Loud & Proud

August 24, 2011Leave a comment

The great state of Texas is getting a really bad rap right now–mostly due to this hideous summer weather. Coming from California’s north valley, I thought I knew what heat was. Ha! I did not.

However…I moved here on purpose, have stayed here on purpose, and don’t think I’ll be leaving any time soon. I bought my own little house a couple years ago–at a steal–which I could never have done back in Cali. Plus, I’m sure my wage is higher than my west coast counterparts.

So, I’ve stopped complaining (for now).

This California girl is feeling the love, Texas.

And sharing the love of her adopted home state.

Bring it on! Yee-haw!!!

Loud & Proud

August 24, 2011Leave a comment

The great state of Texas is getting a really bad rap right now–mostly due to this hideous summer weather. Coming from California’s north valley, I thought I knew what heat was. Ha! I did not.

So, I’ve stopped complaining (for now).

This California girl is feeling the love, Texas.

And sharing the love of her adopted home state.

Bring it on! Yee-haw!!!

Coming Clean

August 24, 2011February 17, 2015Leave a comment

The back of my right shoulder blade

currently looks like an uncooked hamburger patty…
where–for the past 12 years–a very pretty tattoo use to be.

(And don’t bother asking: Yes…it hurts worse coming off.)

Coming Clean

August 23, 2011February 18, 2015Leave a comment

The back of my right shoulder blade

currently looks like an uncooked hamburger patty…
where–for the past 12 years–a very pretty tattoo use to be.

(And don’t bother asking: Yes…it hurts worse coming off.)

All Blocked Up

August 17, 2011Leave a comment

It’s been a long, looooooong, hot summer. Consequently, I’ve had issues being motivated to do just about anything. Writing, in particular. Am I discouraged because of rejection or does impending rejection make me unmotivated, and therefore, discouraged? You can see the cyclical pickle I find myself. Inside-Your-Head much, Mary? Probably.

The other day, I received a very kind message from “Bridget” (you remember her, my fabulous writer friend) after we’d swapped manuscripts. I disclosed to her how I’ve been buried in this foggy funk for a while. Here is her reply:

“Everyone has blocks and times that they can’t bear to read their own book again, and struggle for ideas to move forward… You just have to search for a trigger to motivate you… Actually maybe blogging is a good thing to do to get you over your slump. Just commit to one post a week, and tweet a link to your post. This weeks can be “I need motivation/inspiration”!…”

Honestly, it was what I needed to hear.

So, here I am, blasting my current favorite song on repeat and blogging, if just for the exercise. Already feeling better….

“Forget all the rules.

Forget about being published.

Write for yourself and celebrate writing.”

-Melinda Haynes

All Blocked Up

August 17, 2011Leave a comment

Honestly, it was what I needed to hear.

So, here I am, blasting my current favorite song on repeat and blogging, if just for the exercise. Already feeling better….

“Forget all the rules.

Forget about being published.

Write for yourself and celebrate writing.”

-Melinda Haynes

Florida Love

August 7, 2011February 17, 2015Leave a comment

The Gulf of Mexico is my Disneyland.

No. Let me be more specific…

South Walton County on the Gulf of Mexico is my Disneyland.

Highway 30A along South Walton County on the Gulf of Mexico is my Disneyland.

The sugary-white sands of Seagrove Beach, Florida on Highway 30A along South Walton County on the Gulf of Mexico is my Disneyland.

My sister’s tiny one-bedroom beach condo on the sugary-white sands of Seagrove Beach, Florida on Highway 30A along South Walton County on the Gulf of Mexico is my Disneyland.

Me…stretched out on long, turquoise beach chair, still soaked and panting from swimming past killer undertow of last night’s storm, umbrella shading upper body from sun, lingering taste of red velvet cake, surrounded by the chicks (sister, friends and baby), dreaming of upcoming bike ride into Seaside outside my sister’s tiny one-bedroom beach condo on the sugary-white sands of Seagrove Beach, Florida on Highway 30A along South Walton County on the Gulf of Mexico is my Disneyland.