Lisa goes wireless!

Well, something good came out of my computer crashing! I finally got motivated to go wireless. I now get on the internet from my laptop! Awesome! My laptop didn't have a modem so I couldn't even hook up to our phone line for dial-up. So this is so much better!

I highly recommend this if you're using a laptop that isn't currently hooked to DSL already or doesn't have a modem for dial up. Even if you do have a modem, this way is so much faster. Do I know how to do this? Heck no. I know you need certain equipment, software and of course DSL from a main computer already. Just get yourself a nice little techie, and he'll fix you up-well, for a small fee anyway.

I love it!

Practice, practice, practice...revised

Hi Fellow Writers/Bloggers~

We know, as writers, that we need to practice writing to improve our writing skills. We know this. But sometimes trying to find something to write about can be challenging. Because I've learned how to use various triggers to help start a story, finding a subject to write about isn't a problem. I might have a problem once I've been writing for ten years, but since I'm such a newbie, my problem is lack of time and talent more so than from lack of ideas.

I wanted to pass along some of my ideas to come up with triggers to start my stories. Keep in mind that some stories are just for practice. I post stories for critters to critique knowing that it isn't good enough to be published. Why? The learning experience. I learn from others who will take an unbiased look at my work and head me in the right direction. Not to get off subject, these writing groups, as I've written before, have flash challenges that help to get you writing in no time. There are also many books that explore various trigger starts-I have two for reference if I want a challenge.

I've found something else very useful though. My own memories/experiences. I highly recommend making a list of all of your favorite/impressionable memories/experiences whether from childhood or adulthood. From these memories, you can list keywords/sentences to describe/summarize your emotions. All of these will give you enough raw emotions for many stories to come.

Examples:
Cross Country camp: The accident (tears, heart racing, fear, friends, sirens/bright lights), pain, running on muddy trails, fun times-eating pizza, loyalty/teammates...
Grandma & Grandpa's House in Hopkins: Smells of the kitchen from Grandma's baking/cooking, Bible School learning about God, fun on Grandma's bike, spooky attic door, books and more books to look through, dollhouse, love, first kiss...
Campground-Campfires, square dances-fluffy colored skirts, wheelbarrow races on fun-day, campstore (candy galore)...
Apple orchard-scraps (squishy apples), burning leaves, ladders, bins, crates, mice, hot sun, sweat...

You get the idea. All of these can be used as story triggers/starts!! And this is with only four events/memories!

Happy Writing!! Enjoy the journey!!

ps-after reading Diane's comments I realized that I'd neglected to fine-tune this!

When tapping into your memories/experiences, the nice thing is that it doesn't need to be non-fiction! A great work of fiction can be started by one of our own experiences and an inspiring theme can easily be established!

I first started writing all non-fiction based on my experiences, but failed at first to see how these could be used as triggers for works of fiction whether short stories, flash-fiction and yes, even novels!
This makes for a more power-packed, emotional piece!

Baby Boy-

I need to decide whether to have my baby boy take drivers training this summer. It was hard signing my daughter up about six years ago, but my last baby?? This is tough stuff!!

I asked my son if he wanted to take drivers training this year, and he seemed hesitant. I must confess I was happy. Maybe he won't want to drive this year, I thought. Maybe not ever. My lips turned into a grin. Oh wouldn't that be sweet.

My baby turns "15" this June. It's just so hard to believe!

But as I pick him up "yet again" from track practice, I think to myself, "oh yeah, he's taking drivers training this year all right!"

How fickle mothers are! Or at least this one anyway.

Getting Focused!

Happy Monday fellow bloggers-

I consider myself a fairly organized person, kinda, sorta...I'm detail oriented and set goals. I love to research and keep good notes. The writing business should be right up my alley, right? Well, it would be if I had all day & night to spend on my writing. But, I don't. Who does?

