Living with Attention

 

StoryStorm takes place each year in January. The goal is to come up with 30 story ideas in the 31 days of January. Each day, a new post arrives with a daily dose of inspiration and motivation. Some are fun, some are serious, and all are very helpful. But, some really hit home. One such post this year did so for me and started me thinking seriously about my writing.

Day 15 featured Marcie Colleen, author of numerous acclaimed books for young readers, discussing the Quiet Work of Noticing. Colleen said, "...noticing is a choice. Attention shapes meaning." 

As writers, we talk about story ideas being everywhere. We just need to pay attention to our surroundings and listen to those around us. However, Colleen's words about this really spoke to me and brought new meaning to the ideas of noticing and attention. 

She said...

"Living with attention means slowing down enough to notice what usually gets brushed past. A feeling that lingers. A moment that makes you pause. A thought that quietly returns when everything else moves on. These are small things. They're easy to miss. And they're exactly where stories begin."

Yes! I really need to work on the slowing down enough to notice all, but I plan to work on it. Thank you for the brilliant advice, Marcie! And thank you, Tara Lazar, for StoryStorm each year. It is truly an inspiration. 

To learn more about StoryStorm, visit Tara Lazar's blog & website. 

To learn more about Marcie Colleen, visit her site at https://www.thisismarciecolleen.com/.

Happy New Year!

As we say good bye to 2025 and lean into 2026, I wanted to say I wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with many blessings, good health, prosperity, well-being and much abundance. I hope all your wishes and desires come true, and I pray our world experiences peace and light for all. God bless you and yours. May 2026 be your best year yet!

Merry Christmas

 

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and blessed holiday season filled with love, joy and happiness. Take time to breathe and be present with family and friends and rejuvenate for the year that lies ahead. God Bless!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving! May this kickoff to holiday season bring much joy and peace to all. For me, there is nothing better than time spent with family and loved ones. Safe travels should you be on the road or in the air.

 

God Bless Our Veterans

 

Today, and every day, we owe a huge debt of gratitude, to put it so very mildly. Words cannot carry the full weight of our due. 

Thank you to all who have served, who continue to do so selflessly, and to all the families left to cope with their absence, either when serving or with the ultimate sacrifice. We owe you all, today and always.

 Thank you, and God Bless America! 

Revision Week

 

Thank you, Lauren, Lynne Marie and Shannon for an inspiring week of revision insight. It was very helpful!

Always Remember, Never Forget

 

On this day, we remember all the lives lost and those impacted by the tragedy of 9/11/2001. Always remember, never forget. God Bless you, your families and God Bless America!