Saturday, September 30, 2017

The Week Flys By & There is So Much to Learn

Hello friends,

It's been a very busy week  and I managed to get a lot done.  Top it off the weather has cooperated so nicely. Instead of the rain we were anticipating at the end of last week, the weather has remained sunny and even quite hot at times.


My little garden has seen it's better days but is still blooming so I'm enjoying the colour.

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I don't think I've ever shared in this space that I have intentions of writing a book. 
It has been on my list of things 'to do' for awhile now.

My mom and other family matriarchs are no longer alive.  Once I am gone there will be very little remembrance of certain things, especially the spiritual heritage but also other important family information. 
If you have ever grown up in a family knowing little about your family background you will appreciate how important it is for someone to leave a record behind for you. 
Even a partial record is a true gem to the recipient.

My late mom and I had plans to co-write a book but she changed her mind along the way.  The actual planning and writing was too stressful for her to contemplate when she had so many other things on her mind. She loved to share her stories orally.  She wasn't technologically inclined and we could never get to the point of capturing her stories on recorder or video due to competing priorities. Whenever I thought we might finally be at that point her health or some other issue would demand attention.

For my part, I've made a modest start by drafting a rough outline.  I've even written a few rough chapters.  However there is still a long way to go to finish and to redraft before it is ever published.  Let's face it, time challenges are huge these days for most of us. There are only so many hours in a day.  If you are a beginning writer such as myself, it takes a certain discipline to figure out how to move forward and to actually do it.

My "classmates"

Last weekend I went to a presentation by a local best selling author. Her talk inspired me to get serious about the writing and helped me understand that the writing needn't take years and years.  I now have a much better idea about the publishing process, through both the traditional publishing route and through self publishing. I also have some rough estimates of costs associated with the process. There are also Christian publishing and Amazon publishing to look into.

Over these past few years  my blogging friend, Linda from Spiritual Memoirs 101, has also been a huge encouragement.  I first came to know of Linda when she still published a blog called Grandma's Letters based on her missionary experience in Kenya. We share a love of Kenya and of missions.  Through reading her blog posts at Spiritual Memoirs 101, I've kept alive, the idea of writing as a future possibility.

Now I need to get organized and make a plan for consistent writing. From the outset, I've only ever thought of my memoir as being for family members but that  may change. For now, it is enough that it is for family and it is important I get it done for that reason alone.

I also have a few children's books in mind and I'm hoping to get those to a wider audience.  The hard task will be to find the right illustrator as I have a very specific style in  mind.  I have done some searching for just the right illustrator but haven't found the right one yet.

Anyway enough about writing for now.  There will be more to come at a later point in time.

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I've also been very busy this week with a number of seminars.  One of them had to do with fashion challenges.  It is helping me assess my current fashion sense and style preferences, as well whether I am actually implementing what suits me fashion-wise.

Once upon a time when I was working I had a very classic style and I enjoyed the look. Now that I am retired I've gotten into a bit of a style rut.

Over the past year or so I've been trying to build up a nice wardrobe that meets my current needs. I've made some inroads into building a look but now I need to take stock and figure out what is missing.

All of my purchases have been things that have been on sale.  It means I did not always get what I wanted in the colour I wanted.  That's what happens when you shop end of season sales.  Now I must take stock of where things are at and I think start looking at capsule wardrobes.

The concept of a capsule wardrobe is to be able to mix and match many looks from a smaller quantity of clothing items per season. Nonetheless I find it still adds up to a lot of clothes and more than I would normally buy. I suppose that is why I never quite have the outfits I need. I also don't do a good job of coordinating the colourways and items needed per season. I just buy what I like and hope it goes with other things in the wardrobe.  This approach also results in too many clothes and nothing to wear.

My goal will be to pare down the number of clothing items I have and better assess how everything goes together.  Then I can fill in the gaps and only purchase what will round out the wardrobe.  The other thing I am trying to pay attention to is buying clothing for my body type.  This is much harder than it sounds (at least for me) and makes finding just the right items that much more difficult.  All in all though, I've had fun looking at what other ladies deem to be 'nice' outfits and learning about their struggles and challenges in trying to dress well. The group I am participating in even had a woman from Kenya join in. Small world!

