I'm Not Messy, I'm Creative

View of my desk.

Laptop under paintings. 

 I have a big pink mug that assures me I'm creative and not messy. And earlier today I found this quote that may relate to my state of mind. "Messy people are not necessarily sloppy. They just have more ideas than they have places to put them." - Anonymous

Too many ideas clutter my head that range from painting, writing, and collecting things that fill most space in my house. One is never enough. In fact, saying that brings back a funny memory after I became a widow. I disliked my doctor more than I can say. I always left feeling crazy and fat. In those early days as a widow I threw myself into everything. (And I've written about it in two memoirs). Six dogs, three shops spaces in that small area in Old Town, and collecting more cupboards and farm tables than rooms to hold them. So I rented several storage spaces. My doctor suggested I talk to a therapist. Nodding like a puppy I said 'okay' and got a referral. She sent me to a social worker she knew who worked with the prision system. I spent the hour telling him home much I disliked her and not to look for me to come back for another session.

Then I said maybe I had a multiple disorder needing multiples of everything. "Lucky for my husband I only needed one husband. He was 6' 7"." I chuckled at my humor.

"Well, he was so tall, perhaps he seemed like more than just one." 

And I had to pay for this advice.

Sixteen years later, I still think in multiples. A former antique dealer, I can't pass up a treasure. Loving dogs, I have five. My art is stacking all around my desk here in the den.  And I've got several books working away in my mind. I clear table tops and within a week there are piles of treasures stacking up again. 

Creative minds are rarely tidy. I read that today online. I'd like to think I'm creative and not just living in chaos.  Artist, Writer, Collector, Dog Hoarder. That's me. I see beauty in my house when I look around. Canvases piled up, notes tucked hither and yon, dogs sprawled out on the sofa, and little vignettes of small treasures tucked in cupboards when I finally pull it all together. 

I think about downsizing, getting rid of my artistic clutter, and wonder what it would be like to have a normal home with everything in place. Then I laugh. Within 48 hours I'd start fillling my space with things to inspire me, and well, there would be less space for my inspiration to grow.

That's not happening. I am not messy. I am creative. I think I'll focus on that thought for now.

 

 

 

 

Note To Self

 Saw this on Facebook this morning and it was exactly what I needed to read today. I'm always wondering if I'm doing enough, for others, and for myself.  I have what I call a quiet little life. My house, my dogs, my friends, my love of antiques. I am a people person who is becoming more introverted, some by choice, some by circumstance. At 75 heading close to 76 I find I like doing nothing except sitting with my dogs.  I don't even turn on the TV or music. I sit in silence as dusk rolls in, looking out my French doors to the garden (sadly neglected) and watch as my solar lights blink on my fence, happy and content, until I realize I'm home alone every night. Tomorrow, I tell myself, I'll do more tomorrow. And I usually do, working at the art center, painting, my writing not so much as I wonder what I really have to say. Some friends do BIG things (they are a little younger) and I'm envious. Envious that they have the energy and desire to do BIG things. I worry I'm falling behind. Becoming dull, or even lazy. On days I wonder what is my purpose in life. Then I read the above and realized kindness is a great purpose in life. And hopefully I live that every day.  With family, friends, people I meet. Talk to strangers who come in the art center and listen to them. They leave and I've made a new friend. Years ago after I lost my husband and started writing, I did a post about my front door that I painted blue. I found my biggest adventures came right outside that door, in my community. I didn't have to travel far to find what I love best. For me, I've discovered my greatest moments are close to home and after all these years, that is a grand life. I hope my purpose will continue to be there for others, listening, offering friendship, and trying to be the best I can. And the dogs, oh my, the dogs I've taken in and loved. I sit at night and watch them, once lost, now happy and fighting to see who gets to sit on my lap next. I've done well there!

Thankful For Books Giveaway with WOW! Women On Writing

 I'm excited my novella "Christmas With Ginger" is one of the many books in this fabulous giveaway with WOW! Women On Writing. Link HERE to get all the details and enter to win at the bottom of their page on The Muffin. 

                 Read more on Amazon. Paperback only. Kindle will be available later this month.

"Christmas With Ginger" My New Christmas Novella

 

                                                                         

                                                                                      Buy On Amazon 

About The Book:

Holly Sterling is in the dumps again this Christmas. In her mid-sixties, a widow and orphan, two titles that haunt her since losing her husband and mother six years ago. No family, no real friends, not even a pet, Holly’s coping mechanism is shopping online November and December, buying vintage treasures that remind her of happier times. This holiday nothing helps ease her loneliness. Holly hasn't a clue what to do next.

With a little encouragement from the spirit world, and a tiny Chihuahua named Ginger, Holly’s life is about to change. Add a handsome pet shop owner who likes to play Santa, and his niece who runs a dog rescue group, this sweet story of love, friendship, and adopting dogs, might answer the question “who rescued who?”

Set in a small Georgia town, this novella is a charming holiday read. It's never too late to trust in the magic of new beginnings.

*************************

"It's you!" Some of my friends commented as I talked about the plot. "Well, yes and no." I had to laugh. A widow in her sixties could be me a few years ago. Working at an art gallery, bingo, I do. But Holly has never owned a dog, and my dog numbers vary from five to six. Currently, I am Chihuahua Mama to five little ones. She meets a handsome Santa and romance is in the air. I am still unattached except for my little mafia of dogs.

