No Pocket Jeans |
 You are confident and completely comfortable with your body.You don’t mind showing off - in fact, you put it all out there! |
What Style of Womens Jeans Are You?
Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I’m comfortable with my body, and want to put it out there. It’s just out there, if you know what I mean!
What about you? What style of women’s jeans are you?
Don’t let your cash get away from you this summer. Join me Saturdays here at Portrait of a Writer…Interrupted and get a grip on your cash flow and start sharing your savings ideas.
I don’t know about you, but I’m appalled at how quickly gas is rising, so I’m on a mission to think of ways for my family (and yours) to save money. If you have some fabulous ideas to save money this summer, then join me in posting one idea every Saturday.
Here are the official rules:
Write a summer money saving post and copy the logo and link back here to the Mr. Linky post
Invite others back here to view more tips on how to save money this summer
Sign Mr. Linky with the url of your Money Saving Post
Do NOT add a Mr. Linky to your blog, but encourage those who want to participate to visit here!
More on what to post:
You can share your ideas or some things you did the previous week to save (or make money.) I can’t wait to hear all the wonderful money saving tips you have. Don’t forget to share your money saving ideas and sign Mr. Linky! Here’s mine!
Swim in the backyard! Instead of driving ten miles to our local waterpark three times a week, we bought a softside pool with the money we earned from our garage sale. Not only will this save on gas, but it will keep the kids entertained without me having to pack up all the kids! We’ll still go to the water park during the summer, but not as much as we used to. And I might even get more things done around the house!
So what about you? Do you plan on cutting back on cable (we don’t have it) or curbing your latte spending? I’d like to know. Add your link to your Summer Saving Tip to Mr. Linky below and let’s start saving! Just click on YOU’RE NEXT to see the list of participants and add your link!
At least that’s what the quiz on facebook said. I didn’t really like the questions, for example, it asked me what genre I like to read and then gave me a list of about a dozen. NONE were in suspense, mystery so I opted for Tragedy! I think that’s what pushed me toward Hemingway! Isn’t he the guy that killed himself??? Oy!
Author of, “The Old Man and the Sea.” “Alas” and “Woe,” you are a person who respects the tear above the laugh. You find great meaning and depth in pain and tragedy, and while others may see you as dark, you have a great understanding for why people are the way they are, why they act the way they do, and why they believe what they believe. You are easy to talk to, easy to listen to, and respect people for their sufferings. Though slow to a joke, you are quick to a laugh.
Leave it to Tricia Goyer to come up with a fun and unique way to do a book blog tour! Her latest novel, Whispers of Freedom,
I’m playing. How about you?
1. List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)
1) Find out how much it’s worth
2) See if there’s anyway I could invest it.
3) Buy a new home and take a trip around the world!
2. List three charities/missions/organization
Compassion International: We started supporting Samuel when he was about six. A little over ten years later he’s graduated from the program. It’s been very rewarding to know we have helped to change this young man’s life and give him hope for a future with very little sacrifice to us!
Missionary friends in Niger.
Local outreach to the homeless
3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.
Helping at my children’s school with various projects. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been interrupted in my writing.
Subbing at my children’s school.
Hey, everything I do IS volunteer work!!!
4. List three things you keep “hidden” when company comes over.
Company? It’s been so long… My bedroom
Stakes of papers
My kids rooms
5. List the last three things you’ve lost.
I’m really stumped on this one!
Keys?
Pair of pants (we’re in my son’s closet!)
6. List the last three things you’ve found.
Just as stumped!
Keys?
Pants
Three brave “players” will be selected at random to win their own lost gold (Gourmet chocolate coins and all three books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series). To enter all you have to do is answer the MEME on your blog and then leave a comment on Tricia’s blog tour post here http://triciagoyer.blogspot
Now for the tag…
Myra tagged me with a meme! Here it is!
RULES:
a. Link to the person who tagged you.
b. Post the rules on your blog.
c. Write six random things about yourself.
d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blog.
e. Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog.
f. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.