I mention this because I spent part of my weekend trying to get my writing projects organized- "again." I can't seem to keep my head above water with all of my projects. My New Year's resolutions are already coming unraveled as time escapes from me. I'm trying to write new stories from trigger challenges as part of one of my writing groups, keep organized with drafts and crits I've been receiving from critters as I re-write my current stories, and of course help crit other stories as part of writing groups I belong to. This is on top of trying to keep my blog updated and keep my logs for submissions updated. Oh, and I can't forget to fit in working full-time, raising a family and staying active with church activities and praising God! (Oh yeah, I always have to fit some sort of daily reading: The Holy Bible, Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis and I'm trying to start another fiction book-key word, trying.) How does one do it all? I often wonder. Yes, I do prioritize-there are so many other things I want to do that aren't even mentined here.

Over the weekend, I had just enough time to get my work organized before I got too tired to do housework and other responsibilities (notice the order of things :) I did revise a couple of stories only to read more crits and decide to change/revise "again." It's enough to drive me to hitting the delete button on these stories, for sure.

But, something keeps me pressing on. I don't know what it is. There is a burning in the belly desire to keep up the madness, to push it to the limit. To be heard, to be known? Or is it all about self expression? Or have I just finally lost my mind. I just don't know.

But, I'm already thinking about a new story to write. Now, to find the time... :)

I'm hoping ya'll can relate to this in some way-please share your day/weekend with me.

Take care and God bless!

Computer - Up & Running

Just to give anyone who cares :) an update on my computer. My techie was able to save all of my files-I have some slight browser issues with some things now but that's minor compared to the previous week.

Contest Updates:

February Winner-Diane! Pls check out her site: http://prayingforaprodigal.blogspot.com/
Diane, just email me privately at lbraendle@aol.com

March Winner-March St. Ives when she links to the site! http://tea-tyme.blogspot.com/

Thanks to those of you who support this blog!!

Have a Blessed Day!

-Lisa

COMPUTER CRASH!

Howdy fellow bloggers!

Well after all of these years, I FINALLY did it. I pushed my computer over the edge. I made it crash & burn...I wanted to add further insult and throw it outside, but I restrained myself.

What happened? I am too fearful of those stupid automatic updates etc. My hubbie normally handles this silly stuff at home but he's on the road. So...to make a long, disastrous story short, I stopped the update mid-way thru and according to my husband, created a world of hurt. I said, "nah, it's fine." Well, the next day, it kept crashing, and I couldn't even use the go-back feature. Help me, dear Lord. Keep in mind that I'm an office manager and deal with computer issues there. Why is it when I get home, my brain shuts off for the computer stuff? I just don't get it.

Okay, so now I'm trying Nerds 2 Go, and praying that the tech does a good job...he's "trying" to save all of my files. It's amazing how much we rely on this silly thing. I mean, I have so many files, it's hilarious. I have family trees that represent many years of research etc., too many stories I've written and many family pics. Yeah, I know, we're supposed to back this stuff up and my hubbie does this but he's been busy so it hasn't been done in 6 months, which creates some havoc. Even when I get my computer back, it might be awhile before I have internet access so my blogs will be limited as I will only have access at work. So...don't forget about me.

This started out to be a short blog, really... :)

Enjoy the Journey
(I'm trying, really I am :)

February Contest Winner Announced!!

Hello fellow bloggers-The winner for February Contest is Diane from http://prayingforaprodigal.blogspot.com/ Check out her site! Diane, just email me your address and pick from the following: Lists to live By-For Everything that really matters Or Craft & Technique, which includes 300 tips etc.

Congrats to Diane! I'm really glad that we found each other & don't forget to check out her blog-it's a good one!

Yes there will be a March contest!! So you newbies out there, leave a comment on one of my posts and link to my site-first one, wins the contest!

Thx for stopping by!! Pls don't forget to comment before you leave!

-Lisa

One Simple Sentence Asks it All-

Prayer of Jabez-1 Chronicles 4:10

O that you would bless me indeed,
And, enlarge my territory,
That your hand would be with me,
And, that you would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain,
And God granted his request!

Such a tiny little prayer packed with the perfect request to God. Raw emotion.

