I think, no matter whether your dream is writing a book, being a photographer, being the best mom and wife you can be, or going back to college, every woman has a dream. We all struggle to balance our dreams with the demands of every day life. That's why I enjoyed this post on The Romance Troupe about one author's inspirational struggle. She has a tremendous load to carry, but still doesn't give up on her dreams.
I hope you find it as inspirational as I did!
Dani
I hope you find it as inspirational as I did!
Dani
Well, it really started in the Dublin airport on my recent trip to Ireland. As I, my sister, and our traveling companions exited the plane and trekked the long hallways in search of customs, I kept noticing signs that looked like this:
My sleepy, jet-lagged brain thought, Boy, these people sure like to run. Is there a track downstairs? Or is it in case of zombies...if the apocalypse hits, flee--this way! These Irish sure are prepared...
Then we get on the road, and I saw one of these:
Then another, and another. Honestly, I thought they were to warn people not to picnic on the road when I first saw them in Scotland. Though strangely they are usually located near an overpass. Who wants to picnic near an overpass? Voicing my strange thoughts to my sis, Ella Sheridan, led to a love affair with the oddly humorous signs we encountered throughout Ireland, Wales, and London.
Her interpretation of the picnic on the road sign was even funnier than mine, but I won't spoil the joke. You can check out her version of this story from the link at the bottom of the page. First, let's take a look at some of the very interesting signage that had us laughing, pointing, and scratching our heads in confusion:
Is this supposed to be an invitation to come on inside? Depending on how "kranky" the barber is today, you could end up with just a close trim...or completely skinned!
From Ella: Uh, no. Never trust anyone who is both 'kranky' and holding scissors.
My, what big teeth you have! What that poor little fish doesn't know, won't hurt him. Oh yeah it will--he's what's for dinner!
Um, just why? Was the Far Out Ferret already taken? I mean, this does not entice me to shop. I can't even imagine what those clothes must smell like.
Ella: At least they're right out there with it. The people with the next sign are just plain confused.
One thought: how fresh can poison possibly be?
Only 36 books? Are there more downstairs? Otherwise, this is the smallest bookstore I've ever seen.
Ella: And what if you've read them all?
Should the zombie apocalypse truly arise, Wales will be the country to beat. They have already brewed the perfect survival weapon: Brains beer.
Ella: Braaaiiins! Braaaiiins! (I bet they have fun at Halloween!)
This one is just for us 'girl's of plenty'. All you skinny thangs have to find another loo to use!
Ella: Do I look bloated? I feel a little bloated. Look at me from this side. Whatdya think? Bloated, right?
Do we really need to encourage this kind of behavior?
Ella: For the late-night snacker in you, apparently.
I have to wonder what kind of pharmacy these chemists are really running?!?!
We're not the only ones, obviously the Irish think their signs are totally cool too. After all, even the banks are in on it!
I mean, over the top, y'all!
Ella: Not just out, but way out!
So there you have it! Our trip throughout Ireland and the UK, told through signs. We'd love if you'd share the favorite/funniest/weirdest sign you've ever seen. Or tell us your unique interpretation of these signs. Help us know we aren't the only ones to view the world in a weird way...
Dani
For more kooky signs (and the other half of the story) visit my sister Ella Sheridan's blog today, where she tells in her own words How it all started...
My sleepy, jet-lagged brain thought, Boy, these people sure like to run. Is there a track downstairs? Or is it in case of zombies...if the apocalypse hits, flee--this way! These Irish sure are prepared...
Then we get on the road, and I saw one of these:
Then another, and another. Honestly, I thought they were to warn people not to picnic on the road when I first saw them in Scotland. Though strangely they are usually located near an overpass. Who wants to picnic near an overpass? Voicing my strange thoughts to my sis, Ella Sheridan, led to a love affair with the oddly humorous signs we encountered throughout Ireland, Wales, and London.
