tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43339470243437763412024-03-14T15:41:50.685-06:00Jenny WritesWriting. Life in Colorado. Other good stuff.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-91043866175223982912024-03-13T06:00:00.065-06:002024-03-13T06:00:00.236-06:00Weekly Roundup 9: Orchid Patience<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2ZFFxs5WwhcKfqdO9I0MmkWKp2k7gCT1NfDMo_ThReALaFkF-vrYObsNDkULHuUy39XMupGacKRN3QfjbXqGzlvIqCg9ADkJqKzClo93kjEJCgPgNMfudaPWub6DYLZWaC2xHvnyzxutxjdy2bEVD__nevcw0RJ6mkKNr4gDsiOdolHXw7sS5r4_7fQ/s4032/20240312_164447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2ZFFxs5WwhcKfqdO9I0MmkWKp2k7gCT1NfDMo_ThReALaFkF-vrYObsNDkULHuUy39XMupGacKRN3QfjbXqGzlvIqCg9ADkJqKzClo93kjEJCgPgNMfudaPWub6DYLZWaC2xHvnyzxutxjdy2bEVD__nevcw0RJ6mkKNr4gDsiOdolHXw7sS5r4_7fQ/w300-h400/20240312_164447.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure how long I've had this orchid, but I think my husband gave it to me a few years ago. This is the third time it has bloomed, and it is the best bloom so far. I don't do anything in particular to the plant, just leave it in the same place and water it. And wait.</div><p></p><p>I wish I could say that I wisely apply this hands-off patience to other parts of my life, but that's challenging. I always feel like there's something I could and should be doing to get the desired result. Watching and waiting seems too passive. But sometimes when conditions are right, that's all that needs to be done. </p><p>The tricky part is finding the balance between productivity and rest, which is something my orchid apparently doesn't stress about.</p><p><b>The Ides of March: </b>Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, and the date was immortalized by Shakespeare's famous line: "Beware the ides of March." The Ides of March still has an unlucky vibe, but in ancient Rome, "ides" referred only to the full phase of the moon. The Romans used a lunar calendar, with the new moon occurring on the first day of the month and the full moon on the 15th. So the date isn't inherently unlucky--unless you owed someone money, as that was the day the Romans settled their debts.</p><p>If all else fails, the luck of the Irish comes to the rescue two days later, on St. Patrick's Day.</p><p>Erin go bragh! (Ireland forever!)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-88933076419154567272024-03-06T06:00:00.005-07:002024-03-06T06:00:00.257-07:00Weekly Roundup 8: In Like a Lion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnomghZakbx8jiChk5sEMPIK2gDnmYw5kZbmDkvdEs4aZIsE7-diH-qrD9WSwIOxk9JLEEVX5OCfVH-tSuVXPz24rZvuHFxshjRCm2YEpwafw6xO3-Kkd1DRd5g2B_MottSEXx5J3LdjVH98fqkKbAMxwWkw8QW7ya1cQ8uqQi7oDz6lj2z4_O7424pec/s4608/20240211_094722.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnomghZakbx8jiChk5sEMPIK2gDnmYw5kZbmDkvdEs4aZIsE7-diH-qrD9WSwIOxk9JLEEVX5OCfVH-tSuVXPz24rZvuHFxshjRCm2YEpwafw6xO3-Kkd1DRd5g2B_MottSEXx5J3LdjVH98fqkKbAMxwWkw8QW7ya1cQ8uqQi7oDz6lj2z4_O7424pec/w300-h400/20240211_094722.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>From a brisk breeze to a howling gale, every day of March so far has been windy here in Colorado. The month is definitely coming in like a lion, as the saying goes. I've always assumed the phrase "in like a lion, out like a lamb" was attributed to Shakespeare. After all, he gave us such gems as "wild goose chase," "brave new world," "too much of a good thing," "neither rhyme nor reason," and "cruel to be kind."<div><br /></div><div>But the Paris Review credits Thomas Fuller’s
1732<i> Gnomologia: Adagies and Proverbs; Wise Sentences and Witty Sayings,
ancient and Modern, Foreign and British</i> for coining "Comes in like a Lion,
Goes out like a Lamb."</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There's also some question about whether the saying might be
related to the positions of the constellations. In early March, Leo the Lion is
on the eastern horizon at sunset. At the end of the month, Aries the Ram is on
the western horizon.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whatever the explanation, the phrase often feels very
accurate when the cold winds of early March are a' blowin. (It apparently has
nothing to do with the Lunar New Year lions that bring luck and prosperity, I
just thought I'd throw that picture in here.)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How about another idiomatic expression: to crane one's neck?
This one is pretty obvious. It means to stretch your neck much like a crane
does, in order to get a better look at something. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I saw lots of necks craning
last weekend when I visited Colorado's San Luis Valley to spy some migrating
Sandhill Cranes. In the spring, these birds famously <a href="https://earthsky.org/earth/sandhill-cranes-migrating-in-record-numbers-in-us-midwest/?mc_cid=34a3f348a3&mc_eid=4efeb69d00" target="_blank">flock in the thousands</a> to
an area around Kearney, Nebraska. But they also pass through southern Colorado,
which IMHO is more beautiful than Nebraska any day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We had a lovely morning of crane watching before, you
guessed it, the winds kicked up.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hang onto your hats and have a great week!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><span style="color: #414141;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414141;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQihZ-fPhzf_eh5xQ9LFTiIXCgCABOc_LOsWG4RAuwaE-wT_7OydQgESjqlb0oo3je8AHoqQ-A7xk46QBUPgsh7zMCIW5IdS0sQ1bGaqwbaABYeFXOAU1E-uxXafg_fHFqDZqMjeotxsSws_gDZ8e2-HvlkvmVQUp1rAYDc6Ddm6UMOGqtuCfXhzOUCw0/s3024/20240302_090543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2070" data-original-width="3024" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQihZ-fPhzf_eh5xQ9LFTiIXCgCABOc_LOsWG4RAuwaE-wT_7OydQgESjqlb0oo3je8AHoqQ-A7xk46QBUPgsh7zMCIW5IdS0sQ1bGaqwbaABYeFXOAU1E-uxXafg_fHFqDZqMjeotxsSws_gDZ8e2-HvlkvmVQUp1rAYDc6Ddm6UMOGqtuCfXhzOUCw0/w400-h274/20240302_090543.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKecY7D2l4oT3NaLY1068NJHriL5MBiftntAVhb0k5KV03hQAfHjBjtTtvmojbqvLZi75c0L9caPO36q0c7LNmdUaKQP4uaIW0YIe1_JCoOVtUjlq0LywHqvaDbogq46VurQSqkoNvT36P9aAXF-dEdIscZ_KqZaNkexf0oH2kLkqZCvam-l6PPRNRB0/s4032/20240302_094055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKecY7D2l4oT3NaLY1068NJHriL5MBiftntAVhb0k5KV03hQAfHjBjtTtvmojbqvLZi75c0L9caPO36q0c7LNmdUaKQP4uaIW0YIe1_JCoOVtUjlq0LywHqvaDbogq46VurQSqkoNvT36P9aAXF-dEdIscZ_KqZaNkexf0oH2kLkqZCvam-l6PPRNRB0/w400-h300/20240302_094055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414141;"><br /></span></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"> </span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEMJu7-_dkCgvpQspaxQCzi16o3_MUGnRx5IG_Pfm0BwSULNIFZ0cavHp8bvFcjEZGgQeOy-g3suKUSITcCOiPq2Pcb06oPLOU3UAGRUGrVuByJ8Z-100UaMzQvv3_QZxEy_rzEf37ETnzQU5H4QLRuXeOc5QDzKFPBT7xBQO2ZoOg-OHyS3myCq-wHE/s4032/20240302_173355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEMJu7-_dkCgvpQspaxQCzi16o3_MUGnRx5IG_Pfm0BwSULNIFZ0cavHp8bvFcjEZGgQeOy-g3suKUSITcCOiPq2Pcb06oPLOU3UAGRUGrVuByJ8Z-100UaMzQvv3_QZxEy_rzEf37ETnzQU5H4QLRuXeOc5QDzKFPBT7xBQO2ZoOg-OHyS3myCq-wHE/w400-h300/20240302_173355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414141;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414141;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414141;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414141;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #414141;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-6409993342525496462024-02-28T06:00:00.009-07:002024-02-28T06:00:00.148-07:00Weekly Roundup 7: Bonus Day!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianJlDuSp2-PTr6B7Rn7cOOSUmuKjNXX0U5AR97DAUPshdk07VC1nrJEquXELqtL93BGSNgYvGmMWG76FWeNcectdB_2CG4xiQln73Dx2TDq9s2XyFDa9iN4yRCy0_uf0QfaXUbs9ZPjv8km4dp47VFqB-1y-ugaKx4iruyx4SvdGzfqpcltlLJpzMT88/s300/leap%20day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianJlDuSp2-PTr6B7Rn7cOOSUmuKjNXX0U5AR97DAUPshdk07VC1nrJEquXELqtL93BGSNgYvGmMWG76FWeNcectdB_2CG4xiQln73Dx2TDq9s2XyFDa9iN4yRCy0_uf0QfaXUbs9ZPjv8km4dp47VFqB-1y-ugaKx4iruyx4SvdGzfqpcltlLJpzMT88/w320-h179/leap%20day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Thursday, February 29, 2024 is a Leap Day! In a nutshell, an extra day was added to various calendars around the world because it takes the sun 365.242190 days to orbit the sun. Over time those quarter-days add up and throw the calendar out of sync with the seasons. Leap Day is a reset day every four years.