What Do You Do When...

What do you do when your schedule is too full for you to do what you love best?

That is the question. I'm a devoted writer who loves writing fiction AND non-fiction, and if I had the chance, I'd write 24/7. But I don't seem too devoted when I let my other responsibilities override my love for writing. I used to pride myself in doing what was necessary and leaving what I wanted for last. Any more I realize it's not a form of unselfishness but a misplacement of priorities.
 

I have neglected my blog of late in order to accomplish other things that appear more necessary. Unfortunately that doesn't mean that I'm actually able to accomplish those other things. The race for time is merciless. 

Now if I had all the time I wanted to spend on here I'd write daily on oodles of subjects. I have many interests, if you haven't noticed by now. The topic I love most is marine biology and technology. Taking the time to research (something I love in itself) and then writing about it takes a great deal of my time but I find it the most enjoyable.

And following those subjects is maritime archaeology and history. Having grown up watching old swashbucklers I developed a love of the real thing. I used to read the classics like Treasure Island and Captain's Courageous all the while making notes on the nautical terms and vernacular so that I could learn as much as possible. I'd get books from the library of old sea tales and even some pirate tales. Then I discovered the shipwreck section! Archaeology has always fascinated me; finding old treasures, keys to the past, it's thoroughly invigorating. And the stories I read about shipwreck discoveries only heightened my interest. I suppose it's all part of my love of history.

But when I don't want to write science or history I turn to the easier topics, like movie reviews and fashion highlights. I have definite opinions and have fun critiquing fashion but on most occasions I talk about past fashion. Modern styles can be classy and chic but the best are inspired by the past. So when I write my movie reviews I often end up taking specific shots of costume to use in a later post. For an example, see my posts on my page A Look at Fashion.

Another genre of writing I enjoy are writing book reviews, of which I've done a few. It's not a subject I write on often. I have just as much of an opinion as anything else and love putting a good story into my own summary, it's just that I don't get around to reading as much as I would like and so a book might take me quite a few months to finish.

But the topic I come back to continually is my crocheting. Since I design crochet patterns weekly for Crochet Spot, I can't help but have it on my mind. It often becomes my go-to topic when I don't have the time to talk about anything else. This can sometimes be a problem since I don't want anyone to get the idea my blog is mainly a crocheting blog. I'm a committed crocheter but my true love is writing, science writing to be exact. This brings me to my frustration.

I wonder at times if I should crochet less and devote more of my time to my writing. But my crocheting is the only form of paying work I have at the moment, and there are advantages to having your own money. I've been given the chance to expand my crocheting abilities, which has been incredibly challenging and motivating. I've learned so much since I started. And beside all of this, God provided me with this job and I wouldn't want to make any kind of change without feeling peace about it. I've wondered and waited before and God has provided, so it stands to reason that I should wait once again for Him to provide His best.

I'm actually considering cutting back on how much I crochet. Or maybe my problem is in the patterns I design. I know I've mentioned before that I have a terrible tendency to think big about my crocheting. To me a blog pattern can be small and quick to make but a store pattern needs to be big and extensive. Because of this I often max myself out, emotionally, physically, and in manner of time. Another incentive to take it easier in my crocheting is my body. For one thing, my wrist has been hurting of late, sometimes to the point of restraining me from crocheting. At first I didn't know what caused it but after crocheting a good deal one day, with thread, and then having wrist pain the next day, I eventually put two and two together. There are four options I can think of for handling this: 1. Deal with the pain, 2. Stop crocheting, 3. Crochet less, or 4. Find some way to ease the pain. The first two are definitely not an option for me so I must consider the last two. I intend to do some research on the fourth. Then of course, there is my eyes. I strain them with all the time I spend staring at the the stitches, but the worst of it is when I use the computer. And etc.

It is obvious that I have a lot to work out. Mum is advising I take it easier and crochet less. She's right when she says I shouldn't grow to dislike something that I used to love. I'm just not sure where the happy medium is. ...That is the problem. Now comes the patience. Something I'm not good at.

Tell me what you think! I'd love to hear from you.

(Pictures taken by me after our weekend ice storm.)

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Changing My Mind - Again!

I know a few months ago I spoke of starting an Etsy shop and for the longest I wanted to but couldn't. Now I can, or just about, but I'm not sure I still want to. The thing is, at first it was the only idea I had for making a little extra money and it just followed that if I make things I should sell them. And so I was all gung-ho until God began providing other things.

