Thursday, December 20, 2007

Christmastime already

Hi, can you beleive it is Christmas already? Amidst the shopping and the baking, the decorations and the tree, are you finding time to take care of yourself? I have long had a back problem and I have learned to use it as a barometer of when I need to take better care of myself. It generally doesn't give me trouble, but when it starts to act up, I know that is a sign I need to slow down. If not, it will slow me down by putting me flat on my back. Trust me, that isn't much fun for me or the rest of my family!
Yes, I have been very busy. I have had some new clients and I must say, my writing business is keeping me hopping. I love it though, things are always different and always changing so it never gets boring or dull that is for sure.
I am working on an exciting new project that I will tell you about soon. For now, let me say that this is my ideal job project and I am loving every minute of it.

Found a new course for bloggers and right now its free. Its put out by the guys from Simplelology and if you haven't checked them out yet, you really should. They have some great time management stuff, among other things.
Right now they have a new blogging course that is free. You can check it out here at the link on the left.
Merry Christmas to everyone! Hang with your loved ones and love the ones your hanging with. Talk soon,
Teresa

Friday, November 2, 2007

Hitting the BIg Time!!

Well, this is it! I have hit the big time, sorta anyway. Sue LaPointe- who is definitely square into the big time- knows me by name and even let me review her new book, Working Writer Happy Writer, and today, I got a personal email from Peter Bowerman- the Well Fed Writer himself- woo hoo, can you believe it. I ordered a couple of Peter's books, (cuz they're the best) and he dropped me a note and commented that he liked the name of my business- which, of course, is Write About Everything! He actually liked it. I feel a little like Sally Field did at the Academy Awards that one year- "You like me, you really really like me!"

Anyway, business is going good- picking up new gigs all the time. I still pinch myself a couple times a day in order to make sure its really happening. I will be ready to drop down in hours at my "out of the house" job soon- although I may wait until after Christmas!
Hope all is well with all of you. Stop in at the Writer's Cafe this weekend- its the place to be. Scroll down a couple of posts and you'll find the link to the Writer's Cafe and to Sue's new book also. Here's Peter Bowerman's link: http://wellfedwriter.com/
Have a great weekend!
Teresa

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Today is a new day!

Hi everyone,

Well, today is an exciting new day. I want to tell you about the release of a new book that I have had the awesome privlege to review and put into action. The book is titled "Working Writer, Happy Writer" by Sue LaPointe. Sue is a freelance writer who started her own business a little more than a year ago and since that time she has moved up to the # 5 ranked writer (out of hundreds) on Guru.com. She has written a book that details everything she did to start a writing business from nothing to making over $5,000 a month in six months time. I was fortunate enought to review this book for Sue and put it into action. My own writing business "Write About Everything" is taking off and becoming a reality. This has been a dream of mine that I honestly never thought would take shape and take off. Thanks to Sue and this amazing book, it has.

If you have ever thought of starting your own writing business, this is the first book you need to read. Read it, do it, and succeed. It really is that simple.

Here's the link to Sue's book: http://www.workingwriterhappywriter.com/publishing/Get_paid_to_write.html

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Old friends, new lives

Do you know people that just seem to have so many friends they can't even keep 'em all straight? I have had the amazing good fortune throughout my life to be one of those people. I've been pretty social most of my life and I genuinely like people, so it all came real easy. Not just acquaintances either, but good friends who cared about me a lot.
It seems life always intervenes, though doesn't it? Times change, people come and go and friends wander in and out of our lives. I've always believed that certain people are only intended to be in our lives for a short while and when we have each given what was needed to the other, then we move on.
Recently, I had the amazing experience of running into an old friend that I hadn't seen for probably 15 or 20 years. Wow, was that a surprise! Years ago we were best friends, practically inseparable through high school. We had so much fun and got into SOOOO much trouble! It was everything that a friendship between a couple of kids should be. Unfortunately we really lost touch. I blame a lot of that on me. I've spent most of my life staying in my own space as much as I can. I venture into someone's life and when I think I need to, I venture back out. Now here I am at an age I can no longer deny is middle age. I have narrowed the number of my friends considerably. I have also improved the depth and quality of my friendships and I make a real effort to stay in touch now. I don't know if its age or what. I think I've learned that I get to choose who to share my life with and quality beats the heck out of quantity every time.
I reconnected with another old friend a couple years back. That has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I have ever made. We picked up right where we left off and we are as close as two friends can be. I am hoping to reconnect with this old high school friend in that same way.

