On Christmas Day

Wow, haven't posted in quite awhile. Must make a resolution to do better in the New Year. My apologies to those who have enjoyed the blog and have encouraged me along the path for leaving you hanging after the last post. While I haven't been writing in the blog, I have been thinking about the direction I would like to take it in the coming year. But that is for another post....a New Year's post.

It is cold and raining here today, a typical December day. I've spent the morning sending off emails and making my ritual Christmas phone calls to friends and family. It's heartwarming to hear the smiles at the other end of the phone line. I've made new friends this year who have been added to my email and call lists. Friendship is one of life's greatest treasures. I'm not able to be with family this year, but my rambling bud, who lives nearby, has graciously invited me to her house this evening for supper. As I am bringing the roast beef, I think it would behoove me to show up on time.

Just want to take a minute to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. Wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate the season, may the spirit of joy fill your heart. I hope that if you don't have family to be with, you at least have friends who care, for true friendship is indeed a great and wonderful gift. Thank you to all my friends, old and new, who fill my life with joy and my heart with love. Peace be with you....now and always.

Happy Holidays!
StellaD

Write What You Know---Not

Another beautiful day here in west Georgia. I had the thought when I left work last night that we could soon be having our first frost as it was quite cool. Of course, 64 degrees is really very pleasant. Perfect rambling weather, I say. On my walk to the mailbox today I was just enjoying the cool autumn breeze and the wide expanse of blue sky overhead. I call it electric blue, though I can't really explain what I mean by that. Fall has a different type of energy. After sweltering through August, our own energy drained by the heat, the crisp fall air is invigorating. I picked up a few persimmons on the way back, I think this will be the last handful I get. The lack of rain has affected their growth. They are smaller this year, and not as plentiful. But they're still good!

Leaves are slowly turning. I've spotted patches of color in the woods. Little yellow wildflowers line the roadway. I'm on the lookout for goldenrod and ragweed. No new ducks or geese have appeared on the ponds as yet, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled for their return. A Canadian friend e-mailed me that they've had their first frost and that snow is already dusting the mountain tops in the area. The Autumn Equinox is Sunday, September 23, the official first day of autumn! I love it!

Read almost any book or article on getting started in your writing career and you will notice a recurring theme -- write about what you know. Sound advice, especially for those interested in writing non-fiction books and articles. Everyone has expertise in some area. It might be a hobby or favorite sport, such as collecting model trains, quilting, or golf. Maybe you have a passion, such as learning about different cultures, or cuisine. Because these are things you enjoy, they are much easier to write about. You've probably been reading, researching, and enjoying them for years.

Writing about the familiar not only helps ease beginner's writer's block, but also aids the seasoned writer who may be going through a 'slump' in their search for article ideas. Write what you know is an important tool that helps you write with confidence and authority. However, if you wish to have a successful career in freelance writing, there will be times when you must put this tool back on the shelf and write what you know--not.

Ideas for books and articles are all around us, and sometimes an idea can come from what you don't know about something. For instance, you might take a historical tour while on vacation and have a desire to know more about the history of a home or the town. Perhaps you heard an interesting anecdote that piqued your curiosity. Maybe you visited a museum and a particular work of art, or artist's technique interested you. Almost anything that leaves you with questions and a desire to know the answers can be turned into an article. Simply go on a fact finding mission and shape your article, or even a book, around those questions. With a little research, using other 'tools' such as Writer's Market, you can find a magazine or publisher to query about your idea.

There seem to be a lot of rules to learn when you're starting out as a writer. Just remember, the rules are tools...guidelines to help you sharpen your skills and perfect your trade. Sometimes you have to put the rules aside and just wing it. So, if you find yourself stuck on what to write, try writing about something you don't know. Ask the questions, search for the answers, then share what you've found out. It's a sure bet someone else wants to know those answers, too.

Happy writing!
StellaD

Rambling, Writing, and Celebrating in Nashville

I awoke this morning with the sun and watched as it peeped over the treetops at the eastern edge of the pasture. It's first golden rays swept across the pasture, and in the early light, dewdrops glistened like diamonds. It's a great day to be alive, and I had a strong feeling that I was the first one up in the neighborhood. It's pretty quiet out here in the country at any time of day, but early on a Sunday morning you can feel the stillness. There is such a feeling of peace and serenity. I wish everyone in the world could feel this way.

In an ealier post I mentioned that rambling includes exploring towns along the way as well as parks and other natural areas. Wandering around your own town, checking out shops, cafes, and other venues also counts as rambling. And one person who personifies 'round town rambling is my friend and fellow Fast Track Your Dreams member, Wendy V.

Wendy's passion is music. Her expertise is in encouraging and supporting established and up and coming musicians through her article writing and radio promotion ventures. She gives reviews in her Nashville Blend blog about venues that she attends, and writes monthly articles for Southern Gospel News.com She also offers musical insights and encouraging words through her podcast, WendyV's Pondercast.

Earlier this year, Wendy made a bold decision and an even bolder move, leaving Minnesota to move to Nashville, Tennessee, to be closer to the southern gospel scene. Arriving on Easter Sunday, she immediately set about making her own special mark on the music scene. Armed with her tradmark red cowboy hat, she has won many 'fans' herself. While her focus is on giving encouragement to musicians and vocal artists, it doesn't stop there. Wendy believes that everyone needs and deserves encouragement in our lives to be the best we can be. A simple smile has been shown to lift a person's spirits immeasurably, and it is the easiest form of encouragement to give. She offers encouraging words and glimpses into her own personal journey through her newsletter, WendyV's Encouraging Words, and her personal blog, WendyV's Ponderings. Through her Ponderings blog (click the link under my listing of Blogs of Friends Following Their Dreams) you can learn of the mis-adventures Wendy had in getting moved from Minnesota to Nashville.