For instance, He provided my job with Crochet Spot in March. Like I've said before, it was a big step for me, even if it wasn't such a big step in comparison to other things. I wasn't sure I had what it takes to create a crochet pattern once a week. Well, so far I have created 26 and have learned a lot in that time.

Summer Lace Fingerless Gloves - Crochet Spot Pattern 

Now Rachel, the founder and owner of Crochet Spot, is giving me the chance to take a step further and make store patterns. This will mean bigger (more involved) projects. I'm really excited about this step because I have a tendency to create bigger projects as it is. But at the same time I am a bit nervous. Every other week I will have to have such a pattern ready. I thank God for this chance and pray that He will give me ideas and patience to do my best.

Besides crocheting, I have an incredible passion for writing. I know I've said this before, but I just wanted to reiterate for the sake of the conversation. My dream is to become a published author writing fiction as well as non-fiction. I've considered freelance writing, and took a step toward it, but I have stepped back because I am still not sure I want to put my full effort into pursuing that direction. Of course, if anyone desires to offer me a writing job anyway, I would be thrilled.

In the meantime, I am blogging on things of interest, such as marine biology and technology, for the sake of fun and in the hopes of building my writing platform. Since being introduced to the field of ocean exploration more intensely, thanks to the availability of NOAA's last expedition on the Okeanos Explorer, I have began to wonder if that is an area I could move toward in my writing. Maybe, if I show that I am good enough, I will be noticed by topic-related magazines or sites. But which should I pursue? Without feeling absolutely positive I hesitate to take action. What if I run full force into writing a certain topic and find that I jumped the gun and I've lost interest? In other words, what if I jump ahead of God and find that He had something better in mind for me than what I chose?

Whale Shark sighted during Okeanos 2013 Northeast Canyons Expedition - Courtesy of Ocean Explorer website.

I am ambitious and I will not sit around waiting for God to just drop things in my lap. God gives us talents and skills to use and a responsibility to work hard. But deciding your future is not to be taken lightly. I want God's best for me. He provided the Crochet Spot job without my seeking it out. I simply prayed for God to provide and He did. So I am asking Him to provide a writing avenue for me in the direction He knows will be best for me. He knows me better than I do.

So, in conclusion, since my main passion is for writing, I feel that starting an Etsy shop would only take time away from it and wear me out. My first inclination would be to take it on anyway and make myself do it because it would be a good experience. But I have learned that I can do too much. Until God shows me otherwise, this is the direction I will pursue. And I know God will provide when He feels I am ready. Why else would He have given me the love of writing if not to use it?

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Some More Spice! - Post Ideas

For almost a year now I have been posting a monthly series called In My Backyard, where I pick out a creature or organism that I have had an encounter with during the past month and write about them. Its great for me because I have something scheduled whereas most of my other posts are not restricted to a certain time. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem as though the series has been very popular, whether its my writing or just the topic, I have no idea. My next one might just be my last. I haven't decided yet.

But I do have other ideas for periodical posts, some I hope that will be more popular. You might note that I have a drive to be "periodical" about things and the only explanation I can give is its in my nature. I like schedule and consistency. I will admit though that it can be a bit of a hazard for me since I tend to be too scheduled, a theme that reoccurs quite often in my posts.

Anyway, on with the post ideas.

Do you like water?

 When we were little we had a fascination with old swashbuckler movies. The sword-fighting, sailing ships, and all around adventurous plots got us everytime. Against All Flags (1952), The Spanish Main (1945), and The Crimson Pirate (1952) were among our favorites, and I guess I might as well say they still are. This diet of adventures fueled a love for maritime in me that still burns today. I started my own study of ships and their stories in highschool and have collected quite a few. I've read a good many of the nautical stories I could find at our public library and have wished I could find time to read the rest. I chose maritime archaeology for a science also in highschool and wrote some papers because of it. The initial theme of this blog was intended to be nautical until I decided over time to touch on something a little more earthy. And though I don't spend as much time reading and breathing maritime history as I used to I still love it. That and marine biology which I also chose as a science. In light of my watery-infatuation, I've decided to start a series of posts that will range from stories of the amazing sailing ships, modern archaeology's discoveries, and the overall history of life on the sea, to the creatures that live in the sea and all the things humans love to do in, on, and under it. I plan to delve into known and unknown facts of marine and maritime subjects. Sound interesting? Well, whether the series is liked or not, I'll still have to try my hand at it. After all, it is my blog.

Movie Night, anyone?

