Update on Health December 2011

What can I say?  There are many dimensions to my current health.  There is the mind part.  There is the physical.  Then, there is the financial.

If I worry too much, I get sick.  The opposite also holds true.

All the components come together.  One influences the other.  I have been going through financial worries.  I've been praying about it, and God has been answering my prayers.  I am feeling good, although the financial situation isn't perfect.

I think I've gained weight!

I have gotten sidetracked with my health.  I think I've probably gained a few pounds.  I'm afraid to weigh myself.  I'm chicken.  I'll eventually weigh in so I can know my starting point for the new year's goals; I'm just not ready to know the truth right now. 

As for what's on my mind, let's just say it's all about putting my foot down.  I am not gonna allow bad things to enter my home.  I am not gonna allow negativity to enter through my door.  This is fair warning to those who might want to come to my house.  I don't need people putting me down or making me feel bad in my home.  

There.  That felt great to write out!

...and I've said all of this before the holidays so it won't be a surprise.

Well, thanks for reading about my update on the health situation this December.  I hope this blog encourages someone to improve their own health.

How about you, my readers?  Is your health poor?  Do you have any new health goals for December?  How have you handled setbacks to your health?  I encourage you to assess your current health.  It's a great opportunity to adjust your habits to improve your life.   

If you need to improve your health, in any form, please ask God to help you; He will, if you pray for His guidance.

This is an entry for Medical Mondays.  For past entries, click here.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints that I discussed here are just my opinions.  Please consult your physician before altering anything relating to your health.  I am only suggesting here to take charge of your health.  Don't just leave your health in the hands of your doctors; become your own advocate.  You know best how your body is doing.

I Won NaNoWriMo!

I won the NaNoWriMo challenge.

My submission went through, and my novel was validated.  

Yes!  This is wonderful news.  I am so happy, I got up and did a jig when I realized.  I went to the website and found that I had been declared a winner.

I am so thankful that the crew at the website processed the validation process.  Now, I can move forward.  

This has been a blessed challenge.  I loved using my creative juices to create something out of nothing.  I never thought I would create a romance novel.  I am glad that I have that now under my belt.  

For many years, I wanted to write and never took the chance.  I can't believe that I waited for so long to even try this out.  I am so happy that I did it.  It was worth the tears and fears.

I hope that my kids can see this as proof that you are never too old to try new things.  I wanted to show them that I could do it.  More importantly, I wanted to show myself that I could do it, too.  

Thanks so much for your prayers.  God bless you all.  Kisses go out to my family, friends, and readers.

This entry is part of Family Fun Fridays!

Crossing the T's and Dotting the I's

I participated in a month long challenge to write a 50,000 word novel.

Today, I learned a valuable lesson, and the jury is out on whether my situation will be resolved.  You see, I never figured out how to validate my novel at nanowrimo.org.  I could have looked at the forums early on.  I didn't.  

I kicked myself figuratively.  Then, I cried and cried last night.  I worked so hard on my novel, and I might not get the recognition.  I have coveted the reward--a badge--saying that I had accomplished my goal of writing a 50,000 word novel.

As I tried to gather my tears, I tried to make sense of my little madness.  The question became: Do I need external motivation and rewards to accomplish a goal?  Isn't it enough that I finished a novel within one month?

The reality is that I submitted my novel to be validated via email.  It's out of my hands.  I pray that everything works out.  I can't change the past.  I pray that God handles the rest.

I'll be patient about the process.  That's all I can do.  Thanks for any prayers that you, my readers, care to send up to God about this situation.  I greatly appreciate them.

To recap: It's important to read the fine print about anything, especially when dealing with a project.  You might regret it if you don't.  

This entry is for Thorough Thursdays.  I pray you all take it to heart. ;)

Days 29 & 30 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

 

It's official--we're done!

 

Both my daughter and I have finished our novels, with one day to spare.  Last year, we were down to the eleventh hour.  We kept trying to update our status at nanowrimo.org but faced a clogged website.  This year, we wanted to avoid that.  I hope to read through my story tonight and tomorrow to assess it.

 

Of course, the question is: Did the novels go the way we wanted them to go?  No.  We did free-style writing.  That means that we let our characters live out their lives.

We had every intention to follow plans and plots.  In the end, we went with what our minds dictated.  Is that wrong?  I don't think so.  I think our minds just ran on creative lines.

