Do you ever start to do something then hesitate?  Maybe you're afraid you won't do it well or will kill yourself trying to get it done.  My daddy always said I could do anything I put my mind to.  Mostly, I think he's right, but there are some things I'm not all that great at - like cleaning windows, fixing cars, super technical stuff.

What we sometimes forget is that we're not in this world alone.  There are family and friends to help us when we need it, we just have to remember to ask.  And have a little faith.  We didn't come into the world alone, we won't exit alone.  We need to have the faith to remember that there is a higher power than we mere mortals.  I like to think about the footprints in the sand. 

Faith is a little word, but it's HUGE.  I'm glad I don't have to do everything alone.  We workaholic, over achieving types tend to forget sometimes.  Hopefully someone near and dear will remind us.

Write on!
BD

I know we've all heard this a zillion times before, but the older I get the more I feel it.  Remember the scene in the Wizard of Oz when the witch turns over the hour glass and the sand runs through so fast?  That picture is very vivid in my mind.

There is so much I would like to do, so many things I care about and want to participate in, but the days are only 24 hours long.  Many of us try to do it all, we women want to have a career, family, home, hobby, and guess what folks - it's nearly impossible to do it all and not short something somewhere.

What we usually cut back on is sleep, time to unwind, self nurturing, and some of us say to heck with the house work.  The dust comes back no matter how many times you wipe it away.  Workouts at the gym, when?  Nail polish, not in this lifetime.  Personally I'm a high maintenance kind of gal, and who has time for it?  My mother never went out without her make-up on.  She always looked "put together."  Me, well, all I can say is that my jeans are clean and my earrings usually match my tee-shirt. 

I ran into a guy who used to live on our block when I was growing up 30+ years ago.  Although I'm a bit heavier he recognized me right off.  When I thought about it I realized I was still wearing the same things: jeans, P-coat, and sneakers.  Amazing.

Some of the important things don't get done in the time we have each day, like volunteering for the board of worthwhile groups.  If we have a high stress day job (which I do) we're too pooped to do much more than we have to when the work day is done.  I just hope that others will step in and pick up what I've had no time to do.  Do I believe in the shoemaker's elves?  No, but I wish they were real.  Maybe they'd mop my muddy kitchen floor and let me sleep. 

Many people talk about what they'll do when they retire.  I just hope I get there.  Meanwhile, I'll do the best I can helping in smaller ways and continue to hope the housekeeping fairy will visit.

Hello out there,

I interviewed an incredible young woman tonight.  She's in her mid twenties, married, has a 5 year old son, and lost her baby girl less than a year ago.  I can't even imagine the pain of losing a child.  I think that has to be every mother's greatest fear. 

Her baby girl, Alexis was born premature and was diagnosed with what they think is an extremely rare disease.  She was in and out of hospitals, had multiple surgeries, and still Lexi discovered how to be an inquisitive and funny baby.  She figured out how to set off the hospital bed alarm if the nurse was gone too long, or fake sleep when they came in to take her to physical therapy.  Just think what a hand full she would've been had she been healthy and strong. 

She very quickly bonded with her older brother, something that the medical staff said seldom happens to siblings of children with disabilities.  He could comfort her like no other.  What a blessing and gone so soon.

This mother took the pain and devastation of her loss and she and her husband decided to "give," to help other parents and families with children who are sick and dying.  Such strong and loving people make you realize there is beauty in this world and it is all around.  They created a foundation in their baby's name, Lexi's LAMBs (Little Angels Memorial Benefit).  I am in awe of their faith, their strength, and their desire to give after losing so much.  I feel blessed that they shared their story with me.

B

By day, a project manager for a global telecommunications manager.
By night, a writer.
All the rest of the time....what rest of the time? 

I just spent an intense, but enjoyable week Oct. 8-14 participating in the Muse OnLine Conference.  I'm no techno-whiz, but I managed without too much embarrassment to get around and communicate successfully with the online workshops. 

There were authors, agents, editors, publishers, and over 1800 writers from all over the world.  We covered genre's, novel writing, marketing and promotion, internet radio, you name it.  The best part, it was free!  I've already signed up for next year.  It'll take me a few months to get through all the wonderful material that was distributed, too, but it'll give me something to do in my...spare...time.
I highly recommend the conference to all writers in all stages of their career and craft. 

Take care all, and Write On!
BD

Welcome to your sample blog.  I hope you enjoy.
Love,
Matthew

"That boy can ROCK!"