<p></p><p>Not everyone loves Leap Day. Leaplings (born on February 29) might feel cheated out of an annual birthday. In many places, it is bad luck to get married or start a relationship on Leap Day. In Greece, Scotland, and Germany, the entire year is seen as unlucky. </p><p>Though Leap Day was traditionally seen as a day in which gender roles were reversed and women could do "male" things such as propose marriage, the flip side, according to Monmouth University history professor Katherine Parkin, was that women were often ridiculed for it. She calls it "false empowerment." Hmph.</p><p>The <a href="http://hankehenryontime.com/" target="_blank">Hanke-Henry Permanent Calendar</a> would do away with Leap Day. In this calendar, every date would fall on the same day of the week every year. January 1, for example, would always be a Monday. Birthdays would be the same day, too, which is great for the Friday/Saturday people and much less fun for the Monday/Tuesday people. But the permanent calendar doesn't avoid the "calendar drift" either, so every six years, a leap week would be added to the end of December.</p><p>Even though I occasionally get cheated out of a weekend birthday, I vote that we stick with our current system and have a bonus day every four years. I hope you have the chance to do something fun, bold, or memorable on February 29. Or do nothing at all! Take a nap and dream of spring.</p><p>Oh, and that guy in the picture is Leap Day William, from a very funny <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/30-rock-leap-day-william-episode.html" target="_blank">episode of 30Rock</a>.</p><p>See you in March! </p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-71972439077971886442024-02-21T06:00:00.094-07:002024-02-21T06:00:00.132-07:00Weekly Roundup 6: Labors of Love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNwHJdqCSW6VAFtwQtCrA6mORFi5zDAC0zhZN6s0xBI6Nm3YToWpV1bWlz_67VDNZgu8Z6g9ZtEeGCNLbWWjt0YYh8bnxvjLi5vff0FMQE_IVM6s5-NTXdCJhl6U7e3KWmsXSqa26F0ktrJxG6S48doK4fdVLgdERhaNudAltZBBwWVepDB6LNICojnw/s2048/DSCN0270.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1896" data-original-width="2048" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNwHJdqCSW6VAFtwQtCrA6mORFi5zDAC0zhZN6s0xBI6Nm3YToWpV1bWlz_67VDNZgu8Z6g9ZtEeGCNLbWWjt0YYh8bnxvjLi5vff0FMQE_IVM6s5-NTXdCJhl6U7e3KWmsXSqa26F0ktrJxG6S48doK4fdVLgdERhaNudAltZBBwWVepDB6LNICojnw/w320-h296/DSCN0270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's always around this time of year, as tax preparation season gears up, that I am reminded of how little income I generate as a writer. There are reasons for this. More published books now than any time in history, for example. And less industry support for authors.<p></p><p>But one of the biggest reasons is that I'm terrible at selling books. I get overwhelmed by the number of social media platforms that all but require my participation. I suffer from imposter syndrome. I choose fun (writing) over not-fun (marketing). And, yes, I perhaps like Netflix a little too much.</p><p>I'm no stranger to labors of love. When I stayed home with our young sons, I did a tremendous amount of work without a traditional paycheck. Now I'm increasingly doing the same for my mother. Throughout it all, the writing tugs at my sleeve, the ever-present companion who compels me to spend hours and hours on projects that will never earn me a living wage.</p><p>And you know what? I'm okay with it. When I was younger, writing as a labor of love wasn't enough. But as I've gotten older and (hopefully) wiser, I've started to measure success differently. I strongly suspect I'll never be a Colleen Hoover, but when I'm a finalist in a short story contest or have a friend tell me she still thinks about the characters in my novels months later, it's a different kind of payment.</p><p><b>Show Romance Some Love:</b> There's still time to read a romance novel before the month of March is upon us. For ideas, Bookriot has a list of the <a href="https://bookriot.com/best-selling-romance-books-of-all-time/" target="_blank">bestselling romance books of all time</a>. Yes, the gray one is on there. And the vampire one. After all, the list is bestselling, not critically acclaimed. But like heart shaped boxes of chocolates, romance novels can be a guilty pleasure. (A special shoutout to my friend who is trying to make it through <i>Twilight. </i>You can do it!) </p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-29401587422483678342024-02-14T06:00:00.090-07:002024-02-14T06:00:00.156-07:00Weekly Roundup 5: Beautiful Day<p><b>Beautiful Day:</b> First of all, it's a beautiful day because it's Valentine's Day. I'm not a super-romantic person, but I very much value the various forms of love in my life: spousal, maternal, familial, platonic, pets, plants. (I do think my plants love me back, just very quietly haha!)</p><p>But the title of this post refers to the U2 song Beautiful Day, which I had the pleasure of hearing performed live twice in the past week. First by the Vitamin String Quartet, a very talented group of musicians who put an amazing classical spin on rock and pop music. Other songs in the program included Prince's Purple Rain, Kate Bush's Running up That Hill, and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOgi9qMzsIRYcLTQXm6DqR1rROyz9hnfcDcdgBrTiu8p1r-2cxsq1G6v-0zZrhbz4AgEpXBFDpK9aa2sG97OzhC5CtfvgWtU3xbjROO9HCwNKzdbEApEa1tiI7H-6ajjhrgmTFyPJADMT74I4PC4isrgqiOZtEyCnZ9vORU8AwGfGcTiVRJihxHTzHis/s4032/20240206_204956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOgi9qMzsIRYcLTQXm6DqR1rROyz9hnfcDcdgBrTiu8p1r-2cxsq1G6v-0zZrhbz4AgEpXBFDpK9aa2sG97OzhC5CtfvgWtU3xbjROO9HCwNKzdbEApEa1tiI7H-6ajjhrgmTFyPJADMT74I4PC4isrgqiOZtEyCnZ9vORU8AwGfGcTiVRJihxHTzHis/w400-h300/20240206_204956.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>But to top that, I had the opportunity to hear U2 perform Beautiful Day at the Sphere in Las Vegas last weekend. I've been a fan for years and have never seen the band live. Big bucket list item for me, especially when I could share it with Son #1, who is also a big U2 fan. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24pTJQ0JHfLmac4VeM6EuFgMdKnOzhhEND3yCQg9WIRR0DcyY4tDaK_s1e44hdJaDXHlYFDmc20t6vyxKIjQwyBpiNZKxtoL02s6mDC6aoPaJFNR5N8XLnvMBjtIhTM9BIZlGdf21pdUP1admJUXivamWcvSBRZXqYF42Eo8151D8GEGKFQmQAwSPTzY/s4032/20240210_190451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24pTJQ0JHfLmac4VeM6EuFgMdKnOzhhEND3yCQg9WIRR0DcyY4tDaK_s1e44hdJaDXHlYFDmc20t6vyxKIjQwyBpiNZKxtoL02s6mDC6aoPaJFNR5N8XLnvMBjtIhTM9BIZlGdf21pdUP1admJUXivamWcvSBRZXqYF42Eo8151D8GEGKFQmQAwSPTzY/w400-h300/20240210_190451.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92hlKQ6EPAD_mn_xCj1qw9LDKI9hwMv66B1DlI1lm1pE7mexmIjuE1ZWRgjSVFa0TsWj3WZdUbKizraiSYT-5LEoin-7DDs047dF6XpbDzfvhHqXMPB96Lz736LhbIv79ve2SicvPKrAYwkhqvLehVyxcfhFaM7bPriF2wV4O7RMP1d1VH4pEuZlFNxg/s4032/20240210_215644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92hlKQ6EPAD_mn_xCj1qw9LDKI9hwMv66B1DlI1lm1pE7mexmIjuE1ZWRgjSVFa0TsWj3WZdUbKizraiSYT-5LEoin-7DDs047dF6XpbDzfvhHqXMPB96Lz736LhbIv79ve2SicvPKrAYwkhqvLehVyxcfhFaM7bPriF2wV4O7RMP1d1VH4pEuZlFNxg/w300-h400/20240210_215644.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Year of the Dragon: </b>February 10 ushered in the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. The dragon is the only mythical animal in the Chinese zodiac and is seen as especially auspicious, representing wisdom, strength, prosperity, and luck. And the Wood Dragon is the most creative, visionary, and generous of the dragons. I hope this year brings you many opportunities to follow your dreams, expand your horizons, and show compassion and loyalty to your friends.</p><p>Have a Beautiful Day! See you next week.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQxIOcHND5SVjp0JI_0uvYnl7uA-ygpWv_KR46LSTnLIwVkcvCC77dRAjfwCRIHM9X6NRdoHo1fSkXXfq-TAPL3UKU87ZdObPk4H2m4S4bRlEhiMLmSCwcnhkz9fUQlJHhkmWaMzoXmB6dtjoRTeI1z1_AoMMDrX1ZO-rqNhgTHS-thUScMgUVivYRUM/s4032/20240211_093448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQxIOcHND5SVjp0JI_0uvYnl7uA-ygpWv_KR46LSTnLIwVkcvCC77dRAjfwCRIHM9X6NRdoHo1fSkXXfq-TAPL3UKU87ZdObPk4H2m4S4bRlEhiMLmSCwcnhkz9fUQlJHhkmWaMzoXmB6dtjoRTeI1z1_AoMMDrX1ZO-rqNhgTHS-thUScMgUVivYRUM/w300-h400/20240211_093448.