Now that I addressed the question of what is fantasy, I can do more fun posts like my 3 favorite fantasy creatures. And continuing this month’s fantasy theme with Wyrd and Wonder, So today I present some of my favorite (fantasy) things.
About three or so weeks ago, social distancing and telework started here in Washington state. As the first state with a confirmed COVID-19 case, I figured the situation would get worse before it got better. (And sadly that is what’s happening.)
So when I started teleworking three weeks ago, I decided I needed to focus on a new project, something to keep my mind active in a positive way.
Enter meditation.
If you haven’t guessed, I spend a lot of my time reading. I’ve already read 73 books this year and it’s only week 14. (And my yearly goal is only 78!)
When I’m not reading, I’m usually thinking about, talking about, or posting about books or bookish things. And when I was thinking about book-related things, I got to thinking about reading habits.
So today I thought I’d share some of my reading habits.
I enjoyed making my Lists of 3 post last week. I mean, who doesn’t like making lists?
I find lists are a great way to help me focus on things that make me happy, figure out my priorities, and center my chaotic brain.
So I thought I’d create a few more lists, this time making seven lists of 7.
Social distancing has been awesome for me.
Not because of the terrible pandemic. Or the mass panic that has caused people to hoard items like toilet paper (which I don’t understand because it’s not *that* type of disease. Seriously, I don’t get it. As soon as Costco gets in a shipment of toilet paper, it’s gone again in like 10 minutes.)
But I digress.
Social distancing has been awesome because I have felt more creative and more mentally energized than I have since at least 1999.
Let me back-up a bit.
Continue readingThe number three is found pervasively in writing. Some of our greatest stories, fairy tales, and myths include threes.
The Rule of Three in writing suggests that three events or characters are more humorous, satisfying, or effective than other numbers.
Some of the most famous quotes throughout history are structured in threes.
Apparently info sticks better in our heads when in threes. (Although seven likes to give three a run: seven wonders of the world, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, seven digits in a phone number.) But I digress.
So I got to thinking about threes and decided to share my three of my favorites (in no particular order) in some random categories.
Continue readingThis is an unprecedented time in modern history. Life for many of us has gone sideways if not full-tilt upside down. I see all the stress, but I also see a lot of goodwill and hope.
But this is not a post about the craziness or goodwill or hope or even stress. This post is a bit of a confession.
Continue readingCan you believe we’re almost one month into the new year already?! So far, my 2020 is pretty awesome. And I know this is going to be an overall amazing year.
Continue readingIn the days leading up to and immediately preceding the New Year, everyone talks about making resolutions, choosing words of the year, or setting goals. For the past three days, I feel I’ve been bombard with questions like “What are your resolutions?” “What’s your word of the year?” “What are your goals for 2020?”
ENOUGH!
Continue readingCan you believe another year is almost over? And what a year it has been.
Last Christmas saw the beginning of the longest federal government furlough. I sat at home all through January wondering when the stalemate would end and I could go back to work. And stressed wondering whether we’d be paid for the time.
February saw me packing and planning my third cross-country move. I narrowly missed a winter storm system as I drove and arrived in Washington to a couple feet of snow.
March blurred into April and then May as I traveled for conferences and tried to learn my new job.
Summer arrived in the Pacific Northwest and I explored the beauty of nature and all the hiking.
Before I knew it, fall arrived and the days stayed sunny and warm. But slowly the nights got longer and the days shorter. I failed at NaNoWriMo and a short story writing competition, but had a blast with new friends.
And now the Christmas holiday season is here again. A full turn around the sun. And I’m looking forward to a birthday vacation with some dear friends in January and some amazing new adventures in twenty-twenty.
But on this Christmas Eve, I stop to be in the moment. I pause to be grateful for all that I have, thankful for the love of family and friends, and blessed by it all.
Merry Christmas to you. May your days be merry and bright. And may your holidays be filled with love and laughter.
peace & joy,
