Okay, there is definitely something wrong with my blogger, I can't get this thing to post! So If you can read this...Woo Hoo!
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
--Melodie Beattie
Yesterday, I thought I was dying.
My husband laughs at me today, but I found a red blob on my white, pasty legs and thought.... skin cancer.I wondered if my kids would be fine without me, if they could fix themselves a meal after school, if they would be able to do their laundry (I really did.) Today my son left for school with a red and yellow sock on - they really need their mother. I also wondered why I didn't eat my dessert first. What was I thinking?
So I rushed to the doctor who looked at it and said, "I hate to tell you this, but...you' re going to survive." It had something to do with blood and rupturing and skin. Anyways, it was nothing to worry about. Although now I have a huge red mark on my leg that makes my white legs look luminescent. That's not a good thing, but I am (super) grateful it's not cancer.
So that was great news!
Second, for those of you who don't know, in January, my husband's place of employment let go a few hundred workers. He was one of those. His whole team was let go (65 of them) all high performers in the company (and paid the most so I guess that's why they let them go). This week my husband was offered not one, but three jobs! One of them is the job he has wanted since looking for employment. We are ecstatic! Now I can start buying toilet paper again! Woo Hoo! My kids will be so happy. No more corn husks for us. No sir.
My oldest son has high functioning autism. He received a scholarship from his school this week. Words can't even explain my joy. (So I won't try. Just know that there were many happy tears involved.)
As for my writing, I'm still at 20,000 words. But I'm okay with that. It's been a great week, how can I complain?! I even got some zucchini planted in my garden! This year, I hope it survives (please tell me I'm not the only one who can't get zucchini to grow).
Sometimes life gets in the way of writing, even good things. I'll get back on the wagon next week, I am just so grateful for all the wonderful things that are happening around me!
p.s. I've gained three pounds so far on the race to weight loss with my husband. That's only muscle...right?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Great Day for Remembering
Remember.
I love that word. I love to remember. Memorial Day brings to mind some images that I want to remember.
I want to remember brave men and women who sacrificed for my freedom. I have a better life because of them. Their gift to me is priceless.
I want to remember my heroes: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, William Tyndale, John Calvin, Martin Luther, Mary, Esther, Helen Keller, Johann Sebestian Bach, Alan Shepherd, Winston Churchill, and anyone who made a difference.
I want to remember the parents who gave me life and who made me who I am. I want to remember grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and summer nights together.
I want to remember some simpler days; flag waving, lemonade sipping, ice cream churning, barefoot running days.
I want to remember 4 cent stamps, nickel candy bars, and pick-a-winner suckers. I want to remember dixie cups, orange crush, 45 records, and men on the moon. I want to remember drive-in movies, penny candy, and doing the twist.
I want to remember childhood friends, picnics and long bike-rides. I want to remember jr. high dances, my favorite crushes, and punch and cookies.
I want to remember high school graduation, college life, and dear friends who made life fun. I want to remember the teachers who shaped my thinking and my future. I want to remember the connections, the crossroads, the events that brought me here.
More than anything I want to remember the relationships that have made my life so sweet. Thanks to everyone who has ever touched my life. I love remembering. I love you.
This is a great day for remembering. What do you want to remember?
Linda Garner
I love that word. I love to remember. Memorial Day brings to mind some images that I want to remember.
I want to remember brave men and women who sacrificed for my freedom. I have a better life because of them. Their gift to me is priceless.
I want to remember my heroes: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, William Tyndale, John Calvin, Martin Luther, Mary, Esther, Helen Keller, Johann Sebestian Bach, Alan Shepherd, Winston Churchill, and anyone who made a difference.
I want to remember the parents who gave me life and who made me who I am. I want to remember grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and summer nights together.
I want to remember some simpler days; flag waving, lemonade sipping, ice cream churning, barefoot running days.
I want to remember 4 cent stamps, nickel candy bars, and pick-a-winner suckers. I want to remember dixie cups, orange crush, 45 records, and men on the moon. I want to remember drive-in movies, penny candy, and doing the twist.
I want to remember childhood friends, picnics and long bike-rides. I want to remember jr. high dances, my favorite crushes, and punch and cookies.
I want to remember high school graduation, college life, and dear friends who made life fun. I want to remember the teachers who shaped my thinking and my future. I want to remember the connections, the crossroads, the events that brought me here.
More than anything I want to remember the relationships that have made my life so sweet. Thanks to everyone who has ever touched my life. I love remembering. I love you.
This is a great day for remembering. What do you want to remember?
Linda Garner
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, cha cha cha...Thursday, cha cha cha (please sing in a jazzy-latin beat)
"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!"
