Meeting One of My Inspirations– A Memory I’ll Forever Treasure

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 Meeting an inspiration of mine, writing coach and author Cynthia Morris

This morning I sit at my desk feeling so emotional.  Last night I met writing coach and author, Cynthia Morris. She is promoting her debut novel, Chasing Sylvia Beach and made an appearance in Milwaukee, WI at the Lyndon Sculpture Gardens.

It was in 2005 that I was introduced to Cynthia’s work. I was coaching with life coach, Diane Krause-Stetson at the time. I was 41 years old and trying to figure out what it was I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to do something more meaningful. I wanted to live with more joy. I wanted to find my authentic self and not be afraid to be that person.

Coaching was not easy. But it was worth every minute of the deep dive into my soul’s stirring. Trying to narrow down and focus on something that would bring me what I was seeking was challenging. I think as women, at least among my circle of friends, we tend to like to do so many things!  But as I went through the coaching process, dogs and animals kept surfacing, and my deep love for them. Then writing surfaced for many different reasons.

It was then, with the help and encouragement from my coach that I decided to pursue writing and write about what I love most– animals, with an emphasis on dogs. It was then that Diane loaned me a book from her extensive and beautiful library called, Create Your Writer’s Life by Cynthia Morris. I’ve followed Cynthia’s work enthusiastically since that day. I’ve read all her e-books, taken some of her on line classes, been a part of her Creative Book Salon, and also participated in the Creative Leap Club she offers– which by the way I credit as a part of my process in helping me leap forward in finishing my new book.

Her tenacity for living her dreams and following her heart speaks to me. So to finally meet her in person last night was an absolute joy. It’s why I sit at my computer this morning feeling so emotional. I feel filled with so much inspiration to continue on my own path– to keep following my heart.  And the other way I can describe it is when you decide to pursue what makes your heart sing, by default, you attract into your life those much like you. Being around someone like Cynthia and her amazing energy of choosing to live life as she chooses is something that once you taste and experience it, you never want to go back to anything else.

What Brings You Joy? Stop. Think. Make a List.

Today Daily Word  talked about what it is that brings us joy.  They suggested creating a “joy chest” of photographs, quotes, ideas, etc. that we can refer to when looking for joy in our lives. I smiled thinking about my blog. I seem to capture all those things right here. But I also decided to make a list of what brings me joy.

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1.  Time with my dogs, Kylie and Joie, whether walking them, cuddling them or just hanging out with them.

2.  Time with my husband, John.  Playing Yahtzee, talking, date nights, laughing, dreaming, hanging out around our chimenia, watching movies…

3.  Lunch dates with my mom. Not only does this bring me joy but it fills my soul back up with nothing like the love of a Mom.

4.  Reading a good book.  Books that inspire me, give me hope, make me smile, make me laugh, and especially books that make me think.  I’m re-reading Tammy Strobel’s book right now, You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap) . This girl knows the meaning of joy and I’m utterly fascinated by her tiny house living.

5.  Taking pictures.  This was not always on my list, but with the photography course I’m taking I’m finding joy in looking through the lens of my camera in a new way.

6.  Watching a child play.

7.  Planting flowers.

8.  Riding my bike. So anxious for spring and hoping Joie is going to love riding in the basket on my bike as much as Frankie did.

9.  Puttering around my house with my favorite movies or shows playing in the background. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and my all time favorite TV show is “Bewitched.” I have all the shows on DVD.

10.  Time with friends.

11.  Perusing through country and cottage magazines– Country Living, Cottages and Bungalows and Cottage Journal among my favorite.  I love this best in the summer sitting out on the deck with a glass of wine.

12.  Seeing a full moon.

13.  Walking by the lake.

14.  Listening to instrumental music.  I especially love soundtracks to movies I love.

15.  Seeing an old couple holding hands.

16.  Finding quotes that speak to me and writing them in a journal of quotes I keep.

That’s my list for now. What is it that brings you joy?  Make a list and feel free to share in the comments. I’d love to hear!

My Writing Cottage. A.K.A JoyfulPaws.com Headquarters

Today I had a request from a reader on Facebook. He knows I’m taking a photography class and that we are to be taking photos of our every day life. He requested that I share photos of my writing cottage. I’ve posted photos in the past, but it’s been awhile, so those of you new to my blog, I thought you might enjoy.

I must say though, as I looked at the photos I thought, I have too much stuff!  I’m in a new mode of thinking the past couple of months of trying to smart-size and not live with as much stuff.  Eventually my husband I want to move to a smaller home (ours is 1200 sq. ft.).  I know my writing cottage would be hard for me to leave, as well as all my “stuff.” But I do think I could get rid of some things… someday.

All photos were taken today, with the exception of the outside shot.  This is from the summer months. It is much prettier in the summer than winter.  And wait until you see my boss– she is SO CUTE!

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An old desk that now serves as an altar of Frankie memories

 

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This is Eartha Azure.  I made her in a doll class years ago. I love her!

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My book case with lots of books on writing, publishing and marketing

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More book shevles– books on dogs, inspiration, self help

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A cozy corner. I love my heat and glo stove and my arched window

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My thinking, reading, snuggling with Joie, napping chair

 

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View from my desk.  Door goes out onto our deck and then into our house

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My desk which is a flurry of activity right now as I get ready to launch my new book

 

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The Boss at JoyfulPaws Headquarters.  She takes lots of naps so it’s easy to goof off!
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My wall with some of my favorite photos of Frankie

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When John built me this 10 x 12 space he dubbed it MySpace.Calm.  It really meant alot to me that he understood I needed my own space to write and just be.

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