Coffee.

Coffee coffee coffee.

I kind of want to leave my post at that.

And I also think I may try to stick with one word titles this entire month.

I am AWFUL at post titles.

In general, I just don't come up with exciting ones.

Coffeeismylife.

It's not really, but this morning, with the weird time change, and wait, it's actually this afternoon, but that's not even because of the time change because it would still have been the afternoon when I'm writing this, anyway - coffee.

I live and breathe it in the mornings.

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Whispers.

image from pixabay

Some days there isn't much to say.

Some days I find myself falling asleep from the silence.

The eerie echoes of nothingness.

And on some days I whisper.

Hi.

Hey.

And I smile.

Some days I wonder.

Some days I think too much.

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November.

image from pixabay

It's November.

Which, in the blogging universe, can mean, for some, that it's National Blog Posting Month.

NaBloPoMo.

It's weird. It's strange. It's normal, really.

So many of us do this, and we don't even know why.

So many of us decide, THIS is the month we'll get back to our blogs.

And so we do.

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Is There Anybody Out There?

Hello, dear friends.

Remember me?

Oh, how quickly they forget.

I'm Andrea.

Good Girl Gone Redneck.

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Halfway There

I'm totally phoning it in tonight.

I started the day off right, drafting a post early-ish this morning and I was like, YES! I'm going to be done in advance.

And then?

No.

See. I wanted to share some fun graphic tees, and no, that's not a tangent off of the graphic novels I just shared, although it is a little bit ironic (dontcha think?).

But then I realized that so many of the tees I was sharing were going to be gone tomorrow, and there's nothing more annoying than sharing stuff that vanishes, because what's it all about [Alfie] then?

Please tell me you got the Alfie reference. Because if you didn't I'm going to feel - oh - about 90.

Anyway.

It's still NaBloPoMo and I'm still going strong. Or slightly strong.

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I Was (And Am) Down For The Count

soup image obtained on pixabay

When I'm down for the count I don't usually pull out the laptop and start writing.

Actually, not true.

Sometimes I do.

It's the place I go, this blog, to talk about all of the things.

But last night I got so sick so quickly that I spiked a fever and had a stomach bug all at once and there was no way in heck I was successfully making it through NaBloPoMo.

But then - whoop! Saved!

I wrote a post for Midlife Boulevard, my home away from home when it comes to talking about books, and it went live yesterday.

And so - my streak continues. This totally counts, people.

Because I say so.

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It's So Dark.

I'm not even waiting until the last hour to get today's post written.

It's literally 5:55 PM.

And it's practically pitch black outside.

I mean. I can't see anything.

And as much as I love the cooler weather?

I am not a fan of DST.

I mean - I know - who is, right?

But man.

It's so so dreary when it's dark early.

It gives me a bit of a headache, and I want to turn on all of the lights in my house.

Which I sometimes do.

Which probably isn't the best scenario - but hey - I do what I want.

Remember that cute cat mug flashing the middle finger at y'all I shared a while back?

I think I might need one like that for myself this fall/winter season. Looks like that exact one might have sold out, but, well, I kinda still want and need something like it. Though how do you explain to your 10-year-old that the cat on your mug is flashing an eff off but you don't really mean it?

(affiliate link below)

But look how cute it is ...

And I'm so in a happy cranky cat mode - because we've currently got a fourth addition to our feline brood. Meet our neighbor's cat, Brutus. He's living with us right now because - well - they've moved and we're not sure that anyone is coming back for him.

But he's so danged cute. Cuter than the mug, even. I mean, look. Poor sweet thing.

And there you have it. That's my weekend wrap-up for you.

I'm consistent, at least. I've been writing every day - even if today's just sort of a free write and I'll be damned - I'm not even going to create a title image for this post. Woo Hoo! Look at me go!

Are you participating in National Blog Posting Month and looking for a place to share your posts?

Come on over to my Write With Me group on Facebook and leave me a comment to let me know you requested to join. I'd love to see you there!

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I Need To Write Earlier In The Day

this image was obtained via pixabay

I'm so tired right now.

Today was a long long day.

I spent much of it doing parenting and co-parenting things.

My emotions wavered a bit on and off, but I did okay.

Tonight when my daughter returned home I was exhausted.

So very tired.

I should have written something sooner.

It's National Blog Posting Month, why didn't I write earlier today?

Because I was tired, dang it.

Super tired.

Drained.

Remember yesterday? That whole motherhood thing?

It got better, but I was still carrying some of it around with me.