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />This awesome dragon was part of the display at the Bellagio Conservatory in Las Vegas. And, no, I was not a guest there :-) <p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-13981202178025233002024-02-07T13:57:00.000-07:002024-02-07T13:57:14.116-07:00Weekly Roundup 4: See Jane Inspire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzYfNb1ToHY7ADLQuWUUIHx3lYayb4s4jGu7ahFSSSG2eD8IubW1cWCSX1wRkNaFhgAjMXXoeYETNT5-emt_Hhr6vypS6hKWkHwlU5E6pGurKks4KuuzVrTgSjbICOy46c2E5l-03E1-vfJuA4QKOKaiShacwMqUTTwAVKh0ZBT37s1Y0uO8ButjlGSs/s2581/20240202_120902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="2445" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzYfNb1ToHY7ADLQuWUUIHx3lYayb4s4jGu7ahFSSSG2eD8IubW1cWCSX1wRkNaFhgAjMXXoeYETNT5-emt_Hhr6vypS6hKWkHwlU5E6pGurKks4KuuzVrTgSjbICOy46c2E5l-03E1-vfJuA4QKOKaiShacwMqUTTwAVKh0ZBT37s1Y0uO8ButjlGSs/w379-h400/20240202_120902.jpg" width="379" /></a></div>Last week, I had the pleasure of hearing Jane Fonda in conversation with Colorado State University President Amy Parsons as part of the university's Year of Democracy. <p></p><p>Jane is of course well known as the actor-daughter of a famous acting family, a fitness guru of the 80s and 90s (find a recent revisit of her videos <a href="https://www.wellandgood.com/jane-fonda-workout-videos/" target="_blank">here</a>), the ex-wife of Ted Turner, Grace in Netflix's Grace and Frankie. </p><p>But her heart and soul belong to activism--political, social, feminist, anti-war, and environmental causes have all benefited from her generous attention and support.</p><p>Jane was very candid and forthright about the personal growth and change she had to undergo before she truly understood how to best embody her desires to make the world a better place.</p><p>And here's what's foremost on Jane's mind these days: the action needed to address our climate crisis. The lens of an octogenarian is wide, and at the same time, the 86-year-old knows her time on this planet is growing much shorter. Funny and sassy and pulling no punches, she urged the audience, regardless of age and standing, to take as much action as we can. And also not sleep with oil company executives. </p><p><b>Words I Confuse: </b>Concrete and cement. I use the words interchangeably, but they're not the same. Google just taught me that cement is made from limestone and clay and acts as a binding agent. Mix it with water, sand, and rock, and the result is concrete. So there you have it!</p><p>Have a great week!</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-2138626154873054862024-01-31T06:00:00.009-07:002024-01-31T06:00:00.147-07:00Weekly Roundup 4: Correspondence<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA0xCCSHYvnJle4Edxfi4tQXofh7JcXfB9m1v08DkMYu565HeWrFKAzjRkUTXfE__WZyPWOHoSLotb161dORtNvJOtvRy5MCjzubF0Rsvl7l-vMjOEbO53Kjuu_x13N5arrXNrHMEA1YZTwZyXjDrryTg8k7SQKxA5IbKVUIrp9lMYI0bgBU0my0yl6Q/s3024/20240130_143732~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="3024" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA0xCCSHYvnJle4Edxfi4tQXofh7JcXfB9m1v08DkMYu565HeWrFKAzjRkUTXfE__WZyPWOHoSLotb161dORtNvJOtvRy5MCjzubF0Rsvl7l-vMjOEbO53Kjuu_x13N5arrXNrHMEA1YZTwZyXjDrryTg8k7SQKxA5IbKVUIrp9lMYI0bgBU0my0yl6Q/w400-h368/20240130_143732~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The long month of January winds down today! I think I've appreciated the slow pace more than usual this year. But I'll still be happy when spring comes.</p><p></p><p><b>Correspondence: </b>I was browsing through the library and came across the newly released <i>Remembrance - Selected Correspondence of Ray Bradbury. </i>Bradbury has always been one of my favorite authors. He was a very prolific writer of fiction, poetry, and screenplays, and apparently letters, too. The book, which I've just started, includes letters written from Bradbury's teen years into his 90s. There are a lot of authors and editors, but also family members, friends, political figures, etc. Here's an excerpt from a letter written to the Republican party in November, 1952, that feels all too relevant today:</p><blockquote><p>"I have seen too much fear in a country that has no right to be afraid. I have seen too many campaigns...won on the issue of fear itself, and not on the facts. I do not want to hear any more of this claptrap and nonsense from you. ... I do not want any more lies, any more prejudice, any more smears."</p></blockquote><p>But back to correspondence. I use and appreciate technology every day, but that doesn't mean I don't miss things that fall by the wayside. Case in point, handwritten letters. I appreciate them for their historical importance--my husband has family letters dating back to World War I--and for their glimpse into a particular person's mind on a particular day in a particular place. The handwriting, the paper and ink, the stamps, they all preserve a moment in time. A few years ago, my sister and I started exchanging letters. We write one letter on alternating months, so we each send and receive six letters a year. And I still get excited when I see her envelope in my mailbox. </p><p>Thankfully, the internet has plenty of information on letter writing groups and societies for anyone who wants their correspondence to include more than texts, chats, and emails.</p><p><b>Candlelight dinners: </b>Ingrid Fetell Lee is a designer, author, and expert on the <a href="https://aestheticsofjoy.com/" target="_blank">aesthetics of joy</a>. Her latest newsletter had a blurb about her 3-year-old son asking if they could light candles at dinner. It reminded me that we used to do the same thing when my boys were young. Even though I got tired of sweeping up little bits of broken wax picked off by busy fingers night after night, we all loved having dinner by candlelight. Even though the flames are small, the light and warmth bring people together in a special way.</p><p>I hope January treated you well! See you in February!</p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-61150280285248055232024-01-24T06:00:00.107-07:002024-01-30T15:12:21.817-07:00Weekly Roundup 3: Yellow Snow <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqXSYhrA-d0op-voPJROpxj9ZDhmzMEQQxbnbhOnbt_W2-SeFXK4NhFHKfKFKbVWa5nzz_03gB8OTNGU3i9CudNighV7MpaTc7g6G5iBLbydbKN7MQHE-YCxzeRgh-xS4zgxl9nl0nvpMaA0ovuSuLiTpGdSxNtEnYGcyO__P79SUxGIEwlTW1INKU94/s318/snow%20cone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqXSYhrA-d0op-voPJROpxj9ZDhmzMEQQxbnbhOnbt_W2-SeFXK4NhFHKfKFKbVWa5nzz_03gB8OTNGU3i9CudNighV7MpaTc7g6G5iBLbydbKN7MQHE-YCxzeRgh-xS4zgxl9nl0nvpMaA0ovuSuLiTpGdSxNtEnYGcyO__P79SUxGIEwlTW1INKU94/w400-h200/snow%20cone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div>Hello there! How's your week going? Have an eye on the January finish line? It's coming! In the meantime, sports fans have plenty to keep them interested, what with NFL playoffs and the Australian Open and college basketball. When I sit down to watch sports, I'll often have a book in my lap. It feels more productive that way, even if I have to read the same page more than once or keep asking my husband what happened in the game/match :-)<p></p><p><b>Submission Sunday</b>: To keep my word of the year at the front of my mind and action list, I've made it my mission to not let a Sunday go by without submitting something I've written to someone, somewhere. It makes me feel better to start the week with at least one under my belt.</p><p><b>Fail to Plan, Plan to...</b> I'm trying to make the most of my desk planner calendar, not only for my daily schedule, but also tracking my writing time, submissions, inspirations, exercise, etc. It's a binder style, so I can add pages and move sections around. I write with colored markers, and it's kind of fun to look back at the end of a week and see something other than, ugh, the dreaded white page. (Although I still have some of those, too.)</p><p><b>Yellow Snow: </b>Scientists have discovered what makes snow yellow! Well, actually they discovered the enzyme that turns bilirubin into urobilinogen, which is what makes pee yellow. And that enzyme is produced by bacteria in the gut. <a href="https://earthsky.org/human-world/why-pee-is-yellow-health-bilirubin-reductase/" target="_blank">This article from EarthSky</a> is a fascinating look at a process that helps keep us healthy.</p><p>Have a great week!</p><p><br /><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-68587906569541757332024-01-17T06:00:00.104-07:002024-01-17T06:00:00.142-07:00Weekly Roundup 2: Cold Snap Edition<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm11RTjB5jqdCvoupYsIwFE_8V9oKFUY-N8_BNmJPyJYK49MWBaxJo4gdEBIdI_83g2WcNgyvxheDqQTPck4np33fZgIusL3c3nVsHQUSOnLlKckUHoKfmwAtHBexQPA0iIJmxIbvvYsg_rQ52B52YdfLwRBxcSKtsktReGt8IU89HS6CvwzylQavE3mw/s2048/DSCN0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1633" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm11RTjB5jqdCvoupYsIwFE_8V9oKFUY-N8_BNmJPyJYK49MWBaxJo4gdEBIdI_83g2WcNgyvxheDqQTPck4np33fZgIusL3c3nVsHQUSOnLlKckUHoKfmwAtHBexQPA0iIJmxIbvvYsg_rQ52B52YdfLwRBxcSKtsktReGt8IU89HS6CvwzylQavE3mw/w319-h400/DSCN0235.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>It feels like January around here! We've been below zero and in the single digits for a few days now. Not as bad as some parts of the country, but it has definitely put me in hibernation mode. <p></p><p><b>The question of value: </b>Since the new year, my husband and I have been working on clearing out things we no longer have a use for. This has <strike>forced</strike> encouraged me to think about what I value and why. Is it practical value (things I use and/or enjoy regularly), sentimental value, or actual (monetary) value? I'm surprised at how often I feel a sense of obligation to an object, usually because someone gave it to me, sometimes because I've just always had it. The process is occasionally challenging, but at the end of the day, it feels good to be able to let go.