Tuesday, March 4, 2008

It's nearly evening. The largest part of daylight has made its appearance and I've had a smile on my face for most of it. Now, that's a good day. As it happened, this was a snow day. I teach. Days like this are pure Godiva Days. I've spent the day reading, romping in the snow and creating this blog. As I said, it's been a good day.


While creating this blog, I researched others. There are so many wonderful sites at our fingertips. I've listed some on this page. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. I'll be adding more as I go along. But, since I'm new at this, I'm starting slowly.


I've been writing for several years. I love it. But I haven't pursued it correctly. I'd get a piece ready, send it out, wait and wait and wait ... and wait. Then, after several months I'd receive a rejection. The waiting time ranges from six weeks to eight months as most of you who write already know. In years past, I'd receive a rejection, pout, get discouraged and shelve the project. After several months, my brain would give me a gentle nudge --Yoo hoo. It's time to write. Your pouting time is over now. So, I'd begin the entire process again. Talk about plodding along. Ever feel like that's all you're doing? You're not alone.

Along the way, I founded a writers' group. They are an amazing group of people. I'm humbled every time I step into the room with them. They are kind yet tenacious. Intelligent and sensitive. Tough but not tacky. I'm so utterly, totally, completely blessed. (Forgive all these adverbs, Altha). These individuals are critiquing queens. It took me a long while to realize that what I had assembled was a blessing. I believe God blesses us. I also believe he gives us the opportunity to create blessings --for ourselves and for others.

Which leads me to my next point -- a rather odd occurance that began last Thursday and seemed to complete itself on Saturday. On the way to school I had the radio station set to KLOVE. Great way to start the day. The morning announcer, can't remember his name, was reading a scripture that I (no pun intended) loved! I was wishing I had a pencil to jot down it down but of course, when you're driving it isn't a good idea to hunt, write and drive at the same time. So, I heaved a sigh, turned into the school parking lot and went about my business.

Saturday rolled around and my husband and I decided to take a mini road trip. He wanted to visit Gander Mountain and I went next door to Mardel's Book Store. I headed for the clearance case. Love a good bargain. As I browsed, my eyes lit on a small book (purse size). It had been marked down to $1.99. When I picked it up, I realized that the book's spine had been broken. The book fell open to ... you guessed it, the exact passage I'd heard on KLOVE Thursday. Hmmm. I reread the scripture, bought the book and when today turned into a snow day, decided this was the perfect day to create a blog.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things.

I'm pretty sure that means, look on the bright side. So, fellow writers. I may still pout and get discouraged, but I'm gonna meditate on all my good things -- a wonderful husband, an amazing writers' group, wonderful friends ... and chocolate.