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