Day 14 of the Love Write Now Pledge

For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with self-doubt and low self-esteem. I see a scarred woman in the mirror who’s pretty but not beautiful, artistic not talented, and content but not fulfilled.

I see my beauty when I’m my most joyful and passionate; when I am in my element. my head, and countless self-help mantras, remind me that I AM beautiful. I AM worthy. I AM loved. Yes, quite true! However, knowing it and feeling it are rather different.

I imagine many of you out there experience the same dilemma. Just in case you need a reminder, you are beautiful and worthy of love!

Days 12 & 13 of the Love Write Now Pledge

I spent yesterday and today surrounded by that which I love: family, writing, books, and genealogy.

Between watching my 7-year-old niece cheat at basic card games and breaking through a genealogical brick wall, I fell asleep with joy and pride in my heart.

Today, Valentine’s Day, I shared this day with some of my favorite people. My current “Valentines” are my family and friends – those whom I love and who love me unconditionally.

I guard my heart when it comes to romance, which is why I’ve yet to delve into that aspect of love. I’m fulfilled with the love of family, friends, and art – that’s plenty worth celebrating!

Day 11 of the Love Write Now Pledge

Every now and again, when in need of a writing boost, I seek out the beauty of nature. Such was the case today!

I found a bench near a nearby lake, gazed out on the frozen water, and felt refreshed. I wrote feverishly as seagulls squawked and the crisp wind blew, reminded that beauty exists everywhere.

Suddenly, inspiration came swift and a new chapter of my book began. I envisioned my main character (Graysea) on a frozen lake, visiting a Nordic-esque ancestral homeland. I infused color, sound, and movement into Graysea’s environment. I’m excited to build this new fictional world.

I left the park reinvigorated in mind and body, my artistic spirit energized to keep writing!

Day 10 of the Love Write Now Pledge

Fun fact about me – I will randomly burst out in musical theatre songs. I. Love. Musicals. 🥰😍🥰🎭

My love affair with musical theatre began as a young child whose parents played soundtracks for me when I was sick. From then on, my spirit knew its home.

I’ve written many times about the various shows I adore, and you can find them over on my entertainment blog (An Entertaining Idea). There’s something so magical about sitting in a theater’s house as the music swells. It reaches me in mind, body, and soul!

As much as I love being in the audience, I love singing the songs wherever I go. Whether I’m driving with the windows down, putting away dishes, or performing for a local talent show.

I don’t claim to be Broadway ready, vocally, but the joy musical theatre gives me is life-sustaining. Singing makes me happy, and we could all benefit from more of that these days!

Day 9 of the Love Write Now Pledge

Well, it happened – I fell asleep last night without posting a Day 9 update. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😴 So today you’ll get two for one!

I had almost the entire day to do as I wanted and yet I wrote absolutely nothing. Zilch. Nada. Squat.

It wasn’t for a lack of trying. I opened the draft of book 2, scrolled down to where I’d left off, and stared blankly at the screen.

I kept thinking and rethinking every story idea to the point that nothing “felt” right. I allowed my head to take the lead when it’s my spirit that truly holds the pen.

Soon enough tedious tasks like laundry and doing dishes pulled my attention away throughout the day.

The past is just that; I cannot go back and write my 1,500-2,000 word goal. However, today I’ll be bringing my notebook with me to work!

Day 8 of the Love Write Now Pledge

Dreams have always fascinated me, even from childhood. There’s something so intriguing about the blend of mind, body, and spirit when I consider why and how we dream. It piques this writer’s curiosity.

I dream in vivid colors with memorable “characters” and a wild mix of details – some of which I only have to close my eyes to see once again. When the vividness of a dream wakes me from slumber I grab my notebook to capture as many details as possible before the dream fades completely.

There’s much more to explore about the how’s and why’s of dreaming, so don’t be surprised if I post a follow up soon. For now, I’m off to dreamland for some more artistic spirit writing ideas.

Happy dreaming, friends!

Day 7 of the Love Write Now Pledge

In today’s installment of celebrating that which I love, we’re traveling to Hollywood! Join me as I journey back to one of my favorite places on Earth.

Stars fill the sidewalks and the skies in Los Angeles, CA – equally memorizing. I’ve gone on behind-the-scenes studio tours, stood alongside red carpet on film premiere events, and bought cheap touristy knick-knacks. All the while an outsider who dreams of being inside those creative walks.

I’ve long been fascinated and artistically-inspired by film, TV, and theatre; so much so that my affection for these industries infuses itself into my writing. Where some see a world of glitter, gold, and faux reality, I find a sense of home for my artistic spirit.

With award show in full swing, I’m totally in my element!!

Day 6 of the Love Write Now Pledge

Today’s update is short: I barely wrote anything of substance.

I jotted down more fan fic ideas (see Day 2), stared at the unfinished draft of my second book, and returned to genealogy research.

I don’t feel all that productive with today’s writing count, and yet I’m proud that I pushed myself to write even a little.

💖💖💖✍️✍️

Day 5 of the Love Write Now Pledge

I can easily spend hours a day doing genealogy research. The excitement, challenge, determination to solve a puzzle keeps me glued to my rather uncomfortable chair. Sometimes, I can get lost in the past and miss out on the present. Today was not such a day thanks to my seven-year-old niece.

Though immersed in my family tree research, I closed my laptop and took my niece’s hand when she asked me to play a board game. Part of me really wanted to just spend my Sunday doing what I loved, and bristled at the interruption. But as I stared at her pleading eyes, I remembered that I love her more than the past.

We laughed, played hide-and-seek, and she totally cheated on the board games. Most of all, we created memories today that will hopefully last in the future.

Day 4 of the Love Write Now Pledge

I very nearly let laziness win out tonight by calling it a night without writing anything. I thought, “Eh, I’ll just combine Days 4 & 5 together in a long post tomorrow. I’m too tired tonight.”

I shook my head, grabbed my notebook, and turned the light back on. I made a pledge, and I’m determined to see it through. And now back to writing book two!