I always try to lift my son up and boost his ego while still maintaining humility.
You look awesome/cool/handsome.
You did a great job!
You used good manners.
Etc....
What we have to understand is that kids can see how you perceive yourself, even when you don't realize what your own thoughts are. It only took a couple of times for my son to call me out before I caught on to him.
I remember one day saying something about how I felt chubby or something in an outfit I was wearing and Will said to me; 'You look beautiful Mommy.' Besides melting my heart, he also made me realize that I have to change my own perceptions and accept myself for who I am; imperfections and all. I may not 'live up' to what I think should be right, but I'm enough for him, and that is enough for me.
It's okay to set goals for yourself, try to be the best and healthiest you can be, but instead of shaming ourselves, we should be praising ourselves for the good job we are doing in the meantime. It's okay to teach our kids to be proud of who they are and of every effort they put in to being the best version of themselves. And if they can see us with pure innocent eyes, we should allow ourselves to look in the mirror and see the same thing!
Thanks for stopping by!
Secret Life of an Editor
Friday, July 25, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Blog: Reloaded
Now that my mom's benefit is complete and I have my time back to myself, I can pour my heart into writing and editing once more. Nothing makes me happier than books, words, paper and pencil...
I'm currently working on another MR Pritchard original, Sparrow Man. I look forward to my friends and family getting into this novel. It's similar to Saratoga which was released late last year, but SM has more mature undertones and even a couple steamy scenes. I appreciate the way MR relays the intimate encounters; not too graphic, gentle verbiage, and no silly double entendres that distract from the story of the characters involved.
I have editing time open after Sparrow Man, so if anyone needs me to edit or guide, please feel free to contact me at the email listed above.
I'm looking forward to posting regularly again!
Thanks for stopping by!
I'm currently working on another MR Pritchard original, Sparrow Man. I look forward to my friends and family getting into this novel. It's similar to Saratoga which was released late last year, but SM has more mature undertones and even a couple steamy scenes. I appreciate the way MR relays the intimate encounters; not too graphic, gentle verbiage, and no silly double entendres that distract from the story of the characters involved.
I have editing time open after Sparrow Man, so if anyone needs me to edit or guide, please feel free to contact me at the email listed above.
I'm looking forward to posting regularly again!
Thanks for stopping by!
Friday, July 11, 2014
Catharsis, cancer and contemplation
As I sit here listening to the Summer Hits of the '90s on Pandora and face the extremely busy week ahead, I think about the stress and chaos the last few months have laid on my shoulders. Although I've never been good with stress, I'd like to think that I've dealt with everything that I have over the last few months mostly well-with a few glitches here and there (which I hope would be expected, considering).
*Side note: If you don't know, my mom had a biopsy of a tiny spot on her breast the day after Thanksgiving, 2 lymph nodes removed the Monday after Christmas, found out she had cancer in January and started chemo on Valentine's Day. She is a few weeks out of chemo and begins radiation this coming week. I have been planning a benefit for the last few months that is taking place next weekend.
Everyone knows that people who are battling cancer are going through a lot, it's visual and tangible. What I don't think people understand is that family members suffer too. Of course it's not in the same way, but we have our own concerns and face our own demons in other ways. Just because we are not struggling with an illness does not make our feelings any less important. We wonder if we are at risk too, we face a family member's mortality, we go through stages of grief even if our loved one is doing well and recovering. For me personally, it has forced me to further come to terms with something that has always scared me: life is finite. Time is precious.
That being said, I have recently had many (pleasantly) surprising encounters; mentally, spiritually, socially... I have repaired some broken bridges, found support and healing in the strangest places, and found that our family, friends and our community are some of the most solid, caring people you'll find. You just never know who has your back and these types of situations you really find the people you can lean on. I'm hoping that along the way I've been this for other people because knowing now how the smallest things or words even can help out, I realize how important it is to put into the world in order to get back.... actually, to put more than what you get back. Call it karma, call it a commandment, call it whatever you want. The golden rule is named such for a reason; do unto others as you'll have done unto you.
Something else that's been magnified is thankfulness. My heart bursts with gratitude for the help I've received in every pursuit I've set forward to accomplish, the last two months especially. It's given me a drive to continue and expand my generosity towards others. A good pat on the back or 'atta boy' can sate a sinking ego, but it doesn't hold up in the long run.