I think I might have done this one at one point, but life changes so here are six random things about me:
1. I’m not a morning person but this year I’ve committed to waking up with my boys to send they off to school. I think I’ve done this 90% of the time!!!
2. I’m an introvert and enjoy small gathering or one on one instead of social events.
3. I’m not good at small talk . See #2 but I commuincate the best through words.
4. My 13 year old is taller than me and likes to SHOW me every other day!
5. I always wanted to have twins, but with four and no twins I’ve gladly given up the dream!
The Tag:
Amy Wallace
Tina Ann Forkner
Bev
L.L. Barkat
Tina Howard
Natarsha Wright
I was tagged by my writing buddy Christa.
The Rules:
Here are the rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.
My book is Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. I just referred to it the other day and it’s the closest to me.
We are being set up to feel the inner life of the character even before we meet him. And when readers feel something, the want to keep reading. So work hard to grab readers at the start of every scene.
Let’s try some fiction:
Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn
Ida patted her arm.
Don said, “We can take you into Vegas, but priority for the rides has to be for people who have a shift to work. I’m the transportation coordinator.”
Now from my current WIP just for fun! Digging Up Death
The square and depth it was found. Excavated by Jack Duggins. Soil analysis found on the Heart scarab which matched the sample taken from the excavation site.
(okay, not the best example of my WIP because she’s reading off a list!)
Now for the tap.
Georgiana D.
Mary A.
Karen D.
and YOU!
As if I didn’t have enough things to do today, the day before Christmas, I decided to write a meme. (As if you had nothing else to do, but play along.) But in the days after Christmas, when things have settled down and life is sweet, I’d love to hear your answers.
Confession: After writing up the questions, I’m a little reluctant to answer. So for all you brave of heart, have at it!
To play along just copy this meme, along with this link back here, and invite others to join along. I’d love to see how far this meme reaches!
If your life was a book, what Genre would it be and why?
Definitely Women’s Fiction. With childhood divorce and insecurities, a wacky, yet lovable dysfunctional family all set in NY, what else could it be…besides a Janet Evanovich comedy.
Would it be a stand alone or a series?
Hum, I’m already stumped at my own question. I definitely see a generational series. Something like writing the stories of my grandmother, mother, sister, myself. All women’s fiction with similar themes.
What would the title of your life’s book be?
Another tough question , I thought about The Pursuit of Happiness, but that’s already been taken, then there’s Sin’s of Thy Father, think that one’s been overdone, how about Roses are Red? I can definitely write a series using that as a first title.
What’s the spiritual theme of your book?
No matter how much we crave attention and unconditional love from those around us, only Jesus is able to give us the love and acceptance we desire and need.
What would your goal be?
To be accepted and loved, unconditionally.
What’s the motivation for your goal?
A series of rejections in life from childhood divorce, to losing good friends, boyfriends, etc.
Who’s your hero?
I’ve never written Women’s fiction and not sure if there HAS to be a certain person as a hero. But I’d have little heroes along the way like my 7th grade Math teacher who invited me to his Baptist church. My Assemblies of God Youth Pastor among others.
But underneath the surface, my hero would be Jesus.
What’s your conflict?
I haven’t fully grasped the concept that Christ is the one who should fill this need in my life, and I still crave acceptance and unconditionally love from others.
Who’s your antagonist?
My self, members of my family.
Where are you in your life’s book? (The beginning, middle, end, have you reached your black moment, are you into your resolution?)
I’m past the black moment. At least in the first couple of books in the series, but I see a new book/chapter opening up with my mom moving to town. There might be some issues that need to be worked out between mom, sister and me. That should make for interesting reading!
Is there a happy ending?
Definitely! Just not sure how it all ends…yet.
And now what is a Meme without a tag:
I gave it a shot. I’ve some really good likenesses on other blogs, no such luck for me. One of my matches was Magic Johnson! Magic Johnson?
Here are some of my best photos. My highest match was 71% so I guess that means I’m not much of a match! Thank goodness!
So do you think like I look like any of them? And what’s up with the Ellen Degeneres and Julia Roberts lookalike? They came up twice?
Is there someone I look like that’s not pictured? Let me know and I’ll do a side by side comparison!
