Retrain the Brain: Step One

Hey all. Are you ready to grow with me? I want to share some thoughts on how to RETRAIN YOUR BRAIN if you suffer from negative thoughts, feelings of inadequacy, or general unhappiness. I love learning about the brain, and I'm amazed at how malleable it is. Mental health is a daily process, and just like physical health, it takes awareness and diligence. I hope that sharing my journey to better mental health will help you find your way as well. 

Step One: Positive Thinking

Your thoughts are everything. What you think will become. If you think life is miserable, it will be. If you think you are a failure, you will thwart your success. Notice I didn't say you will BE a failure, because no one ever is a failure. EVER. God didn't put you on earth to fail.

I've spent the last few years teaching myself to think positively. I got to the point where I'd lost faith in myself. Being in a state of hopelessness is a horrible, bleak place to be. If you are in this state, get help. Medication might be required to help you produce more serotonin, since no amount of positive thinking can pull you out of true depression. But you will also need to retrain your brain. Even if you don't suffer from depression (you lucky dog you!), you can still benefit from immersing yourself in positive thoughts. 

Positive thinking enlarges your brain, lets you see new opportunities, and enables you to build the skills and resources that will help you succeed in life. 

When something didn't go according to plan, my old self would say, "This is a failure. I failed. I'm a failure." This kind of negative thinking completely crippled me. I can now look at failures unsuccessful ventures as learning experiences. Instead of asking myself, What did I do wrong? or Why can't I do this as well as so and so? I ask: What did I learn? How has this helped me? Am I a better person now than I was before this trial? What can I do differently next time?

Rather than beating myself up and tearing myself down, I am growing and improving. You cannot move forward if you feel like a failure. Just like the stepping stones in the above picture, we have to trust ourselves enough to take that next step. We aren't going to have that personal trust if Negative Nancy lives in your head. 

The following quote has been on my mind a lot. Sometimes I spend a lot of time working on a project only to have it not turn out like I wanted. But thankfully I'm old enough to be able to look back on these experiences and see that it wasn't just wasted time: I was learning skills to do something else, or maybe I was helping someone else learn, and they are able to use those skills to bless others. And if I  have a day where I don't feel like I accomplished much, it helps to know all those little things I do add up and eventually become something worthwhile.

And finally, if your life isn't what you want it to be, or if you aren't WHO you want to be, don't give up. Take it one step at a time. Things always get better. Have hope. You aren't on this journey alone.<3

Print today's picture quotes for your Journaler by clicking here.

Get the Write Stuff

It's finished!   

I don't know why it takes me 10 billion times longer than I expect to finish a project (maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have a family to care for. And work responsibilities. And more work responsibilities. And ... oh you get the idea), but with just 19 days past the new year, I finally have an awesome organizational tool to help you have an even more awesome 2017.

I've enjoyed making it, and I've enjoyed using it even more. I hope you will find it useful too. 

Take a second (or two ) to see what it's all about!

You can purchase your Journaler digital files on Etsy. You will be sent a link to download the files from Dropbox. It's a simple process and won't take you much time at all. 

I will periodically post inspirational memes for you to download for free, as well as share insights and breakthroughs that I'm having as I trip along through life. 

Will you come on this new Journaler journey with me? I promise you it will be worth it. (Sorry, no money back guarantee. But if you don't think it's worth it you can come punch me in the face. ...Or maybe my shoulder. Yeah. Shoulder. Deal?)

The Struggles of Muggles

Truth be told: I struggle.

Even truthier truth be told: EVERYONE struggles. No one has a magic wand that makes life perfect.

Life isn't easy, but it wasn't meant to be.

But we are meant to have JOY, and we are meant to be happy despite our struggles.

I've been working hard to find a better balance in my life: more joy, more happiness, more laughter, more loving--even when life is less than perfect.

I'm reworking the blog to document my discoveries as a way to help myself retain what I learn (teaching someone else is always the best way to learn). I also hope that you might find something of value that will help with your muggle struggles.

I'll have free downloads for you every week (ish) (we all know I'm not always consistent) (I'm consistent with my inconsistency).

My way to cope/manage/balance is through journaling. I searched for the perfect system or notebook for my journaling, but my search was futile. (I'm such a special case that the mass market doesn't understand the inner-workings of my brain.) So what's a girl to do when she can't buy what she needs? She makes it!

I'm going to be rolling out the Journal +  Planner system I've created next week, with the hope that it will be just what you need too. I'll tell you all about it next week.

But to get you started, here are some downloads you will need for December (since it will be gone before you can blink!) to help you get organized with your shopping and such.

Download 

 Download 

 Great for any holiday or large event!

Download

They are sized for an A5 binder or planner system (two pages per one standard size paper.)

And they are yours, FREE for the downloading.

Here's one final freebie, the perfect reminder of the one source of our most profound JOY.

Art by Simon Dewey. Verse from 2 Nephi 2:27.

Happy Holidays.

Light the World

I'm excited to help my family shift the focus from "stuff" to "service" this Christmas season.

I came up with a list of service items that work for my family--most cost little to nothing, and many don't involve a huge chunk of time. There are enough ideas for one act of service for every day this month. (Some ideas were taken from the calendar on lds.org.)

I printed my ideas on clear labels and I am sticking them in my planner on days that fit with that particular project. I wanted to share my simple way to remember to complete an act of service every day with y'all.

You can download the list from Dropbox and print them on Avery labels. The page is spaced for Avery template 5160.

We can change the world, one act of kindness at a time.

Help Light The World.

The Gift of Music

Happy Holidays!

Are you guys enjoying the season thus far?

