I’m a visual person. Seeing items ticked off of a to-do list boosts my productivity. This time, I had a deadline which while not tough, was looming in front of me. Recently, I made the decision to try embracing the barefoot walking lifestyle. The idea is simply this; we evolved getting around on our bare feet. It stands to reason that it is the best way for us to walk or run.

So much of our physiology reflects a lifestyle we no longer lead if you look closely at our fight-or-flight responses. Why not walking? Anyway, I decided that I wanted to give it a try with a pair of Vibram Five Finger shoes. So, for reaching my deadline, buying these shoes became my reward.

I usually associated rewards with exercising. Accumulate enough points, then get a reward. Now, I use them as a motivator for my writing goals. What a great way to get immediate satisfaction with completing goals!

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I have to admit to some misgivings surrounding a celebration of the illustrious aviatrix. My prevailing thought is to let the dead rest in peace, not unlike the Titanic. The exploitation of the so-called “explorers” is appalling. The ship is a graveyard which they have totally exploited for financial and other gains, with total disregard for the humans who have died. My thought is that further exploration into Amelia Earhart’s death is of the same filthy ilk, with the same greedy and selfish motivations.

Yet, one cannot help but speculate without exploitation of the dead. Could she have survived? How long? Where? The thought of a castaway existence certainly has a romantic appeal. The thoughts continue as to what you would do, how would you respond? If you grew up with Robinson Crusoe, the thought is captivating.

If the family desires it, I hope there is a conclusion. The ethical side of me hopes that no one profits by her death. Let us celebrate Amelia Earhart’s accomplishments, but no the exploitation of her death site.

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Though I love writing, I love having a time to do nothing. Welcome to Hammock Day!

Hammock Day reminds us to take a break. If you are a freelancer, you may need the proverbial kick in the butt to remind you of this.

Your break doesn’t have to include a hammock, but you may find it especially relaxing to enjoy the breeze and shade of a well-placed hammock.

There is another benefit to taking to your hammock. You give the Muse a way to reach you. When you lazily relax, your mind lets go of the troubles of the day. You release tension and relieve stress. What can be better than that?

Photo by sinanacar

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However, the usefulness of cell phones should not displace basic courtesy. Welcome to Cell Phone Courtesy Month!

There are some simple rules to follow when you carry a cell phone. Most are just plain common sense.

Silence your phone if you will have to leave it on your desk or are in a public place.
No one else cares about your favorite song or cartoon theme song. Trust me. I don’t. I used to work with a woman who really needed to be reminded of that rule. I came to hate that song her phone played. The stupid thing about it was that she didn’t carry her cell phone. It just stayed in her purse for the benefit of the rest of us to know when she was getting a call.

Don’t text during meetings.
It is not a polite alternative to not paying attention in a meeting. It is rude. It is also immature. You can wait until the meeting is over to communicate whatever message you need to express. If not, excuse yourself and call the person. Your fingers tapping away are just as distracting as your obnoxious ring tone.

Choose your ring tone wisely.
I was in a meeting once with a client who had the most unfortunate ring tone. In the middle of our conversation, his phone rang. His ring tone? “Pick up the damn phone!”

Cell phones represent a new era in communication. Unfortunately, some people need to learn that the convenience of cell phones does not mean that you throw good manners out the window.

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However, the Muse is liking the idea already. I’m trying to stay focused on my current work to wrap it up, yet the Muse wants to talk about the new mystery. Today’s writing tip is to not to fight it. When she wants to talk, pull up a chair. Grab a cup of coffee. Enjoy a good chat.

Ideas are a precious commodity. As many of you know, you don’t have control always when happen along. The Muse sets her own schedule. That is why you should always carry a notebook with you. Never rely totally on your memory. Trust me: it doesn’t work.

When she starts talking, listen. Take good notes if the timing isn’t the best. You need just enough to help you recall the idea. The time ruminating in your subconscious can help flesh it out.

Once you have developed a relationship with the Muse, cultivate it. Respect it. Above all, listen to it.

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Think about it. A character that has a yen for caviar has mature tastes. Caviar, based on my own experience, is not for everyone. You have to go beyond taste to experience and mouth feel.

It is also a more mature taste in terms of actual taste and expense. How many people do you know would seek out, much less pay for a tin of caviar?

I can remember the first time I had caviar. I was at a fundraiser. The atmosphere was festive and gay. The spread was magnificent. I joined a few colleagues in some caviar with a nice white wine. I don’t remember especially liking it, but the idea of indulging was incredible.

You can use similar associations to say volumes about your characters. It doesn’t  have to be something extensive. Just a little blini will do the trick.

Photo by lupico

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I’ve always equated fishing with gambling. It’s like playing the slot machine. You toss in the line, hoping for the big payoff. Sometimes you win, sometimes you pull up an old boot.

Fishing is the perfect break. You can zone out while you wait for the bobber to sink or you slowly reel in your Texas rig worm. The nice thing about fishing is that you are usually fishing the quieter waters, so you get get a real mental vacation.

Come the 18th, do you and your writing a favor. Take the day off to go fishing.

Photo by neil2580

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I’ve given a lot of blood during my lifetime, despite the fact that I experience definite physical weakness after giving blood. I have a more uncommon type of blood, so I feel a certain obligation. To be honest, I have chosen not to donate my organs after death. I want my body to go to the afterlife intact for religious reasons. However, I am feel a moral obligation to give blood.

If you can and if you are able, consider the most unselfish gift you can give today. Your anonymous gift can save a life. Life is most precious. Wouldn’t you want to ensure everyone can partake of it?

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