Happy Easter

The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another ~ Williams James

For everyone who celebrates Easter, I wish you a happy one.  If you don't celebrate Easter, I wish you the universal message of hope that the day brings to me.

No matter what your beliefs, I hope that you are spending the day exactly as you choose.  Whether you take the day off to spend with family and friends or are hard at work on your dream journey, I hope the day turns out for you as stress free as possible.

Send Light into the Darkness

Nothing right can be accomplished in art without enthusiasm.  To send light into the darkness of men's hearts, such is the duty of the artist ~ Robert Schumann

I was once again surprised by America's Got Talent on Tuesday night.  I think one of the reason's I love the show so much is because of the inspiration it provides me. 

Once again, a humble artist took the stage and surprised not only the judges and the local audience, but now the world after seeing him perform.  Nineteen-year-old Andrew De Leon walked out on the stage in Austin, TX and sang for the first time ever in front of an audience, and he sang opera.  Now that takes guts! 

I am only surmising here, but I think what propels this young artist to take such risks is that he knows he is shedding on his art and craft.  Once again, new viewers to the show will get introduced to the opera songs that he brings to the show.  I'm sure he will make it through to the live shows.

I hope you are enthusiastically pursuing your dream goal as we start the summer, just like the contestants on America's Got Talent.  And I hope your dream goal helps send light into the hearts of the people that you touch.

Here is a clip of the Andrew's performance on America's Got Talent from Tuesday night.


http://youtu.be/lzJUgxauIH4

Reflections after Reading Small Change

I recently finished reading Small Change by Sheila Roberts.  This was a delightful read, especially as the economy continues to improve. The story follows Tiffany, Jessica, and Rachel as they navigate love and life learning how to cut back and save money. Of course, doing so is harder for some more than others.

Small Change is a great story that's easy to follow.  The characters are an interesting mix of friends.  I was hooked from the start wondering what would happen to the three characters in the midst of their economic woes.

What helped me with my own writing was the relationship that these three characters had with each other, both as a trio but also separately between each other.  This delicate balance strikes a chord with me because A Place to Call Their Own has two protagonists.  It's been a healthy challenge to balance the relationship between my two protagonists as well as their relationships with the other characters in the story.

After I read a new author, I actively seek them out on Facebook and Twitter and start following them and their adventures.  I love the fact that Sheila Roberts does giveaways and connects with her readers and followers.  I just never see them soon enough to "win."

Whether you're an aspiring writer like myself, or just like a good read, I'm sure you'll enjoy Small Change as much as I did.  You just might learn a few tips about tightening your belt in today's economy.