That weight is a heavy one - for sure.

Anyway, I need to get better at this writing earlier in the day thing.

Because here I am. It's 10:00 at night. And I don't want to write.

But there's no way I'm going down on day 3 of NaBloPoMo.

Nope. Nuh-uh.

Not.

Me.

So.

Here I am.

Writing before I say good night.

Sweet dreams, y'all.

Or good morning - depending on when you're checking in and reading this.

When do you sit down to write?

Spill it in the comments and let me know what motivates you!

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Saturday Free Write: Welcome Home and What The Hello?

I'm home, y'all. 

New York. 

Hallelujah. Such a good feeling being home. 

Yes, North Carolina is home - certainly - but NYC will always be a part of me.

It's in my blood. It's who I am. It feels so good to be home, and I haven't even hit the "city" yet.

Right now I'm sitting in my mom's kitchen and our neighbors in the backyard are having a party. There's some old school music playing (I *may* have rocked out a bit on Snapchat!) and I'm loving this feeling that is home.

My kiddo and I are being complete goofballs.

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Writer's Workshop: Can It Be Saved?

Still. Motionless. Tears flowing down my face.

I stood there, holding my hard work in my hands.

I cannot believe this. I cannot believe she would do this to me. How competitive does one have to be to intentionally ruin someone's life-work? Seriously? I mean, seriously. She knows. She knows how important these pages are to me. Never mind the mess I am stuck with cleaning up. The amount of damage she has done. But this, this is unforgivable. Irreplaceable. Completely horrible.

What a bitch.

I looked up as she opened the door of the apartment and came storming in, chatting on her phone, plopping her bags and umbrella down near the front door. I watched her toss her keys onto the table, start skimming through the mail. She didn't even look over at me. Could she not see me? I was standing right there. Bitch.

Finally, she looked up. I watched the color drain from her face. I'll have to call you back, I heard her say, slowly closing her phone as the mail fell from her hands.

What the hell? What the HELL?

Exactly, I thought. EXACTLY.

What the hell happened here? Oh my G-d. Oh my G-d!

I felt myself smiling bitterly. Yes, yes, YOU did this, you bitch. You did this and now you will have to pay.

She fell to the floor in front of me, sifting through the papers. I heard her start sniffling. Why, why, why? Why would this happen? What was she talking about? SHE did this. That's why. Was she kidding me? I watched her feel the breeze coming through. Smelled the rain. She looked to the window, started laughing and sobbing all at once.

Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Thanks, sis. Thanks. Thanks a lot, I heard her whisper.

ME? You can't honestly be blaming me for this. It's you. You did this! She ignored me. Are you listening to me? It's your fault. You ruined all my hard work. You always did hate me, wanted to be better than me. I'll pay you back someday, sweet sister.

She picked up page after page and started to place them gently on a cookie sheet she set up on the radiator. Why was she helping me? What was wrong with her, anyway? I slammed the window shut.

Thanks, sis. Too little too late, I suppose.

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Friday Free Write: What I've Been Reading

You know how last week I said that book posts were impossible to write? This one isn't horrible. It's me just telling you what I've been reading.

I've been on a reading tear, mostly because my emotions are shot to hell and because I'm looking to escape.

There. I said it. I'm being 100% honest with you.

And so. Happy Friday to y'all. Let's talk books for a minute or two.

Disclaimer: Please note, as always, any links to Amazon copies of these books are affiliate links. If you use them to purchase these (or any other) books I'll earn a few pennies towards my next reads. So thanks for supporting my addiction!

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Friday Free Write: Summer Writer's Block

Ugh. It stinks.

Summer Writer's Block.

I'm living it right now.

I have three posts in draft form in my batter's circle and I simply cannot push publish on any of them.

They just don't mesh with what I feel like saying or sharing right now.

One of them is a book list that's unfinished.

You'd be surprised at how much work book list posts are.

I know, I'm not trying to say oh-woe-is-me. I promise. I love talking books. Simply love it. But to make that beneficial to me and my site I need to really work hard at giving you more than a list of books or some pretty covers to look at.

Or do I? What do you like about book lists and recommendations?

It's been a while since I've done a book review. Possibly since before March. I've had a lot of stuff going on in my world and books have not been at the top of my list when it comes to things to talk about. I've written lists, whoa - how many times can I type the word list anyway?

This is definitely turning into more of a free-write kind of post. Which is fine. It's like Free Write Friday. Huh. Maybe I'm on to something? Are you in?

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Managing Emotions

I'm an emotional person.

