Too Many Likes

I've found, recently, that there are many things calling for my attention. Learning about being a landlord is important, as we're supposed to close Friday on our first investment property. Learning about eBay is important, as I am trying to sell multiple items that I no longer need. Learning about blogging and online writing is important, as this is a gift that I want to use to be an example and encouragement to others. Continuing to organize at home is important, as I am unable to function in a space that is cluttered and messy. Finishing the Teddy Bear quilt for my niece is important, as it has meaning to our family as a remembrance of Mom.

As you can see, many things are competing for my attention. I'm doing a mediocre job of focusing on any one of them for very long. It's always a bit amazing to me that I can be supremely organized and 'together' at work, yet things seem to fall apart at home. I know that this sense of discomfort comes from the stretching that is part of moving into something new and different. I will settle in eventually, but for now will need to learn to deal with the agitated feelings and the lack of attentiveness that overwhelms me.

Of course, with all of these new areas of endeavor, I won't have to worry about boredom. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, may become the norm.

Voice

I've discovered that my voice is unique. My natural voice is not girly sounding, but gruff and flat most times. My writer's voice is quirky, changing as my mood changes, sometimes as quickly as I can type the words.

Quicksilver, my mom used to say. You can't quite catch it or hold it in your hand. Sometimes, a writer's voice is like that. Hard to pin down. Hard for the writer to allow the true voice to shine through the writing, no matter the subject.

I try hard to make my writing true to who I am. Hopefully, I succeed. In order to continue to be true to that real self, I need to continue to pursue that true me. With God's help, I will succeed.

Inspiration

I've been reminded that inspiration can come from many places and in various ways. The sound of the wind chime in the flowering crabapple tree; the sight of a great blue heron flying over the road in front of my car on the way home from a stressful day at work; a mother cat caring for her newborn kittens; watching the sonogram dvd of my grandson; a friend enjoying homemade chocolate chip cookies; laughing out loud at the irreverence of Mark Twain. Unrelated, perhaps, except for the lightness breathed into my soul.

Another way to find inspiration is through the writings and words of others. In looking for wise and witty things to post on my social media sites, I found reminders of the creativity, intelligence, common sense and greatness of mankind. Here are some of my favorite quotes (for tonight anyway):

"The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want." -Ben Stein

 

“The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still, small voice of conscience.” -Mahatma Gandhi

"'Normal' is just a setting on the dryer." -Barbara Johnson

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." Alphonse Karr

"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom." -Bob Dylan

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom." -Albert Einstein

And, the one that made me laugh out loud:

"It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly American criminal class except Congress." -Mark Twain

Find inspiration. Laugh out loud. Release stress. What could be better?

Mother's Day

Being a mom is one of the hardest, and most rewarding, jobs in the world. The work begins from the moment you leave the hospital, wondering why in the world they trusted you with this perfect baby, especially since you have no clue about what to do next. Lots of sleepless nights, with worries about fevers, scraped knees, driving the family car, and friends keeping them out too late. Unreasonable concerns that you've screwed them up beyond repair because of your own lack of skills and the possibility of your complete emotional instability.

The compensation, however, is worth all of those worries. The smile that greets you in the morning, the hugs for no reason at all, the boquets of dandelions, the handmade cards and presents, the visits home from college (even if it seems like it's only to do the laundry) - all much more gratifying than money.

And then, there are the grandchildren. A time to mother without the same responsibility. You get to have fun and send them home, usually sugared up and tired from climbing trees, swimming in the creek, or driving to the mall for practice and then buying that pair of shoes that were necessary for the prom.

Do something nice for your mom. Her smile is worth the effort.

Coming up in the World

It's seems like a small thing, but we had DSL internet connected today. We live in the country, and cable is still not available to us. Satellite brings our TV signal, but the cost of satellite internet is prohibitive.

A month ago, I responded to a flyer from Verizon, and was pleasantly surprised to hear that DSL was now available to us. After some glitches, we are now connected. Although it may not be as fast as promised, according to the technician, it is supremely faster than the dial-up connection we were using yesterday. With a wireless modem, we can all connect at the same time.

Small blessings are sweet, aren't they?