Day Thirty-Three of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Super Girls

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#111DayWritersJourney

DAY 33: Sunday SoulJourn – Super Girls 

I wholly believe that spirits recognize their kin. Paths cross over the course of a hectic and fast-paced life as we maneuver around obstacles and race towards the finish line that keeps moving.

I am fortunate to know many super women whose paths crossed mine at some point and though the roads differ, the journeys remain the same. As we search for meaning, purpose, love, hope, and expansion of mind and body, the kindred spirits walk together yet on our own.

I called these amazing super girls to join me in celebration and while not all could attend, those who did filled my soul with joy, love, and friendship.

To my writing pals – Doreen, Camille, and Cate: I treasure our friendships. You inspire me, impress me with your talent, and remind me that artists thrive when they support one another. You are each phenomenal, important, and valued!

To my treasured friends – Ellen and Tina: We’ve been through a lot together, traversed over hills and across valleys side by side. We’ve laughed, cried, and cheered for one another. I admire both of you and love you dearly. Though I may call infrequently and forget to text you back, the strength of our friendships never wavers in my heart.

To my mom and “baby” sister: I love you! Thank you for supporting my interests, coming to these themed parties, and attending my high school choir concert (even though you pretended to fall asleep)! Thank you for helping me when I burnt the first batch of SOUPER grilled cheese (that takes skill) and for teaching me how to properly wear a scarf.

Photo credit to Doreen Mcgettigan
Photo credit to Doreen Mcgettigan

I come from a family of super girls going back generations; they are smart, strong, brave, determined, and full of love. I learn from them each and every day.

There are so many other valued women who were not present at the Calling All Super Girls party, yet I celebrate them every day. I am honored to know you and hope you know that you are SUPER in my eyes.

I’ll be tuning in on Mondays to watch the new CBS series, SUPERGIRL. Each time Kara’s journey soars to new heights or comes crashing down to Earth, may we recognize that it’s the getting back up part which makes us super.

Here are some photos from the celebration. Enjoy!

Decorating in SUPERGIRL colors
Decorating in SUPERGIRL colors
SUPERGIRL inspired creation #1
SUPERGIRL inspired creation #1
SUPERGIRL inspired creation #2
SUPERGIRL inspired creation #2
Arts and crafts
Arts and crafts
KARA-mels
KARA-mels

*No endorsement by anyone associated with the series is implied.*

Days 31 & 32 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

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#111DayWritersJourney

DAY 31: Jewelry Making Time 

My attention the last few days was focused on party preparation. Yesterday  (Day 31), I picked up some supplies and went right to work designing and assembling bracelets to give as door prizes.

Inspired by Supergirl.
Inspired by Supergirl.

I finalized my grocery shopping list and went to bed early, knowing I’d be up shortly after sunrise to continue my party prep.

DAY 32: Celebration

I welcomed the morning’s greeting and started the day full of motivation and excitement. I finished my errands, cleaned, and decorated.

It wasn’t until I put my feet up at the end of the night that I noticed the fatigue. So, I will write a detailed summary of the Calling All Super Girls party tomorrow. For now, I close in appreciation of the amazing women in my life.

Day Thirty of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 30: Super Girl Party Planning
#111DayWritersJourney
#111DayWritersJourney

I’ve been busy, busy, busy preparing for this Saturday’s Calling All Supergirls party! I solidified the themed menu, jotted down game ideas, and with help from some super women in my family, came up with a fun activity that guests can take home as a souvenir.

While I organized this celebration in honor of the upcoming TV series’ debut, it’s also a fitting reminder that we are all super girls. We move along in a fast-paced world, shouldering many responsibilities, and tackling numerous roles and expectations. How often do we truly stop and celebrate our strengths, our creativity, our individuality?

Kara (aka Supergirl) represents the girl in us who’s strong yet vulnerable, brave yet scared, and battling inner conflict that can be just as powerful as the antagonists who disrupt our lives. Not only is she a role model for girls of a younger age, but she honors all of us who’ve been knocked down time and again yet continue to get back up.

As we cheer on the fictional superhero who’s ready to take flight, let’s remember that we all need a reminder sometimes to soar!

*No endorsement by anyone associated with the series is intended or implied!*
It's jewelry-making time! *Bead Landing charm*
It’s jewelry-making time!

Day Twenty-Nine of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 29: WPW – Designer Clouds

Ready for another installment of Writing Prompt Wednesday?

WPW Cloud

Use the image above as creative inspiration. Draft a short story, poem, song, or in-depth essay about what you see in this photo.

There are no right or wrong answers. Just write!