Less intellectual, maybe, my second idea is to review some of my favorite movies from the past. Those I choose will range from early 40's to late 60's, most likely, and eventually maybe some more modern ones, who knows. Reviewing movies is something that will come easy to me since I already have a definite opinion where they are concerned so in a way this will be a breeze but I have a feeling it will be more noticed and attractive than my other ideas. I haven't decided when to post them and how often. If you have read any of my posts from last year, you will see that I did this during the Christmas season with my favorite Christmas movies (see here for the whole list). I plan to stretch this series out a little more. And for those of you who kept up with the Christmas reviews I still plan to do one on It's a Wonderful Life this Christmas. So stay tuned.

To give you an idea of some of my favorites, here is a short list:

• Wallflower (1948), with Joyce Reynolds, Robert Hutton, Janis Page, and Edward Arnold. 

Joyce Reynolds

• Government Girl (1943), with Olivia de Havilland and Sonny Tufts.

• Billy Rose's Jumbo (1962), with Doris Day, Stephen Boyd, and Jimmy Durante.

I hope you're interested. Stick with me to see how it turns out. Until then...

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Having Questions Doesn't Always Mean You'll Have Answers

Gracie

This morning I was fixing sourdough biscuits  like I do just about every other day. (We leave them in the fridge till supper to let the sourdough do its duty). Gracie, our pit bull/lab mix, was laying on the cool linoleum sleeping. She's an outdoor doggy but we spoil her, and she doesn't complain. Anyway, as I was working I was talking to her about my writing. She's a good listener, she never has a problem with anything I say.

Character?

My thoughts had to do with character and plot influences. For example, if I was to create a story character, a girl named Jane, how alike would her character be to mine? There would be similarities since I am the creator of her character and therefore her knowledge would reflect mine. But how far of a reflection is okay? If I were to say she had red hair, (in case you don't know, I have red hair) would that be okay or would people point and say, "So are all your characters supposed to be you"?

I actually think, in this case, it would be acceptable. But what if two out of three novels had a heroine with red hair, would that be merely a reflection of my understanding, (since red hair isn't quite as prominent as blonde or brown), or would it be redundant?

Maybe the above is acceptable, maybe not. How about if my heroine had a love for cooking and was/had been homeschooled? I can connect with homeschoolers since I was homeschooled and I know the ups and downs, the feelings as opposed to public schoolers.

Plot?

Then I come upon another question, to create a plot where there is a lot of unknowns for me, say for instance, a girl living in the Bahamas (I don't live in the Bahamas), I would naturally have to do a lot of research. But would I ever be able to write about her life in the Bahamas so convincingly that people would never guess that I had never been there? A good writer could, I really believe.

Since I am an amateur I fear I am stepping out of the bounds of my creativity by writing about things I can only research and never experience for myself, at least at the present. I am not against writing about what you know, but as I said in the beginning, how much should you write about what you know?

I've read that a lot of classics from writers like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Charlotte and Emily Bronte, whose works reflect their life. Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility both reflect the lifestyle Austen lived in; she wrote about what she knew. Dickens also wrote about what he knew, the impoverishment of Londoners in A Christmas Carol, the difficulty of growing up and finding work, among other things, in Great Expectations. And the Bronte sisters suffered similarly to Jane in Charlotte's book, Jane Eyre.

So this obviously proves that writing about what you know is the essence of a good author. However, knowing how much to reflect of your life in your writing is a mystery to me. Naturally, my female characters, or at least the heroines, will have similar desires and interests. If they were to have a lot of similar interests, is this evidence of a lack of experience, or the inability to understand other characters and feelings unlike mine?

Conclusion

To sum up, I have two questions, make that three:

1. How much of your writing should reflect your life/your interests? Or how much of a reflection is okay? and,
2. Should inexperienced writers stick to what they know and not venture beyond the known until they've had sufficient experience? Which only asks the third question, 
3. How much experience does one need?

I'm a strong believer in teaching yourself, learning as much as you can, and never saying something is too hard. But I also don't want to bite off more than I can chew. Realistically speaking, I feel there is still a lot I can't, or shouldn't venture to handle at this stage in my writing "career". Then again, maybe its just the insecurity and uncertainty in me that asks these questions.

Anyone care to give me some advice?

Trivia

The versions we own.

Did you know that my favorite (modern) author is Michael Phillips? I have only recently discovered just how amazing his books are. I started reading his Secret of the Rose series a few years ago and I haven't found a better series or author since. This isn't to say I don't like any other modern writers. I've actually been quite occupied with Davis Bunn's books of late. But the depth to which Phillips writes is so thorough and yet not so much so that it is slow or boring. But here I go on a whole other topic. I'll save this for a later post.