I’ve been tagged by Georgiana, and this looked like a fun trip down memory lane!
In 1997 I was 28, almost 29, and mom to Chris who just turned three, and Joey who was 7 months old. We were finally settled in our new dream home and I was busy trying to figure out how to parent my high-spirited, strong-willed toddler (Now that he’s 13, I’m trying to figure out how to parent my high-spirited, strong-willed teen!) I had shelved my WIP for by then and many years after too exhausted to even think of writing.
I was probably making plans to go on my husband’s annual company trip in January. This year it was to Hawaii, and I still wasn’t decided if I was taking Joey who was still nursing or if I would wean him. I ended up weaning Joey (heck, it was a FREE trip to Hawaii.) It was the first time we left the boys for a week! They were at my mother in laws, and I only worried about them the first day. Then I forgot I was a mom and enjoyed my FREE trip to Hawaii!
In 1987 I was a month shy from 19 and in my sophomore year at college. No longer did I expereince the carefree, magical days of my freshman year, meeting new people and feeling for the first time in my life real joy and excitement about my life. Sophomore year was an incredible challenge for me and my roommate who happened to be the chaplain on my floor. Somehow we took on the responsiblity of helping a friend on the floor who had Cerebal Palsy (when her aid wasn’t around) and it was the most trying time of my life to date. My roommate and I became burdened and burned out by our friend’s physical needs, though it was a tremendous time of blessing and pain.
In 1977 I was almost nine years old and in 4th grade. I was a very shy and insecure child. My dad had been out of the home for 3 years and I really didn’t remember him in the home, though we got to see him on weekends. I remember my classroom, not having great penmanship, being embarrassed about my parents divorce and having the boy I had a crush on say “so what” when the rival girl told him. I remember being in a class play (Tom Sawyer) where I was Ingun Joe and at first we thought he was a SHE. I also remember being checked for lice! YUCK! And I probably got my “bowl” hair cut that year because I remember having the disgusting little critters.
I hated my short hair and swore to never have short hair again. The shortest I’ve gone since then has been to my shoulder.
I can’t remember how many I’m suppose to tag, so I tag
Katherine @ Raising Five
Beck @ Frog and Toad are Still Friends
Paula @ Grace Reign
Darlene Schachts @ CWO
Claudia Mair Burney @ Raggamuffin Diva
And don’t forget to let me know when you post!
Cara tagged me with this…
1. What’s the one book or writing project you haven’t yet written but still
hope to?
A YA supernatural thriller, kind of like LOST meets troubled teens at BOOT CAMP.
2. If you had one entire day in which to do nothing but read, what book
would you start with?
Good question, maybe Harry Potter, since I have yet to read any of them.
3. What was your first writing “instrument” (besides pen and paper)?
Typewriter.
4. What’s your best guess as to how many books you read in a month?
A year ago I would have said it was rare that I read a book in a month, but now that I’m a member of CFBA, I’d say I read an average of books a month. I’m really a slow reader and don’t have much time. But if it’s a suspense that really grabs me I can read several in a month. I’m probably ahead of schedule this month.
5. What’s your most favorite writing “machine” you’ve ever owned?
My lap top, the one I’m writing on now!
6. Think historical fiction: what’s your favorite time period in which to
read? (And if you don’t read historical fiction–shame on you.)
Hum, I really love Biblical fiction. In fact, my first WIP was Biblical ficiton.
7. What’s the one book you remember most clearly from your youth (childhood or teens)?
I remeber James Joyce’s The Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man and it influenced me in naming this blog. I also remember Dante’s Inferno which I think I read in Italian, The Catcher in the Rye, and The Outsiders. Those books really impacted me, though I can’t remember many details.
What to play? Just leave a comment and I’ll come visit your post!
I am who I say I am. A writing mom of 4 who struggles with balancing my career while raising a family.
Aside from a couple of name changes on this blog, ever word of it is true, straight from my heart and often times brutally honest. I’ve never been one to hide my feelings…when I write.
