I'm in a lull with my writing. Which is a good thing. A little break after the nuttiness of the last couple of months will do my muse some good. She's looking a little haggard at the moment. Hair sticking up in all directions, wrinkled clothes and she's developing a distinct um... odour.
So give her some time to relax refocus and maybe bathe and we'll be back at the keyboard pounding out pages again.
In the meantime, I thought I'd post a few places you can find my writing right now:
Green and White
For those of you priviledged enough to attend the University of Saskatchewan, you'll probably see an article I completed recently on a veterinarian from B.C. You can check it out here:
Adventures of a Country vet
The Saskatoon StarPhoenix
Recently, I completed an article for the SP's RRSP special feature section. It was published February 15 and is available online for who knows how long.
Many options available for young home buyers
Christianity.ca
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada's website recently approached me about posting several of my articles previously published in Living Light News. The most recent one to go live went up this week. There are others on their site if you poke around a bit, including one my favourites about bikers finding faith. Here they are:
Parenting: Who's Flying this Plane?
Bikers find transforming power of God
Renovations Magazine
You know those free magazine you can pick up at the grocery store? One of them is a home renovations magazine I recently started writing for. My article on the upcoming homeshows in Saskatchewan should be hitting newstands fairly soon. I'll let you know when I see it.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Monday, February 20, 2006
Female superiority
As much as don't think heaping scorn on the men's hockey team is helpful or even warranted (they've only lost two games people, take a deep breath!), I have to admit something...
After watching the Canadian women's hockey team go for gold (as of this writing, Canada has a 3-0 lead over Sweden), they look amazing. They look like a team hungry for gold, taking nothing for granted. This gold medal match looks to be an exclamation point on a stellar round robin performance.
In short, they look like the team the men were hyped to be, before they actually got to Italy.
Yes, I know all the distractions the men's hockey team is facing. Yes, I know about Bertuzzi's lawsuit. Yes, I know 99 is taking some heat for a gambling ring he wasn't involved in (don't get me started!).
If the men win gold it won't be quite as convincing as the women. In fact, with their multi-million dollar a year contracts the men have in the NHL, one has to wonder if it hasn't made them just a tiny bit complacent. Or lazy. Or something.
One thing's for sure - Canadian women ROCK!
UPDATE: Make that 4-zip.
FINAL UPDATE: 4-1. Canada wins gold! You go, girls!
After watching the Canadian women's hockey team go for gold (as of this writing, Canada has a 3-0 lead over Sweden), they look amazing. They look like a team hungry for gold, taking nothing for granted. This gold medal match looks to be an exclamation point on a stellar round robin performance.
In short, they look like the team the men were hyped to be, before they actually got to Italy.
Yes, I know all the distractions the men's hockey team is facing. Yes, I know about Bertuzzi's lawsuit. Yes, I know 99 is taking some heat for a gambling ring he wasn't involved in (don't get me started!).
If the men win gold it won't be quite as convincing as the women. In fact, with their multi-million dollar a year contracts the men have in the NHL, one has to wonder if it hasn't made them just a tiny bit complacent. Or lazy. Or something.
One thing's for sure - Canadian women ROCK!
UPDATE: Make that 4-zip.
FINAL UPDATE: 4-1. Canada wins gold! You go, girls!
Overheard in the grocery store...
I was getting groceries at an unusually busy Safeway the other day, when I heard a young girl calling, what I assumed was her younger brother.
"Nathan! Nathan!? Nathan!" Her exasperation was growing.
When she finally found her wayward charge she admonished him:
"I hope you know you just got lost!"
As cute as it is, I wondered how many others in that grocery store were lost and just didn't know it.
"Nathan! Nathan!? Nathan!" Her exasperation was growing.
When she finally found her wayward charge she admonished him:
"I hope you know you just got lost!"
As cute as it is, I wondered how many others in that grocery store were lost and just didn't know it.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Quiet moments
I'm having one of those weeks where I feel like I'm going to drown under all the things I have to do.
Three articles due on Friday.
Oh yeah. And a proposal for a major writing project.
Did I mention I also work two days a week?
I wish I would quit doing this to myself.
So as I sit here waiting for my son to get home before we can pick up Mikaela, I'm soaking up the quiet and the stillness. It took a moment to just relax, let the brain go silent for a bit. I started praying, "God help me do this... God help me do that..."