I feel more Christmassy than ever, and I attribute it to our awesome new tradition: THE NUTCRACKER.

This is Bean's second year participating in it, and I have fallen in love with the magical story, the beauty of ballet, and the MUSIC.

The music from the Nutcracker is among the most easily identifiable Christmas music, but I'd never heard it in its entirety. It is lovely and I could listen to it over and over again. It makes me happy.

Which brings me to this thought:

Nothing changes my mood more completely, or quickly, than MUSIC.

I know I have mentioned it before, like here, but I feel like music is one of the greatest gifts from God. I also believe that the music you listen to can determine your destiny.

Have you ever thought about that?

The lyrics and rhythm in the music you select influence your thoughts, and thoughts then turn to action.

If you are listening to lyrics which are riddled with profanities and promote one night stands, binge drinking, drugs and violence, guess what thoughts will be in your head?

That makes you want to check your teenager's iTunes library, doesn't it?

 I don't propose that you only let your kids listen to MoTab, but make sure they are introduced to good music at a young age. Teach them to understand how different types music make them feel, and as they grow they will be able to choose uplifting music for themselves. I also think it's important to embrace they music they listen to, as it gives you something to talk about and bond over. I love nothing more than when one of the kids say, "Mom, listen to this new song!" Music can unite your family.

With the hectic pace of the holiday season, as well the overabundance of materialism, if you want your home and your heart to be filled with peace, might I suggest cranking up the Christmas music? There's fun and fluffy Christmas music, but there is also beautiful, inspired Christmas music that makes your spine tingle--that is the stuff that should be blaring from your speakers.

I'm sure I've shared it before, but I'll share it again, just because it is THE AWESOMEST OF AWESOME. This song will get rid of Grinchyness quick!

And I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but will you try watching The Nutcracker? Here is a link to an absolutely amazing performance in Russia. I know it's long, but turn it on while you are baking cookies or wrapping gifts and get a glympse of it every once in awhile. The first part--the Party Scene--isn't as fun and as "dancy" as the rest, so if you want to start it at 40:00, you'll see the best stuff from then on. We've been watching/listening to it almost daily ever since finishing out local Nutcracker. Yes: even my boys will watch it. Which, BTW, my 2nd oldest participated as an extra in our Nutcracker and loved every second of it.

I heard something once about how just listening to music can inspire and invoke creative thoughts, but the effect is quadrupled when one PARTICIPATES in music. How can you participate if you are unmusical--like me? You can sing along, even if it's not on key! I've always admired people who have the guts to belt it out, no matter what their voice sounds like. You can also participate by dancing. This is something I don't do nearly enough (although my family might think that me dancing once a year is PLENTY). Brene Brown says, "I can measure the spiritual health of my family by how much dancing is happening in our kitchen." That sounds like a fun, happy family, and that's something we all long for. Give it a try!

Since I'm always on the lookout for something new to listen to: can you share with us your favorite Christmas music?  Do you also want to tell us about how music has influenced your life? Or anything else musical you want to share? And will you accept my challenge to watch the Nutcracker? (Your heads should be bobbing yes right now. That's also the start of your dance party. Keep nodding. Now add your shoulders. Now your feet should be tapping too ...)

I Wish ...

Most of you probably know that my baby girl (who isn't such a little girl anymore, even though I keep telling her to stop growing up. Kids never listen!) has Type 1 Diabetes. Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, I thought I'd take a moment to tell you what I wish everyone, including many medical professionals, knew about diabetes. Since I'm not comfortable with putting my children's full names on the internet, we shall refer to my daughter as Bean, even though she hates that nickname. :)

I wish everyone knew, and then remembered, the different types of diabetes.

Type 1 is an autoimmune disease. There is nothing that can be done to prevent Type 1, meaning that it WAS NOT caused by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. In Type 1, the pancreas no longer produces insulin, therefore a diabetic must always inject insulin, even if they were on a low carb diet. Someone with Type 1 can eat everything that is a part of a normal healthy diet, including fruit and sweets. We don't restrict what Bean eats; we want her to feel like every other child out there. However, certain sugary things like soda pop and candy leave her system before the insulin does, which can lead to low blood sugars, so we do avoid those as much as possible, but so should everyone!

Bean WILL NOT grow out of Type 1. Until there is a cure, Type 1 is with you for LIFE. Type 1 can also develop in adulthood, as my sister-in-law found out this past year. This is called Adult Onsest (technically LADA) and the progression is slower than when Type 1 develops in children, which means patients will not need to inject as much insulin. Some people are calling LADA Type 1.5, and it is often misdiagnosed as Type 2. If the recently-diagnosed adult is within a healthy weight and lives a healthy lifestyle, it is most likely LADA.

While Bean wears an insulin pump so she doesn't have to do several injections per day, she does still have to poke her fingers to check her blood sugar about 8 times per day. The insulin pump has a small cannula that goes under her skin, but not into a vein, and this needs changed every 3 days, which means yet another poke. Poor Bean is a pincushion. (But don't feel sorry for her; she hates being fussed over!)

She wears her insulin pump in a SpiBelt, which works perfectly for us. She puts it around her waist and it stays hidden under her clothes. I'm working with her to feel more comfortable showing her pump, but she's not ready to be as bold as Miss Idaho, who started the social media campaign #showmeyourpump   

Sierra Sanderson bravely wore her pump attached to her bikini bottom during the Miss Idaho swimuit competition, stating that "We all have something that doesn't 'measure up' to the beauty standards set by the media--and that is okay! It does not make you any less beautiful."

