2012 Goal Updates!

Converted my Facebook page from personal profile to fan page. I am still in the process of getting my information updated.

Completed 5 contest entries. Started receiving feedback. Average score 73%.

Completed 3 online courses.

Registered for RWA Conference in Anaheim.

Still looking for a "writing buddy" or friend.

Haven't been able to attend any local RWA meetings or conferences yet.

Still looking for a critique partner.

Finished reading 3 out of 12 novels.

Writing 1250 + words per week.

Things I saw on my walk

I've been making an effort to walk at least twice during my work day.

Yesterday, I passed a man cleaning out the side of his house. He said he was just trying to get rid of things that they collected. He had a bunch of stuff stacked on the sidewalk. There was piles of tiles, two pieces of granite, one piece of marble, bricks, octogon shaped brick pavers, dozens of flower pots and this cool looking iron garden shelf. The green planter shelf below caught my eye. I love shabby chic decor. I asked him if I could have the two iron pieces he had and he said yes. I then carried them back to my office and put them in the car.

I went back later with car and got the nice piece of marble and a box full of small flower pots.

Okay, I know the marble doesn't look that glamourous but I will do something with it later.

Here is the box of small flower pots. I am thinking about growing some kitchen herbs in them.

This morning the pile was still there but there was a trailer in front of his house. This afternoon everything was cleaned up.

Today, I noticed this cool scupture in front of one of the houses on the street. It is a wooden golden gate bridge complete with cars and a small boat. The man at the house said I could take a picture. He said his father had made it. I didn't ask his father's name but I wished I had. Anyway, just wanted to share.

Saw three salamander lizards lying in the sun. They scattered before I could get a picture.
Finally, I ran into a veteran who was on a walk from the Veterans Hospital. Still wearing his hospital pajamas and slippers. I've seen him before. Anyway, today he had a bag with a magazine and something else in it. He must have just come from the CVS pharmacy.  I couldn't quite make out what he was saying to me but he did keep repeating that he was in the land of the living. Pray for our veterans. PEACE!

Tranquil Spaces

I've been faithfully plugging along on my GIAM 100X100 challenge. One quarter of the way through (25 days) so far of writing at least 100 words. The challenge is part of a yahoo groups. Once an individual completes 100X100 they graduate to GIAM Pro. There are four other groups.

I am working on creating my tranquil space for the summer. I love to sit outside first thing in the morning and have my coffee. On the weekends, I eat my breakfast outside. Sometimes my family joins me but other times I sit there myself and eat my breakfast before work. After work, I unwind by watering my garden. I haven't purchased any patio furniture for years so I splurged last month and bought this patio table and chairs.

As another special treat I got the matching lounge chair. I just subscribed to the Sunday New York Times and my local paper so I can sit out every weekend and read the paper. Of course, I've also got a stack of books to read during the summer after work.

My husband has been telling me that he is going to re-paint the deck and I can't wait.

The ground in my neighborhood is very clay like so I have purchased a number of large pots to grow veggies in. By mid summer the vines and plants are very lush. Here are a few of my plants.

I've been working really hard to relax and enjoy life. I found an old Ipod and started downloading free podcasts from itunes. There are several that I really enjoy.

I recommend tranquilitydujour and Daily Boost.

For more information see www.tranquilitydujour.com. Kimberly Wilson has created a very cute blog and several e-courses. I purchased the May edition of the tranquilologie: a diy sprinkling of every day tranquility. 

Here is the information as Kimberly Wilson describes her Tranquilologie course. Tranquilologie: A DIY Sprinkling of Everyday Tranquility  "Tranquilologie is the study of living a tranquil life with a splash of joie de vivre. It is a state of being mindful in the moment, relishing the simple pleasures of everyday life such as fresh flowers and candlelit dining, and continually creating an extraordinary experience out of the ordinary. This involves starting your day with intention, dressing with a dash of flair, filling your body with greens (and an occasional cupcake), and doing work you love. And above all, not waiting to live the life you desire until . . . the kids are grown, you retire, or you find your knight in shining armor. Tranquilologie is all about living with exuberance, passion, and tranquility - every month of the year."  http://ondemand.kimberlywilson.com/offerings/e-courses/ Daily Boost http://www.motivationtomove.com/ Motivation to move is the other podcast which has gotten my butt up off of the office chair. He has some free podcasts on itunes as well as a subscription service where one can purchase daily motivation for $99. So far I've only gotten the free ones off of itunes. I can say that I have started walking daily during the day at work. I've even started using my gym membership. He also talks about goal setting and positive thinking. Look for dailyboost on itunes. I highly recommend both podcasts.