And then I realized, I didn't have to say anything. I could just relax. And wait. And listen.
His love surrounds me. Even in weeks where my life is crazy busy. His love and grace abound to me. Sometimes, it takes those still quiet moment for me to see it clearly.
Three articles due on Friday.
Oh yeah. And a proposal for a major writing project.
Did I mention I also work two days a week?
I wish I would quit doing this to myself.
So as I sit here waiting for my son to get home before we can pick up Mikaela, I'm soaking up the quiet and the stillness. It took a moment to just relax, let the brain go silent for a bit. I started praying, "God help me do this... God help me do that..."
And then I realized, I didn't have to say anything. I could just relax. And wait. And listen.
His love surrounds me. Even in weeks where my life is crazy busy. His love and grace abound to me. Sometimes, it takes those still quiet moment for me to see it clearly.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Taking stock
Ten years ago this month I sat in a doctor's office facing the news I was dreading - I was pregnant. Despite bracing myself for the news, I immediately burst into tears.
I was pregnant under the most awkward and complicated of circumstances. I'd been separated from my (now) ex-husband for over a year and dating Richard for almost six months. I'd really made a mess of things.
Neither one of us had a future or a career plan. We were literally starting from scratch with absolutely nothing, but the deck stacked against us. Despite this, Richard and I got married and have somehow managed to pull together a pretty healthy family.
After all my bitching and whining of the last few weeks I've decided to take a moment to reflect on just how lucky I am. I do live a pretty charmed life.
For starters I'm married to a pretty fantastic guy who continually surprises me in his capacity to love, forgive and enjoy life!
Second, I have two adorable kids. Logan is a bright light, so energetic and sensitive. Mikaela is a delightful mix of charm and no-nonsense-get-out-of-my-way-I-know-what-I-want-thank-you-very-much bravado.
Richard went back to school and is now permanently employed at his dream job.
Further, although I've never returned to finish my degree (in anything) I have still made a fledging career for myself at my dream job - being a writer.
For all of my complaints, writing still gives me what I want most out of life:
1. The opportunity to express myself. If I wasn't writing I'd be creating art in a studio somewhere. I can't not write. God has given some of us the unquenchable desire to express his creative energy in small, but unique ways.
2. I have this insatiable curiousity about the world around me. Writing gives the opportunity to explore the vast riches around me - both physical, emotional and spiritual. What other job could allow me to move from profiling an illusionist to researching the wisdom of borrowing against your RRSPs for a downpayment on a house to writing about an upcoming home show? This variety makes my life rich, diverse and sometimes even exciting. Ask me about my Def Leppard interview sometime...
3. My time schedule is completely flexible. Today I have time to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill before phoning various interview subjects, researching my latest interview and making squares for friends' 40th anniversary tea tomorrow. At a nine-to-five job that might not all be possible. Nor would I be able to rearrange my work to fit my kids' schedule. Being there for them is a gift I'm not sure I could give up.
4. Although writing is a lonely and sometimes isolating endeavour, it totaly fits this independent spirit. I'm the grandaughter of immigrant pioneers that escaped persecution in Russia and came to this barren landscape looking for a better life almost a century ago. When I think of their struggles and what they managed to create here on the bald prairies, it bogges my mind. Yet that fiercely independent spirit is alive and well in me. Perhaps that's where I get the ability to see possibility where nothing currently exists.
Writing, in short (ok I know this is a long post), gives me the opportunity to live my life to the fullest. And what a life it has been. In ten short years Richard and I have created a life that makes us go "Wow!".
And God be praised, because all we did was commit to being here.
I was pregnant under the most awkward and complicated of circumstances. I'd been separated from my (now) ex-husband for over a year and dating Richard for almost six months. I'd really made a mess of things.
Neither one of us had a future or a career plan. We were literally starting from scratch with absolutely nothing, but the deck stacked against us. Despite this, Richard and I got married and have somehow managed to pull together a pretty healthy family.
After all my bitching and whining of the last few weeks I've decided to take a moment to reflect on just how lucky I am. I do live a pretty charmed life.
For starters I'm married to a pretty fantastic guy who continually surprises me in his capacity to love, forgive and enjoy life!
