Ninja Writer Challenge Starts Tomorrow!

Monday Musings is a weekly post where I write about whatever is 

currently on my mind.

I am starting a new writing challenge tomorrow.  I already have my new notebook, a pen that brings me joy, and I've listed the challenge goals on the first page.  I really like having goals for a new notebook.

From what I can gather, the challenge should require about 30 minutes of my time each day during the month of May: 10 minutes of writing, 10 minutes of reading, and 10 minutes for the daily challenge.  

I am excited to start this challenge (I am always excited to start a challenge); my concern is that, as usual, I will not complete the challenge.  I am hopeful that I can follow through with this challenge - 30 minutes a day seems like such a small commitment.

Dear reader, I would love a gentle nudge to help me stay on track.  If you are interested in joining the challenge and becoming my writing buddy, visit this link.  I look forward to a month of writing with you.

Monday Musings 4/9/18

Currently...


Writing... nothing
I have not written anything in months.  No editing either.  I keep thinking about getting started again.  Maybe a new notebook is needed..... hmmmm.

Reading... Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley
It's such an interesting book.  I have had a hard time reading recently because I was so sick I could not pay attention to words on a page, but now that I am feeling better, I am getting back into the story.

Listening to... Lady Gaga
I love her newest album, Joanne.  It is the perfect album to sing along with, anytime of day.

Eating... Low-calorie food
My husband and I are trying to be more healthy and lose some of the weight we have recently gained.  At this point we count calories for about half of the week, easing into this new diet.

Drinking... so much sparkling water and tea
Since I got sick, I have been trying to hydrate as much as possible, and the tea helps my throat.  It doesn't hurt that they are two of my favorite beverages.

Wearing... my pink cat dress
Today was a beautiful spring day, and I decided to show my crazy cat lady a little.  I wish I had gotten a picture of myself in my cat dress with my cat mug.  Pitiful.

Feeling... frustrated
I have been trying to draw every day, but recently I find it hard to think of something to draw so I just stare at my sketchbook and pens and never draw anything.  Frustrating!

Weather... sunny
Today was a beautiful day, almost 70.  It made me dream of summer.  Unfortunately it will be raining again tomorrow.

Wanting... to complete Erin's Book Challenge
Less than a month to go and I have 2 and a half books to read.  I am hopeful.  I think I can do it.  If my fear of completing projects doesn't get in my way.

Thinking... I'm almost completely healthy again
I still have a cough, mostly when I talk a lot, but overall I feel so much better.  Yay!

Watching... American Gods
Loved the book!  And I am really enjoying the first season of the tv show.  I'm on the last disc and can't wait to see what cliffhanger the season ends with.

Enjoying... hidden object games
I'm obsessed recently.  I love hidden object games!  I could play for hours.

What are you up to?
Have you watched American Gods?  What is spring like where you live?
Do you have a reading challenge you enjoy?

I'm Sick and Other Random Thoughts

Monday Musings is a weekly post where I write about whatever is 

currently on my mind.

1.  I am sick.  I have been sick for over three weeks now.  And it just keeps going.

2.  Last week was spring break.  We went to Las Vegas for a few days.  We stayed at the Aria, which was beautiful and amazing.  We went to see the Cirque Du Soleil show, Love, based around Beatles songs.  It was awesome.

3.  I was sick while we were in Vegas for spring break.

4.  I didn't blog for a week because I was sick.

5.  Am I complaining and whining too much?  I feel like I might be complaining and whining.  I'm just so sick and tired of being sick.

6.  It's really hard to be back at work when you're still sick.

7.  Don't worry.  I will survive.  Hopefully, I will be healthy soon.

8.  Did I mention that I hate being sick :(

I am a Nail Biter

Monday Musings is a weekly post where I write about whatever is 

currently on my mind.

I am a nail biter.  I have been a nail biter for as long as I can remember.  Throughout my childhood, I had no nails to speak of.  My fingers were always in my mouth.  I was never proud of my hands or my nails.

