Sybir

Respect.....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:55:00 +0000

I just spent the entire weekend at the 1st Annual Summer Solstice Festival in Amherst, VA (notice I'll post up AFTER we're back LOL). It was a wonderful event!

I was sick when we left - coughing, head stuffed up...throat sore = UNHAPPY ME, but I was going. Don't ask about the misery the ride down...I equate it to the trip we did to Disney one year when I had a sinus infection and just held pup as we landed the plane...the PAIN...I don't tolerate THAT lightly. It sucked. I promised not to repeat it.

But, I'd promised pup - we were GOING to see Daddy play at this festival,...and I'd promised Cat-I've missed a lot of shows lately, and that's just not, something I do. In fact, my comment to Cat, if you can't figure out a way I do NOT have to drive, I am not going to make it. I just didn't have the energy. I wouldn't have made it. Driving, in the dark, after a day? Nope.

And, lately, I'm not sick, so I was NOT dealing with it at all well. LOL. I'm a bitch about it. It impedes my ability to think and get things done. I affects my responses.....my patience. And hell, my voice. I got zip done for clients who needed recordings, and even the writing book that needed the additions.

Grrr.

However, a lot of USANA Proflavonal 90 later....and ZERO kudos to the DayQuil OR the antibiotics, I am breathing better and about back to me status.

And, OMG the stories to include in my writing.....I love events and people. And, the kids let me read since I wasn't up to chasing them around. I read "The Compassionate Samurai" The Compassionate Samurai: Being Extraordinary in an Ordinary World- READ IT. We are a lazy, disrespectful society. And could do well to learn and pass on the lessons.

So, respect.

RESPECT.

Honor the lessons you learn...from people, places or things. Life is about learning. Get past the 'school' mentality, and realize LIFE is the School.

Namaste

I should be...

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:47:00 +0000

Honestly, it's almost 1am my time. I should be asleep. But, I've spent the better part of my night...WRITING. So, I am awake. Yes, it was non-fiction, but, I got in about 4k words. I need this book done by the end of the week. I want it over 20k.

It's an ebook. For Writers. I don't want it long. No one will read it. I'm learning all about online publishing, shorter is better.

Now, if someone ELSE would get up to let Bijoux out to hunt mice at 6am. Give Bella loves about a half hour later...and deal with the 7am alarm...I'd be set.

But since....no one else is going to, I'd better go fall over and tackle the rest of the writing in the am.

If anyone wants to do the 1pm EST writing spring on Wed, email me your IM name! (stacia @ catklaw.com) without the spaces :)

Namaste

Procrastination: Healthy or Harmful?

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:12:00 +0000

So, I have spent the day working, but there's been a large dose of procrastination in there as well while I figure out exactly where I want to start an article (the research was the easy part)...and what additions I want to make to this book I'm working on for the RWA conference.

How do I procrastinate? Research mostly. I can follow a topic to death and then some. Today's topics? Werewolves....sure, ask away ;) Also, Metaverses and Hosting companies (and requisite services). Add in fun things for the kids to do around DC Metro Area this summer and you can see how my day gets all over the place.

Do I get mad at myself for being all over the place? No. Not unless I've been doing so for too long. If I've let myself get out of hand, I shut down all external access...that means the Internet and the email go bye-bye until I make actual progress on something. Otherwise, I consider it a mental, and much needed mental, vacation. My creative side needs to flit around every so often to make up for those long periods of intense focus and concentration.