I've grown in my writing.  Again, I've learned some truths about myself.  My characters allowed me to explore relationships and concepts.  I am so grateful that our family and friends have followed us and allowed us our eccentricities as we worked on our craft.

Thanks so much for all the cheering.  We have greatly appreciated it. 

Days 27 & 28 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

There is no sense in rushing things along.

 

The novel is coming along.  I've had enough material for these last two days.  I'm enjoying the love interest going on between my two characters.  It is slow in coming, but there is real friendship first.  Friendship is very important to me and to my two characters.  

With this being Monday, and my being used to writing about medical issues, I am thinking about my health.  I am particular to my mental health.  I talked with my younger sister, and I was glad for it.  Amidst my tears, I learned that we both respect our elders, sometimes to our detriment.  Perhaps, that is being addressed in my current novel.

Anyway, I am thinking that although there are individuals who are older, if they are disrespectful, they might need some talking down to.  What about our need to preserve ourselves?  Should we speak up or remain quiet?  What should one do about it?  This has perplexed me for years, and I shall keep turning it in my mind until it is resolved.

I'm rooting for Jilly Anne and John--my secondary characters.

 

Now, about my friends, the beloved characters, how will they fare?  They are still besotted by Dale, that bad fellow.  He's pestering them, and Jilly Anne and John just want to move forward.  I believe the good characters will have their fates sealed.  With the story being a romance one, Jilly Anne and John will someday marry.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Days 25 & 26 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I managed to do my word count for yesterday and today.  

I felt I didn't have much to tell yesterday so I left it for tonight to give an update to my novel writing.   It is much the same as for the previous days.  I have stretched the memory recovery of my character, John.  There are quick strides being made on that account.

Earlier today, I couldn't write.  I was caught up in shopping.  I came into some money.  I went to spend it.  I purchased Christmas gifts and clothes.  

Now, I have some time to tell of upcoming blog entries.  I have taken some photos of my hubby working on a project.  It was awesome.  I am excited to get that entry done, but it will wait until next month.

Also on tap is an entry about my daughter, who just turned fourteen.  She is very talented.  I plan to share a tutorial she created.  It has to do with drawing.  Looking forward to sharing that, too.

I will have to reread the story I've created in December.

Back to my writing, I hope to wrap up my story by bringing my heroines together.  The heroes will be fast friends.  Caroline's baby might or might not be born in this story.  I might leave it to another story.  I am mulling this over because it will mean that I'll have to add more to the current story and rearrange some of it.

That leads me to my thrift store finds.  I have recently been on a bent to writing poetry (which has happened often).  I saw a movie about Sylvia Plath, who was a poet.  I found a book of poetry from one of her contemporaries, Anne Sexton.  I am looking forward to reading some of her poetry and some more Agatha Christie, which I found at the same store.   

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Days 23 & 24 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I'm sorry this is going out late.  Got caught up in non-internet life.  Prepared side dishes for Thanksgiving and my hubby made the turkey.  He's been so wonderful, what with my right wrist being sprained.  

I managed to get enough words up for Thursday.  I can't believe that six days from now will mean that I've written 50,000 words.  These words have been eked out of my brain.  I've bled, cried, and been in pain throughout this month.  

I've gone through a myriad of emotions from anger to downright contempt for real people, as well as my fictional characters.  Those people, though, have been supplying me with lots of material and introspection.  Writing has also given me a way to vent my frustrations.  After all, I don't really have anyone right now to share my deepest feelings.  Writing has allowed me to channel the nervous energy that flows from me onto a blank screen.

My characters have come alive before me.  I see them interacting.  I see their kindnesses.  I see their motivations.  I see their love and hate relationships.

A new character has come into my story.  It's been organic.  She has shared her perspective on the heroine's predicament.  Jilly Anne is taking her advice into serious consideration because any mother of a victim would normally be upset.  Instead, Mrs. Arthur has taken things in stride and looked at the bigger picture in that Jilly Anne needs a healing of her mind.

Perhaps this is true of me, too.  

I believe I need a healing of my mind's heart.  I have pent up frustrations that need a voice.  It's hard to share of oneself.  There is a chance of ridicule and rejection; however there is also the chance of reaching out to someone who feels the same.  We all need someone to share from the heart and truth.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 22 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Should I clean or write or cook?

I look around my house and notice the dust and hair that needs to be swept.  I can't do anything about it.  I take pride in having a clean house.  I think about how I like to decorate my house for the holidays.  I could ask my kids to pick up the slack, but I know they won't do it as well as me.

