The Journey

Good morning one and all.

The journey has led me to a book titled The Boss of You by Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears.

It's a book about women entrepreneurs and since I am one I thought I'd pick it up. I have been a freelance writer and editor for over seven years now and I know how to self-promote, but I thought I might learn some tricks from these ladies.

It's not a book about writing specifically, it's about the global issues of running a successful business. I'd like to create a plan for myself. A plan that I can stick to and really carry out.

Writing isn't something that I can do all the time. I find when I have specific projects to work on I can focus, but when I am generating my own ideas the timing has to be right. Some days I just can't write a query or even do much research on upcoming ideas--I just seem to get blocked.

I don't believe I am unique in this, that's why writers talk about (and ironically write about) writer's block.

I have been wading in that miasmic pool recently so I have decided that if I can't write I can reorganize my business plans instead.

So that's where you'll find me today--reading, reading and reading some more.

That will lead to brainstorming, planning and then doing.

That will feel good!

The Mechanics

I wasn't going to write my blog today. I feel like I'm in a rut.

The weather doesn't help either, even my dog overslept because it's so dismal outside.

I have all sorts of ideas but I don't feel like writing anything for public consumption.

I don't know if it's writer's block or just a dip in my creative cycle.

How can I have ideas bouncing around in my head but not want to write any of them down!?

I just feel like being social and getting out. I don't feel like being solitary and pouring over my keyboard alone in my office.

Maybe that's it too. The summer makes you want to get out and live. Writing works better in the cooler months when you want to stay in anyway because it's chilly outside.

Anyway, for whatever reason here I am planning my day around the appointment I have, the errands I want to do and the things I want to accomplish--none of which have anything to do with writing.

Big sigh. Such is life.

The Writer's Weekly

I'm just not in the mood to blog today so I will see you all tomorrow.

Have a good one!

The Voice

Good morning one and all!

It's voice day and my voice today is on horrendous news.

We've all heard about the mysterious and grizzly beheading of a man on a Greyhound bus, it's unfathomable and random and downright scary. How do people deal with the aftereffects of trauma once they've witnessed such surreal events?

I read an eye-opening article in the Globe today about Ute Lawrence who was involved in the 87-vehicle pile up in Windsor, Ontario: The worst accident in Canadian history. A fourteen-year-old girl was pinned between Ute's car and another and ended up burning to death before Ute's eyes.

Ute has never been the same person again. I don't doubt it.

Reading about these horrific events in the news is a 'here today, gone tomorrow' kind of experience. You aren't really touched by it as a reader unless you knew someone involved in the tragedy you are reading about. What the newspapers don't cover is what happens after...

Ute Lawrence and her husband have founded the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Association to address the lack of support groups for civilians who witness horrific events.

I was talking with my boyfriend last night and we were commenting on all the little kindnesses that happen every day that are very rarely a topic of media attention. Those small kindnesses however add up to something big over time and that's something very important in our world.

We are faced with horrific world events everyday in the newspapers and on the news, but what will counteract these traumatic events that we so casually talk about over dinner?

All the small kindnesses add up to being the key to why humans continue to hope and dream and love. Trauma fades with time, even though when you are going through it it definitely doesn't feel that way, but the kindnesses stay with you.

Being generous of spirit is a way of being.

We cannot know when accidents or public attacks are going to happen, but we can choose to make our everyday lives better through generosity and presence.

When you see someone you think may need help ask them if they are OK. When someone doesn't have any change for the parking meter give them some. Give up your seat for an older person on the bus. Help someone if they lose their footing. And so on and so on.

It may seem easier to just walk right by, to turn away and think only of yourself, but we have all been on the receiving end of kindnesses and giving is part of being a human being.

A thoughtful gesture may change the outcome of someone's day for the better.

Really, you just never know.

Open Forum

Good morning to you all and Happy Friday!

It's that wonderful day of the week when we feel as if possibilities abound.

I have started a wonderful ritual of meeting my dear-heart in Old Montreal for lunch on Saturdays and that is the inspiring possibility I'm thinking about today.

I'm also thinking about buying a new car. It's actually inevitable and there's always so much freedom and possibility in having your own wheels.

When I was a girl it was my bike. I'd hop on my blue-metallic banana seat and watch the streamers from my handlebars float in the wind as I streaked recklessly with absolute abandon down those Toronto streets.

I am nowhere near as reckless in my car but I still enjoy the power I have over those pedals.

I wish you all a loving, cozy and inspiring weekend and leave you with this final thought by Alexander Woolcott: There's no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day.