Day Twenty-Eight of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

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#111DayWritersJourney
DAY 28: Garden Inspiration

I don’t have a green thumb (perhaps a purple one when I hit it with a hammer by accident), but I do love gardens. I can’t tell you the names of most types of flowers or herbs, or what perennial means, yet they inspire my artistic soul.

That fascination with gardens started as a child when I first read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The idea that nature could help heal you permeated through every pore. Initially, I felt more like the bed-ridden Colin instead of the free spirited Mary.  However, as the young girl challenged the “ailing” playmate, I felt as alive as the two children. I remember reading the beloved novel on a beautiful Spring day at the baseball field. I closed my eyes and visualized the garden as described in the story – the beauty, healing energy, and element of magic.

Whether intentional or not, my fascination with flowers, gardens, and nature’s beauty infused itself into my Young Adult novel. I’ve even done some research on the study of flowers! I believe that children are in tune with nature in a way that their elder counterparts are not. I wonder sometimes if the reason has to do with a strong spiritual sense that recognizes that which our adult souls no longer embrace.

Fall Garden

One day I’ll own a home that features not just one garden, but many.  In the meantime, I’ll design them in my fictional works of art.

As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own!

Day Twenty-Seven of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 27: Motivational Monday poem 

#MotivationalMonday
#MotivationalMonday

Birthed from a natural home

The rosebud makes an entrance 

With care from the sun, rain, and green thumb 

The flower known as delicate 

Can defend itself 

The thorns guard the petals

From those who might cause harm

While vivid colors and vibrant aromas 

Enhance the surroundings 

Flowers bloom as children do

Needing nourishment from gentle hands

A supportive environment 

And space to grow.

Day Twenty-Six of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

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#111DayWritersJourney

DAY 26: Journaling

My foray into writing began over twenty-five years ago as journaling. I was a shy, people-pleasing pre-teen who didn’t like conflict. Sidenote: I still don’t like conflict.  Anyway, writing my thoughts and feelings in a journal became my healthy outlet for what eventually morphed into depression.

I’ve overcome many struggles so far, my successes thanks in large part to the artistic spirit within. So, during times when I can’t seem to express my thoughts verbally, I turn to written communication.

Whether through personal essay or YA fantasty, I have stories to tell and a message of overcoming adversity. I am a writer and damn proud to use my artistic expression to inspire others!

Day Twenty-Five of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

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#111DayWritersJourney

DAY 25: On the Page

I am a writer who has no interest in electronic books. I fight the ultimate shift to a digital age with every fiber of my being. Is downloading a 300 page novel onto a lightweight, portable device more convenient? Sure, but I’d much rather have a creation I can hold, one that gets worn over time, and passed down through generations. As I intend to do with this favorite:

Expected One

There’s a palpable electricity when I hold a book in my hands, as though I have a deeper appreciation of all the hard work and passion that went into the creation. I love going to book stores or libraries and flipping through pages. I treasure the handwritten letters I received from friends and the one I have that my great-great grandmother wrote 116 years ago.

I understand and expect that digital versions of my novels will be necessary upon publication. However, I’d much rather hope that a young girl reads my stories, keeps signed copies on her bookshelf, and passes the well-loved collection to her children.

Collection

Day 24 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

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#111DayWritersJourney

DAY 24 Update

How much time did I focus on writing today? Zip, zilch, nada, zero

You read that right. I spent exactly 0 minutes on my writing endeavors today. I admit it and acknowledge a lack productivity.

However, I made a pledge twenty-three days ago to chronicle my writing journey. Whether I spend all day, an hour, or skip it altogether, I promised to be upfront and honest as I venture along this journey. Not only to you, blog readers, but to myself.

Day Twenty-Three of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

#111DayWritersJourney
#111DayWritersJourney
As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own! 
DAY 23: SUPER Exited

As stated in earlier blog entries, I find creative inspiration from the entertainment industry: film, television, and theatre, to be more specific.

I focus a lot of my writing ability on those very mediums, writing about them and writing about my goal to write within them. The TV fall premiere season is one that I look forward to each year, and the series debut of SUPERGIRL ranks on the top of my must-see list.

So, I got to thinking about all the fun SUPERGIRL-themed food I can make. Then, I realized it’d be fun to invite some friends over who enjoy superhero movies and TV shows as much as I do. In a flash (like what I did there), I decided to throw a superhero-themed party the weekend before the SUPERGIRL premiere. The party planning is in full gear, with invitations soon to follow.

#Supergirl
#Supergirl

The creative juices are flowing, and I can’t wait to share my excitement with friends who are, quite frankly, out of this world!

Check out the official website to help make your anticipation soar to new heights.

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with the series, network, affiliates, sponsors, or subsidiaries is intended or implied.*