Merry Christmas Everyone

Update:  So, I started writing this on Christmas Day, but got so preoccupied with different things going on that I just did not finish it.  Christmas was good and relaxing. Did not do much of anything except drink some wine and chilled out for the day.  We (my boyfriend, myself, and the dogs) opened gifts and enjoyed some time together.  Hope you all had a great Christmas - 12/27/2022

12/25/2022 - I hope everyone has a merry and blessed Christmas.  For the first time in a long time; I have the day off.  Well, I usually have Sundays off, but I have been working the last few months.  I am enjoying my time off with my boyfriend and my pups.  I am cooking in my crock pot a turkey which I hope turns out good.  I did manage to burn our lunch but between trying to cook some food and taking the dogs out for a walk.  No stress and no worries.   Remaking our lunch is now in progress. 

As for the book.  It is coming along.... slow but steady.  I don't think I will make my 30 days, but I am going to finish no matter what.

Here are some pictures of the day so far.

God Bless and have a wonderful Christmas.

Challenge Day 14 - Distractions....

        I started this post at 9 am and it is now 2:03 pm.  I got wrapped up doing other things. Frist thing I started doing was handwriting my book into my journal. Just dumping the story out of my head and onto paper.  I figure I will go into descriptive writing later in time.  I do wish I had yellow legal paper like George Lucas had when writing Star Wars.  Mind you, my book is definitely not Star Wars.  

         Then, my ADD self, started looking at my mom's cookbook collection and I have decided to go through these books and sell them.  Maybe at a cheap cost or do a 2 for 1 price.  Who knows if I will make some funds but at least I can try.  I can put the funds towards bills or just a small savings.  

            After I did that I started talking to my sister-in-law.  I was showing her doll clothes that I bought for my neice.  Yes, my niece asked for a doll for Christmas.  I know I am talking about saving money and then talking about Christmas.  But I wanted to stop and just let you know; I am writing and just got a bit distracted.  I am now going to head back to writing in my journal.  

I hope you all have a wonderful day. 

So Am I being Selfish?

Good Morning Everyone reading this.......

    Today is Tuesday and I am making some progress on the book. I am getting the ideas out, but I think I need to get more descriptive in my writing.  But I am proud of myself for getting going on this challenge.  I hope when I start typing everything out soon, and that I will be going into a descriptive detail of the story.  But this is a good challenge for me, and I am determined to complete it.  Now I did say 30-day challenge (and I am still sticking with that goal) but I am also sticking with the determination that I need to complete this book no matter how long it takes me.  I do want to try and get it published before the end of next year.  That is if it is worthy of publishing.

    As for the title of this blog "Am I being selfish"?  So, on Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day, is my day off.  I had a co-worker ask me to switch shifts.  I responded to her by saying "no".  Reason is that I worked every holiday this year and I worked when I had Covid-19 (when I was able to work).   When my day off landed on the 25; I decided that I will not work whatsoever.  Yet, I do feel bad saying no and I am sure someone would think it is for selfish reasons but with everything with my family, and the stress of personal issues.  I just need a break.  I wish I could break for longer than two days, but I cannot. Yet, I just want to do a Christmas movie marathon or a Star Wars marathon and chill.  I may not even cook.... who knows.  When you do not plan a day and just relax.... who knows what can happen.  I may watch the 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story.  But the end goal on Christmas Day is to really do nothing but relax and enjoy the day off.  The stress can start back up on the 26th.  LOL.  If I do anything I am hoping to continue whatever I have typed out of this story.... if that makes sense.  I am hoping to get started typing on Thursday of this week. Old school me likes to write than type.  I trust in God and in the process.  

    I do not feel selfish in telling them I can't do something but on the other hand....I do feel bad.  I am the type of person that wants to help and make people happy.  So, yes, in telling someone no to something it makes me feel sad. I am working on this because in life you cannot please everyone. 

Hope you all are well.  I am just doing a "writing dump" in this post.  

Sunday......Isaiah 7:14

Good Sunday Morning,

    Today is a great day but foggy here in TN.  God is good for sure.  Yesterday, I was able to get a few pages written for the book.  Yes, it is not an outline it is actually pages.  I did a writing dump and stayed focused, and I did not to struggle.  I felt whole when writing like it is my destiny.  I know God and Jesus is helping me; I can feel them both all-round me.  Cheering me on. I am so inspired by my faith that I hope this book does get published and helps someone discover that in tragedy; hope is still alive.  

    Speaking of hope.... the Bible verse for this Sunday (that I found) is "The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel."(Isaiah 7:14), for me this verse speaks values of hope in the birth of Jesus.  I wanted to post this verse because it is the Christmas season and hope. The book I am writing is about hope and faith. Just the timing of everything seems so perfect.  Which makes me believe that God's timing is always perfect.