Other lucky Type 1ers have Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGM), which gives you a constant reading of your blood sugar, giving you better control of your diabetes. It will warn you of low blood sugars, which can prevent you from passing out, but our insurance says that a CGM is not a medical necessity. Whatevs. The drawback is that it requires another weekly poke, as well as a transmitter that sticks to your skin. It's not a perfect solution, but it's something.

Nick Jonas showing his CGM. Just so you know that he's not posing like this to show off his 6 pack: CGMs and Insulin Pumps are most commonly inserted on the stomach or upper buttocks. Be grateful he put it on his stomach for this photoshoot. Ha.

Next up:

Type 2 is most the most common kind of diabetes, and it is mostly found in adults. Their bodies still produce insulin, but the insulin is no longer effect due to years of overuse (making your body produce ample amounts of insulin to cover the carbs your body is eating, and then not burning off through exercise.) Type 2 CAN be managed through diet and exercise, but if oral medications and a lifestyle change don't work, insulin injections will be needed. Someone with Type 2 will not eat high carb foods, including many fruits. It is because of Type 2 that we have "jokes" like "I just opened a can of diabetes."

People with Type 2 do not need your judgement. They do not need your criticism. They do not need "I told you so." They need compassion. They need understanding.

Don't we all do things that we know aren't good for us? 

You don't know what physical limitations, injuries, mental illness, or other challenges they may have. 

What they need is your support and friendship. Instead of saying, "Oh yeah, you can't eat this" and then eating cheesecake in front of them, you should follow their lead and restrict some of your indulgences too. Start an exercise program with them and help them stick to it. Buy them a dog so they have to take the dog for daily walks. (Maybe ask for permission first.)

It is good to know that, with your help and their motivation, Type 2 doesn't have to mean poor quality of life and severe medical complications. It doesn't have to be an epidemic.

I'm not going to go into Gestational Diabetes since this post is already PLENTY long. But wait! I'm not done! There's more!

I wish you knew what the symptoms of diabetes are so that you can be an advocate for your loved ones when you feel that something isn't right. Medical professionals can miss the signs and not diagnosis it quick enough, as we saw in a tragic case out of Utah this past year. Our doctor, too, did not diagnosis it, and instead thought that Bean had something wrong with her kidneys. I knew he was wrong and went out and bought a meter and checked her blood sugar myself. It's so simple to check blood sugars; why isn't it done more frequently? You should check blood sugar if you/ your loved one has:

•  "Fruity" smelling breath

• Frequent urination

• Unquenchable thirst

• Rapid weight loss

• Fatigue

• Nausea

I personally think every family should have a meter to check blood sugars occasionally. They are cheap (test strips aren't cheap, however, but you don't need many) and it doesn't hurt to know your blood sugar range. (It doesn't hurt figuratively; literally, it does hurt, but just a little.) You should run somewhere between about 70-130, depending on how recently you have eaten.

I wish you knew that people with Type 1 can do anything, accomplish anything, and be anything. Movie stars, ballerinas, skiers, basketball players: you name it! Type 1 is not a death sentence: you can live a normal, long, healthy life!

I wish you knew how lucky we are to have found THE BEST medical support staff that can be found anywhere, even though we live in a small community. Finding medical professionals who specialize in diabetes, not just endocrinology, makes all the difference in the world.

I wish you knew how brave and tough Bean is. She never complains. She never lets it stop her. She never makes a fuss when she's weak and shaky from a low blood sugar. She just quietly eats her snack and then goes back to being an active, healthy kid. She doesn't let her diabetes define her.

I wish you knew what a difference it makes seeing other people courageously live with diabetes. When Bean was diagnosed (just before her 4th birthday), I was not scared and worried because I had seen my sister calmly, successfully, and diligently learn how to care for her son, who was diagnosed with diabetes when he was just 18 months old. A positive attitude makes a huge difference!

I wish you knew that even though I would never wish an illness on anyone, Bean's diabetes gives us time to connect, grow together, and learn compassion for others who struggle with challenges. You can find beauty in every trial if you only look.

I wish you knew that remarkable advances toward The Cure are made every year. We are excited about the future. You can help by donating to the JDRF. Click here to find out more. 

The Gift of Mediocrity

I had a different post halfway written, but this subject kept nagging me. I hesitate to write about it because I don't feel that I have yet overcome this particular obstacle in my life, but then I realized that maybe that's why I need to write about it--the best way to fully understand something is through explaining it to others.

So join me as I learn about ... MEDIOCRITY! 

I have ofttimes felt like I'm cursed to live a life of mediocrity. I have always had a desire to rise up and achieve greatness--in some form or another--but everything I do seems to just be so so.

So so book sales, so so hits on my blog, so so athletic abilities, so so conversation skills, so so grades in school, and so on and so on on the so so.

It also pains me to see my children suffer from so so ness. "Why doesn't the coach play me more?" "Why didn't I get a bigger role?" "Why didn't I get the best grade?"

Being mediocre is better than feeling like a failure (I've been there too. Ugh), but it's still not what we aspire to, right?

Since we aspire to do more--to BE more--it's understandable that not meeting your own expectations can bring on frustration.

What I'm about to say is going to be revolutionary ...

It's time to lower your expectations.

No one ever says that! In fact, you are told to always do your best. I agree, do YOUR best. But let go of the expectation to do someone else's best.

So what if you aren't the star player on the middle school basketball team? Did you try hard? Did you show up at every practice and give it your all? Did you contribute to your team in some way? That's all that really matters.

And doesn't the feeling of mediocrity come from COMPARISON?

One of my all time favorite quotes is this:

 

(You can copy and download for free, from me!)