As I have gotten older, I have become more successful at growing my nails.  I usually have a few months of healthy (as healthy as they can be after years of biting and picking) nails, then one will break.  I will start to pick and bite.  Picking and biting.  Picking and biting.  Until all my nails are gone.  Sometimes I can limit myself to one or two nails, usually a thumb and an index finger.

In the last ten years I have had two serious finger infections.  One tested positive for MRSA.  Both were scary experiences; I have an artificial hip and have to take all infections very seriously.  Each time, there was no wound.  The doctors determined that the cause of the infection was my nail-biting.  My most recent infection was only two months ago, mid-February, and I knew that it was time to take control of this problem.

My thumb on Day 1

Day 1:  As part of my Year of Yes!, I decided to say "Yes!" to my nails.  I gave myself a manicure and painted my nails a bright shade of pink.  This makes it a lot more obvious if my nail is headed towards my mouth.  My left thumb was my shortest, most ragged nail.

My thumb on Day 18

Day 18:  At the days passed by, I was making progress.  I had not bitten a nail, not even one.  I had picked at the skin around some nails, but things were definitely getting better.  I was maintaining my manicures and using all of my nail polishes.

My thumb on Day 30

Day 30:  My nails are growing.  My skin is healing.  This may be the best decision I have made this month.  My nails are still really weak and two of them broke this week.  I picked up my nail file instead of biting or picking.  I have successfully gone a whole month without destroying a nail!  I am using that finger infection and my hip health as motivation to keep going all year.

Wish me luck!

Have you ever tried to quit a bad habit?

I'm Sorry, NaNoWriMo. But It's Over...

Dear NaNoWriMo,

I'm sorry but it's over between you and me.  We've had a good run, but you're just not the right fit for me anymore.

I want you to know that it's not you; it's me.  Really.  You're a fantastic challenge!  Every year you help thousands of people to write novels.  Some folks even end up as published authors because of you.  I honestly don't believe I would have ever tried writing a book if it hadn't been for you.  Now I have three partial manuscripts and many more ideas banging around in my head waiting for their turn to meet paper.

I remember when I first met you.  It was 2009.  I was laid off, depressed, and searching for purpose when all of a sudden you came along.  You inspired me.  I planned.  I dreamed.  I wrote over 12,000 words.  That was the most I had written in a long time, maybe ever.  You gave me hope.  I am forever grateful for that.

I have clung to that hope for eight years now.  Every year I think I can do it.  I believe I can do it.  I can write 50,000 words in 30 days.  But it's time I admitted the truth, to you and to myself.  That kind of writing is not my style.  It does not work for me.  I prefer a more laid back approach to writing.  If it takes me years to finish my first draft, I'm ok with that.

So, I'm sorry NaNo, but it's over.  Next November I will ignore all the people chatting about you online.  I will go about my normal routine without you, and everything will be ok.  I will keep writing, but on my schedule.  You will move on and help thousands more people realize their dream of writing a book.

It's for the best.  I promise.
Love,
Lisa

NaNoWriMo 2017

NaNoWriMo and I have some history.  I first discovered the challenge in 2009.  I had been laid off from my job and I was excited to find something to occupy my time.

It.  Was.  A.  Disaster.

First I lost my planning notebook while subbing.  Then I got my job back (which was a good thing) and, all of a sudden, I had no time to write (which was a bad thing).  Needless to say I lost NaNo that year, but that did not stop me.  I have a lot of ideas and I keep coming back to NaNo to explore them, either as a traditional participant or as a rebel.

Last year I took a break from NaNoWriMo and this year I am back!

NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, occurs every November when large numbers of people attempt to write 50,000 words of a novel in 30 days.  Many of those people are successful; many even write more than the required 50,000.  I, however, have never won NaNoWriMo.

But this year, I am confident!  

• I had surgery in early October and I will be at home recovering for the whole month of November, which means I have all the time I need.  
• I have an interesting concept stolen from a nightmare that a friend had.  It involves flying tarantulas.  Yes, you read that correctly... Flying.  Tarantulas.
• I even have one full week of planning time before November begins.

I am pumped!  Wish me luck.

