Stay focussed!

Hopefully you had a nice fourth Sunday in Advent.

As the days rush by, tension and pressure usually rise during this time of the year.
Have you bought and packed all the presents yet? Is the Christmas tree set up? Have you shopped and prepared everything for the feast? Are you ready to meet the whole family? Is the house decorated properly?
Constantly you are reminded of what needs to be done. Often the spirit of Christmas is lost in the stress of preparation... or in a traffic jam of equally stressed Christmas shoppers, who are forced to listen to the same old Christmas songs every few hours, again and again.

So why don't you grab a cup of your favourite tea or coffee or cocoa, sit down on your sofa or armchair and just revel in the moment. Take that time and take a breather, calm down and think about what's really important. The spirit of Christmas; a message of love and hope, a light in the darkness. Draw strength from that, refocus and find the same love and hope inside you.

The next time you stand in a long line at the register or wait in a traffic jam by the nearest super market you might find more patience in you -- and the forgiveness which comes with the knowledge that the others blocking your path are just as eager to be done preparing and go home to be with their loved ones.

And maybe in between gifts and baubles and fairy lights there will be a flash of inspiration even? :o
So don't miss the next writing exercise. ;)

The things to do in November

Aside from NaNoWriMo there are still a lot of things to do. I've just looked at my calendar and I noticed next week is the first Sunday in Advent already!
Time sure runs by fast when you're absorbed by writing. :o

So have you prepared for Advent yet? Are your places decorated with fairy lights and baubles and candles and fir twigs yet? Have you tasted the first gingerbread and speculoos yet?

I'm just getting started. And while I cudgel my brains about Christmas presents for my loved ones I realize it's already this time of the year again...

Certainly you'll feel cozier and more comfortable when the room is dipped in the warmth of candle light, when the baubles gleam and the fir twigs spread their soothing fragrance. You may snuggle on your sofa or armchair with a cup of hot cocoa or tea and be pleased as punch that you don't have to be outside where the first snow of this winter thaws and cold rain patters against your windows.

So get yourselves in the mood for Advent; take your time and find some inspiration how to prepare your home for the coldest but coziest season. Because winter is coming! ;)

Writing is a Gift!

It's still January, but maybe you might be wondering about Valentine's already? :D

Perhaps you are thinking about chocolates and heart-shaped cards and flowers and stuff.

But if you're already considering a card, with little more effort you can achieve an even greater effect: gift them a story.

Sounds Stange? It really isn't. Stories make great gifts, especially if you are a writer. Just think about what they might like, think about what you want to tell them. Make it personal. So your story outshines any generic present.

I'm pretty used to writing stories for special people. I like to observe their reaktions when they read, to see their appreciation for the work and thought I put into creating something just for them. And by now they even expect me to. Not just for Valentine's, but for birthdays or Christmas, too.

 

Last year I wrote two stories for my dear friend, who writes pen & paper RPGs with me. I chose characters from those RPGs she likes and wrote about them. So she knows it's a little Special something that belongs to her only.

The year before I was prompted to write a couple of stories on certain topics, and I did; on another occasion I did some artwork.

You see, dropping a few lines - even if it's just a Drabble - can make your loved ones smile. And if you even start a series they will have something to look forward to next time.

So spread the joy of reading, and make your loved ones feel special. Because their happiness may make you happy, too. ;)