Sorry, it's a day late but better late than never, right?  

Yesterday started another blog challenge and naturally, I signed up. I even brainstormed post ideas and planned to have a bunch ready to go.  But, like the best laid plans of mice and men, that plan went asunder.

That's not to say I didn't think about blogging yesterday, I thought of it several times. And I pushed the thought away each time. As I pondered blogging, I've come to the conclusion that I'm burned out one it. Years ago, I was a daily blogger and had several blogs going at the same time. It was fun then. There was interaction with the readers and it didn't feel like I was alone and unread.

I mean, seldom is a comment left, even when a pointed question is asked. Sure, the blog challenge people are good about commenting...they have to comment on at least three blogs. But, I've watched my numbers and for those who stop by, it's sad the number who don't leave comments.

As an author, the experts say a mailing list is one of the best way to get readers.  And I suppose that may be true, but getting people to sign up for your newsletter is harder than pulling hen's teeth.  

Or maybe I"m not doing it right. I'm kinda at a loss. I'm not sure whether I'll continue with this challenge, I've got 900 other things I need to be doing that seem to be more productive. And productivity is one of the things I've got to consider right now.

So, here's your change to prove me wrong.  Sign up for my "ever-so-often" newsletter to keep informed of what will be happening. We are planning some exciting stuff.   Also, am I the only one not seeing engagement on their blog? 

Here's an updated picture of my heathen,,,just because.  This was taken the first week of December, right after his 2nd birthday.

The other evening, I ate something that didn't agree with me. It was not pleasant to say the least. Thursday, I barely got out of bed to make it to the couch. I think I was on the couch for about 2 hours then went back to the bed. Friday, I was better buttook the day off from just about everything to rest and recover.

Then of course, the weekend happened and I was so busy catching up from two days of not being online that the blog suffered. So, what have I learned?

First, have a couple back up posts ready to go in case you need them. Me, I'm a spur of the moment blogger and don't generally have a post waiting so it's something I'm going to have to work on.

Also, posts can be scheduled ahead of time. That would have kept my streak alive. Again, it's something I'm going to have to work on for next time.

So...I'm back but not caught up. Will try to have a relevant and interesting post for tomorrow.  But until then, it's time to walk the heathen. :-)

I’m decided to do a series of posts on something I’m sorta passionate about, so let’s talk shopping…

Let’s say hubby comes in the kitchen and says he wants burgers for dinner. Cool right? Except you have no ground beef. But that’s okay. Walmart is just right down the road so you can make a quick trip and pick up some.

So, you go in the store and head on over to the meat section and scope out the options. There are lots to choose from. Regular versus Angus and grass-fed. Brisket burgers with bacon, cheese, and even peppers. There are several different fat percentages too.  I usually get 93% lean, but often we get 85%. But there is also 73% and 97% too. Then there are different size packages ranging from just one pound up to ten pounds. You can even get premade burgers in several different flavors, fat percentages, and sizes. I even found a double-burger size the other day.

So, after some shopping, you decide on a package of Angus brisket burgers, preformed, and in a package of four patties. Then, you head to the cash register and pay for your purchase. Shopping…you searched for what you wanted and then paid for it.
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Today, I did some shopping too. I got wet while going from the car to the store and needed a new shirt cause we were going to the gym before going home and I didn’t want to go wet.  I headed to the workout clothes and looked for shirts on clearance. I found the clearance rack and browsed. They had the size I wanted but not the color. So, I decided I wasn’t that wet and would dry enough, so didn’t buy a shirt. I shopped.

Now here’s the thing and what I was going for.

When someone goes to the animal shelter or pet rescue, and look for a pet, they are shopping. They look at all the options, big dogs, little dogs, medium-sized dogs, hairy dogs, and not so hairy ones. They look for a dog that will fit their lifestyle whether active or couch potato. Some folks want an older dog that they don’t have to potty train, and others want a puppy they can raise with their kids. Some might want a smaller dog that will take less space than a huge dog like a Great Dane. And, like it or not, there are financial considerations too. I mean, that’s why a lot of older dogs with health issues are still in shelters and rescues waiting for a home.

Same thing for cats. Some folks are not cat people, …and some are aren’t dog people. It would be silly for a dog person to get a cat.

When a decision is made, and the perfect pet is picked out, paperwork is taken care of, and then fees are paid before you can take your new family member home.

This is shopping. I know many people use the “adopt, don’t shop” phrase, and it sounds good, but in all honesty, it’s still shopping.

I sincerely believe all dogs and cats in shelters and rescues deserve a home where they will be loved and taken care of. But, when folks who do shop for their pet are made to feel guilty for not “adopting” a shelter animal, it’s wrong.

I love that there are folks passionate about rescuing animals and making sure they are taken care of properly. I even volunteered at a shelter for a while and totally respect those who do it every day.
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But again, call it what it is. Rescuing, adopting, shopping…

​Happy Monday!
This weekend I took a break from the computer and read a book that I’ve read at least half a dozen times already. I leave this book on my kindle, and when I need to take a break, it’s always ready. I can open to any page and start reading and be right into the story. What is this book, you ask?
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Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. I purchased this book back in 2012 and still haven’t tired of it. 

First, I’m a horse person. I love books about horses. As a kid, I read The Black Stallion books over and over and over. Then there was the Island Stallion series. Black Beauty was also a favorite. When I read about carnivorous horses that come out of the sea and live on the land for a while, I was totally intrigued. Thing is, this story isn’t about the horses at all.