</p><p><b>Writer to-do list: </b>This is not really a new year thing, because I always have a to-do list going. The current one includes finally doing a proper website, continuing to slog my way through a challenging (but mostly fun) first draft of a manuscript, working on picture book projects, connecting with various writing communities, and of course submitting, since this is my word for the year. I still struggle with time/life balance, so I'm hoping to pick up a few helpful tools and pieces of advice along the way.</p><p><b>Death of Peregrine: </b>The Peregrine moon lander had a successful launch but has been doomed by a propellant leak. Instead of the planned lunar touchdown on February 23, it appears that Peregrine will reenter the Earth's atmosphere and burn up. It's carrying (among other things) pictures of footprints, messages from children, and human DNA samples, including one from science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke. RIP Peregrine!</p><p><b>The most wholesome thing I saw this week: </b>Tidy Welsh Mouse</p><p><br /></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0aKfXLhz-uo?si=lyn2j_MfDWX-zeuq" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-5042935440074082312024-01-10T06:00:00.125-07:002024-01-10T06:00:00.129-07:00Weekly Roundup 1: It Begins!<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgupjK-chuu0mw_L83fAqCBrMFRfDCbCbElR7uGICGb6beDEHMgUIBCBPl7dnTsoCjIYsykKgW9aUU3Sy7J3YFE25ADHtDKxVR3Mv8vXtXwrc3kvEmbSJz9v9CjXq46Q0nXen5Q_W9pRH48s7UEncPMwHU3_lGR67SmWfr_8Tx19egpxe6SSBri1R1GU/s4032/20240101_150822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgupjK-chuu0mw_L83fAqCBrMFRfDCbCbElR7uGICGb6beDEHMgUIBCBPl7dnTsoCjIYsykKgW9aUU3Sy7J3YFE25ADHtDKxVR3Mv8vXtXwrc3kvEmbSJz9v9CjXq46Q0nXen5Q_W9pRH48s7UEncPMwHU3_lGR67SmWfr_8Tx19egpxe6SSBri1R1GU/w300-h400/20240101_150822.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Welcome to 2024! Last year was my all time worst for blogging, so I'm jumping in with a fresh start. I considered trying to stick to a theme for the year but instead decided to wing it (because we all know how well that works for me lol). As 2024 unfolds, I'll be posting every Wednesday, with a little bit of this and that from near and far.</div><p></p><p>Let's begin!</p><p><b>Writer Word of the Year</b>: Last year's word was climb, and I did some of that. I also hit a lot of plateaus, where I wandered about as if my GPS had lost its signal. Well, it happens. My word for 2024 is <i>submit</i>, because, strangely enough, my writing hasn't learned how to jettison itself out into the world yet, and I can't afford a personal assistant to do it for me. As my sister pointed out, submit also means to subject oneself to a process, or to surrender after resistance. All of these meanings feel appropriate.</p><p><b>Reading</b>: I choose Chuck Wendig's <i>Black River Orchard </i>as the best book I read in 2023. I'd call it a dark contemporary fairy tale, with a great cast of characters and enough horror to make it creepy but not terrifying. Next up, <i>The Eyes and The Impossible</i>, by Dave Eggers, "a heroic dogs account of a thrilling adventure" for readers of all ages. Sometimes, that "of all ages" makes me suspicious, but I think this one has potential.</p><p><b>Sky Stuff</b>: January 11 is the first new moon of the year. I love a good full moon as much as the next person, but I appreciate the new moon for its reminder that once a month, we can all hit reset button. According to people who follow this kind of thing, January's new moon in Capricorn represents recharged energies and new perspectives. </p><p><b>Trees: </b>That's my favorite tree pictured above on January 1. It's a big old cottonwood a short walk from my street, and I love watching how it changes throughout the year. </p><p>I hope 2024 is agreeing with you so far! See you next week! </p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-36404902068075603032023-11-06T10:26:00.006-07:002023-11-07T06:27:48.253-07:00Welcome WOW-ers!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi3EmHP4Ul6EbxurU32diB32maa3E9YC4sWuQMBEH_DpS7UZWr6s6-XOQJ308qBKKUR71jhcRVbKdYkDFoE4t1cLzrOlHge190JTS5-ERJJwdOI8zkl7GhRuXaA0qVCriQXSnvXjg0AKlM6nF1zPq1Jp-cAtQpa4CCQO_TH4eaJdk_LPWe03G-Rprblg/s800/Thankful-for-Books-badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi3EmHP4Ul6EbxurU32diB32maa3E9YC4sWuQMBEH_DpS7UZWr6s6-XOQJ308qBKKUR71jhcRVbKdYkDFoE4t1cLzrOlHge190JTS5-ERJJwdOI8zkl7GhRuXaA0qVCriQXSnvXjg0AKlM6nF1zPq1Jp-cAtQpa4CCQO_TH4eaJdk_LPWe03G-Rprblg/w400-h400/Thankful-for-Books-badge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hello to anyone visiting from the WOW Thankful for Books Giveaway! I'm thankful you found my page, but <i>mea culpa</i> do I apologize for the neglected state of my blog! It was a busy year that got away from me in spite of best intentions. But I'm resolving to do better next year (is it too early for New Year's Resolutions?) and hope you'll take a minute to look at some of my previous posts. <p></p><p>I wish you best of luck in the contest. What a great variety of books for reading and/or gifting!</p><p>Leave a comment if you'd like to say hi and let me know what you're currently reading. For me, it's Chuck Wendig's <i>Black River Orchard. </i></p><p>Oh, and if you didn't come from the contest, here's the <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZDs1H1oCiIdZ7O_8c4SF94bVqh_Y6--AmSGSmkrcjSyyOXbeMkvVZipA-gr8ckEOGToSNwn9edHdFzichXbZn9tVN12_dwsTizBLfA17udM9AN2GkF0DM4U0jB1uGShJ7XUlQfu7jurI2fOYp3NAganK9DS-6o5i9vzGb2uOEWgCZRYRXwEtdx769N7YR5yOuXLtf3l9rsqhb-gyDKyE2bl_oicWISfQ&c=JcVk8Tiklyh8a0h4b1WpbOIbZGvCjC0ve8Ew2bT71KUfMrScK0T7pg==&ch=IJz2ZwD-gh11TV7KXYH6KR1kb_vjH_xouignnOlLr5OUIxHgQnBQGg==" target="_blank">link</a>!</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-10942390379882170412023-02-27T06:00:00.004-07:002023-02-27T06:00:00.195-07:00Writer Word of the Year<p>Seems like January and February both flew by in a blur of snow and sub-zero temperatures. I'm looking forward to more spring-like weather in March. But sometimes it's our snowiest month, so I'm not holding my breath.</p><p>I'm late in reporting on my word of the year, but I guess there's still plenty of 2023 left to come! I've been feeling like I'm on a plateau lately, hiking around and enjoying the view but not making much progress. That inspired me to choose "climb" as my writer word for 2023. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRa5KbIqj3Z8CQ70IKuyHojEynIRVwk9MdlZ3KLTtlrEbeTuboDr258FNS6gVMJrCCzDFudpN4sdCNuMmkS3Q7IC-7wyv30DwbT9ZNtTkDIpAStq5jm5IoId6-a8yJtj0ktFN0HSnMYpBvf6rm-ejOK4nJ64ckN0QJTnGb-WT0uqvnadllC5B7uy/s2895/20230226_174047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2895" data-original-width="1249" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHRa5KbIqj3Z8CQ70IKuyHojEynIRVwk9MdlZ3KLTtlrEbeTuboDr258FNS6gVMJrCCzDFudpN4sdCNuMmkS3Q7IC-7wyv30DwbT9ZNtTkDIpAStq5jm5IoId6-a8yJtj0ktFN0HSnMYpBvf6rm-ejOK4nJ64ckN0QJTnGb-WT0uqvnadllC5B7uy/w173-h400/20230226_174047.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>As a visual aid for tracking my progress, I taped this "mountain" on the side of my desk. (I know it looks a bit like a Christmas tree, but I'm not super crafty.) Every time I complete a task that feels like progress--a query or a submission or other connection to the writerly world--I write it on a strip of sticky note and attach it to the slope. You can see them at the bottom left. <p></p><p>I have six now (I didn't get this sorted out until well into February) but I hope to make it to the top by the end of the year.</p><p>Wish me luck on my climb. And please share your inspiration for 2023 in a comment!</p><p>See you next month!</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-4211078667940154132023-01-25T06:00:00.008-07:002023-01-25T06:00:00.181-07:00New Year, Two Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5oueTJbu9kqU0iwf8YoR_3iFrAiPkXipAfjAnC9OpoNWPfmclX9M-cTQSg8Pv8P19zpD3CKsHw8hKmnPSaB_FtxLbSKGGeuCILhsFlBtwUcLHf0U6lRfVYcP05jgENosbgpq0e0Inz6VYGt5TXe5tOVhDTXVxoyyf9DnXUtGzWBv1GdVXdROOdwN/s4032/20221222_224334.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5oueTJbu9kqU0iwf8YoR_3iFrAiPkXipAfjAnC9OpoNWPfmclX9M-cTQSg8Pv8P19zpD3CKsHw8hKmnPSaB_FtxLbSKGGeuCILhsFlBtwUcLHf0U6lRfVYcP05jgENosbgpq0e0Inz6VYGt5TXe5tOVhDTXVxoyyf9DnXUtGzWBv1GdVXdROOdwN/w300-h400/20221222_224334.