Her interpretation of the picnic on the road sign was even funnier than mine, but I won't spoil the joke. You can check out her version of this story from the link at the bottom of the page. First, let's take a look at some of the very interesting signage that had us laughing, pointing, and scratching our heads in confusion:
Is this supposed to be an invitation to come on inside? Depending on how "kranky" the barber is today, you could end up with just a close trim...or completely skinned!
From Ella: Uh, no. Never trust anyone who is both 'kranky' and holding scissors.
My, what big teeth you have! What that poor little fish doesn't know, won't hurt him. Oh yeah it will--he's what's for dinner!
Um, just why? Was the Far Out Ferret already taken? I mean, this does not entice me to shop. I can't even imagine what those clothes must smell like.
Ella: At least they're right out there with it. The people with the next sign are just plain confused.
One thought: how fresh can poison possibly be?
Only 36 books? Are there more downstairs? Otherwise, this is the smallest bookstore I've ever seen.
Ella: And what if you've read them all?
Should the zombie apocalypse truly arise, Wales will be the country to beat. They have already brewed the perfect survival weapon: Brains beer.
Ella: Braaaiiins! Braaaiiins! (I bet they have fun at Halloween!)
This one is just for us 'girl's of plenty'. All you skinny thangs have to find another loo to use!
Ella: Do I look bloated? I feel a little bloated. Look at me from this side. Whatdya think? Bloated, right?
Do we really need to encourage this kind of behavior?
Ella: For the late-night snacker in you, apparently.
I have to wonder what kind of pharmacy these chemists are really running?!?!
We're not the only ones, obviously the Irish think their signs are totally cool too. After all, even the banks are in on it!
I mean, over the top, y'all!
Ella: Not just out, but way out!
So there you have it! Our trip throughout Ireland and the UK, told through signs. We'd love if you'd share the favorite/funniest/weirdest sign you've ever seen. Or tell us your unique interpretation of these signs. Help us know we aren't the only ones to view the world in a weird way...
Dani
For more kooky signs (and the other half of the story) visit my sister Ella Sheridan's blog today, where she tells in her own words How it all started...
Chaos.
One look at my bio is enough to convince anyone that this is an appropriate description of my life, at the moment. The things that get my attention are the things that need to be taken care of right now. I try not to let things creep up on me, but it happens more often than I'd like.
This fall/winter I'm struggling to stick to a compressed writing schedule, in hopes of releasing several books early next year. This only adds to the pressure I put on myself. Why? Not because I enjoy it. I'm trying to get my family to a place where I don't have to work full-time. This issue is getting there.
So I'm forever on the search to make things work. My personality works best with some kind of schedule, but its really hard to schedule chaos. I recently tried getting up earlier, thinking more time was the key, but it was no go. I don't cope well with the rest of the day as well with less sleep. So what's a crazy woman with a crazy life to do?
I'm trying to do this:
1. Acceptance
This is just the way life is for now. I don't like it. In fact, it makes me very unhappy at times, but changes aren't coming anytime soon. I need to deal with my attitude and move on. I have a quote posted on my bathroom mirror that says, "I discovered I always have choices, and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude." (Judith M Knowlton) So very, very true.
2. Just Keep Swimming
I have this as my screen saver at my day job. Everything I plan may not get done, but as long as I keep moving forward, progress will be made. Sometimes the snail's pace is very frustrating, but I keep trying. That's important.
3. Touchstones
This is my newest form of "schedule," still in the testing stages. :) My life and activities change daily. I rely heavily on my To Do List and a day planner, but a true, rigid schedule will only get disrupted by last minute homework, illness, or an unexpected errand that puts me behind.
Since I can't find a way to create more time, I have to use what I have more effectively. When I get to work, one of the first things I do is get out my Day Planner. I glance over it for important events and the list of what needs doing today. I prioritize and mentally map out a plan. I'm now calling this my "Touchstone", because I'm touching base with myself and what's going on in my life.
I've started doing the same when I first get home in the afternoon. I greet everyone, put my stuff away, then sit down and see what's left on the agenda for that evening. This way I'm hopefully approaching tasks in a logical manner instead of plunging into them haphazardly.