This has been a given. Know me, know I'm emotional.

And it's interesting what sort of control we're supposed to have over our emotions, isn't it?

That we're supposed to bite back the howls and the hollers.

Let the tears fall silently and wipe them away when nobody is looking.

I haven't written in over a week.

Maybe longer.

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5 Reasons You Haven't Been Writing and What To Do Next

It can be hard to be a blogger these days.

We write because we love to write. We write because we want to write.

And then, well, we write for so many other reasons.

And sometimes we just don't write at all.

Here are five reasons you (fine, maybe *I*) haven't been writing and how to take them on.

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11 Inspirational Books and Journals

There's a lot happening these days that might lead you right into a good book or a binge-watch of your favorite new television or Netflix show.

But sometimes we need more. We need more than a cathartic cry with Code Black or This Is Us. We need more than a cringe and a laugh with Superstore. We need more.

And so, we turn to a certain kind of book that will take us where we need to go. A book that inspires us and motivates us and gets us thinking.

Below you'll find a list of recommendations for that kind of book. Some come directly from me. Some come from some of my reader friends who are in my reading Facebook group, I Like Big Books (come join us!).

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My Favorite Posts of 2016

2016 has been a heck of a year hasn't it?

Many of us have watched our friends and loved ones struggle, or have experienced struggles of our own. Some of us have had amazing years, but watching the world around us go through changes and the like leave us considering how bad it has been for so many.

So, in this line of thinking, I'm recapping my posts for the year. I'd like to share some of my favorite pieces of writing and fill you in on what's been happening for me.

Now, this year was not as exciting, motivating, - perhaps inspiring, even? - as last year was for me, but that's okay. There have still been high points.

DECEMBER

The Best Books I Read This Year

This one is pretty obvious. I do this kind of post each year, sharing my favorite books with my readers. It's hard to narrow it down - as I normally read about 50-60 books a year - and so I always wind up with more than I expected, but I wrap up the year with a great list of reads for you to sift through.

NOVEMBER

To My Friends Who Live With Chronic Pain

I wrote this letter to my friends living with chronic pain. It has to be hard, dealing with pain day in and day out. I want you to know that I see you. I see you there, making your way. And I send you strength and spoons.

OCTOBER

This Is 44 

I turned 44 this year. And I shared a little bit about it in my This is 44 post. Reflecting back on the year, looking forward, just - being.

SEPTEMBER

Empty

Sometimes it's so hard to figure out what to say when the world seems to be shattering and people's lives are ending and there's not a damned thing you can really DO about all of it. And so, for me? I wrote. 

AUGUST

My Relationship With Fall.

Fall leaves me with mixed emotions. Memories of birthdays and Halloweens and first days of school gone by. Thoughts of cooler temps, enjoyable weather and being outside. And then, the loss of my father. I don't love fall the way I used to.

JULY

I Have A Voice.

I have a voice. And in this world. In these days. Sometimes. All the time. Whenever I can. I try to use it. July was a rough month. As were the months before, and the months after. And so I wrote.

JUNE

Motherhood: I'm Keepin' It Real

Sometimes you find yourself loving life. Living and parenting at the top of your game. Other times? Not so much. This is me. Keepin' it real about motherhood.

MAY

Help Support The 24th Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Not a very personal post in March. I didn't write all that much. But I remind you - then, now, every day, every month - the importance of donating to your local food bank. People in need rely on these organizations for their next meal. They rely on us and our donations to fill their family's bellies. Please help if you can.

APRIL

6 Ways To Manage Parenting Without Losing It

A few reminders from me on how to navigate motherhood (or fatherhood) and find yourself a stronger parent because of it. It's not easy, raising these individuals we call our children, and finding ways to better engage - to better manage our time and our emotions - all of these are helpful. 

MARCH

Stop And Take Pause.

Sometimes you have nothing to share. Nothing to say - nothing to write. And so, you don't. Not for a while. And then, it comes, inspiration, if only enough motivation to give you a boost and encourage you to write something. Anything. This is that reminder. 

FEBRUARY

I SLAY.

I sing my own praises for a moment or two. Yep. I know. But hey, isn't that what blogging is for? What some people think it's entirely about? It's an outlet. A place for our voice to shine. For us to sing from the rooftops - whether it's good or bad news - and so, here I am. Slaying. If only for that moment.

JANUARY

Why I Take So Many Selfies

If you follow me on Instagram you know I am fond of the selfie. I'm a fan. I've shared my share of pictures of myself that I've taken of myself. And yes, sometimes they're good pics. And sometimes they're a version of myself I would normally keep hidden - but hey - it's okay, it's me. It's who I am. And so, I share anyway. This here? This is why.

