Wednesday, June 1, 2016

IWSG - NORMAL

The Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh's awesome co-hosts are Murees Dupe, Alexia Chamberlynn, Chemist Ken, and Heather Gardner!

THE INSECURE WRITER'S SUPPORT GROUP


What is normal in the writing world? What is normal in the blogging world? 
     I've no idea what 'normal' is, and while writing is what I truly enjoy doing. Family and other goals also require my time.  I enjoyed my recent break. I loved getting my hands dirty in the garden. Although, I could have lived without the poison ivy - my fault - I knew the moment I pulled it out by the roots, what I was handling, yes, without gloves. A small breakout - no big deal. LOL
          My family especially loved the new recipes, and I loved experimenting, but they're an easy bunch to please. My house is almost reorganized and things are ready for sale at weekly flea markets. Time to get rid of all the collections.
          I did get some writing done, and added a few new projects to the list. To that end I've decided to change things up. I'm going to be making changes, all the way around. Work, writing habits, writing goals, blogging, my online presence, my family and work presence, as well as marketing. Besides, it's vacation time - priorities have to change, at least for awhile.
          For the rest next few months my blog will host authors and their latest releases. I hope you'll stop by and say hello, but more importantly I hope you'll consider buying and writing a review. It's through shared support that we all succeed. 
          Thank you, every one who's helped to make my dreams come true. Alex, thank you, for this group and everyone who participates - you get it - you understand, thank you!

Here's my favorite quote about 'normal' – do you have one?



What are your 'summer' 
or 'future' plans, 
writing or otherwise?




If you'd like to be a guest on my blog

send an email to - yolandarenee@hotmail.com


57 comments:

Denise Covey said...

Sounds like you've given your 'new' life some deep thought. It's great to live your life on your terms, and not be pressured by outside influences (like social media for starters!)

We're actually having er, winter Down Under, not summer, :-o and that is great for feeling a bit more comfortable for writing etc. Our remodelling is taking up our time. The garden will wait till we're done with the inside. Looking forward to planting a new row of lavender, one of my favourites!

See you in the email...

Denise :-)

Sally said...

It is nice to do different things and all those things that you didn't have time to do before.

Mason Canyon said...

Love the quote. I think each person has their own 'normal' and that's what makes us unique. Sounds like you've got things going in a great direction. Looking forward to learning about new authors and books through your post. Have fun!

Pat Garcia said...

I love your quote. I am laughing because I gave up being normal years ago. It went out of the window along with wanting everyone's approval. Decided that if I was going to get anywhere, I had to throw those twol buggers out permanently.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat Garcia


http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/2016/06/iwsg-june-2016-recovery-is-not-matter.html

Yolanda Renée said...

Winter does help the writer concentrate, summer has too many distractions. That's why the plan. Enjoy the remodel and that amazing beach house once done!

Yolanda Renée said...

Summer has its distractions, but its opportunities too!

Yolanda Renée said...

Normal is such an odd word, and even odder sentiment. Hi, Mason, thanks for stopping by!

Yolanda Renée said...

Me too, Pat, so odd to think of something as 'normal'! I love that you threw it all out the window, especially the 'approval' part! That still trips me up once in a while!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Normal is boring.
And thank you for understanding.
Hope the new routine brings some balance to your world.

Bish Denham said...

My favorite normal quote is: Everyone's normal until you get to know them! I'm glad you had a nice break. May the changes bring you inspiration and motivation!

Chemist Ken said...

My summer plans, as boring as it may seem, is to do as much writing as I can. No need to wait until the weather gets bad for that.

Pat Hatt said...

With the heat and sweating up the yin yang it may be less writing for me. But we'll see. Writing is great but one has to live life a bit as well.

Murees Dupè said...

I keep being told I'm not normal. I personally have no idea what they mean:) You are being very productive and sorting things out, which I admire. Also, working on new projects? You go girl! Enjoy the change.

Nicola said...

There's nothing like pulling up weeds (or poison ivy) to ease stress and free the mind. I love cooking too, just another creative past time. Hope your new projects flow with ease. Enjoy the sunshine!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I've seen that saying with a Minion which totally fits.

I even look at poison ivy, I get it.

James Pailly said...

I have a kitchen towel that says this: "Pretending to be a normal person day-after-day is exhausting." It's my favorite quote about "normalcy."

Unknown said...

I try to spend an hour or more a day doing something very lo-tech, like knitting, sewing, cooking, etc. It restores my frazzled soul.

@Kathleen01930 Blog

cleemckenzie said...

Changing patterns is always refreshing and stimulating. From what neurolinguists say, it also lays out new connections in the brain. I could use a few new connections.

Jo said...

No special plans for the summer, mostly bowling I guess. Hope you enjoy your new regime and it works for you.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Poison Ivy! Ouchie or rather Itchie! My summer plan is to write my way to autumn.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Good luck with all the re-organization you're doing. Ugh, poison ivy. Luckily, I've never run into it here in Colorado. I'm horribly allergic to it. Hopefully, it goes away fast!

Christine Rains said...

Normal is a very flexible term when it comes to writers. :) Yikes about the poison ivy, but wonderful to hear you had a lovely break. My son is on summer break, so this month and the next will be my break from blogging. We've already been digging in the garden too.

Unknown said...

