Four Weeks In

There are good things about post neck surgery I rather enjoy. For instance, for 3 weeks I couldn't pick up anything heavier than a dinner plate and everyone fluttered around me reminding me of that fact. I'm now at the 4 week stage, so I can lift heavier things like a clothes basket while I'm doing laundry. Not bad!

I attended the Moonlight & Magnolia Conference where peeps Tricia Mills and Kimberly Lang won Maggie Awards. (Congrats, ladies!) Though I'm embarrassed to say I missed the ceremony because I was in my room trying to get my neck to relax from all the many wonderful workshops I attended. Pooh!

Back to the real world this week. Today, I tried to vacuum. Got much of the lower floor done before my neck started throbbing. Apparently, one uses more muscles in the neck than imagined. Took a break and laid down to relax. Okay, vacuuming is out for now. Woo-hoo for me!! A good thing! Something I can tell my hubby I'm not ready for yet. (Pirate!)

Mom pitched in and finished vacuuming for me. Yay!

So the lesson learned this week?

I still have a way to go and I'm sure there will be more steps in which I can better gauge my recovery. But the great thing is my pain is gone and the writing is flowing freely for the first time in two years. Gotta love modern medicine and the miracles the Lord grants us!

I always say a day shouldn't go by that nothing is learned. What have you learned this past week? Or is there anything particular you'd like to learn?

What Challenges You?

We just finished the final touches on HOD's Annual Romance Readers' Luncheon. A lot of planning goes into this event every year and there are so many people involved. As luncheon coordinator, I'm always thrilled when another successful luncheon has seen its day. To pull this off, after such horrific weather and the loss of one of our dearest authors, took lots of determination this year. But we did it! HOD presented the best luncheon yet.

After such a whirlwind, what does one do with their time? Aha! The fact that there is time to spare is absolutely unheard of around here. ;)

I've actually been working on entering the Maggie's this year, a contest given by the Georgia Romance Writers. But instead of just entering one, I decided to enter four manuscripts. Ack! What grandiose goals took over my mind? I've been knee deep in luncheon business, the deadline is Friday and I've still got two entries to submit.

So, even though the luncheon is over, my life is still just as hectic these days. Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment. I've entered contests before. Some brought me enlightenment, others disappointment and criticism. But who are we if we cannot learn and grow along the way to meeting our goals?

I've given a short craft corner on contests. Contests are tricky monsters. But when you final, as I finaled in the Romance Through the Ages contest in the Legend Award category this year, the rewards are bountiful.

So it is, with hope swelling my breast, that I submit these books to the Maggie's this week. Maybe my entries will cancel each other out. Maybe none of them will final. But if I don't try, I will never know.

Is there something you're willing to go out on a limb for these days? If so, let us know. We'd love to hear what challenges you!