Category: on writing

Yes, I’m writing about NOT writing…

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OK – I’ve been “brewing up a blog post” or ten for like ten months now.  And my over-whelmed brain just keeps brewing and brewing and brewing, and not putting anything out.

I could find all sorts of excuses… say blame it on the fact that I moved AGAIN, that I changed jobs AGAIN, that I went on 100% more work trips than I did the year prior, that I have a pool that distracts me on.the.regular…. that I’m working HARD, etc.  But they’re just excuses. I know enough to know that when I want something bad enough I just find a way to make it happen.

  • Like the summer between my sophomore and junior year of high school when I couldn’t stand the thought of ANOTHER 3 week long summer road trip (I was dealing with what was ‘restless leg syndrome’ and we didn’t know there was a name for it WAY back then)… so I went out and found a job so I had an excuse to stay home and NOT be sitting still in the car with the family.
  • Like when I wanted to go to summer camp so I pitched in to help pay for the registration (split the cost with my parents 50 / 50) by doing odds and ends jobs for family / friends to earn the money to do so.
  • Like working a 2nd job to pay off college debt so I could have the extra money on a monthly basis to pay for a car payment (meaning, I was upgrading my car situation).
  • Like when I wanted to learn a new skill and took time out of my evenings and weekends to dedicate to teaching myself that new skill.
  • This list could go on and on… literally!

 

I know me well… when I want something bad enough I commit to “doing the work” and make the necessary sacrifices (and few excuses) to make it a reality. This is my resilience. This is my success.

So, what’s holding me back on NOT writing?  I’m not real sure. But I’m not ignoring the writer’s block. I’m “brewing” still, and I’m processing the emotions of it all, and I’ll be sure to share it here when I figure it out… you know me, I’m an over-sharer.

 

My word for the year is RESTORE… and while I haven’t done much blogging about it, I feel the topic percolating to the surface in a number of areas of my life. So stay tuned on that front.  It just looks different right now.

Thanks for being here, thanks for checking out the blog when I post, thanks for being my friend.

 

That’s enough writing about NOT writing.  (grin)

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Book Review: Forgiving Others, Forgiving Me (Renee Fisher)

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Renee does well to speak to millennials.  In “Forgiving Others, Forgiving Me” Renee explores the lessons learned along her journey and relates it to others in her own unique way.  I would recommend “Forgiving Others, Forgiving Me” as a source of encouragement, inspiration and even as a helpful resource for anyone navigating the journey of forgiveness.

In her foreword, Renee tells us exactly who she is as she describes her daily journal entries to God.  “I wrote to be honest with myself and with God – honest about the sorrow, the ecstasy, and even the mundane.”  She tells us about her daily self-portraits to God, each day being something different, but as she journaled she realized more each day of her need to rely on God’s strength to move her down the “journey from pain to purpose”.

Renee has separated her book into three main areas, MOLDED, RESTORED and FORGIVEN.  Throughout each topic she explores painful topics and insight alike.  Strewn throughout the book the reader will be encouraged by pertinent quotes from other millennials, as they reflected on their lessons through similar situations.

Renee’s unique sense of authenticity is prevalent.  Her knowledge of the Bible is reflected in her use of the scripture.  But her desire to “spur others forward” is what stands out in her writing style.  Shes shares because she has been called to. And for that reason, I simply couldn’t put the book down.

 

While on my sabbatical I read cover to cover in a day and a half … and that’s a feat. I haven’t done THAT in a long time!

Thank you, Renee!  While our life’s circumstances are somewhat similar, our journeys have each been a bit different.  Those shared commonalities have been a place of bonding for us.  On a personal level, and I thank you for hearing my heart and spurring me forward!  

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Renee-Fisher-Hi-Res-Web
Renee Fisher

Renee Fisher is a veteran blogger and author of five books including “Dream Devotional” (2014). She is the founding editor of DevotionalDiva.com, and a graduate of Biola University. Renee’s enjoys running on sunny days in San Diego. She lives with her adoring husband, Marc, and their fur child named Star who has his own Instagram account.

Five Minute Friday: WRITER

Lori Tisdale6 Comments

It’s time for another Five Minute Friday…

For some background, a blogger friend by the name of Lisa Jo Baker posts a random prompt every Friday with the challenge to write for five minutes, a free write. Bloggers from around the world (literally) are challenged to silence the inner critics and just write… whatever comes out is what comes out.  OK, ok… I admit, I might correct spelling and grammatical errors.

Today’s prompt?  I’m glad you asked:  WRITER

Ready, set, go…

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7:22 am

WRITER

 

Just about two years ago I received an email from one of the editors at Better Homes & Gardens.  Heidi was inquiring on one of my handmade items as they wanted to utilize it in their upcoming “Christmas Ideas” magazine.  Long story short (yes, and after Googling her name to confirm it wasn’t a prank)… one of my handmade items was in fact included in the magazine, actually on the COVER of the Christmas Ideas magazine.

And my world took a spin that I was ready to jump onto, but one I hadn’t planned or even hoped for!

This opportunity provided for me what I now see as the inspiration behind my mantra:

dream. create. inspire.

I suddenly became very busy going to craft fairs and researching booth setup and making LOTS of these handmade items.  This adventure really took on a life of its own… that I don’t think I was really truly read for.

Now don’t get me wrong…. I love to create.  It’s cathartic for me.  Deeply cathartic.  I will always create and craft things with my hands.  It’s like breathing for me… it just comes naturally.

But in all actuality, what I wanted to do with my free time was WRITE.

 

In fact, at a young age I knew I would be a writer.  And while I haven’t rushed into the idea of being published or gaining recognition for what I have to say, or how I say it, I just knew deep in my heart that I would eventually be dedicating quite a bit of time to the written word.

