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