As you can see, Wendy is really on the road to following her Dream in Nashville. She is an inspiration to all of us at Fast Track, and we are very proud of her success. I once asked her how on earth she managed to keep abreast of all her blogs and websites, plus her venue hopping and article writing while maintaining a full-time job. She answered with typical Wendy V exhuberance, "When you're doing something you love, you don't feel tired. I love what I do." Well put!

Today Wendy is celebrating her birthday, her first since hitting Nashville. Join me, won't you, in wishing her a very Happy Birthday!!

To find links to the blogs and sites noted in this post, visit:
WendyV.com

Happy Rambling!
StellaD

Breaking the Block

It's been quite a while since my last post. I made it through the month of August without roasting. A high pressure system hoovered over our area for the entire month, pushing daily temperatures through the high 90's into triple digits. Nights brought little relief from the heat. This system also kept much needed rain at bay. Storm clouds circled the area and lightning could be seen in the distance, but the rain never came. Now September is here and the feel of fall is in the air. A strong low pressure system has finally pushed into the area, bringing in cooler air and refreshing, if somewhat scattered, rain showers. It's such a blessing to be able to turn off the air conditioner and open the doors and windows to let in the cool breeze. Labor Day weekend marks the end of the summer travel season. Days are becoming noticeably shorter. School has started in most places, and football fever is on the rise. The rhythm of daily life changes with the seasons, but is no less hectic. What does this mean for the writer? Possibly more time to write...at least while the kids are at school.

You're all set to work on your writing project. You open a blank page in Word or turn to a clean sheet of paper in your notebook. Your fingers are poised above the keyboard, or grip a pen, eagerly awaiting the rush of words that will set them in motion. But the words don't come. You take a keep breath, release it...still no words. Impatiently you try a few tentative openers. 'It seems'...no. 'The research on'...not that, either. With rising panic, you look around the room asking, "Where the h*** is my Muse?" Quite likely she is vacationing on some tropical island and has left you with a case of Writer's Block!

Writer's block, that frightful malady that strikes without warning, especially when you have an intense project or a deadline staring you in the face. No matter where you are in your writing career, whether newbie or seasoned author, you can be struck dumb by this dreadful affliction. How do you overcome writer's block? Here are three tips to break the block and get the words flowing again.

Just Write
It's been said that the best cure is simply to write. Quite true, but forcing youself to continue writing within the constraints of your project may leave you more frustrated than safisfied. One suggestion is to forget your focus and just write nonsense sentences, such as, 'The cow goes mooo.' 'Marty met Ester at the county fair.' 'What I want for dinner is neither pig nor fig.' This exercise provides stress relief through humor. If writing mindless drivel is not to your taste, there are other ways to break the block.

Get Out
Go for a walk. Forget your project for awhile. Instead, open your eyes and mind to the world around you. Walking eases stress while increasing blood flow to the brain. Relax and observe. As you walk, make up stories about the things you see. Is there an old house on a hill surrounded by shade trees? Is is abandoned, or lived in? What do you think life was like there when it was built?

Stop by a coffee shop and watch the customers. Do you know that fellow in the corner who is preoccupied with his laptop? If not, make up a story about him, telling who he is and why he is in your town. When you return home relaxed, you may find that you can now tackle your project without further problem.

Stay In
Rainy, cold, or too late at night to go for a walk? Try one of these stimulating exercises. Look around the room. Whatever object, lamp, chair, knick-knack catches your eye, write about it. Describe it's shape, color, purpose. This is a more focused exercise as it forces you to think about what you are writing instead of writing disjointed drivel.

Thumb through a magazine or visit an online photography site. Find a photograph that intrigues you. It could be a photograph of a person, or a scenic photo. For a person, give him/her a name and a history. Where does he/she live? Where does he/she work, if at all? Who are his/her parents? 'Her name was Marya Ryan. She was the third daughter of oil tycoon William Huggins Ryan. While old 'Willie Boy' liked things hot--spicy foods, hot coffee, and even hotter women, Marya was as cool as the shade beneath the giant oaks that framed their manse.' Get the idea?

Of a scenic photograph, you might write: 'I propped my arms on the top rail of the weathered cedar fence and gazed out across the open Montana meadow. Clouds roiled over the mountain range in the distance. Already their peaks were covered with snow. Where I stood, the sun still shone, but the wind was shifting. There was an icy feel to the air. I watched the lowering dark mass swallow the mountains. The storm was coming.' Once again, the words are flowing.

The purpose of these visualization exercises is to engage your imagination in a creative, descriptive narrative. The next time you are frozen by writer's block, loosen up by letting your imagination take over.

Happy Writing,
StellaD

Storytellers and Writers

The month of July: hot and humid, with thunderstorms that pass through in the evening, leaving the earth steaming and adding more humidity to the sultry air. July is the time for celebration, fireworks and backyard Bar-B-Ques, and lazy days spent at the beach, lake, or pool. Trying to stay cool is the main pastime of those of us living in the South. It's much easier now that we have air conditioning, but some people, myself included, can remember a time when we had no air conditioning at all. The time when we opened all the windows to capture what little breeze might be blowing, and a single fan labored to stir the warm air inside. Times when you sweated as much just sitting around as you did working or playing. Times when a cool draught of freshly-drawn well water was as a gift from Heaven.