I once listened to a motivational speaker for a job I had, and although I thought some of what he said was silly and quirky (and being only about 20 at the time, I'm sure I was unable to fully digest the magnitude of what he was teaching), there is one thing that has always stuck out in my head, even now-about 13 years later... and typing this, I feel like I've written it here before but it bears repeating..... "Remember that everyone you meet is the doing the best they can at that moment." What this means to me is that A) it reinforces the fact that you simply cannot judge someone based on a single meeting, or even a couple of meetings because you have no idea what they are going through outside of your interaction, and B) I need to be more conscious of how I am acting so that when people meet me, the best I am at that moment is uplifting, helpful, honest, and caring.
So with the likes of Vertical Horizon, Gin Blossoms, Eagle Eye Cherry and Oasis fueling this deep post, I also realize that music just doesn't have the feeling and meaning it used to. I mean, Wonderwall could be part of the soundtrack to my life, but I don't see Thrift Shop or "Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle" playing in the background in the movie of my life.
I've also come to an important life realization in all of this. I love organizing vendor and crafter fairs, but I do not want to organize benefits. They are exhausting!!!!
Oh, and WTF is up with True Blood? Why are they going all Game of Thrones on us??? I know it's the last season and all, but stop ripping my heart out every episode!!! (end rant)
So thanks for listening, and for being kind to someone who's laid their heart out there on the table for everyone to see. Remember to be kind to everyone you see because they're fighting their own battles.
Thanks for stopping by!
*Side note: If you don't know, my mom had a biopsy of a tiny spot on her breast the day after Thanksgiving, 2 lymph nodes removed the Monday after Christmas, found out she had cancer in January and started chemo on Valentine's Day. She is a few weeks out of chemo and begins radiation this coming week. I have been planning a benefit for the last few months that is taking place next weekend.
Everyone knows that people who are battling cancer are going through a lot, it's visual and tangible. What I don't think people understand is that family members suffer too. Of course it's not in the same way, but we have our own concerns and face our own demons in other ways. Just because we are not struggling with an illness does not make our feelings any less important. We wonder if we are at risk too, we face a family member's mortality, we go through stages of grief even if our loved one is doing well and recovering. For me personally, it has forced me to further come to terms with something that has always scared me: life is finite. Time is precious.
That being said, I have recently had many (pleasantly) surprising encounters; mentally, spiritually, socially... I have repaired some broken bridges, found support and healing in the strangest places, and found that our family, friends and our community are some of the most solid, caring people you'll find. You just never know who has your back and these types of situations you really find the people you can lean on. I'm hoping that along the way I've been this for other people because knowing now how the smallest things or words even can help out, I realize how important it is to put into the world in order to get back.... actually, to put more than what you get back. Call it karma, call it a commandment, call it whatever you want. The golden rule is named such for a reason; do unto others as you'll have done unto you.
Something else that's been magnified is thankfulness. My heart bursts with gratitude for the help I've received in every pursuit I've set forward to accomplish, the last two months especially. It's given me a drive to continue and expand my generosity towards others. A good pat on the back or 'atta boy' can sate a sinking ego, but it doesn't hold up in the long run.
I once listened to a motivational speaker for a job I had, and although I thought some of what he said was silly and quirky (and being only about 20 at the time, I'm sure I was unable to fully digest the magnitude of what he was teaching), there is one thing that has always stuck out in my head, even now-about 13 years later... and typing this, I feel like I've written it here before but it bears repeating..... "Remember that everyone you meet is the doing the best they can at that moment." What this means to me is that A) it reinforces the fact that you simply cannot judge someone based on a single meeting, or even a couple of meetings because you have no idea what they are going through outside of your interaction, and B) I need to be more conscious of how I am acting so that when people meet me, the best I am at that moment is uplifting, helpful, honest, and caring.
So with the likes of Vertical Horizon, Gin Blossoms, Eagle Eye Cherry and Oasis fueling this deep post, I also realize that music just doesn't have the feeling and meaning it used to. I mean, Wonderwall could be part of the soundtrack to my life, but I don't see Thrift Shop or "Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle" playing in the background in the movie of my life.
I've also come to an important life realization in all of this. I love organizing vendor and crafter fairs, but I do not want to organize benefits. They are exhausting!!!!