 

And the more I dream, and create and inspire others to do the same the more I’m realizing that I am now calling myself a “writer”… I’m stepping into it completely and adopting the title fully.

 

And I’m ready for it… let’s do this!

 

7:27 am – and STOP!

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Thank you for the challenge Lisa Jo Baker… www.lisajobaker.com

Let’s just write and not worry if it’s just right or not.

Here’s how to play along: 1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word. 2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my blog footer}. 3. Go and comment on the post of the person who linked up before you.

This is the one rule of this community. – See more at: http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/

Time for some Spring Cleaning…

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It’s Spring Cleaning time… in the studio.

I’ve been going through boxes and crates and bags and more boxes…  consolidating, sorting and tossing.  And I guess it’s time to let you all know that The Salvaged Home is going through some changes…

First of all I’m grateful, BEYOND grateful, at the life The Salvaged Home took on after the 2012 Christmas Ideas BH&G publication… so very grateful for the opportunities to dream and create and inspire… and to have met so many amazingly creative and inspirational people along the way… but it’s time to take a step back.

For the most part, it’s time to put the creativity to work in a few different places going forward… and I’m so excited about the opportunities on the horizon!

Some of you are already aware of my desire to write and speak encouraging words into the lives of others.  And I thank you for supporting that and encouraging me to pursue those dreams!  THANK YOU!!!  This past weekend I got to present some of my favorite DIY techniques to a gracious group of ladies who were eager to try their hand at some crafty fun!  Last month I was published in a small regional magazine (see page 12), with a brief write-up about a grand opening at a local store.  I have been dedicating extra time and effort to my blog having enjoyed several weekly challenges.  Blog traffic and readership has increased during this time.  Last December I had the opportunity to prepare a talk for about 100 ladies, and presented it at a special Christmas event and dinner. Several months before that I stretched myself by leading a mixed media art workshop for some very special friends who wanted to “play”.

The more I write and prepare and teach and present… well, the more I am reminded of my long-term dream of writing.

Plainly speaking, I love writing.  I love the creativity of expressing thoughts, inspiration and life lessons through words.  I thrive on sharing with others… using words to do so, authentically.

I’ve been writing creatively for over 30 years… and studying creative writing for over 30 years.  And dreaming about creative writing for over 30 years.  It has been a dream of mine to write.  There, it’s out there.  Through the joys and struggles and lessons of life… I’ve long known that I would be writing.  I just wasn’t in too much of a rush to make it happen.  I just knew… when it happens, it’ll happen.

With that said, it appears I am finally ready to pursue that dream.  To do so, I am itching to do some spring cleaning of the studio in an effort to hold on to the projects I truly love and make room (in my house, in my heart and in my mind) for this next adventure.

Which brings me to my point… this post is to announce The Salvaged Home GARAGE SALE!!!  I will have DEEP DISCOUNTS available on display pieces along with products/project leftovers and even better prices on incomplete projects and more!  

When?  Saturday, April 5th at the Spring Market @ Lobos Country Store.  Mark your calendars!!!

And speaking of Lobos Country Store… you’ll want to plan for some extra time to spend at the Spring Market.  Food trucks, live AWESOME music by Suzanne Harper and loads of good stuff!  11 am – 6 pm on April 5th.  See you there!

All of that to say, my current plan is to continue to do craft fairs and shows… but on a much smaller scale. So do not fret! Currently I still plan on participating at several of the fun events in the Fall (just on a much smaller scale). What that looks like going forward hasn’t really been determined yet… but I know this, I will never stop creating!

Five Minute Friday: WRITE

Lori TisdaleLeave a comment

It’s time for another Five Minute Friday.  A blogger named Lisa Jo Baker posts a random prompt every Friday with the challenge to write for five minutes, a free write. Bloggers from around the world (literally) are challenged to silence the inner critics and just write… whatever comes out is what comes out.  OK, ok… I admit, I might correct spelling and grammatical errors.

Today’s prompt?  I’m glad you asked:  WRITE

Ready, set, go…

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5:29 am

open book.  empty page.  pencil in hand… rather, fingers at the keyboard.

where to start?  just go!  well, wait… what if i regret writing with such transparency in 15, 20, 38 years?  will my words, thoughts, opinions, ramblings get me into trouble?  is someone going to take issue with my writing?  is my “open book” policy naive?  will i go back and delete that one entry at some point in my life?  does it give away too much?  will misguided people ever use this naivety against me?

or will i allow my desire to write and share and inspire serve as a timeline of my life?  will it be a map of the ups and downs, the ins and outs… the path my legacy was meant to meander?

at a young age i KNEW in my heart of hearts that i am a writer.  and so i wrote.  and so i will continue to write, as my Heavenly Father continues to write HIS story on my life…

enjoy this song by Francesca Battistelli, Write Your Story  

 

5:34 am.  stop.

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Thank you for the challenge Lisa Jo Baker… www.lisajobaker.com

Let’s just write and not worry if it’s just right or not. Here’s how to play along:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my blog footer}.
3. Go and comment on the post of the person who linked up before you. This is the one rule of this community.

fmf

– See more at: http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/

Life gets so busy…

Lori Tisdale2 Comments

I’m writing about WRITING today…

Life has become so busy… I drive to work and I think about topics I want to write about.  And I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I call my voice mail and leave a message about a topic I want to blog about.

Examples of said topics… which will be written in the near future (stay tuned!):  coffee, keep moving, chapters of life, grace…

The list gets longer by the month … and I keep leaving messages for myself…

And in the meantime, life happens … and I don’t get to write as much as I’d like.

But it’s still there.. somewhere, in the recesses of my brain (and in my voice mail)…