4. Clock Out
I've had a goal for years to take one day off a week--it simply never happens. I find it disconcerting to think of myself as a workaholic, because I don't want to be one. I want to be able to write during the day and relax with my family at night, but there's too much that needs doing with a full-time day job, part-time writing career, kids, pets, house, etc (even with my hubby pitching in very heavily). So this goal needed to adapt.
Now I aim for one day off per month, but as a compromise I have to quit working period at 9:30 each night. This has been really hard and I've only been at it for a few weeks. I'm to have nothing but fun after 9:30pm: no writing websites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. No "relaxing" with a craft book. Just TV, cuddling with the kids (or hubby!), reading, etc. It shouldn't be too hard, but it really is. My brain is always saying, "But shouldn't you be..."
Nope. I shouldn't be...
So there's my Not So Perfect Plan to tame the chaos. Having a plan doesn't mean I always succeed, but if I don't try, I'll never find what works, right? Do you have any tips or tricks that I can add to the pile?
Dani
So I'm forever on the search to make things work. My personality works best with some kind of schedule, but its really hard to schedule chaos. I recently tried getting up earlier, thinking more time was the key, but it was no go. I don't cope well with the rest of the day as well with less sleep. So what's a crazy woman with a crazy life to do?
I'm trying to do this:
1. Acceptance
This is just the way life is for now. I don't like it. In fact, it makes me very unhappy at times, but changes aren't coming anytime soon. I need to deal with my attitude and move on. I have a quote posted on my bathroom mirror that says, "I discovered I always have choices, and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude." (Judith M Knowlton) So very, very true.
2. Just Keep Swimming
I have this as my screen saver at my day job. Everything I plan may not get done, but as long as I keep moving forward, progress will be made. Sometimes the snail's pace is very frustrating, but I keep trying. That's important.
3. Touchstones
This is my newest form of "schedule," still in the testing stages. :) My life and activities change daily. I rely heavily on my To Do List and a day planner, but a true, rigid schedule will only get disrupted by last minute homework, illness, or an unexpected errand that puts me behind.
Since I can't find a way to create more time, I have to use what I have more effectively. When I get to work, one of the first things I do is get out my Day Planner. I glance over it for important events and the list of what needs doing today. I prioritize and mentally map out a plan. I'm now calling this my "Touchstone", because I'm touching base with myself and what's going on in my life.
I've started doing the same when I first get home in the afternoon. I greet everyone, put my stuff away, then sit down and see what's left on the agenda for that evening. This way I'm hopefully approaching tasks in a logical manner instead of plunging into them haphazardly.
4. Clock Out
I've had a goal for years to take one day off a week--it simply never happens. I find it disconcerting to think of myself as a workaholic, because I don't want to be one. I want to be able to write during the day and relax with my family at night, but there's too much that needs doing with a full-time day job, part-time writing career, kids, pets, house, etc (even with my hubby pitching in very heavily). So this goal needed to adapt.
Now I aim for one day off per month, but as a compromise I have to quit working period at 9:30 each night. This has been really hard and I've only been at it for a few weeks. I'm to have nothing but fun after 9:30pm: no writing websites, Facebook, Twitter, etc. No "relaxing" with a craft book. Just TV, cuddling with the kids (or hubby!), reading, etc. It shouldn't be too hard, but it really is. My brain is always saying, "But shouldn't you be..."
Nope. I shouldn't be...
So there's my Not So Perfect Plan to tame the chaos. Having a plan doesn't mean I always succeed, but if I don't try, I'll never find what works, right? Do you have any tips or tricks that I can add to the pile?
Dani
But I left my brain somewhere in Ireland, I think. :)
I had a wonderful trip and saw so many cool things! Not to mention inspiration for Sean's book, my upcoming Irish drummer. Here's a small glimpse of the pictures, but there are tons of them on my Facebook Page if you'd like to check it out! Enjoy!
