Why I Write

journal

I often get asked why I write? Mostly by my boys, but I have been asked by others as well. With BlissDom around the corner (insert loud squee here) my writing heart strings are pulled tight. I can’t wait to surround myself with those who also hunger for words. Those, that if denied a chance to share the words tumbling around in their head would probably spontaneously combust. Google it – it happens.

For me, writing is a gateway to peace. A way for me to organize the creative life that lives within me. Nothing brings me more happiness than a new journal. Ok, maybe that first sip of coffee every morning is first but a new journal is a close second! The clean crisp pages beg to be filled, they long for words and verses and stories. It longs to be worn around the edges, the corners bent, the ribbon frayed. I carry journals with me everywhere and will often choose the physical act of writing over typing.

Writing gives me a place to escape, to verbalize my pain, bare my soul and create lives and stories for the imaginary people running around in my head. Writing allows me to breathe.

I would love to hear why you write, what scares you about writing and what is one thing you want to tackle with your writing. Always remember the words of Holly Gerth: “Be courageous and try to write in a way that scares you a little.”

You will be amazed at what comes from stepping out of your comfort zone!
 

Thrill Seeker

Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek and you shall find…

A new year is always full of new beginnings, endless possibilities and the sense that we can ultimately, once again, start anew. It is a refreshing, yet daunting feeling, especially if you were less than satisfied with the previous year.

As a way to focus myself, since I am not one for New Year’s resolutions, I choose a word for the year. It is not a new thing and I have done it for the past two years. In fact, it has become a sort of cult. Ok, maybe not that extreme but that makes you want to join in doesn’t it?

So as I pondered my word from last year, thinking about how I used it to change me, I wondered where I should go with this new word. I have spent a lot of time pondering, gnawing it over, listening, but most of all – waiting. Waiting for when I got ‘that‘ feeling that THIS is what I need to work on, this is where I need to focus. And then it hit me, like it has every time before… BAM!

SEEK

It’s definitions scream to me:

  • to go in search or quest of: to seek the truth.
  • to try to find or discover by searching or questioning.
  • to try to obtain.
  • to try or attempt.
  • to go to: to seek a place to rest.
  • to ask for; request.
  • to explore.

What will I find if I truly seek what is out there for me. While the thought is frightening (what if I don’t like what I find), it also invigorates me. So with that, my journey has begun. I have no idea where this word journey will take me this year but here’s hoping for a wild ride!

Embracing your curl

Kat_solo I was born with curly hair. Wild, curly and unruly hair. While many looked at it with envy, I secretly longed for what I didn’t have – tame, lovable, easy to manage hair. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do love my curls – when they behave. But if you have curly hair you know that ‘curly’ and ‘behave’ NEVER go hand in hand and are never mentioned in unison. Ever. Sigh.

During my youth this was a problem because, well, back then there just wasn’t product for those of us graced with curls. Hairspray…. yes. Styling product to tame down the crazy rat’s nest on my head – no.

But now there are products galore for us curly headed divas. Products that work and products that we need for survival. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic but if you have to try and tame an unruly head of curls on a daily basis you would feel my pain.

Fekkai offers a line of products that will help you define, control and celebrate your curls. Sweet! This curly headed lassie says “Bring it!!”

luscios_curls_collections_with_vid

PERFECTLY LUSCIOUS CURLS™

The Perfectly Luscious Curls Collection is specially designed for women with natural waves and curls. The collection features advanced technology to accentuate ringlets with shine while controlling the ever annoying frizz. It is made with a special combination of grape seed extract and Moroccan rose, leaving your hair healthy and shiny. No more frizzy heads of out of control curls – win!

Of course, it is the holiday season which means everyone is in the giving spirit. Well Fekkai is no dofferent.  Fekkai is offering you 10% off your total order and a complimentary exclusive holiday headband with $50 purchase (while supplies last) Promo Code: HEADBAND. All you need to do is head over to Fekkai, pick out the product best suited for your hair and enter the Promo Code. Then you will be ready to hit the holidays with fabulous hair, a cute headband and a good dose of holiday cheer. Now that my friends is a win, win.

