I don't make resolutions because they just beg to be broken; but I do have goals for the new year:
- Starting today, I'll be writing my morning pages before the girls wake up. This will become my daily ritual, my alone time to think, write and let the words tumble out. Eventually I hope this will evolve into the beginning of a beautiful book.
Don't get your hopes up. - I'm working on a brand new site, my own domain/ dot com. I'm excited, but so anxious
I've got the runs. I won't be The Mother Load anymore. It'll be a fresh start and I hope you'll follow me over to my new digs when it's time. - I'm going to Blissdom, a writing/blogging conference in Nashville at the end of January.
- It is going to
royally suckbe really hard to wake up at 5:15 a.m. every day. But I have two (cyber)writing partners who are holding me accountable: Ashlei at Shades of Blue & Green and Nancy at Away We Go. We plan to check in with one another on Twitter every morningat the ass crack of dawn. - A lot of what I write
willmay be utter crap. And that's okay. The point is just to get into the habit of writing for several hours daily. - There
willmay be days when I hit a wall. I'm not perfect. No one is. (Right?) - I'm scared to death of my new blog/site. I'm not even really sure what I want it to look like. All I know is what I don't want it to look like. Le sigh.
- I'm going to Blissdom at the end of this month and that also scares the pants off of me. But I registered, bought my plane tickets, and booked my hotel room, complete with two darling roommates. So there's no going back. Done deal.
- I'm worried I'm going to annoy the heck out of said roommates at Blissdom. Also? I don't want them to know that I poop. Shhhhhh.
- I'm terrified that "the book" will never happen.
- I don't know what I'll do if the words won't come? (call Ashlei & Nancy or refer to Bird by Bird?)
- I
willmay need lots of help: pressure, pep talks, and ass kicking. Alcoholic beverages are also a given and you might be so lucky as to witness a good cry. - I don't know what the fuck I'm doing. With any of this. A minute ago I had "hell" written there instead of fuck. But fuck it. Oh wait, that sounds bad...
67 comments:
This is all super exciting! It's going to be such a good thing and your book will happen. I know it!
PS. I expect to wrapped up in a giant hug at Blissdom!
I need to admit to myself that I am awesome and stop being so hard on myself.
I love your self effacing humour and totally get where it's coming from.
Go Erin!
To publication and beyond!!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Happy New Year!
Oops, forgot to write the comment before choosing my identity. Never thought about that choice of words on your sign-up to comment form. It's what I think you're doing, what I'm doing - choosing an identity - which is to be who we really are, warts and all. Hugs to you Erin, Cherry
Yup, yup, and yup. Growing is hard, which is why we avoid it so much.
I'm prepared to go into full-on Drill Sergeant on you. You don't need an ass-kisser. You need somebody to remind you of your purpose on this planet...to tell your story.
One morning pages done---doesn't it feel good. See you tomorrow and every morning, friend.
Love you.
I'd say I'm beyond blind with jealousy over Blissdom, but then Nancy would just call me a "jack wagon" and throw a box of tissues at me. Whahh.
Changing your blog is so exciting. I know it's nerve-wracking for sure, but it's like cleaning out your closet, I promise.
We survived morning #1 - yay!!! I'll let you know how I feel come about 4 this afternoon.
YOU can do this. All of this! WE can do this, together.
All this and you stopped by to follow my blog this morning! See you at Blissdom in just a few short weeks (and will pick your addled brain on this new website thing!)
Time for Change .... have a fab day and you can share Kris' girl crush if you wish ;)
I bet you will have a great time at Blissdom and come back inspired.
you inspire me to get my own act together.:)
And the f-word? LOVE IT!! Totally apporpriate and totally you.
Smooches!
#6 cracked me up! That really is the worst part about rooming with someone, isn't it?
great list. very do-able, esp. since you made it :) look on with interest and cheers.
Writing is HARD.
Especially doing it EVERY day.
That's what I need to do too.
Line by line.
EEK!
Congrats on getting your ticket to Blissdom. Your roomies will love ya.
You are sweet and AWESOME and you will have a blast.
Blogger conferences are always so much FUN!
I'm gonna get off my butt, write more AND probably do some exercising. Domain comes later when UI have a wee bit of money.