I will do an entire post on comparison someday, but for now just remember one thing. Just

STOP IT

(The wise words of Dieter Uchtdorf.)

You can't be mediocre if you're only comparing your efforts to your own prior efforts.

Ask yourself if you are improving. Have you spent time and effort working on that particular skill? Did you give it your all? Then that is AWESOME, not mediocre.

This goes right along with what I have learned from Brene Brown (have you read her? She is life-changing. I'm forever in your debt, Ms. Robyn, for pointing me in her direction!) about perfectionism. As Brene says, be an aspiring good-enoughist. Focus on yourself and your desire to do your best. Know that EVERYONE struggles--we all feel inadequate from time to time. It is part of the shared human experience.

I realized recently that being mediocre can be a gift. On the kids' report cards, there is a section that is based on habits and traits where grades of E for Excellent and S for Satisfactory are given. For example, cooperation and courtesy are evaluated. The very first semester, we've noticed that the kids don't get all E's or S+'s; versus the end of the year, where the teachers seem to be more generous in giving out those high marks. Why is this? Because they want to give each kid (no matter how excellent they are) room to improve. They want them to strive--to really earn those marks. If the student feels like they are already awesome with their work habits, they might decide it's OK to let things slide every once in awhile. They won't have any goal worth achieving.

You always need a goal, and you always need to find ways to improve--but improve for your own satisfaction and not the adoration of others.

Also, think of those who have achieved great success very early in life or on their first try. What happens after the initial huge success is that nothing else they do can measure up. (At least in the eyes of the public.) Think of Stephanie Meyer and how nothing she writes can ever beat Twilight. That would make it impossible for her to ever even have the desire to write, knowing that she would be judged so harshly. Or think of Justin Beiber ... ... um never mind. But looking at success this way makes you appreciate having to work so hard and really struggle, doesn't it?

Give yourself permission to be mediocre. Put all your best effort into the things that really matter--family, faith and friends. Give others the permission to be mediocre, knowing that unrealistic expectations of them can lead to burnout and anxiety. Be more accepting of things AS THEY ARE, not as you want them to be. Most of all, remember that: 

Your personal success can only be measured with a yard stick; not a tape measure that stretches between yourself and others.

Do you have experiences with learning to be more accepting of yourself and your shortcomings? Do you have any thoughts about embracing mediocrity that you'd like to share?

Thank you for letting me talk my way through this topic: it has helped my change my perspective!

And, I've been dying to read a beautiful work of fiction. Something that is delicious and captivating and inspiring. Have you read anything good lately? Do share!

Hugs!

Back from the Dead

What's this? Is this a blog post? From yours truly? To what do you owe this punishment?

It's been a year since I last blogged. Have you been wondering what the heck happened?

So have I!

I never planned on quitting the blog; it just sort of happened. I felt like I was running out of things to say. And the things I did want to say were more of a serious nature, and I didn't quite know how to say them without sounding like a boring old lady.

I let one week lapse, then another; and before I knew it, months had gone by. Since blogging was no longer a priority, that designated writing time got gobbled up like Thanksgiving pie. Then guess what happened to my time for writing fiction? --It got Thanksgivinged too!

And when I am able to find time to sit and write a story, I sit and write nothing. I can't get the words to come.

I realized that the two are connected. Blogging helps me establish a writing routine. It helps me organize the thoughts that swirl constantly in my head. It helps me connect with others, which helps me feel happier and less isolated, which is inevitable when you spend lots of time with imaginary people who live in your head.

So I'm recommitting to blogging. I'll be here weekly. I'm thinking Wednesday or Thursday would be a good day to post, but I'm not ready to make that absolute commitment yet. (I can't get entirely rid of the flightiness that is a part of my nature, can I?)

WHAT WILL I BLOG ABOUT?

Who knows! Anything! Everything! I've decided not to stick to any one format or set niche. I'm just going to say whatever is in my head. And what has it been lately? Well, I've been doing lots of sole searching (I lost my shoes) (just kidding, I know it's SOUL searching), lots of learning, growing and developing. I've needed to find ways to be happy and feel successful, even though life is full of disappointments. I've needed to learn to be loving and accepting of myself, with all my flaws, shortcomings and failures. And that equates to being able to be more loving and accepting of others.

I hope to share some of what I have learned with you (and what I am still in the process of learning): meaning, this blog will be more heartfelt than ever before. And possibly less silly too, since it seems there's an overabundance of ways to waste time on the Internet. I hope to provide something more productive.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Absolutely nothing.

Unless I can say something inspiring/thought provoking every once in awhile. That would be nice.

I realize that the blogging movement has basically died; I personally haven't even checked up on any blogs for many months now. But I've decided that it doesn't matter if there isn't anyone left out in the blogisphere to talk to. I still want to talk. And that's all that matters. 

Oh no, wait. You matter too! Where are you? How are you? What have you been doing for an entire year? I hope you are happy and healthy! I have missed you, honestly, I have! Yes, you and you and you. And also you!

WILL YOU JOIN ME ON THIS NEW JOURNEY?

There's power in friendship, and together we can accomplish great things. I just know it. <3

Cookies and Milk Mustaches

We interrupt this hump day to give you something to be excited about ... something other than Halloween and endless candy and parties and slutty costumes and so on. (It's a good thing I'm here to give out a prize or you guys would be hopelessly bored!)

I found this funny Guess the Mustache type game that I thought would be perfect, because hipsters are known for their love of mustaches. Also because if you can easily recognize all the famous mustaches, you probably spend more time watching TV than you do talking to real people.

