AUDIO
VIDEO
Links to things mentioned today:
May Day OmniQuest game ~ The Search for the Faerie Queene (free): https://faeriequeene.omniquest.omniosophical.com/2020/04/a-fae-lullaby.html
August 13 Mermaid crafternoon tea with Linde Clark: https://www.teatravellerssocietea.com/2011/08/crowning-glory-crafternoon-tea.html
June 6 Houdini Unchained: https://www.teatravellerssocietea.com/2011/06/join-us-for-magical-evening.html
Bridgerton fan reading: https://youtu.be/hKc7JkFkTpw
Finally, for those who prefer to listen to the drivel I spew instead of read it, my personal Snoring Bulldog podcast usually talks about what's going on before it's in print.
Every now and then someone will tell me they've read one of my books, and that's where the discussion almost always ends. Nine times out of ten there is no additional comment such as "I enjoyed it" or even "hey, at least you tried." Just "I read it." And then they move on to the next topic.
Last year, someone who went on a walk-in-the-footsteps-of-the-characters trip associated with one of my book series told me during the trip she didn't like my books. I was stunned and wondered why she elected to go on the trip.
My passion project that will ultimately be my opus has even less of a draw. I have never claimed to be a spectacular novelist, but I do believe my whimsical fantasy series has enough merit to justify a thumbs-up now and again. I can't begin to say how thankful I am that my editor has had the grace and fortitude to stick with me. (You're a godsend, Cindy Freeman.)
I am now 13 novellas into my 49-novella series, and while the saga has yet to find its audience, I know in my heart there will be one person cheering on the characters through thick and thin, and taking the time to tell me how the story affects her. People like that are a gift. Although I have never met this long-distance peach of a friend in person, I want to say how infinitely grateful I am for nearly a decade of online friendship with her.
And so, in closing, I must ask the all-important question: Sanndi Thompson, will you be my Valentine?
There's the weight that sits on our hearts when we're unable to visit with friends and family in person, when we can't embrace them, can't share a meal with them. Worse yet, there is the unbearable burden of grief for loved ones lost.
So how can we lighten the load at a time there is no reprieve in sight and no timeline as to when or how the load may lessen?
A common concept in wellness practices is to get rid of anything that "doesn't serve you." Like most sage advice, it's been repeated into clichedom, but the sentiment remains more valid than trite. If 2020 taught us anything it's that there are certain things we thought we couldn't do without that now don't matter to us.
I don't mean little luxuries like going out for dinner, visiting a movie theater, or getting a mani-pedi. I'm talking about modes of thinking—specifically the ones that weigh us down and anchor us to a spot from which we yearn to break free.
Shedding weight is not an activity that needs to be accomplished in a day or according to a schedule. You need only start with one weight. No matter how large or small the unwanted cargo, you'll feel lighter, and the gravity pulling down your smile will lose some of its power. Eventually, you'll feel lighter and freer than you ever imagined, regardless of what the world might do to try to drag you down.
So what are some of the weights that you can drop today? Identifying them is the first step in ousting them.
Looking forward to hearing how you are lightening your load this year.
Joy
To the many who (like me) take the bait occasionally and have nothing good to show for it -- we're trying. And we'll keep on trying.
To those who believe name-calling, bile-spewing, and violence are the way to go, I offer sincere prayers and hugs. I can only imagine the pain and sorrow that would cause you to behave in such a way.
We're all on this planet together. We're all we've got. Let's find the common ground and build on it. For now, here's a flower bouquet cake xoxoxox