Real or imagined, in Holly's mind she's convinced her late husband and mother are guiding her to come out of her shell and start living again. Sometimes I do chat with loved ones long gone. And of course, a tiny Chihuahua from Animal Control is the catalyst for all the changes twelve days before Christmas. You should know, Ginger is my little Carmella. I've dedicated the book to her.

Written on a whim, I had fun with this novella. It's only 136 pages, but full of the holiday spirit. I liked writing about a character who is older. Heck, I'm older. You know, having crossed that 75th birthday earlier this year. I wondered if Holly's mannerisms were too youthful, but then realized she is exactly how I would be ......if this story was about me! And it's not.

Available on Amazon paperback only. The kindle version will come out later in November.

Santa's Slip Up by Raven Howell Book Review

 

                                                  Amazon  Barnes and Noble  Bookshop.org

"Santa's Slip Up" written by Raven Howell Illustration by Savannah Horton

Anyone can make a mistake and Santa has made a big one in this charming and spooky children's book written by Raven Howell and illustrated by Savannah Horton. It's Halloween and all the ghosts and gobblins and other creatures of the night are surprised to hear a cheery "Ho, ho, ho". Santa has come at the wrong tine of year. What could be a disaster is handled with humor and there's a new winner in the Halloween parade.Geared towards older elementary to middle school grade reader. As for me, I love children's books and am excited to have a copy to keep and enjoy, both at Halloween and Christmas!

I reviewed this book as part of the author's blog tour with WOW! Women on Writing. Link here to read Raven Howell's interview on The Muffin and learn more about this award-winning children's author and poet.You can also enter to win a free copy of her book. Below is a list of stops the author will make as she continues on tour with WOW!

Links:

Website: https://www.ravenhowell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atpearthkeeper/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RavenHowellAuthorandPoetPage/

         

 

 

 

Book Review "I Chose You" by Carmen Leal

 

Purchase a copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Bookshop.org.

 I love this book for two reasons. Well more than two reasons but I'm just listing two. First it is a wonderful collection of dog stories, those kind that fill you with love, make you smile, and some will break your heart. We've all been there. Rescue dogs are the best. Who saved who? I currently have five Chihuahuas all from my local shelters, older dogs that needed a home as much as I needed them. Over the course of fifteen years since I became a widow, rescue dogs have mended my heart and brought me joy beyond words. First they were bigger dogs, but as I aged I needed smaller dogs I could pick up. I will admit Chihuahuas while small are a mafia when in numbers and there is never a dull moment in my house. The second reason I love this book is that I have a story in it, too! Miss  April in Paris, a hunting dog that joined my pack in 2010 and sadly left me a few years ago. Carmen was so gracious to include April's story. I can't recommend this book enough for dog lovers and actually for just the great writing in it. Happy stories and sad stories but owning a dog is full of joy and pain as they never live long enough.

“I Chose You” is organized into sections titled “We Are Family,” “Rescue Me,” “Smile,” "You Are So Beautiful,” “Somebody to Love,” "What I Did for Love,” “Something Good,” "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive,” “Tears in Heaven,”  “Where You Lead," and “Top Six Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Dog.” 

If you missed Carmen's initial interview on The Muffin that kicked off her blog tour link here and read all the wonderful things she has to say plus links to future stops. An amazing women with a huge heart. 

About the author Carmen Leal

Carmen Leal is a storyteller and the author of multiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. Carmen relocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, and has become an awesome dog mom. Carmen and her husband have become reluctant gardeners and know a crazy amount about Wisconsin weeds. She is the mother of two sons, two incredible grandsons, and Coconut, the best imperfectly perfect rescue dog in the world. 

Find Carman online:

http://carmenleal.com/blog

https://wagawaypublishing.com/interviews (more to come)

https://www.facebook.com/Rescuemoredogs

https://www.facebook.com/carmen.leal.794

Hope and Fortune Children's Book by Marissa Banez

 

                                                                         

I'm reviewing this charming children's book as part of the author's blog tour with WOW! Women On Writing. I jumped at the chance to participate because I love children's books and this one is delightful. Its message inspires children and adults who find difficulty being a bit different from others in today's world. Plus, I love the gorgeous illustrations.  A win-win.

The story is about a young girl named Esperanza (her name means hope) who chases a butterfly into the Fabled Fairy Forest. Once in the forest the butterfuly disappears leaving Esperanza lost and scared. The Golden Tree wanted to help her and so he said:

Deep into the Fabled Fairy Forest you should go 

To learn everything you need to know.

Sometimes we all need someone for guidance.

It's scary but we don't need to suffer in silence.

So find the twelve Fortune Fairies at all cost.

They will help you to never again feel lost.

                                                        

From there the story continues with Esperanza encountering twelve diverse, multi-cultural fairies that gift Esperanza with their hope, wisdom, virture, and courage. 

Below is a list of all the stops on the author's tour with WOW! And in case you missed her initial interview  on The Muffin you can link to it here.

About the author:

A first-generation immigrant to the U.S. from the Philippines, Marissa Banez is a graduate of Princeton University and a lawyer licensed to practice in New York, California, and New Jersey. She has published legal articles for the prestigious New York Law Journal and the American Bar Association, but her true passion is in her children's stories. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and daughter. In her free time, Marissa likes to travel, design and make clothes, cook, binge-watch Star Trek shows and Korean dramas, and occasionally strum a guitar.

She is currently working on her second book, Hues and Harmony (How the Singing Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors), a story about mixed or multiracial children, self-discovery, and respect for others as told through the life and adventures of a caterpillar. It is scheduled for publication on July 20, 2023.

You can find her online at: Her Website, Facebook, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Goodreads