November 4, 2013 Trying to meet the challenge

My writing challenge efforts are really a struggle right now.  After getting off to a late start, I'm struggling to meet the daily word count right now, and what I am writing, I fear, will end up on the cutting room floor when all is said and done.  But instead of berating myself for what I'm not accomplishing, I will continue to offer myself encouragement for what I am accomplishing. 

OK, so I didn't hit the 6600 mark I should have at least hit today.  But given that I started a day late and am only about 1000 words short, I'd say I'm still ahead of the game!  Just like when I write in my blog, some days, the words flow easier than others. 

This was a productive day in other ways, though.  I got the rest of the month end reports completed for work today, then got my grocery shopping done, a chili relleno casserole and my egg bake made for meals for the week, the dishwasher unloaded and the trash will be out soon.  All in all, even with "only" 1597 words added to my novel today, I am feeling pretty good about my progress.

As I see it, this may or may not be something I'll want to publish, but the discipline I'm learning, to write something that isn't just a bunch of brain dumping or mind exercises, but an actual, ongoing story, is excellent practice.  I've gotten too comfortable in my world of writing whatever comes into my head, just to write, and now I need to work on actually writing for a purpose, with a means to an end in sight.

Although I don't have a lot to say tonight, maybe because I'm just all worded out, I am extremely grateful on many levels. 

I have wonderful support from my daughter and son-in-law who are already starting to get into the holiday silliness.  I have an amazing future ahead of me, which wouldn't be possible were it not for the past I've lived through and learned through.

I had a wonderful weekend reconnecting with my high school classmates, and getting to know some I didn't know that well as kids.  Not to mention meeting some truly delightful spouses of classmates!  I feel like I've, once again, broadened my social network, adding more people who will truly enhance my world! 

I look in the mirror and no longer see flaws, but instead, I see someone I dearly love!  For her, I'm willing to take on nearly anything, slay a few dragons (figurative ones, anyway), climb a few mountains, conquer my fears and never give up!

My gratitudes tonight are:
1. I am grateful that I can now look in the mirror see only the beauty within.  I have become, if not blind, at least near sighted about the flaws without.
2. I am grateful for all of my classmates who made this weekend such a wonderful experience.
3. I am grateful for my daughter and son-in-law who continue to make things easier for me when it comes to my special needs kitty.
4. I am grateful for the growing joy as the holiday season approaches, the whispers begin, and the silliness is magnified.  Our holidays may not follow tradition, but we have a great deal of fun!
5. I am grateful for the way things are already beginning to fall into place.

Love and light.