Being nominated for another award by a fellow blogger is always special even if sometimes you cant accept it due to being fully committed in your life at the time. But that doesn’t make it less special. I love this writing community.
Tag: blogging
Positive Thought 19/3/2018
We have this non compulsory lunch time ritual at work where we gather around a large dining table/couch area and share our meal together; just chatting, bonding and having a laugh. Like a big family lunch. Its a lovely gesture and has a great effect on our team culture. A simple but powerful work idea.
Positive Thought 15/3/2018
Its been a hive of busy days lately. So many positives.
This one actually happened last Saturday in prep for my birthday party. Feeling like a big change I got my hair cut really short. Scary stuff! But I still feel really happy about taking the plunge. This year feels like it will be a year of change. Its my year, the year of the dog. Im ready for change 🙂
Positive Thought 11/3/2018
100 followers of my site. That is totally a positive today.
Thank you to everone who follows, likes and comments on my blog. I am truly appreciative of your ongoing interest. Its inspiring and keeps me wanting to continue and to do better.
THANK YOU
I miss……
I miss being a Mum!
I’m still very much a mum, you never stop being a mum. But I miss the part of being a mum where your family is still living with you. The part that is​ often the hardest when you are a single mum. But so beautiful as well. Probably more so when looking back :-). A bit like childbirth. You forget the horror and pain as soon as you see your baby’s face.
My firstborn took 3 long days to arrive. She was due on 20th June and she arrived on 20th June , but started her struggle​ to enter the world on the 17th June. Not sure if waiting to arrive on the due date was me being stubborn or her! Lots of pain, lots of stress. Too much to write about here without starting a bigger than the bible novel. But enough to say, when I finally saw her little red face and jet black eyes staring sleepily up at me from my bare chest, an enormous​ love came over me. I had never ever experienced such a strong emotion. It was different to way I loved her dad. Obviously, as him and I are now long divorced, but my love for my baby has never ever stopped. And never will. Even writing about it now has me in tears and the letters on my screen are blurring…………
But back to forgetting the bad and only remember​ing the good. You so do that in life. I was ready to have a second baby as soon as I saw my first born’s face. And I did. But not straight away. Took me a couple of years and I was pregnant again. Another beautiful time. Lots of the usual morning sickness and being “fat”. But surprisingly my pregnancy also resulted in the sexiest emotions. Kind of funny as you really do not need to be sexy purely from a biological point of view. You have already attracted a mate and are with a baby. But I did. Super sexy. Perhaps sexy comes from being content. It is the one time in our female lives we can be a little cuddly and not have to worry about it. In fact, ​we can embrace looking womanly. Should be more of it in our society if you ask me.
My second baby, another beautiful girl, produced exactly the same emotions. I wanted more. Seconds after giving birth I was ready to go for another twelve! Well, perhaps another two, but the euphoria really does make you reach for the stars. She was an easy birth, only a few hours. My body and I knew what to do.
But the enthusiasm for another little one didn’t go any further. A crumbling marriage put a stop to that. Divorced their father when my second girl was only 5. Of course we didn’t go one day from being in love to out of love. It was gradual. We had many good years, but also many soul destroying times. But he did give me 2 beautiful daughters that I love more than anything on this earth. More than myself. Not saying I don’t love myself. But I would give up my life if it meant they would live. The protective motherhood feelings are indeed as strong as the superglue. Ever binding.
Of course my girls are not angels. But I love them for who they are. I love how they have now grown up into beautiful, caring , smart and independent young women. I am so proud my heart could burst sometimes. And I am proud of my achievements as a mum. My stumbling, fumbling attempts at doing the right thing as a parent, has somehow worked. They survived with me as their mum!
I may not always have liked their actions as little human beings. Mostly when they were teenagers. Oh boy was that a fun time! The constant worry that they were ok. The many fights about rights and what you can do at 15 when you truly believe you are 25! The new experimental times with boys and drugs. Boys, I can deal with. Drugs was a new territory for me. Yes, alcohol I knew about from my own teenage years. But drugs I never did myself apart from a few attempts with marijuana. A huge learning curve for me that sometimes came too late. Still we survived it.
