First of all, thanks for all the positive comments on my new blog look. For those of you seeing it for the first time, I'd love to hear what you think. (Just keep your comments honest and exceedingly positive.)The artist in me likes to change things up in all aesthetic areas of my life. I love redecorating my house, updating my shoe collection (hah!), changing my hairstyle, and shaking up the look of my blog from time to time. We humans are constantly changing internally, so why not reflect that on the outside as well?
There are small changes in life, like hairstyles, and big ones, like long term-relationships coming to an end. As many of you know, my recent change-of-life event was not my choice nor my preference. However, it is what it is, and I'm doing my best to remain optimistic. Therefore, I've given a lot of thought lately to the question, "Where do I go from here?"
Wherever it is, it will be "new." In fact, "new" pretty much sums up my life right now. I thought I was at a point where I was cozy and thinking "how nice this getting older with someone I love thing is." However, my virtual snow globe has been drastically shaken up, and everything I thought about my future is no more. Now I'm considering ideas for a new book, the excitement of new relationships, and looking for a new place to live. Exploring new territory brings on challenges and possibilities for fresh beginnings, expanding your horizons, and creating entirely unimagined worlds.
I'm a stereotypical writer; two of my great loves are cats and the sea. I live with six feline captors, so that part is handled. However the sea situation is duly lacking. I leave today for a three-day road trip down to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware with my son, Ethan. (He will be leaving in four weeks for college. This will be the first time since he was born that we aren't living together. More new beginnings...) Depending on what I think of the area, that may be where the next chapter of my life unfolds, as well as the next chapters of my new novel.
It will be interesting to see how new
surroundings effect my life and my writing. Of course, change is always a bit scary, but like the band Rush sings in their song, TOM SAWYER, "No, his mind is not for rent, to any god or government, always hopeful yet discontent, he knows changes aren't permanent, but change is..."Change. Possibility. Potential. The Unknown. The Unimaginable.
Life.
Bring it on.
45 comments:
I'm well versed in the arena of, 'Life threw a punch and I forgot to duck'. The hardest part is standing brave after you do get up. I think your an amazingly strong woman Deb and you will find those things to surround yourself and keep that spirit going.
Love the new blog design, it's fresh like the new beginnings you're embarking on.(Hugs)Indigo
If I could, I'd be living by the sea as well...or maybe in Paris (or a houseboat in Paris?) The possibilities are endless. I'm glad you're taking the change as an opportunity to grow and find the new in life.
Change is neither good nor bad. It's what we do with it that matters.
And for the record, rewrites are HELL. ;)
Hold on tight - the ride is wild. But the cliche is true: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
((hugs))
Love your new look, Debra!
I'm sorry for not realizing this before, it sounds like you are going through something big...you are strong, I know you will pull through okay. Good luck hugs to you!
I love the look of your blog. I'm always into changing things up. Keeps things fresh:)
Good luck with everything!
Karen, Thank you for your kind words. You are always such an inspiration to me.
Indigo, You are amazing on so many levels. I look to people like you - people who have traveled through incredibly difficult times and made it through even stronger than before. Thank you for always being a light for me and so many others.
Stacia, If I move down there, we'll be much closer!
"Change is neither good nor bad. It's what we do with it that matters." So true.
Thank you for being in my corner. I appreciate it more than you know.
Amy, I feel your hugs - always - and it means so much. I can't wait until we can share them in person. ;-)
Kelly, No apologies necessary! I'm glad you like the new look. It's fun to change it up from time to time. Thanks for the hugs, and I hope all is well in your world, girlfriend.
Lisa Marie, Glad you like the new look, and thanks for your words of encouragement. Much appreciated!
Love the new look!
I also love your incredibly positive outlook. As Seneca said, "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." You seem to have embraced that philosophy, and I suspect you'll find that life will take you on an exciting new pathway.
Stay tough and stay hopeful. It's a charming combination. :)
Love the new look on your blog. I sat here for ten minutes trying to figure out why to say that wouldn't sound cliche or stupid. Then I remembered this video that I posted a while back on HERE'S TO YOU THURSDAY and it seemed really fitting. I love the "talking bits" at the beginning and the end. Here is the site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4ZuS8B4G1w&feature=player_embedded
You are definitely a champion!
Lovely, Debra both your new look and your outlook.
I have this magnet on my fridge and a little story I'd like to share with you:
the magnet reads "Attract Joy" it's a cute little clay magnet with a butterfly on it. Something you'd pick up near the registers at your local card shop.
one day my daughter was bored, sulky and took to and playing around in the junk drawer. She asked me "are safety pins joyful?" I had never really considered the safety pin as an object of joy but I responded with "I guess if you really needed one, yeah, you'd be pretty happy!"
she giggled and waved the magnet at me, with what appeared to be a beard of tiny safety pins dangling from it. "I really don't need a safety pin right now Mom, but these guys are really making me happy"
Attract Joy, indeed. Find magic and laughter in the ordinary.
Have faith Debra..it is the substance of all things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.
Peace ~ Rene
Hi Debrah! Yes, I took a break without reason.
Newness is the essence of life and it reflects on your blog. I liked the new look. And it can always change any time.
Life is empty and meaningless and when it is empty - it is full of possibilities. Just grab and bash on. All the best.