I remember when there was a big hoopla over Bruce Wilkensen's book of "Prayer of Jabez, Breaking through to Blessed Life." Honestly, I didn't really think too much about it-a small book, a small prayer. But when I read the prayer when preparing for a new small group, the message hit me. It hit me hard. I was not praying for blessings for me and my family, not like I should. Sure, I pray(ed) for the normal things. For strength, guidance and protection for family, friends and the church etc, but I was not asking God for real blessings!

Bruce defines as follows, (p23): "To bless in a biblical sense means to ask for or to impact supernatural favor."

Okay, I pray for blessings for people when they are ill and dying but every day? Pray for extraordinary things to happen every day? Amazing, miraculous blessings for me? My family? Friends? No, I wasn't; but I am now!

I am praying with more expectation and faith that God will answer my prayer for blessings, expanded territory, for his hand to be with me, to keep me from evil, to prevent me from causing pain and believe that he WILL grant these things according to his will. I can ask for the miraculous things that only GOD can deliver for me and my loved ones and for the world I live in-I can expect great things from God!

Maybe this all sounds trivial. I mean it's not that I didn't believe in miracles or ever pray for them before. I do believe in angels, miracles and God's desire to grant our prayer requests, but not to the degree that Jabez prays for in his simple request before God.

This prayer and group study has really helped me improve my overall attitude about my daily life whether it's dealing with loss of a loved one, dealing with illness or with missing my spouse and dealing with the day-t-day struggles and frustrations of wearing many different hats from one of mother, daughter, friend, colleague, child of God and the list continues.

So what is this simple request all about? It's about asking God for supernatural goodness and protection that only God can bless us with. Things that we just cannot accomplish on our own. I now pray this prayer and my own version of it every day.

I hope you will too!

REJECTION!

First Draft-as not to forget my thoughts...I will be revising this post...

When you see that word, what do you visualize? Anything in particular come to mind? Maybe a past relationship? As we enter Lent Season, I just can't help but think about the rejection that Jesus must have felt from some of his friends on that fateful day, all those years ago near the time we now call Easter.

Yesterday, I received my second rejection (in two weeks) for a story submitted, and I can't help but feel just a little down about it. Yeah, yeah, I know...it's just a part of the publishing world-part of the game. I'm not even submitting as much as I could be so shame on me, but I still have expectations that have not been met. I feel just a little rejected by a world I so much want to be a part of. Was this what Jesus experienced but on a much greater degree? I think he must have.

I think I can put my rejection into perspective as I can only imagine Jesus being led up that hill to that cross for my sins and my ultimate redemption. I like to focus on the good of Easter, but let's face it, there was a lot of bad along with it. So much sweat, blood and tears-none which even compares to the rejection I've felt in my short writing career. But it does make me think about Jesus, the man, who felt tremendous pain and rejection, and all for man...for me.

Writing Group to check out! Revised

On the subject of Writing groups (see previous post and comments), please check out the following web site for more info on a cool writing group I belong to:

http://www.notebored.com/

http://www.notebored.com/board/index.php Updated: Try this link for more info:

It has something for everyone so check it out! There will be new instructions how to register (join) this group hopefully over the next week or so. This front page DOES NOT show all of the sections! There will be an email listed so that you can ask for your invitation code that is needed for registration. Once your registration has been approved, you'll be able to log in and see all of the sections. This is for tighter security to protect our privacy. For more info, please see me!

There is also a blog starting up to explain some of the features/benefits of this group (still starting), so keep an eye on this over the next few months:

http://www.notebored.com/noteblog/

Free Newsletter-

Hello fellow writers-

To subscribe to The Writers Gazette, a free (ezine) newsletter, and to check out a good site for writing info., please check out:

http://www.writergazette.com/subscribe.shtml

I normally don't like signing up for free newsletters, but this one is jam packed with contests, submissions info, tips, and misc. tidbits! I look forward to receiving it!

Happy Writing!
-Lisa

January Contest Winner! February Contest!