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Hello there! Hard to believe, but we've had two new years since I last posted. January 1 ushered in 2023, of course, and January 22 began the first day of the Lunar New Year celebration. I'm all for it and say two fresh starts are better than one.<p></p><p>It's kind of fun to look at the astrological predictions for the coming year, though I always take them with a grain of salt. </p><p>According to the people who interpret the movements of the planets, Leos can look forward to a transformational year of good fortune, good health, and inner peace. </p><p>But success doesn't happen on its own, and Leos should set ambitious goals, work hard, embrace challenges, and seek out opportunities. We should also eat a balanced diet, exercise, engage in fun hobbies, and connect with our romantic partners.</p><p>(Okay, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and point out that this is all good advice for anyone of any astrological sign during any year.)</p><p>In the Chinese calendar, 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit. My horoscope animal is the horse, and this year may bring new opportunities for collaboration with important people and a deepening of family relationships. Horses will feel energetic and optimistic and enjoy prosperity and progress. Horses are also advised to eat healthy, exercise, engage in self-care, and control our spending.</p><p>Again, good advice for everyone.</p><p>Whatever your astrological sign, birth year, mother's maiden name, or peanut butter preference (smooth or chunky), I wish you all the best in 2023. I have plenty of projects to work on this year, and hopefully I can take advantage of my 2023 lion/horse energy and accomplish a few things.</p><p>See you soon!</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t6OOhf637n-9zcGECXSQiF-mSJ6Ephndf4St2ZoIZ8RNsfFmBRn3ahifxqzlV7Ei3hKW7e_U8FIwLNFXqcybzYKKVtABz7TEd5wZVaHQhxSmbmo0lv6kO7nLooAD_AcayILOauO1NFTv1yh_KA_AZTOXw5ehNJIlo9uk_iDyssX9NDmftc3M60Xn/s3430/20230123_101405~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3430" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t6OOhf637n-9zcGECXSQiF-mSJ6Ephndf4St2ZoIZ8RNsfFmBRn3ahifxqzlV7Ei3hKW7e_U8FIwLNFXqcybzYKKVtABz7TEd5wZVaHQhxSmbmo0lv6kO7nLooAD_AcayILOauO1NFTv1yh_KA_AZTOXw5ehNJIlo9uk_iDyssX9NDmftc3M60Xn/w353-h400/20230123_101405~2.jpg" width="353" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Lunar New Year from my tiny garden!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-41876835923701001662022-12-21T06:00:00.005-07:002022-12-21T06:00:00.216-07:00Welcome, Winter Solstice<p>Here in the north, we've reached solstice day and the longest night of the year, and with a new moon coming soon, it will also be one of the darkest. Thankfully, we have candles, fires, and Christmas lights to brighten things up, which of course is no coincidence. </p><p>These are also the days of the Green Man, also known as the Green King, the Green Knight, and various other names. His is a complicated folklore, but he is generally seen as symbolizing the emergence from winter and the subsequent rebirth of spring. A more modern interpretation of the Green Man includes a connection to ecology and sustainability, which feels very appropriate.</p><p>When my boys were in elementary school, they made Green Man masks in art class:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0-RQonaTN-d2rrmendTxLBwQkso8FGq88Wzs9rZskKCHCKummIPo5AgwT9G-nKRRJK_n4u7_GLjgLr5HAdyAcKS4Bc1A6xgqEn_PPNtVj3yqRx9JtxLG8vI4NvFM5IwFHh0iID_RuNTrWuoQCF-Wtw_1A1jHTLQ60pSewQezC2IdTrJteEv9L-QB/s4032/20221220_181908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0-RQonaTN-d2rrmendTxLBwQkso8FGq88Wzs9rZskKCHCKummIPo5AgwT9G-nKRRJK_n4u7_GLjgLr5HAdyAcKS4Bc1A6xgqEn_PPNtVj3yqRx9JtxLG8vI4NvFM5IwFHh0iID_RuNTrWuoQCF-Wtw_1A1jHTLQ60pSewQezC2IdTrJteEv9L-QB/w300-h400/20221220_181908.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21y31obHW4qSNtEEnnIuZI7mA-oxujjtUU2zXeIs09BzbjEh1jVTZwd4dKOnuomuyFxgusinJ3bbiTk6COxaLSXx5LgxjHmWmTqfpZNusgWI0OS_-gsJSWe2rUclETfd1Nbfc3qEi_pN9Zm1OwppYvXf8ueG8QMUViZXjI02T5Oz1brPV2hd4-Bzr/s4032/20221220_181902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21y31obHW4qSNtEEnnIuZI7mA-oxujjtUU2zXeIs09BzbjEh1jVTZwd4dKOnuomuyFxgusinJ3bbiTk6COxaLSXx5LgxjHmWmTqfpZNusgWI0OS_-gsJSWe2rUclETfd1Nbfc3qEi_pN9Zm1OwppYvXf8ueG8QMUViZXjI02T5Oz1brPV2hd4-Bzr/w300-h400/20221220_181902.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I love how they are so different and yet include many of the same wild and natural elements.</p><p>This brief reflection on the Green Man seems a fitting end to my year of "grow," in which I don't think I did much growing. But I am reminded that everything in life is cyclical, as the wheel of time keeps turning.</p><p>Take good care, stay warm, enjoy your favorite holiday traditions, and I'll see you next year!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-3833854058963350672022-10-21T06:00:00.081-06:002022-10-21T06:00:00.199-06:00Fourth Quarter Game Plan<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82RSC4MEEktoN5EkX4kAnJ7qHwRipTMK5-W5PoqVJGU3iuLxQzBoWkDghegwegNeadXKTkott1VV6wOmA2WvZacwNKa6KKHXi0EC067UImdOuFICCTqKuDo0aH2rrU8pxyL_zKR4EPYJwlWOUAJ1__C3uaouYUlYgbZ0yqJLZcPJpNCiELohIJ7hh/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82RSC4MEEktoN5EkX4kAnJ7qHwRipTMK5-W5PoqVJGU3iuLxQzBoWkDghegwegNeadXKTkott1VV6wOmA2WvZacwNKa6KKHXi0EC067UImdOuFICCTqKuDo0aH2rrU8pxyL_zKR4EPYJwlWOUAJ1__C3uaouYUlYgbZ0yqJLZcPJpNCiELohIJ7hh/w320-h240/IMG_2972.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Hi everyone, here we are in the fourth quarter of 2022, and much like a football coach who is trying to sneak in a win before time expires, I'm looking at my game plan for the rest of the year.<p></p><p>My writer word for 2022 is grow, and I've done some of that. I've also spent a lot of time feeling like a seed, waiting. And waiting. But unlike me, a seed doesn't worry how long it will take to sprout. If the conditions are not right, a seed is perfectly content to remain dormant. Likewise, a seed does not worry about what it will look like when it sprouts. It just does its thing.</p><p>Methinks I need to be more like a seed.</p><p>So, back to my fourth quarter game plan. Coaches talk about returning to the fundamentals, and that's what I'll be doing for the rest of the year. I'm going to focus on what's important to me (more writing, more reading) and less on the stuff that takes up time and energy but results in very little forward progress. Clock management is very important in football, and as it turns out, it is important in life, too. </p><p>Whether you're driving hard for the goal line or just trying to hold onto your lead, I wish you all the best with your fourth quarter game plan.</p><p>And when all else fails, bring in the marching band!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj363YOm_xTFDq-VLEI4F3w4MbBCArq3b021kRDZufuPZ8Qyvqg7cNr3TOBkIfS1e45FjGeaLHgygPOOuF2qyS6i_TbTR5gZGcDYj7SUz18p8DXsvWklKlS7BIt00PhEMbHcUo3FCaDmI8vVEUYPLfs4Ty9HJHFjKmuhrSdlGgq8Dm5nX3e4AD35utl/s3024/20210903_212115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2830" data-original-width="3024" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj363YOm_xTFDq-VLEI4F3w4MbBCArq3b021kRDZufuPZ8Qyvqg7cNr3TOBkIfS1e45FjGeaLHgygPOOuF2qyS6i_TbTR5gZGcDYj7SUz18p8DXsvWklKlS7BIt00PhEMbHcUo3FCaDmI8vVEUYPLfs4Ty9HJHFjKmuhrSdlGgq8Dm5nX3e4AD35utl/w400-h374/20210903_212115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-76075015532247057722022-08-31T06:00:00.099-06:002022-08-31T06:00:00.173-06:00It's Grow Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9Suq4c00cd6q0uw1A3f2stRGMLuZOPcSnhox-hT6fn4-gjU7MvrtawONAnFT3cIv_724Id2LHqvPUGVW8FbdaKOKN9vQvmEWhRo1zkDYnrfYDlfpd82ezZriFgXLE0noxAi_FYipaBro95ywJBRxQmV3Z34S-5ktVD9qEEWDLVx0TgkNtnXv0U17/s4032/20220829_165909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9Suq4c00cd6q0uw1A3f2stRGMLuZOPcSnhox-hT6fn4-gjU7MvrtawONAnFT3cIv_724Id2LHqvPUGVW8FbdaKOKN9vQvmEWhRo1zkDYnrfYDlfpd82ezZriFgXLE0noxAi_FYipaBro95ywJBRxQmV3Z34S-5ktVD9qEEWDLVx0TgkNtnXv0U17/w300-h400/20220829_165909.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Well, well, look who remembered she has a blog!</p><p>(Awkward silence.)</p><p>Me. I remembered.</p><p>Actually, I never forgot, but you wouldn't know that because I have been AWOL all summer. And part of the spring before that. And here are my reasons:</p><p>1.</p><p>2.</p><p>3.</p><p>You get the picture. No good reasons.</p><p>Anyway, I thought I'd check in and let you know how my year of growing is going. So, you know how sometimes you can plant a seed and nothing happens for weeks and weeks, and you finally end up throwing away the cup of dirt that's been sitting on your windowsill? It's not quite that bad. I've had some fun, my cherry tomatoes and zucchini are holding their own in the garden, I've read books I've enjoyed and a couple I didn't really care for. I've written short fiction and watched The Sandman. I've gone to work and gone on walks and gone to bed at a reasonable hour most nights. Oh, and I'm pretty sure I broke one toe and maybe another.