After last week’s article about eyebrows, my husband has been viewing the upper attributes of my face with a bit more recognition. The other day he commented on the nice arch I gave my eyebrows, and I had to tell him it was a happy accident.
“It’s the brows that decide, not me,” I informed him. Same with when I trimmed my own bangs this week, and accidentally cut them too short. “It’s what the bangs wanted.” Of course, this was also after two cocktails at a weeknight trivia game. Coincidence surely.
Luckily it’s not too bad. Also luckily, hair grows.
This week I came face-to-face with my own mortal abilities when it comes to how much I can take on. The next two weeks I will be nose to the grindstone as I wrap up some volunteer duties for my local writing club (I am not only the vice president & secretary, but I also manage the website, newsletter, and social media…and there is a lot of big stuff coming down the pike and landing on my shoulders). In the midst of this, a minor freelance job landed in my lap, which I agreed to help with even though I couldn’t figure out where I’d find the time. Then my husband casually mentioned some work he’ll give me when he’s ready with his next book, and that’s when the meltdown happened.
You guys, it was not pretty.
All that said, two things helped me put things in perspective and come back to sanity.
First, I journaled about it. This is my favorite way to whine about the unfairness of life, because it helps me get out all my aggressions. But second, just writing it out made me realize the reality of the situation: I still had weeks to get things done, I’ve done this before and survived, and the world will not fall apart if any of this doesn’t happen.
Second, it became even more clear that I need to let go of some obligations I’ve taken on. This is a hard one for me, because every one of my obligations is one I take pride in. However, every time I’ve said YES to an outside obligation, I have also had to say NO to something else that’s important to me. Time for writing. Time for rest. Time to enjoy my family.
Every time I’ve said YES to an outside obligation, I have also had to say NO to something else that’s important to me.
One of the things that came out of my journaling session was a list of all the things that have worked for me when it comes to paring down my list of obligations and getting my life back in order. I wrote about it on Medium, which you can read here (this is “friend” link, which means you can read it without running into the paywall).
Before I sign off, I want to thank you for following me here and reading my words. I’m still figuring out how I want to use this space, and eventually how I can offer more value to paid subscriptions (I’m thinking book teases, first looks at covers, etc). But I’m not there yet. For now, this has been a nice place to write letters to you with no agenda except to get more personal and real. I appreciate you coming along for the ride.
What I’m reading
The only thing I want to talk about is Thorne Princess, by LJ Shen. I downloaded the audiobook so I could listen to it on my commute and on my afternoon walks. Let me tell you, I have not skipped a walk this week, and I am early to work every day, all because I cannot stop listening to this book!
I’m biased, of course. LJ Shen is my favorite romance author because she’s the queen of the slow burn. She knows how to add the right amount of tension to every page without giving up the goods right away. But oh man, you know it’s going to be good when she does, so you can’t stop reading.
Side note: Mom, please don’t read this book.
I am not only listening for entertainment’s sake. I also use this as a study session. What is keeping me intrigued? What makes me lean forward? How can I apply this to my own stories?
As a writer, this is the only way I know how to read a book—I study what works for me, and what doesn’t. It’s the biggest argument about why writers MUST be readers, because that’s how you learn how to perfect your craft.
Affiliate link applies.
What I’m writing
On the Sunset Bay front, I’m still plugging away at Book 2. I have re-read everything I’ve written so far, and now I’m on to writing the epic ending. It’s been a delightful process, as long as I get out of my own way.
I have also taken a freelance assignment from North Bay Woman to write about female tattoo artists and current tattoo trends in our area. I love that North Bay Woman has been pushing the envelope a little with a few edgier articles, and keep trusting me to tell the story. A few months ago, I got to write about Women in Cannabis (page 44), which turned out to be such a great article about some truly amazing women. So I’m very excited about doing it again for the tattoo scene.
Note: If there is anything you’re wondering about when it comes to tattoos, put it in the comments and I may pose it as one of the interview questions.
What I’m listening to
Let me introduce you to LucRev, who is also my son, Lucas. I don’t think it’s my mother’s bias speaking when I say he is massively talented. He just started releasing his music on Spotify, including the song above (one of my favorites of his). If you’d like to check out all his music, you can follow him on Soundcloud.
What I’m obsessing about
There are two things I’m obsessing about. The first is this:
Um, how cute are those? My parents surprised me this week with earrings sporting the cover of my latest book, and it was such a sweet surprise, and so darn adorable! If you see me at a book event, you know I’ll be wearing these.
The second thing I’m obsessing about is this:
First, Bon Iver, because they’re my forever obsession. I even have a tattoo symbolizing one of their albums on my leg. But in this post, I’m specifically obsessing about this art piece of Justin Vernon, lead singer of Bon Iver, by Jayce Hall Art (this link will bring you to the TikTok video of him creating this piece of art). If you look closely, you will see that 100% of the shading in this is by him writing “Bon Iver” over and over again.
Take my whole damn wallet, please. I mean, how brilliant is this?
That’s all I have this week. Now it’s time to go tackle that giant to-do list. Have a great week!
One last note (that did not make it into the audio recording). I have to mention my quiet spirit over the passing of David Crosby this week. Crosby, Stills & Nash (& sometimes Young) played the soundtrack to my childhood in the same way I’ve pushed ’90s alternative on my kids. They were part of my parents’ favorite artists, so naturally they belonged to my sisters and me, too. One of my favorite shower singing songs is Helplessly Hoping, and I truly attempt to sing all four parts. The passing of David Crosby is like hearing that a cherished uncle has finally crossed over to the other side. Rest in peace, Mr. Crosby.
I don’t just write rambling blog posts, I also write novels. Find them all here.
Inspired, I am listening to this Hopelessly Hoping playlist now. It’s magic. And so is 90’s alternative. Forever.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1E8JPq9k8MglBa?si=D-2lQbuVQGGSH4FfjIbrRg
Also, there’s a quote that I’m searching for and I WILL find it. It’s something about having to say no to the good to make room for the best. I think it’s Rob Bell.