I may seem like an organized, extrovert, out in cyberspace, but the internet can be deceiving. I’m an introvert at heart who freaks at social events. I’d rather stay home in the safe confines of my own little world then venture out to a party or church function. And don’t even step foot into my house right now. I have several different projects going on in several rooms, none of them nearing completion. In all honesty, it looks like a bomb exploded in these rooms. Nothing like the neat and organized websites I manage!
I thought about attending some of the real life “blog gatherings” before, but I’m afraid I’d be terribly dull, like this blog at times:) I would probably not measure up to my readers expectations. Feeling insecure, I’d most likely cower in a corner or say something incredibly stupid or inappropriate to hide my nervousness. Then when everyone wrote about their fun experience meeting all the online bloggers, I’d probably be overlooked. People might even wonder if I was actually there.
But I’m learning to be okay with my place in this world. Just like my blog, I’m not overly popular. I’m not very good at small talk, and feel incredibly awkward in group settings, with one exception.
Writing Conferences.
I seem to wiggle out from under my shell at these gatherings. Though still not comfortable in group settings, I manage to forge a place for myself and at times appear outgoing. There’s something about being in my element that brings out my confidence, and I think that’s where I lose my inhibitions and begin to shine.
I know without a doubt I was born to write. Though I have no idea how it will all play out in my life, I am confident in the fact that I am a writer, whether I get that illusive book contract or not.
So maybe I was wrong. Maybe I am who you think I am.
An honest writer trying to journey through this life, and stumbling along the way, getting lifted by my wonderful real life and online friends.
Or maybe I’m an FBI informant in the witness protection program living in Ma…
Wait, I did say I had ONE little secret!
Who do YOU think I am?
This post was written in response to Darlene Schachts’ challenge and Allison Bottke’s Blog Tour. And special thanks to Art Bookbindery for donating an iPod Shuffle to the winner of this contest!.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Nope, my dad named me.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? The other day after watching Bridge to Terabithia.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Nope, and I’m so worried about signing autographs, rather paranoid about it!
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Healthy…Turkey, Greasy…Salami, though I usually mix meats in my sandwhiches.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Four, three boys one girl…all high-energy, challenging, beautiful, sweet, funny, brilliant…
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sometimes.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Who me?
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, thank you. I’m more of a scuba diving gal.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Captain crunch, peanut butter or crunch berry, though I don’t know the last time I had it.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Strong willed!
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben n Jerry’s Chubby Hubby. Actually made my husband go get it for me (probably when I was pregnant) and when he took it to the counter, the lady needed to do a price check and said into the microphone “Need a price check on Chubby Hubby” My skinny hubby turned beat red.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Okay, this is really shallow, but for women it’s their bodies. I’m constantly sizing people up, trying to figure out how the skinny ones fit all the organs inside and if my butt is really bigger than the chubbier ones.
15. RED OR PINK? Red.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Can be critical and harsh, especially with my kids.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My grandma
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Yes, it is fun to get to know tidbits about others.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, TOP AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue jeans, red top with red sandals.
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Whole wheat pasta with homemake meatballs.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? My kids play Mario Party 8 on the Wii.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Red
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Choc. Chip cookies, I’m not a smell kind of gal.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My husband
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes! Who wouldn’t like a Gina.
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Football
27. HAIR COLOR? Dark Brown, though reddish on the ends.
28. EYE COLOR? Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Sometimes
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Scary movies with happy endings?
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Bridge to Terabithia
33. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Depends who from
36. Â FAVORITE DESSERT? Warmed brownie with Vanilla ice cream
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? We’ll see…
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? We’ll see…
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Coral Moon, Brandilyn Collins
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I have a touch pad.
42. FAVORITE SOUND? My daughter’s giggle
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Italy
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I know the words to most jingles, songs and tv themes from the 70s and 80s
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? NY
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who wants to play!