Ways I keep myself on task when I am focused:

To Do List - I tend to keep a paper one. I've tried using MS Outlook, hated it. On the Mac, I'm testing out TaskPaper, which came highly recommend from Leo Babauta over at Zen Habits. It seems to be working. Although it doesn't sync with my phone...that's possibly a good thing.
Deadlines - if I don't have them, I make them. I find it helps...writing sprints are timed (15 minutes) and you drag a group of friends to do it with you via Instant Messanger. Camaraderie helps! If I don't have a deadline, I put it off.
Order - my office needs to have a zen atmosphere. Desk clear of clutter, carpets vacuum, books put away. Otherwise, I catch these things out of the corner of my eye, and it distracts me. For the record, Pup and Cat's desks do not count.
Nutrition - I plan my meals and snacks ahead, otherwise I reach for something REALLY bad for me and feel the effects later (not to mention the effects MUCH later too). Go organic and stay away from the processed stuff. Although, I'm pretty addicted to my Rev3 energy drinks and think I'll just deal with that.
Exercise - I know, groan. Honestly, it helps keep you focused. Throw your favorite sitcom on the DVD player and jump on that treadmill. You'll be surprised how easy it is to get 2 miles in without noticing. (Plus, it's letting me catch up on all my old Charmed episodes!)

Those are my top five. I'm sure I have more. I'm sure I need more ways to keep me from procrastinating, because lord knows, I've been doing enough of it the last week or so. What do you use to keep yourself on task?

Namaste

Hero: The Making of a Strong Male Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:08:00 +0000

So, here's a quandary for you...you have a strong female lead. She's a warrior, a healer, all around women who can take care of herself and those around her, but every so often wants those strong arms to wrap around her and make the world go away.....

How do you build a male character to match her, to balance her out?

I start with names. It's kind of quirky, but that's how I do it...a name, or a scene comes to me. And once I have that, then I have to start fleshing out backgrounds, reasonings and the whys. It's amazing what comes to me with that process. I end up with pages and pages of background, of notes. And it's there I find the story, the passion and the reasons.

Recently, I was also reminded by a great author, JA Konrath: Characters have goals....and flaws.

Have you mapped those out for yours?

Namaste

Look What I Found: Worthwhile Children's Books!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:48:00 +0000

I'm always researching ways to bring in passive income, help support other businesses and writers. Imagine my surprise when I found this....pretty randomly.

I've ordered a number of the books for our household, especially since pup loves to read. While they're not the same as his comic books, he does love the multi-cultural stories AND the art. Anything to help further the love of reading in our household! Yes, I'm a 'stallholder' - it wasn't expensive and it will go to funding pup's love of reading! Check them out :)

Namaste

A Reminder....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:48:00 +0000

I love hanging out with other writers (although I was informed I really should use the term artist when referring to myself, because of all that I do *winks). Writer, artist, creative....poe-tay-toe....poe-ta-toe. LOL.

Artista.

I am reminded why I love to hang out with other creatives. Your brain gets engaged. You can talk about anything and everything. Nothing is taboo. Nothing is offensive. Open discussion and free for all.

And it all matters. It all counts. It makes you think and grow and learn.

More people should try it. There would be less real world drama. LOL. Then again, we wouldn't have readers if we all didn't love drama in some way, shape or form.

I am reminded why I love to write. Why I love characters....why I love the art of writing. When I started writing...I wrote for me. Maybe I wrote so my mother would enjoy what I was writing, but I still wrote for me. Then....I learned the art of writing for other people. Teachers. Bosses. Sales people.

But when I write fiction? I still...write for me. I want to be able to entertain myself. To keep MY attention (and yes, I've been known to throw a really crappy book across the living room if it's bad enough...and it takes a lot for me to do that). As much as it makes me smile and feel all warm and fuzzy when someone ELSE likes my reading...I still just write for me.

Call it selfish. Call it escapism. Whatever...I enjoy it. I enjoy crafting a story. I enjoy throwing challenges at my characters and watching how they come out of it all. Ehh, may that's why my writing is still on my shelf or my hard drive ;)

You have to start somewhere...right? :)

Feline Week....& Electronic Publications

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:43:00 +0000

Baby B is in the ER tonight....story here: www.catklaw.com/kittens - she's doing ok, not perfect, not worse, maybe a little better. Bella did her trip to the vet with quiet grace and has a clean bill of health.