The new covers. I love them!

In parting I'd like to add if Mr. Phillips could give me some pointers it would thrill my soul. And that doesn't happen very often.

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What I'm Doing and My Plans

My cutie-pie, Lizzie Beth. She was helping me take photos of my latest project.

Its sometimes difficult to find the right way to start a blog post. I've heard it said that the hardest thing for a writer is staring at that blank page. Though I can't say I always have that problem, its definitely something I can relate to. Sometimes its just a matter of getting your thoughts organized. I seem to have a time doing that lately.

At first it was blogging and my other writing that I tried to juggle, and its not like it was too much, though I may have made a harder process of it than it was. Now that I've become a writer at Crochet Spot I've been doing some adjusting: writing an original pattern once a week, understanding the HTML. Its been really good for me so far, having a deadline that's not just of my own making, and having incentive to create my own patterns. I'm really grateful for this chance. To tell you the truth, I never dreamed that I would be given the chance to do what I love for some place other than my own blog. It's also nice to have some extra money on hand, though living at home doesn't demand a lot of expenses. Plugging away at my writing is slow going and only now has my experiences offered a small financial benefit. I anticipate the day I can get my own stories published, it seems something so far away since I have been wanting this for so long.

But back to my latest. Since starting to work for Crochet Spot I've had to work with HTML, and though I have a nodding acquaintance with it, I've never had the chance to use it. I fear I'm becoming somewhat of a nuisance to Rachel, the founder of Crochet Spot, who has been so patient in assisting me with it. I've never considered myself a slow learner, but there's just so much about HTML I can't grasp.

Actually, I've been wondering some of these things before having to come upon them. What I want in a blog is something that reflects me in all my random-retro-colorful style, with buttons and pages that look like something right out of my scrapbook. And that's essentially it, I want to set up my blog like I would a scrapbook page. The only problem is, I don't really know where to start.

Not long ago I noticed the "Edit HTML" button in my template options and I realized that I could get more (how much, I don't know) out this blog/template than I thought available on Blogspot. But where do I find all this paraphernalia that describes me, and secondly, how do I get it into the HTML?! Questions, questions, questions! Sounds like hours of research. But that's what the internet is for, isn't it? I just so happens, there are a dozen other things demanding hours of research, not to mention the hours of research my story writing needs. This brings me to another question: how do you balance all the things you need to do? We have a horrible problem around here of having too much to do and no time to do it in.

As for my blog plans, I'll hopefully be able to figure it out soon. Maybe I'll spend a post detailing exactly what I want. Sound boring? Hmm...

Speaking of future posts, I still have two more "Culinary Chronicles" I've promised but haven't written yet. On Kale Chips and Ginger Tea. I've finally got the pictures so I'll try to do them soon. Until then, I hope you enjoy browsing the contents of my blog. Make sure and leave me a message on what you think about it. And if you can tell me anything regarding the subject I have been speaking of (HTML) then I would love for you to tell me.

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Resolution or Plain Resolve

In my last post called Getting it Straight -- Maybe I talked about finally coming to terms with what I wanted, building my own business or writing. I realized that I could not devote the proper amount of time necessary to each of the projects I had and that I must downsize. Well, I am finally at peace with leaving my business behind (for now) and heading full force into writing, since it is the love of my life. This brings me to my post for today.

The new year is here and many people are struggling to keep up with their New Year's resolutions. I have a theory for that. It is: if its not something you are successful at accomplishing during the rest of the year then don't think you can accomplish it at the start of a new one. So I don't make resolutions. But I do have hopes. And plans. Tentative plans.

Since the direction in my life is a little more focused, and clear, I have been able to lay some of the other things in my life aside. And I can't say how good it feels to have a clear goal to shoot for.

So, with renewed resolve, I started this month with set, and yet simple, plans. I didn't start the first week of the month, though. Since my mom and sister were still recovering from Bronchitis we took advantage of it to continue our holiday vacation. Then last week arrived. I caught up on my emails, cleared away all that had piled up over the holidays and prepared to plunge full force into my writing. As happens so often with the best of intentions, I didn't really get started on that "plunge" until Thursday. But I am pleased to say that in the days I have been able to write I have really moved along. I am learning to ignore those voices in my head that tell me this and that and frustrate my writing, and am beginning to learn to let myself enjoy it. I must admit, I've never understood those people that can just write a story beginning to end without any changes or reconfiguring. I reconfigure a little too much, but never reconfiguring on your first draft? Unbelievable. Then again maybe I am missing something. Yet they say write the way you feel comfortable and don't worry about the rules. So if that is true, I well on my way.