Second, I have two adorable kids. Logan is a bright light, so energetic and sensitive. Mikaela is a delightful mix of charm and no-nonsense-get-out-of-my-way-I-know-what-I-want-thank-you-very-much bravado.
Richard went back to school and is now permanently employed at his dream job.
Further, although I've never returned to finish my degree (in anything) I have still made a fledging career for myself at my dream job - being a writer.
For all of my complaints, writing still gives me what I want most out of life:
1. The opportunity to express myself. If I wasn't writing I'd be creating art in a studio somewhere. I can't not write. God has given some of us the unquenchable desire to express his creative energy in small, but unique ways.
2. I have this insatiable curiousity about the world around me. Writing gives the opportunity to explore the vast riches around me - both physical, emotional and spiritual. What other job could allow me to move from profiling an illusionist to researching the wisdom of borrowing against your RRSPs for a downpayment on a house to writing about an upcoming home show? This variety makes my life rich, diverse and sometimes even exciting. Ask me about my Def Leppard interview sometime...
3. My time schedule is completely flexible. Today I have time to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill before phoning various interview subjects, researching my latest interview and making squares for friends' 40th anniversary tea tomorrow. At a nine-to-five job that might not all be possible. Nor would I be able to rearrange my work to fit my kids' schedule. Being there for them is a gift I'm not sure I could give up.
4. Although writing is a lonely and sometimes isolating endeavour, it totaly fits this independent spirit. I'm the grandaughter of immigrant pioneers that escaped persecution in Russia and came to this barren landscape looking for a better life almost a century ago. When I think of their struggles and what they managed to create here on the bald prairies, it bogges my mind. Yet that fiercely independent spirit is alive and well in me. Perhaps that's where I get the ability to see possibility where nothing currently exists.
Writing, in short (ok I know this is a long post), gives me the opportunity to live my life to the fullest. And what a life it has been. In ten short years Richard and I have created a life that makes us go "Wow!".
And God be praised, because all we did was commit to being here.
Record breaking fifth post
This blog has officially surpassed all previous attempts at blog-making in longevity and number of posts.
Aren't you excited?
Aren't you excited?
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Total ranting...
I feel like Rodney Dangerfield sometimes - "I don't get no respect."
I'm a writer.
That means I string together words for publication for a living - albeit a small living.
Unfortunately, this is an occupation many people don't seem to understand. I don't blame them. I understand very little about plumbing and I doubt any plumber would expect me to know much about it. So I don't expect those around me to have an intimate grasp of word count, editing, contracts, copyrights, marketing, sidebar, interviews, etc.
I would, however, like a little respect.
I do this for a living. Just like everyone else in the world that gets up in the morning puts on their game face and heads to the work-a-day world, I work. Just because I work from home, doesn't make it easy or in some way less difficult than any other job out there. I'm not saying it is neuro-surgery or anything, but it is still a job. I work hard and I get paid. In fact, in some cases I get paid quite well.
I'm not doing homework like a college student. I've learned my trade already, thank you.
I'm not hiding in my corner practicing at a hobby, when I skip out on functions.
I'm working.
At a job.
For many people work means a uniform, a worksite and interaction with coworkers (I've decided talking to my fax machine doesn't count), and/or clients. So maybe to them my job looks like heaven in paradise, but it's still work.
Further, my writing is more than work. It is my passion - my purpose in life. I'll be doing this until they pry the keyboard from my cold dead fingers.
There. I just needed to say it.
I'm a writer.
That means I string together words for publication for a living - albeit a small living.
Unfortunately, this is an occupation many people don't seem to understand. I don't blame them. I understand very little about plumbing and I doubt any plumber would expect me to know much about it. So I don't expect those around me to have an intimate grasp of word count, editing, contracts, copyrights, marketing, sidebar, interviews, etc.
I would, however, like a little respect.
I do this for a living. Just like everyone else in the world that gets up in the morning puts on their game face and heads to the work-a-day world, I work. Just because I work from home, doesn't make it easy or in some way less difficult than any other job out there. I'm not saying it is neuro-surgery or anything, but it is still a job. I work hard and I get paid. In fact, in some cases I get paid quite well.
I'm not doing homework like a college student. I've learned my trade already, thank you.
I'm not hiding in my corner practicing at a hobby, when I skip out on functions.
I'm working.
At a job.