When I was a young child, we lived with my Grandparents on their farm in the country. On many a sticky summer day when it was too hot in the afternoon to be outside, I would climb onto my Grandpa's lap with the demand, "Pa-pa, tell me a story." Then I would snuggle in his arms while he entertained me with tales of 'Ber Rabbit and 'Ber Fox, or would teach me nursery rhymes, or tell me about his boyhood days. And despite myself, sometimes I would fall asleep, lulled by his voice and the sounds of summer sizzling outside. Most of my early learning was done sitting on Pa-Pa's lap. He taught me to tell time on the old clock above the mantel. I was good with the o'clocks and the 'thirties, but little else. He recited the A,B,C's with me, and taught me to read as he read the daily paper. The memories of time spent on the farm through-out my life are my "Good Old Days."

Stories of those bygone days are among my favorites. One of my favorite storytellers of today, whose memories are wonderful insights into life in another era, is Jane Marla VerDow, storyteller, writer, publisher, author of the non-fiction book, Dear Daisy. She is a superb storyteller, weaving her tales in an almost lyrical fashion. Her conversational writing style bids you to relax and stay awhile. Not all of her stories are mere reminiscences, however. Dear Daisy is a mix of childhood memories and adult social issues revolving around racial issues and church politics. In her quest for understanding the play of the world around her, VerDow poses some thought provoking questions about our society and the role of church leaders in shaping congregations. Having grown up on a farm on Lake Ontario during the 1960's, VerDow offers insight through a child's eyes into the lives of her family and the black couple (Daisy and her husband, Jim) who picked cherries on the farm each summer. Dear Daisy was born out of love for Daisy and of respect for the values taught to young 'Janie,' or, more properly, 'Mis Jane,' by Daisy beneath the cherry trees during pickin' time. You can read more about Dear Daisy and Jane Marla VerDow's path in publishing this heartfelt book on her blog, Storytellers and Writers. Check out her new blog, Lake Ontario Shoreline, for a glimpse into life on the southern shores of Lake Ontario. Links to these blogs can be found on the sidebar at the right under Blogs of friends following their Dreams. Also, visit her publishing company, Rising Sparrow Press (http://www.risingsparrowpress.com/) to read exerts from Dear Daisy, or to order the book. She has other books in the works whose titles should be released soon, so visit her website often.

Jane is an active member of our Fast Track Tribe who shares resources, offers tons of advice and encouragement, and has a most delightful sense of humor. Suffice it to say that we love her! Join me in wishing her the best in her journey as storyteller and author.

When writing is in the blood, it's almost impossible to not write. Yet, writer's block happens. My next post will be on unlocking writer's block and getting those words flowing again. Something I've had a bit of trouble with lately! Have a great summer! Read, write, ramble, and just enjoy life each day!

StellaD

Getting the Point on a Summer Day

Mid-morning sun shines brightly through the east window, beckoning me to come outside where I am greeted by a cloudless cerulean sky. The temperature is a pleasant 70-ish, but there is an underlying feel of heat as the sun climbs higher. By late afternoon, the temperature will be in the 90's. June is winding down. In the small copse of trees at the end of the drive, mimosa blooms. The wispy, pink-tipped flowers remind me of downy feathers. The fragrance of mimosa is sweet, yet delicate, inviting intimacy beneath the palm-like fronds. Fruit is forming on the persimmon tree nearby and the tall pines sport new cones. The air is permeated with bird calls. A couple of bickering mockingbirds flitter about in a neighboring yard, squabbling over who knows what. Sights and sounds of summer are all around. My heart sings with joy on this summer's day.

And so....

I decided to spruce up the blog a little. The parchment look of the Scribe template lends itself well to the writing aspect of Rambling and Writing, and makes a wonderful background for a travel journal. New Moon Angel's posts (see side bar for link) on her pilgrimage to Santiago is a prime example of what I mean. It was a good choice for me as a beginning blogger. However, as I redefine myself, my goals, and begin to assess what my true focus and purpose is in this Life, and the values that guide me, I find the previous template a little sombre and not much To the Point (apologies, Valerie). In previewing the templates offered here at blogger, I found this one and realized it would be the perfect fit for Rambling and Writing. And the perfect way to herald the summer season.

My passion lies in Nature. Writing, photography, and art form a circle of which nature, in all its beauty and bounty, is the center. Whether I am gazing for miles from the fire tower at Mt. Mitchell, or Brasstown Bald, cruising Lake Lure in the tour boat, walking the beach at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, hanging out at West Point Dam, or simply standing on my back deck looking out over the pasture as the seasons change, if I am in the sight of nature, I am at peace. And that is My Point.

Hope you've been enjoying the blog so far. Join me now in celebrating Life, summer, and our natural world. Have a great day!

StellaD

Summer in the South

Happy first day of Summer! Today marks the longest day of the year and the 'official' beginning of the summer season. Around the globe people have been celebrating the Summer Solstice in a variety of ways, with dances, bonfires, and lots of merry-making. Guess I'll celebrate by showing up for work today. Ha, ha.

Summer in the South is really a special time of year. The steaming hot days and sultry nights are the things novels are made of. Places such as Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia are deemed to be the most romantic in the Southeast. And for good reason. Although both are bustling port cities, their plantations, antebellum houses, and moss-laden oak trees, exude old world charm. Is it any wonder, then, that novelists, poets, and artists alike find inspiration within their boundaries?

In your list of 'things to do in your lifetime,' make visiting Charleston or Savannah one of them. Time spent in either is not wasted. Whether you stroll the markets, along the shore, or simply repose on a shady veranda sipping ice tea (or a mint julep), you will experience a strong sense of the past. Talk to locals, especially older folk, and you may also come away with fodder for your own novel. There are plenty of stories to be told, and still elders around to tell them. All they need is an interested ear. Could it be yours? Listen with your senses as well as your ears to add flavor to your story.