We all need breaks to reassess and no one stays the same. Change or die is the rule of life. I hope your new projects, ideas, and goals will give you happiness. That's the most important thing!

Samantha Bryant said...

I like "Normal is just a setting on the washing machine."


@mirymom1 from
Balancing Act

Sandra Cox said...

The normal quote's a hoot.

Tara Tyler said...

why be normal?
i liked your ups and downs!
i'd be happy to fill a spot if you need one - the summer is my time to write! i hope to get my current wip out to cqs and a rough draft of the next written - yay for summer!

klahanie said...

Hey Yolanda,

Yes, it's me, typing from England as almost two thirty in the morning. This is quite normal for me in my abnormal way. Change can be good. Rest and reflection can be good. I'm sure you will get a number of bloggers eager to guest post on your site. Bring on the summer, which is the warmer part of winter in the UK :)

Gary

Elizabeth said...

There is no normal, there is only the force! Sorry, been watching Star Wars :) It is nice to change things up once in a while and reprioritize. I tried out a few different things last summer on my blog, but I think I might stay a little more steady with my schedule this summer. I hope that your changes and guest pots work out well!

The Happy Whisk said...

Happy Almost vacation time and here's hoping you get your crap sold. Cool beans on the garden work, too.

PS: I am as of last Saturday now 80 percent less stuff than I had when I started four weeks ago. It is sooooo freeeeeeeeeeing. Love it.

Olga Godim said...

I have never been normal. I think most artists, in any artistic field, are not. That's why they are artists. Creativity burns in us. It doesn't allow us to blend in.
It's good you're going through a change period. Whatever comes on the other side ought to be interesting.

dolorah said...

Normal is a cycle on a washing machine :) I gotta tell ya though, I'm not sure what laundry is considered "normal" either. Perhaps total chaos is normal - seems so for me.

I'm just hoping to get through the next few months at work. So many changes all the time. New products to service, displays to put together. I do remember telling them I wasn't handy with tools. Nobody listens.

I always plan to do some writing. Yep, always in the plans . . .

Yolanda Renée said...

Isn't it, but does it even exist? Balance would be a true blessing!

Yolanda Renée said...

Already has, Bish, only problem is, I'm working on a brand new WIP. The old ones are lagging! Damn!

Yolanda Renée said...

Bad weather does seem to make it easier to stay focused. That sunshine though, and all those bright colors just ask for attention. At least they do for me, but I'm still getting some good writing done. Love it!

Yolanda Renée said...

Exactly! It inspires the writing too!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Murees, I've never been normal, and I love being busy!

Yolanda Renée said...

I love cooking too, even pulling weeds, but damn, I really should have had my gloves on. It's still a pain in the you know what but at least it still only on my right hand. Band aids twenty-four seven! :)

Yolanda Renée said...

It's growing season and we have a new batch every year. You'd think I'd learn. Just couldn't wait to get my hands dirty! :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Glad to know I'm not the only pretender in the group! Hi James! :)

Yolanda Renée said...

I love sewing. Wish I could paint. Who knows maybe I'll learn. :) I know what you mean, creativity takes many paths!

Yolanda Renée said...

I like that, does it go for changing the placement of furniture too? My house is getting a make over. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

When I initiate the change it's always good. When it comes out of the blue, sometimes not so much!

Yolanda Renée said...

Sounds like a very sound plan! Wishing you Happy Writing!

Yolanda Renée said...

It's sticking around. I have band aids all over my right hand, but hey, it works! Thanks, Shannon!

Yolanda Renée said...

I really over did it with the A to Z - lesson learned. I love spring too much to give it and the changes that come with it up! The season for growth and change!

Yolanda Renée said...

On the road to fulfillment! Thanks, Lexa! Congratulations on your new book!

Yolanda Renée said...

Love that! Even my laundry isn't normal. LOL Always need the extra boost! :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Sandra!

Yolanda Renée said...

I'm send you a list of questions now! Thanks, Tara!

Yolanda Renée said...

Gary, so lovely to see you. Thanks! I'm sometimes, too often, to tell the truth, up at that hour too. Got to reset my clock, but I love the quiet of the night! If you'd be a quest that'd be wonderful!

Yolanda Renée said...

Yes, the force. We recently watched it too. Change is good when you choose it. Steady and regular. I'll change it up again this fall, I'm sure. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

I can't get anyone to take me away. I think I'll have to steal my son's car to get out of here. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

You're right, creativity comes from a very not normal place! So far the result is surprising me. :)

Yolanda Renée said...

Yes, chaos, sums up my life. You seem to have a very time consuming job. I hope you find those moments to write soon. You need to feed your soul too!

The Happy Whisk said...

Did you steal his car?

Yolanda Renée said...

I did, but i brought it back. I texted him to let him know I was.

Michelle Wallace said...

Hi Yolanda!
I got to your blog - finally!

I always ask people, what does normal mean? It differs from person to person...
so what may be 'normal' to one person, is 'abnormal' to another person.
We have to remember that our life experiences and realities are different, so the idea of what is 'normal' cannot be boxed. Yet people still try to do so. Amazing.

Your summer is my winter.
We have a three-week holiday coming up at the end of June. I'll be spending it with family...and also getting more writing and reading done!
Enjoy your summer and your writing!
See you at the twitter parties!