We have different lives now--new lives. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for old friends! What do you think??
Later,
Teresa

Friday, October 5, 2007

How's your higher self?

Have you ever noticed that when there is a message you really need to hear, it will continue to be repeated until you take some action? That always seems to be the case when I am being particularly stubborn or procrastinating to such a degree that it really should be some sort of yoga posture! And yet, there is something so forgiving in the universe that when you finally get the courage to step out and take action, wow! Things begin to fall into place.

I've had times, a lot of them to tell the truth, when I really began to wonder if my turns had just about run out. It seemed that something always got in my way, when really it was just me. When you have a dream, your true dream, and it hasn't worked out the way you hoped, eventually it seems easier to start letting go of the dream than to try again. You kind of move into a holding pattern. You can live in a holding pattern for only so long, though. It may seem that you stay on top of it for a very long time, and then, slowly it all begins to slip.

I think the magic is when you realize that clinging to that facade is a heck of a lot more work than just becoming who you really are after all. No more excuses, no more apologies, no more guilt.

Then, the door begins to open, and tomorrow comes after all.

Think about that for the night and we'll talk about it tomorrow.
Teresa

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Busy Busy weekend

I wanted to stop in and say hi! How was your weekend? Mine was busy, but wonderful. Lots of family and lots of work. Not quite enough rest, but maybe tonight?
I found a wonder place to visit on the web. The Weekend Writer's Cafe from GROW YOUR WRITING BUSINESS blog. The Cafe board is open from Friday to Sunday at can be found here: http://www.growyourwritingbusiness.com/?p=325 The blog is always available at the same place. Check it out-- it really is a nice place to be.
Time for me to get back to work.
Teresa

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Reflections on a legacy

What do you think of when you consider the word "legacy?" I hadn't thought much about that until yesterday. As we laid my sister-in-law to rest, her oldest son read a eulogy he wrote with the help of his siblings. She had been an incredible mother and as her children shared their memories of her, it was obvious that the things she taught them were the things we all teach our children. What made her so special was the fact that, well, it worked!
Her children speak of her with smiles and love and respect. Her children didn't wonder aloud what they might do without her, for they knew she had given them all they needed to face whatever life might throw at them with the same dignity and honor and grace that she did. Her life was an open book to her kids and this allowed them to be open with her. Her strength and her spirit taught all who knew her to be strong and brave. She didn't just leave memories with her husband and children. She left a legacy.
I have known and loved a lot of people. I have respected many. I have admired only a few. I admired my sister-in-law. That is a legacy.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Sometimes You're UP and Sometimes, well . . .

Hi Everyone!
I've been so busy this past couple of weeks, it has been difficult to get here. But, I made up my mind today was the day.
Great news! I got the book AND the job. The book is fabulous and as soon as it is released to the general public, you really need to get it. If you have ever thought you might be ready to start your own freelance writing business, I am here to tell you, Sue LaPointe is the real deal. What I love about the book is that the author allows the reader to feel incredibly optomistic about the reality of starting up a business, without pumping sunshine you know where! It is easy to read and SO easy to relate to. If I knew what Sue knows, this is the book I would have wanted to write. I will keep you updated. Here's the link to her site. Start with her newsletter and then snoop around a bit. She's got some good stuff! http://www.workingwriterhappywriter.com/
I also got a gig. I already wrote one article and I am waiting for more. I also answered several job board SEO postings, so hopefully I can pick up some regular ongoing work here. I am ready!

We've been faced with the idea and the reality of losing family members in my family this week. We had a big benefit dinner and silent auction for my brother-in-law who has cancer. To our deep sadness, the day before the benefit, we lost our sister-in-law. We leave today for the services. My heart breaks for my older brother who has lost his love and my little sister who has been losing hers for a year now.

So, we say our good-byes as we say our "don't go yet"s and through it all we get each other through it just like always. Thank God for families. They could never break our hearts so much if they didn't give us so much love and joy. We miss you Jan! We aren't letting go, David!
We will pray and we will eat scalloped potatoes and ham in the basement of a small town church that will be saying goodbye too soon to one of the most amazing women I have ever known.
Then we will return back here and tell ourselves that NOW things will be settled down and a little less chaotic.