</p><p>Here's what I haven't done:</p><p>1. Sold books</p><p>2. Started the first draft of my next novel</p><p>Yes, those things are VIPs (very important projects) yet somehow I've put them off for months. If you find yourself in a similar boat on this last day of the last full month of summer in the northern hemisphere, join me in leaning into the September vibe. Gear up with some fresh school supplies and a renewed commitment to your labors of love. Restock the tea cupboard and have some dark chocolate on hand, because it's time to get back to work! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR-JTIRZvcKWmJ4Q3QsfkY0d6-wcTscMfwM7ciQUNYIPkmH7LmIAgfWNh9l5S--P1_yUMscXsFvJyjgXltlO0rJwd1n8R1hiIgb5cDpZky2rlaqPtYOu0XmmwgQ2_G0fz48SrmwXAGMtqJkGq8vziSo_90rlcD7Ej7vlaDDHBqX-bWurwAQ0WHGUv/s4032/20220801_192148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR-JTIRZvcKWmJ4Q3QsfkY0d6-wcTscMfwM7ciQUNYIPkmH7LmIAgfWNh9l5S--P1_yUMscXsFvJyjgXltlO0rJwd1n8R1hiIgb5cDpZky2rlaqPtYOu0XmmwgQ2_G0fz48SrmwXAGMtqJkGq8vziSo_90rlcD7Ej7vlaDDHBqX-bWurwAQ0WHGUv/w300-h400/20220801_192148.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-11244706611540105422022-04-13T06:00:00.114-06:002022-04-13T06:00:00.174-06:00Way to Grow, April Edition<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMymONIu1tpMLXFx2RvbF63t7DS8s0rjtSJ74aOa6JfZF4t4CTSWKvYAG-jc9d0vENmGHqKqazMXkAt4ONAmsFADfay-boVuuQwFVry-s3oLvKFzRl8hj9X3MBnwdCpMtTVPZez5tVTW_HAcn5125paWrZxlD0eeXZFCAmL6I55xtydjl68CIFAYqK/s130/seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="130" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMymONIu1tpMLXFx2RvbF63t7DS8s0rjtSJ74aOa6JfZF4t4CTSWKvYAG-jc9d0vENmGHqKqazMXkAt4ONAmsFADfay-boVuuQwFVry-s3oLvKFzRl8hj9X3MBnwdCpMtTVPZez5tVTW_HAcn5125paWrZxlD0eeXZFCAmL6I55xtydjl68CIFAYqK/w200-h189/seed.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Hello, friends! April is National Lawn and Garden month. In Colorado, it's still a bit early for planting most garden-y things, but there are plenty of other ways to grow between now and May.<p></p><p>The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Blogging from A to Z Challenge</a>: If you're doing it, great. If you're not, it's still a fun way to meet new bloggers and expand your blog's reach.</p><p><a href="https://poets.org/national-poetry-month" target="_blank">National Poetry Month</a>: Poets are to words what composers are to music. They reveal so much of what makes us human, they evoke emotion, teach, commiserate, celebrate. Read some poems, write some poems. (You don't have to show them to anyone.)</p><p><a href="https://americanhistory.si.edu/smithsonian-jazz/jazz-appreciation-month" target="_blank">Jazz Appreciation Month</a>: Jazz is such an amazing blend of music and history. It is a very broad genre, stylistically and geographically, with something for everyone, even people who say they don't like jazz. It's also excellent writing music.</p><p><a href="http://www.humormonth.com/" target="_blank">National Humor Month</a>: Laughter is good for our bodies and our mental health. Stop by your library or bookstore and pick up something by your favorite funny writer. And for children, check out these resources from the <a href="http://www.humormonth.com/funny-literacy.html" target="_blank">Certified Laughter Reader Literacy Program</a>.</p><p><a href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-afternoon-tea-month-april/" target="_blank">National Afternoon Tea Month</a>: Do you know what goes great with tea? Books! Do you know what goes great with books? Tea! It's a win-win!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSEgpn9iX392a02fYhNQfDAyjwjW231Xgvsrb74CDtH58c3GR6rMS_X6jBfAa12AG8hC7SKNo2nSlEwemTdw_xr5eMqavoGL4LnxxBHA53KM2YUzx1qknCoxAoMlvqccv891UbcqFfj99fid8SCG-uimf7WqapQV3dvGjrxE-E2dqtMm0Vk1a8dj2/s1600/DSC_1670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1071" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSEgpn9iX392a02fYhNQfDAyjwjW231Xgvsrb74CDtH58c3GR6rMS_X6jBfAa12AG8hC7SKNo2nSlEwemTdw_xr5eMqavoGL4LnxxBHA53KM2YUzx1qknCoxAoMlvqccv891UbcqFfj99fid8SCG-uimf7WqapQV3dvGjrxE-E2dqtMm0Vk1a8dj2/w268-h400/DSC_1670.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-afternoon-tea-month-april/" target="_blank">World Autism Awareness Month</a>: In the past few years, neurodivergent stories, characters, and authors have found much wider distribution in the book world, which is wonderful and overdue. (Hah, a little library humor for you.) The Seattle Public Library has put together <a href="https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/list/share/1192750947/1622446266" target="_blank">this list</a>, Scary Mommy has <a href="https://www.scarymommy.com/spotted/neurodiversity-books" target="_blank">these suggested reads</a>, and a quick internet search will return many more.</p><p>If these suggestions for April don't inspire you, keep digging (it's National Safe Digging Month!). Pecans, soft pretzels, celery, guitars, canine fitness. April has something for everyone.</p><p>Stay safe and well. See you soon!</p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-6979732408165294052022-03-23T06:00:00.105-06:002022-03-23T06:00:00.189-06:00Mine vs. Theirs<p>Hello there! Spring has sprung in Northern Colorado, which means the weather swings wildly between winter and summer and every day seems to be windy. I'm starting to think about my garden, but conventional wisdom advises against planting before the second Sunday in May (Mother's Day), as we might still have freezing temperatures and/or a foot of snow.</p><p>My Chinese Lantern sprouts are holding their own...kind of. It's too cold to put them outside, and although my kitchen is pretty sunny, it's not quite the same. So they're looking a little wimpy:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eCuah4DlBe9exKnPg0mB1do1Nh7RT1fvqFjMvuKovCC0nsDQ6lkpkfKA4jw7EYzC7IJ6dYKzwPMFIexgSMtc3hi2mvcmrVYJla0-W9PDtlDPMqnuO7oIkfJp6rBtwh5ELr5INbzhfX38wIHgPpqrTYqOYxmGyHmh5jCBDviW3Xy2PrseyZ_qMSub/s4032/20220322_135312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eCuah4DlBe9exKnPg0mB1do1Nh7RT1fvqFjMvuKovCC0nsDQ6lkpkfKA4jw7EYzC7IJ6dYKzwPMFIexgSMtc3hi2mvcmrVYJla0-W9PDtlDPMqnuO7oIkfJp6rBtwh5ELr5INbzhfX38wIHgPpqrTYqOYxmGyHmh5jCBDviW3Xy2PrseyZ_qMSub/w300-h400/20220322_135312.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>In the mean time, I came across an online plant supplier that actually sells Chinese Lanterns. So I ordered one. You know, as a Plan B of sorts. And here it is:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw24WCAzf6SQiYKrgLo-ALQKL09dQPM4BuS8ALodtYEpKSCgYIEIfmUX91NooJTDCxV1CUGpA0KBir1gRWCNMPpFmTcaGMvR8HFHJkGJ6q_yLCtSIBWPjBkz86bAbzZUF7HVlEi4getw5C7ObXHFcw3Ly-OB-xq44UZctsKBd0mfG7HFqfRruaNkLu/s4032/20220322_135453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw24WCAzf6SQiYKrgLo-ALQKL09dQPM4BuS8ALodtYEpKSCgYIEIfmUX91NooJTDCxV1CUGpA0KBir1gRWCNMPpFmTcaGMvR8HFHJkGJ6q_yLCtSIBWPjBkz86bAbzZUF7HVlEi4getw5C7ObXHFcw3Ly-OB-xq44UZctsKBd0mfG7HFqfRruaNkLu/w300-h400/20220322_135453.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hmmm. It really puts my little seedlings to shame, doesn't it? If I were to plant them as is, we all know which one we'd bet on. Yep, the one formerly known as Plan B.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This has got me thinking about how comparing our efforts to someone else's can make us feel lousy. Am I a professional seed sprouter or plant propagator? I am not. Did I do the best with what I had? I did. Is there always going to be someone else who is bigger/better/more successful than I? Why, yes. Yes there is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We tell kids all the time, "just do your best." But adults also need to remember that it's better to make a good effort, even if the end result isn't what you'd hoped, than do nothing. At least you tried and maybe even learned something in the process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not giving up on my sprouts, but honestly, I'm grateful for <a href="https://hirts.com/" target="_blank">the company that grew this plant</a> bigger and better than I could. And I'm looking forward to helping it thrive in my yard once spring arrives for real.