Another interesting webinar I enjoyed this week was a Christian seminar presented by Donna Partow's of Women's Empowerment University. I heard of Ms. Partow through a friend of mine but didn't realize that she had an online university with extensive topical teachings.

The one I took the other day was just what I needed and has reminded me of the importance of making time for deeper intimacy in my prayer life and walk with God. Intellectually of course, I already know this.  But it can be challenging to ensure one keeps space in daily and weekly life for spiritual matters. Over time I am making small changes here and there in hopes of having quality time and more time for my spiritual life.




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I rounded my week with a free seminar in my community on nutrition and reading food labels. None of this is really new to me but I do so much appreciate the chance to review the information once again. When with a group of ladies and enthusiastic team leaders, it is so much more fun than reading and learning on my own! We even did some line dancing and had healthy snack as breaks from the presentations.


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Life is always better when one takes time to smell the roses so I made time to do one of my favourite things; visit the waterfront and take photos.

It was such a fantastic day.
I strolled along the waterfront, took photos, had something to eat, sat on a log and watched the waves and talked to others looking at shells on the sandy beach.

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This critter enjoyed fetching a stick from the ocean.

Unfortunately I forgot my camera at home and had to rely on the phone camera.
In bright sunlight the photos are never quite as good.
Or at least I haven't figured out how to make them look as good *smile.



Thanks for reading me today. 
I know it was a long post.

Enjoy your weekend.

Joining in with Skywatch Friday 
and

34 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello, it is awesome that you are writing a book. I love all the scenic shots of the city and the beautiful beach. The dog looks like it is having fun fetching. The last shot is my favorite, just beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Joanne Noragon said...

I think the photos are well made. I understand the "good" part. You certainly have heaped your plate high. Best luck with all of it. And thanks from the birds for leaving vegetation on your patio all winter.

A Colorful World said...

Wonderful photos! My Mom has written a book and self-published. I too am a writer. I have pieces that were published in various small publications but I am writing a book about the women in my family. It was interesting seeing your beginnings also. I wish you all the best!

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

I loved the flower photo best of all. And yes you had a lot to think about and do this week. Authorship, meditation , fashiom make over and diet wisdom by reading labels. WOW. I am glad I was able to read your post for it tells me you are living your days very much to the fullest. That is always happy news. Stay well and enjoy the next weeks too. Thanks for sharing.

Linda said...

It sounds as if you have been busy in such a positive way! Reading food labels is so important, and I commend you for doing this. Many don't. And many who do don't understand all the meanings. Your photos are gorgeous!

Joyful said...

Thank you so much! It encourages me to hear about your experiences in writing and your mom's too.

Joyful said...

Thank you Eileen. I love the last shot best too! Have a wonderful weekend. xx

Joyful said...

Hi Linda, it is very enlightening to read and understand labels. I was shocked to discover how much salt is in one can of mushroom soup. So glad I don't use much canned soup.

Breathing In Grace said...

Oh, I'm so excited to think about you writing a book. PLEASE share with us when it's finished. That's something I've always wanted to do...maybe a book of 30 days of devotions! I wouldn't know where to begin to get one published, though. Such pretty pictures...thanks so much for sharing at FFF!

Jeanie said...

You have been so busy! But good busy -- very positive things that will reap both material and spiritual benefits. I'm doing a book too -- and haven't much talked about it. They sound similar -- family history and stories. Mine is going back in the genealogy with the stories I can find but the lion's share will be about my parents' generation and mine. You're right -- when we go, who will know the stories. GOod luck -- I look forward to hearing more about your progress.

Red said...

Writing the family history is important. Go for it. When i started asking Dad questions it was too late. He couldn't recall many of the things I asked. It takes a long time for us to realize that we are the elders.

Terri D said...

Thanks for leaving a comment on my post today! I enjoyed reading your post and wish you good luck with your book!! Very exciting! I'm sure you will keep your readers here posted on your progress!

