A Work in Progress

Like many of you, I am a list-maker. I find them to be one of the most rewarding things I can do in my little life. Well, that and drinking coffee and wearing vintage. But, I digress. List-making really only consists of three things: paper, a pen, and your brain. While there are myriad articles and books on tidying up and minimal living (both of which I fully embrace), living a simple and minimal life can also start just by making a list. So, why should you write a list? Three reasons: it's simple, it's in front of you, and anyone can be master of their world with one. Yes, dare I say master of your universe. Pretty amazing, right? That little list holds your sanity, order and clarity. And those are all we really need. Check out this list I wrote the other day: I listed the errands I had to run (go to post office, then to Salvation Army and Goodwill to find my vintage to sell). I listed the work I had to do (list two items items for sale on my vintage Etsy site,

Okay, so you’ve all heard that a writer can write anytime he or she darn well pleases. And that writers should write whenever they can. But what about times when writers shouldn’t write? Are there any rules for that, or is this just an excuse to use when there’s a deadline looming? Sure, procrastination can be detrimental to your career. But maybe there are times when it’s not such a bad idea? That maybe stepping away from the computer can benefit your work? Here’s a list of times when I know I should NOT write for fear of losing the Muse and my mind. 1. After I’ve submitted a manuscript. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s not. When you submit a manuscript, or an article or poem or hey, even a blog post, it’s time to celebrate! Time to focus on a job well done. Don’t start another novel. It squelches your current glory, well, at least mine anyway. Enjoy the satisfaction of hard work sent off into eager agent’s/editor’s hands- and then write. 2. After I’ve been out

For all of you procrastinating, I’ll-do-it-later, just-leave-me-alone people who are trying to find a way to become productive in your own life -- and a more organized member of your family-- perhaps I have the answer you’ve been waiting for. This may come as a complete shock, but if you’re willing to buy a pack of Post-It Notes©, and a pen or pencil - anything that will create tangible writing (no, the computer monitor doesn’t count -- you need something you can actually scroll a pen over) you will find yourself fast becoming productivity’s friend. Are you ready? This is what you need to do: Write down all the important things you need to do today. Now, I can hear you thinking, “Whoa, hold on there. Don’t you think that’s a little too simple? I mean, lists? Come on, I thought you were going to give me a life-changing idea.” But, I have. See, if you’re anything like me, I feel productive when I’ve accomplish something worthwhile to myself; something I place value in doing. I

So, I remember writing a blog not that long ago, about how I was stressing over what to do this summer. And how I absolutely needed to get a list going to make sure I kept busy with the boys. Well, proof that I can't live without lists (Jen, I know, I know) and that lists work , I've been busier than I ever intended. Minus the hiking trip to Tahoe (happening next weekend) and the "Forest Buffet" at Harrah's (also next weekend), the list is finished! Check marked, over with and done. Did I mention that both of them grew about an inch or more these past three months? And that wasn't even on the list. You see how busy we have been? In ten days, my boys --both of them-- go back to school -my youngest starting preschool for the first time. (FYI: there may be forthcoming a huge blog --with copious amounts of tears shed over my keyboard-- with that one.) Summer may not be officially over, but I'm at a loss for words at how quickly it went by. Guess that was

School's out and I'm officially stressed. It sounds kind of backwards, doesn't it? It isn't because of anything specifically really - only that my two boys are with me constantly. And me, wanting to be a good mom, doesn't want to hear the infamous words, "I'm bored." So I'm making a huge list of things to do over the summer. I think I'm stressed because I want my kids to actually have fun doing the things I think they'll think as fun. Does that make sense? Anyway, we did do something kind of fun: Mohawks, well it really was buzz cuts and a mohawk for the oldest. The youngest didn't like it so much, so we shaved the "hawk" off. They love it. I kind of do too. Until next time, you'll know what I'm doing- making a list, and checking it twice. -HJS