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Celebrating the Small Things: 1st eBook Sale

When Bob told me the first copy of my new eBook Frozen Fun sold just a few days after becoming available in the Amazon Kindle Store I was excited. Almost as excited as when I first held a copy of my print book in my hands or the first time I found it at Barnes and Noble.

All writers dream of wild and crazy success each time they release a new book. But don’t get so caught up in the ultimate goal that you forget to celebrate the milestones along the way. These small but important steps along the way are so important. They are what help re-fuel us and keep us going.

Today join me in celebrating the small steps toward big goals, whatever those goals may be for you. Please visit the weekly Blog Hop at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author to see what other people are celebrating.

Thought for Today

“Some of the greatest works of art and the most important works of peace were created by people who had no need for the limelight. They knew that what they were doing was their call, and they did it with great patience, perseverance, and love.” Henri Nouwen

Thought for Today

Erma Bombeck & Phil Donahue (Photo credit: Scott Beale)

“When humor goes, there goes civilization.” — Erma Bombeck

Thought for Today

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” — The Bible, I Corinthians 14:33

Never Give Up

If you haven’t seen the entire clip of Susan Boyle’s first appearance on Britain’s Got Talent please click on the link below and watch it now. This is a valuable lesson in not judging by appearances as well as inspiration to never give up. If this doesn’t inspire you to keep following your dreams I don’t know what will.

http://youtu.be/5D5DgQi2oqA

Thought for Today

“Surrounded by people who love life, you love it too; surrounded by people who don’t, you don’t.” — Mignon McLaughlin

Thought for Today

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears. –Rudyard Kipling

Celebrating the Small Things: Good Neighbors

We live in an apartment community. People move in. People move out. Some are good neighbors. Others, not so much. Sometimes the nice people don’t stay long enough while it seems the trouble makers will never leave.

It can get discouraging when the building is full of drama or words of greeting are met with an icy death stare. Sometimes it is easy to get so caught up in the bad stuff in life that we forget the good.

Focus on the nice people who live next door, down the street or in your community. The ones who greet you with a smile, offer help to others in times of need, stop to talk or even accept a dinner invitation. Sometimes in our building we decorate our doors for the holidays or exchange small treats. Like the neighbors who gave us a hand on Halloween.

So today I am celebrating the good neighbors and choosing to not let rudeness from others turn me into a bad neighbor.

Please feel free to visit the weekly Blog Hop at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author to see what other people are celebrating.

Thought for Today

“People deal too much with the negative, with what is wrong … Why not try and see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?” – Thich Nhat Hanh

May is National Salad Month

Chicken Salad with Nectarines and WalnutsCopyright 2011 — Chicken Salad with Nectarines and Walnuts
Copyright 2011

I love salad! So when I learned May is National Salad Month I was ready to celebrate. If you are having trouble meeting the new My Plate nutrition guidelines of one half of your plate being fresh fruits and veggies salad is one way to accomplish this.

Try a variety of greens including spinach, arugula, watercress, radicchio and others. If you have trouble finding variety look for Spring Mix.

Add extra veggies or fresh fruit like oranges or strawberries to your salad for an added nutritional boost. You want lots of color.

Don’t drown your salad in a fat laden dressing. Try a nice vinaigrette for a healthier dressing. Remember a serving of salad dressing is only one Tablespoon.

Please join me in celebrating National Salad Month by making a conscious effort to work more salads into meals.