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Lots of spring cleaning
Feb 26, 2010

Lots of spring cleaning

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I’ve spent the morning “spring cleaning” – getting rid of stuff I no longer use – blogs I don’t write for anymore, links that no longer link anywhere and stuff like that.

This morning about 6:45 after my teenager got on the school bus, I was sitting here drinking my coffee and I just felt kinda bogged down. Not heavy bogged down, but just enough that it caused me to think about things. And I realized that in order to CREATE anything, I have to be willing to LET OTHER THINGS GO. (Of course, I knew that already really, but it was one of those moments like “Well, hey, no time like the present!”)

And so shortly thereafter, I got an email that reminded me about renewing my weight loss blogs domain name and even though I enjoy that blog and I really do intend to write there more often, I made the decision to let it go – to not renew it. Once I had that decision made, it just kind of snow-balled a bunch of other similar decisions and I’ve spent the last while letting go of all kinds of things that simply no longer serve my purpose.

I feel peaceful about this change and I think that’s really helping me feel peaceful about some other changes that I’ve been considering for quite some time. Some HUGE changes, actually.

Now it’s just simply time to get on with it. As much as these other changes will be difficult, I am feeling ok about them in the long run. I know the short term will be rough and I’ll have to make some adjustments, but in the end, I think it’s the choice I have to make.

And I know that’s pretty cryptic – sorry – but I’ll let you know about those things soon. I have to make them happen first before I can really discuss them. But trust me – when the time comes, I will NEED A LOT OF TALKING and I’ll be here saying all that needs to said.

Until then,

Be blessed,

{ write * design * blog }

Filed Under: Life, Mindset, Personal, Self, Work · Tagged: ,
Themes for 2010
Jan 28, 2010

Themes for 2010

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With the close of January coming up very soon, I thought I’d post one more time about my Themes for 2010. Earlier this month, I wrote about my ThemeWord for the year – CREATE. And it’s my single-minded goal for 2010. What that means, is I take that one word and apply it to everything I do – “What can I CREATE with this?” With only one thing to focus on, I find clarity as well as productivity in the things I do every day.

I’ve read several blogs recently that are taking this ThemeWord thing even farther and adding in things like Theme Song, Theme Color, and a variety of other ideas. While I don’t want to take it that far myself, I do like the idea of themes. Like I already said above, it creates clarity and productivity for me plus it also gives me a sense of balance.

(And sometimes a sense of balance is sorely lacking in the world around me! LOL)

Now, having said that, I am going to add a ThemeColor to my ThemeWord for 2010. I don’t know about a song. Maybe I’ll find one that really draws me in and compliments my other theme choices but for now, no song. ;-)

So here’s my color . . .

pinkSwatch.png

Mind you, I do NOT like pink very well (I’m not a girly-girl!) but I do like the brightness of this color. If I thought I could effectively change my blog design to incorporate this color, I would. But I think it would end up throwing the design off quite a bit and I have yet to find a design I like better than this one. So for now, no design change either but that may come at some point as well.

Have you considered adopting any themes for this year? Why or why not? And if so, which themes have you incorporated into your life and/or business?

(Please don’t be afraid of disqus! It’s a great commenting system. Oh – and speaking of disqus, look out for my post tomorrow about exactly why I decided to implement disqus here. I hope it’s helpful to you!)

Until then . . .

Be blessed,

{ write * design * blog }

Remember – you can always contact me via the contact form if you don’t want to leave a comment but feel like you have something to share.

Filed Under: Ideas, Mindset, Personal, Work · Tagged: , , , , ,
A second wind
Jan 22, 2010

A second wind

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You know, I always imagined that by this time of my life (I’m turning 37 today), I would have things figured out. I would have the life I’d dreamed about since I was young. That I would be well-off, educated, happy, successful. But about a year ago, the reality hit me I was not on target to reach all of those goals by this point in my life.

Frankly, it was a B.I.G. let-down. I’m not going to lie and sugar-coat it. I was unhappy about it. I felt depressed. I felt ashamed. I felt like I’d made a mess of my aspirations. And I was hurting inside. I wanted so much more for myself!

But you know what?

