Thursday 30 January 2014

A day to remember



Mum
 June 1938 to January 2013
Miss you every day






Friday 24 January 2014

Time to celebrate


Thanks to Viklit for hosting our weekly round-up!

Firstly, thanks to everyone who left birthday messages last weekend. I spent a nice relaxing Sunday with the family and they took me out for lunch. We wanted to go for a walk but the weather was pretty blah so it ended up only being a short one!

Presents you say? What you want to know what they got me? Well there was a bag with a unicorn on it, a purple key ring with a unicorn on it. A rubber for the top of my pencil shaped like a (you guessed it!) purple unicorn. A purple top (no unicorn!) and a purple onesie which I have to admit is extremely comfy! So you can see they know me too well! 




This week I have spent a couple of evenings getting some work ready to submit, which is always a positive step and I managed to get to my yoga class which was great, although I felt the burn the following day!

Happy Friday everyone!


Friday 17 January 2014

Celebrate the small things

What a difference a week can make.

 Last week I was looking forward with a sense of renewed energy and positivity, determined to make this year a good one. And I still am, truly I am, it's just that life is so fond of throwing those little curve balls our way. Scuttling plans and good intentions like a house of cards in a gust of wind. I'm sure you know the feeling. This week has been one of those weeks and so I have been racking my brain for something to celebrate, some little nugget that will cheer my heart.

So this week I  am celebrating ...

* My two lovely girls and my husband.
* My birthday on Sunday. I don't know how I am going to celebrate that yet but as long as it includes the people above it will be good.


Friday 10 January 2014

Celebrate the small things



This week I am celebrating;
  • Getting through the first week back at work after the holidays. 
  • Adding 1500 words to my ms.
  • Our youngest daughter passing her driving test this morning! (that's why this post is a little late going up)
Happy weekend everyone. I'm off to celebrate Christmas again this evening with a few friends. It's become a sort of tradition over the last few years. We have the full meal with turkey and pudding, crackers and silly little pressies. Should be fun!





Wednesday 8 January 2014

First Insecure Writers Support Group of 2014


Thanks to our host Alex J. Cavanaugh

Thanks also to our co-hosts this month Bob MilneRiver FairchildJulie DaoSarah Foster

Purpose : To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! If you haven't already signed up why not make it your New Year's resolution to join us.


***


Positivity and focus are my key words for the start of this new year. Basically this means I want to focus on the important aspect of my writing - getting the words out my head and onto my computer! I have several projects on the go but I am mainly going to work on a sequel to Arrosay, my MG fantasy. Whilst doing this I will be keeping a positive attitude to submitting my completed projects.

I think I was in need of the mental recharge the start of a new year can bring. I'm sure there will be bouts of insecurity ahead but at this moment in time I am feeling more confident that I can make things happen and edge closer to my dreams.

Wishing you all a happy and successful writing year ahead.



Finally, don't forget the Insecure Writers Support Website

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Birthstone Unicorns - Garnet

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and maybe added to your TBR pile by acquiring some new books! I know I am set for a few months of excellent reading material.

January is my birthday month which makes garnet my birthstone. The traditional birthstone for January, the garnet is normally thought of as deep red in colour but they can actually be found in many other colours such as orange, yellow, green, purple, brown and black. Associated with purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship they are also thought to remove negativity in the wearer. I'm definitely going to be wearing my garnet this month to ensure I start the the year with lots of positive thoughts!

There are lots of stories and legends surrounding the garnet below are just a few!

* Legend suggests that the garnet originated with Persephone, the Greek goddess of sunshine. Persephone was captured by Hades, the god of the underworld. Hades gave Persephone some pomegranate seeds to ensure her return. Take a look at the seeds next time you eat a pomegranate!

* The word garnet comes from the Latin 'granatus' which  means seed. 

* Garnet is said to prevent bloodshed between enemies.

* Garnets have been found in burial sites dating back to 3000 BC. It is thought they were placed there to protect the dead on their journey to the afterlife.

* Stories from the Bible say that Noah hung a garnet on the ark to help light the way through the flood.

* Native American tribes decorated dream catchers with garnets and used them on their hunting shields.

* Many cultures have suggested the wearing of a garnet would help calm a fever, protect from poison, reduce swelling and stop bleeding.

* Some Eastern  Legend says that dragon's eyes were garnets.

Hope your 2014 is getting off to a good start. Don't forget IWSG is next Wednesday, see you all then!


For Helen who requested proof of my 'doe ears' enjoy!