Thankful

Artwork by Kaitlyn McCane.

Lately, things (like usual) are a little crazy. I did have another post ready, but it's all about patience, which is just plan boring. Maybe I'll post it Friday or next week. I wanted to discuss being thankful. I think in our crazy lives we tend to push this feeling a side or we let other feelings dominate. This week is no exception in the chaos of life. My daughter is going to be getting a simple dental procedure on Thursday. It's a simple cavity fill, but the past two times we went she had an all out freak out session (think exorcism). So, she now has to go under sedation to have it done. I'm sure everything will be fine, the medication is common, but that doesn't stop the all-too-real-nightmares that haunt me. Mix this with PMS (I know TMI) and my natural case of pessimism and you get formula for the black hole of self doubt and insecurity.

Here's where I'm going with this. With all that happens, we sometimes tend not to say we appreciate and are extremely thankful for what we have and what others have done for us. I am thankful for what I have, where I am in my life, and where I'm at on this wild, roller coaster journey. I'm extremely thankful for those who continue to advise and put up with me. I would not be here if it wasn't for them. I'm finally at the point where challenge is good. I'm not running from it or thinking it means I'm a complete failure. I'm now seeing it as a learning tool to push myself even harder than I ever have before.  So thank you. I hope these folks don't mind, but I need to mention them because they are awesome and they put up with my nonsense. Especially over the past couple of weeks.

Kelly Lyman

Kate Walton

Christina Lee

Stina Lindenblatt

We all have our days. There will be good and bad ones so having an amazing support team helps, just make sure you thank them.

Thanks guys!

Of course, there are a ton of other people who help me in so many ways. Thank you too!!

Oh and sorry, I didn't get to do the Third Campaigner challenge. My brain is too busy outlining and brainstorming another novel. Yeah, you heard me.

So what or who are you thankful for?

Have a great day!!

Psst...Is that a 100 follower contest I see?

Well, well, well, I hit the big one.  Wa-hoo! party time.  Turn up the music, dance and break out the martinis. I really wish we could all meet and celebrate. Why is reaching 100 followers so important? I don't know it just is. It may be because I still can't believe that 100 people think I'm that  interesting or think that I can call myself a writer.  When I first started, I thought no one would want to even look at my blog--except for Kelly (Kelly Compositions--who is awesome and told me to start this.) Thanks Kelly!

I guess I thought people might laugh at my work and tell me I have no business even trying to pursue publishing anything I wrote but you guys have told me differently. So I believe you and trust me I have a fire that is burning in my gut to keep going.

You want to know about the contest, right? Oh yeah, the contest. Since I'm so not qualified to host a writing contest (which I think are really cool), I'll be giving away some great stuff.

Before I tell you the prizes let me just say I want to change the word followers to something different.  I'm not sure to what yet and if you have suggestions please tell me.

Right prizes--it's killing you isn't it.

O.k. So I have never done this before so I tried to pick up ideas from other contests. 

Are you ready--

The winner will receive:

1. Your choice of one of these fine prints (8" x 10")  from Kaitlyn McCane (Check out her blog, website, and ETSY site).  She is a super cool illustrator and her work  is adorable. I thought one of these could decorate your favorite writing spot (I'm an interior designer hence the decoration).

Option 1

Option 2

2. To help get your reader "hooked"--You will receive a copy of Hooked by Les Edgerton.

3. I'm also including a $10 gift card to Barnes and Noble or Amazon (your choice).

4. To help cure your munchies --a bag of M & M's (dark or regular your choice).

Well, what do you think? You even get to choose some of your prizes.

Rules:

1. Leave a comment (Let me know what inspires you to write). +1

2. If you are a old follower of the blog (Follower before March 31st)  +2

3. New follower +1

4. Bring a friend to this blog (they have to mention you in their comment) +1

5. Blog about this contest (leave a link in your comment) +2

6. Blab about this on other sites - Twitter, FB, etc. (leave a link in your comment) +1

7. Add to your sidebar +1

8. Total your score in your comment +1

Contest ends: April 7th at 11:59 pm and I'll use random.org for the drawing.
 
Any questions just let me know. 
 
Thank you to Michelle McLean for taking my count to the big 100.
 
Thank you for all your thoughtful words yesterday.  I'm thankful for all of you.
 
Good luck! (Boy, that's a lot of thank yous).