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Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
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Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
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Ross Castle in Killarney, Ireland[/caption]
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Blarney Castle, Ireland[/caption]
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Trying to kiss the Blarney Stone--its not as easy as it looks![/caption]
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Stonehenge - Cool place, awful hair day![/caption]
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With my best friends: Marilyn Baxter, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang at Stonehenge[/caption]
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Tower Bridge over the Thames River near Tower of London[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_602" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
My London Tube buddies: Lori Handeland, Ella Sheridan, Linda Winstead Jones, Linda Howard[/caption]
Did I get any work done while I was gone? Very little! :) But I felt like the entire trip was one big research experience and creativity renewal exercise. Plus I got to spend quality time with some wonderful people in my life and meet all kinds of cool new people. I was exhausted when I returned, but it was totally worth it!
Where was your last "dream" vacation?
Dani
Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_595" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Ross Castle in Killarney, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_596" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Blarney Castle, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_597" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Trying to kiss the Blarney Stone--its not as easy as it looks![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_599" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Stonehenge - Cool place, awful hair day![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_600" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
With my best friends: Marilyn Baxter, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang at Stonehenge[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_601" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Tower Bridge over the Thames River near Tower of London[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_602" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
My London Tube buddies: Lori Handeland, Ella Sheridan, Linda Winstead Jones, Linda Howard[/caption]
Did I get any work done while I was gone? Very little! :) But I felt like the entire trip was one big research experience and creativity renewal exercise. Plus I got to spend quality time with some wonderful people in my life and meet all kinds of cool new people. I was exhausted when I returned, but it was totally worth it!
Where was your last "dream" vacation?
Dani
This week I'm on an adventure--and this time its not just in my imagination! I'm traveling with friends through the bustling cities and green countryside of Ireland! I wish y'all could join me, but alas, there's not enough room on the bus. Sorry! I'll return with pictures and lively tales in 2 weeks. Until then, I hope you enjoy this taste of Irish culture. *wink*
(Okay, maybe Scottish, but pretty, right?)
Dani
(Okay, maybe Scottish, but pretty, right?)
Dani
It's September in the South, but the heat isn't quite ready to let go of us yet! Still, for those of us in the US, it means the kids are back in school and football season is here. Its a busy time for my little band geek (Book Worm) and Little Man as they return to the rhythms of getting up early, studying, and homework.
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Nearby Waterfall[/caption]
August passed in a blur as I started, and finished, the rough draft of my next Harlequin Desire. But revisions will have to wait, because I'm off mid-month to visit the beautiful vistas of Ireland! Traveling with my besties and sis to see some of the places I've only read about--and plot Sean's book while I'm there. He's the sexy Irish drummer who will be featured as the hero in the third Backstage Pass novel.
Progress on Daniel's book has been slow because of my Harlequin commitment, but I'm hoping to have a more definitive timeline soon! My upcoming trip will provide some much needed creative inspiration. Sometimes artists forget how important it is to refill the well from which we mine our ideas.
I was reminded of this (yes, I do need a reminder upside the head now & then) when I went with sis on a road trip to hear one of my favorite authors speak: Lexi Blake! Talk about a genuine, heartfelt woman! We listened, learned, and laughed the day away. It reminded me of Nationals, but not nearly as exhausting. :)
I still have a lot to learn about writing (and probably always will), and listening to any subject that interests me, viewing art, and allowing myself to just soak in knowledge is so refreshing. Heck, talking with other artists can do the same thing! My chaotic schedule doesn't allow for it often enough, but I really need to make time for it regularly. It energizes my writing and makes me a happier person.
I hope y'all find a wealth of inspiration as fall colors and cooler weather make their way in (or new spring growth in other parts of the world)! Watch the blog later this month for pictures from my trip!
Don't forget to keep updated with me day-to-day on Facebook (see sidebar link) or on Twitter as @daniwade1 .