Fellow bloggers-
Contest updates:

Dave has graciously accepted the Nora Roberts book so I will be sending that out to him shortly!! Congrats Dave!

February contest is still up for grabs! I'll find a couple of books for the winner to choose from and post real soon.

Diane, do you have a blog yet?? You'd be the winner for February if you get a blog and link to mine! Just let me know!! You'd be an awesome "blogger!" :)

Have a great day!!

What keeps you going?

What keeps you going? This morning, the pastor asked me (& the congregation of the church I belong to) this very question. The question and his sermon couldn't have come at a perfect time for me. (not unusual)

You see, for several months, my life has been in an upheavel of sorts. I've handled unforeseen problems fairly well, but recently I've found myself fighting symptoms of depression.

In the face of adversity, I tend to be reserved and become closer to God. I lean on him for constant support, which is a good thing of course. But lately, I've noticed a slight reservation even in my personal relationship with Jesus. I know he's with me, but as I'm confronted with daily battles, I find myself withdrawing even more. Sure, I'm still fulfilling my resonsibilities, but at times, my joy has faded into mere existance. Maybe for self preservation like keeping my hands over my head to keep from being bombarded by life's worries and disappointments.

I've been through this before. I know the signs of depression, but it has taken me a couple of months to acknowledge it. So, back to the above question. What keeps you going?

Wow! What great timing. Why you ask? Well, the answer to the question is quite simple actually. My life isn't about me and the things of this world. It's about what my paster calls, "hidden treasure." It's about what is unseen instead of what is seen. The pastor reminded me that the power of God is in us, and we will have a great peace even amongst great struggles. Apostle Paul understood this all too well. Paul writes in
II Corinthians 4-7:11:
"But we have treasures in jars of clay to show this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus sake so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body."

This is a power-pacted message! This life isn't about me. It is all about the glory of God. I have life to help spread the good news and have great power from God to overcome my hardships.

II Corinthians 16-18
"Therefore we do not lose heart though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is seen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

This is my answer to the above question, "What keeps you going." Why not let Paul answer it for me? He certainly had seen more troubles in his life than I'll probably ever see, and if he could write these words while living with his own pressures of spreading God's word and dealing with imprisonment and beatings, I know I need to do what Apostle Paul did all those years ago.

I pray to overcome adversity with my eyes fixed on Jesus and the new world to come, instead of concentrating on the ways of this world.

God is good.

Hidden treasure include:
Great Peace, Great Presence, Great Proclamation and Great Potential.
Look to the Lord for yours today! Better than all the riches in the world.

Thank you Lord for my life and help me to appreciate all of your wonderful blessings.
In Your Name I pray,
Amen

Writing Groups-Good or Bad?

Good day fellow bloggers-

It seems as if I've been a part of writing groups all of my life when in actuality, it's only been six months. Why am I bringing this up? Well, to fellow inspiring writers, I wanted to encourage you to join a "serious" writing group when you have something you want to submit to the publishing world.

The good part of honest critique should be common sense. It helps. You will learn. I guarantee it. There are so many little things to accomplish for a piece to "work". Having other unbiased input is crucial. We all need help in determining what works and what doesn't with whatever we're working on. That doesn't mean that the writer must agree with every crit, but it often sparks new ideas and a different approach just might be needed. The past six months have been very instrumental to improving my writing skills, I think better than any writing class could accomplish. And the best part is the writing groups I participate in are free!

Okay for the down side. Thick skin. Gotta have it. The critiques normally aren't pretty, especially for newbie writers like myself. The first crits I had on a story were, how shall I say it? Harsh? Terrible? Crushing? Or somewhere in between? I felt many emotions, but bottom line, they were helpful and necessary for improvement. It was a reality check. I needed to work much harder than I thought I would. But, am I better for it? You bet. I received so much helpful feedback, it was amazing. And of course I still am.