For many people work means a uniform, a worksite and interaction with coworkers (I've decided talking to my fax machine doesn't count), and/or clients. So maybe to them my job looks like heaven in paradise, but it's still work.
Further, my writing is more than work. It is my passion - my purpose in life. I'll be doing this until they pry the keyboard from my cold dead fingers.
There. I just needed to say it.
Monday, January 09, 2006
I'm not listening...!
Any of you who've spent ten minutes with me over the last month or so, know that I am fiercely passionate about politics. I think I get it from my Grandfather. For now, I will spare the world wide web my political diatribes. It's so hard; we're in the middle of an election after all!
However, after watching several Canadian musicians making noises about the election, I do want to make one comment about something that irks me every single election:
Hey! Famous celebrities! Musicians! Movie stars! Yeah, you guys! Come over here a minute. I want to say something to you. Gather in close, because I want to be sure you get this...
SHUT UP! SHUT UP ABOUT WHICH PARTY YOU LIKE OR DON'T LIKE. I DON'T GIVE A FLYING FIG WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE ELECTION!
For pity's sake! I part with my hard-earned cash to buy your CDs and see your movies so you can afford that second Lexus or take that precious trip to rehab, but that doesn't entitle you to you open your mouth about politics, ok? I buy your CDs because I like your music or I think you are a talented musician. But that doesn't automatically mean I'm interested in having you tell me what party to vote for. I'm an intelligent person and the last time I checked I didn't need some multi-millionaire camera-hogging celebrity to help me figure out the Canadian election scene! So shut up about it.
And for American celebrities... this goes double! There is no way on God's green acre that I want to hear what you think about a democratic election in ANOTHER FREAKING country you know very little about!
Ok?
Ok.
Thank you.
(stepping down off soapbox and grabbing another cup of tea...)
However, after watching several Canadian musicians making noises about the election, I do want to make one comment about something that irks me every single election:
Hey! Famous celebrities! Musicians! Movie stars! Yeah, you guys! Come over here a minute. I want to say something to you. Gather in close, because I want to be sure you get this...
SHUT UP! SHUT UP ABOUT WHICH PARTY YOU LIKE OR DON'T LIKE. I DON'T GIVE A FLYING FIG WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE ELECTION!
For pity's sake! I part with my hard-earned cash to buy your CDs and see your movies so you can afford that second Lexus or take that precious trip to rehab, but that doesn't entitle you to you open your mouth about politics, ok? I buy your CDs because I like your music or I think you are a talented musician. But that doesn't automatically mean I'm interested in having you tell me what party to vote for. I'm an intelligent person and the last time I checked I didn't need some multi-millionaire camera-hogging celebrity to help me figure out the Canadian election scene! So shut up about it.
And for American celebrities... this goes double! There is no way on God's green acre that I want to hear what you think about a democratic election in ANOTHER FREAKING country you know very little about!
Ok?
Ok.
Thank you.
(stepping down off soapbox and grabbing another cup of tea...)
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
This is my second post
My second post in two days. I feel like I've reached a milestone. And don't worry, at some point I will make an effort to be more creative in the titles of each post.
I just finished a very healthy lunch. Light tuna packed in water over baby romaine lettuce, topped with broccoli flowerettes and grated low fat cheddar cheese. It was accompanied by a biscuit, a glass of water, a cup of black tea and the one slice of cantaloupe I managed to wrestle from the kiddos.
After all the junkfood I injested over Christmas, my body is sure to go in shock any minute now.
Vegetables? And green ones at that! Real live fruit?
I eat fairly healthy and stay away from junkfood, as much as possible. Though you'd never know it, if you saw me this last month.
Now I don't do New Year's resolutions. If there is something in my life that needs to change and it's really that important, then I will change it. Now. I won't wait for a count-down and a slightly off-key version of Auld Lang Syne.
This year, however, I find myself making changes to my eating habits and commiting to exercise at around the same time as everyone else. I have no weight loss goal in mind, but the motivation not to gain any weight in the coming year is quite high with a recently purchased pair of pants promising to be ruthlessly unforgiving, should a stray ounce appear on these hips.
But, as I said, I'm not doing this with weight loss in mind. My reason, though, is just as important or maybe moreso, than how I look.