-- Dr. Seuss
So today is Thursday and I’m sitting here in my sweats, debating if I should run on the treadmill, do the laundry, or work on my next chapter. Plus I have a load of dishes in my sink. It’s amazing how those dishes grow even when the kids do the dishes the night before.
As far as my writing, I have made a goal for myself. Write a chapter of my book each day. I am only one chapter behind that goal and almost at 20,000 words. Hurray!
It all started when I had to write a synopsis for my creative writing class. That turned into a first chapter (which was well received), and now has turned into 1/3rd of a book. I’m trying to have it finished before I begin my summer classes at school in the middle of June. Plus still raise my kids and dig a path to my wash machine.
Can it be done? Yes it can (thank you Bob the Builder for those inspiring words).
So, my blog posts may be short for the time being. I am busily writing up a storm. I’ll let you know when I’m done!
P.S. My husband and I have challenged each other to lose weight. I will lose ten pounds and he will lose fifteen. I have given up chocolate chips and my beloved chocolate candy bars. *sob* But it is for a good cause, and I am sure to win without the chocolate laying around the house. Now if he will just stop buying that Snickers Ice Cream.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Change The World
It’s a tall order, changing the world. How often have you wished you could do something that will make a difference for someone far away? I know I have. Starving children in Ethiopia; single moms in Calcutta; families surviving in poverty with no chance at education; wouldn’t you love to be there handing out hope.
Kiva is an organization that lends money to entepreneurs in third world countries. You can loan as little as $25. You can choose the recipient of your loan. Synergy is the magic that makes Kiva work. When my $25 joins your $25 and many others contribute their $25, there is enough money to create small miracles. When the loans are repaid, lenders can withdraw their funds or relend to someone else.
Consider Hannah Acquay who lives in Ghana and sells smoked fish from a stand. She buys the fish from local fishermen and then smokes them . She needs $700 to buy more fish. She wants to increase her income so that her four children can be educated. Hannah is 48 and married. She started her business four years ago. She has many customers. Some travel from other regions to buy her fish. Hannah will repay her loan over the next 7 months.
Consider 35 year old Hassane who lives in Southern Lebanon with his wife and child. Hassane has owned a garage for twenty years and works as a car repairman. Hassane has requested a loan of $2000 to buy tools. He is a skilled mechanic who works independently. He wants to expand his business. He will repay his loan over the next 14 months. This will be Hassane’s fourth loan. He has always repaid on time.
Kiva helps hundreds of people like Hassane and Hannah. This week 3,440 new lenders joined Kiva. This week $1,209,625 was loaned to 3,254 entrepreneurs funded by 14,541 lenders. At Kiva a new loan happens every 16 seconds. This is the magic of synergy.
How do you feel about changing the world? Kiva is changing the world, one person at a time. You can change the world too. All you need is $25. Check it out at Kiva.com.
Linda Garner
Kiva is an organization that lends money to entepreneurs in third world countries. You can loan as little as $25. You can choose the recipient of your loan. Synergy is the magic that makes Kiva work. When my $25 joins your $25 and many others contribute their $25, there is enough money to create small miracles. When the loans are repaid, lenders can withdraw their funds or relend to someone else.
Consider Hannah Acquay who lives in Ghana and sells smoked fish from a stand. She buys the fish from local fishermen and then smokes them . She needs $700 to buy more fish. She wants to increase her income so that her four children can be educated. Hannah is 48 and married. She started her business four years ago. She has many customers. Some travel from other regions to buy her fish. Hannah will repay her loan over the next 7 months.
Consider 35 year old Hassane who lives in Southern Lebanon with his wife and child. Hassane has owned a garage for twenty years and works as a car repairman. Hassane has requested a loan of $2000 to buy tools. He is a skilled mechanic who works independently. He wants to expand his business. He will repay his loan over the next 14 months. This will be Hassane’s fourth loan. He has always repaid on time.
Kiva helps hundreds of people like Hassane and Hannah. This week 3,440 new lenders joined Kiva. This week $1,209,625 was loaned to 3,254 entrepreneurs funded by 14,541 lenders. At Kiva a new loan happens every 16 seconds. This is the magic of synergy.
How do you feel about changing the world? Kiva is changing the world, one person at a time. You can change the world too. All you need is $25. Check it out at Kiva.com.
Linda Garner
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Shhhhh…Writing
It’s amazing the difference one week can make. I finished my finals, my dishes are done, and my hair is even curled. It’s writing time.
I have a little over a month before I start my next load of college classes (why oh why didn’t I do more when I was younger, I’ll never know). My kids are still in school for a few more weeks before summer vacation.
