Rambling Friday: Retreat Time!

I needed a break, and although I'd never been to this retreat, I felt I should go. Am I glad I decided to do so! Fun, relaxing, inspirational talks, a skit about worrying, a lovely tea party, walks, and stories that made me cry and smile--and happy that I'd decided to go. 

What's the profit of gying to retreats?

*It's a time or relaxation. Leave your worries behind. Focus on enjoying what's offered. Get the mental strength you need to go home and handle whatever negative things you might have to face. Develop a list of positive things that will keep you boosted even when seemingly impossible things face you. 

Remember:  There's always a rainbow behind the dark clouds. The sun will shine no matter dark the sky seems. You can take control of your life, your feelings, and your thoughts with help from above. Allow God to give you strength. Choose someone you trust and love to share a little.  

If you get a chance to go to a good retreat, take it! I'm sure you'll not regret it. 

Rambling Friday: Take a Break

 As most authors know, or soon will if they're newbies, most writers benefit from an occasional break.
That includes short--and long--periods of time. Whatever each individual decides is long enough is a personal choice. And it's necessary.

Why? Because resting for a period of time clears our minds, and, sometimes, it gives us a new perspective in eyeing our writing. 

Taking a break doesn't mean you can't think about your writing. In fact, after your break, you can critique your work and perhaps improve what you've written. You might even decide to add a new element to it or change direction than you'd previously planned. 

If you've struggled with what you've already written, it might give you clarity in seeing what is the problem. Resting may renew your creative juices so that you can proceed and not force your writing. And it may also give you the courage to scrap what you've written and begin fresh. 

If you haven't had a break in a l-o-n-g time, think about it, plan for it, and take that break. You need it. You deserve it. And you'll be better for it. 

Happy writing! 

Rambling Friday: Getting Away

We didn't get to take our usual vacation at the beach this year. Hubby was too busy, and we had
(me: reluctantly) to agree that it just wasn't possible this year. For the first time in several years. 

But we did sneak in a short weekend away with some interesting and fun things to do. And we did decide to take a week off for a trip to one of our favorite places to visit: Tennessee. And our family with us made it just that much more enjoyable. 

Besides taking in some fun things to do, we love walking by the streams, driving slowly up the mountains to enjoy the scenery, and trying to catch sight of bears, deer and other various animals. We also have special stores that we enjoy visiting and occasionally buying an item for a gift or that just catches our eyes. 

One good thing about going to Tennessee is that it's not a bad drive. Plenty of places to stop, eat and even visit. We've gone to so many sites through the years that it's usually a re-visit for us. Still, after so long a time, it's nice to re-visit. 

Sometimes we stay in hotels, other times we rent a cabin. Either way has its advantage, depending on the length of stay, reason, and desire.  One great reason to choose a cabin is the freedom to eat there if you want. Another is: cabins, many times, have "built-in" activities to do. Especially as cabin rental businesses want YOUR business so anything they can do to attract you to rent from them is a plus. That means you have games and other entertaining things that keep children, teens, and adults alike busy if it's raining or you want to stay in an evening, etc. 

Whether far away or close by, I highly recommend taking a few days to relax and enjoy yourself. It's totally worth it.

Next, on the list of being with family and friends? Thanksgiving. We'll talk about that later...

Rambling Friday: Music Makes Me Happy

 I love music. Why, you ask? 

It makes me happy. 

I can smile again

It gives me a chance to exercise, breathe deeper:

I want to dance, or sing, or laugh out loud. 

When my spirit is down or sad,

Positive music uplifts me.

I forget my troubles for a bit 

and rejoice in my space of relief.

When I need renewed in spirit--

I turn to spiritual music.

I draw nigh to God once more,

I leave my burdens at His feet,

I trust once more,

I lean on Him,

I grow to love Him more

and feel assurance once again of His love for me.

Question for you:

How does music affect YOU?

Rambling Friday: When You're So Ready for a Vacation

 

 

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Ready for vacation?

 I am!

Well, from what we've been told, there are going to be some restrictions:

• the odious masks. No, I do not like wearing them. I can't breathe correctly, and I know my blood pressure raises while they're on. But I try to abide by the rules, as much as I can.

Anything else negative?

Not that I can think of. I'm looking forward to:

Sitting on the beach, walking on the beach, taking in the immense wonder of the rolling waves, interminable horizon, the wind and sun, the ability to breathe in the salt air, the relaxation oof forgetting the cares of life for a brief time. 

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I enjoy the golf cart riding. Simple, fun, open-air riding, watching the swans and geese, heading to one of the resorts' coffee shops, or simply riding and waving at other resort residents, enjoying the evening of riding in circles with the others as we enjoy the laughter and music blaring from the young people's radios, phones, etc. 

I love the kayaking, the mini-golf, the late-night snack of choosing a favorite ice cream dip, the early morning occasional stop at a breakfast shop for some tasty eggs and bacon, and biscuit. And the flavored coffee, which I seldom drink at home, but after all, it is vacation time. It's okay to have a treat. 

My friend and I enjoy renting three-wheeled bicycles and riding, riding, riding. Exercise and Fun!

And, of course, the laughter between family and friends, the meeting new friends, even if we never see each other again. We have that minute piece of interaction that is a priceless memory. 

Yep! So ready for vacation!