In Others’ Words: Conversations

Beth VogtLife, Quotes, Reality 24 Comments

“Most conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness.” ~ Margaret Millar, American-Canadian mystery-suspense writer Do I ever come across like that out-of-proportion-mostly-a-mouth woman pictured above? Oh, how I hope not. Do I participate in conversations with friends and family? Or do I act like some sort of running off at the mouth comedian positioned front and …

In Others’ Words: Seeds

Beth VogtLife, Quotes, Reality 35 Comments

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist   You ever have one of those days when you crawl into bed and think, “I didn’t accomplish anything today?” That’s because you’re thinking “harvest,” not “seed.” When you’re all about the harvest, you’re thinking way-too-far down the …

In Others’ Words: Memories

Beth VogtLife, Quotes, Reality 26 Comments

“Memories without dreams are anchors.” ~Dan Rockwell, aka “Leadership Freak” Memories are precious. My life is all the richer for the memories I’ve tucked away. But if all I have is memories — images of days gone by — those very things I treasure will weigh me down, dragging all my forward motion to a stop. I also need dreams-yet-to-come-true …

In Others’ Words: Is to Laugh

Beth VogtFun, Quotes, Reality, Writing 19 Comments

“Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.” ~ Bill Cosby, comedian Long, long ago, I was a mom of one little boy. This little guy had been sick for days.There was no leaving the house — we didn’t …

In Others’ Words: Pleasure

Beth VogtFun, Quotes, Reality 29 Comments

  “It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most; it’s making a great deal out of the little ones.” ~ Jean Webster, pseudonym for Alice Jane Chandler Webster, American author My 11-year-old daughter often reminds me to enjoy simpler things like: snow angels snuggles on the couch spending time with family — because her favorite thing in the world …

In Others’ Words: Success

Beth VogtQuotes, Reality 32 Comments

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” ~Maya Angelou, poet & novelist I’m certain we could debate the “proper” definition of success. But let’s not. I like Maya Angelou’s definition. I remember the specific day when I realized that, yes, I liked myself. It was a hard-fought battle, I assure you, coming to …

In Others’ Words: Criticism

Beth VogtQuotes, Reality, Writing 42 Comments

  “Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” ~ Frank A. Clark, “The Country Parson,” journalist, editor & writer It’s the beginning of a new week. Odds are, I”l run into some criticism as I journey from here to the weekend. As a novelist, there’s always a good chance I’ll get …

In Others’ Words: Look!

Beth VogtQuotes, Reality 32 Comments

    “You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” ~Dr. Seuss, American writer I’ve opened my eyes and seen: Mr. Right walk into my life after I wasted too much time and emotion on Mr. oh-so Wrong. the never-to-be-forgotten faces of my newborns — all four of them. the ugly Truth … and discovered that yes, …

A Departure of Sorts: Priorities

Beth VogtContemporary Romance, Quotes, Reality, Writing 39 Comments

“A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with—that’s poverty—but how efficiently we can put first things first. . . . When you’re clear about your purpose and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it’s clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar. ” ~Victoria Moran, American writer & …