Less Than

Hi, folks.

Today I'm going to chat about the times reality slips far below what you'd hoped for. Inside us all is a sense of fairness and rightness. But these days come "Less than perfect. Less than hoped for. Less than desired."

These slips happen to all of us, too much and too often. Sometimes those "less than" moments are immediately reflected out of us and then we too act like "less than" we are. The disappointment spreads like a cancer, doing it work of damage.

When unfair deals come our way, it often results in feelings of helplessness. We are damaged. We sometimes act out and damage others, even people we love. Everyone pauses but the perfection of the earlier days are gone.

This is where the hard work of faith and love must come into play. Remember all the times that you thought the thing was "stupid and bad" had ruined it all but in the end it all worked out anyway. Think about the good things that were worked in your soul because of the injustice that's undercut you. Take time to forgive yourself for every misstep. Ask for any forgiveness needed.

Let the disappointment work good things in your soul. Do this by calling to mind the good things before and having faith that a future and good hope are before you. Remember every voice that has believed in you.

I wish I could say that you will never be disappointed. You will be damaged. Don't let anyone pick on you for limping along. Let your tears fall and then let it go. Move on. Bravery is hard. You will come through.

Peace. Keep working, friends. I will be back next week.

Here is my doodle for the week: "Self Portrait '09"



When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
And things can only get better
Believe me.

Christopher Stevens, Ben Glover, and David Garcia

Necessary Edits

Hi, peeps, Molly here. I'm making a beehive look like a lazy assortment of sloths right now. I've got my fingers in too many pies, and I'm going to have to make some tough decisions. Editing in life is similar to editing on paper. Here are a few tips to help your writing or to help your life.

1. Think about what is moving the story forward. You have to cut out that stuff, even if it is greenly verdant prose. You have to also cut the business that is not moving your life forward, even if you like it.

2. Is it repetitious? Sometimes you end up doing the same thing twice but once is sufficient. You must cut the repeats. In life the same thing can happen. The repetition can be small and insidious. How many times do you need to check twitter, email, boards, etc.? How many times do you need to rehash that event in your mind?

3. Is this stuff efficient? I play a little game. Can I say this same thought with fewer words? Can I say this same thought with better words? In life, can I do this faster? Can I achieve more with improvements to my processes?

4. Is the slant of this on the spot? The writing may be awesome, but the point of view can slide off. I have to ask, is the writing true to the unique perspective of the piece? The same goes for my life. Am I spending it doing stuff that is authentically me?

5. Is there any lightheartedness in this piece? I have to add fun to my writing. If it's chugging along all dreary and dismal, I cut in some bigheartedness and some humor. Same for my life, I have to move away from my work and have some fun -- take in the sunset, the stars, or the birds in my yard. It doesn't have to be complicated.

There are tons of more ways to edit but these five seems like enough for now. Take some time and edit your writing. Also edit your life. Enjoy both more. Seize the day! See you next week.

Here is a doodle for you: "Abstract #1".



And here is a quote to shore up your week.

Hard writing makes easy reading. Easy writing makes hard reading.
– William Zinsser

True North

Hi folks, I'm working through a manuscript right now and I'm feeling pleased. What a great feeling. "I meant what I said and I said what I meant..." Those words echo inside me. I encourage you this week to seek your "true north". Let that heart compass spin inside you and come to a rest in a particular direction. Then run after that direction.

Finding true north does not mean you don't have flaws. I find recognizing my flaws is a good thing. One part of the true north for me is to reveal things as they are with no attempt to shade anything one way or another. Another part is slice in a deep dose of hope. Another piece is be sure there is a laugh or two floating around in every story. I also like to create the feeling of the heart growing larger and the world growing bigger.

Seize the day.

Here is the doodle: "Fish".



There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream. ~Author Unknown

Nonsense

I've got a pinch of a headache today and for some reason that makes my head want to shy away from deep thought and instead think about fluffily (my son made up this word years ago and it stuck) ethereal nonsense.

Did you know that "bee", like spelling bee, or quilting bee, or sewing bee, doesn't mean to get all hard working like a bee. Bee comes from a word that means prayer or favor. A bee means to get together and help each other out. So when a group of folks gets together to critique each others' work that could be called a critique bee.

I like that.

On more nonsense in me. I have pickily moods. Bologna sandwiches is one of my favorite curse phrases. I think that it is because I cannot imagine anything more disgusting than a bologna sandwich. I have been whelmed most of my life. This is the symbol for whelm => :|

My whole family is used to me and my nonsense word play. So play with your words today. Write some nonsense poetry. Draw some nonsense on a page. See if it doesn't make you feel better. See you next week.

I wanted something to illustrate whelm. I call this doodle: "Green Eyes."


Here is my weekly quote.

Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense. Robert Frost