SOON...hopefully....
I used to say too much, be too blunt, too opinionated, speak first, then think later. I have come along way, learning when and how to speak up. But sometimes I think I am too cautious, too concerned about offending, too sensitive to what others say about me and my beliefs. I need to strike a new balance that allows me to be bold, without being too brash. It's a constant work in progress.
As far as expletives go, "fuck" is by far the most satisfying one to say. So let 'em fly!
Good luck with the book and the new site conference and the early start to your days. We believe in you and will follow you wherever you choose to re-locate! Happy New Year.
1. You can do it. You can do anything my friend.
3. Punch the wall back.
4. Can't wait to see it.
6. OMG ROFLMFAO (learned that from my kid)
8. THE WORDS WILL COME
9. Friend Here....use as necessary
10. Fuck is a good word when used appropriately. This was appropriate. Ahem.
11....(I added this) I am so proud of you!!!!
Terri
oh honey, everybody poops.
If Bird by Bird taught me anything, it's that you can't have that shitty first draft if you don't sit down and write *something.*
I might be tempted to do my editing when it's not the ass crack of dawn. :p
Sometimes you just need to say Fuck. Sometimes its the only thing that will do. I hate it that people know I poop also. It sounds like its going to be a banner year for you. I'm excited for you :)
You can do it! (Said in the Rob Schneider voice of every single character he's ever played in an Adam Sandler movie)
I can't WAIT till you get your new site up - exciting!
I just may do a post (with link of course) on this very subject of admitting to myself... stay tuned.
-Ally
I love this new Erin.
So much.
I am over the moon that you've paired up with two of my favorite people in the world. You couldn't ask for better writing, motivational partners. Are you all going to be critique partners, too?
I hear Blissdom is the best conference out there. I hear it's all about the love and support.
I'm really proud of you Erin for just taking this writing fire that lived inside of you and just letting it blaze up.
And remember, sometimes, some days, the words don't come and on those days, just step away from the keyboard and give your brain a little rest. I also find the more peaceful my life is, the better off my writing becomes. I have become a pursuer of peace and it has created a better environment for all of my loved ones.
Good luck, girl. 2011 is going to be a good year. I can feel it in my bones.
I have a really big secret for you...
every body poops! :]
Now that you have come out from behind the imaginary wall you built and are proudly proclaiming. 'I'm here. I'm Erin. Get used to it!' This year is going to be amazing for you Erin. I know it! You are all that will be stopping you!
you're awesome and your writing will be too. Stop worrying so much, you're going to be GREAT.
I will admit that I would love to write, that I start stories and blog posts and heartfelt, emotional thoughtful things in my head ALL. THE . TIME...but If I am home, I don't want to be on the computer, I am just too lazy and content to let it sit in my head. I am starting to really hate myself for that...for what I could be doing. Maybe this year. huh?
HUGS..and GOOD LUCK..so excited for you.
5:15am! I almost fainted. You go girl!
You are going to rock 2011.
Can't wait to see what you come up with for the new site! Congrats on that.
Hmmm...let's see. I am going to write more this year. Well, at least write more of my ideas down so that I don't forget them an hour later!
I am excited for your new blog/site! I am sure that it will be fantastic!
Can I just say that I LOVE that you decided to leave the F word in there at the end?! I don't know why...but it made me smile.
Your book will just flow out of you..I have a feeling. I've been working on mine for almost 3 years now...I was saying "2 years" for awhile but realized another entire year passed in the meantime. There are days on end where I pour my heart and soul into it and then I go months without even looking at it.
But I have to finally get it done...this is the year to do it. I could just see time passing by and me saying, "I've been working on my book for uh....about 19 years now".
You have an amazing story to tell....so just sit down and let your story out of your head and heart and onto paper!!
I agree, I am the same in just setting goals.
It is much safer.
AS for the 5am thing. if you can make it 3 wks then it will become routine and you will forget what it was like to sleep in.
Good luck on the new blog.
cant wait!
See you at Blissdom
Odds.
1. Starting today, I'll be writing my morning pages before the girls wake up. This will become my daily ritual, my alone time to think, write and let the words tumble out. Eventually I hope this will evolve into the beginning of a beautiful book. Don't get your hopes up.
