A to Z Challenge - B

One of the hardest moments in writing is when an idea surprises me, and I have to add and extend the concept. There is the glorious moment all the pieces of the puzzle fit together and page after page flows into creation! The swirl in my current story displays itself in nature.

For the letter B my swirl is displayed in blueberries! I chose these because in my mom's yard are huge blueberry bushes that will yield enough blueberries to enjoy every day for breakfast!

My garden therapy B post is for Butterfly Gardening!
New projects are intimidating, and in truth... I find it easier to stop than to finish. Recent events have given me greater determination to enjoy the process rather than focus on the finish line. I'm hoping to grown Black-Eyed Susans to attract butterflies for my garden! Fun fact - did you know that my name, Vanessa, actually means a flock of butterflies!

What's your favorite flower to grow?

A to Z Challenge - A

I love the A to Z challenge! There are so many old friends to visit, and so many new friends to make! 

My next novel contains a swirl that's significant to my main characters, so I'm going to see if I can make it through the A to Z swirling different items. I'll also be getting my garden ready this year so I'm going to be adding A to Z facts to go along with my preparation. My writing and my garden are my happy places this year I want to share with you. I look forward to visiting with you!! 

The first swirl.... acorns! Well the tops of acorns. My story to go along with these.... my sweet kids hopped out of my van and picked these up just outside Arby's. They are HUGE! I have a science area in my classroom, and my 4 year old class loves to play with them! 

Acquired 

So far, these are the seeds I have acquired to begin my little garden. It's not going to be much, but it's going to be fun! I'm starting our seeds in our classroom too. We shall see... if I can keep all this stuff alive! My family is not allowed to comment. haha

Do any of you like planting gardens or grow food in planters? 

#Write28Days - 3 GLOW

 Day 3 writing prompt for #Write28Days is GLOW.
There are so many amazing places to visit. Wouldn't you love to see the Sea of Stars on the Vaadhoo Island, Maldives?

Where are some interesting places you've been?

#Write28Days - Day 2 STRIVE

Day 2 for the #Write28Days. The prompt for today is STRIVE.

Strive seems to be a word lost for many these days. What we are striving for, what we are striving to obtain, we are becoming.

We strive for better health, so we are making life changes to reach that goal.
We are striving for a better relationship, so we make the effort to invest in another person.
We strive for a deeper walk with God, so we spend more time in prayer and with daily Bible reading.
We strive to make our families a priority in a hectic world, so we take time to see the people we want to love.

Strive... by definition.... "make great efforts to achieve or obtain something."
Effort.... get up... get moving... make things happen! 

What are you striving for in your life that will change your tomorrow? 

#Write28Days - Day 1

The writing prompt for today is BEGIN.

Having to begin my 28 days of writing after midnight... but it is a beginning.

Start something new.

Enjoy your journey!

What's something new you are trying?

Five Minute Friday - WHERE

Join the Five Minute Friday link up! 

There is always a specific place WHERE you feel most like yourself. Where you can be as silly as you want, as quiet as you want, as loud as you want, as sad as you want or as happy as you can be. There is always a place WHERE time seem to stand still, and laughter fills the air.

For me, this place is home. I've traveled the world and moved with my family to live at 14 different addresses. I promised them that our home is permanent... or at least a permanent dwelling from which they can fly. I love being home. It's truly where my heart is.

Some may think my world may seem small, but my home isn't just the four walls I live in or the place I call my sanctuary. Home is the city I live in, the family all around me, and the place from which I begin each journey.

My home... WHERE I believe dreams come true, lives can change, and love lives.

It's Storystorm Time!

If you are interested in participating in Storystorm, hop over to Tara's blog. You still have time to register. IT's going to be such fun!

My kids and I are also doing the 52 week photography challenge. 

Starting this Friday! Join our fun! Post your pictures on social media and use the hashtag #52photochallenge2019

What are you doing to kick off the new year? 

Happy New Year!

This quote was being passed around social media, and I love it.

I love the beginning of anything! Beginnings create a sense of  hope like no other time. The entire month of January I'm working on my writing, and focusing on my children's books. I have my novel manuscript almost ready to send out, and I look forward to every moment of this year enjoying more of who I know I am meant to be!

Making more time for family fun is my New Year's resolution. We always have fun, but time to make sure we are making memories and spending time with those we love.

What changes do you want for the beginning of your new year?