I am working on a couple of writing projects myself which I am very excited about. Will post more on them later, as things fall into place. In the meantime, hope you have a wonderful, productive summer. And don't forget to have fun, too!!
StellaD

Saturday in the Park

Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily above in the vivid blue sky. A steady breeze rumpled my hair, and tempered the heat of the evening. I gazed across the expanse of the Chattahoochee River, my eyes straining to catch a glimpse of a hawk which I knew lived in the trees on the other side. The river rushed through one of the lower floodgates of the dam and swirled over and around the large, smooth rocks that lined the riverbed. Watching the swirling water, I recognized the signs of undertow, a dangerous phenomena for which many large rivers are notorious. The water appeared calmer as it flowed into the deeper center of the channel and on toward the bend about a quarter mile downstream. Yet I knew from having grown up around the wild Savannah River that the deadly undercurrent still lay within its depths. Not seeing the hawk, I turned my attention to the other activities going on around me.

People come to West Point Dam for varied reasons. Hardly Creek Park is located at the dam site and affords hours of fun and relaxation for all ages. Along with picnic tables scattered among the towering pines and oaks, the park boasts a paved walking trail, play areas for the kids, and a side pond in which children and persons with disabilities can fish. Squirrels play throughout the park. Ducks and geese can be seen in the pond, especially during the fall and winter months. For me it is a place of serenity. The rushing water has a calming effect. Communing with nature centers me. And the squirrels always make me laugh. But the main reason people seem to come here is to fish.

Seated on the rocks below me were a couple of men, fishing rods in hand, casting into the river's center. The current quickly took their bobbers downstream. I wandered toward the lookout area close to the dam itself. As I walked along, I spotted movement out on the rocks. A large grayish bird was walking gingerly through the shallows. A Great Blue Heron. It stooped low, drawing in its neck as if trying to make itself look like a rock. Then it crept forward, tilting its head sideways as though for a better view...of what? Suddenly with a snake-like quickness its head shot out and down, coming up from the water with a wiggling fish in its long beak. With a quick toss and a gulp, the fish disappeared down the heron's throat. Ignoring me and the other fishermen, the heron walked back across the flat rock and took up a sentinel stance, waiting for another fish to stray within its reach.

I stopped at the overlook, grumbling to myself for missing a good shot of the Great Blue catching a fish. Having turned off the camera to prevent battery drain (the bane of digital cameras!), I wasn't prepared to get the shot. Later, I did manage to take a few good photos of the bird standing quietly by the water's edge. Lined up along the causeway to my left was another group of fishermen...and fisherwomen. Their rods looked sturdy, and some had what looked like plastic soda bottles tied to their lines. Have to confess, I was somewhat puzzled. They casted their lines out and down...waaaay down...to the dark water that rushed from the gate below their feet. As the current caught their lines and pushed them toward the center of the river, I saw the wisdom of using a soda bottle as a cork. Those whose lines had a regular cork attached were much harder to see in the swirling water than the lines with the soda bottle attached. Hmmm. But still, it was a long way down and I wondered what pound test line they were using and how on earth would they get any fish they caught up to the causeway without it wriggling off the hook. And I found that out, too, as a flurry of excitement soon alerted me that a fish had been hooked. The man's rod bent as he played the fish. All the while, he was moving along the causeway in my direction. I moved back so he could pass and caught a glimpse of a very large fish. Wouldn't the egret have a time with that one! Gingerly the fisherman climbed down the rocks to the river's edge, still reeling carefully. He caught the fish by the gills and climbed back up to the overlook. I nodded as he passed. Nice fish...a fine bass, probably 5 pounds or better. A few of those would make a nice mess for supper.
Thinking of supper made me hungry. From the picnic area I could smell hamburgers on a grill. With a sigh, I turned and walked back to the truck. I would visit the park and the dam again as Summer neared. It is fast becoming my favorite place to relax down here among the Georgia pines. ~~~StellaD

Lazy Daisy Days and Nights

If ever a flower bloomed whose sole purpose was to herald the lazy days of a Southern Summer, it had to be the daisy. These perky flowers with the sunshine center form bright splotches in fields and pastures and cascade down embankments to mingle with the red clover now blooming along the roadside. Daisies are happy flowers, denoting warmth, fun, and laughter. One can't help but feel light-hearted at the sight of a field full of daisies dancing in the breeze. And who, in their youth, hasn't plucked one by one the tiny petals while chanting the phrase, "He/She loves me....he/she loves me not." Although the wild-flower version of the daisy will soon fade away, the domesticated varieties, such as Gerber and Shasta Daisies, will lend color and variety to your garden or porch boxes throughout the months of summer.

Since I start vacation in a few days, one of my projects is to put some new flowers in the beds beside the front porch. I love flowers, and have found that with a little planning, it's easy to have color outside all year long.

I love these days in late May as Spring comes to a close and June brings the new season of Summer. The days warm up enough to go swimming in the lake or pool, but night brings a soft coolness just right for a night on the town. The atmosphere of Lafayette Square in uptown Lagrange takes on a different motion as evening fades into darkness. Eclectic coffee houses, restaraunts and pubs fill with the lively banter of people perusing the pleasant weather. With less traffic than at peak day times, one can take a leisurely stroll around the square. In the middle of the promenade, the statue of Lafayette watches over all in the soft glow of the floodlights from the fountain. The new LaGrange Theatre draws its share of the late evening crowd, too. Weather-wise, there is hardly a better time than now for dinner and a movie.

