Counting...

Today I am older. Yeah, I'm older every day, but it's officially documented today on the record books. I have successfully added another coal to my fire of life, and I have once again reached the #-0 marker (I'll let you figure out what number that is as a lady never reveals her age ;)

In my attempt to be introspective, this little post will catch a few of my mental blurbs about today...
1) A year ago today it was snowing! Yes snowing on the day following the first day of spring. Today, however, I am pleased to find the norm has returned to warmth and possibly some spring rain- which I adore!
2) Tulips are blooming- yay!
3) I've already experienced bliss in the simple form of Thin Mints, and I'd like to make a notion to add a Girl Scout calendar year, beginning when the first box is delivered and consumed in guiltless delight.
4) I think the reality of the added year will hit me when I fill out a questionnaire that includes checking an age box and find myself checking a different bracket...yikes!
5) One of my coworkers told me #-0 is the new 18. I agree...of course I will probably also agree when I hit my next decade too.
6) Ten years ago I wouldn't have placed myself here. But that's not to downplay any of what has happened in the last ten years. Gosh, ten years time has yielded a graduation, my first official leap into the "real world", my first full time job (currently working at #3), two engagements-and every relationship in between those, marriage to a wonderful man who has kept his promise that I will never be bored, my first trek over international waters, the loss of my first grandparent, the loss of my most beloved pet, family health scares which have furthered our faith and love, friends getting married and having babies, and of course the beginning of my writing journey. And those are just the most prominent moments coming to mind.
7) My metabolism decided it was time to slow down about three years ago...I will remain bitter that it never thought to ask my opinion on the matter.
8) The number of grey hairs (aka wisdom steaks) on my head, if all gathered together, could successfully create a proper come-over for a balding man. But until it reaches enough to create a toupee, I'll refuse to dye them.
9) I'm still a t-shirt and jeans kind of gal...external age will only aid to rally the youth inside!
10) And finally I pray that the next #0 years will trump the first #0 in the things I learn, the people I love, the wisdom I grasp, and the lives impacted by the way I live my own.

And with that I will hit "publish post" and wish everyone a Happy Abby's Birthday!

A Book in Eternal Progress...

For the few who might chance to read this blog every now and then, I am updating you on the latest of my novel adventures. Nearly three and a half years after beginning my first writing project I find myself, once again, in a place of reverie. You see I have once again come to a place where "I think" I have finished the latest and greatest installment of the never-ending-book-revision.

Now to the finality of this revision, I guess it will all depend on it's ability to catch some agent's eye and return a response such as "Wonderful!...Unputdownable...I'm getting this straight to an acquisition agent...Your characters, your plot, your writing voice, Bravo!" and so forth. So in my own attempts to make my page-people come to life over the last three years, I hope they have reached a level where their resume will be considered. A place where their literary maturity is worth consideration to be swept up in the world of publishing. Now of course I plan to accompany them wherever their journey may lead, but I won't lie and tell you that I'm partial to visiting, oh I don't know, New York or London if I had my druthers.

That's all for now...stay tuned for, heck, I don't know what installment will come next but you can bet something is a com'n!

Note to Self:

Hello? Self? Are you there?

Hi Self. Of Course I am here.

Where have you been?

Where you have been, of course. Isn't that kind of obvious.

I know but you haven't written me in a while and I was beginning to worry.

Well you know we've been busy.

Yes, I know. But why haven't you written me.

I...uh...I'm not sure. I just haven't.

Don't you like to share things anymore.

Yes, but I'm selective.

What like country club selective?

No, more like bakery selective. So much to choose from and often too much to choose, so you walk out in fear of buying too much or you splurge and then later have to buy bigger jeans. It seems I've been walking out of the store, yet my jeans would say different.

Yes, they were tighter this morning when you put them on.

Back to the point, please.

Sorry Self. It's just a new year and I thought I'd remind you of your indulgent online diary. How do you expect people to read about your writing if you aren't actually writing.

You might have a point.

You know I do.

Yes, but I don't have to admit it.

Not to others, but I'm you, you already have and you know I'm right.

Yes, you usually are right.

I know, but it's a responsibility I must bear. And that is why I got your attention. To deny me such intrigues as these is a crime.

Well, at least I know I can entertain myself.

Yes, it's a start but try not to get too caught up only in that. Blogger hermithood is not the most conducive to building a following.

I submit. So Self what would you have me do?

Just write. Most of the time it's to me anyway so journal, diary, chronicle...do whatever it takes and write.

And if I don't?

Then you will be hearing again from me sooner than anyone who just read this post would like. Don't put them through another blog like this. Besides that could lead to something else entirely as talking to yourself is not often characterized as functional, and you do have a book you want to sell.

Ah yes, true. Thanks Self.

You are welcome. And by the way I love the new background.

Why thank you Self. It's very English chic.

Thanks Self, that's exactly what I thought :)