Anyhow, I have new resolve and a goal to shoot for. If its God's will like I think it is, then I should be able to stick to this new schedule I have made for myself. Time will tell.

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Getting it Straight -- Maybe

Its taken me years to come to the point where I can say I know what I want. I'm not sure its exactly slow-learning or preoccupied. I've said before how I've always wanted to do everything from crafting and writing, to medicine and history, and even astronomy. I have vast interests, yes, which have created a problem for me when it comes to settling down to working on one, or two. As I have grown, naturally my desires and interests have grown with me, but unfortunately I still have that intangible desire to do (almost) everything.

When I graduated I thought: "Great! Now I can spend all my free time writing. I'll just get a business going (selling my products) on the side and I'm "home free"." Right. I have the insane problem of wanting to do everthing right the first time, so when i don't, I pull my hair out. Yes, you guessed it, I'm bald.

The years passed, and yes, I managed to design a site, and have spent a considerable amount of time devoted to writing. But I still can't seem to get it all done. Besides (I'm ashamed to admit) as much writing as I like to do, I haven't published one story, or even finished a single novel. Sigh.

I put a lot of stress on myself by believing the lies the devil sends my way about my worth and ability. Making enough money to pay for myself instead of depending upon my parents is my drive. In a way its pride, for me at least. There's more than merely being self-sufficient here. But I make myself crazy trying to make it all happen.

I've asked God many times to clear up this mess of feelings and desires in me but just like God, it takes time. I have come to realize its a growth thing and not something you can solve immediately.

Well, He did fulfill my request. Gradually I have begun to evaluate just what it is I want to do, and how much time I want to give it. The idea of selling my products isn't quite as appealing as it used to be. Or rather, going into a full blown business. What I desire more than anything is to write. I want to finish my stories, I want to be published, and I want to spend more time getting to feel out who I am in the blogosphere. Randomly, it would be great to one day head up my own magazine. Wow! That's thinking big, of course. But its the direction I finally realize I want to go.

I'm still working on the specifics, but I think my Etsy shop is going to have to be put on hold. My WWII short is calling and I can't put it off any longer.

So yes, I have learned; God has shown me a little more of the direction I should go. Now if only I can refrain from allowing the frustrations to sink in and take me over. Patience... Relax... Go at it in your own time... Tips for the coming year.

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Change - Or Finding My Niche

Well, lets see. Let me get my thoughts un-befuddled. Its terrible how that happens sometimes, isn't it? First of all, I have now realized why I haven't received any comments, ever, on this blog. And everyone says that's strange. I think its strange because even on my old blog I received comments and it didn't have as big of a domain name as this one. Now this may sound a little juvenile to you, but it all had to do with my settings. Yep, I know I should have already checked it but I thought I did. Anyhow, I now have comments enabled so feel free to let me know your thoughts.

To get on to other things, last week I checked out the book Blogging for Bliss: Crafting your own Online Journal by Tara Frey at our local library. Sadly to say I haven't got very far, but some of what I have read has been really helpful to me. I wish I had had this before I started this blog, it would have been really helpful. But since I didn't I will just have to make amends along the way. One thing I know is that I need to open up a little more if I want it to be readable. Who's attracted to a random blog that doesn't seem to have a point or purpose? You might read one post but nothings predictable. There's really nothing to bring you back again. You never know what might be the topic of the day. Tara Frey has helped me to see that I need to hone in on specific topics, within reason, because I am not very specific with my topics I write about.

I've actually been thinking about this for a while, realizing that I need a little more life, a little more about me, if this is going to be my online journal. I have to admit to you, though, I'm not too keen on displaying my life on the internet even though I like the online journal idea. Safety and all that. But if you bear with me I will get organized and find my niche. I'm trying.

Actually, the past few years of my life, at least the last year, has been all about finding my niche. As an aspiring writer, I have really been trying to find the type of writing that is right for me. At first I wanted to move into the freelance writing scene, thinking that was the answer to my looking for work. And though I haven't changed my mind, right now its a little off base for me. Meaning, I have stories to finish, a blog to reform, my business to promote, crocheting, yada yada yada. (Okay, that was annoying). Plus I don't live alone which means I have responsibilities to others and not just myself. Being a part of my family is incredibly important, even if I am single and living at home. Some say this is the age of freedom but I like to think of it as the age of learning. You don't know what's next for you or how long this time in your life will last, so make the best of it, not by shurking your responsibilities but by learning to honor them.

