Learn, Think, Write

Organizing myself online

Figuring it all out

I haven’t.

Oh, I keep thinking I have everything under control. But then I get that rapid heart beat, the stomach rolling, and I recognize it. I am anxious again.

Once you’ve experienced it, you will know immediately.

So what to do? Well, I know I’ve taken on some extra volunteering lately. I’m on the Board of NICA, (Nopes Island Conservation Association) and on the marketing committee of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Both are important organizations that do so much good. I’m helping with social media and writing newsletters among other things.

I had also volunteered to print some wedding invitations for a sweet friend, and since that’s normally out of my lane, I let the whole process drive me crazy. Mistake after mistake and –rushing! When I get anxious, my thoughts start swirling and whirling, and the next thing I know, my actions follow my thoughts. I’ve been going too fast.

So, big breath today. Slow down. Stop overthinking. I need to remember the patterns I fall into, and then also remember- I can stop.

“Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important.”
—Natalie Goldberg

Type Nerd

I might have to make this Tattly tattoo permanent!

Last night, we met at Kickshaws Market for an evening of letter-writing– to friends, seniors, and women at @girlslovemail. It was all to celebrate National Letter Writing month and the Write_On campaign.

Even though I prefer small groups, as in one or two people, the gathering of 15 seemed intimate. I enjoyed getting to know new friends who also love paper as much as I do!

Thanks to all for a great evening!

In My Kitchen

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There’s something about seeing this press in my kitchen every morning that turns me on and wakes me up. I mean really. It’s like I feel ONE with her!

She has helped me over some rough spots lately, and now we’re ready to show off the results. Hope you can visit the Fredericksburg Literary Book Festival this Saturday from 10-5. There will be a wonderful assortment of artists, authors, and book arts lovers. I’ll have some of my favorite cards and prints, too. I’ll be in the red tent at A1 :)

Doing Something

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I have a dear, young friend who has breast cancer. She has finished chemo and is beginning radiation. I am inspired by her sweet heart and lovely outlook on life.
When she started losing her hair, she shaved flowers into a design to decorate her head. When her hair finally all fell out, she painted bright colors all over her head.
When I see her, I think: “you have a beautiful head and heart.” And she does.

Cancer treatment is expensive, even with insurance. I wanted to do something for her, so I created this card (collaborating with artist Lynette Reed on the design). Every penny from the sale of this card will go to the young woman’s cancer fund. I have also eliminated the shipping charges on Etsy.

I hope you’ll find a reason to send this to a friend, knowing your contribution of $5 will also go to a wonderful young woman.