No. My family is not starving!

If anyone comes to my house, please disregard those dust bunnies.  Just know that my pets might want to hitchhike on your clothes or shoes.  Anyway, the only thing I am accomplishing is my writing, which is the only stress reliever left to me, since I can't crochet.  I don't have energy for much else; fortunately, we do have food to eat; I just can't prepare it myself. 

I feel so useless, but I have to be easy on myself.  I think that perhaps I've been through a lot this year.  I should not be hard on myself.  The problem is that my house is a reflection of me.  Oh, well, I'll just pray that mercy from God flows to and through me.

In order to write today, I played my old Christian music.  Yeah!  Guess I haven't mentioned much about that.  I wrote to the music of the Newsboys.  I hadn't heard that music in a long time. 

My heart was healing while listening to my music and writing my novel.

At times, I received comfort.  At other times, I gained insight about my loving characters.  Yes, the music gave me some inspiration.  The music I heard helped me to cement some ideas I have about life.  God was definitely in the details about situations in my life (even in my fictional story), and He was telling me that I have been on the right track.

Let me say this: Nothing happens by accident.  

Trust in God to use the situations in your life, even novel writing, to reveal Himself.  You see, I was writing about a father-daughter relationship.  As I listen to the music, still, He is revealing His love for me.  I've been needing His touch in my life just like I've received today.  To be reminded that God is my loving Father is a great comfort to me; this is akin to what has happened in my story when Mr. Donatello comforted his daughter, Jilly Anne, after a harrowing ordeal with an abusive boyfriend.


My dear friends, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Days 19, 20 & 21 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I spent the weekend lamenting my lame wrist.  It seriously bit into my productivity.  There was so much I could have accomplished.  Alas, I had to rest my precious wrist.  My body was telling me to rest; all I could do was watch Netflix. 

I could have gotten way ahead with my novel.  I could have made some delicious meals.  I could have deep cleaned. Instead my characters, just like my raw food products, stayed on the shelf.  They all waited patiently for me to be ready.

I am so dedicated to my craft of writing!

I took oodles of Ibuprofen just to be able to type.  I cried lots in pain.  I wore a wrap for my wrist.  I had topical creams applied and even a heat wrap.  I have a stiff pinky which is slowly coming out of strike.

My hand is stiff, but I am pressing on.  I pray I get better.  Potatoes need smashing and dressing is waiting to be mixed and fluffed.  Will my wrist let me participate in preparing a delicious meal for turkey day?

More importantly, will my characters progress in their growth as individuals?  My hero, just today, managed to remember who beat him up.  Yes, I wrote enough to satisfy today and some of tomorrow's word count.  I would love to have all of Thanksgiving Day off, but we shall see.  John still needs to figure out how he got to the hospital. 

I gladly welcome your prayers that my wrist will heal.  I would love to come back full force to blog everyday in December.  Thanks for thinking of me when you talk to God today and whenever else you remember me throughout the days ahead.

Thanks so much for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 18 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

No pain, no gain.

I managed to write enough words to take the weekend off.  The only problem is that I will still be busy for daughter's birthday and turkey day next week.  I might still write in the weekend, but I'll have to see about that.  My tools (my hands) are both hurting.  I think it's carpel tunnel syndrome on the right hand.  On the left hand, I feel numbness on the pinky and its neighbor, which might be due to that nagging diabetes.

As for the writing, I was very sad.  My hero is struggling to regain his memory.  The heroine feels guilty.  During their conversation Jilly Anne cried, and I almost cried.  I had to hold it together to get through the touching scene.  

To balance out the seriousness, I infused the writing with some comedy.  The heroine felt she needed to spoon feed the hero.  The hero was embarrassed.  He had to tell her to stop.  It really was funny; you had to be there.  Haha!

For the next few days, I'll be decorating, cleaning, and cooking for the holidays.  I might join some of the updates.  Don't worry, friends.  There is plenty for you all to read here in this blog.  I'm glad you have visited.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 17 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Today was a tough day.  I had to write about the hero being in the hospital.  I had a hard time.  I had to recall what it's like to be in the hospital.  I have experience several times over.

I had to get in the mind of the hero.  He was confused.  He was diagnosed with amnesia.  He had lots of questions.  To top it off, everyone was asking him questions, too.

He was frustrated, but something jogged his memory.  He fears what he's going to remember.  He was severely beaten but doesn't remember that.  He needs to remember.  Even the sheriff wants to know what he remembers.