Okay, I chased a little rabbit there. Sorry. I am now off the soap box.

During my freelance writing research I found out that not all writing is for me. Journalism, for instance, the reporting of news, is really not my thing. What is my thing is creative writing, which is, well, what I do. Basically what you will find here on my blog comes under the heading of creative writing. I write about anything that inspires me. And that can get a little random at times so you see what I mean about trying to pull it all together in a less random style. I guess this is just a blog about my passions. That's what it really should be anyway.

I have also learned that my blog template at the moment is a bit hampering. In fact what I really wanted in template design was a virtual scrapbook. Yes, I am a scrapbooker too. But as you might have read in a previous post, my scrapbooking is a bit unique in that I don't scrapbook about people but things. Its hard to explain really. Basically its like creating a theme on a page. And thats what I want for my site. Lets just say I am not the most tech savvy. That's why I am taking so long on getting it to the way I want, I have to do a lot of research. But I am getting there. Slowly.

For those who do read my blog, thanks for the patience. And I'll see you back here soon at Over the Horizon. This is GoldenSails signing off.

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Thus Far

My big news is actually a bit late. If you've seen my tweets then this will be no surprise. To those who haven't read my tweets: I'm published! No, not in writing, sadly. I'm still working on that. Actually I am now waiting for a response to my FIRST query letter. I can't say I am very positive about because I have a problem being positive. Yeah, its not a good thing. But if God thinks this is something I need, then He'll provide. Its all I've got.

I have published my site! That's the good news. For years I have poked around on Wix.com, a free site designing page, trying this and that but I am not a site designer and I personally don't want to become one. The thing is I couldn't afford to pay someone to do it for me and my family are all too busy. Besides, if I didn't know what I wanted then what am I to tell them. Nope. So I trudged through it myself. Two years at least it took me to actually figure out what I wanted and all that thanks to Wix's already made sites.

My problem was I wanted everything to be original. Its something I have struggled with since childhood. When it came to writing, my characters had to have all new names (usually created) and since I don't, usually, write fantasy you can see where things could get strained. Also I wanted my plots to be OVERLY original. Lets just suffice it to say, I in no way wanted to copy anyone or anything. Hence the many hours of struggling then AND now. Its hard to come to grips with the fact that its okay to be original sometimes. I so didn't want my story to just be filed in with the rest of the fiction books out there that I almost pulled my hair out every time I sat down to write.

Naturally, the years change a person. I admit that I was impetuous in my earlier days. I saw things as black and white, so naturally having aspects of a book similar to someone else's  in the smallest way was not at all acceptable. Thankfully, I have come to realize that although the name Mary is very normal it can fit certain characters. Now the trouble is purging that way of thinking from myself forever. Its not as much character plots anymore as it is writing the perfect article. I drive myself nuts trying to keep in mind all the do's and don'ts in writing while still trying to remind myself to BE myself. It usually goes where I struggle, pull my hair out, cry, beat the table, sob to mother or anyone nearest, before I come to the point where I can be alright with just writing it the way it comes to me. (I sound like a mental case. I have issues. Perfection issues.) And naturally, I edit it afterward, but the initial draft is the heartache.

So back to my site... Since I chased a rabbit. I finally told myself that site designing is not something that comes naturally for me and is not something I want to spend my life doing, and I started searching through Wix's already-made HTML sites. There I found the perfect site for me. The colors are me, the style has almost a vintage/newspaper look which I absolutely adore, and the layout just worked perfectly. I finally hit my pocket of inspiration after that and went at it with a vengeance.

And just to set things straight, those "two" years I didn't spend as much time on designing my site as I should have or I might have come to this conclusion sooner. I had so much else I was trying to tackle that it was not at the top of my list till about a month ago. So...

But I'd love for everyone to tell me what they think about it. Here's the url: goldensails.wix.com/amylynn or you can find a link at the top of My Links to the right and down. No, I didn't make it the first link, it just so happens that my name starts with A.

Now I am throwing myself full force into my writing. Which I am glad I can do. But the typical race for time still exists. Anyone who says singles with no "job" have all the time in the world to do what they please needs... well, needs to be set right.

 So until next time...

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