Writers Block

This month has been a tough one for posting.  Aside from the fact that we are super busy with getting ready for school, while trying to utilize every last moment of the summer, I got it in my head that I needed to take on a writing project.  Several weeks ago I came across this great magazine called Taproot.  If you are familiar with Soule Mama's blog, then you may have heard of it.  The magazine comes out quarterly.  Each issue has a theme and encourages non-fiction articles, photography and poetry, but most of all creativity.  I decided to throw my hat in for the current issue that they were taking submissions for.  Funny enough, once I decided on doing it, the words all dried up.  I had zero inspiration for blogging, and was so preoccupied trying to come up with an idea for the themed essay that I was frozen. 

Then knowing that I was headed camping with the girl scouts this week and that there would be no time to finish it before it was due when I got back, last weekend I woke up and poof words were overflowing (further evidence supporting that I need a deadline to write).  I always have some scraps a little tablet of paper in the car.  So as I'm trying to jot down thoughts I realize how difficult the physical act of writing is.  When the flow of words comes typing is so seamless, but writing it down, my hands felt knotted and I couldn't get them to work fast enough.  It made me a little wistful to realize how I am losing the art of long hand, and how my kids may never truly have it. Oh, and my handwriting has become atrocious! 

I submitted the article last Saturday and had a response late yesterday.  As with anything, once submissions begin coming in they are picked and puzzled together to compliment one another within the theme.  My article did not fit in the puzzle for the winter issue, but they will keep it on hand in case it fits another theme.  I was also encouraged to continue submitting for future publications and Amanda (Soule Mama) nicely gave me all of the upcoming themes.  I didn't expect to be published on my first shot, just felt that I would take the leap, and was happy for the encouragement to continue.  The article I wrote is an introduction to how we came to the homestead and our journey thus far.  I posted it with my Bio under the new Our Story tab if your interested in seeing it :)

Happy Weekend!

Inspired To Jot

 For a long time I have had the urge to get a moleskine to dabble in.  

What?  This legendary little book used over the ages by the artists and thinkers of their times? 

Van Gogh, Hemingway, me?  

What happens when the creative mind meets the list maker? 

Can one who visualizes lists in outline form be freely creative? 

I love my iPhone and have been able to fully replace my paper calendar with it.  

 But the reminders section or any of the list and notes software doesn't seem to do it for me.  

I need to have it on paper in front of me, more tangible.  Yesterday, I went to fulfill my desire to have a moleskine that I could fill my 2012 blank pages.  I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the shelves of colorful books just empty with lined pages, no structure at all.  

So, what do I do? 

I find a 'wellness' moleskine that has lined pages, yet is sectioned off for different areas of life, health garden, diet recipes, fitness, and inspiration. 

Let's just see if this inspired list maker can become more free to jot, whether structured or not.

Off And Running

It has been an super busy invigorating start to the new year!  I am looking forward to the weekend.  B has Saturdays off this month, woohoo!  After meetings this week, we are into our fair poultry project planning for 4h and this year it looks like we are going to get a breeding set of D'auccle chicks.  Check them out they are gorgeous birds.  Norwex is getting fast and furious start and research for another venture is advancing.  We have had amazingly mild weather, today making it to 50 degrees!  Speaking of 50 degrees, check out my latest post on A Sustainable life.

I was happy to see that my Post Cards To Blog Camp group is set to do a 365 project this year and I jumped in whole-heartedly, missing the inner challenge of a 365 last year.  I posted my first several pictures labeled that way.  Then at lunch today (a great three hour lunch) with a group of wonderful friends I realized that there is 366 days in this leap year!  Oops, I need to get those labels changed!

All this and I am managing to channel the serenity of my fair feathered friend above.
 I hope your year is off and running!  Happy Weekend!

My First Annual 39th

 Funny thing, I come from two conflicting perspectives.  I always send e-cards for birthdays, Mother's Day, Fathers Day etc.  It's better for the environment  and then there's the disposal in general.  I always feel guilty getting rid of cards because I want to save the sentiments.

On the other hand, I have loads of beautiful note and post cards for sending on random occasions for the purpose of the written (handwritten) word not getting lost in our ever digital lives.  I'll tell you though, it sure is nice to open a couple of honest to goodness birthday cards from loved ones.  You know, the moms and dads who knew no different in their coming of age.

I used to save the cards, then cut them apart and put them into my intricate scrapbooks.  Alas, I haven't scrapbooked for several years, what with blogging to have a legacy of writing.  Now there are a pile of cards.

Hmmm, I think I just figured it out.  Take a pic of the lovely cards, and then blog about them!  Problem solved.  See I'm getting smarter and smarter and all on this my first annual 39th!