Linda Stoll’s blog post this week encouraged to link-up with our end-of-the month post. I’ve never done an end-of-the-month post–until now. So, something different for you–my February ramblings–and as casual as a pair of well-worn pyjama pants.
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“I think you’re over-thinking it.”
“I can see the wheels turning in your head.”
Those were a couple of comments this February from my cross-country ski instructors as I tried to remember to keep my head up, bend knees, keep an athletic stance, shoulders ahead of knees, leap, weight on balls of feet, engage poles…all while singing in my mind ‘twinkle twinkle little star’ to develop a rhythmic cadence on the tracks.
“You’re an Alpine skier, aren’t you?” said one instructor when I was the only one in the class who couldn’t do a snow plow stop midway down a hill. I just skied right past him.
Yes, I have done a lot of Alpine skiing, so thought cross-country would be easy…
Very humbling, learning a new skill.
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What I read this month:
- The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton. You can read my review on Goodreads. And please become my friend!
- Puddin’ by Julie Murphy. Teen/YA fiction is a genre I like to read as much as possible maybe due to having 35,000 words written toward a teen novel myself.
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont A classic non-fiction for writers that I dive into from time to time but have yet to read fully
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Our bible study is completing Spiritual Warfare: Overcoming the Enemy by Kay Arthur, David & BJ Lawson. These no-homework Precept Ministries Studies are designed to be 40 minutes, however when you get a group of women together, even 2 hours does not seem enough! I’m blessed to have these ladies in my home every Tuesday evening.
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And just some cuteness for you…
I have these cute owl cards from The Creative Market . Every Monday, Creative Market sends me an email with six free designs I can choose to download. If you’re looking for graphic images, fonts, or paper designs, I’d recommend signing up for their Free Goods.
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What I want to finish in March:
- Scrivener for DUMMIES. I’ve had this book since last summer. I do have a couple of unfinished novels in Scrivener, however just guessed how to use the software. I want to learn how I’m suppose to use it (which I’m sure will be much more effective than I am now).
- Adobe Photoshop CC. It is the 2017 edition! Only skimmed chapters thus far, relevant to projects I was working on.
- Finish editing my three creative non-fiction essays that are my contributions for my writer’s group publication: The Hope Box. Stay tuned for it’s release targeted late 2019 (in time for Christmas).
- Finish my Etsy Shop with my Journals and Digital Photography for purchase.
I could list my other dozen projects & what-I-want-to-learn items, however this year is about finishing. So shall stick with the above 4 for this month–and stay realistic and focused.
(A blog reader was surprised to read I was a 7 on the Ennegram. I wrestle with saying no to a new project when working on another because I might miss out on something! Just thinking of only staying with the four items above makes my stomach tense! Sevens are known to “misapply their many talents, becoming over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined.” Yup!)
My reward for finishing? Well, another want-to-learn-item of course! Adobe Illustrator. I’d love to learn how to draw those cute owls…
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Ending with some Canada for you. These shots were taken summer of 2008 when traveling the province of Nova Scotia.
What are you up to?
I loved this post, Lynn…so many little tidbits. I’m exactly the same with Bird by Bird. I’ve never read it from beginning to end, but I always find myself picking it up and hopping around. Scrivener is something I’ve wanted to learn for years, but I’ve never been able to find the time. Your photos are gorgeous!
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Hi Jill, Picking up and hopping around fits so well with a book titled Bird by Bird! 🙂 I’ve read other Anne Lamont essay collections from cover to cover. She is an excellent writer. Maybe in future posts I’ll share some Scrivener tidbits that you could glean from without needing a lot of time! Have a wonderful day!
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I would love some Scrivener tips, Lynn! 🙂
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You’re an end-of-the-month natural, Lynn! And those photos … the red barn, the red lighthouse peak …simply stunning.
I’m impressed {and a bit motivated} with your projects list. There’s something about the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 on a piece of paper that can really propel us forward.
Thanks for sharing a snapshot of your life here … and over at my place. Fabulous.
