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. 

Today's a New Day!!! Make the Most of it.

     Here in Tennessee mountains the weather is perfect for a fall day.  Cool, breezy, cloudy and calm. this end of November morning.  Took the pups for a walk before I start my work at home activities. Which takes up most of my day of course. This calmness will not stay for long and that reason is that soon Christmas will be here and out of towners will come to spend Christmas and New Years in the area.  But I am not taking for granted the quietness around my neighborhood right now. 

    All of the leaves are off the trees which when I lived in NC; most of the trees would be in the process of changing color.  This year I feel like fall came early to the TN mountains.  Most of the leaves fell off the middle of November.  I just can't believe it is the 30th of November already.  Thanksgiving is done and Christmas is in full swing.  

     As for Christmas this year, I am drilling in my head to stay on a budget.  This is due to the fact that there is an up most important bill that is coming due in my household.  It is hard to budget but I keep telling myself there will be plenty of Christmases where you can splurge a little more than this year, and paying your mortgage is the most important. So, a budgeted Christmas this year is so needed.  I am only getting two gifts for each person on my list this year.  Reasonably priced of course.  But I will keep whomever reads this in the loop on how the budgeting goes.  I honestly think shipping is what is going to hurt this year because how expensive gas prices are. Majority of my shopping will be Walmart (I think); because Amazon to me sucks due to the fact that they say two-day shipping, but it will be a week. I also think that where I am located causes issues as well. Yet, what annoys me most is that Amazon will hold your money for three days and it drops off on the fourth day; causing you to think there is something wrong with your order.  I have more Amazon stories but that will be for another day.

    As for making the most of my day, well I am working from home. During the slow period of my job; I am now developing a story idea.  I have two in the works right now.  Supposedly, that is normal for any writer who is cultivating a story idea or novel.  I do want to write something that is meaningful and will help people.  So that in itself is taking some time.  I do have a ton of story outlines on my desk and a journal; so, once a sentence or inspiration hits.... I will write it down.   I am really excited about this story idea that I am working on, and I pray every night to God to inspire me more and help me write this story.  With God's help; I know the story will be meaningful to others.  

    So, for as to making the most of my day; I really try to stay on top of the household chores, but I will be honest with you they are boring.  But what can I say, I am bless with a home and keeping it clean and tidy is part of having a house or apartment.  Well, nothing more for today.... thanks for reading my ramblings.  Have a good one.

Let's try this Blogging thing again.....and again.

    I know I said it before and now I will say it again.  I am going to take the next year and develop my writing skills and be consistent with this blog.  It is just said that I have not continued with this since starting this back in 2017.  I figured that this would benefit me in my life and improve my writing skills.  I love writing and reading but my lack of focus has contributed to my procrastination.  I guess this is the lessons that I had to learn over the past few years.  I am sad that it took me so long to get back in the habit of again.....restarting this blog.  The lessons in life, faith, and the road over the years will be quite interesting to some, but maybe not to others.  

    Over the past 5 years there has been a lot of struggles in my life.  So "Blogging" was not my top proity and neither was writing.  I have always loved to write and excelled in my writing skills.  Yet, my passion for writing was lacking. I am sure it was the depression and loss that I was feeling, and which contributed to this.    I am hoping to change this right now.  I am also hoping that this will help me become a better writer in the long run.  

    Honestly, I am not sure who this blog will reach anyone or help anyone.  I just know the more I will write about my life and feelings; it will make me a better writer and person in the long run.

I hope whoever reads this that life hasn't been too hard and that you are well.  Hopefully more to come.  

New Day....New Plan...New Changes.

Well, my promise to blog more is not being kept but I am hoping that will change.  I have no excuses...none.  Life just got ahead of itself....work.....classes....bills...etc.  Just life in general just got in the way and kept me from blogging.

But new day....new plans...new changes....

I had to put that meme in to this post.

Alas,  things have been crazy since January 2019.  But I am going to get back on track because I think it will help me physically, emotionally, and mentally.  I have come to the conclusion that if I do not push myself to do better then no one will.  I think I struggled which caused me to have a small breakdown. I kept blaming myself and others for the goals that I did not achieve.  This thinking was wrong.....very wrong....

So where do the changes come in......I am starting to seek God's help....I am starting to pray more with my heart and not just with my mind.  I am going to get back on track with my diet and exercise.  I am going to lean more on family and friends and reach out to them when I need advice or help (more for the advice on things though).  I just feel to get out of a bad situation that I need to change my perspective and do what is right.....for myself.