I'm working on a few creative projects tonight. I have some design things to get a handle on, and then, some more writing projects to tackle. Where oh where do the hours go? Especially when you have characters talking to each other in your head all day and no time to get to the computer, recorder or even snag a pen and paper. I swear, when they go for the cyberpunk neural implants? I am SO THERE.

For the writers out there, have you guys seen this? http://issuu.com/explore - it looks rather interesting. There's a full version of the Twilight Book 4 up there....not sure how I feel about that vs the Kindle 2. I'm liking my Kindle....your thoughts on either or both?

Our Feline Familiars

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:09:00 +0000

Well, I've added a new writing companion to the household. She's definitely a lap cat.

Bella, pictured left, was rescued yesterday from our nearby shelter. She's a beautiful 2 year old medium fur gray kitten. Quiet as can be except when left in the laundry room, but she needs her shots and her sniffles to be gone first. And, Bijoux needs to acclimate. Although, that's going better than expected too. At least she's staying in or close to the house and just sulking right now. As much as I hate leaving Bella in the LR, it's not forever and she does get her love time.

She spent a good hour and a half just curled up in my lap at the computer last night. Purring and loving and as happy as could be. Someone removed her claws....sighs. Poor thing. I hate having little ones without their claws. Defenseless. Although, I have words for her previous mom for abandoning her anyway.

We're happy to have her here with us now. Baby B will adapt. We're just working on pup and teaching him he has to give Bijoux (pictured left) LOTS of love so she knows she's still a princess too. :)

Now to figure out how to help the two get along. Bella has a checkup today and medicine for her cold. I'll leave the LR door open and let baby B check out all the smells.

I love having feline companions! They make sitting at the computer and working so much more enjoyable.

Namaste

You are Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:45:00 +0000

I hear a lot of people fuss about how they're not creative and never could be, and oh, so and so is just born with that talent. And the list could go on for days......

I don't care if all you can draw is stick figures, string a few sentences together in an email, each and every one of us was born with the ability to be creative.

It's whether you choose to USE it or not.

So, my challenge to you today, this week or even for the year. Find one thing you want to learn to do...write, draw, paint, find something creative...and then learn to do it for the love of doing it. You don't have to be GOOD at it. But, you do have to give it a chance! Masters become masters because they've practiced. They learn. They refine. They get the skill of doing something down pat and then, they take off.

What are you going to try to create today? For myself? I've got a great new story swimming around in my brain. I think its time to let the main characters introduce themselves to me. And you know what that means. WRITING SPRINTS!!!!

Namaste

PS - Definitely check in tomorrow! Or, head over to Cat's blog and check out the special guest!

PPS - DO SOMETHING CREATIVE TODAY. And then share!

Bringing Up Young Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:05:00 +0000

My mother swears up and down I was reading and writing and story telling at a very young age. All I can say is 'probably' as I watch the progress with our son. He's great at crafting wildly imaginative stories, and while, they may not always make sense to ME, they do make sense in all seriousness to HIM.

And that's what counts.

I've learned to say, 'well, that might not happen in THIS reality....but yes....it could happen somewhere.' You may think I'm crazy to say that, but....I write sci-fi/paranormal romance precisely because I like to take a what if factor. So who am I to tell him no, that can't happen.

That's the fastest way to stifle a child's imagination. And, I'm not going to do that. I think my first full length story was about alien space ships. Hell, Mom may still have it with that long lock of blond hair in her dresser. I'll have to ask. Actually, I'm sure she does. LOL.

So, WETA is hosting it's 15th Annual Young Writers & Illustrators Contest. It ends April 2, 2009. Pup and I have already been talking about what kind of story he wants to tell. He's young enough that I can write it out if he dictates it. And, we can work on the illustrations together. I just thought, what a FUN project! K-1 can do 50-200 words, and as prolific as our son is...I'm sure he'll hit 200 NO problem.

My reasons for doing this? Writing is becoming a lost art. He is a great storyteller. It's something FUN for us to do together. And, it needs to be done!

So, pass it along, sit down with your kids. Challenge them.

