indoors in front of the computer. I highly suggest that you get a laptop so you can work wherever you are. We spent a whole summer from sun-up to sundown doing a project together online: not something I would do again. It was not worth the summer we missed and the $1,000 we made at the end. It is also physically taxing on the disabled individual. Make sure you want to make the sacrifice and are up to the task.

Tip #9 – Break Free

I know this is not an easy thing to do or hear, but it is something we have been trying to do for years. We should have done it long ago. Break free from government aid you are used to as much as you are able. There are discount dental plans and vision plans. You can live without food stamps. Just make sure you are being wise about it and are really able to survive.You have to report all of the money you make. Just think of what you could do if you could actually work whenever you wanted to without having to report it. You will have to report your income to the IRS; I don’t mean that. This is a touchy and frightening subject. But just consider the freedom.

Tip #10 – Dream

I always feel we need to follow the dreams God has put in our hearts. When you’re disabled, it means you’re limited. You may never be able to pursue your dream job, but you could do something that involves your dream job in some way. God will make a way. Life is hard. I understand that completely. Don’t give up. Your tears, your despair, and your biggest enemy: your feelings of envy will try to take over. Don’t give in. Keep going. Look up! Be a role model. Someone is watching you. Stay strong. Jesus loves you and has a great plan for your life.

Writing With Heart ~ <3 ~

The Procrastination List Revisited

My recent encounter with the common housefly – several of them, to be more precise – has made me think of the other things I’ve put off and why.

And as I’ve mentioned, crossing something off my Procrastination List feels ten times better than crossing ten things off my regular To Do list.

While I’ve cleaned the inside of four long-neglected windows and the inside and outside of the front door, that’s only the beginning. I have several others to do. (I’m counting on my hubby to do the outside windows, all of which require working from a ladder.)

Now that I’ve begun washing window coverings, I should finish the task. And while I’m at it, I’m going to measure some of the windows for new curtains.

The pantry, where this all began, is in need of serious help. The shelf came away from the wall some time ago, creating a huge hole in the plaster. Plus, the carpet needs replacing. And before any of that can happen, I have to clear out the room and dispose of most of the contents. (By the way, the pantry is also a former bedroom, a former home for our now deceased rabbit, and yet another catch-all room.)

Every now and then, I organize the laundry/storage room. It is sadly in need of some serious de-cluttering yet again.

A friend is organizing a fundraising yard sale. What a great opportunity to do some purging and donate to a good cause! I’ll have to get on that.

And then there are those regularly neglected chores that should be on my weekly – or at least, bi-weekly – To Do list:

~ thoroughly cleaning the bathrooms

~ vacuuming the main floor and the stairs to the second floor

~ giving the kitchen a good once-over

While I am sure there are many other things that I could/should be doing, this is a good list to start on. I’ll let you know how it goes.

So, what do you neglect that you’d especially like to get off your To Do list?

6 Reasons to Love the Housefly

Last night they were buzzing around driving me crazy.

“We have got to do something about these flies,” I said to anyone within earshot.

And then I noticed the curtain in the pantry. There had to be a dozen and a half houseflies brazenly relaxing on the curtain.

That’s IT! You’re toast.

Swat! Swat! Squish!

(FYI . . . Killing houseflies on a sheer curtain is quite a challenge, next to impossible really.)

In the process, I learned the window behind said curtain desperately needed cleaning. As I did so, I then noticed the cobwebs and the dust. Sigh! As a Horrible Housekeeper, I’ve learned not to go ballistic over clutter. However, dirt? That’s a totally different story.

So, thanks to the housefly, one thing led to another and last night turned out to be very productive.

Here’s how:

1. I cleaned windows I haven’t cleaned in an embarrassing amount of time.

2. I washed both the pantry and the kitchen sheers.

3. We can once again see through our front door, which is over 50 percent glass. (The flies weren’t even hanging out there.)

4. I enjoyed time out with my hubby, grabbing a coffee – and sticky, non-toxic fly catchers. (I’ve yet to discover if this particular $12 investment was worth it.)

5. I realized I didn’t once resent the fact that no-one else had been simultaneously bitten by the cleaning bug. This may be a first for me. I can clean – and remain an agreeable person to live with. Score!

6. I’m actually looking forward to continuing the process – and no, I do not have a fever.

So, thank you, Mr. Housefly!