Given the fact that you've already given your "Don't give your hopes up" thing at the bottom I am laying odds this won't last.
10:1
2. I'm working on a brand new site, my own domain/ dot com. I'm excited, but so anxious I've got the runs. I won't be The Mother Load anymore. It'll be a fresh start and I hope you'll follow me over to my new digs when it's time.
Seems like it's a slam dunk that it will happen. 2:1
3. I'm going to Blissdom, a writing/blogging conference in Nashville at the end of January.
Chances are you've already bought a ticket. So unless you end up dead, 1:1
Woman!!! None of us know what we're doing. That's why there are conferences
Fuck yeah! :)
You know I'm jealous/sad I don't get to go to Blissdom. Sigh.
Can't wait to hear more about your new blog!
And none of us know what the fuck we're doing. Okay, there might be a few that do, but the majority of us have no fucking clue.
LOL! You're a riot!
As for one of your goals for this year, I want to add my 2 cents. A favorite college professor gave me this advice before. I love to write. He told me to make myself sit down and write everyday. Whether it's good or bad is irrelevant, the fact that you write and exercise your brain is the key! So eventually, something good WILL come from your daily writing routines!
I wish you well!
Good luck with the new venture and if you're really nervous about number 6, then read this:
http://www.amazon.com/Everyone-Poops-My-Body-Science/dp/192913214X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294092356&sr=8-1
I'm doing the same thing with my morning pages, and it's scaring the crap out of me. Lots of what-ifs rolling around in my head and I am doing everything in my power to make those what-if voices shut up. I'm just going to write and worry about whether it's readable later...
I am sending you good writing vibes!
PS - also going to Blissdom, also scared. Let's just say I very much related to this post.
Oooh, I can't wait to see your new site!
Um. Wait, though. You're NOT perfect? CRAP!
I am so excited for your new website! It'll be great. No worries.
Awesome, Erin, and good for you. When I'm out running at that time I'll think of you guys. Although you're not on west coast time, are you. In which case, I will NOT think of you b/c i will be sleeping.
Anyway. Bring matches. Light one after you poop. They'll never know.
I've decided to re-write the entire book I've already written. I've admitted that here in the comments so now I can keep it on the down low on my own blog.
Also I'll never get up two mornings in a row at 5:15 to do anything unless someone is crapping or vomiting. It's just not my nature.
I wish you great success even though I won't be able to support you. Of course, aren't I a few hours ahead of you time zone wise?
Ten things I know about you:
1) You inspire me - to be better, stronger, and more honest.
2) You will love Blissdom. And? We will FINALLY get to hug - bonus!
3) You are embracing what scares you - the writing - and I love it
4) There will be days where the words will flow effortlessly for you, and days when they won't - that is ok
5) Your new site will be fantastical - and we will ALL join you over there
6) You might not be perfect - but you are perfectly fabulous
7) You are an incredible and engaging writer (And storyteller)
8) You are a wonderful mom :)
9) You are owning your dreams..... that makes you infinitely powerful.
10) You have a friend in me in case you need someone else to remind you to get going on your dreams
xoxo
I'm so excited to see what the next year holds for you!!
I am willing to admit to myself that I may never have another child. The two daughters that I have are perfect, and I need to embrace the life I have with them!
I can't wait to see what the year brings for you in the form of your new website!!! Just let me know where to go and I'm THERE!!!
I'll make one small admission...I've really gotten into the whole "not caring what people think" thing...maybe a little TOO much. Fuck it? Indeed!!!!
Everything will turn out exactly as it is supposed to. You will write your heart out, be a smashing success on the new blog, and have a fabulous time at Blissdom.
I can't wait to see you kick some serious ass on all of this...which you will. :)
I'm very excited for you! You can do anything you set your mind to!
go Erin! scared as fuck is the start of every great venture.
Oh Erin, so much going on!! So happy about the (ugh) early writing dates you have lined up...like running partners to force you to stick to it. And Blissdom? So awesome that you are going. And I would worry that new friends would find out that I poop, too. Not that I do, mind you.