The secondary heroine, Jilly Anne, will help him.  She's not going to want to plant memories in his mind.  She has been putting her mental health at risk.  She's been by John's side all the time, but she is going to suffer for it.  Isn't that realistic?

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 16 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

 A rifle went off!

Another day of writing.  I've gotten my characters out of the kidnapping.  They are safe now, away from the drunk.  Even his sidekick got his comeuppance.

Of course there is emotional fallout from such a situation.  My characters will have a chance to explore that.  Yes, many townsfolk came together for my secondary heroine.  This tough character will come to be very important to my main character and her child.

I am now two days ahead.  I hope I can sustain it.  I would like the weekend free for several reasons.  I want a break.  Have lots of plans for the coming week.  

Need to do some shopping.  My big girl's birthday is a week away.  Then, there is the turkey and trimmings to buy.  Need to do some deep cleaning.  Fortunately, the kids will have school off next week.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 15 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

It's amazing how fast time has flown.  We are at the halfway mark for this writing challenge.  This year, I am enjoying the freedom of writing whatever pops into my head.  It is a deep sense of release of many emotions.  

If I feel anger, I make my characters angry.  If I feel sad, they cry.  Whatever my current emotion is, I can work through it by writing.  It is therapeutic.  Writing has functioned like that for me for many years.

Years ago, when I was in elementary school, writing was offered to me as a means to tell about what I had learned after a special field trip.  The irony is that my writing now takes me on field trips.  Much like reading has served as an escape, my writing is taking me to new places.

Today, just to let you know, I've written enough words for an extra day.  I hope to once again get ahead.  I'd like to have the weekend off.  There's a lot to do.  I have yet to decorate my home with the fall decor.  Next week, my daughter turns 14 (the one participating in the writing challenge) and turkey day will follow.

Well, thanks for reading this update, friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Days 13 & 14 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I have to combine what happened yesterday with what happened today.  I felt it would be easier for me.  The unplanned getaway we had really ate into my writing time.  I thought I would be able to keep up with the writing during the weekend, but we went fishing.  Still, we had fun.

 

Yesterday, I managed to write about half of the desired word count--about eight hundred words.  A brutal beating occurred.  Ouch!  Revenge, oh that sweet motivation, is keeping the story going.

 

Today, the beating turned into a kidnapping.  Where is the secondary hero?  That's the character wh was kidnapped.  Will the searchers find the clues he left for them?  After all, he worked hard to leave them behind.

The best friend to the enemy is a bungling idiot, and I am loving it.  I've been needing to put in some comedic relief to the very serious situations.  It's working out perfectly.  As I recount to my sounding board, Iris, about my story, she chuckles.  I love having her to turn to when I need to explore an idea out loud.

 

Mhuaha haha!!!

 

I will likely have my bad guys do some time for doing their crime.  They will be so mad, they'll try terrorize the main characters in the future.  That will give me some more writing material.  Yes!  I am loving that I get to control my characters; they are my puppets, and I am their master.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update about my NanoWriMo adventures.  Stay tuned for more.

Day 12 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Oh, boy, going on a vacation really throws me off!  

I had every intention of reaching my word count for today, but I didn't.  I'm gonna have to double up on Sunday.  I might even have to catch up on Monday.  The difference this year from last is that I'm not going to worry about it.

Out of the ordinary can produce new ideas.

The ideas are still flowing.  It's just that I ran out of time.  We had so much fun fishing at the coast.  Sometimes, we gotta play a little hooky.  It's great to do something out of the ordinary.  

I'm stunned at the ideas that are still coming.  I have to keep in mind, though, to balance them out with enough dialogue and description of scenery.  I'm not good at that.  I am often afraid of over describing the characters, too.  I simply become paralyzed by that fact, and I hope to one day break free from that.

Well, thanks for reading my update, friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 11 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

Here I am on day eleven.  The ideas are still popping into my head.  I'm very appreciative that the creative juices are still bearing fruit.  With this novel, I am practically flying on an imaginary red carpet.

I've introduced a new character who is doing a compelling job at convincing the secondary male hero to do just what he should--protect.  She's filling the stranger in on the details of the town folk.  This is better than telling.  I actually had these two characters conversing with one another.

This is building up to what will happen next.  Another major event will take place.  Possibly another fight scene will happen to bring my secondary heroine to a better place.  Before a breakthrough can occur, some chaos must ensue.  I've seen that in true life.