Dani
Nearby Waterfall[/caption]
August passed in a blur as I started, and finished, the rough draft of my next Harlequin Desire. But revisions will have to wait, because I'm off mid-month to visit the beautiful vistas of Ireland! Traveling with my besties and sis to see some of the places I've only read about--and plot Sean's book while I'm there. He's the sexy Irish drummer who will be featured as the hero in the third Backstage Pass novel.
Progress on Daniel's book has been slow because of my Harlequin commitment, but I'm hoping to have a more definitive timeline soon! My upcoming trip will provide some much needed creative inspiration. Sometimes artists forget how important it is to refill the well from which we mine our ideas.
I was reminded of this (yes, I do need a reminder upside the head now & then) when I went with sis on a road trip to hear one of my favorite authors speak: Lexi Blake! Talk about a genuine, heartfelt woman! We listened, learned, and laughed the day away. It reminded me of Nationals, but not nearly as exhausting. :)
I still have a lot to learn about writing (and probably always will), and listening to any subject that interests me, viewing art, and allowing myself to just soak in knowledge is so refreshing. Heck, talking with other artists can do the same thing! My chaotic schedule doesn't allow for it often enough, but I really need to make time for it regularly. It energizes my writing and makes me a happier person.
I hope y'all find a wealth of inspiration as fall colors and cooler weather make their way in (or new spring growth in other parts of the world)! Watch the blog later this month for pictures from my trip!
Don't forget to keep updated with me day-to-day on Facebook (see sidebar link) or on Twitter as @daniwade1 .
Dani For those who might like a little cool during the summer heat...
From Snow Bound:
With a sudden snap, the room went dark.
The transition from softly lit home office to the pitch-black that can only occur living in the back of beyond took a little adjustment for Damon, but before his eyes cleared of squiggles and colored lights, he had his oversized flashlight palmed and on. Like his eyes, he let the rest of his body adjust to the new circumstances, which he’d been anticipating since heavy snow started coming down a couple of hours ago.
Now instead of the croon of Toby Keith, he was left with utter stillness and the sound of the wind rushing against the eaves outside. The kick of his heartbeat after the surprise had automatically slowed, just as he’d done all the years he’d served his country in combat situations that required steady hands and complete focus.
Though a strong snowstorm in the middle of February might not be a big deal for most parts of the country, the southern Tennessee valley was looking at complete and total shutdown for the next few days if they received the five inches the weatherman had been predicting since the day before. People here simply weren’t equipped or experienced with this kind of weather, which led to scary driving scenarios and a mad rush on the local Piggly Wiggly. Luckily Damon had managed to grab enough beer and chips to get him through, despite the little white-haired lady that had stared him down over the last bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos. Like a true Texas gentleman, he’d conceded and settled for Cool Ranch instead.
Snow Bound is only 99 cents for the Labor Day weekend! Find it on Amazon and B&N!!!
Check out more My Sexy Saturday posts HERE!
The other day, as I sat in my cubicle at the day job, facing yet another report to be worked, one of the few co-workers who knows about my books popped her head around the corner.
"Have you seen it? Is it real yet?"
I had to smile. It was release week and she knew how excited I was about seeing my book on an actual shelf. We chatted for a few minutes before she disappeared back around the corner. I was left thinking about how encouraged that made me feel, and I realized, just about everywhere I go, God has put someone there to encourage me.
At the job before this, an older woman there encouraged me about balancing work and my family. We shared recipes and tips for juggling. In my family, my mom, sister, and mother-in-law have always been my champions. I have too many encouragers in the writing world to list here, but they include the Mavens and my incredible Playfriends. At my publishing house, its my editor. Whether I'm excited, sad, depressed, nervous, or giddy, always keeping the cheering section alive at home is the hubby.
I'm a very lucky woman to have so many Earthly Angels to encourage me on what has been a bumpy journey. So many women feel all alone, and I haven't felt that way in a very long time! Gratitude just overflows when I think about it!
So today let's celebrate those wonderful angels in our lives! Who are your angels and why?