By the way, if you are interested in following my progress, stop back by this blog for updates, visit my NaNo author page, or follow me on Twitter.

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year?  

Tell me about your novel and add me as a writing buddy!

The image "Tarantula Arachnid Nature Wildlife Hairy Spider" by Max Pixel and "Wicca" symbol are both licensed under Creative Commons Zero - CC0.

TeaTime Chat (May 17, 2017)

If we were having tea, I would tell you that I am really enjoying the spring.  The weather has not been perfect here in Oregon, in fact we have had a lot of rain, but when the sun is out, it is perfect.  My husband and I have been working in our garden as much as possible.  We have weeded and planted veggies and flowers.  My favorite right now is this beautiful columbine.  I swear that every day it is a little different and a little more beautiful.

Columbine in my back yard #project365 #flowers #gardenersofinstagram #garden

A post shared by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on May 6, 2017 at 4:24pm PDT

If we were having tea, I would let you know that my favorite tea is Barry's.  I grew up with it and I have now become kind of a snob.  I have a hard time drinking any other kind of tea.  I have to special order my tea on Amazon, can't find it in any of the stores.

If we were having tea, I would tell you that work is going well, but that springtime is the worst time to be a teacher.  The summer vacation is in sight, and no one wants to be working in a stuffy classroom.  Four weeks seem like an eternity and too little time all at once.

If we were having tea, I would tell you about Wednesday Friendsday.  My friend and I recently started spending time together every Wednesday afternoon.  It has been so much fun.  Last Wednesday we went for a walk, and the week before we went out for pretzels and root beer.  It is something I look forward to every week.

If we were having tea, I would tell you that I really miss my cat.  She died on January 9th, and I think about her every day.  She used to consume so much of my life.  Now I have extra time to relax in the evenings and I have the freedom to leave the house more, but I miss that fuzzy little thing.  I will definitely have a cat again soon.

If we were having tea, I would tell you about the book I am reading.  It is about journaling and creating an illuminated journal.  It is a beautiful and inspiring book.  I hope that one day my journal will be that beautiful too.

What's going on in your life?

April Goals

Monthly Goals - April

1.  Read 3 books

In order to meet my annual goal of 32 books, I want to try reading at least 3 books a month.  This month I am also trying to finish Erin's book challenge (I think I have 5 more books to read).  I will be starting with The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, one of my favorite authors, and then I will move onto The Ancient Ones by Kirk Mitchell.

2.  Write 1 letter

I have been slacking on my penpal letter writing stuff, so I am starting a monthly goal of one letter.  It's a start.

3.  Work on my blogs

I have some specific goals that I am working towards with my blogs this month.  I want to write up a blog business plan, especially for my craft blog.  I want to change my blog schedule a little.  I am still trying to find the perfect posting schedule.  And I want to research how to make money from this blogging enterprise I have begun.

4.  Journal daily

I want to write daily but I don't necessarily want to write fiction daily, so I will be attempting to journal daily.  I may look for some daily prompts, in case I lack motivation, not sure yet.

5.  New-ish Revision Plan

The New-ish Revision Plan (NRP) that I blogged about in my last post is beginning this month.  First I will complete my editorial map, then I will complete days 1-3 of the 31 day revision plan, one day per week.  I will post weekly updates of my progress and learning.

Currently.... (March 8, 2017)

Currently...


Writing... actually editing
I am participating in Fiction University's At Home Workshop to Revise your Novel in 31 Days.  Right now I am working on my editorial map.  I'm a little behind but am already loving the process.

Reading... The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens
I'm enjoying this series and I am already almost finished with book 2.  

Starting my next book #amreading #bookstagram #project365

A post shared by Lisa (@lalocadesigns) on Feb 27, 2017 at 7:31pm PST

Listening to... Latin Pop Classics
One of my favorite stations on Pandora.  Lots of Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Maná.
Eating... Ghirardelli squares
I especially love the dark chocolate with sea salt and caramel and the dark chocolate with chili caramel.  Yum!

Drinking... so much sparkling water
Plain, mango, apricot... so many flavors, so much yumminess.

Wearing... extra layers
When is the cold weather going to leave???  I want spring!