We need more writers out there.
Namaste
~S

I am a Writer....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:18:00 +0000

So...I just had a flash. It's one of those moments..random, surreal...and f-you. (And a whooooo god, I'm an idiot....)

I am a writer.

There. It's said. Done. Deal. :)

Am I published? Hmmmm...in the romance writing, no, no yet, I will get there. In non-fiction, hell, I've got a ton of articles (ask me for the links and the publications LOL) and ghost written a ton of stuff out there. I write every damn day for my clients or for my work...so, yes...I'm published, just not in the...standard definition of 'are you published/do you have a book on a shelf in Borders..?' I so want to answer...my writing skills helped bring in at $x million dollar contract, you? LOL. If I tally it up....I do better than the average best seller.....if I tally it up. But who's keeping score?

And, just now (hello??), I realized....I have helped bring in MILLIONS of DOLLARS in work for people using my writing and intuition skills. And those documents are published. No, they are not for sale or resale...the average Joe Reader isn't going to read them...or hell, WANT to read them (it's dry, it's technical....its...business).....but...they are and have been living documents..read..and published...and PAID FOR. (and for the record....I'm finding stuff I've written..in multiple places YEARS after I wrote it.)

I love romance. That's my passion. Sci-Fi Romance is my release, my escape and where my brain takes everything I'm learning....however, the realm of reality kicks in...and says....you write...what CAN you do to provide for the family...

Family is ALL.

So...my passion....write....sci-fi romance. I live for it. It feeds me. It's what I use to re-energize.
The day-to-day stuff...write what pays the bills, and what you GET. I'm good at it...I get it done...and you know what, I truly LOVE it because it balances me out...I can't get TOO lost in the creative realm or the business realm. And, for me, I need the balance. I need to be able to reach into either realm.

It makes me..well, me. A balance.

For those who question the tattoo on my left inner arm...(had a lot of that this week) I am a writer. I am a novelist.

WHATEVER GENRE.

I write. There. Done.

Namaste. ;)

Sad......

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Do you ever just have one of those times? You're not depressed....you're not mad at the universe and whatever it sent your way.....you're just...sad.

That's me yesterday and today. Now.

A recent dream got pushed aside, not something that's been near and true to me all my life, something more recent,...and I am coming to terms. It happens. *tilts head in thought* Sad is a good description...not mad, not life unraveling, just....sad. Wish it were otherwise.

Time to re-evaluate and re-structure. *lifts a lip in thought and scrunches up her face*

Hell. I have MORE than I ever dreamed of...hoped for. Cat and pup....damn. All that is. Life....is pretty damn good.

Even with the possum on the doorstep a few minutes ago trying to eat the food we put out for the stray black kitten who doesn't have a home. Yes, I am helping the entire local wildlife.

What do foxes like to eat? We have one of those too. She's GORGEOUS. And yes, I'm all over the place at the moment. Can I tell you what I have running thru my mind at any given moment? I'll give you a list:

Is pup ok....do I need to get him food, some thing to entertain, to sleep, clothes...etc.
Are the cats fed, loved? Damn, Baby B wants out again.
Clothes...laundry done, put away? Do Cat and pup have what they need? Hell, are my TKD clothes good to go? Who is wearing what tomorrow. Damn it...I have a meeting in DC..I can't wear jeans. PFFFT.
Dishes? Hello, yes, they're in the DAMN SINK. sighs.
Meetings? Ummm, several...and several I'm sure to miss at this point.
Gods, the house is a mess...oh well.
Do I need to check in with Mom, Grama......in laws? Who the hell did I forget? Dad. Friends. Sighs.
Oooh, what about this slant for the story? Can I tell you about the Universal PsyOps yet??? No? crap......shuts the hell up.
DAMN it....I have a concall and a doc due for X.
I should be asleep...but I have about 10 things to get done for work, family and writing.

BEACH>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
yeah, I'd love to bury my feet in the warm sand.

*blinks...and sighs..that's not even ALL of it..but there you go...about a 10minute laspe into my life....