I feel way better when I'm taking care of myself. I watch what I eat and commit to exercise because what I do to my physical body influences my emotions and energy levels. I have big plans for 2006 and there's no way on earth I can accomplish them on my own strength. I have to train my mind and body to be at their peak, so I can handle the new challenges and stressors that the successes will bring my way this year. I know you can't have success without a challenge or stress thrown it. It is the way of the world. And I accept it.
So as I step on the treadmill in this brand new year, I'll be thinking of facing my enemy - depression, insecurity, anxiety, fear - and coming out on top.
I'll keep you posted with my progress.
For those of you struggling with your weight, feel free to hate me. I'm ok with it.
I just finished a very healthy lunch. Light tuna packed in water over baby romaine lettuce, topped with broccoli flowerettes and grated low fat cheddar cheese. It was accompanied by a biscuit, a glass of water, a cup of black tea and the one slice of cantaloupe I managed to wrestle from the kiddos.
After all the junkfood I injested over Christmas, my body is sure to go in shock any minute now.
Vegetables? And green ones at that! Real live fruit?
I eat fairly healthy and stay away from junkfood, as much as possible. Though you'd never know it, if you saw me this last month.
Now I don't do New Year's resolutions. If there is something in my life that needs to change and it's really that important, then I will change it. Now. I won't wait for a count-down and a slightly off-key version of Auld Lang Syne.
This year, however, I find myself making changes to my eating habits and commiting to exercise at around the same time as everyone else. I have no weight loss goal in mind, but the motivation not to gain any weight in the coming year is quite high with a recently purchased pair of pants promising to be ruthlessly unforgiving, should a stray ounce appear on these hips.
But, as I said, I'm not doing this with weight loss in mind. My reason, though, is just as important or maybe moreso, than how I look.
I feel way better when I'm taking care of myself. I watch what I eat and commit to exercise because what I do to my physical body influences my emotions and energy levels. I have big plans for 2006 and there's no way on earth I can accomplish them on my own strength. I have to train my mind and body to be at their peak, so I can handle the new challenges and stressors that the successes will bring my way this year. I know you can't have success without a challenge or stress thrown it. It is the way of the world. And I accept it.
So as I step on the treadmill in this brand new year, I'll be thinking of facing my enemy - depression, insecurity, anxiety, fear - and coming out on top.
I'll keep you posted with my progress.
For those of you struggling with your weight, feel free to hate me. I'm ok with it.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
This is my first post
This is my first post in what is probably the fifth time I have attempted a blog. Maybe five times is a charm.
I plan to use this blog to allow friends and family to keep up with what's happening in my writing life, family life, work life and social life. I don't think I have a social life right now, but I suppose if I get one, that would be blog-worthy news. I'll keep you posted.
I'm starting 2006 feeling better than I have felt in a long, long time. The past 12 months have been an incredible ride of highs and lows. Unfortunately, somewhere a long the way I felt like I lost part of myself. It wasn't because of anything dramatic or tragic. Just a series of small events that really shook my self-esteem.
Nothing really felt normal after that. I tried everything to find my self-confidence again, but it was to no avail. I felt like I was wandering around in the wilderness, questioning everything from my choices in work to my faith to my choice of friends.
Whatever happened (and why) is no matter now. For some reason I feel like I found myself again this weekend. Nothing spectacular happened. My self-confidence just walked in, sat down, nodded and said, "Yo." Just like nothing had happened.
Welcome back, is all I can say.
I plan to use this blog to allow friends and family to keep up with what's happening in my writing life, family life, work life and social life. I don't think I have a social life right now, but I suppose if I get one, that would be blog-worthy news. I'll keep you posted.
I'm starting 2006 feeling better than I have felt in a long, long time. The past 12 months have been an incredible ride of highs and lows. Unfortunately, somewhere a long the way I felt like I lost part of myself. It wasn't because of anything dramatic or tragic. Just a series of small events that really shook my self-esteem.
Nothing really felt normal after that. I tried everything to find my self-confidence again, but it was to no avail. I felt like I was wandering around in the wilderness, questioning everything from my choices in work to my faith to my choice of friends.
Whatever happened (and why) is no matter now. For some reason I feel like I found myself again this weekend. Nothing spectacular happened. My self-confidence just walked in, sat down, nodded and said, "Yo." Just like nothing had happened.
Welcome back, is all I can say.
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