1 Where is your cell phone? Purse
2 Relationship? Committed
3 Your hair? Long
4 Work? unending
5 Your sister? Close
6 Your favorite things? Comforting
7 Your dream last night? Exhausting
8 Your favorite drink? Sugar Free Vanilla Iced Latte with caramel and Almond syrup
9 Your dream car? Hybrid
10 The room you’re in? Bedroom
11 Your shoes? New
12 Your fears? Many
13 What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy
14 Who did you hang out with this weekend? Family
15 What are you not good at? Patience
16 Muffins? Blueberry
17 Wish-list item? Ipod
18 Where you grew up? Long Island
19 The last thing you did? TV
20 What are you wearing? Sweatskirt
21 What are you not wearing? Shoes
22 Your pet? Snuggly
23 Your computer? Working
24 Your life? Crazy
25 Your mood? Stressed
26 Missing? Organization
27 What are you thinking about? This
28 Your car? Mess
29 Your kitchen? Mess
30 Your summer? Rainy
31 Your favorite color? Red
32 Last time you laughed? Yesterday
33 Last time you cried? Orlando
34 School? Today
35 Love? God
1. Go back to first or early post. How would you describe your voice back in those early days?Who were you writing to? What was your sense of audience (if any) back then?
My voice was somber! I had just given up writing for a season, trying to obey God in the process and seek His will to put me back on the straight and narrow. My posts were filled with longing and pain for what I couldn’t have and longing and desire for more of God. If you don’t believe me. Check out my sidebar and find my Debut Post!
I miss the old vulnerable tone of Portrait, but I have so much peace about my writing and where God is taking it. I have no idea, but know that He’s in control and I’m no longer in a rush!The posts now-a-days seem somewhat shallow at times and focused on life as usual and the business side of trying to get published. I hope to get back to a place of vulnerability and longing in my posts!
2. Do you remember when you received your first comment?
I remember my very FIRST blogging comment on a previous blog. It was from a friend who first introduced me to blogging. The didn’t remember the first comment on this blog, but I did remember what they were about. Friends encouraging me in my journey of balancing writing and family. I am blessed to have so many great supportive friends, especially in cyber space!
3. Can you point to a stage where you began to feel that your blog might be part of a conversation? Where you might be part of a larger community of interacting writers?
Not yet! Though I know there’s a small group out there. I long to bring people together into community. That’s why I started Writer…Interrupted and I did find some wonderful like minded friends there. But here at Portrait, there’s not a recurring dialogue going on. Though I have several faithful friends and readers!
I’ve tried with my own strength to make it happen. To be a Beck, Shannon, Katherine or Jennifer, but it’s not meant to be, and that’s okay. I’m more of a small group kind of person anyway! I’m happy to share my heart with one or ten. Though I do wish more people would comment if they’re reading. I won’t bite, I promise!
4. Do you think that this sense of audience or community might have affected the way you began to write?
Before I began blogging I labored over what type of blog to have. I just didn’t want to be another voice in a sea of hundreds. I wanted my blog to have purpose. And I know I found it. I wouldn’t classify my blog as just a mommy blog, or Christian blog, though I do share those aspects of my life. But it does have a definite purpose, speaking to those in this same season of life, trying to use my gifts and talents to glorify God and do what I know He has called me to do and at the same time raise a family.
So I think I’ve never really written to my readers, but my readers come because of what I write!
And here’s one question for you who are still reading. When did you start reading Portrait and why do you keep coming back?
As if eight random wasn’t enough, Annette tagged me for eight strange things, not sure if it’s the same as the eight random things but I’ll try to make things strange enough.
First, you have to include the rules: You have to list eight strange items and tag eight new people, letting them know to read your blog and jump into the game.
1. Just today I contemplated calling the Dr. Phil show to feature my dysfunctional extended family.
2. I was proposed to by several Africans while living in Nigeria, and turned them all down because I couldn’t see myself living in the bush.
3. I love eba and egusi stew and you eat it with your fingers. If you don’t know what it is, ask a Nigerian.
4. When I was in Italy for 6 weeks I had a constant headache, must have been all the translating, and one day I woke up out of a dead siesta sleep and spoke to my Italian cousin in English. She looked at me like I was crazy. I also tried translating Madonna’s song “get into the grove” to a bunch of Italian teens at the sea side. When I pointed to a crack in the sidewalk, they just couldn’t understand why Madonna was wanting to get into the crack on the ground.