Hell, you got off easy...
There are no WORKOUTS INCLUDED THERE.....PFFFT. Slackers. ;)
Namaste.

Reading, Writing & Kindle ... oh my....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:51:00 +0000

I just realized I've been beyond quiet here, and I used to blog almost daily! ACK! I've been running around too much and away from my computer for too long, but that's changing this week. I'm going back to balance and keeping myself in balance. I have to!

My xmas gift to myself finally showed up late last week, the Amazon Kindle 2. I spent most of Sunday curled up with it reading some great new romances by a very talented author, Nalini Singh. The benefit of the Kindle? I can be anywhere and snag a book...the downfall of the Kindle....I can be anywhere and snag a book. LOL. I'm going to have to give myself a budget! It also takes some getting used to the font sizes and what setting you want it on for your eyes. I wish it had a backlight, but the little book light seems to work rather well for now.

Writing....with getting back to balanced, I'm hoping I can get the synopsis done for Phyxe and a few query letters. Would be nice to get it out there. I am now also the Editor in Chief for FANG magazine, a vampire magazine in Second Life. Virtual worlds are extremely interesting for creatives...that and learning how to use it to promote business as well, intruging. If you check it out, look up Zen Cordeaux and IM me, but tell me how you found me and who you are. LOL, otherwise I might ignore you!

Off to train, since the whole getting back to balance means my tail is getting back into shape again too, especially with all the darn foods I've been eating this winter!

Namaste!

Two Wolves - Thank You Karen!

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:22:00 +0000

From a friend, definitely worth sharing today.......

Two Wolves
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:30:00 +0000

And we all breathe a huge sigh of relief...the holidays are over, yes, we have New Year's, but I don't have to shop, prepare, or otherwise take care of anything or anyone for that one ;) It was fun. We had a blast, and now, it's getting back to normal.

So what does that mean on the writing front? Well, goal setting time. December has been wonderfully packed with writing projects including one of my own! I know, I know, where does one find the time??? Well, this one is actually a writing collaboration project. I'm focusing on the stress management and holistic health aspects while 4 others are focusing on their sections. It's going to be a great non-fiction book, and we're pressing full on because of Corry's impending little one arriving any day now!

I've been ghost writing, writing, and editing for one of my previous teams. So that's two non-fiction projects! Writing is writing, and I'm enjoying it all.

And, I am making it a 2009 goal - 2 writing contests entered, and sending out a query and a synopsis for each story already in the editing process. It'll be work, but, it's time to get them moving.

As a stretch goal - get some headway on Ice'd: Goddess of Water and get her story done. We started out weak, but I've decided to scrap that and start over...and, I think I've come up with a perfect way to do it too. *wink* You'll just have to stick around this upcoming year.

Now, see if you can keep up with everything else and follow along:
www.mindbodyspiritworks.com
www.dbre-enterprises.com
www.catklaw.com

And, wander over to see what Cat's up to!

Oh, and if you're keeping up with the social networks, this coming year, you can find me here:

And lord, that's just a start to them! The key is to tie them all together...get a Twitter account and then make sure the updates push! Some great tools also include: TweetDeck and Blogo (for the Mac). All this, just to stay in touch with everyone! I'll tell you what though, each and everyone of those links has helped me in business and networking to get more business or just reconnect with family and friends.

Come follow me and link up! I'd like to stay in touch this coming year.

Holiday Season...

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:31:00 +0000

So, this time of year always reminds me of growing up.....we....no, I, with my mother, never hit the positive side of the poverty level until I graduated college and started working. So, presents were plentiful from the family, but limited from my mom...and non-existent from my dad.

Now, I shudder to think at what my mother just spent on our son this season...and honor the fact that I don't have to create things. But, I am always reminded of what presents meant to me...and of how to explain them to a 4 year old. Things change. I want him to get the wonder, the surprise...the whole experience...the one I had but that was so brief.