So, this post will be short, so I can take full advantage to write. =)
I’m on a writing rampage. So if you see me typing away on my front room couch…just slid the chocolate bar under the door. It’s all good. ;P
Oh and by the way, It’s been a while, but I would like to award my Scribbler Awards: Here they are *drum roll *
For my friends who I started my first conferences with:
Molly (has a private blog, so I won't link)
Ashley
Nichole
Because you guys just keep going and give me hope!
For my friends who make me laugh,
Linus Peabody (you’re a hoot! Keep up the awesome work!) (Sorry another private blog site)
Rachel (I loved the small blog on chocolate a few months ago. Made me giggle)
Just follow these rules and keep on going! =) Thanks everybody. Click here to see the main page.
Of course, as with every Bloggy Award, there are A Few Rules. They are, forthwith:
- Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
- Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
- Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
- Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
- Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.
There you have it my friends. Scibblers and writing. Keep up the good work. Talk to you next week. Must...keep....writing....need chocolate...
I have a little over a month before I start my next load of college classes (why oh why didn’t I do more when I was younger, I’ll never know). My kids are still in school for a few more weeks before summer vacation.
So, this post will be short, so I can take full advantage to write. =)
I’m on a writing rampage. So if you see me typing away on my front room couch…just slid the chocolate bar under the door. It’s all good. ;P
Oh and by the way, It’s been a while, but I would like to award my Scribbler Awards: Here they are *drum roll *
For my friends who I started my first conferences with:
Molly (has a private blog, so I won't link)
Ashley
Nichole
Because you guys just keep going and give me hope!
For my friends who make me laugh,
Linus Peabody (you’re a hoot! Keep up the awesome work!) (Sorry another private blog site)
Rachel (I loved the small blog on chocolate a few months ago. Made me giggle)
Just follow these rules and keep on going! =) Thanks everybody. Click here to see the main page.
Of course, as with every Bloggy Award, there are A Few Rules. They are, forthwith:
- Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
- Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
- Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.
- Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
- Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.
There you have it my friends. Scibblers and writing. Keep up the good work. Talk to you next week. Must...keep....writing....need chocolate...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tristi Pinkston, Where Have You Been Hiding?
I have been mostly dead for more than 5 days. Yuck! Yesterday (day six) a kindly doctor told me it was nothing but a nasty virus and that I would probably pull through. (probably?) There are only two good things about being mostly dead. 1. Lots of sleep. 2. I get to READ.
On day two of being mostly dead, I woke from my around the clock slumber and decided that a good book was just what I needed. I grabbed a couple of books, a pile of pillows, a whole lot of vitamin C and a year’s supply of tissues. I dove headfirst into Tristi Pinkston’s historical novel, Nothing to Regret.
Before LDS Storymakers Convention, I had never hear of Tristi Pinkston, Granite Publishing, or any of her titles. I didn’t know what to expect. I had been watching Tristi, though, and she was so delightful that I wanted to get to know her better. What better way than reading one of her books. I selected one, bought it and asked her to sign it for me. I was on my way.
When I cornered Tristi, she was on her way to dress for the Whitney Awards, so there wasn’t much chit chat. Still she was warm and friendly and the note above her signature was intriguing. "The Power of the atonement is real," she wrote. That gave me something to think about.
Reading Nothing to Regret was a rare treat. Tristi spins an amazing tale that reads like truth. Her characters were real and her story was compelling. Nothing to Regret is a story that begins with the Japanese interment in the U.S. following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and ends with the healing of a family, the healing of lives and hearts. It is a story of war, of prejudice, of pain, heartbreak, and growth. It is a story of change, of forgiveness, of love. It is indeed a powerful story about the love and healing available through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Tristi, may I add my witness to yours? The power of the atonement is indeed real.
I have just two questions for Tristi. 1. Are your other books this good? (Very unfair question.) 2. Where have you been hiding?
Linda Garner
P.S.
Some Secrets Hurt goes to press today! Share my joy!
On day two of being mostly dead, I woke from my around the clock slumber and decided that a good book was just what I needed. I grabbed a couple of books, a pile of pillows, a whole lot of vitamin C and a year’s supply of tissues. I dove headfirst into Tristi Pinkston’s historical novel, Nothing to Regret.
Before LDS Storymakers Convention, I had never hear of Tristi Pinkston, Granite Publishing, or any of her titles. I didn’t know what to expect. I had been watching Tristi, though, and she was so delightful that I wanted to get to know her better. What better way than reading one of her books. I selected one, bought it and asked her to sign it for me. I was on my way.