So today's tip? Get your work out there! I know, I know...it's tough. It gets personal. What? Personal? I thought writers weren't supposed to take these things personally? Well, guess what writers are sensitive souls. We do take a harsh crit to heart, but with time and experience, we do adjust and we do learn. And then the coolest thing happens, you start to help other people with their writing as well! Now, that is fun. ;) It's interesting that we can find so many other flaws in other writer's work when our own looks just fine. This is why critique is necessary.

Well, I hope I have encouraged the nervous writer out there to submit one of their works to a writing group out there and haven't scared anyone instead. Oh and one more thing, find a strong, supportive, honest critique group. Keep an eye on the posts for awhile (most require crits first anyway) before posting so that you can get a feel for the experience and the type of crits being offered. You'll know whether it's for you or not. I belong to four but only two am I very active with, depending upon the type of project I'm working on.

There are different writing groups depending upon the writing project you are working on so make sure that the group will review and crit the type of work you need assistance with.

Go ahead, try it! Need help? Just email me.

Happy Writing!

He remembered!

Just wanted to post an updated that my hubbie called me from "the road" at noon yesterday to wish me a happy anniversary! Good man. ;)

One extra thing. I wanted to post a link to a site discussing Estrogen Dominance etc to go along an earlier post. www.womentowomen.com/menopause/estrogendominance.asp?

And hey Dave, please email me on your book, k? Let me know which one you want and need your snail mail address also. February contest details to follow later...

Have a good day!
-Lisa

21st Wedding Anniversary-

My hubbie and I celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary today. We'll see if my husband remembers. He's on the road driving so we'll just see if I get a "Happy Anniversary." My husband and I are actually high school sweethearts and have been together for approx. 23 years. Whew...I can't even imagine being married for 50 yrs! How do people do this? But, we're on our way...cane and all.

We're officially an old married couple. Happy Anniversary to me *us* :) There I said it to myself just in case my hubbie doesn't. He is coming home this weekend so I can clobber him then. ;) I'll let you know if he remembers!

Have a good day and thanks for stopping by!

-Lisa

School Projects-

On the lighter side today folks, I thought I'd share with you my experience with my son's school project last night.

I helped him pick out a recipe from Venezuela. It was a corn cake of sorts. My mom brought over her trusty blender, (no, I don't own one ;) My son placed all of the ingredients including creamed corn, sugar, a touch of flour, eggs etc.-sound good? Not really. Oh and don't forget vanilla to taste...whatever that means.

Anyway, he placed the ingredients in the blender. I pushed the blend button and mixed the concoction into a yellow mess. I poured the "batter" :) into the pan and placed in the over at 350 degrees. We kept an eye on it, surely we did...we watched it bubble and wave up and down, not a pretty sight. We didn't think it would ever take shape enough to cut into little pieces. After an hour of baking, it was still gooey on the inside and outside. We let it cool for a couple of hours and were able to cut into little pieces, but it was still more like a souffle type consistency. I thought about doing another batch. Nah...this is what it's supposed to be like, so be it. The idea is to show different dishes, well, he will show his fellow classmates this for sure. ;)

So you're probably wondering, if it was any good. And you know...it wasn't too bad! It was like a bread pudding or something-at least it had a cup of sugar in it-ha!

Gee, what will I get to do tonite?? :)

Enjoy the journey!
-Lisa

January Contest!

Dave has asked if Izzy wants to link and win the contest, but...I haven't heard from her!

Izzy, please let us know if you want one of these books by linking to my site.

I'll make final decision based on what Izzy wants to do on Weds 2/8/06! Thanks Dave!
(ps-Dave, I've emailed you "again" on this.)

February Contest-2006

We could have a new winner if Izzy reports in as linked to my site! She is the first newbie to reply to one of my posts!

I haven't determined the books to choose from yet-depends on what Dave picks first and then I'll come up with another choice.

Thanks for all of your support! Please refer others to my blog and I'll do the same!

-Lisa

January Contest-

Hey Dave, Guess what? You won another contest! Pls let me know which book you want: Lists to Live By-"Not just about things to do; they're about how to be."

OR...Night Tales By Nora Roberts.

Just let me know! And email me your address!

Thanks for your support!