I want him to understand there are families who are struggling to make ends meet. Who are trying to find jobs...who can't pursue the Dream because damn it....they're eating Ramen noodles and trying to find gas money.

Been there. Done that.

The only thing I can say is...dream your way OUT of it. Reality is what you make of it. Would I work at McD's if I had to??? Gods,... yes...hell, I've made sure my CATS eat before I do. That was college. This is now...They ALL eat before I do.

As mom and wife...? My household...Cat, pup...and the two cats....will always eat before I do. The bills will get paid. If I have to survive on Ramen...then, guess what? I know how to do it. Does it suck? Well, yes...anyone will tell you Ramen vs. organic is well...

DUH....

:D

Sorry...had to go there. I do NOT like the way the economy has gone. Do I get it? Yes. From the multitudes of businesses I am a part of, I get it. I've been watching it. Would my tail be at a local retail shop if it had to be?

YES.

So, my friends....it's tight...it's cold...gather close...you want a story told??? I have several...draw closer to the fire..I'll have Cat make it warm and BIG...and we'll tell stories around the warmth, just let me know, what chat feature YOU want to use....let's go....virtual if we can't all meet up in RL.

As for the holidays.....

It is ABOUT LOVING ONE ANOTHER.

It is NOT about gifts....spend some time, listen, love...and just be.
Namaste.

Testing Out Blogging Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:49:00 +0000

I'm multi-tasking as always....and testing something out while I'm researching and reviewing!

Catch All

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:46:00 +0000

Balance. Blend. Believe.

I was once told, you make a different site for EACH of the things you're interested in...so then, how does everyone find all the things that are me???? I get this question a LOT in my lines of businesses...some can't figure out the esoteric or the whole health and how it blends with the writer, or vice versa.

I get a lot of 'wow, you're all over the place' - but, if you look at it, really look at it all, then no. I'm not all over the place. I am a blend. Let me illustrate...

www.sybir.com- I am, at heart, a romantic. I write, therefore, I am. Regardless of the past, or the future, I believe in LOVE. The whole, unconditional, heart wrenching love that blends the best in the Universe. It's in the innocent smile of a baby, the heartfelt smile of your spouse when you first met, and more. I have been writing since my mother taught me to hold a pencil. And, yes, you can tell with all the different blogs. This one, Sybir, is dedicated to the ART of writing and the REASON I write romance. The reasons I love romance...and the ways it can help you live, love and laugh. Cat keeps me focused in this realm, and for that, I'm thankful! Would I spend all my time here if I could? Oh, gods, yes. But...I'm not Nora or JK Rowlings. The responsibility gene has been so deeply ingrained in me...I write when I can, but for ME. I can only hope others love the characters as well. But, I'm not letting go of the Best Seller dream list yet ;) I've got YEARS before I decide to check out of this realm! Perhaps, if circumstances were different, I'd be completely focused as those are who inspire me.
www.mindbodyspiritworks.com - the holistic health practitioner. I was raised to be whole health and look to everything in life, this is just a natural by product...also, the reason I have my PhD is because, when we were having pup, I was afraid I'd pass my allergies on...and I did. So, seems to be a good thing I followed up. I love helping others...I love using alternative methods to do so. I love seeing the progress. I love knowing that there is MORE than traditional medicine out there to help people and that sometimes...it is ALL about willpower and focus. I also have been posting workouts and fitness related items to the LiveJournal account I setup so long ago. I don't keep up with it as much since I can run everything else thru Blogger at the moment. Not to mention, it helps keep me grounded with #3.
www.dbre-enterprises.com - because, when I realized that writing romances wasn't going to pay the bills way back in my 20's and fresh out of college, as much as I LOVED it...I learned to put my writing and communication skills to use. Something about growing up under the poverty level, living on Ramen noodles in college and fighting to balance the ckeckbook ($20 between paychecks isn't something I want to live off of again, but I can do so if I have to). So, for Proposals, we have DBRE....for all other marketing items, we have CatKlaw. I am good at it. I do love it. And, it does tire me out. But, in all the years I've been doing sales support, I have FINALLY learned to become balanced about it all...between meditation, the gym and doing Tae Kwon Do, I think I've got the right outlets :)

If I were an outsider looking in...I'd be asking...WTH? But, when I look back at it all and attempt to manage it all, I see a perfectly logical sequence of events and reasoning, then again..I'm me and I'm sure people think I'm a little out there. And, an interesting blend. Cat puts up with me. My friends don't (all) think I'm crazy, although, I'm sure there are days...my family just nods their heads and wonder what's up next, and Cat's family...well, after all these years, I think they're still learning to put up with me LOL.

