IS FEBRUARY TRYING TO OUTDO JANUARY?

However, we have survived so far... Even though I sometimes questioned myself about this! I kept telling myself to be patient...January was going faster than I thought it would but truly there were days, I paced around my house & felt the walls closing in. When it bid us a stormy farewell, I decided FEBRUARY is now to be my productive month. In fact many times during last month, I sat to write & if I found I wasn't quite in the right mood, I'd shrug it away thinking I had lots of time. It's January, right? The month that many, including myself, think will never end. In January I usually get my best writing done. I wrote one of my blogs about being on the road again in January...101 Roads, which I was sure I would have almost completed by the end of this month. I didn't quite reach that goal. Too busy out in the snow in my yard or sitting and vegging. I didn't beat myself up...I simply decided to start off better in February. I think we all have to be more forgiving to ourselves as well as those around us. These are difficult times and seemingly going to drag on for awhile.

Well for February, I am working out a better plan. The writing group I joined has an offer I couldn't refuse.

Many Authors believe their best writing is done when kids are in bed, spouse or partner is reading or watching the game or movie & they are completely alone, doing their writing in isolation.

For my creativity to work, writing is NOT an isolated activity. My best writing happens when I have the support of the community around me that pushes me to write. And I also need to surround myself with other writers who 'get it'. They share my passion, my struggles & they are ready to help. When the breakthrough comes, they'll cheer. They will be there to brainstorm with me and inspire more creative ideas. I hope to return the same support. SOOOO... having voiced all that, and because we cannot gather together, I've committed to "Write a Book in 100 Days' course on line. Begins February 3rd. I have a working title & guideline all set and have begun to put it in motion. I have accomplished enough on this 12th day to feel satisfied and feeling excited about several other ideas ready to bounce off my shelves!

I don't even have to make sure the coffee is well stocked because it already is thanks to all the gift cards I received for Christmas.

Hope everyone is keeping as safe as they can. It's still hard to believe this has become 'a way of daily life', but it is what it is. Please remember to be as kind to yourself as you would be to others. It is so important that we don't lose 'us' during this difficult time that feels as though it will never end. YOU, my Dear Reader, are essential, and I'm sure you hear this often: "I don't know what I would do without you."

If the holidays were extremely hard for you, if there are family & financial stress or it's been a very difficult year, wrap your hands around a favorite warm beverage, close your eyes, breathe and exhale. Let your self heal from all of it for the next few moments. Give yourself a mini vacation from your problems. Repeat whenever needed. It helps. I am writing truthfully here because I do it a lot myself. Take one day at a time, because it is enough. Try to live more in the present and make this day into something that will be worth remembering in the future. Be happy about life while we have the chance to love, to breathe, to work and at night look up at the heavens and see the stars. I found this quote by Meryl Streep, a woman I admire for her grace, her boldness and her marvelous spirit. I'd like to share with you today...

"Take your heart to work and ask the most and the best of yourself and others (in kindness). Don't let your special character and spirit, the true essence of you...don't ever let that get beaten down."

Till next time, Blessings, Lane

P.S. Here are the weekly review sunrise times for January, 2022 and I added some 'warm' photos to enjoy.

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Saturday, January 1st...Sunrise: 8:29 AM

Sunset: 4:36 PM ***

Friday, January 7th...Sunrise: 8:27 AM

Sunset: 4:41 PM ***

Friday, January 14th...Sunrise: 8:22 AM

Sunset: 4:52 PM ***

Friday, January 21st...Sunrise: 8:17 AM

Sunset: 5:02 PM ***

Friday, January 28th...Sunrise: 8:07 AM

Sunset: 5:15 PM ***

January 31,..Sunrise: 8:04 AM

Sunset: 5:18PM

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February 03...Sunrise: 7:58 AM

Sunset: 5:24 PM Temp: -43 w/wind chill!!!

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February 07...Sunrise: 7:54 AM

Sunset : 5:31 PM ***

February 10...Sunrise: 7:49 AM

Sunset: 5:37 PM ***

February 13...

Sunrise: 7:43 AM

Sunset: 5:41 PM ***