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Hi Linda, I often coach to do just 3 projects at a time, however there is something about the evenness of the number 4 I like! Thanks for the inspiration to write this post! Have a wonderful day!
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You sure have a lot on your “to do” list Lynn. It’s no wonder you have trouble finishing. I guess I do the same thing though. My dream, which was just confirmed yesterday, I think by God, is to write a parenting book. My goal is to JUST START this summer. (-: Ker
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You are very busy. 🙂 I am busy writing everyday. Hoping to complete 3 stories. Also, writing my blog. 🙂
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This is great, Lynn! I love getting a peek into your life. 🙂 As you know, your photos always inspire me and breathe hope into my spirit. 🙂 That Bible study sounds interesting. I love Kay Arthur’s inductive study approach. That owl is so cute! I’d love to be able to create those. I did sign up for the free goodies. I’d love to see your Etsy shop when you’re finished. 🙂 Love and blessings to you!
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Hi Trudy! I’m glad my post was helpful to learn about Creative Market place! I’m in a learning curve when it comes to Etsy, especially how to deal with digital downloads. I will definitely let you know when it’s up. It’s a step out of the comfort zone! And, yes, Kay Arthur’s studies get you deep into scripture, don’t they? That’s why I trust them so much.
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Ok, so I looked up Ennegram. It is from Scientology? Personality tests are funny for me. I feel like I should be better or be more outgoing, so I try to figure them out. I took one once (I don’t think it was this type) that said I was off the charts introverted, like a piece of furniture. 😉 How long did it take you to take the test?
I like your fun post this time, cute owl, but when I saw it pop up in my email I got ready to sit and read one of your thinky posts. 🙂
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Hi Sandi! Personality tests can be funny for sure. The Ennegram is quite Christian based I find and Christian authors have written on it. My teacher of the Ennegram describes it as learning how to give space to others to be exactly who they are, as God designed them to be. 🙂 The tests are good but I think a workshop is best to learn about it! I missed writing a thinky posts so look forward to sitting down and writing one for next week! Always great to see you here.
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Oh I loved this end-of-the-month journal to share with us! Thank you for the photos that always leave me speechless. I look forward to checking out your etsy site! And, hmmm….I sure understand that wanting to join in with all the projects! I usually have too many books going at the same time! It is a good thing to be working on “finishing!” Love and Blessings to you!
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Hi Bettie! Your words made me think how ‘finish’ is such a hopeful word too, when we think of the words Jesus spoke… “It is finished”! Have a wonderful day!
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Lynn, I like your ramblings! I’ve tried CC skiing a few times. Those longer skis make it kind of tricky. Good for you in learning a new skill. 😉 I have Bird By Bird, but I haven’t read it yet. Too many books in my TBR pile. I love that you’re learning more ways to work with your photos. I’m curious, do you use Adobe Lightroom?
I also didn’t know you were working on a YA novel. Go you!! 🙂 I enjoy reading YA, and I’ve considered writing it, but this isn’t my time for that.
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Yes, CC skiing is a lot more work I find than downhill! I used to use Lightroom more but now mainly just Bridge as part of Photoshop. My YA novel was written about 8 years ago now, with just a few scenes to finish. I resurrect it once in awhile. And consider every YA I read a step toward finishing one day! Have a wonderful weekend!
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AH, this was so fun to read, Lynn! I LOVED your pictures, as usual. Just breathtaking! All the different places you go are just so beautiful. I live vicariously through you, often. 🙂
And my gosh, you are such an inspiration to me- learning to cross county ski and diving into all those other educational things! I really need to have the courage and TAKE the time to learn something new…
I love that you host your women’s group in your home and I need to check out that study. I host a women’s group as well and we have done a bunch of different books and bible studies and oh yes, we could add a few more hours to our time together too!
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I think if I did an end of the months post I might be surprised how little I do compared to some of you. But then I am not called to be as busy as you. I tend to over commit, everything looks inviting so I want to be involved. I actually had to stop helping at mentoring Mom for MOP’s because our ministry took me away from home so much. Appreciate all the talent that is out there. Lovely pictures Lynn…Blessings.
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