Dani
I'm joining the lovely Lee Hyatt of Author Sound Relations on her lovely blog, Tote Bags 'n Blogs! If you've ever wondered how crazy-making it can be to release a book, I've revealed a few secrets in my guest blog today. :) And there's a giveaway! So comment for a chance to win!
"How can you give your family the attention they need while working full time and writing so much?"
When posed this question by another author at National Conference, I was halted in my tracks. Guilt is a problem for me. With 1 rude question, this author unknowingly hit me right in the gut. Though I'd love to be Wonder Woman (and hubby would totally dig that outfit!), I know I'm no super hero(ine). I do worry about short-changing my children or my writing, but I can't give up either. I've worked too hard for both.
I can't quit my day job, as much as I'd like to, because my family needs me to work for a steady income. At least for the time being. That's simply life at this moment. And as much as I'd like to complain about it, I won't. My hubby has gone above and beyond to take care of the kids and family responsibilities so I have more time to write. I won't fuss about the demands on my time when he has just as many on his.
So this is a dilemma I have struggled with since I went back to work full-time, particularly when I'm on a deadline or have to say "no" when my kids want something because there aren't enough minutes in the day.
So when I heard Kristan Higgins speak at RWA Nationals, it truly struck a chord. Both lunch speeches were awesome (other was Cathy Maxwell), but 1 particular statement by Kristen pierced my heart. It wasn't the focus of the speech in actuality, probably something she ad-libbed. But it was something I desperately needed at this stage of my career and life.
She talked about a time when her husband worked long hours. She was helping him study for firefighters testing and they had a small baby. In order to help their family out, she strapped the baby to her chest while she cleaned a few houses. "Women do what they need to," she said. "If you are doing what your family needs, be proud of that."
What? I'm a mom. I'm not proud...I'm guilty of not being Super Woman!
But she's right. I should be proud--
-of finding a fulltime job that pays decent without having recent experience.
-of working every day and still chasing my dreams.
-for teaching my children that dreams are worth sacrifice and hard work.
-for focusing on my children in the time I have with them.
-Making an effort to include fun activities or things they want to do when I can.
-expressing my gratitude for and to those who help me, including my husband, kids, mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, and many others.
That, I think, is something to be proud of! All of you hardworking moms and dads out there, what are you proud of today? Give yourself a shout out! You deserve it!!!!
Dani
I can't quit my day job, as much as I'd like to, because my family needs me to work for a steady income. At least for the time being. That's simply life at this moment. And as much as I'd like to complain about it, I won't. My hubby has gone above and beyond to take care of the kids and family responsibilities so I have more time to write. I won't fuss about the demands on my time when he has just as many on his.
So this is a dilemma I have struggled with since I went back to work full-time, particularly when I'm on a deadline or have to say "no" when my kids want something because there aren't enough minutes in the day.
So when I heard Kristan Higgins speak at RWA Nationals, it truly struck a chord. Both lunch speeches were awesome (other was Cathy Maxwell), but 1 particular statement by Kristen pierced my heart. It wasn't the focus of the speech in actuality, probably something she ad-libbed. But it was something I desperately needed at this stage of my career and life.
She talked about a time when her husband worked long hours. She was helping him study for firefighters testing and they had a small baby. In order to help their family out, she strapped the baby to her chest while she cleaned a few houses. "Women do what they need to," she said. "If you are doing what your family needs, be proud of that."
What? I'm a mom. I'm not proud...I'm guilty of not being Super Woman!
But she's right. I should be proud--
-of finding a fulltime job that pays decent without having recent experience.
-of working every day and still chasing my dreams.
-for teaching my children that dreams are worth sacrifice and hard work.
-for focusing on my children in the time I have with them.
-Making an effort to include fun activities or things they want to do when I can.
-expressing my gratitude for and to those who help me, including my husband, kids, mother, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, and many others.
That, I think, is something to be proud of! All of you hardworking moms and dads out there, what are you proud of today? Give yourself a shout out! You deserve it!!!!
Dani