Monday, March 31, 2014

Quarter One Is Done Already?!

I've reached quarter one's deadline for my list of goals for 2014.  My progress report?  I've probably accomplished 25% of what I had laid out to do.  Whoops.  Better crack the whip in quarter 2 if I stand any chance of making 2014 a good year for my writing!!!

Last month, I met a new protagonist (or, should I consider him the antagonist, since his story is darker than what I'm used to?).  He (yes, he) was such a surprise in my head space that I was almost afraid to push him, scared he may scurry off into a dark recess of my mind, like a lot of my characters have done.  When I realized he wasn't going anywhere, I felt such a surge of joy, I almost leapt in the air like in the old Toyota commercials, hoping somehow, someone would catch a freeze frame of me, mid-leap, and pair it with a catchy jingle.  I did squeal like a little girl, though.  I may have also rocked the Mentos thumbs up, too.  This is progress, people.  I'm getting there!

To keep my spirits up and my attitude positive and sunny, I've adopted a new theme song.  "Happy" by Pharrell Williams.  I can't not smile and enjoy when that song plays.  I swear, since hearing it for the first time, my perception of things, my demeanor and my overall outlook has drastically improved.  I feel good, in a cautious-but-gradually-not-kind of way.  It's a sign I may actually survive my drama-filled days after all.  I feel different this time.  Thanks, Pharrell!

In the coming weeks, I'll be preparing myself for an agent contest (gulp), receiving a critique from another agent (double gulp), and sharing with you some precious words that seriously made me misty that I received from one of my rock star readers/writing buddy.  And last, but not least, I hope to introduce you to an editor who has helped me tremendously. She's seriously fantastic and I'm so hopeful she'll continue to work with me, despite my absences.

In news unrelated to writing, I recently went on a mini-vacation with my family and some very special people/relatives.  It was fantastic, and I wish I could've stayed longer.  I got to shop, which is always a blast for me (I swear my credit card is still hot from burning up the shops but oh boy do I love my spoils), enjoy good food, see majestic mountains and scenery, spend time with my beautiful, amazingly-awesome cousins (who are more like siblings/close friends) and just enjoy quality time with my hubby and babies.  I feel beyond blessed to have had those few days, to have that time with the people I love dearly.  After 4 losses in 13 months, I've accepted just how time is precious and limited.  Spend it with those you value and who value you back, appreciate what time you have and live each moment to the fullest.  

My oldest is turning 4 in a couple of weeks, if that just shows you how quickly time passes.  Which means a birthday party, which means lots of work, lots of energy expelled, and one tired Mama afterward.  But I'm looking forward to it.  I'll save some virtual cupcakes for you all!

Depending on how the next 6 weeks are, I may offer up a critique round, cause I'm missing them something fierce.  I miss you guys something fierce.  And just as I typed that, the song "Reunited" came on TV.  How fitting.

Carpe Diem, friends!