** This post is sponsored by BlogHer & P&G**

Any One Thing

In the chaos of life, days and weeks whip by in a fury of blurred dates and engagements. All the while my pen rests, collecting dust atop my tossed aside journal. Often I catch it, out of the corner of my eye.

I promise, I’ll make more time for you later…..”

Soon, later becomes days and once again I catch a glance of my long lost friend.

Oh… I have so much to share, so much to spill onto your pages!”

We dance this tango many times till our avoidance is perfected. Yet, whatever I do, I’m always welcomed back.

The challenge of 100 words is to write a post, using only 100 words. Velvet Verbosity is back and this week she challenged us with ‘Whatever‘. My response, was VERY late to the party!

So Much To Be Thankful For

This lassie has much to be thankful for and I am grateful for the abundance of blessings God has provided me. Most of all, this car full of chaos!

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!!

A Poem of a Lassie

Most friends call me Kat

The others call me Momma

Some don’t even call.

Wife, mother, sister

Maid, writer, confidant, friend

Short order cook too.

I’m the only girl

In a house loaded with boys

I am out numbered.

I like many things

Soccer, wine and chocolate

Don’t forget coffee!!

Sand between my toes

The colors of a sunrise

Smelling burning leaves.

Holding Hubby’s hand

A piece of cheesy pizza

Spring rain, a clean house.

I don’t like spiders

Ironing, clowns and onions

Heights and loud talkers.

Doing dishes – yuck!

Conform to society?

Not this sweet Lassie!

I can’t touch my toes

Can touch my nose with my tongue

Can’t sing worth a darn.

So now you can say

This Momma Lassie you know

For better or worse.

Meet The Diamond Light

Allow me to introduce you to The Diamond Light, a great new rock ‘n’ soul band based out of Los Angeles – think Black Keys-meets-Wolfmother. The Diamond Light formed over long summers and weekly blues jams back in rural New Hampshire.  Singer and guitarist Griffin Young began writing songs with drummer Ian Ochs almost ten years ago in Ian’s father’s band. Taking their name from a novel by Jack Kerouac, the two eventually paired up with guitarist/vocalist Brian Stanley to form the final incarnation of The Diamond Light.  In 2007, the band began to make their way West, with all of the members eventually landing in Southern California.

After releasing two EPs and touring extensively around Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest, The Diamond Light teamed up with multi-instrumentalist/singer Trevor Menear in early 2012 and began writing material for a full length record. Returning producer Joseph Holiday (Seeds in the Street), and new friend/recording guru Niko Bolas (Neil Young, My Morning Jacket) helped transform their Laurel Canyon rehearsal space into a fully operational recording studio. The resulting 12 songs will form The Diamond Light’s debut full-length record, set for release this fall after their September residency at Los Angeles venue Harvard & Stone.  Their electric live performances have been fueling a rapidly growing fan base – get a sample of the band’s raw energy with their video for “3 Days,” a track from their forthcoming album.

Check out their video “3 Days” and let me know what you think!

Craving Solitude

kayaks

Feeling overwhelmed

My to-do list is growing

There’s never enough time

Longing to return

To the simple island ways

Of my Utila

Be sure to head over to Lou‘s to read what everyone else is haikuing about this week.

Photo A Day September: Days 1 – 9

Day 1:  Now  Day  2: Dad   Day 3: Far away
Day 4: Mailbox  Day 5: Bright   Day 6: Every day
Day 7: Natural   Day 8: At night   Day 9: Something you do most weekends

Encircling Change

Today I flipped the last page of an overly long chapter of my life. I am happy, elated and ready to move on. Of course, to celebrate I laced up my shoes and ran my heart out! Thanks Hubby <3

Run baby run
Don’t ever look back.
They’ll tear you apart
If you give them the chance.