Oh, and WTF is up with True Blood? Why are they going all Game of Thrones on us??? I know it's the last season and all, but stop ripping my heart out every episode!!! (end rant)
So thanks for listening, and for being kind to someone who's laid their heart out there on the table for everyone to see. Remember to be kind to everyone you see because they're fighting their own battles.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Book Review!
Today's book review(s) are brought to you by my good friend Meredith. I've kept some in reserve for when I need some help! I hope you enjoy!
Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices trilogy
Book 1: Clockwork Angel
I'm not big on some of these supernatural themed books. I've read a few and mostly found myself lost because I didn't understand a lot of what was going on because it was poorly executed or they were a carbon copy of another book I’ve read. I wasn't sure how I felt being transported back in time to Victorian London and being dumped into the world of Steampunk, but the author made the transition easy in this first book. Readers are introduced to this new world at a swift pace. The Shadowhunters and the main character, Tessa, explore their natural gifts as they search for her lost brother. When you get done reading this, you won’t be able to wait to get started on the next book in the series.
Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
Book 2: Clockwork Prince
I found this second book in the series to be far better than the first. Lots of mystery and adventure and teenage angst as we learn more about the Shadowhunters and get pulled into an emotional love triangle. I was amazed that all the characters looked so pale and had hair that curled up at the napes of their long, elegant necks. Still, interesting characters, interesting plot and side stories. Overall, good read. Kept me interest, flowed much better than the first book. After reading this I was fully invested, I HAD to know what happened to everyone. So yes, I bought the third as soon as I finished this.
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Book 3: Clockwork Princess
The third book in this trilogy doesn't skip a beat, we are thrown right back into the adventure of the Shadowhunters as they seek for truths. And then... let the heart-stomping begin. I've said it before and I will say it again, I am a hopeless sap when it comes to love. The author did an excellent job creating a story in which readers can experience the relationships between all the characters and the emotional ties that bind them. That being said I finished the last chapter and I was happy with the result.
And then I read the Epilogue... And then I cried my frigging eyes out. I've never actually cried while reading. I usually save my tears for Disney movies and hangovers. But since I was reading in the dark, and my husband was already sound asleep next to me, I didn't bother holding it in. Go ahead... judge me.
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars (I'm rating this on pure emotion right now and it may change when I get my head back together)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Meredith!
Thanks for stopping by!
Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices trilogy
Book 1: Clockwork Angel
I'm not big on some of these supernatural themed books. I've read a few and mostly found myself lost because I didn't understand a lot of what was going on because it was poorly executed or they were a carbon copy of another book I’ve read. I wasn't sure how I felt being transported back in time to Victorian London and being dumped into the world of Steampunk, but the author made the transition easy in this first book. Readers are introduced to this new world at a swift pace. The Shadowhunters and the main character, Tessa, explore their natural gifts as they search for her lost brother. When you get done reading this, you won’t be able to wait to get started on the next book in the series.
Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
Book 2: Clockwork Prince
I found this second book in the series to be far better than the first. Lots of mystery and adventure and teenage angst as we learn more about the Shadowhunters and get pulled into an emotional love triangle. I was amazed that all the characters looked so pale and had hair that curled up at the napes of their long, elegant necks. Still, interesting characters, interesting plot and side stories. Overall, good read. Kept me interest, flowed much better than the first book. After reading this I was fully invested, I HAD to know what happened to everyone. So yes, I bought the third as soon as I finished this.
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Book 3: Clockwork Princess
The third book in this trilogy doesn't skip a beat, we are thrown right back into the adventure of the Shadowhunters as they seek for truths. And then... let the heart-stomping begin. I've said it before and I will say it again, I am a hopeless sap when it comes to love. The author did an excellent job creating a story in which readers can experience the relationships between all the characters and the emotional ties that bind them. That being said I finished the last chapter and I was happy with the result.
And then I read the Epilogue... And then I cried my frigging eyes out. I've never actually cried while reading. I usually save my tears for Disney movies and hangovers. But since I was reading in the dark, and my husband was already sound asleep next to me, I didn't bother holding it in. Go ahead... judge me.
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars (I'm rating this on pure emotion right now and it may change when I get my head back together)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Meredith!
Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, June 2, 2014
My poor, neglected blog....
Back this week! I don't know how, but I'm going to make it a point to at least write a quick little note every day again. I've missed writing!!!
