Category Archive for "Life in general"

My young adult novel: an excerpt

Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Permalink

Many many moons ago I enrolled in a year-long novel-writing course. I’d never attempted a novel before as I’d never had any plot ideas. An opening scene came to me however… sadly based on my own experiences as a teenager grappling with anorexia nervosa (20yrs earlier), and once it leapt into my head it remained firmly planted; so I decided to make an attempt at removing it word by word.

The course itself was quite enjoyable though everyone (the tutor included) lost their mojo a few months before the year ended. So, my very rough 30,000 words (with about 2/3 of the story written) remained as they were.

When you don’t believe

Monday, January 7, 2019 Permalink

Over a decade ago I exercised briefly with a personal trainer. It was pretty short-lived for a range of reasons but what I did like was that we sat down for a conversation before my first session which led to an a-ha moment (that) years of therapy hadn’t produced.

I was doing my usual spiel about wanting to lose weight (yadda yadda yadda) but after I finished talking the trainer commented (it seemed to her) that though I said I wanted to lose weight, I didn’t really believe it could / would happen.

That conversation resonated as I’d struggled (in my old Diet Schmiet blog) to articulate a difference between motivation and commitment.

Giving up: Know when to fold ’em

Thursday, November 29, 2018 Permalink

I had nothing prepared for today’s ‘lovin life link-up’. It’s ridiculous that I only HAVE to do one non-bookish post a week and I struggle to find something to write about.

Well, in reality I find it hard to think of something WORTH writing about, cos it’s not like there’s nothing on my mind! I’m reminded of a quote from a book I should be reviewing (more on that to come), and the lead character (when still a boy) is told he’s got “too many thoughts swimming around in too small a head.”

Pronouns and me

Sunday, November 25, 2018 Permalink

Okay, so this will be a weird post but I’m writing it as a reminder to my future self (AND to get it out of my head, where it’s been popping up with annoying regularity).

Those who follow me on social media, or with whom I communicate informally, will probably know I tend to skip pronouns when writing. “Should be working, but….” or “Wondering if ….”

One who writes

Friday, November 23, 2018 Permalink

I lied to a 7 year old child last week. I know it’d be forgivable if it was a white lie to prevent unnecessary anguish or one enabling the perpetuation of childhood myths about Santa Claus the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy. (Oh sorry, forgot to add #spoileralert before that big reveal!)

But it was neither.

November 2018 check-in

Thursday, November 22, 2018 Permalink

I’ll be honest and admit my mood has been yo-yoing around quite a bit lately. I’m trying to be upbeat… as I said last week, I know I’ve got nothing to moan about… I mean, sure I’m unemployed, single, childless, 50 and need to improve my diet and exercise regimes, but other than that… life is going swimmingly. 😉

Anyhoo, while I continue to ponder on the joys of my existence I thought I’d skip the navel-gazing post this week and instead share with you the, ummm… joys of my existence.

Why I am – or should be – loving life

Thursday, November 15, 2018 Permalink

I’ve not been sleeping well. Despite medication to help me do so. According to my Fitbit (not to mention glances at my watch on a regular basis) it’s taking me a couple of hours to get to sleep each night. (Which hasn’t been an issue since my pre-medication insomniac days!)

My mind is busy. I know that. Perhaps I’m worrying… though I’m not sure why. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly not dire. As those I know and care about deal with crappy stuff, I’m ridiculously fortunate. And today I thought I’d remind myself of that.

Italian decor: bringing my holiday home

Thursday, November 8, 2018 Permalink

I love my house. Anyone following me on social media knows that I’ve been tweaking bits and pieces (well the interior) of my house over the past couple of years. There’s a lot I’d like to do outside (the garden and verandahs and patios need work) but I’m happy to focus on what I see.

One of the things I wanted to do on my return from my Italian holiday was attempt to infuse a bit of that ‘holiday’ feeling into my ACTUAL life. I realise the aesthetics of my surrounds are a really superficial thing but… while I continue to navel-gaze about the rest of it it’s a good place to start.

Creativity challenges: the best laid plans

Thursday, November 1, 2018 Permalink

I’ve been spending WAAAAY too much time lolling on my bed looking at Instagram pictures of Harry and Meghan (on their recent visit to Oz) and clicking on Facebook links to articles on No Sidebar, Tiny Buddha and Mark Manson.

The latter sites tend to re-share the same pieces over and over again. I know this because I tend to click on the same links over and over again.