Can't wait to see what you have in store for us on your new site!
I poop too. It's all good. ;-)
I'm so excited that you're going through with the morning writing goals.
Excited to see your new site when it's ready.
I hope it helped you to write this post... :)
I'm so excited for you and look forward to following you wherever you go :) You have such a talent and I love that you are embracing it!
Keep on writing mama - I am SO excited for you and the new site and will supprt you wherever you go!!
Can't wait to see you at the new digs!
I WISH I was going to Blissdom just so I could meet you!! And I'm sure that your roommates poop too, so you should be all set.
Can't wait to see your new digs!!
I am willing to admit to myself, probably for the first time in 42 years. I can not do everything. As much as I want to blog and read blogs and say funny things, sometimes life is just too busy for things like that. I also am willing to admit that it is okay to swear in front of people if it really fucking matters.
There, I said it.
I need people to kick my butt when I don't get up.
Sadly, all my friends are as lazy as I am.
It's what draws us together.
Yeah for you!
You are brave to face morning pages! And a couple ass-kickers will keep you in line. Tackling a book is a scary endeavor but day by day the pages do come as long as you keep your ass in the chair. Looking forward to your new site and seeing what it's all about!
Erin --- you'll be fine. Looking back at the post I wrote one year ago for 2010....yeah, not much of it ever happened. In my case I didn't plan for the unexpected (son's liver disease diagnosis)......
....do I want to get back on track? You bet...surprisingly though a lot of my "goals" changed in the past year and maybe that was part of my necessary evolution.
As for getting up at 5:15 am.....um yeah, more power to ya! I get up (very reluctantly) at about 6(give or take)...but I'm working on that too.
Happy New Year to you (and yours). I've said it before and I'll say it again...I'm glad I met you through Shelly.
new sites are scary. new looks--even scarier. i can never tell a designer what i want, but know it when i see it. so annoying.
one thing i recently admitted to myself: i'm just as scared of being successful as i am of failing.
I can see how a new site can be scary exciting! I would love to do it myself but its not in the plan for 2011. Maybe next year!
Good luck with this project and have fun with it!
I'm so glad you are going to Blissdom, I hear its a great conference! Is this your first conferenc?
No wonder there are so many comments here. I love this post.
I love the truth.
It makes some of the best reading.
I think b/c it shows the kind of person you are following, and it builds instant intimacy.
These is important here.
I love it. TY
I'm willing to admit I waited too long too jump into this game - writing, blogging, tweeting...
I waited too long to follow my dream and try something new because what I was doing was successful - and I feared failing at something new.
Now, I feel a bit like I'm standing outside a clubhouse - the door's shut and I don't know the password. It's not that the people inside aren't nice. It's just that they didn't wait as long.
I waited too long, but I'm still hoping it's not too late to figure this all out.
These things I'll admit because I don't want you to make the same mistake. Go. Do. Be.
You are right on time.
I like that you went ahead with the "fuck."
I can relate. I quit my job to freelance and finish my novel. Hahahahahah...what???
But I wish you luck. You have tons of exciting things on the horizon!
Wait, it's possible for you to do something BEFORE your kids wake up? Oh, the luxury! I've started walking in the early mornings but I still usually wake to my one-year-old's wake-up grunts.
So real! I love the vulnerability of your post! I am intrigued to continue reading more. The "daily pages" from The Artist's Way has been recommended to me... I have not read the book though. Your thoughts?
I'm gonna kick yer ass if you don't stop being so hard on your self.
Your new site will ROCK...and it doesn't have to be perfect the first go around. That's the beauty in this so-called-thing LIFE. We get to change our minds, and evolve and thank GAWD for THAT.
Just be. And fly little bird. Enjoy the flight. That's really what it's all about.
I love catching up! I just published a post on my blog about my revelation about writing too... Yours is more succinct and funny ! LOL
I would offer to also get up with you - but that would be 4:15 here... and ummmm... NO!!! :)
xoxoxo
Please annoy me. I'd rather someone who's annoying than aloof. That's just how I am. Also, I might be annoying as well.
And yes, everyone poops.
Not knowing what you're doing is always exciting! I will definitley follow your new home! :)
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