This is the game:

But giving you just a game would be lame, so:

I'm making BlogAway history and giving you a homebaked goodie. We LOVE pumpkin chocolate chip cookies here at my house, so I wanted to send some to our missionary son, and I thought (I know it's dangerous when I think) why not send some as a blog prize as well? I'm too lazy to take a picture, but they look just like all of these. They are delicious: I had one for breakfast so I can testify to the truthfulness of that statement. You will need milk to top them off, but I'm not going to send that via postal service: you'll have to get a gallon of milk all on your own. And then you can play Guess the Stache all over again by making famous milk mustaches. (Milk is good for your skin, so that's a win win kind of game.)

 This month's winner is comment #6: DEVREE!!!!

Get me your address ASAP so I can get those in the mail before I eat them all (the cookies, not the card game. I gave up my paper eating habit years ago.)

I probably won't post next week, but watch for a new topic sometime in November and we'll get to reconnect then. See you soon!

It's Hip to Not Care

Oh hello blog. I'm surprised you didn't vanish into the great abyss of the internet this past month while I have been MIA. ... Or did you?

I've been busy typing away on a new story. I sort of love it right now and I hope someday you will sort of really love it too! But in the meantime, I've been thinking about something:

Did you know I'm socially awkward? If you don't know this about me, it's only because you've never met me before. But since society has not only accepted nerds, but put them on a pedestal and labeled them HIP(sters), it seems to me that being socially awkward (or being a geek, as we called it back in the 80's) should be the new extrovert.

That's right: being an extrovert (aka popular and likeable) is no longer en vogue. (See how hip I am? I knew to type "en" instead of "in." Yay me!) If you are one of these friendly, gregarious types, you are going to need to switch to the now more-accepted and trendy introvert disposition. But don't worry: I'm here to help you every step of the way.

Here's my guide to being socially awkward:

1. If you see someone you know vaguely in the grocery store, by all means avoid them. Do not make eye contact! An extrovert would say "hi" and engage in friendly conversation, but remember you are no longer an extrovert. If necessary, hide your face in the deep freezer to avoid contact.

2. Although you don't want to be friendly enough to say hello, you should always, always wave back at people, even if you might not know the person initiating the wave. It's always best to return a wave when you are in a crowded location, especially when there are people standing near you who might actually be the intended recipient of said wave. And please make sure your wave isn't a simple palms up, like giving an air five. Make sure your hand looks like it is suffering from an unexpected spasm.

3. When it is necessary to speak with someone--especially someone you admire--make sure you mix up your words as often as possible. Instead of saying "Thank you," say "thankS you," or instead of saying "will do," say "will done." Don't politely shoot the breeze about the breeze (or lack thereof, or whatever the current weather condition); always discuss deeper topics, like, "Have you heard about Pluto? It's a planet again. What a comeback for the underdog, eh?" (It's also socially awkward [and therefore cool] to speak like a Canadian even if you aren't from Canada.)

4. Whenever possible, allow for long, awkward pauses in any (and all) conversations. It is also acceptable not to reply if someone is talking directly to you. Just say, "Oh sorry, I wasn't paying attention to you."

5. Reference bacon frequently.

6. Never compliment. Instead of telling someone they look nice, say, "You look tired. Didn't you get any sleep last night?" or "You're really packing it on. How much weight have you gained this week?" Also acceptable: "You would look nice wrapped in bacon."

7. Good manners are no longer necessary in order to be a part of the socially awkward revolution. You may shovel your food into your mouth with both hands. You may chew with your mouth open. You may also blow your nose loudly when in public. There's no need to stress out over perfectly normal bodily functions which were once deemed impolite or even gross. Just let your body do what it wants to do! Picking your nose, however, is only acceptable when you are in your car.

8. Every once in a while, wear an item of clothing backwards or inside out. Underclothing does not count, as it cannot be seen.

9. If you want to have clout in your community, spread word you are developing a bacon-themed video game.

10. Talk to Siri more than you talk to "real" people.

*I have tried many of these steps myself, but not all. I cannot claim to be perfectly socially awkward, but give me another ten years living like a hermit in the woods and I might achieve the pinnacle of social imperfection.

What tips do you have to help others become more socially awkward? If you are currently an extrovert, perhaps it would help you to think of someone you may know who has exhibited exemplary awkwardness, or perhaps you could mention the opposite of what your past amicable self would do. Share your inner (or outer) nerd with us!

This IS a winning week (or month or whatevs) so make sure you comment by next Tues. the 28th and I will announce a winner on Weds. the 29th. What will you win? Nobody knows! Not even me! We will all be pleasantly surprised, won't we? 

And BTW: I've missed each and every one of you (Yes, even the spambots! And the autobots! But not the decepticons.) and I hope all is well with all of y'all this fall! <3

Be Still ...

Let's be honest. Life is hard.

Busy, noisy, competitive, conflicting, emotional, exhausting.

But.

It doesn't have to be overwhelming. We can find peace. In fact, we NEED to find peace.

Within each of us is an innate desire to BE STILL.

Love this picture. I found it here, photo by blogger Cheryl.

Life, more than ever, is full of noise and distraction. It is all too easy to find entertainment in front of a screen, and it seems harder and harder to find the time to get out and enjoy life rather than just watching it. I fall for this frequently, as I want to spend as much time writing as possible, but every time I unplug and go outside, I feel as if I can breathe better, think clearer and smile more readily. I feel refreshed.

We didn't get to spend as much time hiking in the mountains and visiting different lakes this summer as we would have liked, but the time we did get to spend out exploring was heavenly. I think when we find ourselves in areas that are largely untouched by man, we find God. It is then, in the quiet, when our hearts are connected with Deity, that we find ourselves.

