School starts in less than a week, I can't wait. It is going to be a very exciting year with a lot of new opportunities and things ahead. To work in education creates new and exciting on a daily basis yet this year, with a new assignment, and some new goals outside of work, it is a year full of change, possibility, and newness.

My hope for today was to spend the day working on my next book yet after sleeping in (a few hours lost to sleep gained me a refreshed spirit and less bags under my eyes), I did not accomplish nearly as much as planned.

My initial plan to spend the day writing was modified to spending time with my Dad for a couple hours. This is much needed time as our lunch dates and non-clock-watching visits are coming to an end so rather than spend time behind a computer, I made memories and enjoyed time with Dad. Life is about choices, choosing friends and family over work is a healthy choice. Don't you agree?

With the exception of today's blog and drafting next week's blogs, I think I'll finish listening to Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers, by Deborah Heiligman.  I had the opportunity to listen to the author this summer at a conference. I'm not an artist and I still find this biography fabulous. If you are an art fan, you'd probably like it even more. I miss the illustrations she shares in the paper copy yet if it wasn't for having it on audio, I probably wouldn't have read it. 

​On this note, it's time to run...have a great weekend everyone! 

In the midst of moving our daughter into her new dorm, wrapping up summer school, family vacation, helping to get our school and classrooms ready, and my mission organization I realized something is missing. You know what it was?

I haven't baked too much. :-( 

I did try a Blueberry-Lemon Zucchini Cake Sunday but I'm feeling the need to bake some bread or donuts or...the baking thoughts are filling my head. Today's goal, carve time out this weekend to bake break and maybe some donuts for my Dad. I'm not sure which, or maybe both, but this girl needs to spend some time baking in the kitchen. (I might as well wait to vacumm until after the baking day, lol) Is there something you miss doing when you are overly focused on getting the to-do-list finished?

Happy Tuesday Everyone! I thought today's blog would start with word count victory yet this is not the case. Instead I can let you know, I haven't done much writing BUT my house is more organized than it's been since about February. Messy but getting organized.

I've filled three boxes of recyclables, 2 bags of garbage, and large box of papers to use to start the backyard fire or to shred. I downsized from two file cabinets to one. I cleaned the inside of two cabinets. A book shelf that was buried in a corner went to the side of the road because it was in such bad shape. Items for others are in my car and ready to be re-homed, returned, or dropped off to the rescue mission. To say I 'm feeling accomplished is an understatement. I still have one file cabinet drawer to organize but I need a whole day to do this.

I'm even going to go through my bookshelves. GASP! Say it isn't so! Yes it is. I have some books from college that I saved in case my daughter could use them or because they were interesting reads. Guess what, twenty plus years later...the books are no good to my daughter's college education and they aren't that interesting at nearly fifty years of age. Go figure.

Once I finish the file cabinet drawer I plan to run the vacumm, dust, clean the bathroom, and then sit for the entire next day with the task to read, write, and relax. Nothing more...

I just enjoyed two days at the Annual Oswego Writing Institute with three fabulous Key Notes. Each inspiring me in different ways. This is what I'm thankful for this morning:

• Javaka Steptoe: "The Power of Writing" inspired and motivated me to finish the next book by asking a few questions of ourselves. 1st - What is my passion and Why do I write? 2nd: What fear or fears are holding me back? http://www.javaka.com/ 

• Deborah Heiligman: "Writing to Learn" reminded me that if only one person reads my writing and is inspired and moved then the writing is a success. Her energy and enthusiasm to write and leave a legacy was powerful. http://deborahheiligman.com/

• Tim Conners: "Live Your Story", a childhood cancer survivor who lost his sight in the process encouraged a room full of adults with such hope and power that everyone left changed. http://www.mountimpossible.com/

I’m a happy writer today. Through a different writing activity, I found a place to write that won’t break the bank or require me to buy beverages or food I don’t need, is close-ish to home, is secure, and offers unlimited inspiration AND limited interruptions. I’m so excited, it has been awhile since I looked forward to packing up my writing and hitting the road.

Some authors work well at home because they have an office or room to work. Our house is just the right size for us yet isn’t big enough for an office where I can escape the to-do-lists, piles, and pets. I used to go to my parents’ house, the public library, DD, or a café. I think this is part of my struggle, to leave the house to write reminds me of my Mom and triggers those bittersweet memories. When I’m working on a book, or serious writing, I prefer minimal to no distraction so “public” doesn’t always prove beneficial. I’m easily distracted, true story.

Last week as I spent a few hours helping other people write their stories I found a writing get-away. I look forward to hearing the tap, tap, tap, on the keyboard more often and see the chapters start building. At our annual Bishop Cunningham/Oswego Catholic Reunion I had a woman join us at our table. She shared how she attended the Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey book release and followed my writing. She asked about the next book and when could she expect the next book. This encouraged me more than she realized, then God highlighted this great writing environment the following week. I love it when things work out like this, don’t you? Some people call they God Stops, but my friend Shari introduced me to the notion of “Shoulder Taps” from God. I love that.

To follow through with God’s tapping on my shoulder, I’m adding “Book writing” onto the schedule for now on once I can coordinate usage at my new-found writer’s getaway. 

If you are a regular reader or listener then you’ll recognize this, “So goes Monday, so goes the week.”, right? This past Monday was a productive, yet relaxing day and I prayed the week would continue in the same manner. We survived our last week of Summer School. I must say the heat and humidity was tolerable for most of the three weeks and the AC units the district placed in our classrooms kept the “high heat index days” manageable so the kiddos and teacher didn’t melt.