So movie Monday today is silly!!
The Starving Games! Hilarious spoof of the Hunger Games. If you like comical remakes of real movies, this one is excellent! I hesitate on this style movie now because I feel like they've been played out by the likes of a trillion Scary Movie sequels. This has all the beauty of a good satire; blood & gore, things obviously changing with camera angle changes, and character exaggerations.
I highly recommend it, not for the quality of a good movie, but for the hilarity of making fun of a good quality movie.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
SLACKER!
Hey guys!
I've been insanely busy the last few weeks! Let me give you a little update.
I've completed editing a book by J. Rowan called "Better Than Chocolate" and it's a really fun sweet (pun intended!) read.
I've started editing a new book by M.R. Pritchard called Sparrow Man that I think we're hoping to release in August, aiming to complete editing by the end of May.
I've begun planning a chicken barbecue benefit to help my mom raise money to pay for her medical bills.
This is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/247873078738845/
And her caringbridge site: http://
and her fundraising site: https://www.youcaring.com/
So that has been taking up all my time, and I haven't even had time to work on the Book Store Series, which hurts me a little because I really want to put some effort into that. But I will eventually get some time to put some work into it, just waiting to get there!!
That's pretty much it for me, thanks for checking in and hopefully I will get some time to prepare some posts in advance for the next couple of weeks so I can still be putting out a great blog!
Thanks for stopping by!
I've been insanely busy the last few weeks! Let me give you a little update.
I've completed editing a book by J. Rowan called "Better Than Chocolate" and it's a really fun sweet (pun intended!) read.
I've started editing a new book by M.R. Pritchard called Sparrow Man that I think we're hoping to release in August, aiming to complete editing by the end of May.
I've begun planning a chicken barbecue benefit to help my mom raise money to pay for her medical bills.
This is the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/247873078738845/
And her caringbridge site: http://
and her fundraising site: https://www.youcaring.com/
So that has been taking up all my time, and I haven't even had time to work on the Book Store Series, which hurts me a little because I really want to put some effort into that. But I will eventually get some time to put some work into it, just waiting to get there!!
That's pretty much it for me, thanks for checking in and hopefully I will get some time to prepare some posts in advance for the next couple of weeks so I can still be putting out a great blog!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Weight Loss Wednesday!
Hey guys!
I don't get on the scale very often, but today I decided to see where I was, especially because the dr's office had my weight lower than I was used to seeing! And sure enough, I'm down 12 pounds from the highest weight I've been while not pregnant. (I was the same weight at 9 months pregnant as I was at my highest without a bun in the oven... that was an eye opener!)
All I've done is walk a little more, up and down the stairs more often, more stretching/yoga/meditation, lower fat diet, and possibly some stress and being sick helped a tiny bit. It's okay, but I'm not going to let sick or stress pounds come back once they're gone!
A lot of people have asked if we're going to have more kids, but I honestly have to say that I am happy to have my body to myself, to focus on nourishing myself and taking care of me. I just can't imagine taking care of another little person when I am feeling so confident in my body again. When it comes to this topic, I say "been there, done that" and it was a life experience I'll never forget, but don't necessarily want to repeat.
I'm excited to see how many more pounds I can melt off these tired bones and hope that I will feel healthier and more energetic as time goes by!
Stay healthy friends, and thanks for stopping by!
I don't get on the scale very often, but today I decided to see where I was, especially because the dr's office had my weight lower than I was used to seeing! And sure enough, I'm down 12 pounds from the highest weight I've been while not pregnant. (I was the same weight at 9 months pregnant as I was at my highest without a bun in the oven... that was an eye opener!)
All I've done is walk a little more, up and down the stairs more often, more stretching/yoga/meditation, lower fat diet, and possibly some stress and being sick helped a tiny bit. It's okay, but I'm not going to let sick or stress pounds come back once they're gone!
A lot of people have asked if we're going to have more kids, but I honestly have to say that I am happy to have my body to myself, to focus on nourishing myself and taking care of me. I just can't imagine taking care of another little person when I am feeling so confident in my body again. When it comes to this topic, I say "been there, done that" and it was a life experience I'll never forget, but don't necessarily want to repeat.
I'm excited to see how many more pounds I can melt off these tired bones and hope that I will feel healthier and more energetic as time goes by!
Stay healthy friends, and thanks for stopping by!
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