I came to the realization a few months ago that those were my own self-imposed limitations! I had set myself up for the feelings of guilt and shame and powerlessness. I realized sometimes things go a different way than we intend and it’s ok. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world. There’s nothing wrong with that.

So, here’s the deal – I’ve given myself permission to move forward from here and to CREATE new dreams. New intentions. New expectations.

And knowing myself better today than I did all those years ago, I’d say I’m much better prepared to actually become the person I long to be.

There are changes coming. I feel like a I have a second wind, a new beginning. I feel a new strength welling up inside me and I am ready to let everything I have to offer come pouring out to share with the world.

Of course, you know what they say about an overnight success?

It’s years in the making . . .

And now, my years in the making are over.

It all begins today.

Be blessed,

{ write * design * blog }

Filed Under: Health & Fitness, Life, Mindset, Self · Tagged: , , ,
Reinventing Annie
Jan 18, 2010

Reinventing Annie

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Earlier this year, I wrote about my new ThemeWord for 2010 – CREATE. So far, I must say, I haven’t created much of anything. Mostly as a result of having a house full of sick kids for going on almost 2 weeks now.

And if that weren’t bad enough – when I took them to the doctor Thursday, the doctor thinks my 11 year old son (the autistic one) may be diabetic. Hopefully, we’ll get the necessary tests done this week to find out for sure.

Anyway – back to CREATE. My birthday is coming up this week. I’ll be 37. I usually don’t tell people my age but I’m doing so in the interest of the topic – Reinventing Annie.

Now, don’t worry – I wouldn’t call this a mid-life crisis or something. I just feel like this is my 2nd wind. This is my time.

The first half of my life has been about other people – my family, mostly. Earlier in the scheme of things, it was about school or work or whatever else I’ve done in the past. And now this part of my life is going to be about myself. Not in some conceited, “me first” kind of way – but more like, I am me and this is who I am. This is what I want to do with my life.

I won’t be letting my family define me anymore. I won’t be letting my personal beliefs define me anymore. Nor my parents. Or siblings. Or my work. Or my writing.

This is me on my terms.

And I am Reinventing Annie.

Stay tuned.

Be blessed,

PS – Would you keep my son in your thoughts? He already has so many things in his young life and diabetes might be a hard row to hoe for him if indeed he is diagnosed with it. Thanks! I appreciate it.

{ write * design * blog }
Filed Under: Ideas, Life, Mindset, Personal, Self · Tagged: ,
Jack and his boy plus other stuff
Jan 7, 2010

Jack and his boy plus other stuff

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Lots of things to write about today – if I can remember all of them! LOL So let’s get crackin’ before I forget . . .

First, I’ve started a new “store” on shopify selling Reusable Bags. Because I think the Earth and our environment is a gift to us, on loan from the Creator. And it’s our job, our duty to protect it and cherish it. I use reusable bags when I shop and I love them. Since it’s something I do and whole-heartedly believe in, I thought, “Why not?” I’m still adding products to the store but it IS open if you’d like to take a peek! You can even buy something if you’d like – the shopping cart and payment gateway are all set up as well. Just head over to In The Bag.

Second, the “Around the Web” is going to be starting again soon, likely next week. I have several things and places to share with you that are scattered all over the web. Some are other blogs, some are specific posts on those blogs and some are just stuff I think is cool.

Third, a quick story from yesterday -

My mom and I went grocery shopping yesterday morning and on the way out of the store parking lot after we finished shopping, was a young man and his dog. He was holding a sign that said the dog needed food. After discussing it for about 10 seconds, we looped around, went back into the store and got some dog food, a box of dog biscuits, a couple bottles of water and some sandwiches. They were so thrilled and appreciative, it was a sight to watch! Jack (the dog) was a cutie and very well mannered. I think his boy even got a little misty-eyed. ;-)

Fourth, I think I’ll bring back the Reading List. Haven’t done one of those in a while, either. Got lots of good books on the shelf that waiting to be read and it’s time to get ‘er done! Any books you’ve read lately that you’d like to share?

Fifth, this blog now has, according to my feed stats, about 575 subscribers via the RSS feed and several hundred more who are subscribed via email. Why are you all so QUIET??? Speak up! Post comments! Talk to one another! ;-) I want to hear from you. This blog isn’t just about me – it’s about you, as well. Please, tell me what you think.