To wear a Kindergarten teacher’s hat was an honor and I hope the kids learned, had fun, and looked forward to coming each day. I know this past week they were exhausted and ready for a break, I could relate. When I found myself counting down the days I reminded myself there are many districts who don’t have funding for summer school. This helped keep me grounded. Our school district is one of the lower socio-economic districts for our state, so summer school offers an opportunity for our students to not only continue their education, but they also received two meals a day, at not cost to their families. These are great blessings to count.

I organized some drawers and piles this week too. This gives such a sense of accomplishment but of course no one else notices because it was a hidden mess, BUT I know they’re clean now. As I baked during the week I decided my kitchen drawers need a good organizing, so they are on my August to-do-list, unless I forget. This is a good possibility. Out of sight, out of mind, right?!
​
I did pretty good this week with achieving my blogging, podcasting, and exercise goals. I’m proud of myself. The area I struggled the most with was my exercise, so it will be my priority looking ahead. I did better about get enough sleep and eating healthier, but I didn’t get all my core and cardio workouts in that I wanted. I walked but I don’t count those, walking is a bonus.

Monday, July 23rd @ The Muffin
Author Interview and Giveaway!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2018/07/rose-colored-glasses-by-jo-ann-simon.html

Tuesday, July 24th @ JoAnn Simon
Crystal Casavant-Otto reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon - don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Jo Ann's touching memoir.
https://forgetmenotjosi.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, July 25th @ Bring on Lemons with Michelle DelPonte
Wisconsin mother, wife, and autism advocate Michelle DelPonte reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon and shares her thoughts with readers at Bring on Lemons. This is an unforgettable memoir!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Thursday, July 26th @ Beverley Baird
Beverley Baird reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon. This touching memoir is one readers won't soon forget! You'll want to add this one to your #TBRPile today!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

Friday, July 27th @ Choices
The readers at Madeline Sharples blog, Choices, are in for a special treat today as Jo Ann Simon pens the guest post "Seeing Art Through the Artist's Eye". Readers can enjoy this post while also learning about Simon's memoir Rose Colored Glasses recently published by WiDO Publishing.
http://madelinesharples.com/

Monday, July 30th @ Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Cathy Stucker interview Jo Ann Simon about her recently published memoir Rose Colored Glasses
https://www.sellingbooks.com/

Tuesday, July 31st @ World of My Imagination
Nicole Pyles reviews Rose Colored Glasses by JoAnn Simon and shares her thoughts with readers at World of My Imagination. Don't miss a chance to learn about this memoir of love and loss.
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 2nd @ Memoir Writer's Journey
Today's post at Memoir Writer's Journey includes a guest post titled "Simplicity in Life" written by Jo Ann Simon. There is also a link to Kathleen Pooler's review of Simon's recently published memoir Rose Colored Glasses. Readers won't want to miss this opportunity to learn more about Simon and her lovely memoir.
https://krpooler.com/

Friday, August 3rd @ One Sister's Journey
Lisa takes shares how Jo Ann Simon's book is a perfect "come back" book for having books tour on her blog.
https://www.lisambuske.com/blog.html

Tuesday, August 7th @ Bring on Lemons
Today's author spotlight at Bring on Lemons is Jo Ann Simon featuring her recently published memoir Rose Colored Glasses. Don't miss a chance to learn about Simon and check out Crystal's review of this touching memoir.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 8th @ Lisa Haselton
Lisa Haselton interviews JoAnn Simon about her memoir Rose Colored Glasses (and more)!
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, August 8th @ Margo Dill
Today's guest author is Jo Ann Simon of Rose Colored Glasses - and today's topic is "A Positive Attitude". Don't miss this blog stop!
http://margodill.com/blog/

Monday, August 13th @ Write Happy
Catherine Brown reviews Rose Colored Glasses a touching memoir by JoAnn Simon.
https://www.writehappy.net/blog

Monday, August 13th @ Coffee with Lacey
Lacey reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about this inspirational memoir about love, loss, and hope!
https://coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com/

Thursday, August 16th @ Ellen Valladares
Fellow author Ellen Valladares reviews Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon.
https://ellenvalladares.com/

Wednesday, August 22nd @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Fellow memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro shares her thoughts after reading Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon.
http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/

Thursday, August 23rd @ Bring on Lemons with Cathy Hansen
Wisconsin educator, mother, and business owner Cathy Hansen reviews the memoir Rose Colored Glasses by Jo Ann Simon.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Last week on the podcast we revisited the goals we set back in May and June. It is always a good idea to revisit your goals to celebrate successes and modify areas of weakness. As I posted this new calendar, aka, chart on the bathroom door I realized I NEED to see my exercise goals too. 

It's important to remember when setting goals, set reasonable and achievable goals and have your plan and monitoring chart visible. About the only place in our house I find help is on the outside of the bathroom door. It's an area I see often as it's in the center of the house an I can stare at it when I'm having my coffee in the morning, a daily reminder and motivation to stay the course.

Rather than having a second chart and finding a second location, I adapted the social media goals to include my exercise. It is working, I started this Monday and so far it's working pretty good. Our daughter was home on Tuesday for her birthday dinner and to chillax but never commented, she's so used to me and my visual aids that she probably didn't even notice. 

I haven't done a cardio workout, except walking, but my hope is to start an actual workout tape a few times a week but for now, as long as summer school is in session, the morning walks will have to count. The goal is to establish routines I can maintain regardless of my schedule, hours worked, or life's happenings...healthy and balanced life is a must. I'm not giving up and when I need to make modifications, I will.