I'd love to hear how you've blended your interests into your life!

Reading, Writing, Plotting

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:35:00 +0000

I spent the evening hanging out with pup and reading while he watched Sprout and made me the world's best card. (Cat was off at rehearsal.) He's a little empath somedays...and it was good having a mostly quiet day to recuperate from all the antics of the weekend. We all needed it.

But, enough about being mom and an introvert ;) Let's talk about writing and books. Thanks to my wonderful friends I've been sucked into the realm of "Twilight". I'm usually not one to jump on the latest trends in anything, but I have to say...I've been stuck with my nose in the books with each one I pick up. I average about one of Stephanie's book in 3 hours. Yes, I read fast. I'm sure I could go into a literary discourse about the pros and cons of her writing, the story and the style, but I'm just going to leave it at...I like it. And that's what matters. I'll hopefully get to Book 4 this weekend and then I can return them all to Lady J since she was kind enough to let me borrow them. I think I'll be putting them on my wishlist to add to my library, since I really DO like having my own copies of authors I enjoy.

I've got 4 books of my own on my 'to write' list and I think, as the proposals start to take over, I'll be adding in writing breaks to get myself back on track to getting my stuff done. I have non-fiction projects to work on for MBS Works, and now, for ACSS. I've got proposals to get done for DBRE and all my clients there who are wonderful to work with and keeping me afloat. But, I've ALSO got the next in the Goddess Chronicles to write, which means I'm completely trashing the start I had to Glacial's story - one of the reasons I had such a hard time with Nano this year. I changed the formula for the story and it threw me off.

I've gotten back on track now ;)

I have to say, it's amazing that no matter WHAT line of business I'm working on...the one constant?

WRITING.

How's that for the Universe saying, "hello, dummy,....you..." smack.
*rolls eyes at self* I get it. I get it. See, me getting it...typing now.

Can't wait to hear what the Universe keeps putting out there for you. Spill it!

A Research Day....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:35:00 +0000

As part of my job as a writer (and a holistic health coach), I run across a myriad of topics in my daily interactions. Most recently, between stories and clients, I've run into a lot of questions about crystals and their properties. So...I started a research blog. Who knows where we'll end up with it, but it's a nice way to keep track of the research I run across.

It will be an interesting ride and probably cross over all sorts of skepticism's and yeah, whatever's. Today's research has led me to Plato, Atlantis, Fire Crystals, crystals and more. It's definitely given me some great fodder for my Goddess Chronicles. It's put me a little more in touch with how I think Glacial would respond in situations, and what makes her do the things she does. I'm not sure how it's all going to come together yet, but...it's planted the seeds.

From Wikipedia

In materials science, a crystal is a solid substance in which the atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in an orderly repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions.

The word crystal is a loan from the ancient Greek word κρύσταλλος (krustallos), which had the same meaning, but according to the ancient understanding of crystal. At root it means anything congealed by freezing, such as ice.^[1] The word once referred particularly to quartz, or "rock crystal".

Most metals encountered in everyday life are polycrystals. Crystals are often symmetrically intergrown to form crystal twins.

