I Swear, I’m Working

There are  time when this froggie could be me!

doing nothing?

Writing is hard work, even when it looks like loafing.  I often sit and gaze into space. Or fiddle with a pen and a pad of paper, making silly doodles or jotting down a word or a phrase. Or open a book or magazine to read, and end up simply staring at the page. Sometimes I even watch the tube or listen to the radio without absorbing a word.

When I do these things, I’m working–I swear! Creativity requires lots of daydreaming and thinking. What-if, could it be done, is it possible, how and where, who and why–these are the stuff of which stories are made.

At the moment, I’m busy editing a book, whipping it into shape for publication. I’m spending countless hours every day making the story as good as I am capable of making it. This process also requires serious thinking and focus, but at this stage, at least for me, most of my thinking happens at the computer.

But soon enough, I’ll be back to looking very much like a goof-off.  Now you know the truth–I’ll actually be hard at work.

Until next time,
Ann
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Fear Is Just A Four-Letter Word

Or so I tell myself. Because while fear can be a powerful motivator, it can also be the opposite, rendering us virtually paralyzed. That’s why this image is such a great message.

conquer fear

Just how does one go about conquering fear? There are many books and articles about doing just that. Here are some simple steps you can take, courtesy of Tess Marshall, who guest-blogged at Goodlife Zen.

(A quick aside: Don’t confuse simple with easy. These steps are easy to understand, but may take a great deal of work.)

1. Don’t believe your negative thoughts- Train you mind to think positive and learn to expect the best.

2. Let go of the outcome- Remain open to the possibilities.

3. Create a space for gratitude- Remember all your past successes, your strengths and determination.

4. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable- Learn to get through the things you fear.

Tess Marshall actually shares 10 tips in her blog. To get the rest, visit: http://bit.ly/1FIFDKw

Have you ever walked through a fear and come out on the other side? I have and the exhilaration, empowerment and freedom I felt was like nothing else! The next time I set out to face a fear, I remembered what I had done before, and walking through it was easier.

Give it a try. You’ll be glad you did.

Until next time,
Ann

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Time Flies…

Where does the time go? I have no answer to that! All I know is that February will soon be behind us.  Which got me to thinking about this apt reminder:

Time-is-flying,-never-to-return

I fritter away so much time on social media or plunked in front of the tube, time I will never be able to get back. Sure, after a day spent writing, I am brain dead, but there are better things to do than sit some more. Things such as: take a walk and see what Mother Nature is showing off. Work in the garden. Clean out the closet. Buy a new plant or some seeds and plant them. Volunteer someplace. Cook. Open a book and read. Okay, I already do the last two. But you get the gist, right?

What can you do with your time?

Something to think about…

Until next time,
Ann

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Interesting Firefighter Info: factoid #4

I am working on a series featuring firefighters. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be posting some of the interesting facts I’ve learned about these heroic men and women.

Fire departments use military time to clock in, for mealtime, in reports and for all other matters pertaining to the job.

military time

 

Until next time,
Ann

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Your Monday Grin

I am giving you a break from firefighter factoids with something  sure to give you a big smile.The music makes it even cuter!

http://on.fb.me/180nXji

What did I tell you? 🙂

Until next time,
Ann

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Interesting Firefighter Info: factoid #3

I am working on a series featuring firefighters. For the next few weeks, I’ll be posting some of the interesting facts I’ve learned about these heroic men and women.

Often, fire departments require firefighters to be certified as EMTs or paramedics. Both require advanced training, with a college degree for paramedic certification.

One of the many EMS badges firefighters may wear

One of the many EMS badges firefighters may wear

 

Until next time,
Ann

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Interesting Firefighter Info: factoid #2

I am working on a series featuring firefighters. For the next few weeks, I’ll be posting some of the interesting facts I’ve learned about these heroic men and women.

Fighting fires is only a small part of what firefighters do. As a matter of fact, only 20% of 9-1-1 calls are fire related. The other 80% are requests for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) such as heart attacks, car accidents, home accidents, drowning’s, etc. Duties are not limited to responding to calls.”

–City of Mesa

Some Things Firefighters Do

Some Things Firefighters Do

 

 

Until next time,
Ann

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Interesting Firefighter Info: factoid #1

I am working on a series featuring firefighters. For the next few weeks, I’ll be posting some of the interesting facts I’ve learned about these heroic men and women.

examprep

Becoming a firefighter is not easy. As many as 3000 people sometimes apply for one opening.The more experience and education an applicant has, the better.

Until next time,
Ann

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Valentine’s Day Cookie Recipe

This Giant Fudge-Filled Cookie is easy and delicious–perfect for Valentine’s Day!

cookie-brownie-1

Giant Fudge-Filled Cookie

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Flour and grease a large heart pan or a 9 x 12 pan
Filling:
12 ounces chocolate chips
8 ounces cream cheese cut into chunks
2/3 cup evaporated milk
Cookie:
1- 1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Filling: In the top of a double boiler, melt chocolate chips, cream cheese and milk.  Set aside to cool slightly and make cookie dough.

Cookie: In electric mixer, cream together sugar, butter. Add eggs, mix well. Add flour, salt and baking powder and vanilla, mix well. Divide dough in half. Spread half of dough evenly over bottom of pan. Spread chocolate mixture over dough. Dollop spoonfuls of remaining dough on top, pressing lightly.

Bake approximately 30 minutes or until done. When cooled, remove from pan. Serve at room temperature.

Yum!

Until next time,
Ann
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