     This time of year, is really inspiring due to the fact that a person can carve out new beginnings, along with new possibilities.  I am focused on new beginnings and believe anything is possible.  I hope that 2023 will be a better year for everyone.  So, as I reflect on this verse and leave this post (a short post) for you all to read.  Just think and focus on the possibilities that may come your way.  Never doubt yourself and have faith in yourself.  Have faith in God and the wonderful direction that he is giving you in life.  I just feel so inspired right now, and I feel that new beginnings will be a positive for those who seek them out.  

Have a wonderful day everyone. 

Thankful Thursday.....

 Good morning to Everyone reading this.  

    Today is Thursday y'all.  Almost time for the weekend. Unfortunately, I work during the weekends and won't have a day off till Monday.  Usually, Sundays and Mondays are my days off but with Christmas, bills, etc. coming up; working the extra half days on Sundays will benefit me in the long run.  I like my job, but I would like to get this book that I am creating up and going but God's timing is always perfect. So, if I spend a little more sorting out some details and some outlines.... this will benefit me in the process.  Sometimes you have to go through the process to achieve a goal and in this case, it is starting and completing this book.  

    Reason that I am pressuring myself to do this book is because I am tired of starting stories and get tapped out or get stuck.  I know it is not good to pressure ones 'self but I feel a calling of some sort to complete this.  I know I do get hung up on editing and grammar; so, doing this book will stop me on being so hung up on the little things.  I am trying to aim for a goal and achieve it. I am also including in this 30-day challenge to include outlines and writing down thoughts.

    So yesterday I had an appointment and since I was completing some test for my doctor; writing was the last thing on my mind.  Trust me......these tests were not fun.  I am not going into detail but as being a woman.... let's say it sucked. My focus was elsewhere yesterday, and I am forgiving myself for not blogging or writing. Sometimes it is good to forgive yourself when things come up or you can't complete something.  I may be hard on myself, but I will forgive myself at the same time.  I am a human being and cannot be perfect.  I consider myself imperfect and it makes me unique and an individual.

     Also, wanted to address my post from the other day.  I meant to put some more into my confusion with The Last of Us and the Mandalorian shows.  Yes, I confused the months that they will air.  Meant to put that down in words. Yet, I am doing my job and trying to write in the time where I am not getting phone calls.  So, I left out a good chunk of thought out.  Hopefully, next time more thoughtful sentences will be scribed in the future.  

Going to end this here......hope you all are well. 

Happy Tuesday

 Good Morning World......Happy Tuesday.

    Alas, yesterday I did not work on my book or did much of anything.  Yes, I am disappointed, and you should hold me accountable for my actions. I am now working (my job) and doing make up work for this book in between calls. I got the main characters outlined as of right now.  There is still one character that I am not sure if I should include or not.  I am leaning towards putting this character into the story but still not sure.

  I am working on the Opening and Mid-Opening outlines now.  I am basically writing ideas, and random words down.  May not make sense to some of you but it is for me.  I think these two outlines are what they call as free writing.... unloading my brain and freeing up some creative space.  Which in the end it is a good thing.  I am honestly very hopeful about this story and that it is what the book is based about......HOPE.  This story did come to me in a dream; so, I am in deep thought about different details and aspects of the dream and how it can be developed into a story.  I am focusing on descriptions, words, details, and story development.

    But as you know......procrastination is a writers fall back, or so I heard.  Yes, yesterday I did not do anything but sit, relax, and think.  Yet, you have to understand something; I think I needed the time off to just sit and think.  Think of ideas, think of perspective.... calm my mind.  Sometimes it is good for the soul to stay inactive and to let your mind rest and wander.  Things over the last week in my life were crazy; so, some time not doing too much is what was needed.  Does not excuse me from the 30-day challenge but now I am going to have to do some make up time over the next few days to help push me back on track.  God be with me.

    As for yesterday nothing amazing happen.  My boyfriend told me he did not like the fact that I had Pedro Pascal as my wallpaper.  I like my phone to have a theme and if my case ever gets to my house the theme.... process will be complete.  It is a Mandalorian theme.... because "I heart Star Wars" a lot.   Also, I am gearing up for the Mandalorian which I thought was going to air in January, but it is in March.  This leads my feelings of excitement to feeling great disappointment.  

    The other show.... The Last of Us comes out in January.  I am not sure if I am going to watch it.  I have a fear of zombies or anything of that nature.  Back a few years ago....my cousin, De, her now husband Justin, and I went to see I am Legend.  That movie did not go over to well with me.  De was very apologetic, but I had nightmares for a month straight.  I will continue the zombie topic for another time but let's say if The Last of Us deals with that.... I am never going to be able to get through the episode. 

Well, that is it for now.  Have a great day.