Change can be scary but I also think you are right when saying that it is a great oppurtunity. I wish you the very best on all of your new life changes and hope you create a masterpiece of a story out of it. :)
Love it!! Bring it on indeed.
Change is powerful - enjoy all the new aspects to your life. Smile a lot - you deserve it! :)
I hope you have a wonderful time on your vacation, and find that special place where you want all of your new beginnings to take place.
And... you're layout is too cute. I love it!! I believe in changing things up every few months--at least on the layout front. :)
Hi Deb, Your blog looks great!
Best of luck with your new start:-)
New blog is fabulous! Made me smile when I first clicked on it. Colorfully bold and sassy!
Change is scary but good scary :)
What doesn't kill you goes into the next book ;)
Debra, you're an inspiration to us all and we'll be barracking for you all the way.
Love the new look! It's fresh and it all screams fresh start. I hate when life swings a left hook when you're not looking. Be strong and have peace.
Beth, You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for always standing strong for what you believe in. It makes the rest of us stand just a little bit taller.
I'll do my best to stay tough and hopeful. ;-)
Robin, Thank you for being such a stand for me. I've never dealt with anything so difficult before in my life, and your support means a lot. I'll click back over to your place and take a listen again. THANK YOU!
Rene, Thank you so much for that sweet story. It's true, there is joy and happiness everywhere if we only choose to see it. "Find magic and laughter in the ordinary." Love it. Hugs and peace to you as well.
nsiyer, "Life is empty and meaningless and when it is empty - it is full of possibilities. Just grab and bash on. All the best." Thanks for reminding me of this. Nothing is truer. Hugs to you, my Landmark friend!
Kerrie, Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. It means a lot. I promise to incorporate all this "stuff" into my next book. Writing can be so cathartic!!!
Jemi, "Smile a lot" is some of the best advice of all. When you're smiling, it's impossible to be unhappy. Thanks for being a constant support for me - I am so very grateful.
Kim, Thanks! I am having a great time here in southern Delaware. Spending time alone w/my son is priceless, even if the reason for the trip isn't what I truly want. Where there are lemons...
Paul, Thanks so much for your comment - I really appreciate it. ;-)
Marisa, Glad you like the new look. And, you're right change is "good scary." I just need to keep reminding myself of that!
JL, "What doesn't kill you goes into the next book." Hah - I love it! Don't get mad, get even, right? People tell me that getting even means living an extraordinary life. That's the plan, even though it seems overwhelming at times. Glad to know I inspire others. That kind of blows my mind...!
T. Anne, Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm doing my best to stay strong. Some days are easier than others, but I know I'll make it through. ;-)
1) Clicked through in the hopes that you weren't referring to Rush Limbaugh.
2) Glad you weren't.
3) I love change. It scares the everliving crap out of me and makes me poop bunny pellets, but it's also what drives me to write. When I think about it, change is the only thing that CAN make us write. A stagnant life is maddening because there's no change. Many a great story's been borne from boredom as well.
4) Enjoy the beach!
Erika, There is only one RUSH in my world - a kickass rock band, not a big, fat, loud-mouthed bigot.
"A stagnant life is maddening because there's no change. Many a great story's been borne from boredom as well." So true!!! My life is anything but stagnant right now, so I guess my next book will have lots of juicy bits. ;-)
((((hugs))))
And love.
Thank you for being authentic and vulnerable and REAL.
I like the new look. It's wild. And I'm also excited for you and your adventure. I have a cat, too, and have had several. I've also lived at the coast, but I'm now living in the other stereotypical place--the scenic Southwest.
I came back to see who you were following b.c. I have this idea. And then I was scrolling through your comments and I saw that you commented on my comment. I did dedicate a video on HERE'S TO YOU THURSDAY a week and a half ago. However, the link I posted is for a totally different video from a long time ago. They both apply. It was just after reading this post that I thought of the "other" video, so I went looking for it and gave you the link. You just have to copy/paste it into your browser. There are going to be times when you are sure that you won't get through this. But you will. This experience, for all of its pain and misery, is going to make you more. More what? More everything. More compassionate. More empathetic. More understanding. When someone talks about pain, you won't be nodding as someone who just cares. You will be really able to help because you have been in the trenches. I know it doesn't seem like a gift right now. But you can't see the future. You don't know who is going to need YOU.
You are gonna have a blast. I demand photos. *hugs*
Myra, I hope you know you're one of my faves. Thank you times infinity for your unconditional sisterly love. ;-)
Jill, Glad you like the new "do!" Cats are the best, though I must admit, six is a bit much. I lived in Colorado for many years, but never the southwest. Do you love it??
Robin, You have no idea how much your words mean to me. I appreciate you more than I can say. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I don't know what the old blog look was...but this is cool.
The real essence though is what you write. Inspirational! There was a comment matchmaking us at Robin from "Your Daily Dose" so I thought to check you out and I'm glad I did. Hope to be reading more of you in the future.
Take care!
PS Don't change too much.
PC, Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm glad you like the blog look, even if you don't have anything to compare it to. I'll definitely pop over to your place as well. Robin is amazing, btw. ;-)
I would like to exchange links with your site www.blogger.com
Is this possible?
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