The saying goes that it's always calmest before the big storm.  The rude character will seem calm, but he will attack when least expected.  Will the hero get to that scene before it's too late?  I'm still mulling that over in my mind.  What would my readers want to see happen?  How young or old are my readers?  Will it be too much to make the scene graphic?  I'll think about it this weekend.

Well, thanks for reading, friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 10 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

It's another day in a writer's paradise.  I came up with some fresh material.  I've got my secondary characters meeting today.  Now, a hero is there for each gal character.  Perhaps the feminists won't like this, but I like to feel protected, and men in a different era liked to protect their women and make them feel protected, too.

I didn't quite know whether I would have enough material, but with having a rude character, I will have enough motivation for the secondary heroine.  Jilly Anne will become stronger.  She will have an uphill battle with her abuser, but she will come out better.  I'll probably throw in some God intervention, too.

Will I get ahead this week and have the weekend off?  I don't know.  It wouldn't be totally horrible if I have to write this weekend.  It's gonna be lovely, and I can always work outside just to spend time outdoors.  I could gain inspiration if I go out in public.  

If you really know me, you'll know it's hard for this hermit to step out of her comfort zone and venture out.  I'm like a turtle that occasionally sticks its head out.  Yes, sometimes I've had my head bitten.  It's worth it, though, to get some good material to use for my writing.

Well, thanks for reading, my friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 9 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November. 

I didn't think I would get through with my goal for today.  So far, I've kept my word count goal.  You see, there was a family crisis last night, and I got caught up in it.  I kept as much of my cool through it.

I prayed.  I researched online...


and I cried.

My blood pressure went up.  Perhaps I was suffering a panic attack.  I started with the body aches.  I was so keyed up that I couldn't sleep.  I ended up staring at the ceiling.

Really, I thought I was gonna suffer a nervous breakdown...but I didn't.  I lived into another day, with my brain intact to bring you more of my nuttiness.  Well, I think I'm sane!


So what does a writer do during a crisis?

Well, if you are diabolical like me, you'd start plotting the next scenes to your story.  You guessed it, I used the material of the crisis for my story.  I know.  I'm cruel like that!


Beware: I might use your drama for my story!


Maybe I should blame it on my hormones, but I had to channel all my wild emotions into something positive. 


Seriously, though, I thank God that I have an outlet for the emotional issues that hit me.  Without writing, I would totally have lost it by today.  I think it's true, what is meant for bad, God turns around for the positive.  Also, what doesn't knock you down only makes you stronger...and I think I'll leave it alone on that note. ;)

Well, thanks for reading, my friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow. 

Day 8 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

Today, I tied up some lose ends.  I gave information on motivations, jealousies, and a look into the future with a little foreshadowing.  My main characters are now gonna be closer to each other because the male character became the girl's hero.  He came upon a scary scene at the right moment.

Their parents showed up more today.  We get to see how they figure in the story.  The parents don't take too much away from the story.  The parents just do what they need to do and stay out of the deep action.

I loved dragging out the scene. 

I was very excited to write today's climax--a fight scene.  It was almost too good to write.  I kept getting up from my laptop to find a drink or a snack.

I gave some more background to the town folk.  I explained what they felt about the fight.  Some side with the perpetrator; some sided with Caroline, the victim of the attack.  All in all, the town was divided, and that was realistic.  

I'm still thinking of a possible location for this story.  I need to do a background check on that.  I have a particular town here in Texas in mind.  It was a sleepy town a few decades ago.

Well, thanks for reading this latest update!  I appreciate you all keeping up with me.  Feel free to view my other blog entries.  God bless!

Day 7 NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 

is National Novel Writing Month, 

a month long challenge to write a novel 

throughout the month of November.

People have mistreated my favorite gal, big time!

I decided to give more substance to my main characters.  I think the story needed background to the parents of the baby.  I'm making the father into a protective but funny character.  My momma does not trust anyone and has built up a wall between herself and the rest of the world.  

I went back to the beginning and added dialogue and information on how Papa met his best friend, too.  I think I'm managing to bring some elements together.  I still don't feel like I've added enough scenery and description to the surroundings.  I'll have to go back and describe my characters in greater detail, too.  

I'm having my characters do a lot of thinking.  Perhaps that might be a good thing.  That's turning out to be a challenge to me.  Flashbacks are popping up, too.  I'll have to look into that later.

Well, thanks for reading, my friends.  I'll give another update tomorrow.