But every struggle and challenge through those years, not only made what they are today, it also shaped me. I think I was probably a bit more tense and naĂŻve. I have mellowed through it all and become more accepting. Don’t get me wrong, I still worry. Sometimes about stupid little things that I really shouldn’t worry about. But I’m much better than I used to be. Being a single mum was hard as I didn’t have another person to lean on or to take charge when I was beat. It was always me alone, both mother and father. It was a struggle, but a struggle I’m glad I had.
I miss all that. I miss having my family here living with me. Warts and all. Our love is as strong as ever, but these days it’s from afar. We no longer enjoy the daily interactions. I do miss having someone to care for, to have someone need me. I miss being a mum. Of course I am not wallowing in self pity. I am happy they are now young adults as it has given me a lot more ME time. Time to pursue my passions in writing and photography and time with friends. So there are positives in everything.
I will forever be grateful to my girls for providing me with a rich life and a chance to experience motherhood. They are indeed my biggest achievement in life.
I miss……
I miss being a Mum!
I’m still very much a mum, you never stop being a mum. But I miss the part of being a mum where your family is still living with you. The part that is​ often the hardest when you are a single mum. But so beautiful as well. Probably more so when looking back :-). A bit like childbirth. You forget the horror and pain as soon as you see your baby’s face.
My firstborn took 3 long days to arrive. She was due on 20th June and she arrived on 20th June , but started her struggle​ to enter the world on the 17th June. Not sure if waiting to arrive on the due date was me being stubborn or her! Lots of pain, lots of stress. Too much to write about here without starting a bigger than the bible novel. But enough to say, when I finally saw her little red face and jet black eyes staring sleepily up at me from my bare chest, an enormous​ love came over me. I had never ever experienced such a strong emotion. It was different to way I loved her dad. Obviously, as him and I are now long divorced, but my love for my baby has never ever stopped. And never will. Even writing about it now has me in tears and the letters on my screen are blurring…………
But back to forgetting the bad and only remember​ing the good. You so do that in life. I was ready to have a second baby as soon as I saw my first born’s face. And I did. But not straight away. Took me a couple of years and I was pregnant again. Another beautiful time. Lots of the usual morning sickness and being “fat”. But surprisingly my pregnancy also resulted in the sexiest emotions. Kind of funny as you really do not need to be sexy purely from a biological point of view. You have already attracted a mate and are with a baby. But I did. Super sexy. Perhaps sexy comes from being content. It is the one time in our female lives we can be a little cuddly and not have to worry about it. In fact, ​we can embrace looking womanly. Should be more of it in our society if you ask me.
My second baby, another beautiful girl, produced exactly the same emotions. I wanted more. Seconds after giving birth I was ready to go for another twelve! Well, perhaps another two, but the euphoria really does make you reach for the stars. She was an easy birth, only a few hours. My body and I knew what to do.
But the enthusiasm for another little one didn’t go any further. A crumbling marriage put a stop to that. Divorced their father when my second girl was only 5. Of course we didn’t go one day from being in love to out of love. It was gradual. We had many good years, but also many soul destroying times. But he did give me 2 beautiful daughters that I love more than anything on this earth. More than myself. Not saying I don’t love myself. But I would give up my life if it meant they would live. The protective motherhood feelings are indeed as strong as the superglue. Ever binding.
Of course my girls are not angels. But I love them for who they are. I love how they have now grown up into beautiful, caring , smart and independent young women. I am so proud my heart could burst sometimes. And I am proud of my achievements as a mum. My stumbling, fumbling attempts at doing the right thing as a parent, has somehow worked. They survived with me as their mum!
I may not always have liked their actions as little human beings. Mostly when they were teenagers. Oh boy was that a fun time! The constant worry that they were ok. The many fights about rights and what you can do at 15 when you truly believe you are 25! The new experimental times with boys and drugs. Boys, I can deal with. Drugs was a new territory for me. Yes, alcohol I knew about from my own teenage years. But drugs I never did myself apart from a few attempts with marijuana. A huge learning curve for me that sometimes came too late. Still we survived it.
But every struggle and challenge through those years, not only made what they are today, it also shaped me. I think I was probably a bit more tense and naĂŻve. I have mellowed through it all and become more accepting. Don’t get me wrong, I still worry. Sometimes about stupid little things that I really shouldn’t worry about. But I’m much better than I used to be. Being a single mum was hard as I didn’t have another person to lean on or to take charge when I was beat. It was always me alone, both mother and father. It was a struggle, but a struggle I’m glad I had.