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-4841056946400859862022-03-04T06:00:00.022-07:002022-03-04T06:00:00.165-07:00The Lessons of History<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4icPx-S2YvvfkvAWKVh75y_wS_ozW01CNxUnXiAzVptOc6Uqlir20opS8PXKsZ6zQUox3aX_T58MZwYzN1TUJILSgdI5XB8h7TmrA3uyvBCq152kSfRuIdJvK0QA8QP_wa5Xu9hMPlQHcKex8p4atxs6KMKOJCcSWZcGa01kbJpYlTH7NQMh8edF4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4icPx-S2YvvfkvAWKVh75y_wS_ozW01CNxUnXiAzVptOc6Uqlir20opS8PXKsZ6zQUox3aX_T58MZwYzN1TUJILSgdI5XB8h7TmrA3uyvBCq152kSfRuIdJvK0QA8QP_wa5Xu9hMPlQHcKex8p4atxs6KMKOJCcSWZcGa01kbJpYlTH7NQMh8edF4=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We're coming to the end of my local university's Holocaust Awareness Week, and Wednesday night I had the distinct honor of attending a presentation given by survivor Oscar Sladek. Mr. Sladek escaped the Nazi roundups in Czechoslovakia (though much of his family did not) and is a seemingly-tireless speaker and advocate. He's 86 years old, and though I hope he has many more years ahead of him, the day will come when the voices of the Holocaust survivors are heard no more. If you have a chance, please go and listen to the people who have lived so much history and are willing to share it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm also reading <i>The Choice</i>, by Dr. Edith Eva Eger. She survived imprisonment in Auschwitz and after a great deal of healing and forgiveness went on to help many others through her practice in clinical psychology. It is harrowing and beautifully written, and though I'm only about a third of the way in, I know it will be unforgettable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBjYTVI2fFHq2l01hRJ9OkrRlpRkLMCJBXkYajVQLPcnP-ZI1rrFoapbDdtuZGv0hqJU3CSxyiMD5o0GocGvJ9YNudgHpRmI5dbBLW58CX6PrZ-BdRRUktthDCFHt1bQNaPyIf5dcQ_CcsoyiyYaXmNwmaCBTI036pErPDC04lcrz6l1sW0e7DHbSx=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBjYTVI2fFHq2l01hRJ9OkrRlpRkLMCJBXkYajVQLPcnP-ZI1rrFoapbDdtuZGv0hqJU3CSxyiMD5o0GocGvJ9YNudgHpRmI5dbBLW58CX6PrZ-BdRRUktthDCFHt1bQNaPyIf5dcQ_CcsoyiyYaXmNwmaCBTI036pErPDC04lcrz6l1sW0e7DHbSx=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Holocaust was a time marked by astonishing human cruelty but also courage and hope and resilience. The world is still a complicated place where some people--I'm looking at you, Putin--feel they have the right to choke the destiny of others in a stranglehold. I will not pretend to be an expert in geopolitical affairs or history, and the injustice in the world is at times overwhelming. But this simple advice is pretty sound: Be good. Be kind. Be tolerant. Smile often. And when things go sideways, as they are wont to do, help when and how you can.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be well, my friends.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-13714791542976225902022-02-16T06:00:00.057-07:002022-02-16T06:00:00.175-07:00Word Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf43-_Aylos0mwbRrCXKF9n_zzkX9MTaWokZ90CgBW6AefJyA2XrrCl8Wh-aXFfQTj5KcHCIWalMVl3H3HbdSHqiYPnVVAKpjk-7WMVS9IwI4nOo24WDDD5UNd6kKAo2j8mBfmj-_2O2YEW5Q1uS55PBbH68PAsxPGfIrM8cgLWofWypZ_7Z76T_3m=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhf43-_Aylos0mwbRrCXKF9n_zzkX9MTaWokZ90CgBW6AefJyA2XrrCl8Wh-aXFfQTj5KcHCIWalMVl3H3HbdSHqiYPnVVAKpjk-7WMVS9IwI4nOo24WDDD5UNd6kKAo2j8mBfmj-_2O2YEW5Q1uS55PBbH68PAsxPGfIrM8cgLWofWypZ_7Z76T_3m=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>Love is in the air this week, so I want to give a nod to all the logophiles out there, the word lovers, sometimes known as word nerds. </p><p>I don't claim to have the world's most expansive vocabulary. In fact, I've been known to forget the meaning of a word moments after looking it up. (I also experience lethologica, the it's-on-the-tip-of-my-tongue inability to remember the right word, more often than I'd like.) </p><p>When asked the impossible question of what is my favorite book, I have occasionally answered, "the dictionary," which sounds too sassy and/or too snobby. But I genuinely enjoy spending way too much time leafing through a dictionary, on a scavenger hunt for fabulous words.</p><p>Here are two other word books I'm enjoying right now:</p><p><i>Schottenfreude: German Words for the Human Condition</i>, by Ben Schott (2013)</p><p>I don't speak German, but I love that their words are often famously long and almost poetic in their translations. Take, for example, Winterstrumwonnemondwende, (winter-storm-bliss-moon-turning), which means delight at the changing of the seasons. Or Schwiegermutterkurvenlanghals (mother-in-law-bend-long-neck), which means the morbid urge to slow down and stare at a road accident. With plenty of annotations, this book is a fun read even for those of us who don't speak the language.</p><p>Author John Koenig begins <i>The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows </i>(2021) with this quote from comedian Steven Wright: </p><blockquote><p>I read the dictionary. I thought it was a poem about everything.</p></blockquote><p>The book, Koenig writes, is "a compendium of new words for emotions." All the words are either resurrected and repurposed, or coined for the sake of helping "translate" emotion. The dictionary is divided into six chapters with evocative titles such as Between Living and Dreaming, and Boats Against the Current.</p><p>Perhaps you have experienced <i>pax latrina (</i>the meditative atmosphere of being alone in a bathroom) or have felt <i>tillid </i>(humbled by how readily you place your life into the hands of random strangers). When I'm caught by the afore-mentioned lethologica, I never knew that I was feeling <i>pithered</i> (frustrated that you can't force yourself to remember something).</p><p>The words are sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes profound. I understand why <i>The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows</i> is a New York Times bestseller. Give the book a look or visit the <a href="https://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/" target="_blank">website</a> to find yourself some new favorite words. You won't be disappointed, fellow word nerds!</p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-39675252604888887952022-02-02T08:30:00.000-07:002022-02-02T08:30:22.827-07:00February Seed Update<p> Guess what, friends? I have sprouts!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ9qK4b53PcIiiBvCDWT_62q5UC1Zs9vcd1REIiKF05o1sq5nG5vSwO7tJgFNI_h6ayebYdGQkHgrQMzmKsgSArsOTFGZ5pTeC0Lg1nvzouqncXKzAWEJ9F8h9cdyQ_kmUlET0iIbBk8XqhIuixIEFEbEkEcoHC7OLGlmHpS63nhRCUnBVNPtJEmFH=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ9qK4b53PcIiiBvCDWT_62q5UC1Zs9vcd1REIiKF05o1sq5nG5vSwO7tJgFNI_h6ayebYdGQkHgrQMzmKsgSArsOTFGZ5pTeC0Lg1nvzouqncXKzAWEJ9F8h9cdyQ_kmUlET0iIbBk8XqhIuixIEFEbEkEcoHC7OLGlmHpS63nhRCUnBVNPtJEmFH=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>Only three so far, and they're still tiny. But seeing them reminds me that spring will come eventually. And that makes today's weather a little easier to handle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhENd98kOsTOSsaTcvquKJySQDsXzctZPGEOrDJe-q5nAohHECPy4wO7eJ8uVuIEq-c1MxTkPMAW12VN8SqZFHOTaKPqNRgDS7wgMyUbnRX4dufcz6LsveK4ZP9-x36VdMzK9UHhPryT6DL0bV8eK9YYR-RKx5yQHg2rhi2wifJnpBmiVN_luUQYNW7=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhENd98kOsTOSsaTcvquKJySQDsXzctZPGEOrDJe-q5nAohHECPy4wO7eJ8uVuIEq-c1MxTkPMAW12VN8SqZFHOTaKPqNRgDS7wgMyUbnRX4dufcz6LsveK4ZP9-x36VdMzK9UHhPryT6DL0bV8eK9YYR-RKx5yQHg2rhi2wifJnpBmiVN_luUQYNW7=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>As we ease into February, I'm also thinking of ways to grow better habits. Google, of course, has hundreds of suggestions, but this one caught my eye:</p><blockquote><p>Plan your day the night before</p></blockquote><p>I don't often do this unless I have an unusually big day ahead. But planning the ordinary days is just as important. It's so easy for me to lose a sense of accountability when the daily stakes feel small. So, planning my day the night before is my #GrowGoal for February!</p><p>Have a wonderful week, and thanks for all good the seed-sprouting vibes!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-48128696452206737062022-01-19T06:00:00.107-07:002022-01-19T06:00:00.190-07:00Germination<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OiENVveJ4dg/Yecwv4TP2CI/AAAAAAAAIwg/6QTvV6EPFTUtuYGlNlquTLsj4GfZvJQhwCNcBGAsYHQ/w267-h400/image.png" width="267" /></div><br />When I was a kid, we had a few Chinese/Japanese lantern bushes lining the path along the side of the house. I loved how the puffy green seed pods turned orange in the fall and looked like glowing lanterns. Every few years, I think about getting one of these plants for my current house, but I can never find one in a local greenhouse. <p></p><p>Lacking an established plant, I've tried starting them from seed. Usually, I can get most any variety of seed to sprout. It might not do too much after that, but I've at least seen it poke out its tiny green head. But these lantern seeds are stub-born. I've tried them in the ground, in pots, in wet paper towels, and...nothing. (I'm beginning to understand why greenhouses don't carry them.)