Then I remember I am starting my own business and my three grandchildren are under 10 and underfoot. They live downstairs from my apartment. It is the most wonderful living arrangement I have ever had. I want it to last forever. Of course it won't. Perhaps it shouldn't. It will not be less chaotic. ever. really.

I will see you on the end of the week.
Teresa

Sunday, September 16, 2007

An Observation

Tonight is September 16,2007 , (very early morning, actually) and I choose it as a turning point. On September 11, I responded to the opportunity to possibly be chosen for an early release of a very exciting book regarding my own home freelance writing business: Write About Everything Tonight I received an email from Sue LaPointe, the author, telling me I was invited to preview her book. I am thrilled. As I thought about it, I knew her name sounded so very familiar to me, but I could not place where. As I scoured through my PC, I saw that I had applied for work writing for her website on August 31. With a stroke of boldness that will either employ me or really make me look like an ass, I attached a copy of my questionnaire that she had sent me and re-sent it to Sue with a note of "aha". I certainly hope she doesn't feel it was some sort of a ploy, but rather an honest attempt to get the job. Karma, destiny, providence, God - I hope that I get the job AND the know how to get my business up and going. What better start??
Mark the day.
Teresa

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Back in the day!

What do you do if you think "it" might have gotten away 25 years ago? You know, when you make a decision that you think is the right one, for all the right reasons, but then you have to wonder if you didn't blow it after all?
Every experience we live through teaches us a lesson and if we don't learn that lesson we will repeat that experience until we get it right. Why does that not seem to hold true if the experience was wonderful and we would love to go back? Funny, when I was young I was so certain that I would turn out to be someone so different from who I am now. I knew that I would change, and evolve and be completely different than who I was, but now I think that I really was just me all along. Often, we just need to get out of our own way, don't we? I couldn't accept who I was for years. I always thought I needed to be different. Thinner, smarter, more important. I could never be comfortable in my own skin.
Now, I am learning to appreciate myself. In my mid-forties, this is me. This is "it!" IT was never really out there at all, but rather, here within me. I may get thinner (or heavier!) I don't know if I am smarter, and important is really a matter of perspective isn't it?

So, back in the day I wanted to "be somebody." Then I spent years wanting to be "back in the day!" Today, I am who I am. I find out a little more about who that is every time I take time to look. Usually, I like most of what I see. When I don't like what I find, I am learning to either accept that part of myself or simply let it go. Wow, maybe I am getting smarter.

Until next time,
Teresa

Monday, September 10, 2007

Balancing Work, Family Play—Is It Just a Juggling Act?

I got to thinking about what a high price we put on the idea of somehow balancing all the different roles in our lives. Maybe we cannot find the answers because we need to ask a different question.

Is it possible to balance your life and keep work, family and play all in a position of priority without one being lost to the other two? Or is it merely a juggling act where you never really feel anything is stable? What if it’s both?

As women we still expect ourselves to fulfill every need, want and demand of our family, career AND our social life. We’ve spent years looking for ways to balance it all and yet we cannot seem to find the answer. What if we are just trying too hard?Often, if you listen to women talk, you will hear them stressfully wonder "How long is this juggling act is going to last and when will I feel like my life is in balance? Maybe it’s time for a new tactic. When we stand back for a few moments and watch another woman we admire skillfully fulfill the varying roles of her life, we think “Oh, look at how she can handle so many things at once and look so good doing it! Why can’t I do that?” What we don’t stop to realize is that juggling is really the most amazing form of balance there is. When you think of balancing a tray of appetizers on one hand at a party, you know you can handle that with ease, but if someone handed you three tennis balls and asked you to juggle, if you’re like me you are ready to turn and run! You know juggling requires an inordinate amount of skill and training and to attempt it without any direction would be asking for trouble. In fact, you would never suggest that someone who didn’t know how to juggle was somehow lacking would you? Of course not!

Now, apply that same logic to the way you feel like you are constantly juggling your work, your family and your playtime. Remember, we’ve already determined that learning to juggle is a process of training and skill. In fact, the only way we get better at juggling is to practice every day. We call that commitment. You are living the most intricate form of balancing there is- the juggling of all the areas of your life. Stop being so hard on yourself for being who you are and give yourself the round of applause you would give to any juggler! What you don’t realize is that somewhere behind you, another woman is watching, admiring and thinking, “Wow, she is good at handling everything in her life! Why can’t I do that?” Appreciate your ability to juggle- and never forget how much balancing it really takes!