When I cornered Tristi, she was on her way to dress for the Whitney Awards, so there wasn’t much chit chat. Still she was warm and friendly and the note above her signature was intriguing. "The Power of the atonement is real," she wrote. That gave me something to think about.
Reading Nothing to Regret was a rare treat. Tristi spins an amazing tale that reads like truth. Her characters were real and her story was compelling. Nothing to Regret is a story that begins with the Japanese interment in the U.S. following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and ends with the healing of a family, the healing of lives and hearts. It is a story of war, of prejudice, of pain, heartbreak, and growth. It is a story of change, of forgiveness, of love. It is indeed a powerful story about the love and healing available through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Tristi, may I add my witness to yours? The power of the atonement is indeed real.
I have just two questions for Tristi. 1. Are your other books this good? (Very unfair question.) 2. Where have you been hiding?
Linda Garner
P.S.
Some Secrets Hurt goes to press today! Share my joy!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Why can’t I get this stinkin’ lid back on?...Stupid…Pandora.
I think this is the week. This is the week I’m giving up writing.
I mean, how many times do I have to sit at that blank computer screen and try to think of something that might wow and surprise?
Then there are the highs and lows. Am I good enough to be published? Will people enjoy what I’m writing? Will I stop eating those candy bars that I long for while I’m writing? I mean, seriously, I need to loose ten pounds (but I will settle for five).
Do we need to mention the time it takes? Four hours for one stinkin’ chapter. And that’s only if there is a good idea and no carpool, scouts, after school practices, blogging. Well…there has to be blogging.
And the rules….the rules. Did you know there were rules to writing? Don’t use ly adverbs, don’t start a sentence with and or but or or for that matter. Is it alright or all right? Cut down on those pesky…. Ellipses….(although I really think they are awesome). Please, please, please don’t always start a sentence with "I did"…"I think"…"I will." Mix up your I’s up a little.
But then there are the things that I will miss.
When the principal of your children’s school asks what you do for a living and you say, “I write." She looks at you with awe instead of disdain and says, “I didn’t know that.” From then on out she remembers your name at every school function (that is until your toddler accidentally dumps a liter of red fruit punch on the school’s new white table clothes that are only used during the extra special events. Then suddenly she forgets who you are). (I’m just kidding, that only happened once.) (Really, the punch spilling didn't happen at all. She's awesome. I mean it. Really. Man, I hope she's not reading this post. That came out totally wrong.)
Trying to get such-and-such a character together with such-a-such even though you know they just hate each other on the exterior, but deep down they know they would make the perfect pair.
In your story, bumping off that high school teacher that said you would only amount to being the school’s award winning dirt eater. What is a dirt eater anyway? And are there worms involved?
Taking your experimental chapter to a large critique session and having the entire table explode in laughter. You try so hard not to laugh with them until tears run down your checks (because that would be weird if you laughed that hard at your own stuff).
Writing is like opening Pandora’s box and not being able to put the lid back on. You've got the good and the bad. Plus, once you start, you just can’t stop!
So, I guess I won’t be giving up writing for this week. Ask me again next week. Right now I have to crack open this ten pack of Hershey’s chocolate bars and get back to work. Ohhhh, I think what’s her name should get together with hot-looking guy. But not until that one teacher falls down dead in her cream of asparagus soup. * contemplating as I gaze up at ceiling with melted chocolate on fingers * Sweet!
I mean, how many times do I have to sit at that blank computer screen and try to think of something that might wow and surprise?
Then there are the highs and lows. Am I good enough to be published? Will people enjoy what I’m writing? Will I stop eating those candy bars that I long for while I’m writing? I mean, seriously, I need to loose ten pounds (but I will settle for five).
Do we need to mention the time it takes? Four hours for one stinkin’ chapter. And that’s only if there is a good idea and no carpool, scouts, after school practices, blogging. Well…there has to be blogging.
And the rules….the rules. Did you know there were rules to writing? Don’t use ly adverbs, don’t start a sentence with and or but or or for that matter. Is it alright or all right? Cut down on those pesky…. Ellipses….(although I really think they are awesome). Please, please, please don’t always start a sentence with "I did"…"I think"…"I will." Mix up your I’s up a little.
But then there are the things that I will miss.
When the principal of your children’s school asks what you do for a living and you say, “I write." She looks at you with awe instead of disdain and says, “I didn’t know that.” From then on out she remembers your name at every school function (that is until your toddler accidentally dumps a liter of red fruit punch on the school’s new white table clothes that are only used during the extra special events. Then suddenly she forgets who you are). (I’m just kidding, that only happened once.) (Really, the punch spilling didn't happen at all. She's awesome. I mean it. Really. Man, I hope she's not reading this post. That came out totally wrong.)