The trail less traveled. Mt Aeneas, overlooking my house. 
(You see those two closest lakes? I live right between them. Yup. Lucky girl)

Our lives can gain greater focus, greater purpose, greater direction, the more we are able to find time to BE STILL.

Where do you go when you want to be still? How do you make time to unplug? Where is the one place on earth that you think looks the most like heaven? Do you find a secluded place in a park to sit and ponder? Or do you clear your head while jogging through quiet streets? How do you find peace?

Montana Sky (Not the internet company. The REAL Montana Sky.)

Before you go and leave me a heartwarming and inspirational comment, I have to interrupt your thought process for a second. Do you remember how I said I want to spend as much time writing as possible? Well, I have decided that in order for that to happen, I need to spend less time on social media (which explains why I just joined Instagram. ???) and more time talking to myself. (Sounds like a great recipe for mental health, doesn't it?) I'm going to cut back on blogging, but I don't know how much. I've decided to make my blog schedule totally random. Some months I'll post several times and other months I might only post once. I will still post on Tuesdays, so if you don't follow BlogAway on a blog reader like Feedly, you can just check back weekly and see if there is a new post. I will also post links on Facebook, so you can find new posts that way. I'll let you know if that week is a prize week, but those will just be random as well, so you'll have to be on your toes pretty much all the time. (Snoozing = Losing) Alright?

AND, did you download Episode 2 of The Hitch? Did you read it? Did you have an opinion about what you read? THEN LEAVE A REVIEW ON AMAZON. (I wasn't yelling at you. I was just being enthusiastic. !!!) Now's your chance: make me see stars!

Go and be at peace my young padawan. (BTW, the movie theater I saw Star Wars in as a kid was just demolished. I feel so old. And like my childhood is being brushed under the rug! It's disheartening.) Anyway ... peace. Be still. Tell us how. Go!

The Hunt Is Over

Here. It. Is.

(Why aren't there any exclamation marks in the preceding sentences? Let's try again.)

Here! It! Is!

Episode 2 of The Hitch is now available! Download a copy of Treasure Hunt FREE Sunday through Thursday. And since I'm so generous to let you read for free: will you be so generous as to leave an Amazon review? Muchas Thankas! 

Swimmer's Itch

If you're not accustomed to lake swimming, you might not know what "The Itch" is. It happens late in the summer, when parasites float through the water looking for a new host (usually waterfowl) and come in contact with human skin. The larva penetrate the skin but find that humans aren't suitable hosts and die just under the skin. (Lovely, no?) They then cause an inflammatory immune reaction, giving the swimmer big red, itchy welts. It ain't pretty. No siree. (Or no Siri, if you are the tech savvy type.) If you want to see how pretty it ain't click here. But if looking at nasty rashes on pasty white people ain't your thing, then just keep a readin'.

Why am I telling you this? I don't know. We actually have learned how to avoid "The Itch" and haven't had to deal with it in years. Maybe I'm bringing it up because "The Itch" sounds like "The Hitch" and I was hoping to have Episode 2 ready for you to download this week.

But alas, we've been spending too much time swimming (but not itching) and I haven't been able to put the finishing touches on it to make it as perfect as Montana sunset. (No picture, sorry. You'll just have to use your imagination.)

Maybe I also mention "The Itch" because I'm itching to do some serious writing once the kiddos are back in school. I might have to wear mittens so I don't scratch myself to death in the next 2 weeks. I can make it? Yes I can!

But can you make it one more week to read Episode 2 of "THE HITCH?" Yes you can! It will be worth the wait. And completely itch-free.

Sensational Summer

Hey! I'm late posting today, and not because I forgot, but because I broke Blogger. I wanted you guys to see how lovely Montana is in the summertime, but I added too many photos and a big error message popped up and said, LORI JUST GET ON INSTAGRAM! 

But alas, I have whittled down my photo montage to give you just the best of the West. 

This is Bannack, a ghost town in SW Montana

 I was worried because I didn't have my big camera when we stopped in Bannack, but my little cell phone did A-OK.


The canola fields in bloom in early July:

Same area, playing with filters:

Speaking of filters, I did something strange with this pic of a cabin in the mountains,
but it turned out sorta awesome.

Love how technology lets us look more talented than we really are. :)

Wheat field, back to using no filtas:

At my house, the sun after a heavy rainstorm:  

And what's a summer photo album without a picture of a lake? Here's Flathead:

Now you know what my summer has looked like; I want to know what you've been up to this summer. But since you can't post pictures in comments (lame Blogger!), you're going to have to use your senses and describe it to me. Remember when we did Christmas Senses? Let's do the same thing, but with summer. 

So, 

Summer sounds like: boats on the lake, kids playing in the water, foxes yelping in the night

Summer smells like: fresh huckleberries and the fresh, mossy smell of the forest

Summer looks like: heaven (see above)

Summer tastes like: Sweet Peaks Ice Cream and homemade huckleberry milkshakes

Summer feels like: warm sunshine on my face and shoulders, cold lake water on my toes. 

Your turn: share your summer senses with us! And make sure you stop back in 2 weeks, because I will have an awesome prize for ALL. (Hint, it rhymes with THE WITCH, but it has nothing to do with Halloween.) (Got it?)

So ...

Hell. O. (The O was just a little late joining the conversation. I wasn't swearing. Promise.)

So, I seem to have over-estimated my abilities to continue on with "normal" things (like blogging) this summer. I have also under-estimated the amount of time and energy it takes to get a child ready for a two-year mission. Because of my miscalculations, I seem to be short on time. And that means I'm going to skip posting this week, as well as skip a prize for July. My sincere apologies to those of you who were planning on using this month's prize as part of your dowry/portfolio/bequeathment. 

