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Fantastic Friday: Patience, Darling

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turtle nest

‘Tis the season of sea turtle nesting here in Florida. From sunset to sunrise, beaches must be cleared of chairs and toys. At night, all windows facing the sea must either keep the lights off or pull the blinds and curtains.

Meanwhile, turtle enthusiasts keep watch for turtle nests. Each nest is marked with a sign and surrounded with yellow Keep Out tape. Viewing a nest is exciting. I’ve never been around to see the hatchlings, but I’ve sure watching them emerge must be amazing.

Finding and marking the nests, then keeping an eye on them takes love, devotion, and above all, patience.

Just like writing. Patience is key!  Learning the craft takes years, and I should know. Despite being a mutli-published author, I’m still learning the craft. The process of turning a germ of an idea into a full-fledged story with unforgettable characters takes time, care and incredible patience. And a strong does of passion, to fuel the process.

On that note, I think I’ll get back to my current work-in-process–slowly and patiently, because that’s how I get to the good stuff. 🙂

Until Monday, and wishing you a fabulous weekend packed with the good stuff,

Ann

Hump Day Wednesday: Grow that Creative Muscle!

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sunset siesta key

Happy Wednesday!

I am on vacation on Siesta Key, which is in Sarasota, FL. What a fine place to vacation, and what spectacular sunsets!  Almost every evening, I head to the beach (about 500 yards from the front door) to join with others in enjoying the amazing sunset. Depending on weather–clouds or clear–the view always changes, and is always something special.

This year, I’m lucky enough to see a full moon along with the sunset. I rate that as applause-filled, standing ovation entertainment. Wish I could capture the sunset and the moonrise at the same time, because that is unforgettable. But I can’t, so just use your imagination. 🙂 That’s what it’s for, right?

Speaking of imagination… A few days ago, I had lunch with a friend. “I could never write a book,” she said. “I just don’t have the imagination.”

To which I replied, “If you never used your legs, the muscles would atrophy, right? I see the imagination as a ‘muscle’ in your brain. If you don’t use it, of course it won’t work very well. But once you start using it, it will grow and develop, until voila, you can call on it and use at will.”

And I mean that.

Until Friday, and wishing you a beautiful sunset–either right in front of your eyes and/or in your imagination,

Ann

Motivational Monday: Running with Your Peeps

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sandpipers-on-siesta-key-shawn-mcloughlin

I am vacationing on Siesta Key, FL, and so enjoying myself. As always, the weather in May is perfect! Wonderful for early morning beach walks. As the tide comes in or flows out, sandpipers run across the wet sand in search of breakfast. Sometimes they move in groups. Other times, they work alone. Which got me to thinking about  writing. More specifically, writers.

What’s she talking about? you’re probably wondering.

Writing is a solitary business. (But never lonely!) We writers spend long hours, sitting in our offices, breathing life into the stories in our heads. This is often a daunting task, but very rewarding. Especially when we hear from readers. 🙂

But sometimes, we need to get out, hang with our peeps and talk shop. It’s always great to share stuff about our own writing and the business of writing, a reminder that we are not alone, that there are others out there, doing what we do for similar reasons.

Time to get back to the ocean now.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you some serious fun with your peeps,

Ann

Fantastic Friday: Recipe!

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GrilledFlankSteak

Teriyaki Flank Steak

It’s time to fire up the barbeque grill.  But this favorite of mine tastes great even when broiled in the oven.  For the most flavorful results, marinate for 24 hours before cooking. You’ll need at least one good piece of flank steak, but this recipe makes enough marinade for two. Trust me, it tastes so good you’ll want to cook two. 🙂
Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup salad oil
1 finely chopped green onion

Mix in a 9 x 13 pan.

Score two flank steaks lightly with a knife.  Place in the sauce.  Turn over to coat both sides.  Cover with plastic wrap–otherwise, the sauce smells up the entire fridge. 😉 Refrigerate for 24 hours.  Turn several times so that both sides become thoroughly marinated.  (I usually start marinating in the early evening, then flip the meat over before I go to bed. Flip again in the morning, and  again a few hours before cooking.)

Toss the sauce and grill or broil five the meat minutes on each side, or until done enough to suit your tastes. If you’re like me, you’ll be drooling all the while.  Slice at an angle and serve.

Until Monday, and wishing you a weekend of happy eating,

Ann

Motivational Monday: Planting Seeds for the Future

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something today

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? This is not an easy question to answer, so take your time and really think about it. Don’t limit yourself–this is your dream and your life.

Once you know where and who you want to be, write it down. Then … check out this cool website, with step-by-step instructions for making your dream come true. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Dreams-Come-True

Have fun!

Until Wednesday, and wishing you big dreams,

Ann

Fantastic Friday: Spring Fever!

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Seattle Arboretum

Seattle Arboretum, Japanese Gardens

Here in Seattle, we’re having perfect weather– brilliant, blue skies, with temperatures in the mid 80s. It won’t last, and is in fact due to end today, but this entire week has been amazing.

I have the worst case of Spring Fever…Which makes it kinds hard to settle down and work.

Between the seductive devil on one shoulder sweet-talking me with a sly, “Forget about work, Ann–let’s go out and play. You know you want to,” and the angel on the other whispering in a voice sure to attract the attention of my conscience, “You have goals and deadlines, Ann, and as a responsible adult, you really ought focus on your work,” deciding which one to listen to has been a real struggle.

Then I figured out how to satisfy both my devil and my angel and enjoy myself in the process. How? By carefully balancing work and play. I’ve been working until lunch, then spending a few hours outside, then writing for a few more hours. Successfully avoiding both feeling guilty for slacking off and feeling deprived for missing the gorgeous weather has been great.

To share your thoughts about this, click on leave a reply.

Until Monday, and wishing you a weekend filled with balance and joy,

Ann

Hump Day Wednesday: The Good Thing about Routines

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routine

Getting up at the same time every morning, doing what we do to get prepare for the day ahead –there is something comforting and productive about following a familiar routine. For me, my morning routine signals my brain that it soon will be time to get down to business. I firmly believe that this plays a huge part in achieving my daily goals. And yes, setting measurable goals for the day ahead is part of my routine.

Still, a break from the routine can be just as beneficial, a way to replenish the creative well (I talked about this last Wednesday) or solve a plot problem, or anything else that might be slowing down progress on a work-in-process. A break from the routine doesn’t have to be anything big. It can be as simple as stepping away from the computer to write longhand, pulling weeds from the garden, or cooking.

At the moment, my usual routine is serving me well, so I’ll save the break for another time.

To share your thoughts about this, click on leave a reply.

Until Friday, and wishing you a routine and productive day,

Ann

Fantastic Friday: Voracious Tasting

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voracious tasting

Yep, you read right. Voracious. Tasting. I attended this event last night–Seattle’s fifth annual– and what a treat! So much good food and drink, and so many new things to sample and enjoy.

I had such a terrific time. I just might incorporate the experience, or pieces of it, into a future story. Food, drink and romance? They do seem to go together. 🙂 But what if something goes drastically wrong, and what’s supposed to be an enjoyable evening turns into a total fiasco? Ooh… My creative juices are definitely stirring. I’ll let you know if anything comes of this, although it could be awhile.

Until Monday and wishing you a Fantastic Friday filled with good food and drink and friends and family,

Ann

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