Hmmm...I think I'll take myself up on that! See you uptown!
StellaD

Looking for Summer Fun

Hooray, it's May! Temperatures here have touched the 90 degree mark this week. We had a brief cool spell last weekend. Blackberry Winter some call it, because it occurs just as the blackberry bushes begin to bloom. Now the seasons turn toward Summer. Wildflowers, such as crimson clover, yellow meadow flower, purple asters and daisies cover pastures and spill out onto the roadside. The sweet scent of honeysuckle rides on the heated air. The talk at work turns to fishing and golf, and spending time with the kids/grand kids. There is a sense of delightful anticipation of this new season in the air.

School will soon be out and it seems every one's thoughts are on Summer vacations. Today, more and more parents are looking outside the usual amusement parks for new things to do with their children. As the price of gas goes up almost daily, they are also looking to add value to their vacations. Whether they are planning day trips, weekend getaways, or week long vacations, the focus is on spending quality time with the kids. But finding new places to visit that are fun and informative for both adults and children takes a bit of research. While the Internet makes researching destinations easier, the hectic lifestyles of modern families make finding the time to do the research nearly impossible...especially with the amount of information one can find online. Wouldn't it be great if someone could do the research for you? Wouldn't it be great if someone could help you put together a vacation package with activities the whole family can enjoy? Someone can...

Travel Cat at Travel With the Kids http://www.travelwiththekids.com/ creates family vacations with a personal touch. Following the trend of people seeking more family friendly vacation destinations, Travel With the Kids combines personal travel experience with in-depth searches of the web, travel guides, and magazines. This in-depth research gives you up-to-date information on family friendly activities in many popular areas. Visit Travel Cat's blog www.travelwiththekids.blogspot.com to check out some of the cool activities listed for destinations such as Seattle, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington DC, and others. Current operating hours and admission prices are listed for each post. You'll be pleased to find that admission to many of the activities is free. Travel Cat loves to travel and is constantly on the look-out for affordable activities that enlighten, educate, and are just plain fun for the entire family.

Planning a family vacation doesn't have to be a headache. Let Travel With the Kids give you a custom designed family vacation that everyone can enjoy. For a list of services and contact information, visit http://www.travelwiththekids.com/ . Tell them where you would like to go and what your interests are. Travel Cat will do the research for you and provide you with suggestions for activities suited to your needs. Don't' wait. Contact Travel Cat and start planning your vacation memories now.

Travel With the Kids: Bringing you the best family friendly activities no matter where your vacation takes you.

Travel With The Kids is an independent travel designer. It is not a travel agency, nor is it associated with any museums, restaurants, or tourism bureaus. By the same token, Rambling and Writing has not and will not receive any monetary compensation nor other preferential treatment for this review.

Back at Last!

Well, it has been a couple weeks since Easter but I'm back...and it's still April. Most of the early Spring flowers have already bloomed out and now Iris and Azaleas are blooming. Trees and shrubs sport the lush green leaves that will take them through Summer. I awoke one morning to the sound of a lawn mower and looked out to see my neighbor's son wheeling their riding mower around the yard. The grass now has been cut for the first time this year. Listening to the hum of the mower, my thoughts drifted farther back in time to another lawn and a young boy whose life was shaped by rituals: Douglas Spaulding, in the summer of 1928.

I was 15 when I first read "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury, one of the books our ninth grade English teacher had on her book report list for our Spring literature class. Now, I have always loved to read, but book reports were another matter. I hated having to get up in front of the class for any reason. I know you can relate to that! Anyway, I read "Dandelion Wine." Not once, but twice, and the next time I went to the mall with my folks, I ducked into the book store and bought it for myself. It remains at the top of my favorite books list, because good books, like fine wine, mellow with age. And like the characters in the book, I occasionally slip down to the cellar and take a sip of the golden nectar... like Summer in a bottle. Or, for my purposes, Spring. Oh, I still froze up doing the book report, but what the heck.

Life is filled with rituals. Whether we are aware of it or not, we shape our lives through the rituals that we observe. We can also change our lives by changing our rituals. On Life's journey, it is important to focus on those things that will lead us toward the fulfullment of our purpose in life. You have the power to choose which rituals you wish to focus on and to discard those which no longer serve your purpose. You also have the power to choose which path you take toward your destiny. Your Dreams are real... you can get there from here. You only have to start.

With the first mowing of the lawn, I know that Summer is not far away. "Dandelion Wine" reminds me to keep believing in the miracle that is Life and that rituals are just that...rituals. The power they have over us is the power we give them. Focus on the positive to overcome the negative; keep your destination in sight, but focus on and enjoy the journey.

Cheers!

StellaD

April, and the Rain Cometh

The first day of April dawned overcast and by mid-day a gentle rain was pattering down. Much needed, as the pollen count here has been at a 12 yr. high. And...for all the blathering about the beauty of Spring, I, like many others, am suffering from the side-effects of pollen overdose...sinusitis/bronchitis. When I walk across the room, I feel like I am walking on a tightrope in the wind. Quite a "heady" feeling. So I have been and will be out of commission for a few (more) days while I recover. With the Easter holiday coming up, I sure hope to recover soon.

The rain has, thankfully, stayed around, sometimes coming down heavily. Though there is still much pollen to be generated, my truck has now returned to its original color. The Georgia pines are putting on new growth, and a fresh coat of green covers the woods at the opposite end of the pasture. There is still much beauty to be enjoyed. Now, April is here; it is Azalea time. Look around at the community in which you live and find the hidden beauty that this new month will bring to light.