Until next time,

Teresa

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Dealing with the Heartaches

So often life will throw us a curve and that is when we find out just how far we really have gotten on our spiritual journey. I have a family member who battled cancer last fall and just when we thought he was on the winning end of things, he found out yesterday the cancer has returned and is in his bones. The prognosis is very dim.
How can one accept this news and continue to journey on in the expectation of new thought, new life, new energy, new birth? It seems that when we need encouragement and strentgh the very most is exactly when it is so difficult to believe.
What then shall we say to those with this tragic news. "I'm sorry" is woefully inadequate. I cannot offer platitudes of "Everything will be all right" because it is likely not true. So , together we weep and share and hold one another and do all that we are able to strengthen and life each other up.
So, bring on the light of life. Bring on the newness of dawn! Bring forth all the powers that be to fight the demons that should not. Bring hope and peace and miracles. We will accept them all.
Teresa

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Visits

Hi, I thought I would stop in for a minute. Aren't unexpected visits nice? I haven't always thought so, but I must say, if I let myself slow down and get out of myself, I really enjoy having friends and/or family stop in. I used to have one of those lives that was constantly populated by many people. I always had someone stopping in or leaving or calling- it was very busy. I thought that it offered up some kind of testimony to what an amazing person I am, but lately I am looking at it from a very different point of view. What if it was simply a matter of being afraid to be alone with myself? What if it was just so much easier to avoid the things within me that needed to be faced if I kept all kinds of other people around?
Of course, I can also very easily fall into isolating myself as well. I think that is one of the things I really love about writing. It is a solitary pursuit, and it is supposed to be. In fact, if one is good enough at it, it is quite easy to simply say, "Oh no, I don't think I can have any company today, I am writing!" (Did you read that with a rather snobby voice, because I certainly did!!) Anyway, there is a huge difference between isolating and being comfortable in our own skin. I am learning to like myself. I am starting to appreciate me. I am realizing that if I can love and appreciate myself, I won't need to ever again be desperate for someone else to do that for me.
Teresa

Affirmations

Hi there! I hope that you are well today! Today, I am pondering affirmations. Likely, we have all heard of affirmations. They are positive statements that we say to ourselves to motivate us, light us up, feed our internal selves so we become all that we have wanted to be. In the past I have tended to "poo-poo" affirmations. They just seemed so silly. I couldn't understand what possible good could come from me looking in a mirror and telling myself what a wonderful woman I am. After all, why should I listen to my opinion? My opinion didn't seem to be the one that mattered. What mattered was your opinion of me! Well, guess what I have been doing lately? That's right, affirmations. I found a wonderful website that has affirmations, prayers and meditations. Can I tell you? Well, here goes-- www.debbieford.com Debbie Ford is a life coach who is currently on ABC's The Ex Wives Club on Monday nights at 8:00 central time. I really connected with some of the things she said on the program and I went online and wha-la! there she was. Today, I encourage you to check out her website. Listen to some of the affirmations, start doing them three times a day for the next 28 days and watch what happens to the inside of yourself. I am on this 28 day journey myself. Join me and see if you love it as much as I do.
Time for me to go get my three gorgeous grandchildren and bring them to Grandma's for a bit. Have a wonderful evening and I will talk to you later!
Teresa

The Search Begins

Welcome! I am so glad you are here! This blog will serve as a witness to my journey to myself. Although that sounds very self-serving, I hope that you will see a little bit of yourself here and your own journey through this life.
First, let me explain the name of this journal. All of my life I have been waiting for "it" to happen before I can truly be happy. Maybe "it" was graduating from high school or college. Maybe "it" was being married or divorced. "It" might have been having my children or maybe having them grow up and move on into their own lives. "It" could be finances, relationships, education, geography, any one of a number of things. I just knew that whenever "it" happened, then I would be content.
Guess what? "It" doesn't exist. Any success or happiness we might have in this life comes from within. All of the answers (and all of the questions) are within us. It is simply a matter of realizing this and manifesting it. Simple, right? Wrong!! Before we can manifest our heart's desire, we must first figure out what that is. Simple, right? Wrong again!! I am just beginning to learn how to figure that out, and that is the purpose of this blog. I will chronicle my journey here, and trust me, it promises to have plenty of ups and downs. Join me for this trip and lets help each other through.
Until next time,
Teresa