5. While in Italy my two American cousins visited and were on this no sugar kick, so like an idiot I joined in NEVER tasting Italian gelato (ice cream.)
6. Also, while in Italy me and said cousins got “Lost in Pompeii.” It was pretty funny,actually. We went to snap a photo and joined our group afterwards, but noticed the tour guide wasn’t speaking English, so we ran through the cobblestone streets of Pompeii, snapping photos off the tour route and ended up in this room with a petrified body. When we turned around, we were standing right next to our tour group.
7. In junior high I braided my long hair, wore a feather in it, and dressed like an Indian. It was not Halloween, and I have no idea why I did it.
8. In college I wrote a rap song, wore big hair, and performed it in front of the Imperials.
Okay, weird enough? I didn’t think I could manage it, but once I was on a role the memories kept coming.
Yes, I’ve been tagged by Cara Putman and several others, so if you really care to know keep reading!
First, the rules:
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
EIGHT RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME:
1) I spent 6 months in Nigeria on a journalism/missionary internship in college. Preached in bush churches and worked on a “magazine.”
2) I was the first and only of seven grandkids to go to college and graduate.
3) When I was 15 I visited the house my grandmother grew up in in Italy because she told her grandkids “whoever learns Italian, I will take you to Italy.” I was the only one to study Italian for five years and hold her to her promise!
4) I hate sales, but I’m very good at it. I was in the top of my sales group when I worked for the Southwestern Company selling books door to door.
5) For years said I would never get a dog, then actively searched for the perfect pooch for my kids and surprised them on Valentine’s Day. My kids didn’t believe they could take the Cavalier puppy home.
6) I don’t know how to cook for less than ten people. Growing up, my Italian grandma cooked for an army, and I still cook pasta and have enough to last the week.
7) I’m a horrible baker (I don’t like to measure things) but I can create meals( that people love and when they ask me for the recipe, I can’t write it down because I usually make the same thing twice.
I really want to live in Italy, just waiting for the husband to catch a vision.
Consider yourself tagged if you’re reading this and leave a comment so I can visit your list!
“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
As a writer, I know if I don’t persevere I will never succeed. Rejections can destroy even the best of writers. Yet perseverance didn’t come naturally to me like the snail gunning for Noah’s ark. He knew if he didn’t keep going, he would never reach his destination. Maybe he even sensed the impending flood.
The summer I learned to persevere, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
It was my best paying, yet toughest summer job ever. Not only was it physically challenging, but emotionally draining as well. There were days I didn’t think I could survive the summer. Days when I didn’t want to survive the summer. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. If you every sold anything door to door, you know what I’m talking about.
I sold educational books door to door.
Maybe you’ve heard of the SouthWestern Co. Maybe you’ve had a college kid knock on your door, maybe you’ve bought the books. I remember my first few hours in a new city, before I knocked on a single door. There were four of us girls assigned to Everret, Washington, a city we’ve never been to. We had some money in our pocket, a car and heart full of fear and excitement.
For some reason, I was dropped off to look at an apartment while the others girls went who knows where. I remember the neighborhood wasn’t the nicest and neither was the apartment. This was before cell phones and the sun was setting. I didn’t have a way to contact my friends, and didn’t know if they could find their way back. As I walked through the dingy apartment, I broke down and wept. For about five minutes. Then I dried my eyes and got down to business.
I don’t really remember what that business was, but I survived that first summer practically homeless, jumping from hotel to rented room every week or so, and getting our early every morning to knock on doors and sell books.
Despite the grueling hours (sun up til sun down and beyond 6 days a week,) and the isolation (out for hours on end, knocking on doors by myself without a car) and countless closed doors and rejections, it was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the anything. In fact, it was so grueling and challenging, I went back for a second summer.
Day after day as I knocked on doors, the one thing I remembered was I wouldn’t sell anything if I didn’t persevere. It was drilled into our heads at sales school that we needed to knock on 30 doors just to sell one set of books. That’s 29 rejections.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like rejections. But I persevered and continued to knock on those doors, welcoming the “no’s” because I knew each rejection brought me closer to that “yes.”
