Category: Writing

Musings

Sara Moser6 Comments

If there is anything certain in life, it is that something will change. Kind of like the weather. Two days ago we had near freezing gloomy rain, and today it is beautiful and sunny, around 70 degrees.

Take this blog, and my reasons for writing, for example.  At the beginning of January I was determined that I was going to check in on my assignment for Blogging 101 every day and really improve what I am doing here. But I have only done a couple of the assignments. I keep playing around with the theme and widgets, and I think I’m finally happy with it. I do wish I could figure out how to insert a picture and text next to it as well as above or below it. Is there anyone reading who can help me with that?

I started thinking that I’m finding my voice and doing ok with writing, then I read this post about all the terrible writing that is appearing on the internet and was sure that she’s talking about me.(She also has some suggestions for some really good reads. )The same day someone nominated me for an award so I felt a bit better. But decided against accepting or getting involved in it due to the process required.

I was frustrated with myself this past week because I had nothing to write about. I felt tired and was crying for no apparent reason. Then I realized that I had expended a great deal of emotional energy writing the letter to my father, and deciding to post it here rather than actually mail it to him. Additionally, I am grieving the loss of the possibility of the kind of relationship I had hoped to have with him.

I’m trying to find the perfect balance of work, family, healthy eating and exercise, creative pursuits, writing, and occasionally traveling. I’m trying to figure out what I’m doing here. I don’t want to just try to get readers, I want to have something meaningful to say. Sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed by it all. That is when I remember to draw myself back into the moment and think about all that I have to be grateful for.

It’s Sunday night, and I will be back in the work-a-day world tomorrow morning. I have a comfortable bed to sleep in, plenty of food, lots of love to give and receive. Moment by moment I will look for opportunities to make a difference in someone else’s life, by a kind word or deed.

May your week be all that you want it to be, whatever you put your hand to do!

Resolutions: Writing and Reading

Sara Moser9 Comments

I used to be a bookworm. I was one of those kids who read everything I could get my hands on, and my favorite position for reading was hanging upside down from a big overstuffed chair.

When I was 12, I read Gone with the Wind in a week. I remember being enthralled with the story, reading every spare moment.  I love mysteries, science fiction, biographies, drama, fantasy, and when I was teenager, Harlequin romances. I went through a phase of reading lots of self-help books and religious books. I’ve read much less for about the last ten years, and I blame the internet for that!

When I was raising my kids, I tried to pre-read the books they wanted to read. It worked for the older ones, but #7 was even more prolific then I ever was, so she got to read whatever she could lay her hands on.

Over time, I’ve purged my library. Mostly what I have now is collections of children’s books that I can’t bear to part with.  Some were my kids, some were mine as a child. I have Dr. Seuss (my favorite is The King’s Stilts), little Golden, Nancy Drew, and some from a children’s book club, Ribsy being an all time favorite.

As I’ve taken up writing this blog, I keep thinking I want to write a book. Actually, I’ve wanted to write a book for years but have buried that desire up until now.  I’d like to write a children’s book, or my life story, a suggestion of a friend of mine. I like the idea, but the thought of actually doing it is still pretty intimidating, mostly because I am still working on finding my voice. The above mentioned dear friend suggested that I read  some books that others have written about their lives as a starting point.

So that’s my plan for 2015.  Here’s my list so far:

1. Drinking: A love story
2. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
3. Liar’s Club
4. Glass Castle
5. Running with Scissors
There’s a wine bar down the street – one of those lovely places with deep old couches and bookshelves and a jukebox. I found this book there:
Having our say
It is the story of two sisters, both over 100 years old, and it is delightful reading, a perfect start to my pre-new years resolution to read!
Do you have any suggestions for books that I might add to my list?