Trying to get such-and-such a character together with such-a-such even though you know they just hate each other on the exterior, but deep down they know they would make the perfect pair.
In your story, bumping off that high school teacher that said you would only amount to being the school’s award winning dirt eater. What is a dirt eater anyway? And are there worms involved?
Taking your experimental chapter to a large critique session and having the entire table explode in laughter. You try so hard not to laugh with them until tears run down your checks (because that would be weird if you laughed that hard at your own stuff).
Writing is like opening Pandora’s box and not being able to put the lid back on. You've got the good and the bad. Plus, once you start, you just can’t stop!
So, I guess I won’t be giving up writing for this week. Ask me again next week. Right now I have to crack open this ten pack of Hershey’s chocolate bars and get back to work. Ohhhh, I think what’s her name should get together with hot-looking guy. But not until that one teacher falls down dead in her cream of asparagus soup. * contemplating as I gaze up at ceiling with melted chocolate on fingers * Sweet!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
What Do You Say When You Talk to Yourself?
What do you say when you talk to yourself? Isn’t that a great question? Are you your own best friend, or your own worst enemy? Do you tear yourself down or do your build yourself up? Is your self talk encouraging and affirming, or is it negative and depressing?
Years ago I read a book with that exact title, What Do You Say When You Talk To Yourself. It’s an old book, but worth tracking down. It’s a fascinating read, full of information about self talk.
With all the negative and sometimes scary news in the world today, we need a voice of hope. We need to hear something positive and encouraging every day. Where are we going to go to hear that message? Maybe you can get it from the books you read and the music you listen to. Maybe you can get it at church. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a friend with a positive voice.
What if you could be that friend? What if you could have a positive voice in your head, and the voice was your own? How would it change your life if you could say to yourself the things you wish others would say to you? The price is right and the words could be tailor-made to fit your needs. The voice would be familiar even if the words are new. The language would be the language of your heart spoken in your mother tongue.
What might your inner voice say to you if it was speaking from a place of hope and encouragement? Why not make a list? Why not start it today? You might include thoughts like: I am amazing. I am powerful. I am making good choices. I know who I am. I love myself. I am safe. I love my body. I love who I am. I have great ideas. I believe in myself. I trust myself. I am showing up for myself. I am confident. I am hopeful.
Those encouraging thoughts could also be about the world we live in. This is a great world we live in. Amazing opportunites are everywhere. The earth is full and rich. The earth is abundant. There is enough abundance for everyone. Abundance is coming to me. The world is a safe and inviting place. I am loved and supported. I am valued. I am protected. People support me. People show-up for me.
The thoughts we think are very powerful. If we think scarcity, we get scarcity. If we think abundance, we get abundance. If we think fear, we get frightened. We get more of what we focus our mind and our attention on. How much of our reality is controlled by our thoughts? Good question. Perhaps the answer is within you.
What do you say when you talk to yourself?
Linda Garner
Years ago I read a book with that exact title, What Do You Say When You Talk To Yourself. It’s an old book, but worth tracking down. It’s a fascinating read, full of information about self talk.
With all the negative and sometimes scary news in the world today, we need a voice of hope. We need to hear something positive and encouraging every day. Where are we going to go to hear that message? Maybe you can get it from the books you read and the music you listen to. Maybe you can get it at church. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a friend with a positive voice.
What if you could be that friend? What if you could have a positive voice in your head, and the voice was your own? How would it change your life if you could say to yourself the things you wish others would say to you? The price is right and the words could be tailor-made to fit your needs. The voice would be familiar even if the words are new. The language would be the language of your heart spoken in your mother tongue.
What might your inner voice say to you if it was speaking from a place of hope and encouragement? Why not make a list? Why not start it today? You might include thoughts like: I am amazing. I am powerful. I am making good choices. I know who I am. I love myself. I am safe. I love my body. I love who I am. I have great ideas. I believe in myself. I trust myself. I am showing up for myself. I am confident. I am hopeful.
Those encouraging thoughts could also be about the world we live in. This is a great world we live in. Amazing opportunites are everywhere. The earth is full and rich. The earth is abundant. There is enough abundance for everyone. Abundance is coming to me. The world is a safe and inviting place. I am loved and supported. I am valued. I am protected. People support me. People show-up for me.
The thoughts we think are very powerful. If we think scarcity, we get scarcity. If we think abundance, we get abundance. If we think fear, we get frightened. We get more of what we focus our mind and our attention on. How much of our reality is controlled by our thoughts? Good question. Perhaps the answer is within you.
What do you say when you talk to yourself?
Linda Garner
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