TSS - February 23, 2014

From the Sunday Salon's original website:  Every Sunday the bloggers participating in that week's Salon get together--at their separate desks, in their own particular time zones--and read. And blog about their reading. And comment on one another's blogs. Think of it as an informal, weekly, mini read-a-thon, an excuse to put aside one's earthly responsibilities and fall into a good book.  


Today's Weather:  I'm not really sure.... I have remained inside most of the weekend working on an exciting new project (see below)

What's on the menu:  Absolutely nothing!  Geoff left before noon today for an out-of-town case and I do NOT plan to cook.  Whatever leftovers are in the fridge (which might be yogurt and stir fry) is what I will eat.  After the cruise last week.... I can afford to skip a meal or two.

Highlights of the week:  Well... highlight of last week was the week long cruise to the Eastern Caribbbean, which I documented here.  This week... I just tried to readjust to real life routines.

Teaching Overview:  In Brit Lit we completed Pride and Prejudice this week, which will culminate in the final exam on Tuesday.  Next on the books (no pun intended), Tale of Two Cities, my favorite novel of all time ... and most probably, the last novel I will ever teach.  Bittersweet emotions here....

English Comp continues to work on research papers, while writing a short Compare and Contrast essay.  We are in the midst of read-around revisions, and final drafts of those short papers will be submitted the week of March 3rd.

Currently Reading:  According to my Kindle, I have read 74% of Edward Rutherfurd's historical novel, New York.  Interestingly enough... my husband chose to take the paperback version on the cruise and we are nearly neck-and-neck in our reading progress.  It is a good, entertaining read of my favorite American city, but I must confess that preferred the author's novel,  Paris.  Hmmm... this seems to be a case of fiction mirroring reality here.

Writing Progress:  In the span of 36 hours I have managed to go from floundering writer to one with a definitive purpose.  It is as though all the events of my life, the stepping stones if you will, brought me to this point in time.  It feels RIGHT... if feels GREAT... it feels EXCITING... and I am indeed BLESSED.

To make a long story relatively short... I decided to read my two most recent editions of Writer's Digest and Poets & Writers magazines on Friday morning.  I was in a rather lazy mood, and so I not only read the articles, but also reviewed the advertisements and even the classifieds.  One in particular caught my attention with the title, The Life Story People convention - which will be held in St. Louis in October.  Perfect place ... perfect timing... intriguing subject.  I immediately checked out the website:  Association of Personal Historians - the Life Story People.  I had NO idea that such an organization existed - one that marries my passion for writing, teaching, and leaving a legacy for future generations.  I must have spent two hours reviewing the material on the site, and following links to member blogs.

With laser lock focus - as I have no idea how much time passed - I brainstormed a company name, checked into its availability, created a WordPress site, and purchased the domain name.  While it will be a while before I am fully operational, the website is Stepping Stones Publications and I even created a Facebook page as well.  If interested... take a look.

I like the name Stepping Stones because it not only reflects my philosophy of life, that is, nothing in life is by chance by rather by design - stepping stones that lead to the place we are supposed to be and the person we are supposed to become.  In addition, while I have found a focus for my writing, I do not want to be limited.  I still desire to write fiction - especially middle grade stories that educate as well as hopefully entertain, and travel articles.  I think this website will allow me that freedom.

While I will maintain this site for a bit, it was always intended to be temporary .... a transitional blog just as the caterpillar transitions to the butterfly.  Well, I feel as though the butterfly is developing her wings and soon, she will be ready to soar.

Weekly Exercise:  Ugh... I am certainly on the roller coaster with regards to exercise.  I seem to establish a working routine for a few days, and then life happens.  While I walked a bit on the beaches of the Caribbean, I have not returned to the regular treadmill workout since I have returned.  Hopefully this week I will make the time, as I would love to participate in a 5K event each month starting in April.  Yes, I am a fair-weather walker...

Artist's Date:  The entire cruise was an artist date as far as I am concerned... but I need to begin to be more proactive in planning dates for the future.  Now that I have a specific direction for writing and a renewed energy ... I anticipate more focus in this area as well.

Craftiness:  I did manage to create a few Valentine's using my Sihouette Portrait, which I mailed prior to our Caribbean cruise.  I must admit that it was fun to escape from the reading/writing/teaching routine and do something totally right-brained.  Perhaps it is not too early to start planning Easter card creations?

Photography:  I am not sure how many pictures I took on the cruise, as I uploaded each evening and deleted unsatisfactory images right away --- maybe 2100.  I am now at 1500 photos for the entire eight day cruise (and there are many others that could/should be deleted) but I managed to edit and upload about 125 to Flickr.

What's on the Horizon:  Well, there is the focus on Stepping Stones Publications.... researching other websites to help create my own... developing a rough draft of parent memoirs to use as examples... and brainstorming possible workshops that could be offered beginning next fall.  In addition, there are English classes to teach, faculty meetings to attend, and everyday life activities to keep me busy.  I must confess, however, that I am very excited about the future.  Life is indeed... Good.