Whether you celebrate Easter as a religious holiday or a Spring holiday, be safe in your travels and remember to take the time to observe the world around you. I will be off-line until after the holiday. Until then,

Happy Rambling!
StellaD

Something's Missing...

Mother Nature has totally outdone herself. It's like the grand finale of the Fourth of July fireworks display; color is bursting out in every direction. I have been absolutely awestruck. I spotted my first Iris, a white one, today, which means April is just a breath away. These last two weeks have been a sensory smorgasbord. So it's no wonder that with all the new Spring signs popping out all over the place, I almost didn't notice. Something was suddenly missing from my drive to work. The white ducks on the pond, alone...where did all the others go? Those beautiful Mallards with the iridescent heads were no longer there! But, where...? You may have already guessed the answer. It wasn't until a Northern friend mentioned in an e-mail all the geese that she had seen and heard recently that I realized where the ducks had gone. They were on their way back to their Northern home where they would likely raise a new family to bring back for a visit in the Fall. Until their return, I shall miss them. I'm sure the white ducks will, too.

As a writer, you can get so overwhelmed with the big picture, the story, that you lose sight of the details, or miss important details that keep the story crisp and fresh. You begin to look at the whole, the sum, and neglect the individual parts that add up to the whole. You may be vaguely aware that something's missing...but it might take someone else's insight to put you back on track. As a story grows and develops, becoming more multifaceted, it can be hard, especially after a couple hundred pages, to remember details from the first twenty to thirty pages. Even with the best-kept notes, you can still get lost. A fresh set of eyes, in the form of someone whose input you respect, can easily spot places where the detail becomes fuzzy.
This could be a friend, relative, or a local writers group.

Joining a writers group is an option many writers choose. These writers, who meet on a regular basis, offer encouragement, inspiration, and constructive criticism to one another. A group often contains a mix of writers in different stages of their careers, from beginner to more experienced, published writers. This type of group offers multiple benefits. Aspiring writers find encouragement and mentorship, and the experienced writers find fresh new ideas. If you feel that you could benefit by sharing your writing in a group setting, you can search online for a listing of writers groups in your area, or you can join an online group. Whether from a group or a trusted individual, getting feedback on your story while it is still a work in progress enables you to tweak it for the audience you wish to reach.

Happy Writing
StellaD

Greeting Spring

Yesterday marked the Vernal Equinox, better known as the First Day of Spring! With perfect timing, the Dogwoods around town have burst into bloom. Mother Nature now has the Midas Touch, as everything around me has turned to gold...pollen, pollen everywhere! Yes, Spring is officially here in the South in every way! The days are much warmer and the nights have a pleasant coolness. My co-workers and I celebrated by eating our lunches outside last night. Such a welcome change to being cooped up inside all night.

Speaking of lunch, why not plan a picnic with the family or your significant other at a nearby lake or park? Pack a basket or pick up something in town and head outside. Take your camera or a camcorder and record the outing. Also take along a pen and pad to make notes of anything that interests you. Plan to record any other outdoor trips you take during the year and make a scrapbook or a 'movie' of your adventures to share during the winter months. Don't scrapbook? Ask a friend or relative who does to make one for you. If you have a favorite place that you visit often, take pictures as the seasons change. Look for something different to photograph on each visit. Man-made structures may remain the same, but nature is always evolving and changing. Take the time to connect with those who are with you. Most of all, relax and enjoy yourself.

I am not a doctor, nor do I proclaim to offer any medical advice, but will offer a word of caution: If you suffer from allergies or asthma, please take the proper precautions per your family doctor and have your medication with you before you spend time outside during pollen season. If you haven't been walking much during the winter, take it slow and easy, observing nature at a more leisurely pace. If you become winded, stop and rest. Build up your stamina before taking on any strenuous activity or hiking trails. Most of all, know your limitations and stick to them. Be safe, and until next time, Happy Spring Day! ~~~StellaD

Transitions

Another cold front is sweeping across the country. Once more, my Northern friends are trudging through snow and ice. Here, the March wind is howling around the corners of the house and the temperature is actually dropping from what it was just before dawn. Winter is taking another pot-shot before Spring arrives; however, the transition from one season to the next has already begun. Sensing the coming of Spring, the Bradford pear trees seemed to have blossomed overnight. On the way to work yesterday I noticed Redbuds blooming in the woods, and the Dogwood trees are ready to burst forth. My neighbor's Yellowbell (forsythia) bush reflects the sunshine with its bright yellow flowers. Along the borders, Thrift (phlox) is now adding its rich colors to the mix. Breaking out of its winter cocoon, the world emerges alive and vibrant with color. I am excited about this new season and the adventures that lie ahead.

This is a time of transition, not only for the land, but for humans as well. We are in the third month of 2007...do you know where your New Year's Resolutions are? So far, have you been doing any of the things you resolved to do? I really hope so, but if not, don't feel too badly. I haven't been doing all the things I need to be doing myself. On the other hand, I am doing some things I never thought I would be doing. This blog is one of them. I have some wonderful Internet friends to thank for giving me the encouragement to start, the permission to make mistakes, and inspiration from their own endeavors. So, I would like to thank the members of the Fast Track Your Dreams Community who are the most inspiring and enthusiastic group of people I have ever "met." And for developing Fast Track, I thank Valerie Young, the Dreamer in Residence at Changing Course ( http://www.changingcourse.com/ ) whose website and newsletter reflect her own enthusiasm for helping people follow their dreams and live the life they love.

It isn't an easy path, to change the course of your life, to transition from working at a traditional job to doing something you truly love. In fact, it's scary as hell. But if you have a passion for writing, or art, or simply for helping people find a way to live their own dreams (as Valerie does), you owe it to yourself to start the journey. You'll never know where the road leads if you never leave your driveway. You'll never know what you're capable of doing until you give yourself permission to try. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams.

