Charlie Bear here with a Taylor’s Tips Newsletter post from Mom Peep. I like this one, cause the little guy is kind of like me.
TAYLOR’S TIPS for a more productive you…
I have a friend who sits in my bookcase in my office. He’s green with bright red eyes, and he’s made out of rubber.
His name is GUMBY and the reason I love him so much is because he reminds me to bend, to go with the flow, to look at things in a happy way.
Like now, with the holidays approaching, it is definitely a time when we really need to be flexible, open, receptive to changes and upheaval. For instance, who is coming to dinner, who is not? How many places should I set? Will there be in-laws? Outlaws? Barely-know-you new family members?
Will they arrive on time or be late? Will dinner burn or dry out? Will I have enough gifts for everyone? Did I spend enough? Will it look like I’m cheap if I don’t overspend? What if I want to craft a gift for family instead of spending lots of money, will that go over okay? What will others think of me?
Will I get everything done? The shopping, the wrapping, the shipping, the baking, the cleaning, the ho-ho-ho-ing. Can I keep a happy attitude this holiday season or fall into a funk of not enough time and too much to do?
Gumby is all about being flexible.
Just look at him. How could you not be relaxed? Look how happy he is. Can we be like that (at least part of the time) this holiday season? I’m going to try, how about you? Who knows where changes will take us. I plan on welcoming them all, friends, family, in-laws and outlaws. The future will take us where we are meant to go and as the days, weeks, months, and years fly by, I’m going to be a Gumby and relax and go with the flow.
Oh, and while we’re at it, what about our writing? Gumby has a friend. His name is Pokey.
When it comes to our writing career, isn’t Pokey appropriate? Things move slowly (especially during the holiday season), so my expectations have to be pokey too. And can’t we say that we also don’t know where the publishing industry is going, who is at what publishing house, who is acquiring, who is buying, what is selling, what should we be doing in all this? We’re surrounded by changes, and that’s again where Gumby comes in.
Let’s embrace the unknown instead of fear it. Let’s welcome changes. We could waste precious time railing at the injustices in the publishing world, but instead, how about accepting it and going with the flow?
Hugs and love, and blessings on your work.
Follow your dreams…
B.J.
What’s Going On:
Has your family asked you, “Mom/Honey/Darling, what do you want for Christmas?” And have you rehearsed your answer? “A contribution to my conference fees would be fantastic!” Start an envelope and drop in those donations (aka Christmas gifts of cash) and you’ll have the funds when you need it. See you at one (or maybe both?) of these wonderful events.
Northwest Christian Writers Renewal May 15-16, 2015 in Redmond Washington (near Seattle). I’ll be teaching Writing for the Guideposts Contest and Making $$$ Selling Inspirational Short Stories. There will be lots to learn, editors to meet, agents to talk to. Don’t miss it. www.nwchristianwriters.org/renewal
Orange County Christian Writers Conference Friday, April 24 (5:30–9:30), and Saturday, April 25 (8:00–5:00). Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana, California. A great conference with a fabulous staff devoted to giving you the best opportunity to learn your craft.
P MS to a T: the winning formula for writing nonfiction short stories that sell My self-imposed deadline is almost here. I’ll be sending the manuscript off to the wonderful people who volunteered to be beta readers. If you are on the list, watch for an email from me soon. And know that I appreciate you!
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5.0 out of 5 stars I just want to say I really loved the Book, November 23, 2014
This review is from: Charlie Bear: What a Headstrong Rescue Dog Taught Me About Life, Love, and Second Chances (Paperback)
I just want to say I really loved the Book!!!! I did not want it to end. I love books that you pick up and start to read and by the first page you are into it, and don’t want to put it down. I could vision everything that B.J. Taylor was writing about. She has a really neat way of explaining things happening. I loved Charlie Bear’s messages too!
This book is a must have for any animal lover out there. Will make great Christmas gifts, I have it on my list. Enjoy!!!! |
For Charlie Bear’s dog blog: www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com.
He’s also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/charliebearwigglesandwoofs
and on Twitter: @CharlieBearY2K.
B.J. Taylor
bj@bjtayloronline.com
www.bjtayloronline.com
www.bjtaylorblog.wordpress.com
CB & BJ, Gumby here also, and will say am a somewhat Pokey also. But when you have climbed over the mountains with age you get Pokey naturally. You BJ just keep the Faith and go with the flow and am sure everything will be alright. Happy meeting times…
LemonDrop,
Yup, age makes us a Pokey as we climb the mountain, especially this Mom Peep with her knees. But she’s still climbing, just like you.
Happy Holidays,
B.J. and Charlie Bear
I love Gumby and Pokey~~~~~ I’m so much of a Gumby I think. Sort of a nerd–definitely not a Pokey. 🙂 Looking forward to PMS with a T!
Julie,
I’m definitely a Gumby. The writing industry is Pokey in my book, but I’m learning to Gumby with it!
Hugs,
B.J.