Blooming

[vaneramos]

This handsome herb is borage. It grew from seed in my garden for the first time in 30 years.

First thing in the morning, about 7:00, I go water the garden, see how things are growing, and maybe plant a few seeds for a late crop. Then it's time for tea and breakfast on the deck. I peruse magazines and write in my journal.

By 10:00 I go online at my desk. The day will be spent writing for the nature blog, perusing online markets, networking with other writers, and working on assignments discussed with Jodi, my coach. We have identified suitable markets for some of my story ideas. At this point I am doing preliminary research and drafting pitches to send to editors. I always knew what it took, but having a coach allows me to talk my way through it. I seem to need that.

Mid-afternoon I try to take a break to do fibre work, or I might go to the library or meet my writing buddy. Late afternoon usually finds me back at my desk.

Suddenly it is after 7 p.m. and time to make dinner. Danny and I sometimes play Candamir while we're eating, or watch a movie afterward. Sometimes I work some more in the evening. I like to be in bed with a book by 10:30, but usually it is later and I can hardly read a page before dozing off.

The days vary little from this pattern. I have been working into it since April. I would like to get more exercise, maybe a walk in the woods, but otherwise would not care to change the routine. I have been thinking and talking about it for 25 years. Now it is happening. Sometime this week I will email the first pitch, and then another.

Comments

[apel.livejournal.com]

It's so inspiring to read about the tremendous changes you've made in your life. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your pitches.

It's great that you have a writing coach. Yesterday at dinner with some of my friends we were talking about piles of paperwork and how to deal with them. One of my friends is in Clutterers Anonymous, which deals with stuff like that. I said that I would really like somebody to coach me through my annual sorting of the Pile of Doom.

When I first heard the term "life coach" that's what I thought they'd do. They'd come to my place and say encouraging things and give constructive suggestions while I do things that make me want to curl up in a fetal position. I'd pay good money for somebody to show up and just be emotionally supportive.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thank you for encouraging me so much, so many times along the way. I can't express how much it matters to me.

I'll be in a better position a few months from now to say whether hiring a coach is worthwhile, but so far it seems like just what I needed. Finding someone who is a good fit is important.

I could not have afforded to do this without Danny's help.