 I have one life and I need to live it...and not let the stress get to me anymore.  The stress was making me depressed and I did not want to leave the house.  Plus,  health wise I was sick all the time and always in pain.  I was hiding this from everyone and myself.

Alas, I will end this post right here.  Tomorrow or tonight I think I will start doing some catch up.  I think I will blog about my trip to NYC....even though it was two years ago.  I think it will be an interesting read.....with pictures.

Also, I have started a Youtube Channel....or restarted......the URL is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFnXJGcJfZHlaZM27XsCFOg

Please check out the Presents for Pets video.....and if you would like....subscribe.

My Instagram is @lismar1978

Thanks for reading.....L

So it has been awhile.......

So it has been a while since my last post.......a whole year almost.  I did not live up to my commitment  of blogging as much as I should.  Life got in the way.....I know lame excuse.  This is for a good reason though.......

Over this past year I have started taking photography classes via New York Institute of Photography.  The classes are only and they are very informative.  I have acquired a real professional camera with the help of my parents (they gifted it to me for my bday); which I love and I am still learning on how to use it.  I love my parent so much and the faith they have for me.  I am dedicated to my classes and I graduate in 2020.  I will also get my Professional Photographer's Certificate.  So wish me luck.

I also got a part time job to go with my full time job.  I will keep the company's name safe for right now but this part time job helped me focus on my passion of photograph.  My full time job is also great and I will tell you why within this post.

My year was pretty boring but I have seen many Marvel movies and continued to work on my diet.  In June I went to see my parents for a mini vacation with Scott and Princess Leia (my puppy).  We had a great time and enjoyed some time with my parents.

In July, my uncle passed away and my father and I went to New Jersey to be with my family.  Even though  it was a sad event; I am glad I went to be there for my dad and my aunt.  I will try to keep in contact with my aunt more then before.  Family is an important thing.

In August, I suffered an accident with my shoulder.  Not going to go into details on what happen, but I can tell you my shoulder got disconnected in my sleep.  It did go back into place but it tore my rotator cuff slightly, tore the upper bicep tendon, and my shoulder alignment was slightly off. I was out of both jobs for a week and received a shot of cortisone.  I thought the problem was solved.....I was wrong and the problem continued.   I did not complain too much but I did not listen to my doctor when he put me wanted me out from August to October 5th.  I went to work at my full time job during that time with a sling.

In September, I had my birthday and turn 40.  I will write about my feelings about being the big 4-0 in a future blog.  I will try and keep this blog thing going.  I promise.

In October, I went back to the doctor and he told me I had to make a decision about my shoulder.  I can take another Cortisone shot or have surgery.  I took the shot but started to have a bad allergic reaction.  Mind you....I have been on steroids since August......and now this is October.  My sugar level went through the roof along with my blood pressure.  I started to have rage.....in which Scott started calling "B**chy Marie".  I decided to have surgery....I could no longer take any more steroid medication and stop taking the steroids all together.  This was after a doctor's visit to my primary care physician.  I had decided to have my surgery November 14th.  Enough time to put any paperwork in my full time job and get my stuff in order best that I can.

At the end of October my father was in the hospital.  I will not state the issue but rest assure he is fine.  I had to take off and travel up to help out.  I was happy to do so and thank God that my job was kind enough to allow me to go. I do work at the best place of employment and everyone is so kind.  Both jobs are great......and I thank God for my blessings.  Anyway, I stayed up in Gatlinburg to help my mom and dad out.  Once I got back from Gatlinburg;  I focused on working non-stop till November 13th (the day before my surgery).

On November 14th, I had my shoulder surgery.  It took about an hour and a half to fix everything.  I woke up forgetting that I was in the hospital and dreaming about ice cream.  I am out of work till January 2019.....basically six weeks.    Part of the healing process has me going to physical therapy.  I go two times a week for an hour; along with doing at home exercises.  To be honest the surgery was not so bad but the physical therapy is a beast. I am doing my best to do the exercises and staying positive.  I know this is a day by day process and it is not easy. 

So basically this is a catch up summary of my 2018 year.  I may touch upon things in details in later blogs but till then this is a summary.  In whole......I can not wait till 2018 is over and look forward to blogging more and for 2019. 

Whomever is reading this I hope you are blessed and well.