The only ugliness is that of the heart, seen through the face. And though beauty be obvious, the only loveliness is invisible.~ Herman Melville (1819-1891), American novelist This is one of those quotes that I need to read s-l-o-w-l-y. I knew I liked it the first time I read it … but wait … did I understand it? Let me …
In Others’ Words: Hopes & Dreams
“Everyone must dream. We dream to give ourselves hope. To stop dreaming – well, that’s like saying you can never change your fate. Isn’t that true?” ~Amy Tan, The Hundred Secret Senses I’m teaching four workshops at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this week — each one themed to The Princess Bride movie. (That’s another blog post.) One of …
In Others’ Words: Peace
My precious friend, Edie Melson, provides today’s quote — as in, these are her words — as well giving us a glimpse into her perspective on life and embracing the journey. Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. …
In Others’ Words: Friends
“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” ~ William Shakespeare, English poet and playwright I think William Shakespeare’s definition of friendship is a good one: being known being understood being accepted being encouraged to grow My life is more honest …
In Others’ Words: Pessimist or Optimist
“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~Winston Churchill (1874-1965), British politician & statesman You know what the all-wise “they” say: It’s all a matter of perspective. I can’t argue with “them” this time. Am I going through life seeing all the difficulties? Or am I going through life embracing all the opportunities? …
In My Words: A Wedding Gown Revisited
I hadn’t seen my wedding gown in almost 32 years. You read that right: 32 years. I celebrate my 32nd wedding anniversary with my husband Rob on May 24. With my book launch celebration slated for May 5 (just a couple of days ago), I decided it was time to unpack my wedding gown. Why? In Wish You Were Here, …
In Others’ Words: Challenges
“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” T.S. Eliot (188-1965), poet My son Josh isn’t afraid of a challenge. On Sunday, May 6, Josh ran the Spartan Race, a 5 mile race, complete with some crazy obstacles. Imagine climbing wooden walls slicked with mud and soap. Yeah, that’s ironic, isn’t it? And …
In Others’ Words: Today
” Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.” ~Dr. Seuss, author What if we focused on today, Friday, May 4, 2012? What if, when people remembered you, the things you said and did today were the only things they would recall? Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Today. What would you do — and …
In Others’ Words: Kindness
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” ~Benjamin Disraeli (1804 – 1881), British Prime Minister One of the greatest blessings in my life? The people in my life who believe in me. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy, tripping myself up with doubt, slowing …
Wish You Were Here: Burnout and Dreams Come True
I am a huge fan of burnout. Four years ago, my writing want-to burned down to the faintest of glimmers of my former passion. What I didn’t know was that moment of “I can’t do this anymore” exhaustion would bring me to today: the launch day for my debut novel, Wish You Were Here. In the early days of burnout, …