Joyful said...

Yes, unfortunately all the years mom told stories before she got too sick, I could have been recording them! Now I will never have the chance again.

Joyful said...

Yes, very busy and happy with my progress. Right now I need a bit of rest though so taking it easy this weekend. I am excited to know that you too are writing your book. It should be very interesting especially as you are also very creative :-)

Joyful said...

Thank you Debbie. I will do that. One of the reasons I posted here it I learned last weekend that we need to tell others that we are writing. This helps us to keep us accountable and moving forward ;-)

Joyful said...

Thank you Heidi for your kind words. Yes, I am living life to the fullest. I will be resting a bit now and trying to plan out my coming month to see how I can best make progress amidst all the other appointments in life. Take care and enjoy our Fall.xx

Joyful said...

Thank you Joanne. Yes, I have heaped my plate high, lol. I want to make progress on all my 'to dos' and bucket list items which have accumulated over time. The birds may thank me but I love to see them come pecking in the garden over the Winter ;-)

Geraldine said...

Sounds like a very good week, all the best with the memoir project too.😆

Joyful said...

Thank you for your kind words Terri. Yes, it is exciting times for many reasons. I do hope to post here about my progress from time to time.

Joyful said...

It has been a good week. Thank you for the good wishes :-)

Pamela M. Steiner said...

I enjoyed reading about your writing pursuits...I will pray for you in this process. I have also wanted to write a book about our life in the ministry, etc., and have started it, but got bogged down with too many "issues"....what to write and what NOT to write...and then I wonder who will ever read it...so I write my blog and pray about whether or not I should try to write that book afterall. I will pray for you to have a clear leading from the Lord as you begin. He will give you wisdom and guidance I am certain. Your wardrobe story is interesting. Since I've retired I live in comfy at home clothes. We live in the forest and don't go many "public" places, so I really don't need much. I tend to wear black slacks (or cropped pants) and change the tops /colors. Or I wear navy slacks, etc. I don't wear many dresses anymore. I want to clean out all the things I haven't worn in over a year...but I always have that thought that I might just need it for something...and it is hard to let go. And so it hangs there another year.
Thank you for visiting my blog today...it was fun to chat with you!!

Al said...

Good luck with your book. I love the beach photos, sometimes I wish I lived near one.

Rhodesia said...

I keep saying I will write a book, I have two in mind but it never gets any further than my mind!!! Hope you do better than I have so far. Have a great week and good luck Diane

Joyful said...

Pamela, thank you so much for the prayers. I can use some as I certainly understand what you mean about "issues" It sounds like you have hit on an outfit formula for what works for you in the country. It is probably a good idea to keep a few outfits for those special occasions when you might need them. Hugs. xx

Joyful said...

Hi Al, I'm lucky I live near both the mountains and the beach and I did not have to choose one! I love both ;-)

Joyful said...

Oh Diane, you've done lot toward your book already through your blog. I do hope you will get it finished. Best of luck a nd thanks for your good wishes.

jabbott said...

Your book sounds amazing you must get it to print. I would love to read it someday as I am also completing my childrens book as you know So we must both fullfill our goals xxx

shayndel said...

I`m inspired by your post and how you shared about wanting to write a book. Best wishes with it, sounds like a great thing to do for your family, and for your `extended family` , exciting to think of who it might bless! Surely there are many. Also just by writing it , so many doors and windows will open in the journey. Blessings to you in all your projects!! Nice to meet you, (I came via Ariella`s blog).

Joyful said...

You're sweet. I want to read your book too when it's done.

Joyful said...

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment to let me know you were here.

Sandra said...

Hello, beautiful pictures. Have a Happy Day.

Joyful said...

Thank you for stopping by Sandra. You have a great day too!

Jo said...

Oh wow Penny, my life (at work) ran away with me last month and I missed this post. Congratulations on making such a postitive start on your memoirs and writing a book. I pray for you as you struggle with tiredness. You are so organized I'm sure you'll get going on your writing goals and soon be publishing. Blessings Jo

Joyful said...

Thanks dear Jo.

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