Feeling... anxious
I recently had an appointment with my new orthopedic surgeon, and we set a date for my surgery.  Nothing left to do but feel anxious.

Weather... cold
Yup, still cold.

Wanting... the school year to be over
I am ready for summer!

Thinking... spring break is only 3 weeks away
I can make it three more weeks :)

Watching... Face Off
Love this show!  This season is All Stars, so they are working in teams of two.  It's really interesting, and the contestants are so talented this season.

Enjoying... the Draw Riot Daily Challenge
Draw a picture every day inspired by a theme.  Lots of fun and great practice with drawing and creating.

What are you up to?
Have you watched Face Off?  Is it still cold where you live?
Have you read The Books of Beginning series?

Currently..... (February 8, 2017)

Currently...


Writing... More like editing
I am preparing an excerpt of one of my manuscripts for an online critique group on Steve the Wrimo Forum.  I am really looking forward to getting some feedback.  I am the only one who has read my writing in a long time.  It will be good to share again.

Reading... Christine by Stephen King
Oh my goodness, this book is huge!  What was I thinking?  I have been a very unmotivated reader recently.  I probably should have chosen a smaller book :)

Listening to... Too much news
 I love NPR and I listen daily, but I feel like the news has been a little more intense recently.  It can be overwhelming.


Eating... oranges
I cannot go to the grocery store recently without buying oranges or other citrus.  I cannot get enough.

Drinking... 'Cot in the Act cider by Two Towns
We got a keg for my husband's birthday.  It's an apricot cider and it is yummy.

Wearing... jeans and sweatshirts
If it's comfy and warm, I am wearing it right now!

Feeling... sick
Hubby just had a possible bout of pneumonia.  He had a high fever.  I got a cold too and have been feeling exhausted by the whole thing.

Weather... cold
Still cold here.  The snow went away, but it is cold.  This is still true.  It's supposed to start warming up this week.

Wanting... to go back to Costa Rica
It was amazing!

Thinking... I need to stop picking my nails
I have been doing a lot better but recently started picking at a thumb nail and now I can't stop.

Watching... The Magicians
Just finished season 1 and started season 2.  I am completely addicted to this show!

Enjoying... participating in a trivia tournament 
Hubby and friends and I have formed a team (we're Trivia Newton John!) and we are rocking the trivia world.  Currently tied for first and gearing up for another night of random trivia questions!  

What are you up to?
Have you watched The Magicians?  Been in a trivia tournament?
Have you read Christine?

Currently... (December 21, 2016)

Currently...


Writing... Lists in my bullet journal
I've been transferring lists of addresses and TBR books from my old bullet journal to my new.  One of these days I will do a post about how I set up my bullet journal.

Reading... (Between Books)
I think I will start Pierced by the Sun by Laura Esquivel next.

Listening to... The Girl at the End of the World by James
 James' new album is really great.  I've been listening to it on Amazon Prime music.  Here's one of the songs:  "Nothing but Love"

Eating... Golden Grahams cereal
I bought a box of cereal this week, something I never do, and I just can't get enough of it.  Yum!

Drinking... 'Cot in the Act cider by Two Towns
We got a keg for winter break.  It's an apricot cider and it is yummy.

Wearing... my pjs
I am officially on winter break, so I have been wearing pjs as much as possible.

Feeling... excited
I'm going on vacation soon, to Costa Rica, and I cannot wait!

Weather... cold
Still cold here.  The snow went away, but it is cold.

Wanting... to reach my reading goal this year
but not sure that I can make it.

Thinking... about Costa Rica
OMG!  I am so excited!

Watching... Project Runway
I can't wait to watch the second part of the finale.  I'm not sure who I want to win this season.  I've been watching old seasons to fill the void while I wait.

Enjoying... Winter Break
It is so nice to have some time off work to relax and refresh.  

What are you up to?

Currently.... (December 7, 2016)

Currently...


Writing... Reference letters
It's almost Job Fair time at school, so I've been writing reference letters for my students.  I finally got them all turned in yesterday.