Sixth, my oldest child is turning 16 tomorrow. I can hardly believe how times flies! I keep thinking there is NO WAY I am old enough to have 16 year old! LOL But sure enough, she is. And I’m delighted she’s my daughter. Sure, she can be difficult – like any kid – but she’s the reason I’m a mom and I’m glad she’s part of me and my life.

Seventh, have you picked out a ThemeWord for 2010? Mine is CREATE. What have you created lately? Please share! I want to know what you think. ;-) It would be fun to really CREATE a community around this, this year. That’s part of my goal.

So, if you’re out there and you’ve never commented here or you haven’t commented in a while – what are you waiting for? Introduce yourself!

Be blessed,

{ write * design * blog }

Filed Under: Ideas, Mindset, Work · Tagged: , , , , , ,
The brain clatter
Dec 21, 2009

The brain clatter

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My brain is so full of stuff to write the past few days that I haven’t written anything. And then when I sat down here today to write something, I had no idea what to write because of all of the clatter inside my head. If you’re a writer, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.

I have ideas for blog posts, ideas for short stories and the ever-present – and increasingly persistent – ideas for novels. Maybe 2010 will be the year I finally get all of them sorted out and put down on paper. Maybe even finish ones I’ve started . . .

And it’s also the kids’ first day of winter break and of course, it’s the Solstice too. As is typical in Washington, it’s pouring rain today. Truly pouring. We’d gotten spoiled these first few weeks of December which were un-typically cold and DRY. Looks like Mother Nature is going to make up for that in short order!

Hopefully we don’t have another snow storm like last year. Once every 20 years or so, is fine but let’s not make it a regular thing, okay, Mother Nature? 2 feet of snow that stuck around for 2 weeks in an area that usually gets 2 inches or less that’s gone by morning was not too fun. Seattle and the surrounding areas were not meant for that much snow.

Anyway, later today I’ll be posting my entry for Week 3 of the Write of Passage challenge so look out for that. And if I don’t post anything else before Friday, I hope you all have a Wonderful, Merry Christmas!

May your holiday be bright and joyful!

Be blessed,

It’s time for more Christmas music! What are you favorites?

Annie Anderson is a freelance copywriter and graphic designer specializing in the small business and real estate markets. Her tagline “Making your business, my business” means that she’ll take the utmost care when creating words and images for your business – just as if it were her own.

Filed Under: Mindset, Work · Tagged: , ,
Reconnections
Dec 1, 2009

Reconnections

By ·
connections.jpg

You know, I think I say this nearly every year and I’m going to say it again – this season isn’t really only about Christmas. To me, it’s so much more.

I think it’s a time to reflect, to reconnect, to breathe slowly and deeply. It’s a time to share, to relax, enjoy and slow down. So many people get way too caught up in the hype and the stuff, though. And instead of a joyous time, filled with laughter and love, it becomes rushed. It becomes stressful and obscene.

So, here’s my goal once again for the holiday season – take it easy, enjoy the company of family and friends, old and new and just BE in the moment.

I’m blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life including many friends of times gone by that I’ve been fortunate enough to reconnect with in the past few months and I’m so thankful for that. And I’m thankful for my family and friends who’ve stuck by me all these years too. You all mean the world to me. Thanks for being here and for being YOU!

The other thing I’m going to do this season, is blog every day. Or at least, give it my best shot! ;-) Because we all know that every time I try to plan exactly what happens here, it all goes to hell.

Nonetheless, that’s my plan – to blog every day in December. There are just so many things rattling around my brain that need OUT and, as the saying goes, now is as good a time as any.

Until tomorrow, then . . .

Be blessed,

Oh, let’s see – I’m going to get some new desktop wallpapers up soon, too, so be on the lookout for that. You can also check out the ones from last year here or on my flickr stream

Annie Anderson is a freelance copywriter and graphic designer specializing in the small business and real estate markets. Her tagline “Making your business, my business” means that she’ll take the utmost care when creating words and images for your business – just as if it were her own.

Filed Under: Mindset, Personal · Tagged: , ,
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