Bless you,
StellaD

Restless Spirit

Gloriously warm days herald the coming of Spring. The clover by the steps is blooming and buzzing with bee activity. I sat on the front steps for awhile and watched the little golden bees as they hoovered over first one clover-flower and then another. Soon, I will have to weed the flower bed; for now, I will leave the clover to the bees. The warm air makes me feel sleepy, yet at the same time, I feel an awakening deep inside. Like a bear waking from a long hibernation, my rambling spirit awakens, hungry for adventure. I am ready to grab my camera, gas up the truck and go! First, I have to pack my ramblin' bag. Long years exploring country roads have taught me that those roads can lead anywhere....or nowhere. Since it's often 'nowhere', it's best to be prepared. So, what's in the bag?

1) A flannel shirt. When the sun dips toward the horizon it can turn cool quickly, especially in early spring or fall. A jacket or a long-sleeved shirt is a must have. Pack a hat, too.
2) Sketch book/pencils. I pack a spiral sketch book, along with a set of drawing pencils and an ink pen. In this I can make sketches and write journal entries.
3) A Book. I have a favorite 'light read' book that I take along. If I'm going to spend the day at the lake or state park, I like to have something to read while relaxing.
4) A blanket. Just a lap throw that can be used to sit on or to wrap around you if it gets cool. A thick beach towel works well for this, too.
5) Snacks. Whatever you like. I pack a can of my favorite nuts, granola bars, and maybe a pack of crackers. Chocolate melts, so I skip candy bars and pack fruit instead.
6) Hand Wipes. A small pack of baby wipes does the trick here, along with a bottle of sanitizing hand wash.
7) First Aid Kit. Mine is just a plastic box with band aids, alcohol pads, an Ace bandage, something for headache and some anti-itch creme.

Your bag can contain whatever you wish to carry for a day-trip. These are the basics that make up my ramblin' bag. It may seem like a lot, but an average school backpack can usually handle the load. One with a pocket for a water bottle is a plus. It's important to stay hydrated. I put an insulated jug filled with ice water in the truck and use it to refill my water bottle. If you are on a medication, carry your meds with you and take them at the proper time. You can find pill cases at your local pharmacy or dollar store. Take the time to think about what you want in your ramblin' bag and start packing. In another week, we're heading up the road to Aunt Sue's for ice-cream and entertainment. See you there!

StellaD

Organizing Your Thoughts

The morning sun sent its golden rays across the pasture to rap against my window. My office area brightened considerably, so I opened the blinds to let in the flood of light. I gazed out into the morning world. A light fog was lifting and a hint of frost tinged the grass. My neighbor's horse, a beautiful pinto, leisurely nibbled her way around the perimeter of the pasture. I spotted patches of new green among the dried winter grasses. Another spring sign.

Back at my desk: I've been sifting through a pile of paper, scraps of every size, that I dumped there last night. My first reaction was that I write a lot...maybe too much? Perish the thought! No, I observe a lot and take notes on what I'm observing whenever possible. The problem lies within my powers of organization. Definitely not one of my strong points. So now I'm trying to sort this massive pile of mumbo-jumbo into smaller piles of related mumbo-jumbo. Not really one of my favorite things to do as a writer. I would rather be rambling and writing, not sorting and filing. As I sort, I am also categorizing the piles so that I will know which file to place them in when I have finished. If something I have written does not already have a category, I simply create a new file. Having a working file set-up makes it easier for me to find what I've already written on a particular subject, ideas that I've brainstormed, observations I've made, and any other information that I've have gleaned on a particular subject.

Organizing your written material is an important part of being a writer. It really doesn't matter what you use as a file cabinet. It can be something as simple as a cardboard box. What matters is that you take the time often to file your writing so that you can find what you need when you need it. The categories you choose for your file folders will depend on the type of writing that you do. One of my main headings is State Parks. The subheads on the smaller manila folders include, Lakes, Hiking Trails, and Restaurants. I have two separate filing boxes. The filing drawer on my printer stand is where I file my own writings and information printed out from online research. The other is a wire basket in which I file brochures, postcards, and any other written material that I pick up while out rambling. My file folders just fit the basket, so everything remains organized. It takes time (and I will be sitting here for awhile today!), but by having your paperwork where you can access it easily can make writing time a lot less stressful. So, have a great day! Will be back soon.

StellaD

What's Your Type?

Another lovely day! No one should have to work on a day like today. My apologies to my friends up North who may still be snowed in. I have just returned from a jaunt uptown to price some printers for the computer. Yes, I could have saved the time and gas by looking it up online, but I couldn't resist getting out and enjoying the spring-like warmth. Then I started thinking about all the different types of rambling. To clarify, you don't have to be a nature-lover to be a rambler. You may like to visit different cities or towns and look for eclectic restaurants or antique shops. You may enjoy yard sales or flea markets. You may be a history buff or interested in unique building architecture.

Unless I am on a strict schedule, I seldom hesitate to stop at small towns when I am rambling around. Usually something will catch my eye and entice me to stop. It could be hand-made quilts or woodwork sitting outside the door, or I might see something that I wish to photograph.
Ice-cream shops are my bane, especially the little Mom and Pop type shops or stands. Nothing beats an ice-cream cone packed with hefty scoops of your favorite flavor. And a milkshake made the old-fashioned way tastes so different than one from a fast food restaurant.