I won many awards in my two summers and took home thousands of dollars at the end of each summer, but it wasn’t because I was a great salesman. In fact, I hated sales! But I persevered and did what I was told to do. I knocked on one more door! because behind one of those doors was a sale. It was up to me to find which one.
There were times I would get a door slammed in my face and cry all the way to the next house saying “I will persist until I succeed, and when I succeed I will over achieve. Only then will I rest, because I know I have done my best.”
There were countless days I’d break down emotionally, and ask God “why I was putting myself through this torture” and cry my eyes out. But after I was emptied of all emotion, I would get up again and do what I knew to do. Knock on one more door.
What an incredible life lesson I learned in those two summers! I know I can do anything as long as I persevere. Even my writing goals are not out of reach. No matter how many rejections I receive, I just need to keep persisting and learning and doing what I know to do. With each rejection, I learn and grow and get better. I don’t know how many publishing houses I have to knock on before I’m published, but I’m no where close to 30.
“So I will persist until I succeed and when I succeed I will over achieve….”
For more thoughts on this quote visit Sting My Heart.
I needed a little diversion today.
When was the last time you….
1. kissed someone?
Definitely last night kisses with my daughter before bed. We made this squeeking/buzzing sounds with our lips and she wanted to do it over and over again. It’s fuzzy if I kissed anyone today because when I woke up we rushed to church, went out to eat at Flying Rolls, and then I took a nap.
2. drank coffee?
This morning at church. They offer it free to everyone in the sanctuary and today they had hazelnut and I still had to add 3 sugars and 2 creams.
3. read a book?
About and hour ago. I started Lightening and Lace by DiAnn Mills, but last night I stayed up way too late finishing Showdown by Ted Dekker.
4. cursed?
Not sure, could have been last week! Though cursing isn’t part of my daily vocabulary, it does creep up on me in anger. Darn that old flesh!
5. had a nightmare?
Last night. It wasn’t a monster/death/fear nightmare. It was one of those “I’m getting ready to perform and I forgot my lines and can’t find the stage” kind of nightmare. Which was really strange because I’m not anxious or nervous about anything.
6. checked your email?
Right before I started writing this.
7. had a crush?
Don’t know if you’d call this a crush, but the college guy behind the coffee counter who smiled at me about a year ago made me feel good about myself.
8. drove a car?
Yesterday I drove to my son’s soccer game, took my daughter out for lunch, then took her shopping, rested and then went out grocery shopping again!
9. rode a roller coaster?
In October at the state fair. I used to love all kinds of rides, and I still do, though they do scare me more then they ever did. My boys love to ride them as well, but me and my husband have to stay away from the ones that go round and round unless we’ve taken Dramamine.
10. took a nap?
After eating too much at the Flying Roll today, I had to lie down. I tried reading, but was too sleepy for that. Probably because I stayed up too late reading last night.
11. went to the movies?
A couple of weeks ago when I say The Ultimate Gift.
12. drank alcohol?
Months ago. About a year ago I started occasionally having a glass of wine before bed. I don’t particularly like the taste, but it does help when I can’t sleep or get too grouchy for my families good!
13. went to a party?
Uh, does a five year old birthday party count. I arrived 1 1/2 hours late to my daughter’s friend’s party last Monday.
14. said “I love you”?
To Grace before she went to bed.
15. cooked a meal?
If defrosting a meal I’ve already cooked counts, then last night. Other than that, it’s soccer and baseball season. We’re lucky if we get a meal!
16. exercised?
Yesterday and I plan on exercising again later today. In fact since my husband bought me an elliptical trainer for my birthday I’ve been slowing increasing my exercised time. Last week I was up to 170 minutes, which is an average of 30 minutes a day.
Any one else want to play? Let me know and I’ll drop by and visit.
Your 80s Heartthrob Is |
 Scott Baio |
How funny! He WAS my 80’s heart throb among others!!!
**All Rights Reserved,Gina Conroy, 2006
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