And a few more January posts because I couldn't pick just one:

My People

Why I Don't Make Resolutions

So - how was your year? Did you recap this year? I didn't really want to, and then I decided to do it anyway. This is me. This was my 2016. 

And we move forward into this new year, creating new posts, new shares, taking all the new selfies, and just simply being us. Whoever we are. I hope you'll join me in this leg of my journey. I'm still here, hanging by a thread sometimes, feeling amazing on others, and, well, just being me. You do you, friends, and be sure to share with the rest of us to remind us we're all on our own paths at the very same time. 

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NaBloPoMo 2016

In case you can't tell - it's November.

And I'm participating in NaBloPoMo again.

National Blog Posting Month. It's coordinated by BlogHer, but you can participate even if you don't officially sign up with them to do so.

November is the month when many people sit themselves down and write their novels. NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - cool, right? And every year I think, maybe. Maybe this will be the month I actually turn my words into something book-worthy.

But nah. Not this year.

It's too much.

I've got my own thoughts and deadlines and whatnot, and I've been so danged busy, and so much has been happening and I have so many things thoughts and whatever else running around my brain a novel just isn't going to fall out and land on the paper through my fingertips.

Not now, anyway.

So, I sit here, instead, eating from a 15oz box of golden raisins, refusing to let my streak of blog posts die a sudden death on November 6th.

NOT ON MY WATCH.

So, even if my post turns out to be a ramble - which it most definitely has - I'm going to declare it a win. Because aside from get a lot of non-social work work done today I did absolutely nothing. Although that's not entirely true. I did some reading. I'm finishing up Inside The O'Briens by one of my favorite authors, Lisa Genova. It's so good. She's an amazing and talented writer.

Have a look into this book (aff link) and find out why I'm already recommending it even though I haven't finished reading it yet:

And we watched Supergirl tonight.

If you're not watching Supergirl you need to be. It's the perfect family show. And if you're not watching then you probably missed the replay of the first season, which was aired again since the show moved to the CW. So you can head on over to Amazon to watch (aff link) by clicking the image below - an image that has to stay semi-small or it turns super blurry:

And so - there you have it. My first week of November posting is complete. Give or take a day or two. Dang. Sunday doesn't start a new November week, does it? Halloween was on Monday.

Man. My head is a hot mess! Maybe this week I'll talk a bit about the conferences I attended in October and fill you in on my plan for blogging, etc. moving forward.

Chat atcha later, peeps.

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Empty

I wrote this post yesterday. Or maybe more like over the past few days. There has been a lot of rewriting and a lot of adding more words to it. I'm lacking words, and yet I have oh-so-many. Where to begin? Our country is struggling. The cracks in the foundation are shifting in visible ways. My words may not be enough, but I need to say them and share them anyway.

Facebook tells me this morning that today is the International Day of Peace, or something like that.

Facebook obviously has not been paying attention to the news.

Or my wall.

Or much of my feed.

Or anything at all, maybe.

Because there's no peace happening.

Not internationally. Not nationally.

It's just. Not. Happening.

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Kim Kardashian West Keeps It Real

I was in the same room as Kim Kardashian West last week.

Got your attention, didn't I?

I was at BlogHer this past week/weekend thanks to One2One Network. I won a giveaway and when Malia of their team emailed me I thought she was joking. But she was for real. And so I did what I could and I made it happen. And I'm glad I did. I've got a lot to share on BlogHer and my experience, but this post? Is strictly about the Kim K keynote.

If you don't know by now, Kim Kardashian West (I'm not the only one who forgets she added his last name to hers, right?) was one of the keynotes of BlogHer16.

You may have read about this and thought to yourself, huh, really? That's odd. Or maybe you were one of the people who gave a LOT of feedback. And it wasn't good. Well, good on you.

And I'm not a Keeping Up With The Kardashians fan. Or a Kim fan, really. Honestly, I often find myself wishing Kanye would just go away.

But I went to this keynote because why not?

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Why I Still Attend Blogging Conferences

Blogging conferences mean different things to different people. Just like people have different reasons that they continue to blog. I still blog for so many reasons, but why I do may not be why you do - and that's completely okay. So we take a moment or two to recognize that people attend conferences for a number of reasons. And while I might not agree with them all, I understand they exist.

Because the Internet is interesting.

Some find benefits in conferences of all sizes.

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