Now, off to learn more about crystal growth....
Namaste

Happy Thanksgiving....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:27:00 +0000

From The Secret Daily Teachings - Thank You Thursday

"Today is Thank You Thursday. Today and every Thursday is your day to say and feel "Thank you" in as many ways as you can.  
Write a list of all the people and events you want to give thanks for.   Return thanks today to those who have done things for you.
  As you walk say "Thank you" in your mind with each step you take.   
As you drive, make each time you stop your cue to say "Thank you."   
At various times in the day, think and feel "Thank you" inside you seven times in a row.   
Look for every opportunity to say "Thank you" to other people, and say it with so much meaning that the person looks right at you.   
Thank your way through every Thursday, and make "Thank you" your predominant thought, feeling, and words of the day.  
"Thank you" - two words, inconceivable potential power, and all they need is you to put the power into them by expressing them.  
Thank you!"

So, to each and every one of you..thank you for being a part of my life.
Namaste

Site Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:54:00 +0000

While I should be asleep, and really, I'm heading there soon...I promise. I couldn't resist updating one of our sites. It was badly needed as the site just wasn't doing anything. More importantly, it didn't say anything. Now, it's still a work in progress, but I'm a little happier with it showcasing our ability to do Brand Management.

I do love using all the free tools out on the web to create an easy to update site. The hard part is learning how to combine them into an effective presentation.

I'll probably change it all around again, but I do like how it's shaping up so far! (Not to mention just how easy it is to update ALL the sites via Blogger's Dashboard tool.) I'm not saying it will work for every website, but since we tend to interact with readers more than most, it's a wise choice.

Namaste

Ooooh.....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:20:00 +0000

Water pressure back tomorrow!!!! Wooot! :)

Mondays....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Yes, I know it's Tuesday ;) I just wanted to comment on Mondays, as a review.

While I used to dread having to get focused every Monday, I have learned it's a matter of perception. I never truly stop working because I have entwined my work with my life. I write when I can. I work on my projects all day long, into the evenings or even while I'm driving. That's the beauty of being a writer, in whatever form of writing I'm doing.

What I have also learned...you have to stop and take a break. What does this mean? Do something else artistic. For me? Painting anything from canvases to boards to floorclothes to the house, crocheting, sculpting....any number of things. Do something physical....workout, run, move furniture, play a game or harass your partner :)

It helps to balance your brain and your life. Not to mention, it keeps your stress levels in check! Added bonus.

I've also learned Monday's mean I can slam through a ton of projects since I'm feeling refreshed. Now, if Tuesday could be the same. *grins*

Namaste

Post Projects.....

noreply@blogger.com (Stacia) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:24:00 +0000

In the last few years, I've noticed something, and you'll have to weigh in...when I'm working on a project, proposal, book, what have you TO DO...there is a letdown (thank you, Kathy) phase afterward. It means, I want to do nothing but veg and flit from topic to topic. So, that's exactly what I've been doing yesterday and today (can we say Facebook??). Actually, today, I started out with good intentions, and was then completely derailed by a meeting. Too much drama.

I'm a writer. I'm supposed to LIKE drama. Well, other people's drama. LOL. I don't do drama in our household...WAY too much energy drain.

Because I've done a lot of hours in the last few weeks, I am totally unmotivated to work on Nano. I'm about 6k words in. And, rather blah about the whole process this year. Can I write a novel? Well, duh, yes. Can I write a good novel...umm, yeah, I'm pretty damn happy with my Goddess Chronicles so far...I'm just not really happy with the way the Goddess of Water is starting out. There's no....OMMPH. And that means, I've done zero prep work because I've been too darn busy working and trying to make sure I'm bringing in $ for the household.

Silly me...when life gets in the way...I revert to...what do I have to do to pay the bills and do my share. Now, does Cat make enough to sustain the household? Well, yes. Am I the kind of person who doesn't pull her own weight? ahhhh, yeah....no. LOL. I was raised...follow your passion, but get the essentials taken care of.

That means, I'm a little tired. The essentials are getting taken care of. And, you know what? I have a TWO page list of things to do, creative, for the house and the holidays.

So, I guess...the creativity shows up one way or another. My recommendation: follow your passion, follow your dream..cause damn...it'll catch up with you ;)

Namaste