Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you
Is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’.
Bob Dylan sang this song, this poem, to me when I was far too young to comprehend any of the complexities of life, of dreams, and of how to weave them into my own reality. I was in a state of constant flux, throwing care to the wind and not realizing how careless changes could impact my life. I lived for the day. And I actually laughed at Dylan–his ragged, nasal, and gravelly vocals launched me into a vicious fit of giggles. I was lost in the folly of youth, blind of the wraiths of time.
But the times they are a-changin’.
I just watched my baby bravely march up the school bus steps. He was cool, calm, and ready to take 2nd grade on by storm…at least on the outside. Somehow I miss him already. He accepts change with the grace of a young man far wiser than his few years.
His recent fortune cookie find promises everything a parent could ever wish for her child: a life of happiness and peace…to have this one must realize that change is the only constant in life.
My fortune. If only it will be true. I know I cannot wait for fortune to find me, I must work to find it. Time to get back to the grind. Time to shift focus.
Time to go back to the gym. It has been a tumultuous summer with far to many doctors visits, minor surgeries, recovery periods, illnesses, and dental drama. I feel about five pounds heavier. My clothes feel too snug. It’s time to step away from the snack foods and step back into a healthy routine.
At the start of 2011 I decided to focus on my blog for a while. I had no idea how all-encompassing a task this would become. When I’m not writing an actual post I’m researching or taking and editing photos. I’ve taught myself some new programs, learned how to create html codes and dabbled in several aspects of design. Then there’s the whole social media enigma. Facebook, twitter, keeping up with the constant commenting and finding new blogs to comment on–it eats up as many hours as a full-time job. And yet it pays zilch. Need to make some changes. I’m going to cut back on my blog time.
A new opportunity presented itself when I was invited to join the Bookshelf Bombshells book review site. (If you haven’t checked it out yet, you should.) Books. Beauty. Brains. A brilliant group of women. Time for me to step into my new role of responsibility.
And it is time to get back to my book. I need to finish the damn thing. Then I need to start at the beginning and rip it to shreds so I can carefully craft it back together with twice as much love and skill. It is once again time to treat my novel as my job. Finishing it and selling it would be the best damn “promotion” I could wish for. But it won’t just happen. I need to make some changes, regain my focus, jump back into the muddy puddle of my writing and dirty myself with words.
Congrats on your new path. As much as I love blogging, it does take a great of time and sometimes you just have to step back and regroup. I'm so excited for you and wish you well. Can't wait to read your book 🙂
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It does take a lot of time doesn't it? This whole blogging thing. But yes, the times are changing (far too fast in some areas and far too slow in others-at least for us) and it sounds like it's time for you to concentrate on that book.
The part about your second grade son really touched me! Also, you are right about how time consuming blogging can be. I feel like I need a break, but, every time I think to take one, I can't stay away. It's an addiction! Somebody take my iPhone away!
I look forward to reading your book when it is ready!
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I know nothing about codes, other than I know nothing about codes, but I understand where you're coming from. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the hoopla and temporarily lose sight of our original goal, our "promotion," so to speak. It might not come in a traditional form, but rather in unexpected ways.
I also love your son's promotion up to second grade and his eagerness to embark on a new challenge. I wonder where he gets that from… 😉
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Lots of changes, but hopefully they all turn into something positive.
wow, you have a lot going on, but change to me , is always a good thing, it shakes things up and makes you look at things differently. Good luck with ALL OF IT. You're going to be AMAZING This year. xo
Dylan and a sprinkling of take-out fortunes? Now that is an awesome change. I love how you blended it all together.
I find my kids so much braver than I am, marching into school, marching up to prospective friends, marching towards happiness with a glowing optimism. Maybe they are onto something?
Trimming down Blog Time and tearing your book apart is a familiar tune to me, so I wish you much luck with that.
Came from the WOE linkup.
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Change is good; I like change. My husband hates it, which makes for strange conversations about the future 🙂
I love that you have all of these positive things looming on the horizon. Good luck with your plans; your attitude about the changes is inspiring and makes me want to get up and do something major!
(and yay for you for learning coding. I am hopeless but trying.)
It sounds like you have a lot going on – and lots of them are good things!
I feel like it comes in many different forms and change because of something good is always better. 🙂 Sounds fabulous and can't wait to read your book!
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Good luck on your book! As much as I enjoy blogging myself, I wonder if I'd get more out mileage out of my fiction writing…
It can be very hard to find the balance. I have been working on cutting back on the time spent blogging as well.
Here's to changes!
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To me, the start of a school year has always seemed more like a new year than January 1.
You have a lot of changes coming- and they all sound fabulous!
Congrats! You do have a lot of changes, I hope they all turn out amazing!
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I couldn't agree with Shell more about Sept feeling like the new year. I've also been taking stock…gearing up for changes. What I love about your post is it's very clear and your voice is calm. Reading it, I have no doubt that you will pursue the goals you've outlined for yourself. It may not be easy, but you sound very focused. Good luck.
Also, just my 2 cents. I also have an offline writing project and sometimes I think blogging gets in the way of it. Which is definitely true at times. But blogging is also writing practice…so it's valuable in that way.
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I too have resolved to make my novel my priority. I have been reading as much as possible this past month in anticipation that I would be taking a break from reading to do some writing. Good Luck!
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