Conspiracy Theories & Trusting the Process

Five years ago, I took a writing class at the local night school. Upon completion, instructor Jamie Cat Callan presented each of us with a diploma: a scroll, tied with ribbon, containing the following quote: “Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you.” – Mahatma Gandhi

At the time, it felt like a personal confirmation. I had decided to take up writing again and by putting myself out there, taking that class, I was putting forth my clear request. And indeed, good things did come to me. I was invited into a wonderful writing group. I began writing regularly, submitting my work, and the acceptances started rolling in.

This summer, children's author Anna Branford blogged about what she called positive paranoia: a belief that the world around us is constantly plotting and conspiring to make us content, successful, and surrounded by beauty.

Which is something like one of my favorite Bible verses. “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28

Sometimes we bask in all the good that surrounds us. And other times we lose sight of it and need to be reminded. Currently, between nursing a case of carpal tunnel and trying to dig myself out of the "hate stage" with my current WIP, I realized it might be a good time to remind myself of all of the positive points along my writing journey, as well as the good that I trust will ultimately come of all of it.

I have a lovely leather journal full of handmade paper that I've been saving for "something special." Aside from flipping through the pages to rub my fingertips over the delicate yellow petals and tiny green stems within the paper, the journal has remained untouched for years. 

This weekend I finally began putting down in ink reminders of the good that surrounds me, on my writing journey and otherwise. Call it positive paranoia, trusting the process, or simply counting my blessings. But I have a feeling these pages are going to fill up fast.



In what ways do you remind yourself of the good things in your life?



Photos courtesy of Free Artistic Photos

Television Addiction and Three Great Books Up For Grabs

Last winter my television addiction was Primetime: What Would You Do? Now that fall is in the air I find myself checking the Friday night lineup looking for its return. If you've never seen it, it's a hidden camera show. Reporter John Quinones and his crew set up volatile situations of racism, bullying, parenting dilemmas, etc. using actors and actresses to see how ordinary passersby will react when they witness an injustice or a fellow human being in trouble.

I think I get so emotional when I watch because I doubt myself. I don't know what I'd do in most situations. I'm afraid I wouldn't do the respectable thing, the admirable thing, the right thing. I'm afraid I'd revert to my "I am an island"  thinking and slink away.

But I keep watching the show because the people who speak up without a second thought or a selfish thought inspire me. And I always hope that I'll surprise myself one day and be a better person than I think I am.

What television shows, movies, or books have led to soul searching for you?

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YA & MG Book Giveaway

There's still a week left to get in on the action.

Check out the details here.

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In other news, I'm just giddy with all of the blog love and support I've received this week. I'd like to thank Kelly Hashway for giving me the Liebster award. I received this award just a few weeks ago, but am happy to choose five more worthy blogs to pass it along to. The goal of this award is to spotlight upcoming bloggers who currently have less than 200 followers.

My choices are:

Terrie Hope's Write What Your Heart Desires. Terrie is a wonderful encouragement and support to so many of her writer friends. And she's currently posting a photo tour of Jane Austen's house - need I say more?

Gary Gauthier's Literary Snippets, I found Gary's blog through the campaign and it is the most enchanting mix of literature and art. You will be glad you checked it out.

Fellow campaigner, Coleen Patrick.

Children's writer, Allyn Stotz.

Horror, fantasy writer, Courtney Rene.

The rules of this award are:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.

2. Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. And most of all - have bloggity-blog fun!

Alynza Smith was sweet enough to award me the Irresistibly Sweet blog award, and Ms Saba nominated me for the Versatile blogger award. Because I'm nursing a case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I'm going to put off posting my nominations for those awards until I get my Dragon (speech to text program) trained. Hopefully, next week!