For writers, small towns can hold a wealth of story ideas. Park your car and walk down the sidewalk. Notice the landscaping, or lack of it. What period does the architecture appear to be from? Poke around in some of the shops. Talk to the shopkeepers and other locals. Ask which restaurant they recommend and try it out. Ask about the history of the shop or the town and really listen to the answers. If you want to photograph something in the shop, ask for permission. If they have business cards, take one, and leave one of yours with them. Ask if they have a website. This is a great way to be able to double-check information later. Always be courteous. Thank them for their time and suggestions. But above all, relax and enjoy yourself.

Happy Rambling!
StellaD

Observing the "Everyday"

The icy winds which prevailed over the weekend have blown away to distant shores. Other than two days of rain, this week turned out to be quite pleasant. While driving to work yesterday, I noticed a splotch of color off to my right. A long row of bright yellow daffodils nodded as I passed. My first Spring sign! And a prompt for me to begin carrying my camera with me so I can capture the awakening of the land. Also a prompt to clear my eyes of Winter sleep and become more observant.

I don't mind commuting, especially since I don't have to sit in stand-still traffic for hours. For me, the commute becomes a time of transition between work and home. If I've had a rough day at work or have a lot on my mind on the home front, the commute affords me time to unwind. When I arrive at my destination I am calmer and able to focus on whatever task is at hand. We can become so emeshed in our own tiny worlds that we sometimes miss what is happening around us. As I drive along, I observe the larger world around me. Each season offers a different view of this world, but it is the day-to-day changes that I become more keenly aware of. I note the changing patterns of the clouds, the slant of the suns rays, and seek to find the tiny rainbows that often appear when one cloud cries on another's shoulder. I doubt most of the commuters around me see this phenomena. I have seen a solitary deer, half-hidden by bracken, winding its way down a hillside. I look for the flock of ducks that reside in a pond along the way. What are they doing today? Are they beside the road eating, swimming lazily in the pond, or huddled together for warmth?

As you learn more about writing, study the world around you and practice writing about what you see. Describe not only the colors of the evening sky, but the mood it evokes. Pay attention to how it makes you feel and describe those feelings. When you are out in public shopping, or at a restuarant, observe what other people are doing. Describe what you see or hear, the mood of the people, and the atmosphere of the place. What time of day is it? Does the time of day have any bearing on what is happening, or how people seem to be feeling? I'm sure you have heard this all before, but by honing your observance skills, you sharpen your writing skills. Your reader will not only see the scene you describe, but will feel the emotions surrounding the scene.

So, get out and ramble! Observe the "everyday." Take along a notebook--and a camera--to record what you see. Spring is just around the corner. I've already had a preview, how about you? More on observance later, meanwhile, happy rambling.

StellaD

On a Sunday Evening

The sun, smiling warmly on the pasture behind the house, beckons me outside, but the prevailing Northwest wind says not. Today I will listen to the wind. All of yesterday and last night the wind whipped through the barren treetops and rippled the tin on the roof, making it sound like thunder. The Northern world, battered by these same winds, is covered with snow. Wherever you are, today is a perfect day to settle in with a good book. Or, if you're a writer, to work on your own good book, or perhaps think about the audience for your book. If, on a day like today, someone curls up with a book, wouldn't you like it to be yours?

What do people read...and why? Why do you read? Several reasons come to mind, but they can be broken down into three general catagories: entertainment/pleasure, information gathering, and personal insight. Whether a person is reading a book or a magazine, they are reading for one, or a combination of the three reasons listed above.

Now, as a writer, why do you write...what do you write? Do you write short stories, book length fiction or non-fiction, or articles for magazines, newspapers, etc.? Think of who might, on a day like today, be reading something that you wrote. Perhaps someone who is just relaxing for the evening, or someone looking for information for a future vacation or business endeavor, or someone looking for steps toward personal improvement. Of course, these are all generalizations. It is up to you, as a writer, to take these generalizations and break them down into categories that will define your target market. For the freelance writer, writing is a business, and the better you know your audience, the greater chance you have to sell your work. Wishing you success!~~~StellaD

Just Starting Out

It's cold beneath the Georgia pines as Winter waxes strong, with icy winds that speak of Arctic frost. A mug of hot chocolate wouldn't be amiss even this late at night...and a warm afghan to curl up in as night deepens. Welcome, on this Winter night, to my first blog. Witness, if you will, my first tentative ramblings and writings. But perhaps I should explain some things first.

Rambling: I use the term more in the sense of wandering, travelling, if you will; exploring the world around you. Especially the natural world with all its beauty and wonder. This is what I do when the weather is fine, or perhaps a little chilly (not like it is tonight!). Some call it Sunday Driving. I call it Weekend Ramblin'...getting away for the weekend or a day, or just a few precious hours, winding down from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and job stress. A change of scenery never hurts, and you return home feeling relaxed and refreshed.

You still may not be eager and willing to head back to work Monday morning, but that's beside the point. The point is to take what time you have to regenerate, to step outside the usual and get to know your surrounding areas. There was a reason our parents/grandparents went on Sunday drives. Because they knew it was important to their well-being to break the monotony of day-to-day living.

That, perhaps, explains Rambling. The writing is self-explanatory. I will be ramblin' around my area and writing about what I see, what I find, and encourage you to get out and explore, too. It's more important than ever that we take time out of our busy lives to relax and renew our relationship with nature and each other. It's 2007 and I'm just starting out, embarking on a new journey in a new area. I'm looking forward to sharing with you whatever I might find and to visit some old haunts, favorites of mine, places my heart yearns for when I am away too long. Won't you join me on this journey? As Robert Frost says in his poem, The Pasture: "I sha'n't be gone long.--You come too."

StellaD