Where were you in October of 2019? What were you doing? What were you thinking about? What were you worried about? My business was in its early stages, I was a few months into college-level classes, and two new clients were starting new books within weeks of each other. My semi-retired husband was the primary…
The Mitzvah Season
Surrounding various dates on the calendar are opportunities to perform random acts of kindness. In some cultures these are mandates to be kind to others, look out for the widow and the orphan and those less fortunate. What sorts of things fulfill this mitzvah? November reminds me of my days as a single mom with…
Disappearing Act vs. Finishing well
I once took a job that lasted about three hours. My trainer showed me the ropes and because of my restaurant experience, left me to do my job. Suddenly overwhelmed with the knowledge that this was a really bad fit. I began planning my escape. Instead of waiting to the end of my shift, I…
Betwixt and Between
A new friend and I were recently discussing the place of in-between, where what is coming is not yet here. At what point does it become real? At inception? Conclusion? Or somewhere along the way? In the waiting it often looks like nothing is happening, especially if forward motions isn’t visible to the naked eye….
Getting here from there
Most of us have found ourselves working next to someone that really grates on every single nerve. I’d love to tell you how I rose above it. I’m ashamed to say, I can be as petty as the next person. I’ve failed miserably, which is why I’m sharing this with you. I had been in…
What could change your life?
An author friend sent me a sheet titled, “What if a question could change your life?” She has not been a fan of beginning of the year resolutions, nor have I. The biggest reason being they seem to have little sticking power. My friend went on to share the idea of setting an intention is…
Readers and Authors Bonus!
IT’S RELEASE DAY! The reason I got and wanted to read Brad Pauquette’s THE NOVEL MATRIX is because my very first epic novel was “pantsed” (written by the seat of my pants.) It was as if I had accidentally written a good book. Afterward, I wasn’t sure if I could write another successful story. Many…
What’s in your reading pile?
We’re just on the edge of summer and I’m curious… have you read any good books lately? What did you like about the last book you read? As one who writes books for a living, I’d like to share some interesting books I’ve found. I’m currently reading The Hopi Survival Kit, What Your Dreams Are…
Adventure Day: A Dare
There was a point in my life where we moved a lot. This meant new states, unfamiliar businesses and unique opportunities. In a new environment, some basics need to be figured out pretty fast: where to get groceries and gasoline, the nearest grocery to get supplies and the most direct path to work. In my…
Staying on track
Many of us already know that resolutions rarely have the sticking power in and of themselves to carry us through twelve months. Like me, you may have stopped making them. Halfway to spring is the perfect time to renew our intentions! This year, a new friend sent me a page about setting intentions. A series…
Destined for Success
One year in late winter, I decided to try sprouting an avocado pit. In some ways, this seemed doomed to fail at the outset. For one thing, avocados are tropical plants. Currently, it’s the coldest season in the Midwest. The best light happened to be in the kitchen in front of the sliding glass doors….
Juli Ocean 