Secondly, I’m a writer, and this book is so well done.  We are introduced to two very different but very much alike characters. Both have wants and needs, but those wants and needs are at odds with the others. I love how the author makes us root for both characters and how if one wins and gets what they need, the other will have lost everything. Even now, after reading this book so many times, I’m still torn as the story unfolds and things don’t work out the way I’d like. And the end, well, let’s just say it hits you right in the feels. The first time I actually shed tears.

I finally got my daughter to read Scorpio Races about a year ago, and she loved it too. She isn’t a horse person, but even she teared up at the end.  I won’t spoil it for you, but you need to read this book. Seriously.
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How can you resist a story that starts with…”It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.”

Today is Sunday, again. Seems like it happens on a regular basis. :-)  So, I'm taking a day of rest and relaxing. I even took a nap this afternoon. I'll be back and blogging bright and early tomorrow. Well, okay, not bright and early. Tomorrow though. For sure.

Today I thought I'd share a few pictures from my artist daughter. These are just a couple of her more recent ones. Hope you enjoy.

She also does book illustrations and custom covers. Here's a few of those.
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She also created the Seriously Awesome Books logo on the sidebar. I love how it incorporates  things from both my writing and my daughter's. So, if you need some art stuff done, let me know. I'll connect you. She's moving her website, but you can find her pictures on her Facebook page under Rebekah Lauzier.

Have you ever chosen a “word for the year” to remind you of what you want to achieve or be? For example, peaceful, or calm, or active. There are so many great words out there.  Thrive, give, enjoy, share, serve. The list can go on and on.

​I used to choose a new word to focus on each year, but I haven’t in a while. But the other day, my word just sorta slapped me in the face then stomped on me. I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly for the rest of this year and next year too. In fact, I went to Amazon and found several items that had my word on them and am now wearing a t-shirt and necklace with my word.

I’ll share what my word is later, but I can tell focusing on my word has already made a big difference.

So, do you have a word for this year? Have you considered one for next year? Need some inspiration? Check out OneWord365.
 
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Today is a day of rest at our house. Most of the time. Sundays we spend most of at church. And I have to say, I love my church family. Sometimes church activities get hectic, but for the most part, we do rest. In fact, Sunday is my legit nap day.

That said, there is a lot to be said for taking a day off and just resting. Did you know there are a multitude of health benefits linked to taking time off? Things such as lowering risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and even lowers risk of diabetes.  
​Downtime reduces our stress, boosts our immune system, and even helps prevent cancer. We also sleep better, are more productive, and even tend to be happier.

As a writer, we also need downtime. Stress is a huge cause of writer’s block. 

One of my favorite ways to de-stress and escape is with a book. Just the other day, I visited the desert. I’m thinking about hanging out with some trolls later.
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What is your favorite thing to do on your down day?

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​Are you guilty of tautology? I was and didn’t know it. When I was told that I was committing tautology I actually had to look it up.

For example…
I went to see the professor personally.  Personally is redundant and not needed. And so is the “not needed” in the previous sentence.

The dog chased his own tail. Own is the tautology.

The school bell rang at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Afternoon isn’t needed.

Tautology reminds me of when you do things like… He nodded his head.  I mean, what else would he nod?  Or she waved her arms, or he sat down. 

And speaking of waving arms, I know it is a thing, and there is nothing I can do about it but, I really don’t like the “rolling of eyes” thing.  I get this weird image of eyes rolling across the floor.  And she caught his eye is another one. I mean, he threw an eye at her? Good thing she caught it. What if the cat got it?
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So, that’s my new word for the month. I’m trying to be extra observant in my writing and not do it. What about you? Is this something you do? And how do you feel about rolling eyes?
 
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Confession time…I’m a planner hoarder. I love them, and I intend to use them. But like most best-laid plans, I don’t. Or, I’ll use for a week or two then miss a day, and since they are numbered and dated, it’s all messed up and would be so many blank pages when I restart, that I just ignore it. I’ve tried all sorts, but none seem to work for me. And that’s annoying when you pay $25 for a planner then let it sit in a drawer.

Then, last month, I discovered Bullet Journaling.  Hallelujah!!!! Finally, a journal I can make fit my needs. I can modify, add to, omit, and even be creative.

Created by Ryder Carroll, bullet journaling has been around for a while, and I wish I’d found it sooner. He has a nice video on his webpage with details.

I love how Ryder showcases a minimalistic layout. It’s clean, unclunky, and can be modified as needed.

But, if you check out Pinterest, you’ll find all sorts of creative and colorful layouts for all seasons and themes. There are a lot of talented people out there, and if you can’t draw, there are tons of stencils available.
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Me, I generally prefer the minimal layouts, but I have started to add a few embellishments and some color. I also like all the different trackers you can have. For example, I have a vitamin tracker, savings tracker, word count trackers, weight loss tracker, virtual race time tracker, and even a couple others.

I also have some collections. Books I want to read, books I’ve already read, blog post ideas, and book events to check into.
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I even have a page set up for blogging this month along with to-do lists, a page for the Spanish workbook I plan to start soon, and of course, book ideas. I’m using a plain, ruled notebook for now but plan to use a real “bullet” journal next year.

​So, do you use journals? Have you tried bullet journaling?  What works for you?
 
Have a great day!
 
Remember, if you sign up for my infrequent newsletter this month, you’ll get a free short Halloween story. I promise not to spam you or be a bother.