I miss all that. I miss having my family here living with me. Warts and all. Our love is as strong as ever, but these days it’s from afar. We no longer enjoy the daily interactions. I do miss having someone to care for, to have someone need me. I miss being a mum. Of course I am not wallowing in self pity. I am happy they are now young adults as it has given me a lot more ME time. Time to pursue my passions in writing and photography and time with friends. So there are positives in everything.
I will forever be grateful to my girls for providing me with a rich life and a chance to experience motherhood. They are indeed my biggest achievement in life.
Good Morning Sunrise!
The sound of my alarm shocked my sleepy brain into action. I was groggy and so not ready to get up. For a moment I considered going back to sleep. My mind made several excuses for staying in bed….. it’s cloudy outside, sunrise will not be nice…. I have a big week ahead and need to rest…… I can always go later and catch the sunset!!!
But finally, my mind reminded me of how much I do enjoy getting out early. Plus, I had just read a blog the night before stating “successful people set their alarm and get up early”.
My mind: You want to be successful right! Get out of bed. You know you want to get out there and capture some great pictures.
Sleepy me: Ok ok, I’m​ hearing ya. I’m up!
So I stumble out of bed and splash some water on my face. Pretty up a bit and put on my comfy walking clothes. A large glass of Berocca vitamins to wake me up. Ready!
I grab my bag and camera and head to the beach. It’s only a 5-minute​ drive and already I am feeling much better about getting up early. Lonely cyclists and the odd car share the road. Everything seems so fresh and untouched that time of the morning.
I’m running later than I really should. Sunrise is 6.19am and it’s already 6.10. It’s better to be out a ​half hour before sunrise, but that didn’t happen today. If I make it more of a habit the idea of getting up early on the weekend will become a natural phenomenon for me, I’m​ telling myself. But that would mean early Saturday nights! The dilemma we constantly face in life.
As soon as I get to the beach and see the sun rising I am so grateful I got up. The glowing ball of light is peaking up out of the ocean reflecting rays across the palm trees and rocks. STUNNING. I quickly park and get out my gear keen to get started.
Walking to my first point of capture I pass early surfers and a few joggers. Lifeboats​ are being towed down onto the beach in readiness for another day. A few fellow photographers out on the same mission as I. Beach cafe’s are still to open with their chairs stacked outside. The air is filled with saltwater and the sound of the waves. This is my sanctuary, my place to recharge my soul and get filled up with happy feelings of gratitude. During my childhood in Denmark, ​I never lived near the beach, but I can’t imagine not being near the ocean now.
I spend about an hour walking and taking photos till my battery runs out. Being successful should also state “prepare”!!
Still, I am happy with what I managed to get and return home by 8.30 with a car full of groceries and a coffee in hand. Productive already, with a full day ahead. You’ve got to love that.
You can find my photos on this link to Flickr.
Hope you enjoy.
Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.
How To Start and Keep On Writing
2017 was an amazing year for me on a number of levels ​but in particular​​ my writing.
Looking back I can honestly say I am proud of what I achieved and really excited about where this will take me in 2018.
So what exactly did I achieve:
1. Entered 2 short stories into a competition and had them both published on Short Fiction Break, an online magazine
2. Started and finished the first draft of my 65000 word novel
3. Set up my online platform for both my writing and my photography
4. Started regular blogs
5. Joined a local writers group attending monthly meetings
6. Accepted the positions of Vice President and Writers Festival Social Media Coordinator for the local writers group
7. Participated in NaNoWrimo
8. Joined a number of online writers groups
9. Submitted 3000-word​ sample of my novel to UK publishing house
Thats quite a list for only one year. When I look back I wonder what made this year different to other years. I have had the desire to write for a long time. Why did it finally happen this year? I think its a number of events or decisions I made that finally got me writing and on track.
Set clear goals
In the beginning of 2017 I was once again announcing my desire to write a book. I think my daughter finally got sick of hearing about it and quite bluntly told me “just do it mum, stop talking about it and just do it” . It was probably the best advise I could have received. I realised how right she was. I could talk about it till the cows come home, but unless I started and set a clear goal I would be talking about it again the next year. So I set myself a goal to finish my book and told as many people about this goal to really cement it and make myself accountable.
Join writers groups
This is so important. Writing may be a solitary passion, but connecting with like minded writers has so many benefits. Not only do you learn from other writers but you also get an outlet for your writing. Often they have workshops and guest speakers in their meetings that expand you as a writer. Plus you start to see yourself as a writer which does wonders for your creativity.