Sunday....Psalm 18

         Today, I was going to write about budgeting and writing.  Yet, I want to focus on the fact that it is Sunday, and it is a day to go to church and be one with God.  Unfortunately, I do work from home on Sundays (yes, I know my butt belongs in Church), but I am honestly putting in an effort to have a better relationship with God and have been praying a lot more.  Now, I am putting an effort to understand the Bible better, but with my ADD....I tend to get confused.  But listen.... I am trying my hardest. Church is a great asset to have and a place to focus on.... but for those who work crazy hours and for those who move to an area where they are not sure where one is (ahem.... yours truly).  I believe that church can be in your house, nature, and even the bathroom....do not judge.... many of us find refuge in a quiet place and that could be your bathroom.  I believe that even though one does not go to Church regularly that as long as they communicate with God and Jesus......they will be okay. Communicating to God with your heart is probably the most freeing. By praying it helps me overcome stress and lets God know that I am thankful for everything I have in my life. Believe me I did not get this far and overcome so much without God or Jesus in my life.  Spirit and truths......heart and mind...y'all,

         So, I figured I would post one of my most absolute favorite passages in the Bible.  Honestly, some of my most favorite passages come from Psalm.  I am not sure why.... sometimes for me the Bible can be overwhelming, but I am determined to read it and understand it.   

My favorite passage is:

Psalm 18

        I love you, Lord, my strength.    

        The Lord is my rock, my fortress 

        and my deliverer, my God is my rock, 

         in whom I take refuge, my shield     

        and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

        I am not going to do a study of each word in this passage, but I tell you the words get me. "Strength", "Refuge", "Rock", "Salvation", and "Stronghold".  Words that stand out to me that God will always be here to hold you up and stand by you through life.  That no matter where we go or what we do.... God will get you to it.... He will get you through it.  So, no matter what life has in store for you; just remember someone spiritually is holding you up.  Please remember you are not alone, and that people love you.

    So, think about our last week and the week that is upon us.  Was our last week good?  Was it bad?  Was it super amazing?  Did we thank God for our family, life, and our gifts?  Did we pray through our toughest hours?  Did we think and thank God for our good days? 

     I am not sure how your last week went but I tell you mine was busy.  Busy enough for me to realize that in a few weeks' time it will be Christmas, and busy with some personal issues that I am not going to disclose on this blog.  Sorry folks.   Yet, I hope you made it through the week and spending some extra time with those around you because tomorrow is never promised.  I am sure you will hear that occasionally from me.  It is the hard lessons that I learned in life that make me say "tomorrow is never promised."  Reflecting on this statement makes me think about my parents and how much I miss them.  I am not angry about how the situation that caused my parents not to be here, but just really sad.  I do know one thing for sure; my parents are with me in my heart and in spirit.   I know they are cheering their loved ones to continue on and overcome our challenges.  

    Speaking of challenges.... I am lagging in my challenge that I set for myself. Yet, it is only day 2 of my writing a book in 30-days.  I have a majority of characters developed and I am now working on the plot.  Let's see how far we will go on this journey together.  

Hope you all have a blessed Sunday

<3 Lisa

I am doing a 30-day challenge.....

        So, I am going to write a book in 30-days. Yes, I know this sounds like a crazy idea since it is the Christmas season and all the craziness that comes with this time of year.  I am doing this because a family member who I admire is going to change their life in 30-days.  

        As well as you know, I admire God most of all, but this individual is a family member going through a rough time.  I feel with the determination and support this family member will make it through any challenge that comes their way. It is taking the first steps that can be scary and make a person question themselves and who they are.  To question oneself is questing your whole existence and not being honest with oneself is living a complete lie.  I feel when people recognize an issue/problem and make that change; it shows the start of a new development in their life.  These steps are to make a better life for themselves and for those around them.  I know the road will be rough for them but at the end of this journey; they will be okay.  I have a tendency to say that a lot when things get rough "everything will be okay/alright".  I know it will.... I trust in God that things will be alright, especially for my family member.  

        Alas, I am doing this because my family member inspired me to do something that will make a difference in 30-days.  Now as I am writing this; I am getting hung up on the spelling errors and grammar.  That is my flaw when I write, I want to edit and correct right away.  I have to tell myself do not do that and that the editing process will come later on.  I know challenges can be good and a positive experience and I am determined to blog all this for you to read.  I may even get bold and keep myself accountable by posting this challenge on TikTok.  Who knows what the possibilities will have in store with this 30-day challenge.  I am hoping while I am writing this book that I stay positive, and finish what I have started.  I know there will be times where I am not going to want to finish or write but I must push through.

    I know this is a big challenge for myself due to the fact that I wrote stories before, and I get halfway through just to feel tapped out. Sometimes I feel that I can't get myself to write about sadness or depression as well. I have suffered over the last few years with depression/anxiety and a ton of sadness.  So, I find it hard for me to put these emotions into words.  But I am determined to do it because I want the story that I am going to tell to touch others.  

I am going to leave this post with this one question for anyone who is reading.  What is a challenge that you want to achieve?  I hope if you do a challenge that it is a positive change or impact on you.  

Thanks again for reading this and have a magical day.