Motivational Moments

If you're working to squeeze all you can out of the last few days of summer vacation, may this be a reminder. 

Enjoy the little things in life…for one day you may look back and realize they were big things. -R.Brault

Beach Kite - Photo by K. Gibson

Settling in and building momentum

Isn't Friday a great day? Even if you have to head to work at 6am, or maybe something crazy late, if you get the weekend "off" then Friday rocks! I put off in quotes because there are so many people with smartphones and jobs that never quite shut down, the weekend is more like a long coffee break. But, maybe it's just me who thinks this. 

Anyway, I'm settling in for a weekend of family time, snow shoveling, writing, editing and hopefully, some movie watching. So, while I plan to relax there are things to do, lots of them. 

Whether you have fun, chores or work planned, try to make some time to relax. Even if it's only for a little while. My mind may be racing, and my To-dos piling up, but I made sure to stir up some hot cocoa this afternoon. It was my way of capping off the week and settling in for the long weekend. 

If you're a regular reader, Thank You! You might already know it's been a race these last few months to complete my book. I hoped to have it published before our grandma passed away, but I just couldn't work fast enough. She was an amazing person, and well-read. I'd hoped to get her advice on what I did right, and maybe a little constructive criticism on what needed changed before it got launched to the public. Plus, it would have been nice to show her I could do it. 

Thank goodness we have family and friends who will see me get published, but there is a sadness about this I just can't shake. Instead of losing my way and stopping completely I took a break, shed a lot of tears, and got back to it. Now, I'm building momentum again. 

I invite you to join this journey. Be sure to check back in the coming weeks for some cool previews, updates and giveaways. If you want, you can even share the news with your friends, and their friends. Blog subscribers will get some cool swag, so make sure to sign up to receive my updates. It would be helpful, and very kind of you to do so. 

The plan is to publish this work before grandma's birthday anniversary, so I have to get back to work. Here's to a happy, positive and productive 2014! Enjoy your weekend!

Being thankful

The holidays can be a time of joy and celebration. This year ours will be tempered by some sadness because we lost a dear member of the family.  But, struggles sometimes force us to reflect and remember happier times.

While the pain is fresh, we still have so many things to be thankful for this year. I wanted to make sure to put them out there in case another friend or family member wants to see, or need a reminder too.

So, as we head into the crush of holiday travel, shopping and celebrating remember to be thankful. Today’s top fifty includes important people, and some fun items too! Why not try making your own list? Happy Thanksgiving!

What I’m thankful for…

1.  Family

2.  Friends

3.  A warm, loving home

4.  Getting through the school feast without any food fights

5.  Our oldest saying she’s thankful for her family

6.  Listening to our kids reading books together

7.  Family get-togethers

8.  Getting through dinner without any food fights (Hey, it could happen.)

9.  Green bean casserole (Nearly any kind. If you ever invite us for Turkey Day, have extra on hand.)

10. Music (It’s okay to listen to holiday music now, right?)

11. Chocolate (A contributor to positive mental health any season J)

12. Holiday photos (Especially, when they’re finished. Let the signing and sending begin!)

13. Silly stuff

14. Pumpkin pie with a serious pile of whipped cream on top

15. Football

16. Really good coffee

17. Lights aglow

18. Clear skies and clear roads for all the travelers out there!

19. Nav systems and alternate routes for when the travel isn’t so nice

20. Shopping (Except for the crazy days.)

21. Hand-holding

22. Quiet moments, usually at the end of the day, when the kids are tucked in bed

23. Free shipping

24. Family fun and games

25. When cousins reunite

26. Movie nights

27. Takeout

28. Cookie making

29. Snuggling by the fire

30. Hot Cocoa (see also #11 Chocolate)

31. Dressing up

32. Dressing down

33. Downtime

34. Writing time

35. Vacation!

36. Reminiscing

37. Gluhwein

38. Snow covered trees

39. Playing in the snow

40. Hearing my grandma and her sisters sing (Will miss it so much.)

41. Holiday cards from family and friends

42. Fresh baked bread

43. Great books

44. Sharing stories

45. Great book covers

46. Great mysteries

47. Great comedies

48. Seeing my breath outside on days we can stay home and play

49. Holidays
50. Faith, hope and love

Lil' Pumpkin by K. Gibson