Enter competitions and join online groups
I loved taking part in the The Write Practise competitions. It was my first attempt writing short stories that others would review. The interactions with other writers during the competition was hugely beneficial. Being reviewed and having to review posts from other writers was a real challenge that broadened my skills even further. I would highly recommend it to any new writers. I made a lot of online connections that I am still in touch with today. In general joining online activities either competitions or online groups is hugely beneficial. The support you receive from some groups is so important when you start out and even ongoing as we continue to learn. My favourite online groups at the moment are So You Want To Be A Writer run by Allison Tain and Valerie Khoo and a fairly new group called Authors in the News run by Kristin Spiers. Both provide valuable information in a down to earth professional way.
Participate in NaNoWriMo
This was an amazing experience and really got me over the line to finish my novel. The accountability of the word count, having supportive writing buddies and a number of workshops and local write-ins really kept you writing. Not only for November but has now set a good writing habit. I make regular time to write now. I know , if you really want to write , you have to sit down and start writing. If you wait till the stars are aligned and you are in the mood, it may never happen. It will most like not happen often enough. Regular writing and setting deadlines will get you there.
Share your writing
Don’t be shy. Dont wait till you feel its perfect. Share your writing journey. You will learn from the feedback from others and it will make you feel like a writer.
It took me a while to feel comfortable sharing my writing but the more I shared the more I found I enjoyed it. “Feel the fear and do it anyway” Allison Tait of SYWTBW Podcast.
Make time
Of course that is a no brainer, but you really need to take it serious and make your writing a priority. That means cutting down on other leisure time activities or getting up earlier to fit it in. Prioritise your time and ensure you fit it what is really important to you. It’s good to sit down and write your activities over a week and then work out what you can eliminate or where you can find time. It’s amazing how much time we really do “waste” where we could be writing instead.
Above is what got me to finally achieve what I had wanted for a long time and plus some. It worked for me and it may work for you too. We are all individuals and need to find our own way to write.
Hope this helps new writers.
What helped you? How did you find your writing groove? Would love your feedback.
Liebster Award
Wow! What a way to start 2018.
With an award. I am stoked as I only started this blog a few months ago. I am honestly still fumbling my way through this blogging world, but having a ton of fun writing and reading everyone’s posts.
So huge thanks to sweet Britt @ A Little Sunshine for nominating me for the Liebster Award
So exactly what is this award I hear you ask? I really had no idea when I received it myself. It may seem like nothing to some, but I think it’s​ a great idea to promote and pat each other on the back, as well as get us all connected with more bloggers. Isn’t​ that why we are here; to connect?
What’s the LIEBSTER AWARD?:
It’s an award in which bloggers nominate other bloggers for showing respect to their works and their dedication. It’s an appreciation and recognition for all the fellow bloggers out there in the blogosphere..!!
Rules For Accepting It:
Write about it on your blog and thank the person who nominated you,​ write about their blog too.
Nominate 5 or 10 blogs which you feel deserve it
“Don’t forget to create 10 questions for them to answer. Notify your nominees and provide a link to your post so that they’ll know what to do. Once you’re done, come back here and comment with the link to your post so I can check out your answers.”
My 10 questions from Britt and my answers
What is your favorite food?
What’s your favourite​ dessert​?
Something Silly that always makes you smile?
IPhone or Android preference?
Why did you create your blog?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? and why?
How often do you add a new post to your blog?
What is your greatest goal in life?
What is your highest achievement?
If you had the ability to change one thing on​ this crazy planet, what would it be and why?
Now I would like to nominate the following awesome people
Justsophandriley
Living
I Think I Say I do
Lithium Fiction
Cathy Powell
Sketches From Berlin
Writing Ward
TJ Edwards
Dasha Maiorova
WREADITOR
My 10 questions to the Nominees are:
1. If you could have a ​superpower​ what would it be and why?
2. What is your favourite movie?
3. When and why did you start blogging?
4. Paperbook or Kindle?
5. Do you now live in the country you were born in?
6. If money was no object what would you do this weekend?
7. Who do you respect and look up to?
8. Do you listen to music when youwrite,​, if yes what is your preference?
9. What really makes your heart sing?
10. What is your main goal for this year?
Thank you so much. I cant wait to see your posts.
Sal