Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Gratitude

Dreams… I have not always been following my dreams.  In fact, there was a time I thought I was too old to go back to even dreaming.  Then I attended Impact Trainings and my whole life and perspective changed. 


I remember before these trainings I would look at others accomplishments and successes and I would feel the twinge of jealousy, sadness and a feeling of failure in some way or other.  I was happy for them, but sad for my lack of success in the world.  Sure, I had received a bachelor’s degree.  And I had created two amazing children, which in my eyes were my number one success and still are (along with the third rugrat as well). 


However, I had lost my way when it came to my passion. 


You know… that one or many things which makes your heart feel free and flying.


Writing has always been it for me.  I began writing when I was very young, along with reading anything I could get my hands on.  There was something about disappearing into the land of fantasy and fiction and I could not get enough of it.  English and writing were my favorite subjects in high school and college and I continued to write as much as possible.  However, after marriage and kids my path changed significantly.  I would read on occasion, but my writing became less and less.  I was losing my passion in life and I did not even see it coming.


It was not until these trainings that I remembered I could still have these dreams and passions.  I could pick up where I had left off so many years before and do what I love most in life.


At first it was small.  I began my first blog and wrote small entries here and there and it felt satisfying.  It wasn’t that I got a mass amount of traffic, because I didn’t.  The part that was fulfilling was writing what I wanted and putting it out there for the world to see. 


A few years of blogging small, I began pushing my blog out there for others to see more of.  To this day it is not a top blog (not even close), but I get regular traffic, even when I have not written anything for a while.


I also began writing my novel.


Seriously, this was my thrill!


My passion was becoming more and more alive!


It did take me four years to finish, re-write, edit and then finally publish on Amazon, but I did it.  Some say self-publishing an e-book does not make you an author and maybe they are right, however I do not worry about those people.


I am doing.


I am not sitting around waiting for life to happen.


I am following my dreams and passions.


I am happy!


I feel successful. 


I also am very aware this is only the beginning and I am okay with that.  I am excited to move forward and see where life goes.


I have an amazing support system.  Friends and family who jumped in.  They did not wait to see if I would be successful.  They did not sit back and see if others responded first.  They jumped in with both feet and have supported me from day one. 


These people are my heroes.


They are the people I look at with admiration.


They did not question my abilities as a writer.  They believed in me without the proof.  

I am full of gratitude for these people.  I am the lucky one to have people like them in my life!!

I am on my third month with my book on Amazon and I am working on the second book.  I feel excited for my life.  Yes, writing is not the only thing that creates this excitement in my life, but it definitely is in my top three!  



I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blogs, follow my writings and shares in my success.  Thank you for taking the time, because as a working mother I understand the lack of time in a person’s life!


For those who are seeing this for the first time, the link to my e-book is below.  If you feel you could take the time to download it and hopefully read it, I would greatly appreciate it.  And as always, let me know what you think.  Feedback is my drug right now.  I want to know how I impact others.  All of it, even the bad.  So, please post a review on Amazon, my blog, facebook, email or even PM me. 



Thanks friends!

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Front porch project

This project was one I anticipated and wanted to do for years.  I knew what I wanted it to look like, although I changed the details several times before I finally just did it. 

It all started when I had to get my sprinklers fixed.  I was speaking to the sprinkler repairman and I told him my idea for the front area of my house.  He said I needed to pull out the sprinklers for the bushes and cap it off, but while we were talking he began pulling the bushes for me.  Yay me!  I'm sure he added it to the bill, but it sure helped push the project along. 

He pulled out the three bushes I had in that area, pulled up the sprinkler piping and then capped it off for me.  So, now I could finally push forward with my plans!

I forgot to take before pictures, but we have all seen it.  Just imagine a few ugly bushes in front of my bay window with wood chips filling up the gaps.  So here begins the project.


My kids were troopers.  They did not complain once.  We took the large gravel I already had on the side of my house and filled up the area.

Then we went down to American Stone in Lehi and we picked up 4 different loads of large stones.  And very carefully we placed them around, until it was filled.  Then we filled in the gaps with more gravel and sand.