</p><p>Because 2022 is my year to grow, I'm trying again. I found new instructions that suggested refrigerating the seeds for 6 weeks. I did that, and on January 1st I planted them in a little pot. Here's what it looks like:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidYU_73TVjuFznCcm4M5KMdvcq6VKKhXKjc6DgD_zUOn2ICILb_Y0EZSve2N_XdNKBBq1kc31RvLFsGJ7M_-9ydj2QseJECXksozoQwHqF-oRZnbQSiV1H8we-JBe7EsUBfb9y3UFLhRXCQFfFnKInEFnNdeajSGaqVlRuEaPhmNSX04WavJLRKL-L=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidYU_73TVjuFznCcm4M5KMdvcq6VKKhXKjc6DgD_zUOn2ICILb_Y0EZSve2N_XdNKBBq1kc31RvLFsGJ7M_-9ydj2QseJECXksozoQwHqF-oRZnbQSiV1H8we-JBe7EsUBfb9y3UFLhRXCQFfFnKInEFnNdeajSGaqVlRuEaPhmNSX04WavJLRKL-L=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not very inspiring! But it reminds me that before growth happens, germination must occur. And that part of the process can require patience and persistence. Sometimes, we have to start over and over again before we make any progress at all. And that's just the way things are, in seeds, in writing, in life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Send my seeds some good growing vibes, and hopefully I'll have some sprout pictures to share one of these days!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-2911429960003168422022-01-05T06:00:00.176-07:002022-01-05T06:00:00.175-07:00Writer Word of the Year 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdZt-PcR10vcZumnzwrKBWpyhzuGP1KOdjPF1nvoQntHbtlpntgUOHVTSIhUOyqkb_3U-WXyTEPdHm92i5SM7IDN8goE2FFytZ26wQRWDKtuN2jFbj65nOYLV2TxJ9V-rHEAGQn2KzZtveD8p-6Job9purG8pt40KL_D3obt_bZU7TGN82EKa1nwFU=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdZt-PcR10vcZumnzwrKBWpyhzuGP1KOdjPF1nvoQntHbtlpntgUOHVTSIhUOyqkb_3U-WXyTEPdHm92i5SM7IDN8goE2FFytZ26wQRWDKtuN2jFbj65nOYLV2TxJ9V-rHEAGQn2KzZtveD8p-6Job9purG8pt40KL_D3obt_bZU7TGN82EKa1nwFU=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>Happy New Year! I hope you've all made it to the first Wednesday in January in good shape and are getting a feel for what you might want to accomplish this year. (Or maybe you don't want to accomplish anything other than just living your life, and believe me, no judgment here.)</p><p>My word for 2021 was Discipline, and as I've admitted, it was not a good choice. Patience would have been better. Or acceptance. Grace. I thought discipline might motivate me, but it turns out I needed a different kind of energy. Less taskmaster, more cloud-gazer.</p><p>This year's word, Grow, popped into my head a month or so ago, and it clicked immediately. (To my surprise and delight, my fresh-cut Christmas tree seemed to confirm the choice by unfurling soft baby needles over the past few weeks.) </p><p>I've chosen grow for a few reasons. First of all, I really like to grow things. I love seeds that sprout in a paper cup and plants that tendril gently from their pots. I love the crawl of cacti and the sprint of mint. I love moss and avocado pits and Tillandsia air plants.</p><p>Growth can be surprising and unpredictable. Those are good things for writers, especially regarding first drafts, one of which I will be working on this year. Growth can mean getting better at doing something or getting better at <i>not</i> doing something. Growth can be as tiny as an alpine flower or as massive as a coastal redwood. Growth is potential realized. </p><p>Last year at Christmas, my family and I spent some (Covid-safe) time in Arizona. Good friends sent us home with oranges from their tree, and I planted a few of the seeds on New Year's Day 2021. Here's what my little orange grove looks like today. Not astounding growth, but slow and steady. Just like me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUUdkjJq9c8lcqM2_5KdxO0gYzr6-fLkZcMwvU5GWRyHQL9isMzgaMMM7Xv7bLlYZw2TC73oizrTcfIVeacF1qweExlXAa1xr7nR8IlY9tA_Y8kUE1HOyfoFaFrgC0VnQZq6ZOMvz_a2NC9H0xudSU7G5UQaqnM0tYOEO8w4Eyb3PuSr_ap6_MqdfA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUUdkjJq9c8lcqM2_5KdxO0gYzr6-fLkZcMwvU5GWRyHQL9isMzgaMMM7Xv7bLlYZw2TC73oizrTcfIVeacF1qweExlXAa1xr7nR8IlY9tA_Y8kUE1HOyfoFaFrgC0VnQZq6ZOMvz_a2NC9H0xudSU7G5UQaqnM0tYOEO8w4Eyb3PuSr_ap6_MqdfA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>I hope you'll stop by often to see what's growing. Best wishes for health and happiness in the coming year!</p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-57897793352228472912021-12-29T13:30:00.022-07:002021-12-29T13:30:00.171-07:00Review! Interview! Giveaway!<p> Hello, everyone! Please stop by <a href="https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/passing-through-by-jenny-sundstedt/">Laura's Books and Blogs</a> to:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Read her lovely 5-star review of Passing Through;</li><li>Read my author interview (she asked some great questions!); and</li><li>Sign up for the giveaway--one copy each of Passing Through and The Storm Crows (U.S. only, please).</li></ul><div>If you'd like to leave a comment here or there, even better!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRT0ZQCRuxctZPQinkW_vBy7-9tZZiN5UwbpmHgJfvkpjRdVOrZkwm6qgOLBpMLR2tU2HwEMrUXd81M9bqFgb26STp90r5avPugw6qRlLrROyEObCbmVJumxhdKv3TzjmbwkxZ4_puK62F8VHEAwliokhUIfrLywAe_p36IJl0NQ_eawrf-_plYwBk=s2475" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1575" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRT0ZQCRuxctZPQinkW_vBy7-9tZZiN5UwbpmHgJfvkpjRdVOrZkwm6qgOLBpMLR2tU2HwEMrUXd81M9bqFgb26STp90r5avPugw6qRlLrROyEObCbmVJumxhdKv3TzjmbwkxZ4_puK62F8VHEAwliokhUIfrLywAe_p36IJl0NQ_eawrf-_plYwBk=w255-h400" width="255" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQG37xjbBtby8HcN9-J8wOmtwUFFTQwjdHqjhTU5Z1DWp-sSk3lS0orvX6dTFqWqWegjKbO5QAyU9ORYl444l_PgkMHfafkwdeJ69IsSrGzeCc_yTO6-9ZPkhpwIWtxXbYPVuhZKwmgrDTTOdPs0HOs5JbK0L2tz8TVjdKQl18iXtkgnpEnYD-7s3R=s2550" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQG37xjbBtby8HcN9-J8wOmtwUFFTQwjdHqjhTU5Z1DWp-sSk3lS0orvX6dTFqWqWegjKbO5QAyU9ORYl444l_PgkMHfafkwdeJ69IsSrGzeCc_yTO6-9ZPkhpwIWtxXbYPVuhZKwmgrDTTOdPs0HOs5JbK0L2tz8TVjdKQl18iXtkgnpEnYD-7s3R=w259-h400" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333947024343776341.post-82918325555462467552021-12-08T06:00:00.084-07:002021-12-08T06:00:00.162-07:00Happy Yes-cember!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdRw2U17a5k/YbAT6pY3OHI/AAAAAAAAIsY/YhiDo0B5r3ool5rp1YB7mOrtnzLDE8-rgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdRw2U17a5k/YbAT6pY3OHI/AAAAAAAAIsY/YhiDo0B5r3ool5rp1YB7mOrtnzLDE8-rgCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_1789.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greetings, all! I made it through the month of NO-vember, and here's my update.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I'm pretty good at determining whether I should say no to spending money;</li><li>I'm less good at determining whether I should say no to spending calories;</li><li>I'm even worse at determining whether I should say no to spending time.</li></ul>That's not a surprise to me, because time management is my continual challenge. I read a term the other day that sums up part of my problem: time confetti. Coined by author Brigid Schulte, it refers to what happens when time is broken up into unproductive, often unsatisfying, bits. It's not just about multi-tasking, though that's part of it. It's also about how we've all been trained to respond to every stimulus in real time. Every text, email, push, or social media alert tears off a little piece of time that I have devoted to something else and scatters it to the wind.<p></p><p>But now that 2021 is winding down, I'm going to shelve my time management issues. (Fear not, they will be waiting for me when I return.) As the holidays kick into full swing, I'm embracing a Yes-cember attitude, where I will say yes to fun things as often as possible.</p><p>I hope you're staying well and safe and finding joy in the simple things.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nDGJTgy2q0/YbAaxz8LfvI/AAAAAAAAIs4/pbYC_Ty4gCY7vdhPNFXq3xTBZc5XtcHeQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20211205_142838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nDGJTgy2q0/YbAaxz8LfvI/AAAAAAAAIs4/pbYC_Ty4gCY7vdhPNFXq3xTBZc5XtcHeQCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/20211205_142838.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUTxWZB-GW4/YbAaxzE7mQI/AAAAAAAAIs4/8ydeJtAnvwcbvvnI0la9e1z_ADZbCKRLQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/20211202_181038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUTxWZB-GW4/YbAaxzE7mQI/AAAAAAAAIs4/8ydeJtAnvwcbvvnI0la9e1z_ADZbCKRLQCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/20211202_181038.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0