Reading... The Girl with all the Gifts
I am loving this book!

Listening to... Te mueves tú, Se mueven todos

 This song has been playing over and over in my head since we have been listening to it in my Spanish 2 classes this week.

Eating... fresh veggies
We had homemade subs for dinner with avocado and kumatos and lots of other fresh veggies.  So good.

Drinking... Rhubarbarian cider by Two Towns
This one is my favorite!

Wearing... layers
It has been cold.  I am wearing so many layers.

Feeling... emotional
My surgery has been cancelled because of insurance issues, and now I have to find a new doctor.  It's difficult.

Weather... cold
We might have a snow or ice day tomorrow.

Wanting... to find an amazing new doctor
I hope it happens :)

Thinking... about that song
It really is stuck in my head.

Watching... The 100
We stopped watching for a while, but just restarted watching on Netflix.  Loving the third season.

Enjoying... Pokémon Go
I am having so much fun with this silly game.  It gets me up and out.  I recently caught my first Pikachu and a Ditto!   Exciting stuff!

What are you up to?

Currently....(November 16, 2016)

Currently...


Writing... to-do lists
I feel like I have a million things to do and the only way to remember is to make lists, many, many lists.

Reading... Wuthering Heights
It is taking me forever to read, but I have not had much time to read.

Listening to... Roger Waters
I love Pink Floyd and am going to see Roger Waters in June.  I saw him perform The Wall a few years ago and I am so excited to see him perform again.

Eating... mandarin oranges
I love them!

Drinking... Cot in the Act cider by Two Towns
Our local craft ciderhouse is pretty amazing, and their apricot cider is yummy.

Wearing... fleece-lined leggings and boots
It is rainy and cold here recently.  I still want to wear skirts and need to stay warm.

Feeling... stressed
Between an upcoming surgery, work, the recent presidential election, etc.....stress

Weather... rain, rain, go away
It has been raining, cloudy, dreary, foggy, a typical Oregon winter.

Wanting... more time
I can never find enough.

Thinking... there is too much hate in the world.

Watching... American Horror Story
I'm still not sure what I think of this new season, but in general I love the show.

Enjoying... crocheting and knitting for kids
I have gotten to crochet and knit a bunch of kids' stuff recently, baby blankets, hats and scarves.  They are so easy to finish and so much fun!

What are you up to?

Currently....

Currently...


Writing... not much
I have been having a hard time keeping up with my blogging schedule, let alone writing on any of my manuscripts.  Also, I have been rethinking my blog schedule a little.  There may be some tweaks coming.

Reading... The Shadow of the Wind
I am almost finished.  It is so sad, and I have a feeling that it is only going to get sadder.

Listening to... the new James album
Started listening to what I could find on Youtube.  Now listening to the album on Amazon music.  I don't often buy cds anymore, but I am thinking of buying this one.

Eating... pad thai
I get a craving so often.  I got some pad thai recently at a restaurant and I am still finishing off the leftovers.

Drinking... hot veggie broth
It has been cold out, and hot broth is so perfect on a cold day.

Wearing... sweaters and scarves
Like I said, it has been cold out.

Feeling... a little stressed out
I'm in the middle of a chunk of grading.  I need to get it finished this week.

Weather... cold and rainy
We had a little sunshine today. but it has been chilly recently.  I love fall but I do miss summer.

Wanting... more time in a day
So much to do, so little time.

Thinking... about which book to start next
I already put together a fall TBR list, then I went to the library and rented some books and I got a new book from Amazon.... Now I don't know what to read next.

Watching... Westworld
Interesting show.  There are only two episodes so far but I am intrigued.

Enjoying... Inktober - Post an ink drawing every day of October

I am a little behind, but I am posting my drawings on my Instagram account.

What are you up to?

Randomly, on a Thursday...... Do People Steal Couches?

Do people really steal couches?  Because when I watch this commercial, I keep imagining these two guys breaking into this house to steal the couch, then when they try to leave, it won't fit out the door, so they have to stop and remove the legs and twist it in different directions to get it through the door until they get so frustrated they just give up.

Who steals a couch?!?