Then I began putting on my planters.

I took two of my older outdoor chairs and I painted them a dark brownish, sparkly color.  And I painted the table red.
And this is it.  I completely changed the look of my front yard!  And I love it!  Now I can sit out in front and watch my kids play and enjoy my neighborhood!



Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Eyes Wide Shut

If you haven't come over to my other blog and checked out the teasers from my book, Theia's Moons - Eyes Wide Shut, PLEASE do!

http://theiasmoons.blogspot.com/

If you like what you read, then go to Amazon and download the e-book.  I'm looking into sending the manuscript to a publisher and I hope it will be picked up by someone who knows what they are doing.  I have done all the promoting I know I can do.  The fate of this book, as of right now, lies in the hands of the people who know about it, like it and tell others about it.  So, if you do like it, please let others know. Thank you, thank you!

http://www.amazon.com/Theias-Moons-Eyes-Wide-Shut-ebook/dp/B00K4G8SBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402415971&sr=8-1&keywords=theia%27s+moons+eyes+wide+shut


Friday, June 6, 2014

My First Month

Crazy life I have!  This month has been a roller coaster of a ride and I'm still roaring to go.  So... I haven't had any reviews on my novel, as of yet.  At first I was stressed, disheartened and maybe a little sad.  I thought I would have something by now.  But my sweet guy, who knows just what to say, suggested I be a bit more patient and not jump to any conclusions.  He had a lot of reassuring words and I am so lucky to have him in my life.

I want this first book of mine to be a success.  As of right now it is only an e-book and I have to do my own promoting, which I'm not really the best at.  BUT I am working at it and I might even be a bit annoying. Bear with me.  Support me.  Give me feedback.  AND most of all, tell others about my book.  Be my word-of-mouth marketing posse!

Here is the link to my e-book on Amazon.  If you haven't downloaded it, do it ASAP :) I would LOVE it and appreciate it a thousand times over.  Thanks friends!


http://www.amazon.com/Theias-Moons-Eyes-Wide-Shut-ebook/dp/B00K4G8SBS/ref=sr_1_1/182-1736062-4036127?ie=UTF8&qid=1402111868&sr=8-1&keywords=theia%27s+moons+eyes+wide+shut

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Becoming an Author

This blog has been with me for so many years.  Before I even began writing Eyes Wide Shut.  Now my book is published after four years and I am excited and nervous to hear what others think.  Here is a new blog post for Eyes Wide Shut.  If you have not downloaded the e-book yet, please take the time soon and then once you have read the book, give me some feedback.

http://theiasmoons.blogspot.com/2014/05/becoming-author.html

Friday, May 9, 2014

Free!

For the next five days my novel will be a free download on Amazon!  Please check it out and spread the word if you love it!  Once again here is the link to it's blog, which include three teasers and the link to the Amazon E-book.  Let me know what you think, the good, the bad and the ugly.  I can only get better if I know where my strength's and weaknesses are.  Thank you friends!

http://theiasmoons.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Theia's Moons - Eyes Wide Shut

I finally got around to publishing a book I have been working on for four years.  It has been a long road and I am looking forward to seeing where it can go.  I am also working on the next book in this series and hoping to have it out before the end of the year!  I have added the link to my new blog, where you can find the link to the e-book on amazon.  Please share and write a review.

Thank you!

http://theiasmoons.blogspot.com/

Friday, November 2, 2012

Repainting Side Tables

My friend found these gems on KSL for me.  She knew I had been looking for some because they look a lot like the ones I had growing up.  These ones are a little bit smaller than the ones my mom had, but I still LOVE them.
They were painted black and as much as I like black, I wanted them to match with the mirror I painted a while back.  I didn't want to sand these so I applied the same primer as I did to the table and chairs.
Then I painted them blue...

It really is TOO blue for my taste, but once you add the Burnt Amber Glaze they look fabulous.


This is the finished project.  I love how they turned out.  They match my mirror and they go great in my living room.  I want to do one more piece this color, but it will be in my kitchen which is adjoined to living room.  It is the buffet table and will tie the two rooms in very well.  Once it is done I will post as well. :)