I'll talk to you again in August, assuming I'm not sequestered at the State Mental Hospital posthaste. :0

Land That I Love

  

Happy Birthday America! 

The 4th of July is always a favorite holiday of mine because 1. the weather is nice 2. it's exciting
3. there's food.

But maybe it's time I look past all the festivities and think about the true meaning of the 4th. (Santa Claus!) (I mean the Easter Bunny!) (I mean Leprechauns!)

See what I mean?

Recently, we had the opportunity to go to an advanced screening of America, the movie, presented by Bigfork resident and one of the kindest men in all the world, producer Gerald Molen. This movie makes you think. This movie makes you feel. This movie makes you want to DO.

Rather than blogging about a silly topic, I thought I would challenge all of us to DO something. Be better informed. Read the Constitution. Study history to see what was important to our founders. Pay attention to the news; and that means doing your due diligence to make sure you are reading both sides of the story. News agencies are not fair and impartial. What was once reserved for the OPINION sections is now front page. You need to read the same subject from several different sources so you can see both sides and then YOU can make an informed decision. Once you have made a decision: do something about it. Help to inform others. Let your voice be heard, even if it might not be the popular opinion. Support organizations you believe in. There's a thousand and one ways you could donate money, but it's just as important to donate your time. Find a way to get involved.

America is a house divided, and we all know what happens to houses which are divided.

I have a simple solution to help bridge the divide.

LOVE MORE

Instead of criticizing, complaining, bellyaching, shouldn't we all be more vocal about that which we love? And if someone expresses an opinion different from our own, rather than cutting them down, calling them names, and bullying them into silence, shouldn't we EMPATHIZE with them and their circumstances? We don't all have to think the same. We should RESPECT different view points.

Be passionate about America. How many hundreds of thousands have given their lives so that we may have freedom? Can't we all do just a little bit more to fight for what we believe in?

GO and DO.

In the comments, share something you love about America. When you stop and think about it, it's almost impossible to choose just one thing. :) I love that America is still a land of opportunity. If you can dream it, you can do it. What do you love?

And ... I bet you thought I forgot to pick a winner! (Almost guilty as charged.) For the month of June, I added the comment threads from both weeks together for a total of 17 comments, giving everyone who commented a chance (and then some!) to win. Random.org spit out comment #16, LivingstonlifeinMT! (Cutting it kind of close with your last day comment; is this how you do your visiting teaching?) I'll have Nicole J. get in touch with you. And THANKS SO much Nicole. Jamberry wraps are the bomb! Go buy some from her guys, like now! (Because we love them and we are supposed to support the things we love!)

OK, your turn. Show some love for 'Merca. 

Speak To Me

Hey! Ho! (Or is it Ho! Hey!?) Guess what is missing from BlogAway this week?





It's Lori's brain. It got lost sometime between end of the school year craziness, our first high school graduation experience, and the awesome Greeks and Greeks family reunion. If you happen to see my brain lingering at any of those locations, will you kindly give it a swift kick and send it in my direction? I would be much obliged. (All of those things were super fun and important, BTW, and I would do them over and over again, even if it meant that my brain would be forever lost within a deep abyss of disorganized chaos.)

So, in lieu of a typical blog post that would be written if my brain were present, you, dear BlogAway readers, will be writing the post this week.

What's that you say? You're not prepared? You do not know what topic to speak of?

Well never you fear, it will be simple. And you learned how to do this in high school. What is it exactly that you will be doing?

Why giving an impromptu speech, of course. Except you won't be speaking; you'll be typing.

Your impromptu speech should follow this standard format:
1. Attention getter/introduction
2. First main point
a. supporting example (s)
3. Second main point
a. supporting example (s)
4. Conclusion

You may spend no more than 3 minutes brainstorming/researching your topic. And you may spend no more than 5 minutes typing your speech. (Honor system here! You must clock yourself.) Your speech should be left in the comment section and should be several sentences long.

But what will you speak of? Here. You. Go.

1. Plants have feelings too.
2. If I ruled the world ...
3. You are an ant. Convince an anteater not to eat you.
4. Explain three uses for a pencil besides using one for writing.
5. Tell us about the last movie you saw. Critique it.
6. If all the good superheroes suddenly turned bad and began to fight against each other, who would win and why?
7. Tell us how to become a millionaire.
8. Tell us how to survive a zombie apocalypse.
9. If only one actor could be in every movie made during the upcoming year, who would it be and why?
10. You were just told to "build it and they will come." What will you build and who will come?

Pick a topic! Any topic! But maybe don't pick a topic that someone else has already used, unless you think your speech could be more persuasive, dynamic, or amusing than a previous commentor. (How competitive are you?) Your goal is to entertain, persuade, inform, enlighten.

Do you accept this challenge? Will you be my brain? Then let's WRITE THIS BLOG!

Remember, you want to win Nicole's Jamberry nails. I saw them in real life and they are just about the cutest thing ever. (Her daughter is the cutest thing ever, therefore, the nails are just about the cutest.)

OK, let's do this! Pick a topic and speak from the heart. It will be a work of art.

 

Lots of Lori

Happy June! (As in the month; not the person.) (Unless a person named June is reading this. Then I would say Happy June June!) (?)

First up: we have a winner from May. But her name's not May. But she will be glad anyway. Today is really her day. We also have a prize to give to the winner for May. What do you say? Hooray! Hooray! (I've been studying my Dr. Seuss.)

Week #1 was the winning week, and since that week was all about quotes, I though everyone would like another quote-type thingy to add to their collections.

I found this, which isn't just a typography box, but also a candle holder. Bonus! It's like two gifts in one! So I decided two people should win this and share the gift between themselves! But then I realized that might not work if one of the winners lives in Mexico and the other lives in Alaska. So ... just one winner. And that winner is Comment #8. Marie! Yippee! You deserve a pick-me-up this week! I'll get it to you.

Next up: do you want to know what you can win for the month of June? (Huh, huh, do you?) We don't know yet which week will be the winning week, so you'll want to make sure you comment both times. But we do know that this is the prize:

An extra set of hands, just for you! Isn't this exactly what you have always wanted? 

I'm just joking--it's actually Jamberry nail wraps! What are Jamberry nail wraps? They are the latest, coolest accessory. With hundreds of different designs, your nails are sure to be a work of art! They last on your fingernails for up to two weeks and on toenails for up to four weeks. And here's the best part of all ... our own Nicole Jessop is an Independent Consultant for Jamberry. Click here to like her page on Facebook. 

Nicole is sponsoring the prize for June. Thanks Nicole! You are the best! If you want to contact her to order your own Jamberry wraps, look for her contact info on her FB page or leave her a message in the comments.

Now for this week! Last time, I tried to remember facts about you guys and tried to match the comment with the commenter. (I wasn't smokin' hot. At least not brain-wise. Ha ha. Ha.) This week, I'm going to give you a peek into my mind. It might be scary. Brace yourself.

So this will be multiple choice and you have to guess which one Lori would most likely do, or want, or need, or buy. Like this ...

1.  I need a new car. (Mine is held together with duct tape and only starts every other day. Or even less than that.) So if I were to buy a new car this summer, which car would I most likely buy? (Being realistic; no room for dreams here.)

a. A new mom car (aka, a Suburban.)
b. The Montana State Car (Subaru wagon)
c. A hippie bus (VW van)
d. A yuppie mobile (an Audi All-road wagon.)

2. I've been swamped lately. I would love to find an extra hour to spending doing what I want, not what I need to do. If I had that hour, I would:

a. Take a nap
b. Read a book
c. Go for a hike
d. Watch TV

3. If I were ever in the vicinity of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, I would inquire about having some work done. I would ask about getting:

a. Laser wrinkle removal
b. Botox
c. Boobs
d. Varicose vein removal

4. If I had some extra dough to expand my summer wardrobe, I would buy:

a. Lots of sparkly sandals
b. Lots of colorful jewelry
c. Workout clothes
d. Swimsuit cover-ups

5. If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, I would go to:

a. Germany
b. England
c. California
d. No where at all

6. My favorite outfits generally consist of:

a. Jeans and casual tops
b. Workout pants and fleece jackets
c. Workout pants and t-shirts
d. Pajamas

7. If I ever got arrested, it would be for:

a. Disorderly conduct
b. Shoplifting
c. Trespassing
d. Child abandonment

8. For dessert tonight, I would like to have:

a. Chocolate cake and a glass of cold milk
b. A bowl of almonds
c. Ice Cream
d. Chocolate chip cookies.

This quiz might prove that you think you know me but you really don't ... not at all! It's like I'm another person entirely. (It's my Personality #3 day.) Or do you know me like the back of your hand? (Does that mean you frequently backhand me? Or a picture of me? Goodness, I don't like where this is headed.)

Leave me your answers. I won't tell you if you are right or wrong for a few days ... I'll let everyone weigh in before I give away any spoilers. OK, go! (Remember, you want the nail wraps. Comment, comment, comment!)

The State of The Blog Address, III

Guess what? It's that time of the year again--it's our BlogAway Birthday! 3 years! Yay for us!

Look how excited we are! (Hey, is it just me or are you guys FAKE CLAPPING? Rudeness. I even gave you party hats!) 

So this past year, we've grown up a lot. We've talked about deep things like the importance of being a mom and not just another hot bod. We talked about not having to be perfect and we talked about our insecurities.

But, since I can never grow up too much, despite my old age, we still played games and did silly things, like Would You Rather and What's in Your Wallet? I mean Purse. 

And! We welcomed a new book into the family! I'm feverishly (ish) working on The Hitch: Episode 2 for your reading enjoyment. You should be able to read it soon (ish).

What does the future hold for the next year of BlogAway? Awesomeness, that's what it holds. (I know because I just called a 1-800 psychic line.) Who knows exactly what we'll be discussing and what we'll be doing for fun, but know this: I appreciate the time you waste spend reading my little blog. I know time is more precious than almonds (which are more precious than diamonds, BTW) and it means the world to me that you choose to spend time with me every week or every other week or every other year or two!

Since sometimes I feel like I have nothing much to say, yet you guys are so good to let me just keep on a babbling, I decided today should be ALL ABOUT YOU!

Here's what we're going to do: Each of you needs to leave an ANONYMOUS comment with 10 RANDOM FACTS ABOUT YOU. It can be anything. What's your favorite movie? Song? Where have you lived? Where have you traveled? What kind of grades did you get in college? What is your favorite food?

You get the point: 10 FACTS about anything which have to do with you.

You will not leave your name. (Remember, be anonymous!)  I will then guess which of my readers have left the comment. You may try and stump me, but you must be completely honest in your facts. (I trust you!)

If I have guessed right, please come back and reveal yourself. If I am stumped or guess wrong, others may try to guess your identity as well. If you don't comment often or not at all, maybe one of your facts could include that little fact just so I don't go entirely looney (I'm already 89% there) trying to guess.

OK, ready to tell me all about you? Have at it!